96 NOV 21.DOC CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in Regular Session on November 21, 1996 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Fletcher delivered the invocation
after which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. PRESENT TEN (10), ABSENT (0). Mayor Swaim answered ROLL
CALL and declared a quorum expressing appreciation to the audience for their attendance.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Mayoral Assistants Michael Beeman and Mark Powers, Deputy City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public
Works Coordinator Murice Green, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Director of Economic Development Phil Sullivan, Police Chief Larry Hibbs, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Parks and Recreation
Director Zack Rowan, Chamber of Commerce Director Mickey Anders, Planning Commissioners Kenny Elliott, Rudy Reid, Jacksonville Attorney Ben Rice, Council Member Elect Bill Howard, Mrs.
Judy Swaim, Mrs. D.D. Hibbs, Mrs. Evelyn Smith, other City employees, petitioners, interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 7, 1996 for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis, that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 17, 1996 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
POLICE DEPARTMENT/OCTOBER
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the Regular Monthly Report, for the month of October, from the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects:
Fine Settlements, $76,716.40, Miscellaneous Payments $ 543.75, Report Sales,$ 413.00 for a total Collections of $77,673.15. ROLL CALL; Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
FIRE DEPARTMENT/OCTOBER
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the Regular Monthly Report for October 1996 of the Jacksonville Fire Department be APPROVED. (Said report reflects an estimated
fire loss of $103,450.00 for the month of October) ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION
CARRIED.
CDBG/OCTOBER
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the Regular Monthly Report of the Community Development Department for October, 1996 be APPROVED. Said report reflects:
Informal Meetings ....................................... 0
HUD Meetings............................................. 0
Public Hearings.......................................... 0
Professional meetings.................................... 0
a. Letters to prospective applicants..................... 0
b. Applications received................................. 1
c. Bids Advertised....................................... 3
d. Work write-ups & estimates............................ 3
e. Pre-constructions conferences......................... 0
f. Appraisals & Environmental reviews.................... 0
g. Interim Inspections................................... 6
h. Final inspections..................................... 1
i. Emergency Inspection................................. 0
j. Partial payments...................................... 2
k. Project Close-outs.................................... 1
l. Warranty Repairs...................................... 0
m. Contracts signed...................................... 0
n. Rehab mortgages released............................. 2
Public Works:
a. Proposals Received.................................... 1
b. Interim Inspections................................... 0
c. Project Close-out..................................... 0
d. Pre-construction Conference........................... 0
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Swaim opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m. and recognized Mr. Phil Sullivan. He related related that community involvement regarding expenditure of CDBG funds
has revealed three priority concerns: they are Home Rehabilitation, Public Works Projects, and Job Creation Projects.
Mayor Swaim invited comments from the audience, and recognized Mr. Tom Cory from the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
Mr. Tom Cory stated that the Boys and Girls Club has requested assistance regarding projects for the building. He related that a retaining wall along the south side of the building
is needed to prevent rain water from seeping under the foundation and gym floor. He also said that the City Engineer has examined the problem and provided detailed solutions, adding
that estimates received were approximately $15,000.00. He then related that after a series of repairs, the gym floor needs to be replaced with a wooden floor at an estimated cost of
$55,000.00. He stated that property located behind the Boys Club which is part of Fireman's Park would provide the community day and night facilities from an area that is not now usable.
He related that the property contained three half basketball courts and two tennis courts. He stated that removing the cracks and slurry coating the asphalt on the tennis courts,
construction of a retaining wall on the south side to prevent mud from entering the area after rains, restriping, putting up four new lights on timers, and backboards for the basketball
court are estimated at $21,000.00. He stated that total project cost is $91,000.00. He related that contributions have been offered and that concrete can be provided for construction
of the retaining walls. He pointed out that the 1997 figures will escalate in cost from last years figures. He stated that the repairs will offer a better facility with improved usage,
and that repairs in Fireman's Park will bring an added dimension of facilities not before enjoyed. He asked the Council for consideration in these endeavors, adding that the Boys and
Girls Club would like to host an open house and invite the community for input concerning their facilities and services.
Mayor Swaim thanked Mr. Cory for his participation in the public hearing and recognized Mr. Frederick Gentry to address the Council.
Mr. Gentry spoke in support of the proposed jobs in the community program for low to moderate income individuals, asking the City Council to give consideration for the same.
Alderman Knight related that other similar community programs had used funds to provide on the job training in the medical industry for high school students who earned a salary as well
as received credit from their school.
Mr. Sullivan related that all considerations would be gathered and and presented for City Council approval.
Alderman Fletcher and Smith voiced support for the rehabilitation of the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club.
Mayor Swaim closed the public hearing at approximately 7:17 p.m.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
Mayor Swaim asked that bids received on drainage and concrete projects be placed on the agenda for action by the Council.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the rules and place bids for the Stonewall Drainage and Handicap Sidewalk Access projects be placed on the agenda. MOTION
CARRIED.
Stonewall Drainage Project:
Mayor Swaim related that the ditch is located near Stonewall adjacent to the Bayou Meto Cemetery and going toward the larger ditch at the intersection of Berkshire. He stated that the
project had been worked in two phases in efforts to connect with the larger concrete ditch. However, a manhole has presented washing away problems to the sides of the ditch.
City Engineer Reel related that the first section is approximately 500 feet and finishes at the collector ditch with two other sections leading from Concord Circle and flowing north
at Dartmouth Cove and Amhurst Cove which will finish the north end of the Stonewall Drainage Project, totaling 1300 feet of ditch.
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that low bid from McV, Inc. be accepted in the amount of $97,324.00 with fund to be drawn from the Drainage Fund and the Street Drainage
Fund. MOTION CARRIED.
Handicap Sidewalk Access:
Mayor Swaim related that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires cities and private industry to provide wheel chair access on sidewalks and buildings. He related that the bid will
cover the areas currently identified as needing street access.
City Engineer Reel related that there are forty-one areas that need to be addressed, including some sidewalk deficiencies on Main Street as well as thirty seven ramps to be built.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to accept the low bid from McV, Inc. in the amount of $18,310.00 with funds to be drawn from the sidewalk fund in the Street Department.
MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: Presentation of 1997 Draft Budget
Mayor Swaim highlighted individual funds and asked that Council review the budget for input and/or approval at the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting.
SANITATION:
He remarked that there is consideration regarding an increase in Sanitation fees due to rising landfill cost. He related that depreciation fund is funded at the rate of approximately
$137,000.00 a year which meets Sanitation equipment needs. Regarding the need to conside an increase in fees, Alderman Williamson suggested that Sanitation be funded for 1997 and that
finances be re-evaluated in July with regard to fee increases.
Alderman Wilson suggested that a Sanitation rate increase history be provided for re-evaluation considerations in July. He related that efforts have seen better Sanitation service and
lower rates than most cities provide, adding that the time may have come to adjust rates.
It was generally decided that a public hearing would be held in July regarding change in service or rates.
Mayor Swaim commended the Sanitation Department for a job well done and related efforts in the budget to help employees salaries, some which are at present only slightly above minimum
wage. He added that the lowest paid employee will receive a raise of $994.00 in the proposed budget using the sliding scale as a guide. He said that beginning salary for a sanitation
worker is $11,940.00.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Mayor Swaim pointed out that the overall operational and utility increases in the 1997 budget projections are 6.6 percent. He said that two policemen, two firemen and one animal control
officer are proposed in the ninety-seven budget.
He explained that a slot has been filled in the Street Department during 1996 that was kept vacant for two or three years.
Information regarding the building to house the communications system being put in place for the Police and Fire Departments as well as all other departments is proposed to be approximately
1400 square feet.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
Mayor Swaim noted that the City of Jacksonville is the only city in the county that does not subsidize their Sanitation Department with tax dollars.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that he has been negotiating with the owner of a property on Cory Drive for placement of the tub-grinder.
He noted that the sale of recycling products is not what it used to be. He said that the truck is to capacity as discussion ensued regarding whether or not the city as a whole is involved
in the recycling program. The consensus was that about 75% of the community is being serviced.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
Mayor Swaim voiced that it is not anticipated that there will be a large increase of funds for the Street Department during 1997. He noted funds amounting to $120,000.00 are budgeted
for sidewalks and $300,000.00 for drainage improvements.
He said that in the ten years he has been Mayor, approximately three million dollars has been spent to improve drainage within the City.
City Engineer Reel related that traffic signal costs are in a separate item as a review of street lighting funding was discussed.
He said that a great deal of money has been spent in the Sunnyside area in an effort to cut down on crime in the subdivision. He pointed out that AP&L has relamped the entire City with
sodium fixtures and that the replacement cost is more than that for vapor lights. He said that volume has caused the need for increased funding as well as replacement costs.
Mayor Swaim said that funds are budgeted to fund changes in traffic signalization on James Street.
MUNICIPAL COURT:
After a question by Alderman Knight, Mayor Swaim pointed out that a slot in Municipal Court budget, previously designated by a probation officer, has been filled with an additional clerk
and that the probation officer position is not funded in the proposed budget.
PARK & REC DEPARTMENT:
He went on to the budget proposed for the Parks & Rec Department pointing out that revenue projections for rentals and fees will increase to $352,000.00 with the bulk coming from the
Community Center making a comparison of $145,232.00 in 1991, $131,372.00 in 1994 and $283,990.00 in 1995, noting the opening of the Community Center in 1995. He said that the general
fund proposal is the same
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
as last year with an increase from sales tax funds of $338,000.00 with an overall increase of $71,338.00.
A question was raised by Alderman Lewis regarding fees required of the citizens who rent booth space for craft shows and the like, as well as those who purchase passes to use the Community
Center.
Mayor Swaim explained that $299,338.00 is put into the Parks Department from the City Sales Tax Fund toward operational costs.
He said that fees are not offsetting the cost to operate the facility which was never expected.
He went on to explain that facility lease rental, listed under 4339 in the 1997 budget, is projected at $45,000.00. He added that the utility bill on the building is between ninety
to ninety-five thousand dollars per year.
Alderman Wilson noted that fees would be higher if money from the one-cent sales tax was not contributed to the operation of the facility.
Mayor Swaim pointed out maintenance costs of $294,000.00.
He related that there will be a future proposal to the Council for use of one-cent sales tax funds in the development of soccer fields estimated to be $250,000.00.
Several Aldermen voiced approval of the proposal.
GENERAL FUND:
Mayor Swaim pointed out that a four percent growth in County Sales Tax receipts is projected for 1997.
He pointed out that a drop in receipts of Court Fines has been mandated by the State.
City Attorney Bamburg said that changes made by the State in 1995 instigated an entirely different pay-out program.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that the auditor has recommended that there needs to be enough funds to operate the City for sixty days. He pointed out that said funds are available noting
the amount as $137,500.00. He said that the auditor has suggested that not more than said amount be held in reserve which will enable the city to complete at least two projects which
are a one-time expense. He said that two items which will offset the fund balance reserve are; (1) new aerial photos anticipated to cost $17,500.00 and (2) compliance with FEMA regulations
with regard to re-monumenting the City will costing approximately $22,500.00.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
He said that Contingency Funds not used annually have over a period of time been transferred into the fund balance account which will cover a sixty-day cash flow and emergency situations
adding that there is $100,000.00 which is available to be spent for contingency items.
He suggested that the Council peruse the budget suggesting that questions be directed to his office before the December 5, 1996 City Council Meeting.
Fire Chief Ezell pointed out that diesels are used by the department and pointed out that tracking systems are available to aid in meeting regulations. He said that he is exploring
the items for the best price.
Mayor Swaim said that another $30,000.00 of non-reoccurring costs has been set aside for covering the system for Central Fire Station.
Alderman Fletcher voiced that the off-ramp at Long Ford poses a life-threatening situation and asked that the Highway Department be approached with moving the ramp further north.
Mayor Swaim related that it has been brought to their attention and that it will be pursued further.
APPOINTMENTS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully,
___________________________ ____________________________
Lula M. Leonard MAYOR
City Clerk-Treasurer