01 JUL 19.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 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 June 21, 2001 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Ray delivered the invocation and
Mayor Swaim led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT eight (8),
ABSENT (2).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Melanie Green, Director of Administration Murice Green, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works
Director Jimmy Oakley, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Police Chief Hibbs, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, Parks Assistant Administrator Patty Walker,
Justice of the Peace Mr. Dennis Sobba, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. DeDe Hibbs, Mrs. Addie Gibson, interested citizens and members of the press.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Justice of the Peace Mr. Dennis Sobba announced that there will be a tour of the Pulaski County Jail Facility Monday, July 23, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. He related that the tour would provide
evidence of jail conditions and overcrowding.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 5, 2001 for approval and/or correction at the next Regular City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 21 June 2001 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the Regular Monthly Report for June be APPROVED. June Report reflects; Total Value of Reported Stolen Property $61,562.00, Total
value of Recovered Stolen Property $18,768.00, Total Report Sales $306.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular Monthly Report for June, which reflects a fire loss of $58,000.00, and a Savings Total of $342,500.00.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
REGULARLY MONTHLY REPORT/CODE ENFORCEMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular Monthly Report for June.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY
Building Permits 54 Grass Letters 242
Business License 12 Property Mowed 9
Trash Letters 107
INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Trash Removal 1
Bldg. Inspections 54 Prop. Maint. Letters 0
HVACR 30 Property Repairs Made 0
Electrical 62
Plumbing 62 Cost for June $840.00
CONDEMNATION
Maint. Letters 15
Repairs Made 0
Demolitions 4
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted AYE. (0) voted NAY. MOTION CARRIED.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson, City Engineer Whisker related that “Cost for June” is contract costs to the City for mowing and cleanup regarding private properties,
pointing out that the City bills the property owner for expenses.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that collections should increase now that the lien is being filled as part of Pulaski County tax collections.
It was noted that a third Code Enforcement Officer has been hired and is working full-time and the position will be budgeted.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
GENERAL: PUBLIC HEARING a. ORDINANCE 1156 (#10-01)
AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND CLOSING A PORTION OF HICKORY STREET, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: THAT PORTION OF HICKORY STREET FROM EAST MAIN STREET TO THE REAR OF THE SUNNYSIDE
HILL ADDITION); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
Mayor Swaim opened the public hearing at approximately 7:08 p.m. and described the location of the property in question.
With no one wishing to speak in opposition, Mayor Swaim closed the public hearing at approximately 7:09 p.m.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1156 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, City Attorney Bamburg read the Ordinance.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to dispense with the reading of Ordinance 1156 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty
and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve Ordinance 1156 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted
AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1156 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty
and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1156 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1156. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted AYE.
NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1156 THIS THE 19th DAY OF
JULY 2001.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
b. ORDINANCE 1157 (#11-01)
AN ORDINANCE CONDEMNING THE STRUCTURES AND REAL PROPERTY AT THE VARIOUS UNINHABITED LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW LOCATED WITHIN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS, DEFICIENCIES,
AND PUBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Swaim related that Ordinance 1157 reflects properties located at 510 Ray Road and 107 Central Avenue.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1157 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, City Attorney Bamburg read the Ordinance.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to dispense with the reading of Ordinance 1157 in its entirety beginning at the second Whereas. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing,
Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve Ordinance 1157 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1157 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Twitty and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1157 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1157. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Twitty and Howard voted AYE.
NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1157 THIS THE 19th DAY OF JULY 2001.
c. RESOLUTION 552 (#12-01)
A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF ABANDONING AN OLDER PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT ON LOTS 13 AND 14 OF THE MARSHALL ROAD INDUSTRIAL PARK, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
(GENERAL LOCATION: LOTS 13 AND 14 MARSHALL ROAD INDUSTRIAL PARK); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Director of Administration Murice Green related that there is no objection from Water Department Superintendent Mr. Anderson and that all the lines have been relocated.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to read Resolution 552 (#12-01). MOTION CARRIED.
City Attorney Bamburg explained that the Water Commission had abandoned the right-of-way and moved the lines some time ago, but had not formally abandoned the easement. He stated that
the new property owner cannot obtain financing to build until the easement is closed.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to dispense with the reading of Resolution 552 (#12-01) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to Approve Resolution 552 (#12-01). MOTION CARRIED.
It was noted that the public hearing will be held at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting of August 16, 2001.
d. RESOLUTION 553 (#13-01)
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE PROPOSED STATE SENATE REDISTRICTING PLAN; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Wilson related that Senate District 29 covers the majority of Jacksonville, adding that the portion that included White County has now been modified. He stated a concern that
approximately 12 thousand of the population of Jacksonville would now be in Senate District 34, which goes south of Jacksonville through Rose City into Little Rock. He related that the
proposed redistricting splits Jacksonville’s population into one of approximately 40% and the other 60%, adding that the split effectively inhibits the opportunity for the City of Jacksonville
to have representation in the Senate. He related ongoing efforts in working with the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and representatives to correct the situation.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
He related that a public meeting will be held Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at ASU Beebe. He stressed the importance of attendance regarding opposition to the fragmentation of the Jacksonville
community to those that are charged with drawing the boundary lines. He concluded by saying that the proposal places a significant portion of the Jacksonville community in a district
of little commonality with the City of Jacksonville.
Mayor Swaim related previously meeting with the Attorney General, who had promised to work on the representation concerns facing the City of Jacksonville. He encouraged involvement
for a proper solution.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Howard, Mayor Swaim related that the boundary was moved further north than Main Street. He then related that approximately 11 thousand from
that area have been redistricted to the North Little Rock district. He stated that the Searcy situation has been eliminated, but added that the current proposal would still separate
senate districts for Jacksonville.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to read Resolution 553 (#13-01). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read Resolution 553 in its entirety.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to Approve Resolution 553 (#13-01). MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENTS: JACKSONVILLE WATER COMMISSION
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the appointment of Jack Danielson to fill the unexpired term of John Davis to expire 04/20/2006. MOTION CARRIED.
JACKSONVILLE HOSPITAL COMMISSION
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the appointment of Bill Gwatney for a term to expire 06/30/2006. MOTION CARRIED.
TAX RATES:
Alderman Wilson stated that he would be interested in a sales tax comparison for the City of Sherwood, Cabot, and North Little Rock regarding their various taxes.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that it is difficult to compare overall taxes regarding sales tax and property tax assessed. He related that the City of Jacksonville and Sherwood do not have
a 5 mills property tax, but North Little Rock, Little Rock and Cabot do have a millage on real property. He suggested a possible comparison by total number
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 19, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
of dollars collected per capita, adding that it is important for the citizens to understand that taxes for the City of Jacksonville are lower than surrounding cities. He pointed out
that the City of Jacksonville does not institute a prepared food or hotel/motel tax, which makes a big difference.
Alderman Wilson expressed interest in the millage tax collected by different cities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:29 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer