02 AUG 15.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2002
7:00 P.M. - 7:19 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 August 15, 2002 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation
and Vice Mayor Howard led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty answered roll call. Vice Mayor Howard also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT nine (9),
ABSENT (1). Mayor Swaim was out of town on City business. Alderman Twitty arrived at approximately 7:03 p.m.
Others present for the meeting were: Deputy Clerk Teresa Carter, Director of Administration Murice Green, Human Resource Director Charlie Brown, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works
Director Jimmy Oakley, Finance Accountant Cheryl Erkel, Police Chief Ruthven, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, Parks Administrative Assistant Patty
Walker, Mrs. Edith Smith, interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Vice Mayor Howard presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 1, 2002 for approval and/or correction at the next Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 18 July 2002 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the Regular Monthly Report for the month of July 2002. Said Report reflects:
ADOPTION/FINES: $374.00
TOTAL $374.00
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the Regular Monthly Report for July 2002 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $347,500.00,
and a Savings Total of $1,644,500.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the Regular Monthly Report for July 2002 from the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects; Total Value
or Reported Stolen Property $3,043.00, Total Value of Recovered Stolen Property $-24,975.00, and Total Report Sales $444.00
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2002
7:00 P.M. – 7:19 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
In response to a question from Alderman Sansing, Chief Ruthven explained that in the monthly activities report for July the Stolen Property and the Recovered Stolen Property reflects
stolen vehicles only. He related it was determined at the beginning of January 1, 2002, adding that the figure had been categorized incorrectly for some of the stolen vehicles. He related
that they had been categorized as stolen and not recovered but stated that actually they were not stolen. He explained that a family member had taken or borrowed the vehicle and returned
it later. He stated that a report was not made when the vehicle was returned, therefore, data was forwarded to the Arkansas Crime Information Center. He related that in order to correct
the problem statistically, the ACIC suggested that the figure be taken out from current totals and move forward with correct data reporting.
Discussion ensued and it was noted that incorrect reporting skewed the data regarding stolen vehicles comparing 2001 to 2000.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT: Request for matching Grant Funds for Automatic External Defibrillators.
Chief Vanderhoof stated that in February the Fire Department applied for a grant from the Arkansas Health Department to purchase four AED (Automatic External Defibrillators). He related
that the purchase is not a budgeted item and is asking Council for approval to proceed with the project. He explained that the fire engine generally arrives on the scene prior to the
ambulance, and that having the Automatic Defibrillators on each engine would speed assistance time regarding instances involving a cardiac arrest. He related his endorsement for the
concept, saying that it is a very important item to have available on the scene as quickly as possible.
Vice Mayor Howard noted that funds are available in the equipment fund.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the expenditure of $4,500.00 for the purchase of four AED defibrillators with funds to be drawn from the Equipment Fund.
MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE DEPARTMENT: COPS (Community Oriented Policing Section)
Chief Ruthven introduced new concepts scheduled for the Police Department effective tomorrow. He related the Police Department would be implementing a program called “COPS”, saying
that COPS stands for “Community Oriented Policing Section.” He stated that the program is an eight person section made up of five Community Relations/Crime Prevention Specialist and
three School Resource Officers. He related that the school resource officers have worked crime prevention and community relations in the schools for a number of years. He then introduced
Sgt.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2002
7:00 P.M. – 7:19 P.M.
John Williams as the Officer in charge of the Section. He then related that Corporal John Howard, and Officer Terry Collins are assigned to the south section of the City. He then introduced
Officer Charles Wells and Officer Seth Corbin, assigned to the north section, adding that the School Recourse Officers contributing to the group are Corporal Les Hockaday, Officer Andy
Simpson and Officer Chris Wilson. He related that Officer Hockaday will be the School Resource Officer this year at Jacksonville Junior High and Jacksonville Middle School. He related
that Officer Simpson will be at the Jacksonville High School and Officer Wilson at North Pulaski High. He stated that the School Resource Officers would share responsibilities at the
elementary schools. He stated that this is his group and that their primary focus is crime prevention and community relations. He pointed out that their activities would include going
to businesses and residences, offering teaching and training in how to reduce vulnerability to crime and to improving community relations by fostering a positive relationship between
the Community and the Police Department. He related that the COPS program is an out front proactive first step to embrace this concept.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Wilson, Chief Ruthven related that the Section would be specifically working Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. to 4:00
or 4:30 p.m. He added that he has advised the Officers that should an event in the area require their presence, he would expect them to be there. He related that they will work within
the budget using overtime where possible to assure they are compensated.
In response to question posed by Alderman Stroud, Chief Ruthven acknowledged that as mentioned previously he plans to divide the City north and south of Main Street, adding that the
primary emphasis will be east of the railroad tracks. He related that he has spoken with Little Rock and North Little Rock regarding their communities of this nature and that they have
said they are working where they are needed. He went on to explain that Little Rock and North Little Rock has related that they are working where the crime rate is high and where the
citizens need to see them in order to be responsive to the needs of the citizens. He pointed out that there are sections of Jacksonville that do not need them as much because the crime
rate is low, but added that they will continue to monitor and be present with patrols. He stated the primary focus will be east of the railroad tracks because that is where a large
percentage of our crime occurs in the City.
Alderman Fletcher questioned if there is a systematic way to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the program maybe in a year.
Chief Ruthven responded that after the program was underway and first name basis relationships have been established he plans to survey the citizens, business men, and residence for
their input regarding a difference in the areas. He then noted that he also intends to monitor crime statistics closely to see how effective crime prevention in those areas are.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2002
7:00 P.M. – 7:19 P.M.
Discussion ensued regarding statistics for different areas of the City, and Chief Ruthven related with the aid of a new computer program being installed they will have the capability
to pull statistics instantly by address, area, or possibly by map.
Alderman Wilson questioned if the Police Department keeps statistics on traffic accidents locations regarding intersections, adding that this information for last year and year to date
would be helpful in budgetary considerations regarding Highway projects and safety issues.
Chief Ruthven stated they do keep what he calls the “Top 10 List”, which gives the ten locations in the City that have experienced the greatest number of accidents, adding that he could
provide that at the next meeting.
Chief Ruthven raised another point, saying that the second part of his efforts in Community Policing is to establish a Cop Advisory Council. He stated that certain members of the community
have agreed to be a part of that effort and that the first meeting will be held on the 29th of August. He related that members are Ms. Brenda Allen, Ms William Blakely, Chamber of Commerce
Director Ms. Bonita Rownd, Civil Service Commissioner Donnie Farmer, Mr. Leroy Wood and Alderman Elliott, Pastor Tommy Boner and Pastor James Bogan, Mrs. Cheryl Erkel and Mr. Mike McGray.
He related that membership could be expanded if needed. He related that the primary effort is to inform members, so they can in turn inform their constituents of the Department’s future
plans and to gather input as to how the Police Department can better provide increased protection to make Jacksonville safer.
Alderman Fletcher supported the proposed efforts, saying that it is proactive and greatly increase the image of, not just the Police Department but, the Community.
Chief Ruthven stated that the number one focus to reduce crime in any community is for the community and law enforcement system to work together.
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: A. RESOLUTION: 565 (#10-02) A RESOLUTION TO CLARIFY AUTHORIZATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE OF THE REBSAMEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 457 PLAN TO MAINTAIN THE 457 PLAN
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to read Resolution 565. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon Alderman Wilson read the title of the Resolution.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2002
7:00 P.M. – 7:19 P.M.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to Approve Resolution
565 (#10-02). MOTION CARRIED.
B. REQUEST TO ACCEPT BID: Sidewalk and Drainage for Madden Road.
Vice Mayor Howard stated that the funds are available in the Capital Improvement Fund.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Sansing, City Engineer Whisker related Cinergi, the recommended bidder has performed work for the City a couple of years ago and that Cinergi
has constructed sidewalks in North Little Rock in the past year.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Smith, City Engineer Whisker related that the bid would cover the curb, gutter, sidewalk and drainage on the south side of Madden Road.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the low bid by Cinergi in the amount of $177,449.00. MOTION CARRIED.
In response to a question from Alderman Fletcher, City Engineer Whisker related that the time frame slated for the project including signing contracts, is approximately 90 calendar days
beginning in two weeks.
He then answered Alderman Wilson, relating that the City is currently working on the sidewalk project on South Highway and it should be completed with the exception of some cleanup in
approximately three weeks.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Vice Mayor Howard announced that the New Teachers Banquet will be held in the morning at 7:30 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice Mayor Howard without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:19 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer