05 JUL 21.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 21, 2005
7:00 P.M. – 7:21 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 July 21, 2005 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, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT nine
(9), ABSENT (1). Aldermen Lewis was absent.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Acting Deputy Clerk Shari Boles, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof,
Police Chief Robert Baker, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mr. Larry Dupree, Mr. George Reed, Mr. Larry Smith,
interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 7, 2005 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 Howard that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 16, 2005 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for June 2005. Said report reflects:
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED
Building Permits 23 Building Inspections 69
Business License 15 HVACR 83
Electrical 58
Plumbing 42
UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES
Grass Letters 261 Notice of Noncompliance 15
Property Mowed 30 Towed 0
Trash Letters 77
Trash Removal 11 CONDEMNATIONS
Cost for March $1,631.49 Structural Maint. Letters 0
Structural Repairs Made 0
Demolitions 0
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 21, 2005
7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for June 2005. Said report reflects the Total Value of Reported Stolen Property $81,764. Total
Value of Recovered Stolen Property $46,898 and Total Report Sales $415.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for June 2005 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $13,500 and
a savings total of $122,000.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT: a. Request to Accept Bid 2005 Asphalt and Milling Contract
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid from Cranford Construction in the amount of $226,481.97 with funds to be drawn from budgeted funds in the Street
Department Fund. MOTION CARRIED.
b. Request to Accept Bid Stamps Street Drainage
Mayor Swaim related that the low bidder has performed several satisfactory projects for the City, adding that funds would be drawn from the Street Department Drainage Fund.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid from Building and Utility in the amount of $68,275.00 with funds to be drawn from the Street Department Drainage Fund.
MOTION CARRIED.
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION: Request to Accept Bid Commercial Floor Care
Mayor Swaim related that the bid would be for the Community Center floor, adding that the previously awarded bidder has retired.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid from Biotech Services in the amount of $1,060.00 with funds to be drawn from budgeted Parks & Recreation Funds.
MOTION CARRIED.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 21, 2005
7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M.
GENERAL: a. RESOLUTION 583 (#4-05)
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, TO MAKE CERTAIN EXPENDITURES TOWARD CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND TO AUTHORIZE REIMBURSEMENT
FOR SUCH EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF LIBRARY BONDS OF THE CITY; AND, PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
Mayor Swaim related that Resolution 583 addresses the library reimbursement and the library bonds. He stated that the Resolution will allow the City to make expenditures during the
preliminary process before the bonds are sold, should there be a need to expend funds. He stated that the ability to expend funds prior to the sell of the bonds would keep the project
from being placed on hold until funds can be collected. He noted that this would facilitate the purchase of property if the opportunity presented itself.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to read Resolution 583 (#04-05). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 583 (#4-05).
City Attorney Bamburg stated that the Resolution would allow for the planning process to go forth including the purchase of property. He stated that it is a requirement under law that
if you do not pass a resolution of this nature, indicating reimbursement will come from collected funding, expenditures are limited in time frame as to what can be reimbursed.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to Approve Resolution 583 (#4-05). MOTION CARRIED.
b. RESOLUTION 584 (#5-05)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS TEAM CARE FOR THE HOMELESS (CATCH) TEN YEAR PLAN TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Swaim related that the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been working with cities in Pulaski County regarding the homeless situation. He stated that the HUD program that
the City participates in requires that attention be addressed to the homeless situation. He added that we are fortunate in Jacksonville in that homelessness is not a chronic problem,
explaining that there are temporary homeless problems on occasion. He mentioned that Little Rock and other parts of the County do have significant problems, explaining that the program
is a Countywide effort to address those issues. He stated that it is important for Jacksonville to be a part of the solution, adding that some volunteers will need to chosen to serve
on committees to work with the University and other cities.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to read Resolution 584 (#5-05). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 584 (#5-05).
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 21, 2005
7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Fletcher regarding model programs, Mayor Swaim stated that there have been some focus groups and UALR Professor Dr. David Sink has been the
lead person. He related that there have been considerations for a number of plans and resolutions, noting that most are similar. He stated that there would be extensive public and
leadership input into the program. He related that he does not feel that the program is modeled after any specific plan, noting that most cities have unique areas and circumstances
for the homeless to congregate. He related several establishments where the homeless can get food and shelter.
Alderman Fletcher stated that the he would be in favor of a program that would focus on rehabilitation to meet the needs of the homeless.
Mayor Swaim explained that Entitlement cities are federally mandated to address the situation.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve Resolution 584 (#4-05). MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Recent Rains and Flooding
Public Works Director Jim Oakley informed the City Council that the recent rains caused storm water to pass over General Samuels and West Main. He stated that the storm water did not
cause serious damage to the streets that would create an immediate danger situation. He then related that there were a few houses in the Carpenter Addition that did get water in the
houses.
City Engineer Whisker added that there were a few other scattered locations where storm water entered houses.
Mayor Swaim noted that there were approximately seventeen houses that were in some way affected by storm water. He related that the County Judge has declared Pulaski County a flood
disaster area, in an attempt to get some aid to help the residents that had some degree of water in their homes. He stated that it is not certain yet whether State aid will be available.
Alderman Twitty noted a situation on the streets outside the Wal-Mart Shopping Center where water was gushing across the streets.
Mayor Swaim stated that given the amount of rain in the short period of time it fell they were pleased there was not a more significant amount of flooding. He stated that it proves
that the drainage ditches, such as the improvements to the Stamps Street Drainage are working. He stated that in years past the same situation would have created a much more severe situation
regarding flooding.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 21, 2005
7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M.
Alderman Twitty noted the rains were reported to be 3” to 4” an hour and that normal amounts of rain with a hurricane are only 1” to 1.5” per hour.
Mayor Swaim stated that the ditches are planned for significant amounts of rain, but added that it would be very difficult to plan for that significant amount of rainfall in that short
a period of time.
SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR THE CART PILOT PROGRAM
Public Works Director Jim Oakley provided the City Council members with a copy of the recent survey regarding the Cart Pilot Program conducted from May 9th to June 6th. It was noted
that the survey reflected positive comments from the residents.
Mayor Swaim related that there is not a definite cost estimate, but added that cost would affect by the number of weekly pickups. He asked that the City Council members review the survey
and bring back questions or recommendations for the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
SITE FOR NEW LIBRARY
In response to a question from Alderman Rinker, Mayor Swaim responded that a site for the new Library has not been selected. He related that a search is ongoing, adding that the primary
location is between Bailey Street and Dupree and James Streets. He stated that there have been discussions with approximately three different property owners in the area. He related
that effort to put together a large enough piece of property with multiple property owners. He stated that the cost of land would be significant, adding that there are promises of donations,
which would be spent for land acquisition. He noted that a large piece of land would provide for a design with expansion and green spaces as well as the possibility of some urban renewal
at the same time.
Alderman Fletcher noted that when Walgreens developed they replaced the utility poles with better looking poles, adding that he would like to see that course continued.
Mayor Swaim noted that the main power line is on the north side of Main Street.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed design of the library and the desire indicated by public comment to see the building redesigned.
Mayor Swaim noted that there would be opportunity for public input regarding the aspects of new library, adding the possibilities associated with locating the Library downtown. He noted
the Library committee desire to have the new library centrally located on Main Street. He stated that the difficulty is locating a large enough piece of property with ample parking.
He noted that there is still time for consideration because of time factor regarding the sale of bonds after the first of the year. He noted that a current Hospital bond situation, explaining
that there is a 10 million dollar limit per year municipal bonds.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 21, 2005
7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer