07 OCT 04.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 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 October 4, 2007 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation
and Mayor Swaim led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum.
PRESENT ten (10), ABSENT (0).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Acting Deputy Clerk Carol Vaughn, Director of Administration Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human Resource
Director Jill Fourqurean, Finance Manager Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Robert Baker,
Mr. Tommy Bond, Mr. Jack Wilson, interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 20, 2007 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 McCleary that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 6 September 2007 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular Monthly Report for September 2007. Said report reflects:
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED
Building Permits 19 Building Inspections 92
Business License 10 HVACR 43
Electrical 90 Plumbing 86
UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES
Grass Letters 322 Notice of Noncompliance 25
Property Mowed 21 Towed 4
Trash Letters 100
Trash Removal 0 CONDEMNATIONS
Property Maint. Letters 35 Structural Maint. Letters 0
Cost for February $1,050.00 Structural Repairs Made 0 Demolitions 0
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Tract 2, Jacksonville Shopping Center
Director of Administration Jay Whisker explained that the Jacksonville Shopping Center is currently one large tract that the owners are proposing to split off a tract that is located
between the new Wendy’s Restaurant and Mike Wilson’s law office. He stated that the depth of the tract matches the tract split for Wendy’s. He stated that the property has available
water and sewer and a bond has been posted for sidewalk construction. He then answered that there is a 30’ easement along the east side of the property for drive access. He then answered
that he is not aware of any development plans for the property.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Final Plat of Tract 2, Jacksonville Shopping Center. MOTION CARRIED.
GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1321 (#20-07)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: PROPERTY BETWEEN LOOP ROAD, FOXWOOD DRIVE, AND NORTHEASTERN AVENUE); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS
213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1321 be placed on FIRST READING.
Alderman Stroud commended the developer for providing a much-needed type of housing for the City of Jacksonville, adding that he also appreciates the developer’s willingness to satisfy
existing area residents regarding the Subdivision amenities.
Alderman Smith stated that he is aware that Mr. Wilson builds a quality subdivision and feels it will be a great asset to the City of Jacksonville.
Alderman Stroud acknowledged Director of Administration Jay Whisker’s efforts in working with the residents to provide information that would let them know that this development as a
border would do more to protect their property values.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the
heading of Ordinance 1321.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Ordinance 1321 be APPROVED on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1321 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1321.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1321 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing,
Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1321.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1321 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1321 THIS 4th DAY OF OCTOBER 2007.
b. RESOLUTION 605 (#6-07)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO DESTROY SPECIFIED CITY DEPARTMENTS RECORDS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to read Resolution 605. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 605.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve Resolution 605 in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim reported that Finance Director Paul Mushrush is recovering well and anticipating his return to work very soon.
He then announced that Wing Ding would be held this coming Saturday, adding that the 5K Fun Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. Mayor Swaim encouraged everyone to attend, commenting that the
Wing Ding Festival showcases the City of Jacksonville.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
Discussion ensued regarding the one-time expenditure of additional State Turnback Funds.
Alderman Fletcher offered the importance of small neighborhood parks and the absence of those parks in the west portion of Jacksonville. He noted the new growth in west Jacksonville
and the Planning Commission’s efforts along with the Parks and Recreation Commission to establish new neighborhood parks. He related that this also provides a good selling point for
the City of Jacksonville, adding that Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs has designated areas of interest for parks. He proposed a developmental plan be created to review park
needs, asking the City Council to consider funds for small neighborhood parks. He mentioned joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting efforts as proposed by Alderman Stroud.
Mayor Swaim noted that 30 acres in StoneRidge is being proposed for park development, explaining that Director of Administration Jay Whisker and he have begun working on that concept.
He then noted that Northlake has one of the larger better parks on the west side of Jacksonville. He reminded everyone that the A&P Commission had dedicated 50% of the prepared food
tax to Parks and Recreation, explaining that parks is one of the allowable capital improvements that could be funded through those monies. He noted that would be approximately $250,000
annually.
Mayor Swaim then answered that when improvements are made to the Park system, it is incumbent on the General Fund to maintain those improvements on an annual reoccurring basis. He stated
that capital outlay is the first expense, but the ongoing expense has to be considered as well. He stated that those annual funds would be used for ongoing expenses as well as capital
outlay.
In response to a question posed by Mayor Swaim, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs answered that currently there are eleven City parks including the sports complex. He then
answered that in west Jacksonville there are two existing parks with a third and fourth proposed, including the 30-acre park in StoneRidge.
Alderman Elliott noted ongoing efforts through the Parks and Recreation Commission to address parks throughout the City.
Alderman Stroud offered that feedback from Jacksonville citizens in CDBG public hearings has been particularly in favor of a farmer’s market. He suggested that each City Council member
submit a list of three items to develop a priority list to determine how far the money may extend into accomplishing that list.
Mayor Swaim stated that he would not be opposed to using those funds to create parks, adding that joint use parks is one item that has been discussed. He explained that Tolleson Elementary
School has need of
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
better playground park equipment, adding that the City could join with the School District in improving that School park. He noted that the tennis courts at the High School are another
joint venture along with some of the baseball fields. He noted that with discussions for a new school all equipment would need to be installed in such a manner that it could be removed
if necessary.
Alderman Smith offered that he had received comments regarding $20,000.00 for the purchase of land for Reed’s Bridge.
Mayor Swaim related that he is meeting with representatives Monday regarding the purchase of lots for Reed’s Bridge.
Alderman Fletcher complimented Rebsamen Hospital and staff, explaining that his father was recently in the Hospital and the care and service was exceptional. He noted that because
the Hospital is close to Little Rock there is a benefit of having available specialists.
Mayor Swaim noted that the Hospital Board is currently working on a public relations promotion program to provide positive Hospital health care information to the public.
Alderman Fletcher requested an update regarding solutions for the County Detention Center jail space issue. He noted an instance where copper was stolen two nights consecutively from
the same new house construction site.
Mayor Swaim related ongoing efforts through committees, and noted that there have been two ballot issues to raise funds. He explained that constitutionally it is the County’s responsibility
to provide a jail, adding that the cities have been paying into that effort for years. He stated that presently the City of Little Rock is considering a lawsuit against the County for
not providing jail space. He stated that there needs to be a funding mechanism that is equal across the County. He stated that while there have been numerous conversations; there has
been no apparent solution. He stated that he reviews Jacksonville arrest records daily and is aware of the burglaries and other crimes that occur. He stated that the first solution
would be jail space and secondly, some type of intervention that would help prevent criminal behavior from developing either at the school level or possibly with the at risk youth level.
He noted through his observations that property crimes have been on the increase.
Discussion ensued and it was noted that previous prisoner work programs had been discontinued regarding a lack of funding. Mayor Swaim noted that the County Quorum Court is trying to
secure funds to reopen that program.
Mayor Swaim related that the Pulaski County Jail is still being monitored by court order, regarding double bunking and over bunking. He explained that the court determines what can
or cannot be done with prisoners.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Smith, Mayor Swaim stated that there are no funds for the Vandenburg redesign, adding that the approval order specifically states, “when funds
become available.”
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer