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08 MAY 01.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2008 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 May 1, 2008 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, Stroud, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT SEVEN (7), ABSENT (3). Aldermen McCleary, Fletcher, and Twitty were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Lynette Culpepper, Director of Administration Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human Resource Director Jill Fourqurean, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Mrs. Helen Stroud, Mrs. Addie Gibson, interested citizens and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 17, 2008 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 3 April 2008 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: a. ORDINANCE 1336 (#3-08) AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF FANS FOR THE JACKSONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1336 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1336. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1336 be APPROVED on FIRST READING. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2008 7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M. Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs informed the City Council that two 16’ fans are intended for the gym area and one 12’ fan for the fitness area. He related that the air temperature in the gym is difficult to control during large events and the fans will help keep energy costs down in both the summer and winter. Mayor Swaim noted that because of the size of the fan waiving competitive bidding is necessary. Director Biggs concurred that Johnson Equipment Company is the only vendor that sells fans of this size. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1336 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1336. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1336 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1336. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1336 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to attach the EMERGENCY CLAUSE to Ordinance 1336. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1336 THIS 1st DAY OF MAY 2008. b. Request to accept bid for Pool Inflatable Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs related that the current pool inflatable (the Loch Ness Monster) has been repeatedly repaired and now needs to be replaced. He stated that there are no vendors available in the United States, but they did receive a response from England. He noted that the inflatable being considered is Treasure Island, adding that patrons had voted this their favorite of four choices. In response to a question posed by Alderman Smith, Director Biggs answered that the current inflatable is eight years old. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2008 7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid from Bee Tee Treasure in the amount of $7,661.00 from Parks and Recreation budgeted funds. MOTION CARRIED. PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION Capital Improvement Projects Mayor Swaim noted funds that had been set aside for the annexation of Gravel Ridge were now available for capital improvement projects. He explained that the funds would have to be restricted from a reoccurring expenditure, citing that the funds could not be used for salaries. He reviewed four projects being offered regarding road enhancements for the City. He assessed the Northlake project, noting ongoing flooding issues accompanying heavy rains, which prevents the Police and Fire Departments from being able to access the Northlake Subdivision at times. He explained that the proposal would be to extend Oneida Street from the intersection of West Main and Oneida to the West Main cutoff, pointing out approximated costs of $2,188,931.54. He reviewed the next proposed project located at the intersection of Harris Road and West Main. He stated that the area has high traffic counts, pointing out that it does not have traffic signalization. He explained that the area feeds North Pulaski High School and unfortunately, there have been fatalities at that location. He stressed the importance of correcting that intersection because of the safety factor. He related that the estimated cost of the project is approximately $463,174.38. He noted that part of the expense would be to redirect part of the street since it is not a “T” street. He stated that there is also a proposal to extend Emma Street to General Samuels, adding that the approximate costs would be $471,110.33. He stated that this project would allow for a connection from West Main to General Samuels. He related that the last proposal would be the extension of West Main that would bypass the double curve and intersect back to West Main before coming to the intersection of Harris Road and Jacksonville Cutoff. He stated that the approximate costs would be $920,330.43. He stated that these are proposals being offered, adding that there are certainly other projects warranted. He related that while the Oneida Extension Project is a large amount above the budget, it has been a needed project for many years. He noted that there might be an opportunity to accumulate funds over the next few years to complete the projects. He also introduced the possibility of requesting road and bridge funds from the County regarding the Oneida Project. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2008 7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M. Alderman Elliott stated that both the Oneida extension and the West Main realignment are very important projects given flooding issues. Mayor Swaim noted that both would be considered long-term projects, explaining that rights-of-way might be issues for both properties. He noted that the Oneida Project would additionally allow earlier access to an area that the StoneRidge Subdivision developer has offered as City park property. He stated that a very short road from the Oneida extension could access the park area. Alderman Ray voiced support for both projects particularly if the City were able to secure County road and bridge funds. Ms. Jean Williams, a new resident of Jacksonville, addressed the City Council, questioning if developers would help with infrastructure. Mayor Swaim explained that developers are responsible for the sewer, water, streets, curb, gutter and drainage infrastructure within their proposed subdivision. Ms. Williams questioned if the developers were responsible for help with the schools and fire. Mayor Swaim offered that any development would generate additional property tax for the County, which would benefit the Pulaski County Special School District. He noted that Fire and Police would be provided adequate streets with proper turnarounds. Alderman Stroud stated that all the proposed projects are worthy; adding that he is not sure these projects would provide enough “bang for the buck” as far as what citizens could see in Jacksonville. He added that he would like to see improvements regarding the downtown area where Dupree, Main, and North James intersect. He then mentioned the need for road improvements regarding the Trickey Lane area, saying that the area will increase in traffic as the freeway concludes its construction. He stated that he would like an opportunity to consider other worthy projects within the City. Alderman Howard concurred with Mayor Swaim that the signalization system at Main and James would need to be upgraded in the near future. Mayor Swaim related that the upgrade has been on the TIP list, explaining that the proposal considered most has been to turn the intersection into a roundabout. He stated that the roundabout proposal would involve the taking in of three corners of property. He stated that it would not be productive for the City to spend as much as $300,000.00 for a new signal system but leave the intersection as complicated as it is. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2008 7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M. In response to a question posed by Alderman Stroud, Mayor Swaim stated that drawings for a roundabout have been considered but there are no current cost estimations. He stated that the major concern would be traffic being about to navigate the system early on. He noted that a number of roundabouts have been constructed in Arkansas. He explained that the circumference has to be significant to adequately construct a roundabout and is an expensive proposition. He stated that the concept of roundabouts is making a comeback, adding that it becomes a matter of educating drivers how to navigate the system. He stated that the City did obtain funding through the State to improve the intersection at Marshall, Main Street, and the Freeway for new signalization. Mayor Swaim encouraged the City Council to give thought to projects that could be considered for the million dollar funds. Alderman Smith concurred with Mayor Swaim that the West Main Street Realignment project being proposed for $920,333 would still only be for a two-lane improvement. Mayor Swaim added that it would not include building a bridge but would instead use a large 20’ box culvert. He stated that if it is felt that Main Street would eventually be turned into four lanes then the box culvert would need to be sized to accommodate future expansion to four lanes. Director of Administration Jay Whisker stated that he had proposed the culvert to be 44’ wide. Mayor Swaim pointed out that estimated project costs do not include right-of-way costs. ADDITION TO AGENDA: Request to accept bid Vinyl Composition Tile for Parks and Recreation Department Mayor Swaim noted that the budgeted bid item was opened after the agenda had been completed but is being requested for review. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to suspend the rules and place the bid for vinyl tile flooring for the Martin Street Center on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Swaim stated that the recommended low bid is Nationwide Floor and Window, noting that the other bid submitted did not meet specifications and the bidder withdrew their bid. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid from Nationwide Floor and Windows in the amount of $23,487.00 to be drawn from Parks and Recreation budgeted funds. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2008 7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M. APPOINTMENT(S): PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the reappointment of Joey Price for a term to expire 5/09/2013. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): City Attorney Bamburg extended an open invitation to attend a musical program being held Sunday, May 3rd at the First Methodist Church, relating that Dr. Allen Storeygard and the sister cities program is bringing in a group of amazing musicians from across the world. He related that there would be performers from Italy, China, Korea and several other countries. He stated that the event is phenomenal and is a costly event to attend when performed in New York. It is free for those who wish to attend. Mayor Swaim noted that in the past, the group has performed at Carnegie Hall. City Attorney Bamburg concurred that the group plays at Carnegie as part of their trip through America, adding that Jacksonville is very fortunate to have them perform here. He added that there would be a reception following the event at Mrs. Joan Zumwalt’s residence. He stated that the event would begin at 7:00 p.m. 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