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Minutes for the Stormwater Management Board meeting on March 17, 2010.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Date: March 17, 2010
Location: Huntington Building
Conference Room
900 West Monroe
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Opening: Chairman Vance called the meeting to order to order at 8:34 a.m.
In Attendance marked in bold
Members:
Dewaine Beisner
Derek Daniels
Michael Daniels
John Easley
Jerry Farris, Vice-Chair
Barry Phillips
Betty Shaw
John Street
Gene Vance, Chairman
Rick Wyatt
Dennis Zolper
Officials & Staff:
Harold Perrin - Mayor
Otis Spriggs - Director of Planning & Zoning
Craig Light - Chief City Engineer
Travis Fischer - Stormwater Engineer
Joe McKeel - Stormwater Inspector
Tracey Cooper - Secretary
Also in Attendance:
George Johnson
David White
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes for the January 20, 2010, Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Wyatt and seconded by Beisner. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
V. OLD BUSINESS
Light gave an update on the Vegetative Management Study. He stated that North Culberhouse Lateral will be used as the test site. This site is very visible to the public. Three or four techniques will be demonstrated. Light also stated that there is a ROW issue that needs to be worked out with Arkansas Glass Container.
Light stated that one thing to consider as a management tool on channels is fire. Signage will need to be in place and have media coverage explaining what is happening. Light stated that Arkansas State University has received a grant and is committed to a long-term relationship with the City in terms of vegetative management.
Light presented a handout on the cost estimate from the Corps of Engineers. Light stated that it is a 50-50 match grant. Any work done in-house can be used as part of the City’s match. Light stated that currently the Engineering Department did not have the staff to dedicate enough time to the project. There was a brief discussion on possibly hiring someone that is dedicated to this project. That person could be a City employee or someone from the outside. Light stated that he thought some of the costs were a little high. The cost submitted was approximately 4.5 million and Light stated that he felt 3 million may be a more realistic cost. Light stated he plans to meet with the person that came up with the estimate to see if something can be done. Phillips questioned if the City works with the County, would more funds be available. Light stated that it is a 50-50 match. Johnson stated the City and County would work together on water sheds. Light stated that since the City and County are going through the same entity (Corps) everything should work out. Light stated he had spoken with Johnson about possibly setting up a meeting with the different boards. Street questioned reestablishing some drainage districts to get more funding. Light stated that there was always the possibility of establishing a stormwater utility tax. This could be done jointly with the County. A map showing the drainage districts was handed out.
Next report for the MS4 is due in June. Recently, there have been a couple of oil spills: (1) Highway 63 and (2) traced back to Hummelsteins.
Light provided FIRM maps for viewing. Johnson stated that there is a link to the City’s website on the County wedsite and visa versa. Johnson expressed his concern as to how preliminary the maps are. He mentioned the need to work with the Corps on inspections because the inspection standards have changed and are very high.
Light stated that Construction Management qualifications are currently being reviewed and ranked. Negotiations with Arkansas State University are under way for acquiring 6 acres for the Race Street Detention pond.
Light stated that $300,000 has been budgeted for the Oak Hill Terrace project. The Engineering estimate is $200,000. The Engineers were directed in 2005 to consider a 25-year rain event. Light stated he is currently in discussion with the Engineer regarding several options. The project will not be released for bid until Light is satisfied with the outcome.
The Maintenance Agreement was discussed at length. The Maintenance Agreement is a requirement of the Ordinance and pertains to the short-term and long-term maintenance of Stormwater Facilities in dedicated easements and ROW. The City is trying to develop an agreement that is acceptable to the City Engineer and the City Attorney. This would ensure that everyone is under the same agreement. Street stated the agreement would not be retroactive The City Attorney stated that any Maintenance Agreement would have to go to Public Works and then to City Council. The City Engineer would not be allowed to sign off on the Agreement and forgo City Council approval.
Formalizing the plat acceptance process was discussed. City Council will accept the plat and if it is not completed then a Performance Bond will be in place. Plats will not be filed until City Council approves them. Lots cannot be sold until all improvements are done or a Performance Bond is in place. The process would be slowed because it has to go to City Council instead of handled administratively. It was questioned, how the Developer assigns to others. Light stated that it would be in the best interest of the subdivision property owners to set up an association. The Maintenance Agreement must be filed with the plat so potential property owners are aware that it is in place. Spriggs suggested a copy of the agreement be made available when a permit is issued. Vance stated that the agreement should reference notice and a timeframe for corrective action. He suggested that #4 of agreement be modified to reflect the notice and timeframe issue.
Wyatt suggested having a Maintenance Notification instead of a Maintenance Agreement. The City would not have to sign a notification. Light stated if this was to be done the Ordinance would have to be changed. Regardless, the Ordinance will have to be changed as related to the acceptance. The agreement should be in place prior to the sale of the first lot.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, May 19th, at 8:30 a.m.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
David White expressed his appreciation to everyone on the Committee and in the Engineering and Planning Departments.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Vance adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.