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Minutes for the City Council meeting on May 16, 2006
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - May 16, 2006
The Jonesboro City Council met Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. Members present were: Mayor Doug Formon, City Attorney Crego and twelve council members. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. Councilwoman Furr and Councilman Johnson were not able to attend. City Clerk Donna Jackson was attending a conference held by the International Clerks Institute. Ms. Nikki Nottingham took minutes.
Parks and Recreation Director Jason Wilkie presented certificates to 11 Junior Girl Scouts from Troup 101 for their efforts in a project to improve Craighead Forest Park. Mr. Wilkie explained the girls recently received the Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can receive. The girls who received certificates were: Ashley Arnoult, Sammi Bressler, Emily Arnoult, Ashley Carter, Casey Gibson, Pagon Heathcock, Haven Hogan, Logan Huggins, Samantha Wheeler, Hannah Weingold and Amanda Weston. Mayor Formon took pictures with each of the girls and also took a group pictures.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to approve the minutes for the May 2, 2006, regular meeting as delivered. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley.
The following ordinance was up for reconsideration:
ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF A ONE PERCENT (1%) SALES AND USE TAX FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS WITHIN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION AND SUBSEQUENT LEASING OF CONVENTION, MEETING AND EVENT FACILITIES, RELATED PARKING FACILITIES, AND OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS RELATED THERETO; TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING, STAFFING AND OPERATION OF A CENTRALLY-LOCATED FIRE STATION AND RELATED PARKING FACILITIES; AND PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO
Councilman Farmer questioned whether reconsideration would bring the ordinance back up for third reading. Mr. Crego stated it would be on third reading. Councilman Farmer then questioned whether the proper motion would be to rescind, repeal or deny. Mr. Crego stated the motion could be whatever the moving party desires, meaning the motion could be to adopt or deny. Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Farmer, to adopt the ordinance with the intention of bringing it a vote of the full Council. It was explained a yes vote would keep the item on the ballot and no vote would be to take it off the ballot. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting nay. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The motion was denied.
The following ordinance was up for reconsideration:
ORDINANCE CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, ON THE QUESTION OF LEVYING A ONE PERCENT (1%) SALES AND USE TAX FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS WITHIN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION AND SUBSEQUENT LEASING OF CONVENTION, MEETING AND EVENT FACILITIES, AND OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT RELATED THERETO; TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING, STAFFING AND OPERATION OF A CENTRALLY-LOCATED FIRE STATION AND RELATED PARKING FACILITIES; DEFINING THE TERM “SINGLE TRANSACTION;” PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Street, to adopt the ordinance with the intentions of voting against it. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting nay. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The motion was denied.
Councilman Dover offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $35,000 AS A DEPOSIT FOR PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING WORK ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXTENSION OF LAWSON ROAD
It was questioned whether the money should be taken out of the Capital Improvement Fund or should it be paid for under professional services. Councilman Farmer stated the first $1.5 million spent out of the MATA fund was also for engineering purposes because you need a design for the road before you can build it. Mayor Formon added when the City needs to pay for engineering relating to retention or detention ponds, the money comes out of the Capital Improvement Fund. Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Street, to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street, for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3640.
Mr. Crego informed the Council the ordinance regarding the Jonesboro Police Department entering into an agreement with the Commission of Accredited Law Enforcement was made a resolution.
Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Perrin, for the adoption of a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Commission of Accredited Law Enforcement Agencies seeking national recognition and accreditation for the Jonesboro Police Department. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:53.
Councilwoman Williams offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF AVL UNITS FOR JETS
Mayor Formon asked Police Chief Michael Yates if the units were found at a cheaper price somewhere else. Chief Yates stated it depended on whether the bid is referring to the package or the item itself. He added the hardware can be purchased for $700 to $800, but to make it function with Relativity’s system in 911 additional licensing must be purchased. Chief Yates further stated he budgeted $1,700 per unit for the AVL units purchased this year, but he got his figure from the 911 center. Mayor Formon questioned Mr. Joel Gardner if the ordinance needed to be passed tonight. Mr. Gardner stated they were not pressed to pass the ordinance now. He explained he was told he received the same contract price as the Fire and Police Departments and the vehicles would be monitored at 911. It was decided to hold the ordinance on one reading so more information could be received concerning the bid.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street, to pull the resolution authorizing the contract with NRS Consulting Engineers for the design and construction inspection of Valley Drive and South Nettleton Avenue Detention ponds as recommended by the Public Works committee. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye, with the exception of Councilman Dover who abstained from voting. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution setting a public hearing for June 6, 2006, at 6:15 p.m. for the abandonment of Jefferson Avenue, located east of Christian Creek Drainage District No. 30 in the Wilson’s Second Addition. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The hearing was set for 6:15 p.m. on June 6, 2006. The resolution was numbered 2006:54.
Councilman Perrin questioned whether they will be going with the $54,597 bid or the $44,596 bid. Mr. Wilkie explained they will be going with the bid for $54,597. He added the bid for $44,596 was in case the City would not purchase the rocks to go around the ATV area to keep out other vehicles because of shipping costs. But, the rocks are included in the bid. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, for the adoption of a resolution accepting bids for the construction of an ATV parking area at Craighead Forest Park. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:55.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman McCall, for the adoption of a resolution to contract with NRS Consulting Engineers to develop plans to continue the Turtle Creek Greenway from the Turtle Creek detention pond to Allen Park. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:56.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Farmer, for the adoption of a resolution naming the Access #3 playground at Craighead Forest Park the “Jerry Bookout Memorial Playground.” Mayor Formon questioned when the dedication for the playground would be. Mr. Wilkie stated they need to postpone the dedication because he is waiting on the sign to be made. He noted when the dedication is set he will send out an announcement. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:57.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman McCall, for the adoption of a resolution requesting free utility services from CWL at JETS bus shelters. Councilman Farmer questioned how the bus route times would be advertised. Mr. Gardner stated they have finished setting the times and will print them on the signs. He added the schedule is also running on Cox’s Channel 24. Councilman Hargis noted since the bus services are free until June 1, this is a good time for everyone to evaluate the services. Mr. Gardner encouraged all the Council members to ride the buses. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:58.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution appointing Ms. Amy Hutson to the JETS Community Transportation Advisory Board. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:59.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman McCall for the adoption of a resolution to enter into an agreement with CGI Communications, Inc. for enhancement of the City’s website. Councilman Perrin questioned what department will be responsible for putting together the items that will go on the video, such as the script. Mr. Brian Wadley stated the Mayor’s Office would be in charge of those responsibilities. Councilman Perrin asked for Mr. Wadley to give him a list of other websites that have a similar video. Councilman McCall questioned whether CGI would clean up the City’s website. Mayor Formon stated the company would only take care of the video. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:60.
Street Superintendent Teddy Hooton noted the bid is for four trucks, not one. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street, for the adoption of a resolution accepting a bid from Tri-State Truck Center, Inc. (DeanCo) for the purchase of a dump truck. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:61.
Under new business, Mayor Formon stated the trailers are gone from the Justice Complex and everyone has moved back in. Councilman Dover questioned whether arrangements had been made for inspections on the building. Mr. Wadley stated additional things needed to be done before any reports can be made. Mayor Formon added the building will have annual inspections. Mayor Formon also stated JETS is up and running. He also apologized because invitations were not sent out by the Chamber of Commerce to the Council members for the ribbon cutting on Johnson.
Under new business, Councilman Street motioned, seconded by Councilman Perrin, to suspend the rules and place a resolution on the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Dover, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Perrin, for adoption of a resolution establishing standards for acquisition of real property. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye, with the exception of Councilman Dover who abstained from voting. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was numbered 2006:62.
Councilman McCall questioned whether everyone received a copy of the traffic study or if only the members of the Public Works committee received copies. Mayor Formon stated only the Public Works committee had been given copies of the study. Councilman McCall explained he has received numerous questions and concerns relating to the traffic study, but does not know how to address those concerns since he’s never seen it. Mr. Hooton stated most of the public’s concerns have been relating to the proposal made by Mr. John Sloan. He added the study was not paid for by the City, rather it was paid for by Mr. Sloan. The report is open for comments until May 25th. Councilman Farmer added Mr. Sloan contacted City staff while he was doing his independent study, but no one contacted the people the City had hired to do a traffic study to inform them of Mr. Sloan’s independent study. City Planner Otis Spriggs explained it had been indicated to him Mr. Sloan presented his study to the last City Planner, but the Planner was too busy to look at it. He further explained it was his interpretation that Mr. Sloan wanted his study to be included in the Master Street Plan, but instead they will consider it in the future. Mayor Formon added that most of Mr. Sloan’s proposal concerns the county and is out of the City limits. Councilman Farmer questioned whether Mr. Sloan is planning to ask the City to condemn the rights of way and have the City build the roads. Mr. Spriggs stated they haven’t gotten that far yet. Councilman McCall asked if a copy of the traffic study could be given to the rest of the Council members. Mr. Wadley explained they do not have any more hard copies of the study, but they do have CD’s of it they can distribute to the Council members.
Councilwoman Williams questioned what the status was on the drainage on Flemon Road. Mr. Hooton stated that county started installing a pipe last week. He also stated the Highway Department is going to start looking at 226 now that the drainage improvements have started. Mayor Formon asked if any work had been done to the ditch by Beaver Creek. Mr. Claude Martin explained they were supposed to start work on it, but said he’d have to check on the status. Councilman Perrin added the culverts along Parker Road needed to be cleaned out because they’re so full of trash water won’t be able to flow easily. Councilman Street stated he received a letter concerning rumble strips at the intersection of 226 and 49. Mr. Hooton explained they won’t allow the City to place rumble strips along the 226 intersection because, in the past, the state has received negative feedback from homeowners due to the noise cars make when they drive over the strips. He noted they did replace one sign at the intersection that had faded. It was asked for Mr. Hooton to talk with the State Highway Department about further improvements to the intersection.
Councilman Hargis stated a Public Safety committee working session would be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at 11:30 a.m. in the Huntington Building.
Councilman Farmer stated he wanted to make everyone aware why the City is looking into other options concerning the drainage study. He explained some of the recommendations made by the study are not possible, which is why other options are being explored. He also stated he’d received complaints about the sound system. Councilman McCall explained at a previous Public Services meeting it was asked for Mr. Mark Taylor to look at the sound system. Mr. Keith Sanders stated it was his understanding Cox fixed the problem with the sound system. Councilman Farmer explained the Washington interchange would be finished by the end of the summer and requested the Administration (Mayor Formon) to meet with Jonesboro School officials to look at the interchange and make possible recommendations for improvement. He stated there could be some traffic issues around the homes and West School. He also questioned, for clarification, whether any City money had been used to promote the convention center deal. Mayor Formon stated no City money had been used. Councilman Farmer informed the Council the Finance committee would be meeting Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 4 p.m. He then questioned why a City employee recently stole trash from Councilwoman Furr recently. Mr. Royce Leonard explained the City worker did admit to stealing the trash the day after the incident. He added the worker was disciplined and sent home at 11 a.m. that day. He further stated the Sanitation employees do have to sign a written policy before they start working there and they are also given a copy of the policy. It was questioned whether everything had been returned to Councilwoman Furr and if trash was stolen from anyone else in the area. Mr. Leonard stated one bag of trash was taken out of Councilwoman Furr’s trash can and one bag beside the trash can was also taken. He added both bags were returned to Councilwoman Furr. He also added trash was only taken from Councilwoman Furr’s residence. Councilman Farmer expressed his concern over the incident because of the risk of identity theft.
Under Public Comment, Ms. Sheila Lawrence stated her mother resides on Valley Drive and has been experiencing declined health since the City indicated they would be acquiring her property for drainage improvements in October. She asked the Council to come up with a solution to either purchase the property or sign something stating intent to leave her mother alone. Councilman Street explained the Council just passed a resolution at the current meeting that would allow the Mayor to negotiate with her mother to purchase her property. Mayor Formon stated he would start working on the negotiations tomorrow.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated concern over the recent proposal by Mr. Sloan. Mr. Cooper stated he owns property on the east side of Ridge Pointe. He explained Mr. Sloan indicated to him that he doesn’t mind putting a road by big homes because the road will not actually lead to the homes. Mr. Cooper asked the Council to consider the people living in the area before they approve Mr. Sloan’s plan.
With no further business, Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin, to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Johnson, Dover, Furr, and McCall.