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Minutes for the City Council meeting on August 5, 1996
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PUBLIC HEARING -5:30 P.M. - A public hearing was held to close a portion of Gordon Street, beginning 140 feet West of its’ intersection with Fourth Street and continuing west until its intersection with McClure Street and a portion of Word Street between Fourth Street and McClure. Attorney Jon Coleman, represented Arkansas Glass Container Corp. Attorney Coleman stated Allen Street had been paved by grant money, and McClure Street had the drain listed the benefits of having Arkansas Glass Container Corp. located in Jonesboro. The company has grown from 189 employees since 1986 to 450 employees in 1996 providing Jonesboro with extra jobs, extra revenue by an increase of 4.5 million dollars for goods purchased in Jonesboro, and Twenty-Five Million Dollars spent in Jonesboro for Capital Improvements. Attorney Coleman gave reasons for Arkansas Glass Container Corp wanting to close Gordon and Word, the first being safety. Mr. Coleman expressed the danger of pedestrian crossing due to three shift changes a day and traffic created by receiving trucks on Johnson as well as shipping trucks through Word Street. The second reason given for vacating these streets was for security purposes. It was explained insurance requires fencing for this area. By fencing the area it would prevent harm to citizens who might wander too close to a furnace which is heated to 2700° 24 hours a day. A fence would help deter vandalism and theft. In closing, Attorney Coleman explained Arkansas Glass Container Corp was actually located in the old Industrial Park area, surrounded by other Industry.
Several spoke in opposition to the abandonment. Mr. Dan Oswald presented a petition with several signatures opposed to the abandonment. He questioned Alderman Wise to the number of ambulance calls in this area, and the importance of response time in critical situations. Councilman Wise responded by saying he had made about four runs in the area, and that two minutes is crucial in a life or death situation. Mr. Dan Oswald stated by closing Word Street it would increase the response time of all emergency vehicles (Ambulance, Fire, Police) as well as a delay in sanitation pickups and newspaper deliveries. Mr. Oswald said he had lived in this area for 60 years and questioned who it would benefit by closing these streets, Arkansas Glass Container Corp ., or the citizens of Jonesboro.
Mr. David Oswald, son of Dan Oswald stated if Arkansas Glass Container Corp was truly concerned about safety for its employees, they could construct a cross-over bridge. But rather Arkansas Glass Container Corp chooses to put the residence at risk by creating unsafe emergency responses, increase in traffic on Allen Street (near a city park), and by causing a decrease in value of their rental property, due to longer routes to ASU campus and jobs.
Christy Clevenger expressed concern over school bus safety. She questioned where the school bus would stop with the closure of Word Street, and where would the school children cross on such a busy street. Mrs. Clevenger stated this closure would place their children in danger, and if an accident were to occur, would an ambulance be able to get there on time.
Twyla Clevenger, mother of Mrs. Christy Clevenger, questioned Attorney Jon Coleman directly regarding the purpose of a community grant. Alderman Harpole explained the purpose of this type of grant is based on community economic development. Mrs. Clevenger then challenged Attorney Coleman’s statement that change was needed for progress. She questioned why Arkansas Glass Container Corp., was unwilling to change by refusing to move to the new Industrial Park. Mrs. Clevenger questioned was it because insurance premiums would increase and it would be cheaper for the Arkansas Glass Container Corp . to expand than to move.
Mr. Lee Dent responded by stating the Arkansas Glass Container Corp. had approached him to purchase his land, but did not want to pay a fair market price, and questioned if by creating traffic problems, were they (Arkansas Glass Container Corp) trying to force the residence out of their homes.
Mr. Billy Brown stated his father was in poor health and it caused a tremendous burden on him trying to get him help. He also stated a change like this would increase the chances of children being killed.
Mr. George Rodriguez stated as an ASU student who also works, he puts in a total of 60 hours a week. He stated by closing Word Street it will mean an extra Ten to Fifteen minutes for him getting from one place or the other. To use his own words, “This Stinks.”
PUBLIC HEARING - 6:00 P.M. - To vacate 97.6 feet platted as Rose Avenue.
(Mark & Tammy Rees - C. M. Mooney, Sr.)
THIS ITEM WAS PULLED AT THE REQUEST OF C.M. MOONEY, SR.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 5, 1996
The Jonesboro City Council met Monday, August 5, 1996, at 6:30 p.m. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Hubert Brodell, Mayor; Donna K. Jackson, City Clerk; Phillip Crego, City Attorney; and 10 council members. Those members were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. Councilman Perrin was unable to attend the meeting. Vice Mayor, Gary Harpole presided over a portion of the council meeting due to Mayor Brodell being called out of the meeting on city business.
The minutes of July 15, 1996, were approved as delivered by Councilman Harpole and seconded by Councilman Roddy. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole.
The first item of business was a decision by Council, regarding stipulations made by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for replat of property located on Main, Campus and Church Streets, owned by Robert Rees. Mr. Rees was represented by his attorney, C.M. Mooney, Sr. The Council’s decision had been delayed two weeks so City Attorney, Phillip Crego could fully research the matter. City Attorney, Phillip Crego made the following recommendation to the Council: To compensate Mr. Rees in the sum of $4,630.50 based on the going fair market value of his property. Mr. Crego explained because of vague city ordinances, and without a Comprehensive Land Use Plan in place, the Council should over-ride the M.A.P.C. decision, make an offer of $4,630.50 with earnest money, and allow Mr. Rees thirty days to accept or reject the offer. Mr. Rees addressed the Council, stating he was not concerned about the money issue. The point stressed was Federal Law over-rides City Law, and no land will be taken without compensation. Mr. Rees stated he would prefer the Council to deny the appeal, so it could be tried in a higher court. Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Tate to accept the opinion of City Attorney, Phillip Crego to over-ride the M.A.P.C. decision, make an offer of compensation for Mr. Rees’ land at $4,630.50 to come from unallocated sales tax, and to give $1,000.00 (One-Thousand Dollars) in earnest money, allowing Mr. Rees thirty days to accept or reject the offer. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Kelton to pull Item 4-A - Rose Avenue Abandonment, as requested by Mark & Tammy Rees and their attorney, C.M. Mooney, Sr. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole.
The following ordinance was on the second reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954 KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Scott Moore)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Vance, to suspend the rules and place on the second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Vance for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. The ordinance was given the number 2712.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for the first reading:
ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR GROUP HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Vance, to suspend the rules and place on the second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Vance for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. The ordinance was given the number 2711.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole for the adoption of a 35 M.P.H. speed limit sign on Weaver Road, located between Southwest Drive (49 South at Valley View and the east city limits of Weaver Road. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. The resolution was given the number 1996:35.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole for the adoption of a resolution to utilize Federal-Aid Funds for signalization of Highway 1B (Harrisburg Road) at Windover Street. A voice vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Province, Hannah, Young, Rega, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. The resolution was given the number 1996:36.
Under new business by the Mayor, Mr. Lee Andrew Cranford from North Little Rock was allowed to address the Council regarding the death of Markus Jarome Brown. Mr. Brown, age 18, had been arrested on August 1, 1996, for allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover police officer. It was reported that Mr. Brown ran from the police officer and stuffed a bag of cocaine in his mouth in order to hide the evidence. However, according to Mr. Cranford procedures had not been followed, and Markus Brown had been severely beaten. Mr. Cranford stated even though selling cocaine was a crime it is not punishable by death. One unknown citizen from the audience spoke up and stated they should wait until the autopsy is completed before making any accusations. Later when the autopsy was complete it was reported, Mr. Brown had died from suffocation, due to the bag being in his throat and leakage of the narcotic into his system. The only bruises were two on his face and chin, which was from being forced to the ground and hand-cuffed.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.