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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on February 21, 2006.
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Public Safety Committee Minutes
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
5:15 p.m.
Members present were: Mitch Johnson, Chris Moore, Tim McCall, and Judy Furr. Councilman Jim Hargis arrived at 5:24 p.m. Councilman Harold Perrin was unable to attend.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Questions were raised concerning the status of the Justice Complex. Mayor Formon stated most of the Police Department is temporarily being located in the old City Hall building. Warrants and the district court offices are located in the Huntington building. He added that it will be about six to eight weeks before the departments can move back into the Justice Complex. He noted the work on the building may move along faster than estimated since everyone has moved out of the building. Mayor Formon also discussed his long-range plan to look at the City’s building needs. Discussion was then held regarding the popping noise heard from the building and whether or not the building was structurally sound or not. Several Council members commended Chief Yates for the way the evacuation was handled.
Police Chief Michael Yates explained he would like to hire the person whom they normally contract electronic work out to. He stated it would be cheaper to the department to hire the person full-time with benefits, as opposed to contracting labor out to him. It was questioned whether the person would be willing to work for less money per hour. It was explained the person is worried about insurance, rather than how much he’s being paid. It was also suggested the person in the future could do work for the Street and Fire departments as well. Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Moore, to approve the hiring and send it to the Finance Committee. All voted aye.
Chief Yates also discussed the staffing of the Police Department. He stated he’d like to hire three to four additional officers to try to keep the department better staffed. He added that with the staffing trend for the department over the past five years, he thinks he can hire the individuals without going over the budgeted salary amount. Chief Yates also noted that certified law enforcement officers are starting to inquire about working in Jonesboro. Councilwoman Furr motioned, seconded by Councilman Johnson, to recommend to the Finance committee to allow Chief Yates to hire new personnel. All voted aye.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Aaron Keller discussed the upcoming ISO grading the department will be receiving. He indicated the department will likely keep the grade 3 rating. He added there is still a need for more fire stations and possibly a third ladder company. It was further explained that the presentation made earlier by Chief Keller and Assistant Chief Leonard Jadrich concerning new stations was accurate as to the needs of the City. It was questioned what effect adding stations would have on the City’s rating. Chief Keller stated if the City would build the proposed Station 7, the City may get a 2 rating.
He added he has prepared a presentation regarding replacing Station 2 as opposed to repairing it and offered to show the presentation to anyone interested.
INPSECTIONS
Ms. Shirley Thomas stated she would have a plan regarding the growth of the City prepared for the next Public Safety meeting.
The status of replacing the Inspections director was questioned. Mayor Formon indicated he was unsure of what route they would be taking with the department, whether they would hire a senior building inspector and add an inspector to the staff, or whether they would just hire another director and keep the staff the way it is. He noted him, Mr. Brian Wadley, and Ms. Suzanne Hackney are figuring out which option is best for the City.
Mayor Formon added Mr. Wadley is working with some individuals to review the codes to find what codes may need to be updated. They should have a report for the next Public Safety meeting.
ANIMAL CONTROL
It was questioned whether cats were required to be vaccinated for rabies. Discussion was held regarding what the City requires concerning cat rabies vaccinations. It was added that there is an ordinance stating cats have to be vaccinated, but there’s really no way for the City to enforce that ordinance. It was asked for more information to be brought to the next meeting regarding cat rabies vaccinations.
OTHER
Mayor Formon noted Mr. Steve Kent found a video showing the construction of the Justice Complex in case anyone would like to view it.
Mayor Formon also asked for approval to place on the Council agenda a resolution to form a committee to look at the City’s building needs. Councilman Hargis motioned, seconded by Councilman McCall, to place the item on the agenda for the Council February 21st meeting. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Johnson moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for adjournment. All voted aye.