title
Minutes for the Infrastructure Committee meeting on September 2, 2003.
body
Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Monday, September 2, 2003
5:15 PM
Members Present: Farmer, Moore, and Street
Members Absent: Dover
Others present were: Larry Johnson, Mayor Assistant, Street Superintendent Gene Barnett, City Engineer Assistant Teddy Hooton, Public Works Director Claude Martin, City Planner Glenn Batten, Assistant Fire Chief, Butch Herring, Councilman Hargis, Councilman Perrin, City Clerk Donna Jackson, and Keith Inman, Jonesboro Sun.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of the August 4, 2003 committee minutes. All voted aye.
MATA PROJECTS
Mr. Martin reported on the following MATA Projects:
• Roland Street 100 ft. culvert - COMPLETED
• 1st Baptist Church and Methodist Church Change Order
Mr. Martin reported the change order for 1st Baptist Church would be $60,963.00 and for the Methodist Church it would be $33,943.00. Presiding Chair Alec Farmer questioned Mr. Larry Johnson on the Mayor’s recommendation regarding the change order requests and was told Mayor Brodell did not know what the total figures were until today. It was explained that all the work being done was on Union Street either South of Matthews or North of Matthews, but a resolution had not yet been prepared. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street to recommend a resolution authorizing the change order for the amounts previously specified, to be paid out of the Mata and or Street Fund as determined by Mayor Brodell and subject to a recommendation of approval by Mayor Brodell. The resolution was to be placed on the September 15th council agenda. All voted aye.
• W. Matthews Retaining Wall
Mr. Martin stated there were questions as to whether or not a fence is required on top of the retaining wall based on the building code. He explained they were waiting for direction from Mr. Ron Shipley, the Building Inspector.
• W. Nettleton Project
Mr. Martin reported that the utility companies were presently at work and 65% of the clearing work completed. He stated it would be next spring before all the utilities were moved and construction completed.
TRAFFIC RESOLUTION
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street to recommend a traffic resolution amending Resolution No. 2002:30 to change the times from 7:30am-8:30am to 7:15am-8:15am and the afternoon times from 2:30pm-3:30pm to 3:00pm-4:00pm for the Nettleton Public Schools designated One-Way time schedule. All voted aye.
CONCRETE CONTRACT - ADA
Mr. Martin reported contracts had been advertised for ADA ramps with a separate bid for labor. It was explained both bids should be open next Tuesday or Wednesday. Discussion followed regarding the deadline for completion. No one was sure if the deadline was referring to getting the bids out, or for completion of the project.
DRAINAGE PLAN - REVIEW OF PROBLEM AREAS
Mr. Martin stated Carter Burgess had been asked to check the figures on the culverts at Culberhouse and Woodsprings. He explained at Farm Creek they were waiting on calculations by Carter Burgess on the size of culverts to be used and then the Mayor would go to the Highway Department to have them installed. Councilman Hargis inquired about the ditches at Ivy Green by the mall. It was explained that the plan was to combine the two ditches in to one, and hopefully that would solve the drainage problems in that area. Councilman Street inquired about a ditch located off the new extension of the bypass. It was explained easements had be obtained before anything could be done, and it was determined that Harry Hardwick and Aubrey Scott would get the necessary easements. Mr. Martin stated they were monitoring Christian Creek and waiting on the drainage study to determine what needs to be done. It was reported that the erosion problems were under control. Councilman Moore questioned what was being done about the willows growing in ditches near Lowes Home Improvement Store. Mr. Martin was asked to get with Mayor Brodell to determine the most efficient way to keep the ditches cleaned out, either by mowing or spraying, and come back with a recommendation.
PLANNING
Temporary/Permanent Electrical Hookups - Councilman Street reported they were trying to establish a meeting with the Planning Department and the Home Builders Association at a time when Mr. Ron Bowen of City Water and Light could attend. He explained the purpose of the meeting was to discuss a city ordinance which mandates how connections are to be made for any new construction. It was explained that fire safety codes and city ordinances mandate that connections be done a certain way, but the ordinance has not been enforced as it should have been. This places the City of Jonesboro in a liability situation and the ordinances needed to be enforced for everyone’s safety. It was determined that steps needed to be taken to educated and inform people, and not place a hardship on anyone.
Erosion Ordinance- It was explained that a public hearing was conducted, but not well attended. Councilman Street expressed concern over the federal mandate which is part of the storm water management. Mr. Batten reported that they have requested a copy of the state-wide permit prepared by ADEQ, but as of today had not received it. He explained that could have an effect on the preparation of the city erosion ordinance. Councilman Moore was told the ordinance would include a required state and local permit for grading for any commercial and residential (of a certain size) tracks.
Traffic Plan / MPO - Councilman Street reported a meeting was scheduled tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and Mayor Brodell had met with the State Highway Department about assistance with some state maintained roads within the city and would have a response by September 25th. With regard to MPO he reported they had increase the salary range and broadened the job specifications, but as of yet no one has been hired as director.
OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED
Chairman Farmer informed members that the Engineering Department had relocated and provided the new phone number, 932-2438. It was stated by Mr. Martin that their email was not working properly.
Councilman Moore requested Mr. Martin to talk to the Highway Department about a placing a guard rail at the intersection of Parker Road and Harrisburg Road. Also, he requested the Engineering Department look at the rock wall located at the intersection of Metzler and Nettleton.
Mr. Martin questioned if all change orders are to be approved by the Infrastructure Committee. Councilman Perrin stated he thought the original MATA ordinance allowed the Mayor, Engineer, and Contractor to make such changes. The committee instructed Mr. Martin to research the MATA ordinance to make sure it authorizes the Mayor, Engineer and Contractor to make such changes, but to keep the committee informed.
Mr. Hooton was instructed to check with the Finance Department regarding the requirement of purchase orders for items over $500.00 when it involves a yearly bid.
The question was raised about a proposed ordinance requiring surveys to be submitted in a digital format. Several public hearings were conducted and the ordinance was placed on the agenda, but then pulled from consideration. Councilman Perrin requested the ordinance once again be placed on the agenda for September 15th. Councilman Perrin stated the ordinance had been amended requiring the surveyors to set the points rather than the City. Councilman Farmer stated questions were being asked, such as the size of the site and other requirements. Councilman Perrin stated he would like to have a meeting and try to answer these questions so it could be place on the agenda.
With no further business Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to adjourn. All voted aye.