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Minutes for the City Council meeting on August 20, 2001
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 20, 2001
The Jonesboro City Council met Monday, August 20, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Mayor Hubert Brodell, City Attorney Phillip Crego, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, and eleven council members. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to approve the minutes as previously delivered. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin.
Mr. Jason Wilkie, Interim Parks Director, introduced Mr. Jeff Owens, Coordinator for the City Stars summer basketball league. Mr. Owens explained the program allows youth the opportunity to participate in sports at no cost, teaching them team work, sportsmanship, and good communication skills. It was explained the program offers alternatives to destructive behavior. Ms. Cora Peels, a volunteer coach also addressed council members, stating her desire to work with young people was influenced by the example set by her mother. Champions from the Mayor’s Invitational Tournament of the City Stars Basketball team were recognized and Mayor Brodell was presented a City Stars basketball shirt, which he wore for the remainder of the city council meeting.
Mayor Brodell veered from the agenda and introduced a resolution opposing the dismantling of the Essential Air Service Subsidy for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Copeland for the adoption of the resolution. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:36.
The following ordinance was on third reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO COMMERCIAL (C-3 LIMITED USE), LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF DAN AVENUE (HWY 91), ON BOTH SIDES OF WALPOLE LANE. (DAVID BEST, BEST PETROLEUM)
Attorney C.M. Mooney representing Mr. David Best read the following amendment to the ordinance: “Based on upon the recommendation that the subject property be zoned to C-3, General Commercial District with a limited use overlay allowing only the following specific land uses: Bank, ATM, or other financial institutions; Convenience store with automobile fueling services, and a limited service restaurant; Car wash provided it is connected to approved (rather than public) sewer system.
The following land uses shall be specifically excluded:
(1) Truck Stop as defined below;
(2) Accumulation and storage trucks, trailers, construction vehicles, construction materials or equipment, tanks, barrels, and any type of salvage materials.
A truck stop shall be defined as any building, premises or land in which, or upon which is located a business conducting or rendering services involved in maintaining servicing, parking, storing, or repairing commercial trucks or other commercial vehicles. The services provided include the dispensing of motor fuel or petroleum products directly into commercial trucks or other commercial vehicles; and the sale of accessories or equipment for such commercial trucks and vehicles. A truck stop may include spaces for the short-term or long-term parking or storing of trucks and other commercial vehicles. Overnight accommodations solely for the use of truck crews may be provided in a truck stop.”
Attorney Mooney provided City Clerk, Donna Jackson a petition claiming it contained approximately 350 signatures of citizens living in the immediate area who were in favor of the rezoning. Mr. Mooney requested the ordinance be amended and be read three times, then adopted. Attorney Chris Averitt explained it has been their position before the city council and the planning commission that the entire petition be denied. Attorney Averitt explained, originally it was requested that the property be rezoned to C-3, and then Mr. Batten recommended a C-3 Limited Use Overlay, without the additional amendments that were just read by Mr. Mooney. He explained the planning commission denied both the C-3 and the C-3 Limited Use Overlay because the rezoning was seen as premature, due to Mr. Batten’s opinion that this petition does not fit within the residential neighborhood as it sits today. Attorney Averitt explained that Mr. Batten had given his opinion to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, that once the interchange is completed by the Highway Department, it would change the scope of the property and he could then recommend a C-3 with a Limited Use Overlay. Attorney Averitt contended that a C-4 Limited Use Overlay would be a better use for the property because it is for residential oriented businesses, and would not prevent the uses mentioned by Mr. Mooney. He explained the only exception would be a car wash, which is a conditional use under C-4 zoning and a permitted use under C-3 zoning. He stated his clients could better enforce the need for a neighborhood convenience store if they have C-4 zoning. In closing, Attorney Averitt explained unlike the people signing the petition, the people he represented lived within the immediate area of the zoning request. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to amend the ordinance as read by Attorney C. M. Mooney. Mayor Brodell called for a voice vote resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Rorex who voted nay. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin. Councilman Tate offered the newly amended ordinance. Councilman Chris Moore questioned if the emergency clause was to be read into the ordinance. City Attorney, Phillip Crego apologized and read the emergency clause into the ordinance. Councilman Rega moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Rorex who voted nay. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett to further suspend the rules and place on third and final reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Rorex who voted nay. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett for the adoption of the ordinance. Dr. James Dunivan, Superintendent of Westside School, spoke in opposition to the zoning request stating he had been speaking with Mr. Joe Barnett of the Arkansas Highway Department regarding the changes to be made in the area. Dr. Dunivan stated as the plans are now the school bus would have go around the overpass, making a 360° turn, make a complete stop, then cross three lanes of traffic. He explained no one was sure of the changes that will be made in the area. Mayor Brodell called for a roll call vote, resulting in a seven (7) to four (4) vote in opposition to the adoption of the ordinance. Those members voting nay were: McCall, Young, Rorex, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, Crockett, and Rega. The ordinance was denied.
Councilman Kelton offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO RESIDENTIAL (R-2A), LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF SCOTT STREET IN THE 900 BLOCK OF J. A. LAMBERTH SUBDIVISION. (TOMMY DAVIS)
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Rega to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye, with the exception of Councilman Perrin who left the room during the vote. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to further suspend the rules and place on the third and final reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Perrin who left the room during the vote. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore. Councilman Kelton moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Perrin who left the room during the vote. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore. Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in everyone voting aye, with the exception of Councilman Perrin who left the room during the vote. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3310.
Councilman Copeland offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) AND RESIDENTIAL (R-2) TO RESIDENTIAL (R-2A), LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF SCOTT STREET IN THE 900 BLOCK OF J. A. LAMBERTH SUBDIVISION. (TOMMY DAVIS)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Young moved seconded by Councilman Perrin to further suspend the rules and place on third and final reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Rega moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Rega for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, Perrin and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3311.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM COMMERCIAL (C-3) TO RESIDENTIAL (R-2), LOCATED AT 1600 STADIUM BOULEVARD. (COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH)
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Young to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Young moved seconded by Councilman Crockett to further suspend the rules and place on third and final reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3312.
Councilman Rega offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO COMMERCIAL (C-3), LOCATED AT 537 W. NETTLETON AVENUE. (ROBERT LEON CARLISLE)
Councilman Crockett moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Young moved seconded by Councilman Crockett to further suspend the rules and place on third and final reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3313.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO INDUSTRIAL (I-1 LU-O, LIMITED USE OVERLAY FOR CLASS IV LANDFILL), LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF STRAWFLOOR DRIVE, APPROXIMATELY ¼ MILE WEST OF TALL BIRCH DRIVE. (CITY OF JONESBORO)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman McCall for the third and final reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members voting aye were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the ordinance. Ms. Daisy Hazelwood who lives ¼ of mile from the landfill (Casey Springs Road) spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Ms. Hazelwood reported they had been told in 1970 that the present landfill was full and would be closed, but in 1972 she and her neighbors were forced to form a committee called, “Citizens Against Environmental Pollution Control” to control the burning in the landfill. She stated they had to get a court order to stop the illegal burning that took place, and promises were made and broken regarding the city’s landfill. She reported within a ¼ mile radius of the current landfill there have been 14 confirmed cases of cancer, along with other health problems. She contributed the problems to the illegal dumping of toxic chemicals which were supposed to be regulated by the City of Jonesboro and the State of Arkansas. Ms. Hazelwood stated a cleanup effort was done, but some of the drums were so decomposed it would be hazardous to move them. She stated they are residents of Jonesboro, and the landfill should not be placed in their backyard. Mayor Brodell questioned Ms. Hazelwood regarding whether or not she knew what would be put in the new landfill. She responded saying she was aware of the practices of the last thirty years. Mayor Brodell stated it would not be the same as it was in the seventies and eighties. He assured her no garbage would go into the landfill. Ms. Hazelwood voiced her objections to the present landfill being extended for another three years. She stated it should be located somewhere other than a residential area. Attorney Malcolm Culpepper was the next to address council, representing several landowners. He stated he wanted the council to consider location and proximity, reminding them that the proposed new landfill will be located less than a ½ mile from the bypass, surrounded by residential neighborhoods. He stated the present elevation is 380 feet located on the ridge, and according to drawings by the engineer, they plan to raise the already highest point, another 90 to 100 feet. He compared the landfill located between Jacksonville and Little Rock, saying that landfill is not located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. He stated the city would not be able to clean up eighty acres of landfill and use the property for something else. Attorney Culpepper contended that it is too easy to put things in a landfill that do not belong there, and warned of the impact it will have on the City of Jonesboro and its residents. He requested the City Council to slow down and make a good wise decision. He questioned if the City Council was advised properly regarding the landfill or was it done in a hasty fashion. Attorney Culpepper stated the newly adopted zoning plan does not address a landfill, suggesting there should not be a landfill within the city limits of Jonesboro. He stated no other vicinity was looked at as an alternate site. Attorney Culpepper expressed concern that even though the zoning request was denied by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) it did not come to the City Council on appeal, but rather went back to the MAPC, and questioned the accuracy of the procedure. He stated he believed the MAPC decision was based on an incorrect premise, that because there is adjacent property that is nonconforming use then that makes it all right to rezone. He claimed because the ordinance was on three readings and included an emergency clause there was undue hast. In closing, one resident complained of the smell and how the landfill was a fire hazard due to the gas. Councilman Young questioned the research that was done in determining the location of the landfill. Mayor Brodell responded saying the City of Jonesboro hired Garver & Garver out of Little Rock, Arkansas to review five (5) sites, and selected this site as the number one site. Councilman Copeland questioned City Attorney, Phillip Crego regarding the matter being brought back to the MAPC. Attorney Crego stated the matter was brought as a request to rezone from Residential (R-1) to Industrial (I-1) and denied. He stated it then was brought back to the MAPC as Residential (R-1) to Industrial (I-1 LU-O) with a limited use over lay which would allow for the matter to be reconsidered by the MAPC. Mayor Brodell recognized Attorney Culpepper who read the engineering report prepared by Garver and Garver, reporting there was three sites evaluated which were located at the immediate area of the existing landfill operation, and a fourth at a non-specific location. Attorney Culpepper answered Councilman Young’s question by saying no other area inside or outside of the existing landfill vicinity was ever considered. Mayor Brodell called for a roll call vote resulting in a seven (7) to four (4) vote in favor of the adoption of the ordinance. The ordinance contained an emergency clause, which requires 2/3 or eight votes of the city council for its adoption. It was first assumed the ordinance failed because of the emergency clause, however, the next day a legal opinion was provided by City Attorney Phillip Crego declaring the adoption of the ordinance without the emergency clause. Attorney Crego’s opinion is attached to the minutes as part of the official record. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3314.
The following ordinance was on the third and final reading:
ORDINANCE DEFINING “PROFESSIONAL SERVICES” FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACTS WHICH PROHIBITS THE USE OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3315.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Kelton to set an appeal hearing for September 4, 2001, at 6:00 p.m., regarding a recommendation by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission to deny rezoning from Residential (R-1) to Commercial (C-3) for property located on the west side of Southwest Drive, south of Harwood Drive and west of Oak Park Drive, as requested by Mr. Rubin Griffin. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Copland to set an appeal hearing for September 4, 2001, at 5:30 p.m. regarding the recommendation by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission to deny rezoning from Residential (R-2) to Commercial (C-5 LU-O) for property located at 418 W. Matthews Avenue as requested by Mr. Sam Hester. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin.
Councilman Rega moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution setting a public hearing for September 4, 2001, at 5:20 p.m. for the purpose of abandoning a seven and one half foot (7.5’) utility easement, and a ten foot (10’) drainage easement along the west side of Lots 5, 6, and 7 in Block “D” of Forest Green Phase III Subdivision. The request was made by Mr. Bob Gibson of Greenmeadows Development. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:37.
Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett to change the date of the next council meeting to September 4, 2001, due to the Labor Day Holiday. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin.
Councilman Rega moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas to participate under the 2002 Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism’s Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:38.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the adoption of a resolution requesting City Water and Light to provide free electrical service at a ball park located at 418 CWL Drive; and both electrical and installation of nightlights for walking trails at the Joe Mac Campbell Park. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:39.
Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of a resolution placing the following traffic signs at the following locations:
STOP SIGNS:
Carolina Dr. at Maple Valley.
Emerson Ln. at Flemon
Shelton Bluff Rd at Flemon
Butternut Dr. at Flemon
Shasta Dr. at Flemon
Wardlow Ln. at Kellers Chapel Rd
Joan Ln at Kellers Chapel Rd
SPEED LIMIT SIGNS:
25mph:
On Haltom from Matthews to Richmond.
On Alpine from N. Church (Hwy 141) to French St.
A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:40.
Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett for the adoption of a resolution endorsing Nestle’ USA Prepared Foods Division, located at 8203 E. Highland Drive to participate in the Advantage Arkansas Program. The motion was withdrawn in order to correct the date of “2001” to “2004” as recommended by Grant Coordinator, Jim McKinnon. Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the resolution containing the corrected date. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:41.
Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution endorsing Millard Refrigerated Services, located at 8401 E. Highland Drive to participate in the Advantage Arkansas Program. The motion was withdrawn in order to correct the date of “2001” to “2004” as recommended by Grant Coordinator, Jim McKinnon. Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett for the adoption of the resolution containing the corrected date. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rorex, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:42.
Under new business, Councilman Kelton reported he had received phone calls regarding littering. He requested that people to please stop littering Jonesboro.
Councilman Crockett reported that the Police Committee had met and was recommending that the Assistant Police Chief position be changed to Chief.
Councilman Rorex stated he wished to amend the Fire Committee’s recommendation to include the positions of Assistant Chief and Fire Chief.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution amending the Wage and Salary Management Plan to include the position of Youth Sports Coordinator in the Parks Department, with a classification of Exempt - Salary Grade 2. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye, with the exception of Councilman Rorex who voted nay stating he wanted to make sure the city could fund the Assistant Chief positions before funding any newly created positions. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:43.
Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Tate for the adoption of a resolution amending the Wage and Salary Management Plan to include the position of Park Superintendent in the Parks Department, with a classification of Exempt - Salary Grade 4. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye, with the exception of Councilman Rorex who voted nay stating he wanted to make sure the city could fund the Assistant Chief positions in both Fire and Police Departments before funding any newly created positions. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, McCall, Young, Crockett, Rega, Province, Copeland, Moore, and Perrin. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2001:44.
Councilman Rega reported he had hoped to introduce resolutions regarding the positions of Fire Chief and Police Chief but due to legal requirements, would be doing so at the next council meeting. Councilman Rega requested Captain Alan Dunn of the Jonesboro Fire Department to address Council regarding the matter. Captain Dunn reported that the firefighters believe there should be a Fire Chief and an Assistant Fire Chief position, as previously stated by Alderman Rorex. He stated they had been told only the Fire Chief position was being considered. He explained if only one position is provided for, they would prefer the assistant chief position remain. He explained the position of assistant chief has been unoccupied for some time and they have three qualified people who could readily fill the position. He stated an assistant chief is needed in the absence of Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson who is unable to be at the station all the time. Captain Dunn submitted a petition in opposition to the termination of the position of Assistant Fire Chief and requesting the current system of Assistant Fire Chief remain in place and promotions be made from the current and valid Civil Service Commission list. Alderman Tate questioned how many of the firefighters signed the petition. Captain Dunn explained the petition contained sixty-eight signatures out of eighty some firefighters. He stated some of the people were on vacation and unavailable to sign the petition. Councilman Moore questioned if the concerns of the firefighters had been expressed at the Fire Committee meeting. Captain Dunn responded stating the firefighters did not attend the Fire Committee meeting because they had not been notified of the meeting. Councilman Kelton stated for the record the Fire Committee does not do the notification of committee meetings, the notification comes from other sources. Councilman Rorex questioned Captain Dunn regarding the need for both positions of Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief. Captain Dunn responded saying both positions are needed due to the population growth of Jonesboro. Mayor Brodell stated according to the survey done by Human Resource Director, Suzanne Hackney many of the cities larger than Jonesboro do not have Assistant Fire Chief position. Councilman Rorex stated the administrative load of the fire department is too heavy for one officer, and an assistant position was needed. Councilman Rorex stated the Personnel Committee will meet before the next council meeting to address the matter.
Councilman Province questioned when the work would be done on the Harold Kaffka property located at Main and Nettleton. Councilman Tate suggested proceeding with condemnation action. City Attorney, Phillip Crego recommended inspection of the property for the purpose of determining condemnation action. Councilman Moore requested the inspection department provide their recommendation by the next council meeting.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.