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Minutes for the Public Services Committee meeting on April 18, 2005.
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Public Services Committee
April 18, 2005 at 4:30 p.m.
Members present: Ann Williams, Mitch Johnson, Tim McCall, and Cecil Province. Councilwoman Furr was unable to attend.
Others present were: City Clerk Donna Jackson, Jeff Owens, Brian Wadley, and Paul Copeland.
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order.
MINUTES
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Province for approval of the March 30, 2005 committee minutes as provided. Copies were provided to all in attendance. All voted aye.
PARKS
Water Meter & 2 inch line at CFP: Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to recommend a resolution to the full council requesting free utility service at Craighead Forest Park, 4910 S. Culberhouse. Mr. Owens explained it would be for future work at CFP, for a sign at the parks entrance (in the island) that would house a waterfall, and expansion of a historical tree walk. Councilman Province questioned if a two inch line would be adequate. His concern was that the work would have to be redone in a few years if the line was not large enough. Committee members were assured the two inch line would be adequate. All voted aye.
Forestry Grant: Mr. Owens requested a recommendation to apply for a 50/50 matching Forestry Grant which would be used for educational greenway planning and equipment for the maintenance of trees. Two options were being considered, but were waiting on concrete cost from Associated Engineering. He stated the grant had been budgeted for in the 2005 budget, with the Forestry Commission paying $10,000.00 and Jonesboro paying $10,000.00. However, Grant Coordinator Paul Copeland pointed out the budget reflects $20,000 from the city for the Tree Forestry Grant and would receive $10,000.00 from grant proceeds. Since there was no urgency for the grant application, and the matter, if recommended, would have to go before the Finance Committee, it was decided to wait for complete details regarding the option, concrete figures and budget questions.
Contract with Sidney Moncrief: Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to recommend to the full council a resolution to contract with Sidney Moncrief to rent Allen Park Community Center, the Parker Park Community Center and the Earl Bell Community Center for the Sidney Moncrief Back 2 Basics Basketball for the purpose of conducting basketball camps. The resolution would be placed on the May 3rd agenda. Mr. Owens explained City Attorney Crego had reviewed the contract, and had made one amendment which would allow the city to review Mr. Moncrief’s records. He stated the cost would be $80.00 per child with some scholarships being offered. Questions were asked regarding liability and were told by Mr. Owens that the basketball camp assumes all liability. All voted aye.
Resolution expressing appreciation to Dustin McDaniel: Mr. Owens provided a proposed resolution expressing appreciation to Representative Dustin McDaniel for his help in securing funds for Rotary Centennial Park and other city parks. Committee members expressed concern for not offending any state representative, and explained in the past when paying recognition; it is done for all not just a selected few.
Construction Report: Mr. Owens provided a written report regarding the status of the various parks projects to committee members in attendance, and verified the progress being made.
CEMETERIES
Chairwoman Williams stated the next meeting of Public Services would be May 9th, 2005 and Mr. Wilkie was preparing information to address the issues regarding city cemeteries. Councilman McCall stated he had called the Arkansas Preservation Alliance and obtained information on how to have particular graves recognized they must be on the historic registry. He explained that Paul Copeland and he would be attending a seminar on writing grants for historic preservation.
TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Paul Copeland provided written information regarding the Strategic Taskforce on Public Transit and briefed committee members on the purpose, feasibility study, components of feasibility, funding, and recommendations. A monthly meeting timeline was provided ending October of 2005. He explained they would be using a previous study which was done in 2002, extracting only data pertaining to Jonesboro and updating pertinent figures with current information. It was explained they would be working methodically and conservatively taking the proposal to the public prior to bringing it to the full council. He explained they were looking at the old Jelks building as a possible location which would be used for bus storage, and office space. Mr. Copeland requested committee members review the information and call if they had questions.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Province to adjourn. All voted aye.