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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on August 18, 2003.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
August 18, 2003
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met August 18, 2003 at 5:15 p.m. at 900 West Monroe, Jonesboro, Arkansas. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Jim Hargis, Chris Moore, Harold Perrin, and John Street. Others in attendance: Mayor Brodell, City Clerk Donna Jackson, Police Chief Floyd Johnson, Police Assistant Chief Rusty Grigsby, Planning Director Glenn Batten, Information Systems Alan Young, 911 Director Bob Andrews, Assistant Fire Chief Butch Herring, Alderman Tim McCall, Code Enforcement Officer Doug Little, and Keith Inman Jonesboro Sun. Chairman Moore called the meeting to order.
SAFE JONESBORO COALITION
No report was available. Mayor Brodell stated he would provide the information before the week was out so the committee could make a recommendation at the next committee meeting.
FIRING RANGE
Discussion was held regarding an ordinance changing the zoning requirements for the installation of firing ranges. No opposition was voiced.
MINUTES APPROVED
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the approval of committee minutes dated July 21, 2003. All voted aye.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
A. Mr. Batten presented an ordinance amending the Jonesboro Code of Ordinances authorizing the Sanitation Inspector (Lester Gill) to issue warnings and citations for code violations specified in Sections 5.16.01 through 5.16.15. He explained Mr. Joe Coker, a city inspector had been authorized to do code enforcement part-time as well and the cross-training would be beneficial to the city. Mr. Batten was asked to amend the ordinance to allow code enforcement officers to issue citations for sanitation inspections as well, then bring it back to the committee for review.
B. Mr. Batten presented an ordinance amending the Jonesboro Code of Ordinances, Section 5.16.17 increasing the fines for failure of a property owner or occupant to remove debris from the property. He explained the ordinance would provide a range of $50.00 to $500.00 for the fine, with the actual amount to be determined by the Municipal Court Judge. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis to recommend the ordinance to the full council and place the ordinance on the agenda for the July 2nd council meeting. All voted aye.
C. Mr. Batten presented an ordinance amending the Jonesboro Code of Ordinances, Section 5.16.18 requiring the payment of an administrative fee of $100.00 for the cities cost in providing services in the correction of environmental deficiencies. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to recommend the ordinance to the full council and place the ordinance on the agenda for the July 2nd council meeting. All voted aye.
D. Discussion was held regarding the responsibility of maintenance for street right of way and easements. Mr. Batten was asked to meet with City Attorney, Phillip Crego for clarification and to report back to the committee.
E. Discussion was held regarding parking issues in residential one zoning. Mr. Batten stated he had received complaints of college students having as many as ten cars blocking residential homes. Chairman Moore stated the Parking Committee was proposing an ordinance addressing parking issues and recommended the matter be referred to them. Mr. Batten stated it would be a matter of changing the definition of residential one zoning.
F. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis authorizing the purchase of digital cameras at a cost of $422.43. All voted aye. Discussion was held regarding Information Systems being involved with the selection of the equipment, with Councilman Perrin explaining it was for compatibility purposes. Mr. Batten expressed concern with the slow response time by Information Systems and lack of accountability by the department.
RESERVE OFFICERS EQUIPMENT
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin recommending an ordinance appropriating $6,020.10 for equipment for reserve officers in the Jonesboro Police Department. The ordinance would be referred to the Finance Committee for final review before being placed on the agenda The equipment included the following items: 12 Uniform Pants; 12 Uniform Shirts; 8 Badges; 12 Name Tags; 12 Belts; 10 Handcuffs; 12 Batons; 12 Baton Holders; 12 Belt Keepers; 12 Handcuff Cases; 12 Radio Holders; 12 Mace Cases; 12 Mace Sprays; 12 Raincoats; 12 Hoods; 12 Reflective Panels; 12 Collar Brass; and 12 Winter Coats. All voted aye.
VOICE RECORDER - 911
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis recommending a bid for $34,985.00 from Rhodes for a new voice recording system for 911. It was explained Rhodes was being recommended because they have their own representative within a 70 mile radius. All voted aye.
MOSQUITO / ANIMAL CONTROL
Councilman Hargis reported Vector Mosquito Control had two years left on their contract and the committee would be reviewing the terms in the near future. He also stated research was being done to refine the animal control ordinances and upgrade the animal shelter.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street for adjournment. All voted aye.