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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on February 17, 2003.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 17, 2003
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met February 17, 2003 at 5:15 p.m. at 900 West Monroe, Jonesboro, Arkansas. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Paul Copeland, Jim Hargis, Chris Moore, Harold Perrin, and John Street.
Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Street to approve the minutes from January 20, 2003 Public Safety Committee meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye.
ANIMAL CONTROL SUBCOMMITTEE
Chairman Hargis reported that the 30 year old septic system located at the dog pound was ineffective. He explained that after inspection of the septic system it was determined to be impractical to hook up to city sewer and recommended replacing with a new septic system. Councilman Hargis explained bids had been taken and the new system would be installed as soon as weather permitted. Chairman Moore requested further update once the system was installed.
INSPECTIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Chairman Street reported on an ordinance appropriating funds for the Reserves and SWAT team. The appropriation was for flashlights and front breast-plates of their bullet-proof vests. Mr. Street expressed concern for the safety of officers going into hazardous situations without proper equipment. He stated the equipment was a necessity because without proper equipment their lives are in jeopardy. Chairman Street also explained the rest of the appropriation was for uniforms for identification purposes of the Inspection Department. Councilman Hargis moved, seconded by Councilman Copeland to recommend the appropriations ordinance to the full council. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Chairman Moore explained he had received a request from Doug Formon, to address the Public Safety Committee regarding his grievance charging Director Floyd Johnson with violating his civil rights. Mr. Formon read his statement which shall be entered as part of the record (Attachment A). Prior to Mr. Formon reading his statement he provided each committee member the following documentation: Certified Transcript of conversation between Doug Formon and Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson; Certified Transcript of conversation between Rohnny McDaniel and Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson; Five (5) pages of written correspondence between Doug Formon, Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson, Mayor Hubert Brodell, Captain Tim Eads, and Assistant Chief Rusty Grigsby (Attachment B). Mr. Formon also provided to City Clerk, Donna Jackson, a CD of a taped conversation between Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson and Doug Formon (Attachment C) as well as a CD of a taped conversation between Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson and Rhonny McDaniel (Attachment D).
Mr. Formon explained the conversations had been transcribed by Ms. Paula E. Masters, a certified transcriptionist, and requested permission to play excerpts from both taped conversations while committee members followed along with the certified transcripts.
Chairman Moore recognized Public Safety Director, Floyd Johnson who stated he had no objection to the conversations being played in their entirety, but objected to the committee hearing excerpts of the conversations. He explained he had nothing to hide, and never has denied the statements made on the recordings, but did not want the conversations being “piece-milled”.
Chairman Moore asked committee members if there were any objections to hearing excerpts of the conversations. No opposition was voiced. Mr. Formon played excerpts of the conversations while committee members followed along with the certified transcripts. Chairman Moore then recognized Public Safety Director Floyd Johnson and asked if he wanted to respond. Director Johnson stated even though he appreciated the opportunity to respond, he felt it was not the appropriate time for him to make a statement. He stated there are two sides to every story and it was ridiculous to pick certain parts of the tapes and play it. He further stated it was not fair to bring this out in the public. Councilman Hargis stated this was an appropriate time to tell the committee what was missing from the conversations. He asked Director Johnson what was not presented as communication between Director Johnson and Mr. Formon. Councilman Hargis stated it does not need to be a mystery how much it costs to keep a prisoner in jail, and stated that information has not been forth coming.
Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Street to turn the information over to Mayor Brodell and request he be prepared to present to the full Council his response by the next council meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye.
With no further business, Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street for adjournment.