title
Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on March 21, 2006.
body
Public Safety Committee Minutes
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
5:15 p.m.
Members present were: Jim Hargis, Chris Moore, Tim McCall, and Harold Perrin. Councilwoman Judy Furr and Councilman Mitch Johnson were unable to attend.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief Michael Yates asked for any suggestions regarding his monthly reports. He would like the committee’s input on what information should be put in the report.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Assistant Fire Chief Leonard Jadrich discussed the Arkansas Fire Grant and the fitness testing for firefighters. He explained the fitness testing would be done by ASU since they were the low bidder. ASU would go to the fire station and test each of the firefighters, then put them on fitness routines. At the end of the year, they will return to re-test the firefighter’s fitness. Assistant Chief Jadrich stated the Arkansas Fire Grant is an 80%, 20% grant. But, they are going to take money out of the ACT 833 budget to pay the City’s 20% share, so the program is budget neutral for the City. He further explained the tests would be for every firefighter and would also provide immunizations. Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Hargis, to approve the purchase of the firefighter fitness testing. All voted aye.
Fire Chief Aaron Keller stated he contacted Pierce and him, his three mechanics, Mayor Formon and Councilman McCall will be taking a trip to tour the factory and do the final inspection on the new truck. It should be here around the first of May. The other four trucks are coming off the line in October and are on schedule.
He also stated the department will be losing four firefighters if the 875th Battalion is deployed for duty. It was added the Police Department will lose four employees as well. The City will lose up to 11 employee’s total.
Chief Keller discussed the AWIN radio system. They’re expecting it to be operational in July or August. Discussion was held regarding the system and what it will cover.
Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Perrin, to recommend to full Council a resolution purchasing three new generators. All voted aye.
INSPECTIONS
It was questioned if any of the owners of homes recently put on the condemnation list had purchased a permit to get the house off the list. Ms. Shirley Thomas stated Mr. Larry Hampton had contacted the department recently about purchasing a permit and they’re expecting him to purchase one.
OTHER
Justice Complex: Mr. Jim Maddox explained to the committee the estimate for repairs on the Justice Complex is $130,500 with B.B. Vance being the low bidder. He stated the estimate covers all the work necessary to be done. It was questioned why the estimate increased from the original estimate of $30,000. Mr. Maddox indicated the estimate increased largely due to the subcontractors that are needed. Work is needed to be done on plumbing and electrical, which requires subcontracting work. Mr. Maddox discussed the bidding process and explained they had some problems finding someone willing to do the work because no one wanted to touch the building. It was questioned whether there was the possibility of more work being needed adding an extra cost to the project that was not anticipated in the $130,500 estimate. Mr. Maddox indicated if there was an extra cost it would be minimal. Questions were then raised concerning what the condition of the building would be if the repairs were done. Mr. Maddox explained the building would be stabilized for a period of time. Councilman Perrin questioned if the structural engineer would give his certification on the building if the work is done. Mr. Maddox stated the structural engineer, Mr. Tom Parsons, will qualify what has been done. Discussion was then held regarding what the cost would be if the departments relocated to another location. Discussion was also held concerning what the $130,500 estimate included. Mr. Larry Flowers indicated the estimate included a 9.5% commission for architect fees and a 15% contingency. Mayor Formon recommended proceeding with the repairs to the building and starting to look at new locations. The company had indicated to Mayor Formon the work would take 35 days and they could start work on Monday if hired. Mayor Formon added that in a matter of three weeks some departments could be moved back into the Justice Complex. It was questioned whether the gap towards the front could be fixed. Mr. Maddox stated they could fix the gap. It was then questioned whether City Attorney Phillip Crego had looked at the contract to see if it’s the best thing for the City. Mr. Crego stated he has not looked at the contract, but would only be able to comment on the legality of the contract as opposed to whether or not it’s right for the City. Councilman Perrin motioned, seconded by Councilman McCall, to recommend to full Council the contract with B.B. Vance for repairs to the Justice Complex and to appropriate funds. All voted aye.
Downtown parking: Mayor Formon stated enforcement of downtown parking would start in a week or two. He added the enforcement has been asked for and would be done by part-time workers.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis for adjournment. All voted aye.