title
Minutes for the Public Services Committee meeting on July 12, 2004.
body
Public Services Committee
July 12, 2004 at 4:30 p.m.
Members present: Ann Williams, Dave Young, Tim McCall, Cecil Province, and Judy Furr.
Others present were: Aubrey Scott, Mayor’s Assistant, Keith Inman, Jonesboro Sun; Steve Ewart, NEAT; Jim McKinnon, Grants; and Donna Jackson, City Clerk
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for the approval of the June 14, 2004 committee minutes as provided. Copies were made available to all in attendance. All voted aye.
CONTRACT - AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS - MASS CAR SHELTERS
Jason Wilkie, Parks Director provided a copy of a contract for the use of parks facilities to be used as mass care shelters by the American National Red Cross. Discussion was held regarding the protection of computer stations and sensitive information, as well as who would determine an emergency. Mr. Wilkie explained the City Attorney would be reviewing the contract and he would bring it back to the committee for recommendation to the full council.
CRAIGHEAD FOREST LAKE DRAW-DOWN
Mr. Wilkie explained the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission would begin a draw-down of Craighead Forest Lake which would take two weeks to drain and another thirty days to dry up. It was explained that this would include a sand containment barrier and excavation of the bottom of the lake along the swimming beach to prevent erosion. Mr. Wilkie explained an engineer was needed to design the structure and the only firm with direct beach development experience was Thompson Engineering. It was explained that Mr. Wilkie would determine the “scope of work” with the help of Corp of Engineers and Bernie Auld.
GRAFFITI CONTEST
Mr. Wilkie stated he had been approached by Councilman Moore and Mr. Aaron Richardson about conducting a graffiti contest for the new skate park. He was instructed provide the details to the Downtown Association for their recommendation. It was suggested that the contest could be incorporated in to National Night Out on August 3, 2004.
ATV GRANT
Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to refer a resolution accepting a contract for Craighead Forest ATV Trail Grant. It was explained the grant was an 80/20 match for $85,000.00 to expand ATV trail and to prevent ruts caused by 4-wheel trucks being driven on the property. All voted aye.
FORESTRY GRANT
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to refer a resolution accepting a contract for Craighead Forest Urban & Community Forestry Grant. It was explained the grant was a 50/50 match with $20,000 being paid federally, and a $20,000 match by the city to be used for forest cleanup. All voted aye.
TRANSIT AUTHORITY - NEAT
Mr. Steve Ewart , chair of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Transit Authority reported to committee members that the decision was made to ask the Craighead County Quorum Court to place a referendum on the general election allowing citizens to vote the measure up or down. He explained erosion of the commitments started when corporations did not see leadership on the part of public officials (Quorum Court). He explained they had missed the agenda deadline, but a resolution would be introduced at the Quorum Court meeting tonight.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to adjourn. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Province moved, seconded by Councilman Young to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye.