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Minutes for the special called City Council meeting on February 5, 1998
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 5, 1998
The Street Committee met prior to the Special Called Meeting, and Chairman Gary Tate opened the floor to Mayor Hubert Brodell.
Mayor Brodell began explaining the MATA plan designated 85 specifically named projects, but there were 135 streets (approximately 26 miles of unpaved streets) not included in the MATA plan. He showed a map of Jonesboro with the 135 streets highlighted, and provided a list of the streets. These 135 streets were to be considered, only if funds were available upon completion of the MATA project.
Mayor Brodell explained that after negotiations with State officials, the State had agreed to do the work on Johnson Ave. saving the City of Jonesboro approximately $6.5 million in MATA funds. For this reason and because projections from of the sale of the bonds estimated more than $ 50 million, Mayor Brodell proposed a plan to begin work immediately on the 135 streets, and to hire (subject to approval of the Street Committee and City Council) Mr. Ron Harmon as Coordinator to oversee the project.
It was explained, the basic equipment needed was a Grader, Roller, Water Truck, and a Dozer, all to be provided by the Street Department. Also, three experienced equipment operators would work with Mr. Harmon in an effort to complete the project in 2 to 2 1/2 years. Three part-time employees would be hired as replacements to work in the Street Department to insure MATA projects do not suffer.
Chairman Tate explained it would be up to property owners to provide petitions granting street right-of-way, and any area failing to grant street right-of-way would be pulled from the list. Mayor Brodell stated blank petitions were available, and if individuals had questions regarding this procedure they could call the Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Brodell estimated this project to run 2 1/2 to 3 million dollars, and proposed the money be earmarked out of General Fund with the probability the money would revert back to General Fund upon completion of MATA projects.
Councilman Davis inquired about the wording of the Bond Indenture wanting to make sure it was legal to proceed in this manner. Mayor Brodell stated yes it was legal. Mayor Brodell explained he had questioned Bond Counsel, Jim Buttry and was told any leftover funds from the MATA project must revert back to the Street Department for street improvements. Mr. Aubry Scott stated based on past experiences with bond counsels, if the bond issue does not list specific projects then the city may proceed as it deems necessary.
Councilman Davis questioned the previous bond issue projections considering falling interest rates. Councilman Davis stated the projections were based on some of the money staying in the MATA project and drawing interest. He stated at the time there were $50 million worth of projects, and questioned if there would be enough to cover the additional $3 million. Mayor Brodell stated even though interest rates have dropped, the projections will not change that much, and because Johnson Ave. was no longer on the list of MATA projects, he felt the money would be available.
Councilman Davis asked if we were currently keeping financial records on the cost of each project in the MATA plan. Mayor Brodell stated yes that the City is keeping a copy of everything that has been paid on each individual project. Mayor Brodell stated the same would be done for the paving of the 135 streets.
In the Street Committee meeting, committee member Ron Kelton moved, seconded by committee member Fred Rorex to endorse the proposal and recommend it to full council. A voice vote was taken with all members voting aye. Those committee members were: Gary Tate, Fred Rorex, Ron Kelton, and Dave Young.
Based on the request of Chairman Tate, Mayor Brodell called the Special Council meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. City Clerk, Donna Jackson called the roll. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Mayor Brodell, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, City Attorney, Phillip Crego and 11 council members. Those members were: Kelton, Rorex, Province, Davis, Tate, Crockett, Rega, Pratt, Young, Bowers, and Roddy.
Councilman Bowers moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to accept the recommendation of the Street Committee. Councilman Young questioned if the motion included a limit on expenditures. Councilman Bowers and Councilman Roddy withdrew their motions. Councilman Bowers moved, seconded by Councilman Davis to accept the Street Committee’s recommendation and earmark $3 million in General Fund. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members present voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Rorex, Province, Davis, Tate, Crockett, Rega, Pratt, Young, Bowers, and Roddy.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned.