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Minutes from the City Council meeting on December 1, 1986
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 1, 1986
The Jonesboro City Council met at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney, and all Aldermen. The Pledge of Allegiance was given followed by the invocation by Bob Smith.
The minutes of November 17, 1986, were approved as mailed on motion by Mr. Stricklin, seconded by Mr. Evans. All voted aye.
Mr. Hannah offered the following ordinance: (Annexation-Walnut Bt. Baptist Church, Scenic Dr. R-2)
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CERTAIN LANDS ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY COURT DATED AUGUST 19, 1986; ASSIGNING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY TO WARD 4; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Sanderson to suspend the rules and place on second reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for the second time.
Mr. Evans offered the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS ON THE STAGE FLOOR AT THE FORUM FOR MATERIALS AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $4,409.27.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin to suspend the rules and place on second reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for a second time. Mr. Hannah then moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin to suspend the rules and place on third reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for a third time. Mr. Hannah further moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to adopt the ordinance. All voted aye. The ordinance was given the number 2004.
The following ordinance was on second reading: (Annexation-Industrial Park Property, 2,960 acres)
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CERTAIN LANDS ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS BY ORDER OF COUNTY COURT OF CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, ARKANSAS; ASSIGNING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY TO WARD 6; ZONING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL 1 (AG-1); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
The following bids were up for review:
86:30 - Police Dry Cleaning - Mr. Sanderson moved, seconded by Mr. Nix to accept the low bid meeting specifications from Massanelli. All voted aye.
86:31 - Cemetery Excavation - Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Mr. Parks to accept the low bid meeting specifications from Nuckles. All voted aye.
86:32 - Pest Control - Mr. Park moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to accept the low bid meeting specifications from NE Arkansas Pest. All voted aye.
Mr. Park moved, seconded by Mr. Nix to set an Appeal Hearing for Wesley and Edna Gatlin, Lots 17 and 18 of Block B of Burns and Lutterloh Subdivision, and Lots 2, 3, and 4 in Block D of Elder’s Addition, W. of Lutterloh, Rezoning R-2 to C-3 on December 15, 1986, at 7:00 p.m. All voted aye.
Mr. Stricklin moved, seconded by Mr. Bridger to purchase replacement scissors for the rescue tool for the Fire Dept. at $1,825.00 with money to come from capital improvement. All voted aye. Mayor Stallings read a letter from Arkansas State Highway department regarding their recommendation at the intersections of Gee/Washington, Gee/Matthews, Gee/Hester, Highway 49B (SW Drive)/ Culberhouse, and Hwy 63 (Joe N. Martin Expressway)/Hwy 40 (Stadium Blvd). The AHTD recommended installation of traffic lights at the intersections of Culberhouse and SW Drive and changes at the intersection of Stadium Blvd. and Joe N. Martin Expressway so north and southbound traffic can make protected left turns into the expressway. They recommended retaining existing traffic control on the three intersections connecting with Gee Street.
Mr. Nix inquired as to whether or not the city must abide by the ruling of the AHTD. The Mayor responded that it was his understanding that we do have to abide by their decision since the city is a member of the urban system and asked Jeff Gibson, Public Works Director for clarification. Mr. Gibson stated his understanding when he talked to Greg Simmons, Consultant for the AHTD was that the city must abide by Federal laws in any intersection as far a meeting the safety criteria. Mr. Gibson added that the city did a personal, physical count at the intersection of Gee and Matthews for a couple of hours in the morning and in the afternoon during peak hours. The city’s report was sent to Mr. Simmons who stated the study indicated the intersection did meet on December l, and he had not had an opportunity to review them. He then asked for the council to approve sending the report that the city conducted to Mr. Simmons and allow the AHTD to review the city’s findings and to provide Mr. Gibson the opportunity to determine whether or not the city must abide by the state rulings on that particular intersection. He further stated that the three intersections of Gee/Washington, Gee/ Matthews, and Gee/Hester were looked at as a unit rather than separately as to what effect one might have on the other and vice-versa because a development was taking place on Hester and residents were concerned that a traffic signal on Matthews would back up traffic on Hester so that they could not get out.
Mr. Sanderson moved, seconded by Mr. Hinson to table the matter until further study can be done and the city can send their traffic study to the AHTD on the intersections of Gee/Matthews, Gee/Washington, and Gee/ Hester. Discussion followed regarding placing a 2 week time limit to the AHTD for a reply. Mr. Sanderson emphasized the importance of cooperating with the AHTD.
He added that he was concerned a light at Gee/Matthews would only be a temporary fix and AHTD might take offense if the city ignored the agency’s recommendation. He stated that he personally favored a light in the area of Warner and Cherry.
Eight citizens addressed the council and asked them to authorize a light at Gee and Matthews intersection, contending scores of students at West and Annie Camp Junior High cross the intersection. Dr. Bill Beasley, Superintendent of the Jonesboro School Board recommended a protected area between Flint and the railroad tracts. He added that the nearest protected crossing for children is at Flint and Nettleton. He stated that his experience in working with children is that they tend to cross in areas that are the nearest distance between two points.
Robert Rees who operates a business at Gee/Matthews intersection, and a member of the Streets and Highway Committee of the Chamber of Commerce stated the committee recently rescinded a recommendation for a traffic light at the intersection, due to the committee’s consensus that after the opening of Annie Camp, the worries of the committee did not materialize in regard to traffic and the number of children crossing the intersection. He further added the committee felt the stop light would create more problems than it would solve. Mr. Culpepper asked Mr. Rees if he was at the meeting representing the Chamber or was speaking as an individual. Mr. Rees responded he was at the meeting as a member of the Street Committee to let the council know what the current status on this intersection was by the Chamber.
Mr. Rees stated at the intersection of Washington and Gee is 4-lanes going to the Bypass and all truck traffic is on Washington and trucks are turning going to the Rice Mill and there are a large number of accidents at the intersection according to police records. Mr. Shelton stated he felt Mr. Rees had a good point on Gee/ Washington and asked Mr. Gibson to check on it. He also stated that the Street Committee of the City Council should take a look at the intersections.
Mr. Sanderson asked for the question. The Clerk restated the motion and a roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Hinson, Evans, Bridger, Shelton, Hannah, Strauser, Sanderson, & Mays voted aye. Aldermen Park, Stricklin, Culpepper and nix voted nay. The motion passed 8-4.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Nix to ask the AHTD to submit plans and specifications on items 4 & 5 in their letter regarding Culberhouse/SW Drive (Hwy 49B), and Hwy, 63 (Joe N. Martin Expressway)/ Hwy 49S (Stadium Blvd.); and to give Jeff Gibson the authority to ask if financial assistance from State or Federal monies are available to help pay for the improvements. All voted aye.
Mr. Nix and Mr. Culpepper expressed interest in action by the council at the next meeting on the request for a light at Gee and Matthews. Mayor Stallings stated he believes AHTD will comment on the proposal within 2 weeks.
Mr. Sanderson moved, seconded by Mr. Culpepper to reappoint Gene Roebuck to the Airport Commission with his term to expire April 16, 1991. All voted aye.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin to reappoint Claude Fields to the Parking Authority with term to expire December 3, 1990, and to reappoint Skip Mooney to the Parking Authority with his term to expire December 3, 1991, and to appoint Buddy Gregson to replace Don Harmon on the Parking Authority with term to expire December 3, 1989. All voted aye.
Mr. Shelton moved, seconded by Mr. Culpepper to appoint George Krennerich (Chairman) to the Civil Service Commission with term to expire April 1, 1987, and Jerry Hubbard with term to expire April 1, 1989. All voted aye
Mr. Stricklin stated that he had been working on the Code of Ordinance update with Jim Reed at CWL on Chapter 19, and asked if any Aldermen had suggestions for deletions to contract the Chairperson of the committee, Ouida Puryear.
Mr. Evans announced several area merchants were opening their stores from 8-12 in December during the Christmas season for handicapped and Senior citizens to do their shopping, as recommended by the JHAC committee.
Mr. Hannah, Chairman of Finance Committee stated that after many hours of review, the 1987 budget has been finalized. He asked if Aldermen had questions regarding the budget to contact any member of the Finance Committee, or Mr. Davis. He also asked if Aldermen found any section of the budget objectionable, that they prepare the change in the form of an amendment rather than rejecting the total budget He complimented the tireless efforts of committee members Strauser and Park.
Mr. Stricklin offered a resolution commending the outstanding contributions of Mayor Neil J. Stallings as Aldermen since January 1, 1962, and Mayor since January 1, 1967. Mr. Stricklin moved, seconded by Mr. Bridger to adopt the resolution. All voted aye. The resolution was given the number 1986:41. Vice- Mayor Don Culpepper presented a key to the city to Mayor Stallings. Mr. Bridger announced a party would be held following the meeting honoring the Mayor. The Clerk announced Mayor Stallings will miss the December 15 meeting in order to conduct a training seminar for recently elected Mayors at the Arkansas Municipal League.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.