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Minutes for the City Council meeting on January 19, 1987
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An appeal Hearing was held for Mrs. Patsy Thomasson, 801 Shoshoni regarding a 12-foot side yard variance on a storage building. Attorney Donn Mixon addressed the Council. Mr. Nixon stated that Mrs. Thomasson received a building permit from the Building Inspector’s office that was issued based on the drawing done by Mrs. Thomasson providing for a 30 ft. set back from the side of the building to the property line. She then had a concrete slab poured and learned that setbacks for subdivisions vary within the city. She stated the storage building would consist of a wooden structure with matching trim. Mr. Mixon added that adjacent property owners have signed an affidavit stating they had no abjections to the structure. However, Mr. Stricklin stated he had received several phone calls objecting to the storage building. Mr. Nix inquired about the requirement of a bill of assurance. Mr. Mixon stated he is willing to have the matter tabled for two weeks until the bill of assurance can be researched.
City Council Minutes - January 19, 1987
The Jonesboro City Council met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney and Aldermen Hannah, Park, Stricklin, Bridger, Province, Mays, Sanderson, Strauser, Hinson, and Nix. Aldermen Evans and Shelton came in after the meeting had commenced. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Park gave the invocation.
The Minutes of January 5, 1987, were approved as mailed on motion by Mr. Hannah, seconded by Mr. Nix. All voted aye.
Mayor Brodell recognized Dr. Tom Dickson and his journalism class from ASU who were in attendance at the meeting.
Mr. Stricklin offered a resolution naming judges, clerks, and alternates to serve in the election for directors for Positions 1, 2, and 3, of CWL to be held February 19, 1987. Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin to adopt the resolution. A roll call vote was taken and all voted aye. The resolution was given the number 1987:01.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Park to postpone action on an appeal of the Board of Variance for Mrs. Patsy Thomasson until the bill of assurance can be researched. All voted aye.
Mr. Nix offered the following ordinance:
SECTION 17 OF ORDINANCE #1930 IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT THE INITIAL FINE OF $2.00 FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS BE INCREASED TO $5.00 WHERE THE PARTY CITED FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE SHALL FAIL TO PAY THE SAID $2.00 FINE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE DATE OF ISSUANCE OF THE CITATION
Mr. Stricklin moved, seconded by Mr. Park to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for the second time.
Mr. Park moved, seconded by Mr. Hinson to appoint Mrs. Myra Buhrmester to the Parks and Recreation Commission with the term to expire 1/91. All voted aye.
Mayor Brodell read the following appointments to the Library Board:
Stephen Reasoner Term expires 1/91
Mr. R. H. Wall Term expires 1/93
Mr. Stan Langley Term expires 1/93
Mr. Shap Pryor Term expires 1/91
Mr. Hannah noted the letter from the Director of the Jonesboro Craighead County Public Library, Phyllis Burkett in which she specified the length of terms of each of the appointee’s. Mr. Sanderson moved, seconded by Dr. Strauser to appoint the above people subject to Ms. Burkett’s recommendation of terms. All voted aye.
Mr. Hinson moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to allow the placement of a mobile home at 1106 Warren by Paul and Leanna Ishmael. All voted aye.
The following bids were up for review:
87:01 - Towel and Linen Service
Mr. Ben Lamberth representing Clean Services of Jonesboro addressed the council and stated this is a matter of personal pride, and justified concern and there are many differences in the various bid processes when these processes relate to service as opposed to products. He further added there were some considerations worthy of review. (1) Not all textile rental companies provide insurance while their employees are on city property (2) variety of different considerations in products and cited examples of the two local hospitals stringent requirements with regard to mops. He added that this does not relate to the product itself, but to the treatment of a dust mop. It is a significant cost as it relates to labor and product and Clean Services does use treatment other than water and can certify that at a flash point of over 3001 dust mops stored with regard to spontaneous combustion, there is no problem. Mr. Lamberth added these were only 2 of 15 points worthy of the council’s consideration. In addition, he suggested the specifications for the bidding process be reviewed and stated the vast majority of manufacturers served by Clean Services require the company to furnish workman’s comp and liability insurance and the city of Jonesboro bids do not require this.
Mr. Glen Foreman representing I.D. Industrial Services of Lake City, Ark stated that their production supplies are basically the same as those of Clean Services. He added that his company also has workman’s comp and liability which he believed to be in the amount of $300 thousand.
He named several businesses within the City of Jonesboro that his company services and added his company did not resort to scare tactics. He stated that he felt his company could provide the best possible service to the city.
Mr. Sanderson inquired what bid specs the Purchasing Agent used. Mr. Steve Kent responded that Little Rock bid specs were used and both companies met them. Mr. Sanderson further added Little Rock bid specs should not have been used since the difference types of finished materials are used in the buildings in Little Rock than in Jonesboro.
Mr. Hannah moved to accept the low bid meeting specifications and stated that would be his motion in other bids in view of the figures on the bid sheet, seconded by Mr. Hinson. A roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Hannah, Park, Stricklin, Bridger, Mays and Hinson voted aye. Aldermen Shelton, Province, Sanderson, Strauser and Nix voted nay. (Aldermen Evans was not present). Mr. Hannah inquired about the results of the vote to which the Clerk responded 6 in favor and 5 against. Discussion followed regarding the number of votes required for passage of a bid. Several Aldermen stated that seven votes were required to accept a bid. City Attorney Jim Burton in a legal opinion stated a simple majority was the requirement. Mr. Hannah stated that past City Attorney’s had ruled that once a vote is announced it cannot be changed. Mr. Park asked Mr. Kent if the specs addressed flash point (a point raised by Mr. Province when casting his vote) to which Mr. Kent responded they did not. Mr. Bridger stated it appeared that the city needs to tighten the specifications to avoid a situation which might result in a hazard or danger. Mr. Nix added that he and several other aldermen favored awarding the bid to a local bidder. He also stated an interpretation is needed as to whether or not Mr. Stricklin can change his vote. Mr. Burton stated that absent from the opportunity to research the matter, the rule of parliamentary procedure is that once the votes have been announced and tallied, they would be precluded from changing their vote. Mr. Nix stated he took issue with the ruling and does not think it is correct and suggested that a legal opinion on parliamentary procedure on the matter be given in two weeks and to delay awarding the contract until the City Attorney provides said legal opinion on a councilman’s right to vote and the number of votes necessary for passage of a motion on an appropriation. The Mayor held that the motion to accept the bid passed, but that the decision is subject to legal research by Burton.
Bid 87:02 - Mid-size pickup - Parks Dept.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Nix to accept the low bid meeting specifications from Aycock. A roll call vote was taken and all voted aye.
Bid 87:03 - Riding Mower - Parks Dept.
Mr. Park moved, seconded by Dr. Strauser to accept the low bid meeting specifications from Gravely. A roll call vote was taken and all voted aye.
Bid 87:04 - Mid-size pick-up - Street Dept.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Dr. Strauser to accept the low bid meeting specs from Glen Sain. A roll call vote was taken and all voted aye.
Bid 87:05 - Computer work station - Parking Meter Dept.
Mr. Kent asked that the bid be amended to include the Fire Department on the same bid. Mr. Hannah stated two sets of specifications are required to legally purchase the work station. Mr. Bridger moved, seconded by Mr. Hannah to accept the low bid meeting specs from Continental Computers for Parking Meter Dept. A roll call vote was taken and all voted aye. Mr. Bridger moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin to put out bids for the Fire Dept. work station. All voted aye.
Don Bridger, Chairman of the committee to research placing traffic control on Gee, stated his committee has spent several hours researching the matter. The committee recommendation is as Follows: To place a demand light at Gee and Matthews, with a caution light on Gee, S. of Matthews, with CWL working with Jeff Gibson on the placement of traffic signal poles, with rumble strips near the caution light, with intersection improvements specified on the redesign of the intersection plan and acquiring necessary right- of- way at no cost to the city. Mr. Bridger moved, seconded by Mr. Nix to accept the committee recommendation. Discussion followed.
Several individuals addressed the matter. Mr. Sanderson stated he observed the intersection for several weeks and found few children crossed Gee and Matthews. Jerry Schisler of Schisler’s Auto World spoke in opposition and stated the traffic problem involves adults, not children at that light would compound traffic problems at the intersection. Captain Johnny Rickman said a light at the intersection might slow response time when firemen answer alarms. Peggy Barrett, a member of the Jonesboro School Board and the committee appointed to research the intersection stated aldermen have discussed the light for more than 2 years and urged council members to take some action. Mr. Nix read from the permanent records the motion adopted by the council at the December 15, 1986, meeting specifying the placement of at least one traffic signal on Gee Street and to have the Street Committee, Jeff Gibson, Bob Smith, and a representative of the School Board recommend where to install said light by the second meeting in January. Several aldermen stated that they had interpreted the motion for the committee to research the intersection at Matthews and Gee. Mr. Nix stated the motion was read several times at the meeting for the clarification of the aldermen prior to the vote.
Mr. Hannah asked Jeff Gibson if the drawing prepared by the consultant for the redesign of the intersection was done at the request of the city or because the AHTD believed signalization should be implemented at the intersection. Mr. Gibson responded that the consultant did it as a request from the council and praised the AHTD for the cooperation and work.
Following a call for the question, the Clerk restated the motion made by Mr. Bridger, and seconded by Mr. Nix accepting the committee recommendation. A roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Bridger, Province and Nix voted aye. Aldermen Hannah, Park, Stricklin, Evans, Shelton, Mays, Sanderson, Strauser, and Hinson voted nay. The motion failed 3-9.
Mr. Hannah commended the committee for their work and moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin to have the Mayor instruct Jeff Gibson to investigate the intersection of Washington & Gee. All voted aye. Mr. Sanderson asked that the sidewalk for bicycles and pedestrians from Annie Camp Junior High School to Hester be investigated as to how to develop a school route for the students to get them to Gee, Jefferson, or Cherry.
Mayor Brodell announced the standing committee appointments. They are as follows: (First name listed is committee chairman).
GENERAL AND CEMETERY.....Mays, Evans, Sanderson and Hinson
FIRE.....Stricklin, Bridger, Park and Strauser
POLICE.....Hannah, Shelton and Evans
PARKS AND RECREATION.....Park, Stricklin, Hinson and Evans
PARKING.....Hinson, Nix, and Province
STREET AND DRAINAGE.....Bridger, Shelton, Mays, and Evans
INSURANCE.....Nix, Hannah, and Province
INDUSTRY..... Mayor Brodell, Mays, Bridger, and Nix
SANITATION..... Hannah, Sanderson and Nix
FINANCE.....Strauser, Hannah and Park
CITY INSPECTOR.....Bridger, Stricklin, Mays and Province
The Mayor announced a Public Hearing would be held on February 2, 1987, at 7:15 at City Hall regarding the annexation of Nick and Margaret Troxler’s property near the new Industrial Park property.
Mr. Stricklin moved, seconded by Mr. Sanderson to have the City Attorney draft an Ordinance regarding the placement of a traffic light at Stadium and Aggie, to have the Mayor send a letter to CWL requesting they purchase the equipment for said light, and to approve the light at the intersection of Stadium and Aggie. All voted aye.
Mr. Bridger asked that a letter be written to the AHTD asking them to proceed with the design of the intersection of Culberhouse and SW Drive and to ask them to look for Federal and State aid to assist in the financing of said intersection. Mr. Bridger moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to send said letter. All voted aye.
Mr. Nix stated he wanted a system developed so members of the Jonesboro Police Department will be made aware when land is annexed to the City. He said police were recently asked to come to his home on Rusher and the dispatcher stated she didn’t know where the street was located or if it was in the City. Mr. Nix added the subdivision was annexed two years ago and had been a paved street for 18 months. He asked that the system make provisions for emergency services with preliminary information on location and stated he is concerned about the liability to the City in such matters.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.