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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on October 17, 2006.
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Public Safety Committee Minutes
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
5:15 p.m.
Members present were: Judy Furr, Jim Hargis, Tim McCall, Chris Moore and Harold Perrin. Councilman Johnson was unable to attend. Mayor Formon and Mr. Tony Thomas from the Mayor’s Office were also in attendance.
MINUTES
Councilman Perrin motioned, seconded by Councilwoman Furr, to approve the minutes as written for the regular meeting on September 19, 2006, as written. All voted aye.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Councilman Hargis presented a cat ordinance. He explained he would like to get it passed pending the opening of the new animal shelter. He added any changes the committee members had could also be added. Chairman Moore questioned why they did not proceed with the last cat ordinance that was presented. Councilwoman Furr expressed concern over being able to enforce the ordinance. She added she would not support the ordinance because of the concerns she has regarding the ordinance. Discussion was held regarding ferrel cats and ferrel cat colonies that are in town. Chairman Moore questioned whether Councilwoman Furr could write an ordinance that she could support. Councilwoman Furr stated does not have the knowledge to write the cat ordinance because it would have to be detailed and comprehensive. It was suggested to have an attorney write the ordinance. Mayor Formon stated he’s received numerous calls from people wanting the City to adopt a cat ordinance. Councilman Perrin suggested researching what other cities are doing regarding a cat ordinance. It was also recommended Mayor Formon, the Animal Control Department and the group currently working on the cat ordinance should approve whatever ordinance is brought to the committee.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Councilman Hargis explained bids will be opening tomorrow for mosquito control services. It was questioned who is making the bid and specifying the requirements. Councilman Hargis stated Purchasing Agent Steve Kent is taking care of the bid. Mayor Formon added he thinks the bid requirements are the same requirements used previously by the City.
FIRE
Fire Chief Aaron Keller explained the new fire trucks are undergoing final inspection. He added they should be in Memphis by the end of the week and then in Jonesboro by the end of next week.
Chief Keller also stated they are currently working with Mr. George Krennerich to work on the square footage for the new fire stations. He added the new stations will be smaller than they originally anticipated, so the cost will be a little less than they predicted in their five-year plan. He further explained they are working with the JEDC concerning land off CW Post Road for a fire station location. It was questioned whether the same floor plan could be used for all of the stations. Chief Keller noted they will be using the same floor plan, with the exception of the station at Brazos which will have the training room added to it. Discussion was held regarding city departments moving out to Station #1 and using the station for offices as well as still using it as a fire station. Mayor Formon stated they will need to check with ASU since ASU is allowing the City to use the property as long as it’s a fire station. Councilman McCall questioned whether the projects were moving along on a good time table. Chief Keller stated they are pretty much on a good schedule.
Questions were raised concerning the renovations at the old post office on Church Street. Chief Keller stated they’re trying to bring the building up to fire codes. Chairman Moore questioned whether they’re supposed to meet the same requirements as other buildings under reservations. Chief Keller stated historical buildings are under a different code. It was added the building is not on the historical registry. Chief Keller stated they’ve been working for six weeks trying to get the building up to code.
Chief Keller discussed 4.06 acres near Patrick and Word streets north of Johnson. He explained the appraisal was $177,000, but the City has been offered the land for $92,000. He stated they could move Station #2 to that location. It was questioned whether he would need all of the 4.06 acres. Chief Keller stated they would not need all of the land, but there would be enough for a park if the City wanted to put a park there.
POLICE
Police Chief Michael Yates presented a line item transfer. He explained the transfer was for $42,000 to be taken out of his Salaries account so they can purchase three new trucks for the Code Enforcement Department. Councilman Perrin motioned, seconded by Councilman McCall, to approve the line item transfer. All voted aye.
Chief Yates explained he is holding the parking ordinance due to some questions regarding lease parking. Mayor Formon stated there were some questions regarding the parking across from Blessed Sacrament. Discussion was held regarding where the City’s leased parking is downtown. Chief Yates suggested doing away with leased parking, but possibly allowing it on a case-by-case basis. It was asked for Chief Yates to come back with a plan regarding the leased parking. Councilman Perrin questioned whether there were copies of the leases. It was explained there are no leases for the parking spaces.
OTHER
Councilman Hargis questioned whether the Mayor’s Office had put together all of the needed information concerning the new animal shelter to take to the Finance Committee on Thursday. Mr. Tony Thomas stated they did not have all of the information and he did not think they would have it in time to take it to Finance Committee’s meeting this month.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Hargis, to adjourn. All voted aye.