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Minutes for the Public Services meeting on April 10, 2006.
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Public Services Committee Minutes
Monday, April 10, 2006
4:30 p.m.
Members present were: Jimmy Ashley, Tim McCall, Cecil Province and Ann Williams. Councilman Mitch Johnson and Councilwoman Judy Furr were unable to attend.
MINUTES
Councilman Ashley motioned, seconded by Councilman Province for the approval of the regular meeting on March 15, 2006, and the special meeting on April 4, 2006. All voted aye. Copies were provided to all in attendance.
PARKS
Oaklawn Engineering contract: Mr. Jason Wilkie explained engineering work needs to be done on Oaklawn Cemetery. Fisher & Arnold and NRS Engineers were contacted for the work. Fisher & Arnold declined the job because they did not think they could make much money due to the travel expenses. Mr. Wilkie noted the contract with NRS Engineers has been approved by City Attorney Phillip Crego. The contract is for $28,500 and the money would come from the interest made in the Perpetual Care Fund. Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to approve the contract. All voted aye.
It was questioned how much it would cost to finalize the area. Mr. Wilkie said he would look into it.
Accepting bids for ATV fencing: Mr. Wilkie explained he would like to use some of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation ATV Grant to fence the ATV area of Craighead Forest. The low bid was from West Memphis Fence for $26,536. Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Province, to approve the contract for the fencing and place it on the agenda for the next Council meeting. All voted aye.
Discussion was held regarding the Pine Hill Cemetery. They have indicated they do not have the money to fence the area. Mr. Wilkie stated he recommended the City taking the cemetery over again and closing it, while taking care of the land but not burying anymore people there. He explained they were not willing to let the City take the cemetery at this time.
Free electric service at Craighead Forest: Mr. Wilkie stated free electric service is needed to be provided for the irrigation project at Craighead Forest. Councilman McCall motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to approve a resolution asking for free electric at Craighead Forest and place it on the agenda for the next Council meeting. All voted aye.
TRANSIT
Channel 24 community action: Mr. Wilkie explained Mr. Joel Gardner was told by Mr. Tim Oppenheim Channel 24 should be up and running soon. It was asked for department heads to submit information about their departments for the channel to Mr. Oppenheim.
OTHER
Councilman McCall stated he had received several complaints concerning the audio on the Channel 24 during the last Council meeting. It was explained the audio started out fine, but then went silent and nothing else was heard during the rest of the meeting. It was asked for Mr. Mark Taylor from Audio Express to look at the system.
It was questioned how Mr. Wilkie’s advisory committee meeting went recently. Mr. Wilkie stated the committee has decided that citizens with any long-term recommendations for recreation areas can make presentations to the advisory committee.
Questions were raised concerning the downtown parking plan presented at the last Public Services meeting by Mr. Mike Ebbert. It was stated the plan was looked at least a year ago and recommendations were made by the Parking committee to the Public Works committee concerning the parking. The Public Works committee left it to the Mayor’s discretion to decide which recommendations would be addressed.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Ashley moved, seconded by Councilman Province, to adjourn. All voted aye.