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Minutes for the City Council meeting on December 19, 2006
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 19, 2006
The Jonesboro City Council met Tuesday, December 19, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. Members present were: Mayor Doug Formon, City Clerk Donna Jackson, City Attorney Phillip Crego and eleven council members. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Ashley was unable to attend. Mayor Doug Formon left the meeting early in order to pick up his daughter from the Memphis Airport. Councilman Perrin presided over the remainder of the meeting in Mayor Formon’s absence.
Councilman Perrin moved seconded by Councilman Moore to approve the minutes of December 5, 2006, as delivered. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-2) TO COMMERCIAL (C-5) NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE DISTRICT FOR .20 ACRES LOCATED AT 219 E. CHERRY AVE. (Philip & Joanne Steed)
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Moore offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO COMMERCIAL (C-5) NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE DISTRICT LOCATED AT 2309 -2411 SUNNYMEADOW DRIVE (A&B Investments/Kevin Alpe)
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Moore offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE JONESBORO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.20.16 (B) AMENDING THE RULES AND PROCEDURES ESTABLISHING SEATING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE JONESBORO CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to suspend the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3682.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF JONESBORO EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK FOR THE ADOPTION OF AN ABUSE OF POWER AND SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT POLICY FOR JONESBORO CITY EMPLOYEES
Human Resource Director, Suzanne Hackney raised questions regarding an appeal process and the investigative process. The ordinance was held to one reading.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 3658 OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF JONESBORO EXTENDING A MORATORIUM FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DRAINAGE ORDINANCE TILL APRIL 1, 2007.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to suspend the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Johnson moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The ordinance was assigned number 3683.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to withdraw agenda item 5, a resolution to accept Bid No. 2006:64 for LED lights for traffic lights because no bid sheet was provided. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of a resolution to accept Bid No. 2006:68 for rubber track loader and 2006:69 for cab/chassis with dump bed. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The resolution was assigned number 2006:157.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis for the adoption of a resolution to proceed with condemnation action on property located at 528 W. Woodrow, owned by Margaret Scholl. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The resolution was assigned number 2006:158.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution authorizing a contract with P&J Development, LLC and RWT Land Development, LLC for the construction of a new three-way intersection at Aggie Road and Paragould Road. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Discussion followed regarding the cost of the project, and why no corresponding documentation had been provided with the resolution. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for reconsideration of the resolution due to a lack of information. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to withdraw the resolution from consideration. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution authorizing a contract with Benergy Outsourcing Strategies, Inc. to administer the employee cafeteria plan and prepare annual real value statements for each participating employee. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The resolution was assigned number 2006:159.
At the request of Mayor Formon, Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street to withdraw a resolution authorizing a contract with ETC Engineers, Inc. under Professional Services for Flemon Road Drainage Project and to void a previous contract for the same project. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of a resolution authorizing a contract with Fisher and Arnold for 2400 E. Nettleton Ave. flood abatement project. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The resolution was assigned number 2006:160.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution authorizing an amended contract with RSA Inc. d/b/a NRS Consulting Engineers under Professional Services for the Valley Drive drainage. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The resolution was assigned number 2006:161.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of a resolution authorizing an extended completion date of 60 days with NRS on the Valley Drive drainage project. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The resolution was assigned number 2006:162.
Mayor Formon presented Councilman Farmer a plaque thanking him for his service to the City of Jonesboro. Every council member had positive comments to make regarding Councilman Farmer with Judy Furr stating citizens will miss him for his willingness to stand in the face of adversity, and stating what he does is never self serving but is in the best interest of the public. Councilman McCall stated Councilman Farmer’s leadership and determination to make local government a more open, honest, and responsible body will live a lot longer than Councilman Farmer’s four year term. He stated Councilman Farmer helped council members understand that the aim of an argument should not just be victory, but progress, and his intelligence, accountability, diplomacy, integrity, and friendship will be missed.
Under new business, Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to suspend the rules placing an ordinance on the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A D3GLGP TRACK TYPE TRACTOR
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to suspend with the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The ordinance was assigned number 3684.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to suspend the rules placing an ordinance on the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF A PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to suspend with the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall. The ordinance was assigned number 3685.
Councilman Dover announced three scheduled budget meetings and thanked Councilman Farmer for his dedication and hard work as the previous Finance Committee Chair.
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to suspend the rules placing an ordinance on the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.
Councilman Dover offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CREATION OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD
No further action was taken.
Councilman McCall stated a resolution would be placed on the January 2, 2007, agenda declaring a vacancy in the Ward 6, Position 2 seat, replacing Jimmy Ashley.
Councilman Hargis stated a resolution would be placed on the January 2, 2007, agenda for a new mosquito contract which was recommended by the Public Safety Committee.
Councilman Farmer stated four years ago when he and others ran for office, the City of Jonesboro was excelling but City Government was going in the wrong direction, pointing to understaffing, low wages, worn out equipment, and “ditch gate”. Councilman Farmer listed several challenges they faced over the last four years, stating some were as basic as allowing citizens the right to speak at a city council meeting, to as complex as having to close a non-compliant, forty year old landfill while dealing with methane gas issues. He talked about the decision to appropriate funds for much needed safety equipment such as bullet proof vests for Jonesboro police officers, stating the previous vests were eight years old with a warranty life of only five years. This decision spared the life of Jonesboro Police Officer Walker who was shot at close range while making an arrest earlier this year. Councilman Farmer spoke about the convention center, stating it was not an easy taking the stand council members took, but it was the right decision because it was being accountable to the tax payers. He commended his fellow council members for the courage they showed in making this decision. Councilman Farmer also spoke about compromise, giving the JETS Program as an example. He stated he was proud of that compromise, because it allows for a period of time so the community can determine if the program will work, and yet it is being responsible to the tax payers by limiting Jonesboro’s exposure. Regarding job growth, Councilman Farmer stated he felt vindicated with the opening of the Alberto Plant which will bring in 400 new jobs, because early on after being elected, Mr. Larry Johnson, the assistant to Mayor Brodell, had argued that one could not have an open government and still attract industry stimulating community growth. Councilman Farmer offered his assistance to Mr. Charles Frierson who will be filling the Ward 1, Position 1 Alderman’s seat on January 1, 2007. Councilman Farmer recognized his mother, Nora Dean Farmer, and thanked her for supporting his efforts to serve, stating it took away from the family business. He also thanked Betty Shaw, Councilwoman Judy Furr, and City Clerk Donna Jackson for their support. Councilman Farmer thanked Mr. Mike Cameron and the Jonesboro City Council stating he was proud to have served with them. Councilman Farmer stated it had been an honor to serve the City of Jonesboro, and thanked them for allowing him the opportunity to serve.
With no further business, Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr and McCall.