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Minutes for the special called Public Services Committee meeting on September 15, 2003.
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Public Services Committee - Special Called Meeting
September 15, 2003, 3:30 p.m. in the Huntington Building
Members present: Jim Hargis, Cecil Province, Dave Young, and Bill Roddy.
Members absent: Tim McCall
Others present were: Mayor Brodell, Jason Wilkie, Brad Welbourne, Betty and John Sloan, and Donna Jackson, City Clerk.
RESOLUTION - DIRECTING FUNDS TO THE CITY STARS BOOSTER CLUB
Chairman Young informed the group that approximately $15,000 was being held in a general ledger account and should be transferred to the City Stars Booster Club. Jason Wilkie explained many of the council members who helped created the Booster Club are no longer with the city and he wanted to pass a resolution formalizing the relationship between the city and the City Stars Booster Club for future operations. Councilman Province questioned if this would remove the city’s liability. Jason explained for unemployment and workman’s compensation the risk is not with the city, but with the 501C3 organization. Councilman Province recommended the document be reviewed by the City Attorney to determine the city’s liability for personal injury. Mr. Wilkie was instructed to get an opinion from the City Attorney and contact committee members individually.
BIDS FOR BRIDGE AT CRAIGHEAD FOREST PARK
Councilman Hargis moved, seconded by Councilman Province to accept the bid of NEAT Press for $21,400.00 for the bridge and its installation. It was discovered during discussion that the plans and bid did not meet ADA specifications. Mr. Wilkie stated the Purchasing Agent, Steve Kent recommended they accept the bid of NEAT Press then try to negotiate the price down. Mr. Wilkie was instructed to get assurances that the bid and plan cover all ADA requirements specifically the handrails, and to meet with the Corp of Engineers making sure it meets their specifications of construction. All voted aye.
BIDS FOR ALLEN PARK TENNIS COURT AND LIGHTING
Again Mr. Wilkie explained it was recommended to accept the low bid (Derrick Barton Tennis Court) and then negotiate the price down so the city could afford the installation of the tennis courts. It was explained the budget contained $455,000 and the lowest bid was for $655,000, therefore $200,000 would have to be appropriated. Discussion was held regarding what work was to be included with the $655,000 bid. It was determined there was not enough money to do the work, and Mayor Brodell recommended holding the project. It was explained that if the grant money is not utilized, the City of Jonesboro would lose the funding. Mr. Wilkie was asked to research the bid specifications and the grant requirements so the committee could make an informed recommendation.
CAMPER FEES AT CRAIGHEAD FOREST PARK
Chairman Young explained the camping fees at Craighead Forest Park had been increased to $15.00 ($7.50 for senior citizens) approximately two months ago, and since that time there had been a number of complaints by Sr. Citizens. Chairman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Province to return to the old rates for the next three months. Discussion followed with it being explained that camping revenues had decreased dramatically with the decision to increase rates. Councilman Hargis pointed out the complaint that was provided by Mr. Wilkie was dated prior to the rate increase, and questioned what investigation had been done to determine the reasons for the drop in revenues. He recommended leaving the rates as they are and do further research prior to making any changes. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Hargis who voted nay.
EXPANTION OF OAKLAWN CEMETERY
Mr. Wilkie reported there was a need to expand Oaklawn Cemetery to the south, within the next three years. He explained the city owned property needed to be surveyed and platted which involves professional services. Chairman Young stated there was a list of professional services, and a price for the surveying, platting, and other work would have to be determined. Chairman Young made the recommendation to authorize Jason Wilkie to get estimates for the survey, platting, and clean up of the property.
RESOLUTION - LANDFILL
Mrs. Betty Sloan and her son John Sloan inquired about the status of a proposed resolution providing for the study of environmental status of the Class IV Landfill site and of potential alternate sites. Chairman Young explained Councilman McCall would have been the one to present it to the Public Services Committee since he is Chairman of Sanitation. The decision was made that the committee would review the proposed resolution.
MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2003
Councilman Hargis moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee from September 8, 2003. All voted aye.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned.