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Minutes for the Public Services Committee meeting on May 9, 2005.
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Public Services Committee
May 9, 2005 at 4:30 p.m.
Members present: Ann Williams, Mitch Johnson, Tim McCall, Judy Furr, and Jimmy Ashley. Councilman Cecil Province was unable to attend.
Others present were: Mayor Formon, City Clerk Donna Jackson, staff and press.
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order.
MINUTES
Councilwoman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley for approval of the April 18, 2005 committee minutes as provided. Copies were provided to all in attendance. All voted aye.
PARKS
Sidney Moncrief Contract and Rental Policy: It was explained that Councilman Perrin believed there was an ordinance that prohibited leasing city property for profit; however after researching the matter it was determined no such policy existed. It was determined that no additional action was necessary since the committee had already endorsed the measure so it was requested the matter be placed back on the agenda for May 17th, 2005. Mr. Wilkie stated according to the City Attorney the policy must be applied equally and fairly to all requests made for use of public facilities. Discussion was held regarding the different activities that should and should not be allowed, with the decision being made to table the matter for thirty days with the intent of having in place a temporary policy, until a formal policy for all public rental property could be submitted to the Public Works Committee, based on recommendations from Mayor Formon. Mayor Formon and Mr. Brian Wadley were asked to contact other cities and develop with the help of City Attorney Crego a proposed rental policy for consideration by the Public Services Committee.
CEMETERY
Potters Field Policies: Discussion was held regarding a policy for indigent funerals. Mr. Wilkie provided detailed information on how Craighead County reimburses funeral homes for indigent burials. He stated there were two categories, one being the unclaimed body by which the county off sets the cost, and the other being a claimed body which the county will not accept. He explained according to City Attorney Crego, the City of Jonesboro can not assist Craighead County with a monetary donation for indigent burials, stating the law holds counties responsible for indigent burials not cities. Mr. Wilkie further explained while Attorney Crego recommended not going into a monetary policy for indigent burials, he did however state the City could provide a plot and city labor for the burial. Several funeral home directors present at the meeting recommended not setting such a policy stating it can be quite costly. It was explained that many cities have repealed their policies regarding indigent burials. The decision was made to have a sub-committee made up of local funeral home directors, Councilwoman Furr, Councilman McCall, and Parks Director Jason Wilkie to develop a proposed policy specifically for Jonesboro, for review by the Public Services Committee.
Cemetery Fees: Councilman Ashley moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to recommend to the full council an ordinance with no emergency clause for the purpose of establishing cemetery fees, to be placed on the agenda for May 17, 2005. The following amendments were made to the original drafted ordinance (Exhibit A): Deed Fee was changed to $11.00 (was $8.00); For Opening/Closing fees during weekdays, cremation was added at a cost of $75.00; Holidays were included under the heading of Sundays. All voted aye.
Expansion of Cemeteries: Mr. Wilkie reported Associated Engineering was asked to assess Oaklawn Cemetery in order to determine the feasibility of developing grave sites. He explained Associated Engineering determined with minor dirt work Oaklawn could be developed, and would be a better option than purchasing new land. The estimated cost would be $23,000 for land preparation for the development and could be placed in the 2006 budget. Another option considered by committee members was the purchase of property located north of Matthews Street, from Temple Israel. The total acreage and the cost for the property were unknown. Councilman Ashley moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to have Associated Engineering develop the property at Oaklawn Cemetery, but later the motion was withdrawn. Instead the committee asked that Mr. Wadley speak with Mr. Joe Heinemann of Temple Israel regarding the purchase of the property, so it could be compared to the cost of development of Oaklawn.
Appreciation Presentation: Mr. Wilkie announced a presentation would be presented in recognition of Mr. Billie Joe Emerson for his efforts in establishing “Babyland” at the Nettleton Cemetery. City Clerk Donna Jackson was asked to place the matter on the agenda under Agenda Item 3.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business Councilman Johnson moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to adjourn. All voted aye.