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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on June 21, 2005.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 21, 2005
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met June 21, 2005 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room of the Huntington Building located at 900 W. Monroe, Jonesboro, Arkansas. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Judy Furr, Tim McCall, Jim Hargis, Mitch Johnson, Chris Moore, Harold Perrin, City Clerk Donna Jackson, Staff, Press, and Audience.
Chairman Moore opened the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
MINUTES
Councilwoman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to approve the minutes as submitted for the May 17, 2005 committee meeting. All voted aye. Copies of the minutes were provided to all in attendance.
POLICE
Amendment of Ordinance 3485 - Traffic Review Committee: Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to recommend an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 3485 that created the Permanent Traffic Control Review Committee to the full council which had already been placed on the agenda for this evening City Council meeting. Ms. Furr explained in Section 1 of the original ordinance it states, “The City Council of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, hereby creates and establishes a permanent “Traffic Control Review Committee” to advise and make recommendations to the city council, or the appropriate city council committee, regarding the need and/or placement of traffic control signage, signals or other devices. Ms. Furr stated the wording was confusing and recommended striking the following”to the city council, or the” and replacing it with “….make recommendations to the appropriate city council committee…” All voted aye.
Police Chief Selection: Councilwoman Furr reported on the status of the Police Chief Selection Committee stating they were down to three applicants and would be providing the list to Mayor Formon for a decision. Mr. Wadley stated a decision should be made very quickly once the interviews were completed.
A.S.U. Students: Interim Police Chief Eads provided a written monthly report and stated he would have information next month on the prospect of having A.S.U. students working parking violations. He explained he had contacted Memphis but was waiting for additional information.
Speeding: Councilwoman Furr stated she had received several calls regarding speeding at the intersection of Ridge Road and Rich Road near Walnut Street Baptist Church. Ms. Furr explained it was a dangerous intersection and had asked Captain Baggett to assess the situation.
Justice Assistance Grant (J.A.G.) - Councilwoman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to refer Justice Assistance Grant to the Finance Committee for consideration. The grant is a 90/10 matching grant and would be used for equipment. All voted aye.
FIRE
Replacement of Engine 3: Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to refer the acceptance of the low bid by Pierce for a new pumper fire truck at a cost of $366,102.00. It was explained there was only $300,000 budgeted for the truck by the previous administration, leaving a shortage of $66,102.00. All voted aye. Several requested the Finance Committee consider having an annual city auction so departments could plan for the event.
Mechanic Positions: Ms. Hackney reported she was waiting for information regarding the duties of two employees in the Police Department, so she could provide the job description for the position of mechanic in both the Police and Fire Departments. She further explained compensation for the new positions would follow, but for now the position had to be created. Councilman Perrin asked that the issues of liability and labor laws be included and approved with this change.
INSPECTION
Mr. Shipley reported Mr. Gary Anderson would be leaving the Inspections Department and going to Trumann. He stated the job announcement had already gone out. Mr. Shipley also announced the death of Mr. VT Walker, brother to Floyd Walker who is a City Inspector. Discussion was held regarding the number of warning tickets that are issued and how few citations. Committee members encouraged the Inspection Department to issue more citations and fewer warnings. Councilman Moore stated the more citations that are issued; the fewer calls will be required. Councilman Johnson expressed concern over the court time and the number of complaints this will generate. He encouraged support for the Inspection Department once the citations begin to be issued.
E911
Mr. Bob Andrews, Director of E911 systems, provided a sample AVL report and explained everyone would be provided a book showing the various reports that are available through the new system. Discussion was held regarding the placement of AWINS cell towers. Mr. Andrews had been asked to work with Alltel using their topographical maps and studies; however he explained cellular systems are different from two way systems. Mr. Andrews had contacted Motorola and recommended new installation of cell towers not at the old city site.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for adjournment. All voted aye.