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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on July 21, 2003.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 21, 2003
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met July 21, 2003 at 5:15 p.m. at 900 West Monroe, Jonesboro, Arkansas. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Jim Hargis, Chris Moore, Harold Perrin, Paul Copeland and John Street. Others in attendance: Mayor Brodell, City Clerk Donna Jackson, Police Chief Floyd Johnson, Police Assistant Chief Rusty Grigsby, Finance Director, Larry Flowers, Keith Inman Jonesboro Sun. Chairman Moore called the meeting to order.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Mr. Glenn Batten addressed committee members about code enforcement policies, providing a written outline of duties and procedures. Discussion was held regarding over grow grass. Mr. Batten stated his department was understaffed and recommended an increase in fines for mowing. Mr. Batten was asked to have his staff meet with Municipal Judge Spruell in order to bring a recommendation back to the committee.
SAFE JONESBORO COALITION
Mr. Mike Smith with the Safe Jonesboro Coalition spoke with committee members about the Child Passenger Protection Fund. He explained 25% of the fines collected (estimated at $500.00) shall be retained by the municipality for the promotion of public safety. Safe Jonesboro Coalition provides child safety seats and training to parents for the community, and was asking for endorsement from the committee. Finance Director, Larry Flowers was asked to research the matter and report back to the committee.
FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Copeland to recommend the Fire Department Budget for Capital Improvements to the Finance Committee as is with the deletion of a retainer wall at Station #1; and a storm water drain pipe along Dan Avenue in front of Station # 1. All vote aye.
BIDS FOR 911 RECORDING SYSTEM
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street to void Bid No. 2003:29 and resubmit bids for a 911 recording system. All voted aye.
POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Councilman Street moved, to recommend the Police Department Budget for Capital Improvements to the Finance Committee as is, but the motion died due to a lack of a second. The budget had been amended (reduced) and a copy of the amended budget was not available. Mr. Grigsby was instructed to provide the amended capital budget directly to the Finance Committee.
ADDITIONAL LICENSES FOR IMAGING SYSTEM
Councilman Perrin stated he wanted to review who was actually using the imaging system and determine the need for additional licenses. Mr. Alan Young, Information Systems stated the Purchasing Agent, Steve Kent and the Police Department were using the system, and additional licenses would allow others to utilize the equipment. Mr. Glenn Batten, City Planner stated his department was willing to use the system, but no one seems to know how to use the equipment, and requested instruction. Responding to a question by Councilman Street, Mr. Young stated each department has access to its own documents even though they are all stored in one location. City Clerk, Donna Jackson explained prior to imaging documents, a records management policy needed to be in place which addressed imaged records. She explained that in the past electronic records had been moved without consent of the owner, and before any records are imaged in, she wanted a written agreement as to how imaged records were to be managed with an understanding as to who would be the administrator of those records. Mayor Brodell asked for clarification as to which records Ms. Jackson was referring to. She explained there needed to be a complete inventory of all city records with a FOI policy adopted so requests could be responded to in the appropriate amount of time. Chairman Moore requested City Clerk, Donna Jackson to provide the committee with a recommended records management policy.
CRIME SCENE VAN - CUSTOMIZED
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street to authorize the customization of a crime scene van by Taylor Made Ambulances out of Newport, Arkansas at a cost of $5,000.00 paid with forfeiture money from a drug bust due to the Jonesboro Police Department assisting the DEA back in April, 2003. All voted aye.
With no further discussion, Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Street to adjourn. All voted aye.