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Minutes for the City Council meeting on December 16, 2002
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 16, 2002
The Jonesboro City Council met Monday, December 16, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Mayor Hubert Brodell, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, and eleven council members. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. City Attorney, Phillip Crego was unable to attend.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to approve the minutes of December 2, 2002, as previously delivered. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy.
Councilman Copeland offered the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) AND COMMERCIAL (C-3) TO COMMERCIAL (C-3 LIMITED USE ORVERLAY), LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF PARKER ROAD, WEST OF CULBERHOUSE STREET. (JOHN WARMACK)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to suspend the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Copeland moved, seconded by Councilman Kelton for the adoption of the ordinance based on the written recommendation of City Planner, Glenn Batten dated November 26, 2002 (attached). Councilman Kelton commented that even though the proposal is not consistent with the Future Land Use Plan, major changes have taken place in the area, and the Land Use Plan would be updated to reflect those changes. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3386.
Councilman Moore offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM COMMERCIAL (C-3) TO COMMERCIAL (C-3 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT), LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF ENTERPRISE DRIVE, WEST OF LONGVIEW DRIVE. (DONALD GRIFFITH)
Councilman Kelton moved, seconded by Councilman Rorex to suspend the rules for the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Rorex 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: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Copeland 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: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3387.
Councilman Roddy offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-2) TO COMMERCIAL (C-4), LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF FISHER STREET, NORTH OF CREATH AVENUE. (ARTIS SCOTT)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Rorex to suspend the rules for the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Perrin 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: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3388.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-2) TO COMMERCIAL (C-3), LOCATED ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHLAND DRIVE AND BRYAN STREET (RANDY MURPHY)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Rorex to suspend the rules for the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Rorex for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3389.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
ORDINANCE ADOPTING A 2003 ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF JONESBORO
Councilman Moore questioned why City Planner, Glenn Batten’s budget was less for the year 2003, since there was an increase in permits issued. Mayor Brodell responded saying the budget was passed as was submitted with no changes made. Councilman Copeland explained that he had been told that Mr. Batten and Mr. Flowers, the Finance Director were working together to come up with the funds for additional personnel. Councilman Moore questioned Mr. Batten about the decrease in his budget, and Mr. Batten responded saying it was due to the retirement of the Electrical Inspector and the hiring of the position at a lower rate. Mr. Batten further explained he did not request additional personnel because of the unpleasant experience he had a few months ago when he requested additional help, and made the decision he was not going to grovel this time for additional personnel. Councilman Kelton explained a staff member who left the Planning Department, had been funded with grant money, and the committee recommended filling the position, but discovered there was no job description, and at the time a hiring freeze was implemented. Councilman Moore explained it was his understanding the position was to be filled. Councilman Rega 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: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned number 3390.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the following MATA contract and right-of-way: Jimmy and Mark Weaver, 1308 Holly Street - Parcel 67. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The resolution was assigned 2002:61.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Crockett for the adoption of a resolution requesting City Water and Light to provide free utility service for security lights at Allen Park Community Center, located at 3609 Race Street. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The resolution was assigned 2002:62.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of a resolution re-naming Hope Avenue Park to “Stotts Park” in honor of the late Isaac M. Stotts. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The resolution was assigned 2002:63.
Under new business, Mr. Gene Vance was recognized regarding the sale of property located at 118 Burke Avenue by the City of Jonesboro to City Youth Ministries. He explained “Teens for Christ” entered into a ten-year lease, ($1.00 per year) with the City of Jonesboro with the option to purchase. He stated construction on the building began with the help of the City of Jonesboro and Craighead County, but prior to its completion a deal was made with “City Team Ministries” to operate the facility and the lease was put in their name while the title to the building was left in the name “Teens for Christ”. He further stated “City Team Ministries” has pulled out, and a new non-profit organization has been formed called “City Youth Ministries”. Mr. Vance explained with title to the land and interest rates so low, it would allow them to get better financing. He stated the appraisal was done by an independent appraiser and appraised for $36,000, with an offer of $36,800. He also stated the lease states the City of Jonesboro could buy the property back if “City Youth Ministries” ceases to exist in the facility, at the appraised value. Mayor Brodell explained the appraisal was based on the value prior to improvements made by the City of Jonesboro and Craighead County that he estimated to be $50,000.00. Mr. Vance stated the improvements were a donation by the City of Jonesboro and Craighead County. Councilman Kelton moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to amend the resolution to include the following: “as prepared by the City Attorney and will include a Right of First Refusal in favor of the City of Jonesboro if the property is ever offered for sale”. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore for the adoption of the resolution as amended. The resolution was assigned number 2002:64.
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to accept the Street Committee’s recommendation to waive competitive bidding for 2 Brush and Limb Chippers and 3 Mack Dump Trucks with funds to come from unappropriated sales tax. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy.
Councilman Rega moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of a resolution to revise the American’s with Disabilities Act Transaction Plan. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Kelton, Tate, Rorex, Crockett, McCall, Rega, Province, Moore, Perrin, Copeland and Roddy. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2002:65.
Councilman Moore questioned the work done for a cell phone tower on West Washington. Mayor Brodell responded saying they are going to replace the sidewalk with a driveway.
Mayor Brodell presented appreciation plaques to the following departing council members: Kelton, Tate, Crockett, Rorex, and Rega. Mayor Brodell expressed his appreciation for the work they had done while in office.
Mr. Larry Flowers, Finance Director addressed the Council regarding the transition from Regions Bank to Principal Financial Group for the non-uniform pension plan. He explained Principal was asking for clarification on the 1972 plan document and the deadline for adoption of the plan was December 31, 2002. The decision was made to have City Attorney, Phillip Crego review the document and provide a written list of changes to council members.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.