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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on July 19, 2005.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 19, 2005
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met July 19, 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
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to amend the June 21, 2005 Public Safety minutes by changing the word “warnings” to “calls” on the last page under INSPECTIONS referring to a statement by Councilman Moore. All voted aye. Councilman Johnson moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to approve the minutes as amended. All voted aye.
POLICE
Chief Mike Yates: It was reported, the newly hired Police Chief, Mike Yates would be in Jonesboro within four weeks due to prior commitments in Florida.
ASU Students working minor traffic accidents: Interim Police Chief Tim Eads had spoken with Chief Yates who stated he would address the matter regarding utilization of ASU students for minor traffic accidents, at a later date.
Speeding at Ridge and Rich Roads: Regarding speeding at the intersection of Ridge Road and Rich Road near Walnut Street Baptist Church, Captain Baggett had recommended new signage, but to leave the speed limit the same. Several committee members concurred. The matter was referred back to the Traffic Review Committee.
Stop Lights at Washington & Carson: Councilman Hargis questioned the installation of stop lights at Washington & Carson. Councilman Perrin stated he had requested of Mayor Formon a list of pending stop lights for Jonesboro and to provide the list to City Council members.
Notification of Sexual Predators of Young Children: Councilwoman Furr provided statistics of the level and number of sexual predators of young children in the City of Jonesboro to committee members. She suggested information be posted at Jonesboro parks and on the city’s website for the purpose of discouraging predators. Councilman Perrin suggested the Mayor’s Office contact COX Communications for the purpose of utilizing Channel 24, the Government Channel for posting the information there as well.
FIRE
Administrative Assistant for Fire Department: Fire Chief Keller provided a copy of an ordinance creating a second position for an Administrative Secretarial Assistant. Currently there is one Administrative Assistant and one temporary full-time. Councilman Perrin questioned if this was creating a new position or just allowing for the temporary full-time position to continue till the end of the year. It was explained and discussed that this created a second position for an Administrative Secretarial Assistant allowing for employee benefits and would be included in the 2006 budget. Ms. Hackney stated the job description was available. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to refer this matter to the Finance Committee. All voted aye.
Mechanic Positions - Job Description and Grade: Ms. Hackney informed committee members that a job description had been written for the position of mechanic as well as grade assessments for the Fire, Police, Street (different grades), and Sanitation Departments. She explained the salary had not been assessed and would be going to the Finance Committee for review.
INSPECTIONS
Liens on Property: Mr. Ron Shipley reported he would provide a report next month that would show revenue generated by his department based on information began in 2004. Mr. Shipley was questioned about the clean up status of a site located on Haltom Street. He explained it currently was being addressed in municipal court. Mr. Shipley answered questions pertaining to the process of inspections and placement of liens on property. Councilman Perrin requested a complete list of all property having liens on them, stating we wanted to make sure the city is collecting this revenue.
New City Inspector: Mr. Shipley reported Inspector, Gary Anderson had been replaced by Mr. Ronnie Shavers of the Street Department.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Proposed Animal Ordinances: Mr. Terry Veal, with Animal Control provided some changes to the Jonesboro Code of Ordinances pertaining to Animal Control. It was explained the proposed changes would do away with the two bite rule in order to classify the animal as vicious. City Attorney Crego had questions with regard to the ordinance amending the current code or repealing the code in its entirety. The decision was made to refer the ordinance to the ad hoc committee for review. A second proposal was provided pertaining to licensing and tags for animals. It was explained this proposal was being offered as a result of Mayor Formon requesting something be done about stray cats. This proposal was also referred to the ad hoc committee. The Public Safety Committee requested ordinances be drafted of the proposed changes, and members be provided the current ordinances prior to those amendments being made.
Animal Shelter: Questions were raised regarding the status on negotiations for the purchase of property from the Humane Society. It was requested that the Mayor communicate with the Committee Chair and an offer and acceptance be obtained.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Hargis moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for adjournment. All voted aye.