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Minutes from the special called City Council meeting on July 8, 2005
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING July 8, 2005
The Jonesboro City Council met Friday, July 8, 2005, at 12:00 noon in a special called meeting called by Mayor Formon. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Mayor Doug Formon, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, and nine council members. Those members were: Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, and McCall. Councilmen Farmer, Moore, and Ashley were unable to attend.
The purpose of the called meeting was to discuss the purchase of approximately 15 acres from the Humane Society to house the Street, Sanitation and Animal Control departments. It was explained the Humane Society would retain approximately 2.5 acres for their facility. Mayor Formon explained the property was located on the fringe of the Industrial Park east on Highway 18. He stated it was a good location with proper zoning and very little residential housing. It was further explained they would be extending the sewer system over on Commerce Drive for approximately $110,000. Mayor Formon provided a PowerPoint presentation showing the structures that would be constructed to house equipment as well as the public works offices, stating they wanted to provide a professional looking facility that employees and the community would be proud of. The presentation provided an aerial view of current city facilities which are located over the Class I landfill site. Mayor Formon explained there was a problem with methane gas seeping through the floor of city buildings and showed a video of this activity to council members. It was explained FTN, an engineering firm out of Little Rock had conducted a preliminary test and recommended immediate ventilation. A proposed layout of the new facility was provided with an estimated cost of 1.5 to 2 million dollars. Mayor Formon stressed the urgency of the project due to the methane gas leaks.
Several members of the city council expressed concern for the current working conditions of the employees and for having to correct problems that have existed for many years. Mayor Formon explained under Regulation 22 it is no longer permissible to construct facilities on top of a Class I landfill. Funding was discussed and it was determined 15 million dollars was in the Capital Improvement account.
Councilman Johnson questioned the urgency with regard to providing immediate assistance to employees on a temporary basis while the new facility was being constructed. The question was asked if vents could be installed over the current methane gas leaks as a temporary solution however, Mayor Formon explained the pocket of gas may be several feet away from the leak and would take as much as 60 days to determine its origin. It was stressed the percentage of gas fumes was at a critical stage and needed immediate attention. Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to authorize Mayor Formon to proceed with trying to find a facility to lease as a temporary solution. All voted aye. City Clerk Donna Jackson read a statement by Councilman Farmer regarding a conflict of interest due to his purchase of approximately two acres of property from the Humane Society. Councilman Farmer’s statement is attached and is part of the official record. Mr. Teddy Hooton provided a resolution authorizing a contract with FTN for a structural analysis of the buildings and methane migration analysis of the landfill. Councilman Perrin stated there was no need for the structural analysis if the decision is made to lease a building, however Mr. Hooton explained with the urgency, action does not have to be taken even if the resolution is adopted. It was explained the City Attorney had not seen the final draft, but the contract contained changes requested by Attorney Crego. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to amend the original resolution by striking the third line reading, “to provide environmental services and…” All voted aye. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for its adoption as amended contingent on approval by the City Attorney. All voted aye. The resolution was assigned number 2005:82.
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to suspend the rules placing on the agenda discussion of Fire Station II. All voted aye. Councilman McCall reported serious flooding of Fire Station II and explained the problems have existed for many years. Councilman Johnson and Councilman McCall both expressed opposition to remodeling the facility and recommended providing an adequate facility. Mayor Formon explained they had ranked city buildings with animal control and fire station II being the worst. He recommended building a new facility with a retro feel using CDBG funding. Mayor Formon stated he wanted to give council members a heads up and would be reporting back at a later date.
The bid by Pierce for a new pumper truck was pulled from consideration due to the information coming in late and the City Attorney leaving on vacation.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman McCall for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement with Peter’s and Associates for roadway design for the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bridge Street. All voted aye. The resolution was assigned 2005:83.
Councilman Street moved seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement with Peter’s and Associates for traffic signal warrants analysis, roadway design, and traffic signal design. All voted aye. The resolution was assigned 2005:84.
Councilman Perrin requested Mr. Larry Flowers to pull everything spent on engineering.
With no further business, Councilman Johnson moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for adjournment. All voted aye.