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Minutes from the City Council meeting on April 19, 1993
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APRIL 19, 1993
The Jonesboro City Council met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Present were the Mayor, City Clerk, and all Council Members, with the exception of the City Attorney who was unable to attend.
The minutes of April 5, 1993, were approved as mailed by motion of Councilman Evans seconded by Councilman Perrin. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
The following ordinance was to be decided on:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A MUNICIPAL STREET IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT TO BE KNOWN AS BENTON SUBDIVISION STREET IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 5, DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
In the absence of Attorney Frierson, Commissioner Glen Bradly represented the Benton Improvement District. Mr. Billy West spoke in opposition to the Improvement District stating, the assessed property values did not total fifty-one percent. Mr. West stated he had sent certified letters to Mayor Brodell, City Clerk, and Mr. Frierson requesting the assessed values and was not provided a copy until just before the council meeting. Mr. West requested the Council to reject the ordinance and to establish a set of procedures to be followed in the future. Mr. Bradly recommended that citizens who wanted to remove their names from the petitions appear in person before the Council. Councilman Vance requested that Mr. Bradly, Mr. West, and the Representative for Markle Abstract to come back later on in the council meeting after determining the certification of the petitions on hand.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954 KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE, PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND OTHER PURPOSES.
Councilman Hannah questioned why the MAPC had denied the request and was told it was due to the absence of a site development plan. Mr. Lyons, Attorney representing Mr. Kent Arnold, stated the reason was insufficient because of inconsistencies with other rezonings. Several citizens spoke in opposition to the rezoning giving reasons such as safety and drainage. Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Vance for the adoption of the ordinance with the stipulation of a site development plan, and limited access (Max. of two entrances, in the 800 feet along 49 Highway, including an entrance already there, for a total of three entrances). Also stipulated was that Mr. Lyons would be responsible for filing the site plan and limited access regulations in the offices of Circuit Clerk and City Clerk. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a nine to three vote in favor of the motion. Those Council members voting for the ordinance with stipulations were: Wise, Ingram, Mullenix, Bowers, Perrin, Kelton, Vance, Harpole, and Hannah. Those Council members opposed were: Evans, Province, and Mays. The ordinance was given the number 2469.
After a five minute recess Mayor Brodell resumed discussion regarding the Benton Improvement District number five. It was determined that the petitions were insufficient. Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilwomen Ingram for the denial of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
The following ordinance was on the second reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954 KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE, PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND OTHER PURPOSES.
After reading the ordinance a second time, Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Vance to table the ordinance for the third and final reading till the second meeting in May. This was done at the request of Mr. Rees. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Councilman Mays offered the following ordinance for the first reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954 KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE, PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND OTHER PURPOSES.
Councilman Mays moved, seconded by Councilman Wise to suspend the rules and place on the second reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
The following amended ordinance was on the second reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING ITEMS TO BE PLACED UPON THE AGENDA FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL IN SUCH MEETINGS.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Hannah to amend the ordinance in SECTION TWO from "manufactured home applications" to read "hardship home applications". A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to suspend the rules and place on the third and final reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole for the adoption of the ordinance as amended. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. The ordinance was given the number 2470.
Councilman Wise offered the following ordinance for the first reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF SPECIAL COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT FOR THE JONESBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to suspend the rules and place on the second reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Wise to suspend the rules and place on the third and final reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Bowers for the adoption of the ordinance as amended. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. The ordinance was given the number 2471.
The following bids were reviewed:
93:33 through 93:35 were tabled
93:35 Riding Mower - Cemetery
Councilman Evans moved, seconded by Councilman Bowers to accept the low bid which met specifications. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Under new business Mayor Brodell opened discussion regarding the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Mayor Brodell asked the council to accept or reject the program, stating in his opinion it was a quota. The mayor explained Larry Duke, of KFIN would be willing to promote seat belt use with free radio service, in place of the STEP program. Mayor Brodell stated in no way was he opposed to seat belt usage, but wanted it to be done in a positive way. Captain Rainey of the Jonesboro Police Department spoke in favor of the STEP program, stating it was a program designed to get the attention of residents and was not a quota system. Questions were raised with regard to the effect on insurance rates if a citizen is stopped. It was determined that it is not a moving violation and would not affect insurance rates. Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to reject the STEP program and return it back to the Highway Department. A roll call vote was taken resulting in an eight to four vote in opposition to the motion. The STEP program was approved.
Councilman Wise detailed the need for a 750 gallon GMC 1993 Ford pumper for the Fire Department. Councilman Bowers moved, seconded by Councilman Kelton to open bids for the pumper. Vice Mayor Hannah requested a roll call vote in the absence of Mayor Brodell who had to take an important message. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Councilman Wise moved, seconded by Councilman Bowers to open bids on surplus equipment for the Fire Department to be appropriated from the GL 120 Act 833 money. Councilman Wise explained from the $56,000.00 total of the 833 fund, once the Motorola Radios and surplus equipment were purchased, there would still be a total of $21,888.00 left of the funds. Upon returning Mayor Brodell requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Councilman Wise explained that in August the Fire Rating Bureau would be in Jonesboro determining the city's fire rating.
Councilman Evans reported the Parks Department attended a presentation by the Rotary Club regarding walking trails. Mr. Evans stated this will enhance Craighead Forrest.
Councilman Mullenix reported he had attended the Friends of the Library open house and commended workers responsible for the new addition to the library.
Councilman Perrin requested an opinion from the City Attorney's office regarding a cut off time for signatures on a petition in street improvement districts.
Councilman Kelton requested City Planner, Jim Shaw to inform the council regarding a Comprehensive Land use plan meeting. Mr. Shaw stated the Board of Realtors would be sponsoring a forum on the land use plan, Tuesday, April 20, 1993. Mr. Shaw urged everyone to attend.
On behalf of the General and Personnel Committee, Councilman Vance made the recommendation to hire Andre Houser of Springdale, for the position of Personnel Director of Jonesboro. Councilman Vance stated the salary would start at $39,000.00 plus car allowance for a total of $41,400.00. Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to accept the recommendation with salary stipulations. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Councilman Vance stated he would be offering, in the near future, a resolution to declare a limited moratorium on zoning until the city of Jonesboro establishes a comprehensive land use plan. Mr. Vance stated he wishes to research the matter with the proper authorities before offering such a resolution.
Councilman Mays moved, seconded by Councilman Kelton to appropriated $2000.00 from the unappropriated sales tax fund for a local organization of the Soil Conservation. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Councilman Hannah stated he would be offering a resolution to amend the Travel Reimbursement Plan. Mr. Hannah requested the council to review the resolution and submit any suggestions to David Eagle or Linda Bullock.
Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Wise to adopt a resolution authorizing the Finance Department and Purchasing Agent to apply for a Visa card account to be used for municipal business. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. The resolution was given the number 1993:13.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Kelton to accept a recommendation from the Finance Committee to appropriate $1073.83 for land condemnation for street improvements along C. W. Post Road. The appropriated funds would come from the unappropriated sales tax. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Wise to allocate funds for Councilman Evans, to attend a one day conference in St. Louis, Missouri regarding the Title II Act of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The trip is to be funded through the Administration Expense, line item. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye.
Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Mays to accept the Finance Committee's recommendation of $16,500.00, appropriated from the unappropriated sales tax fund, for the City Clerk's full time salary. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a seven to five vote in opposition to the motion. Those Council members voting nay were: Wise, Ingram, Mullenix, Bowers, Kelton, Vance, and Harpole. Those voting aye were: Evans, Province, Perrin, Mays, and Hannah.
Councilman Vance moved to set the salary at $17,500.00 stating $8.41 per hour was comparable to other city employees and the private sector. Ms Ingram stated the salary should be set at $21,000.00 due to lack of job security and having to run for the office. Councilman Kelton recommended $21,000.00 because it was an elected office with job related liabilities. City Clerk, Donna Jackson stated that to offer a salary of lower than $21,000.00 was totally unacceptable, but urged the council to make up its' mind one way or another, because responsibilities mandated by the State were being jeopardized and according to the Legislative Auditing Commission her bond was in question. Due to no second of the motion no action was taken.
Councilman Bowers moved, seconded by Councilman Mullenix to set the salary at $20,000.00. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a six to six tie. Mayor Brodell broke the tie with a vote of nay.
Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Bowers to adjourn until the job responsibilities could be reviewed and a salary set. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a ten to two vote in opposition to the motion. Those in favor of the motion were: Bowers and Hannah. Those in opposition were: Wise, Evans, Ingram, Province, Mullenix, Perrin, Kelton, Vance, Harpole, and Mays.
After a ten minute recess Councilman Kelton moved, seconded by Councilman Bowers to set the salary at $18,500.00. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a ten to two vote in favor of the motion. Those voting in opposition were: Mays and Hannah. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Wise, Evans, Ingram, Province, Mullenix, Bowers, Perrin, Kelton, Vance and Harpole.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to appropriate the funds needed to establish the full time position from the unappropriated sales tax. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a ten to two vote in favor of the motion. Those voting in opposition were: Mays and Hannah. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Wise, Evans, Ingram, Province, Mullenix, Bowers, Perrin, Kelton, Vance and Harpole.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned.