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Minutes for the City Council meeting on June 6, 2006
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PUBLIC HEARING - 6:15 P.M. - A public hearing was conducted for the abandonment of Jefferson Avenue, located east of Christian Creek District No. 30 in the Wilson’s Second Addition as requested by Mr. Roy Cooper and Ms. Mary Tolbert. Mayor Formon expressed concern for being able to get an excavator into the ditch due to utility lines, and stated Mr. Teddy Hooton, Street Superintendent thought they could by entering on the side of Matthews Avenue. Mayor Formon requested Mr. Hooton research the matter on Wednesday, June 7, 2006. No opposition was voiced.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - June 6, 2006
The Jonesboro City Council met Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. Members present were: Mayor Doug Formon, City Attorney Crego and ten council members. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin and Councilman Moore were not able to attend.
Councilman Farmer moved to amend the minutes of May 16, 2006, on page 6, middle of the fourth paragraph, to read, “Councilman Farmer explained the Washington interchange would be finished by the end of the summer and requested the Administration (Mayor Formon) to meet with Jonesboro School District Officials to look at it and make possible recommendations for improvement. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis to approve the minutes of May 16, 2006, as amended. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
The following ordinance was on the second reading:
ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF AVL UNITS FOR JETS
Mr. Joel Gardner requested this item (Item A) be pulled from the agenda, and explained at the time of purchase it was his understanding that the software was mandatory, however he later learned the software was a complete system which would allow the JETS office to monitor where the buses were. He further stated this was not necessary since E911 has that capability already. Mr. Gardner explained without the additional software the price is more in line with the Police and Fire units. Councilman Farmer asked for clarification regarding a previous statement made at the last meeting regarding the cost increasing from its original price. Mr. Gardner responded the only change was a “model” change, going from model A to model B causing a slight increase. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to withdraw item “A “from the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE ADOPITNG BY REFERENCE A CERTAIN TECHNICAL CODE ENTITLED THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DRAINAGE ORDINANCE.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to suspend with the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilwoman Williams moved for the adoption of the emergency clause but later withdrew her motion once it was discovered there was no emergency without the inclusion of the BMP Manual. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3641.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH ASSOICIATED ENGINEERING FOR SURVEYING SERVICES FOR FEDERAL AID PROJECT JOB NO. 100164 AND THE APPROPRIATIN OF FUNDS.
Councilman Farmer questioned why $1,000,000 (one million dollars) was being appropriated when the contract calls for $615,000 (six hundred and fifteen thousand dollars). Mr. Brian Wadley, Director of Operations, stated there were anticipated contracts beyond this one and with revenue showing one million dollars (with no expenditures) they made the decision to appropriate the full amount. He explained the City of Jonesboro would not be out any money, it would all be reimbursed through federal grant funds. Councilman Hargis questioned if open ditches would be included with this study. Mr. Claude Martin explained this inventory is for the drainage system which includes ditches. Councilman Hargis questioned what percentage did the linear footage covered. Mr. Martin explained it was an estimated number that included areas in addition to the original pilot study. Councilman Farmer further explained since the pipe was never inventoried it was an educated guess, based on the number of linear feet studied and the percentage of the city covered. He explained it was taking a small sample of what had been done and extrapolating the 500,000 linear feet. Councilman Hargis questioned if this would aid in getting open ditches into pipe. Mr. Martin responded saying it will give a capacity to determine what the system can carry. Councilman Farmer reported Councilman Street should be commended for correcting a mix up with the RFQ selection process. The project was originally going to a firm out of Dallas, Texas and based on the cost of another job this company did on a city suburb flower mound, Councilman Street’s actions saved the City of Jonesboro approximately $135,000, and assisted with the local economy. Councilman Hargis questioned how long the project would take. Mr. Kenneth Scrape responded saying two years keeping in line with Phase II deadline of 2009. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley to suspend with the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3642.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE BID BY J. A. RIGGS FOR A CAT 321C EXCAVATOR AND FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to suspend with the second and third readings of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Ashley moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3643.
Councilwoman Williams offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $10,000 OF THE PREPETURAL CARE 2006 INTEREST EARNINGS FOR EMETERY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE.
Councilwoman Williams moved, seconded by Councilman Street to suspend with the second and third readings of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilwoman Williams moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Mr. Jason Wilkie, Parks and Cemetery Director explained the funds were for engineering fees for the Oaklawn expansion which will be completed within the next couple of weeks and would need to be paid. When questioned Mr. Wilkie stated he has not received a bill for the work yet, but expected the work to be completed within two weeks and therefore recommended the emergency clause. Councilwoman Williams moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3644.
Councilwoman Williams offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF JONESBORO PAY PLAN AND CLARIFYING THE HIRING, FIRING, AND REPORTING STRUCTURE OF THE POSITION OF INTERNAL AUDITIOR.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley to suspend with the second and third readings of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Mr. Larry Flowers, Finance Director explained the Internal Auditor’s salary had been budgeted for twelve months in the 2006 budget, so funds were available for six months salary plus, with a transfer of the salary funds, there was enough money for office operations such as supplies and equipment. He explained the transfer would be requested at the next Finance Committee meeting. Councilman Farmer explained the Finance Committee did not want this position to have twelve different bosses. He explained no single council member can create an activity to occur, but rather must go through the proper procedures, which requires requests to be taken to the Finance Committee. He explained the start date was July 1, 2006, and therefore an emergency was needed. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman McCall questioned where this individual would be located. Mayor Formon explained he had created an office on the lobby floor of City Hall, Room 101. The ordinance was assigned number 3645.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE ABANDONING A PORTION OF JEFFERSON AVENUE, RUNNING EAST OF CHRISTIAN CREEK DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 30 IN THE WILSON’S SECOND ADDITION. (Mr. Roy Cooper and Ms. Mary Tolbert/Charles Mooney Jr.)
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Farmer to suspend with the second reading of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Street asked that the ordinance be held at the third and final reading to allow time for the Street Department to review the area as requested in the public hearing. Mr. Charles Mooney, Jr. explained a revised ordinance had been provided, stating in reviewing the original ordinance prepared by his father and based on the Arkansas Statute he determined the ordinance needed a finding which declares the property has not been used by the public as a street for at least five years. Mr. Mooney explained other than that particular finding, there was no significant change in the ordinance. The ordinance was held at the third and final reading.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street to withdraw the following two items from the agenda which were related by clarification by the analysis:
5. Resolution adopting drainage improvement cost-benefit economic analysis for property acquisition or condemnation justification purposes.
9. Resolution authorizing the contract with NRS Consulting Engineers for the design and construction inspection of Valley Drive and S. Nettleton Avenue Detention Ponds.
A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of a resolution approving payment to Teeco Safety, Inc. for taser cartridge holders.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of a resolution approving payment to Teeco Safety, Inc. for taser cartridge holders through the variance process. Mayor Formon explained an employee had split multiple (four) invoices which violates procedures established by the Finance Committee and City Council based on Arkansas bidding laws. He explained this was the sole source for the tasers and all the employee needed to do was waive the bidding process. Chief Yates stated the employee was trying to do the right thing, just the wrong way. He stated this situation had been addressed.
Councilman Dover moved, seconded by Councilman Street to pull agenda item 7, a resolution to proceed with condemnation action on several property locations within the City of Jonesboro. Chief Yates explained the Code Enforcement Officer had sent the information out under the title “Condemnations for June 6”, which had been misinterpreted to mean June 6, 2006 rather than June 2006. He stated they were intended for the June 20, 2006, agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a lease agreement for property located at 519 West Washington. Councilman Farmer questioned the recommendation of the Long Range Facilities Committee on the JETS building and offices currently being leased. At the request of Mayor Formon, City Planner, Otis Spriggs responded saying by RFQ they put out a proposal request from a consultant to look at all the needs of the various departments and once the study was completed, more detailed information would be provided. He explained they had not prioritized the JETS location, but various locations had been looked at. Mayor Formon reported they had hoped to be able to get the Reserve Building on Caraway Road, but discovered it would not be available until the year 2011 at the earliest. Mayor Formon requested, Mr. Joel Gardner, JETS Director report on their findings regarding the building located at Caraway and Matthews. Mr. Gardner explained according to FTA regulations there is a two to three year time frame when renovating or constructing a new facility; while on the other hand leasing is less restrictive. He further stated if the decision were made to do anything with the property located at the corner of Caraway and Matthews the City would have to fund the project with no reimbursement by the Federal Government. He stated they were currently looking to lease a piece of property and then begin the process to develop, modify, or construct a facility that would meet their future needs. Councilman Farmer stated the public transit system could possibly go to a vote of the people after three years, and regardless of the outcome of the vote would extend another two years for a total of five years. He questioned if Mr. Gardner was proposing construction of a JETS facility prior to the vote. Mr. Gardner responded saying based on his arrival in January, the concept was to develop the property at Caraway and Matthews, and if that had taken place none of the funds would have been reimbursable because proper steps had not been taken for federal reimbursement. He explained they were proposing that they keep looking for a piece of property to rent that fits their needs. Councilwoman Furr questioned the funding source on last year’s lease. Mayor Formon responded saying the funds came through CDBG and MPO. Ms. Gail Vickers stated it was a 80/10/10 with CDBG and MPO funding. Councilman Farmer questioned if the advertising firm for JETS was handling the wraps for the buses. Mr. Gardner confirmed Harpole Phillips Advertising was doing the maintenance, selling, and management of the wraps, but another company was doing the physical wrapping of the buses. Councilman Farmer questioned if the City of Jonesboro was paying money for the wrapping of the buses. Mr. Gardner responded saying no, the funding is coming from the advertisers themselves. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:64.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to purchase property located at 734 Valley Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas for the purpose of establishing a detention pond. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:65.
Under new business, Mayor Formon raised questions pertaining to the first city council meeting in July which happen to fall on the 4th of July holiday. It was explained the procedures call for two city council meetings per month, and the Nominating and Rules does not address holidays that fall on a Tuesday. With most individuals attending church services on Wednesday, Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to move the meeting to Thursday, July 6, 2006. Mayor Formon was asked to notify the public by using Channel 24, and City Clerk Donna Jackson was asked to run a notice in the Jonesboro Sun.
Mayor Formon announced the Advertising and Promotion Commission agreed to a $10,000 appropriation to Arkansas State University for advertising in hopes of getting the State Basket Ball finals located in Jonesboro for the years 2007 through 2009.
At the request of Councilwoman Williams, Mr. Joel Gardner provided information regarding the JETS Program. Mr. Gardner stated they were doing their best to provide accurate numbers, based on the short period of time they have been running, focusing on the month of May. He stated in the month of May they had 2258 riders which exceeded their projected estimates. His projections for a six month period were for 5000 riders, and with the free ridership it boosted that projection. In May they traveled a total of 12, 750 miles with a total operational expense (excluding fixed assets) of $47, 831.96. He stated the cost per rider was $21.18, while the total rider per mile was .18. Mr. Gardner compared Jonesboro to Fort Smith based on October, 2005 Arkansas State Highway Transportation Department figures. Based on these figures Mr. Gardner reported Fort Smith was at $3.33 operating cost (excluding fixed assets) per mile, while Jonesboro was at $3.78 operating cost (excluding fixed assets) per mile. He stated the City Council should keep in mind of the $47,831.96 in operational cost for the month of May, 50% is returned through Federal Grants, making the actual cost roughly $23,500 which is paid either by city budgeted funds ($130,000), or last year’s community donations ($105,000), or by the current May advertisement funds (exceeded $18,000 based on city collector receipts, not what is continuing to come in). He estimated an operational cost per year, for a twelve month period $288,000 (hard cash) not government funded. Mr. Gardner reported they had only scratched the surface in advertising, and explained there were two buses (not including three that have already been wrapped) to be wrapped with each of the five buses generating $12,800 annually for the City of Jonesboro. Councilwoman Furr questioned if wrapping the windows of the buses was a security issue. Police Chief Yates stated it could be a security risk, but the majority of the risk would be offset by the placement of the AVL System and possible video inside the buses.
Councilman Hargis motioned to declare the Animal Shelter a special project and solicit qualifications for this specific project under the rules of A. C. A. 19-11-802(a). While Councilman McCall agreed $2,000,000 (two million dollars) was too much for an animal shelter he questioned the benefit of Councilman Hargis’s proposal. Mr. Hargis stated it would provide an architect to begin the design structure process of getting a much needed animal shelter. Councilman Hargis explained the Administration started with Project Management, but it was not clear that it was an independent project manager, with the possibility of someone who could also do the project. Councilman Hargis stated he believed they needed the professionalism that an architect could bring to the project. Mayor Formon stated he and his staff designed what they would like to have (a wish list) in an animal shelter and presented it to Mr. Gene Vance, but if they had used an architect they would have been out the cost of the architectural plans because those plans would not have fit their budget or design. He explained they thought the cost for sheltering the animals in the back of the building would be less than the front of the building used by personnel, however that was not the case. Councilman Farmer compared the $2,000,000 cost to Cabot’s animal shelter, a cost of $450,000, and stated building an animal shelter which can be added on to is good planning, but questioned if building for twenty years down the road is the best use of city funds. Mayor Formon recommended building an animal shelter that would meet the current needs as well as ten years into the future with the capability of being expanded both for animals and office space. Mayor Formon stated at the last Public Safety Committee meeting, by which there was no quorum, they discussed what the cost of the animal shelter should be, and Councilman McCall and Councilman Moore both agreed on the amount of $1,000,000. Councilman McCall responded saying they were not proposing to spend a $1,000,000, but were asking that the Administration bring back a lower figure using half the amount as an estimate. Councilman McCall stated the new proposal presented by Mayor Formon has fifteen times more space than Jonesboro’s animal shelter currently has, with no less than eighty kennels, comparing it to Cabot’s Animal Shelter. Mr. Gene Vance contended by the time you include the in-kind work by city forces, volunteers and donations Cabot’s Animal Shelter will be over $500,000. He stated based on population and density, Jonesboro’s Animal Shelter should be three to four times larger than Cabot’s. Mr. Vance stated he took exception with Councilman Hargis’s statement regarding professionalism with the construction management process. He stated this process has been used by schools and universities, but was not used by cities and counties till 2005. Mr. Vance stated they were provided two sets of plans by the Administration and staff, one of what they would like to have, and one from Bowling Green, Kentucky. He stated after comparing the cost per square foot, they know it will cost approximately $100.00 per square foot to build Jonesboro’s animal shelter, with the next step is to figure out what they can afford and get the most for the money. Councilman Hargis stated Mr. Vance had quoted in a previous meeting, that if the City of Jonesboro goes down in the square footage of its animal shelter, the construction cost would go up. He stated he had compared the cost of a metal building which is $18.00 a square foot to construct and is used by others for business/recreation purposes. Councilman Hargis explained the City of Jonesboro should look at its alternatives when considering the construction of the animal shelter. Councilman Farmer explained this is the first time Jonesboro has used a “Construction Manager” and the concept is new which creates some confusion. He explained while no one intended to propose a $2,000,000 animal shelter, and the intent was to whittle the cost down, on the other hand from the perspective of the City Council it is difficult to consider the proposal of air conditioning kennels when there are people in Jonesboro who do not have air conditioning in their homes. Mr. Vance responded saying what was given to Mayor Formon was not a bid, nor a contract. Councilman Farmer stated if the City Council can look at this as a test project (pilot project)) to see how the construction management process works, given the fact that this particular project will cost the least amount of money. He explained if the City Council does not like the construction management process, they can then decide to go back to the old process. Councilwoman Furr and Councilman McCall agreed with Councilman Farmer’s statement. Councilwoman Furr asked if much of the cost of constructing an animal shelter is underground. Mr. Vance stated it was not necessarily underground, but rather unseen costs. Discussion was held between Councilman Hargis and Mr. Gene Vance regarding the advertising for architects with Councilman Hargis stating it ran one time and Mr. Vance saying it ran twice. Councilman Dover stated by using a construction manager the trimming of the project’s budget is done at the beginning of the project rather than at completion. Mayor Formon gave the example of the concession stand at Allen Park stating the city was out $19,000 by using an architect and paying for plans the city could not use. Councilman Street questioned if a set amount of money is provided, could the construction manager build according to the amount of funds available. Mr. Vance responded saying that’s where they are at now, and need an architect to work with animal control personnel to determine the needs based on the amount of money available. He stated the construction manager would offer alternatives to the owner to make an informed decision. Councilman Farmer explained once the City Council budgets for a project, it is out of their control as far as making decisions that will determine if the city gets a building with more useful life, as compared to the staff who may feel extras (such as air conditioned kennels) are needed, however, it is the City Council who is held accountable to the public. Councilman Farmer questioned the process as to when the City Council has input prior to a project being completed. Mayor Formon, Teddy Hooton and Mr. Vance all stated they would be working with the Public Safety Committee to develop the details of the project, and the approval of the contract. Councilwoman Furr stressed the need to get an animal shelter built saying the City of Jonesboro has been dependent on the Humane Society and NE Arkansans For Animals to take care of the access of animals. She agreed with Councilman Farmer stating the City Council needs to be involved with the direction the animal shelter is going. The motion died due to a lack of a second.
Councilman Farmer reported the Finance Committee would be moved back a week to June 22, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. due to City Officials attending the Arkansas Municipal League.
He also announced the Finance Committee had recommended the hiring of Misty Micenheimer for the position of Internal Auditor. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee to hire Ms. Micenheimer for the position of Internal Auditor. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Street to suspend the rules and place a resolution on the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with flood plain services of Searcy Arkansas to obtain a third party recommendation regarding the question of detention for the Kohl’s site on Fair Park Blvd in Jonesboro, Arkansas. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned number 2006:66.
Councilman Farmer requested City Council members be provided the summary of the recommendations for purchase of the Meadows Property as submitted by City Planner, Otis Spriggs and the ad hoc committee. Mr. Spriggs agreed to provide copies following the City Council meeting.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street to exercise the six (6) month extension lease option on the Best Building due to time constraints. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Farmer questioned if Mayor Formon had met with Jonesboro School Officials regarding the Washington interchange. Mayor Formon stated he and Mr. Wadley would address the matter tomorrow, June 7, 2006.
Councilman Farmer stated there was concern about the pilot study on the CTP project of potential changes in flood the plain. He explained Carter Burgess has used a different methodology than the Corp of Engineers to determine hydrological flow and those differences could possibly affect the flood plain, so the Public Works Committee recommended that Carter Burgess provide Claude Martin, Jonesboro’s Flood Plain Administrator, who also serves as Jonesboro’s Public Works Director, the Hydrological Flood Plain changes that will affect the existing flood plain maps (1991 FEMA maps), for his recommendation and review prior to it being submitted to FEMA. Councilman Farmer stated the Public Works Committee wanted to make sure nothing is submitted to FEMA that would negatively impact the Citizens of Jonesboro.
Councilman Street stated many were concerned about a traffic proposal located in the southwest part of Jonesboro, and an independent study involving Ridgepointe Subdivision as proposed by Mr. John Sloan. Councilman Street explained the Sloan proposal was an independent study and was not part of the study being conducted by the City of Jonesboro. He explained these are only studies not plans, and emphasized nothing had been approved. He explained any adoption of plans would go through numerous committees prior to it being voted on by the Jonesboro City Council, and as of yet nothing had been recommended as a plan.
Councilman Dover asked about the progress on the Firemen’s Pension fund. Mayor Formon stated Attorney Ralph Ohm was researching Amendment 59 and why LOPFI chose to separate the old and new firefighter’s plans. Councilman Dover stated more money was being collected rather than being paid out and questioned where that money was being utilized. Mr. Flowers stated currently the fund was at $835,000 and confirmed it would go over a million by the end of the year. Mayor Formon explained the actuarial study was not calculated properly, showing total payroll for the current fire department at $230,000 per year, so Mayor Formon requested it be restudied. When asked about the total cost to the City of Jonesboro for the $300.00 across the board pension increase, Mr. Flowers estimated it would be $87,000 per year. Councilman Dover expressed concern over what it would cost to pay the approximate $90,000 in comparison with the excess of $270,000, with potential for increase through millage funds. Mayor Formon responded saying he had missed the last Finance meeting and was not sure what came out of it. Councilman Farmer stated the Finance Committee again asked that questions be addressed at the next Finance Committee meeting, because they were trying to determine the liability exposure for the City of Jonesboro on the way the funds have been handled. He explained the Attorney General has offered an opinion whereby the City of Jonesboro could have followed procedures to get the millage from the old fund to the LOPFI fund, but it appears Jonesboro did not do that. City Attorney Crego indicated he was aware of the AG opinion, but had not been involved, but rather Ralph Ohm has been looking at it. He stated they were waiting on finalization of figures naming the cost for the $300.00 (across the board), and the 3% Cost of Living increase. It was explained that Attorney Ralph Ohm, at the last Finance Committee meeting had stated the City could do whatever it wanted to. Questions were raised regarding being actuarially sound and the fund continuing to grow in connection with the cost. Mr. Flowers stated the fund should continue to grow, based on three sources of revenue: Millage, LOPFI investment earnings, and State Insurance Turnback. He stated theoretically if the LOPFI investments failed, the City’s contributions would have to make up the short fall, and once the surplus was exhausted, the City could have some potential exposure for additional city funds. However, Mr. Flowers stated it was highly unlikely with Jonesboro’s continued growth. With Mr. Flowers stating $800,000 surplus in the LOPFI fund, Councilman Farmer questioned how much surplus was in the old fireman’s fund. Mr. Flowers stated it was a combined trust. It was requested that Mayor Formon and Mr. Flowers provide accurate figures and a proposal at the next Finance Committee meeting.
Chief Aaron Keller provided a presentation regarding the City’s ISO Rating. Councilman McCall questioned if Mr. Teddy Hooton, Street Superintendent had the proper equipment (JA Riggs Excavator) in order to clean Murray Creek and Bridger Creek located on the east part of town. Mr. Hooton affirmed that he now had the equipment needed to do the work.
Chief Aaron Keller provided documentation regarding the ISO field survey overview from the week of April 19, 2006. Chief Keller explained Mr. Gayland Lightfoot, Sr. Field Representative for Insurance Services Office, Inc. did a field rating on the fire department, dispatch center, and the water system. He explained out of a possible 49% City Water and Light was ranked at 39%; dispatch was ranked little below a 10, while figures were not complete on the fire department. He stated they maxed out on points for trucks, training records, and inspections. Referring to the ISO Rating Schedule, Chief Keller reported that Mr. Lightfoot stated the City of Jonesboro needed 3 new engine locations (stations), and provided a map showing locations of priority stations. Chief Keller stated he was also told there would be a Class 9 area (from a Class 3) located in the Southeast part of town that could increase insurance premiums as much as 160%. It was explained this area was the last area to be annexed, consisting of 45 homes and 3 businesses, and Chief Keller stated it was his priority to get these area back to a Class 3 fire rating. Mayor Formon stated currently we are rated as a three or four but there was a possibility by adding on station seven, it could boost us up to a Class 2. Chief Keller stressed Mr. Lightfoot would not make any commitment to any set rating yet.
Mayor Formon announced a Circuit Court hearing to be held July 5, 2006, in Paragould, Arkansas regarding Rossland Hills and stated some city council members may be called to attend.
With no further business, Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Dover, to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.