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Minutes for the Public Works Committee meeting on May 3, 2004.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
Monday, May 3, 2004
4:30 P.M.
Members Present: Farmer, Street, Moore, Province, Roddy and Dover. Others Present: Mayor Brodell, Aubrey Scott, Royce Leonard, Jim McKinnon, Jim Hargis, Judy Furr, Suzanne Hackney, Claude Martin, Ron Shipley, John Moore, Charlotte Foster, Donna Jackson, City Clerk, Keith Inman, Jonesboro Sun.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Councilman Dover moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy for the adoption of the April 5, 2004 committee minutes. Copies were provided to all in attendance. All voted aye.
FUND RAISER - PAINTED MASCOT TRACKS FOR MACARTHUR SCHOOL
Jonesboro Code of Ordinances 9.12.19, entitled Advertising by Defacing Streets and Sidewalks, prohibits the defacing of sidewalks and paved streets by writing, printing, painting or drawing for advertisement purposes. It was decided further research was needed in order to determine implementation of the program with regard to legal and liability issues.
PARKING
Councilman Province reported the parking lots on Main/Monroe streets and on Union Street was complete with one problem stemming from handicap spaces taking up leased parking spaces. Mr. Province stated he instructed the workers to do the ADA spaces as designated and deal with the leased spaces at a later date, because leased parking needed to be reevaluated anyway. Councilman Province recommended the parking lot at Jefferson and Church be overlaid and signs put up. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of holding a public meeting of the Downtown Association to discuss parking issues in the downtown area. It was explained the downtown area has unique problems concerning loading and unloading zones, residential and commercial needs, and special traffic situations. It was determined that the Downtown Association needed to make recommendations regarding these issues prior to the committee taking any action. Attorney Paul Ford who represents a property owner in the downtown area had sent a letter to several members of the Public Works Committee. Attorney Ford was invited to attend the committee meeting in order to address any immediate needs, but was encouraged to have the Downtown Association to reach a consensus and make recommendations to the Public Works Committee. Councilman Moore expressed concern for the group being able to reach a consensus, and suggested several members of the Public Works committee attend the Downtown Association’s meeting. Councilman Farmer explained since members of the Public Works Committee do not live downtown or have businesses in the area, he would rather have the Downtown Association have an opportunity to make suggestions before the committee is brought into the process. Mr. Ron Shipley was asked to research other cities to determine how they are handling their downtown districts.
GENERAL, BUILDING & PROPERTY
Winter Wonderland - Councilman Province stated the building is being used primarily for storage and he had been contacted by someone who was interested in purchasing the building. The matter was put on hold until he and Nancy Crismon could get together to discuss it. Councilman Moore expressed concern for the City of Jonesboro owning the largest piece of un-renovated property in the downtown area, and recommended taking bids for sale of the property. Councilman Province concurred saying the City of Jonesboro does not need to be in the real estate business. Councilman Province also explained interest has been shown in the old Fred’s property located on Church Street, as well as the development of a vacant lot on Main Street for a private parking area. He further explained these matters are to be discussed with the Downtown Association for a recommendation by them, and would come to the committee at a later date.
Fire Station on Caraway - The Jonesboro City Council approved a lease agreement for 120 days with Northeast Arkansans for Animals for the spaying and neutering of animals. Councilman Moore suggested the property be bid out for sale to eliminate the cost of maintenance, with Councilman Province agreeing saying it needed to be sold due to the construction being done at Arkansas State University.
DRAINAGE REPORT
Claude Martin, City Engineer reported there were drainage problems due to the recent rains, in the areas of Culberhouse/Owens, Nettleton/Kitchen; and at Farmcreek He reported an agreement had been presented to Mayor Brodell by Carter Burgess for the Pines area. Councilman Farmer explained he was waiting for a response from Carter Burgess about expediting hotspots within the study area. Councilman Dover recommended doing the prioritized list of projects which require minimum cost and do not create problems downstream. Mr. Martin stated he would provide the committee with cost estimates of those jobs by the next committee meeting. It was explained that the study being done by Carter Burgess is due back sometime in July. Councilman Dover expressed concern over property located at 4500 Prospect Road. Councilman Farmer stated the property owner was concerned that future development in the area does not cause an increase in drainage problems for the low spot near his home. Mr. Royce Leonard, Sanitation Supervisor, reported on drainage problems in the Landfill due to the collapse of a metal pipe in the storm drain. Mr. Leonard provided a letter of recommendation by Northstar Engineering and several quotes for the replacement of the pipe for a total of $21,731.98 with the work to be done in-house. Councilman Dover moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy authorizing the purchase of the pipe with funds to come from the already appropriated drainage fund. All voted aye.
SANITATION & LANDFILL
Green Waste - Mr. Leonard reported he had spoken with Cassie Kent of the Solid Waste Management Division, of ADEQ regarding the weighing of green waste. He explained he had completed the proper forms and the only thing that will be weighed now will be commercial yard waste, saving the city the unnecessary cost of $2.50 per ton for green waste. Councilman Moore thanked Mr. Leonard for his quick response to this problem, and requested he run some kind of ad explaining once again what items are picked up by the Sanitation Department.
Clean Sweep - Questions were asked about a schedule for this year’s clean sweep program. Mr. Leonard responded saying there was a liability problem by placing dumpsters on private property. He explained they were considering coordinating this year’s efforts with Project 365 which is done on a quarterly basis.
Landfill Questions - Councilman Farmer stated some information had been provided by Northstar Engineers triggering more questions to be asked. It was explained that Mr. Aubrey Scott, Assistant to Mayor Brodell would have a response to those additional questions and it would be made available at the next committee meeting. Regarding the landfill lawsuit, it was explained Attorney Ralph Ohm, Attorney for APERMA would be at the council meeting and would be able to answer those questions.
STREET REPORT
ADA Compliance - Ms. Suzanne Hackney, ADA Coordinator stated she had 38 items that needed addressing with regard to ADA regulations in the downtown area, with some of the items requiring right of way and others being simple to resolve. She asked if there would be any objections to moving the Skateboard Park to the back of the parking lot located on Creath and Church Streets. She explained parking needed to be located near the ADA compliant ramp, and moving the skateboard park to the back would help deter graffiti being painted on the wall. Councilman Moore preferred cutting through a median which is located in the middle of the lot. He explained it would be more cost effective than paving the other side of the parking lot. It was determined that Ms. Hackney and City Engineer Claude Martin needed to make the decision and do whatever necessary to meet the ADA requirements. Ms. Hackney stated she had a meeting with Susan Clifford of Arkansas Parks and Tourism in order to determine what needed to be done to make Jonesboro parks ADA compliant. Mr. Martin provided a cost estimate of $51,129.00 (by Knish) for making sidewalk/driveway combinations from McClure Street to Madison Avenue ADA compliant. Ms. Hackney questioned if any of the McClure to Madison area was beyond the ADA lawsuit mandated work area, which must be completed by September. Mr. Martin stated it was. Councilman Farmer questioned where we were on the $200,000 set a side for ADA compliance. Ms. Hackney stated they would go over the $200,000 for this year, and are required to spend $200,000 each year for the next two years. Discussion followed with Councilman Moore recommending Knish do the work for $51,129.00 while he was down there. Councilman Dover moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to complete the entire list of improvements as submitted by Mr. Martin. Questions were asked with regard to Jonesboro’s responsibility for making private drive ways ADA compliant when the driveway is part of the sidewalk, and if doing so would create liability for all private driveways. The decision was made to refer the question to Attorney Ralph Ohm. All voted aye.
Ferrell Street Sidewalk Estimate - Mr. Martin provided two options for the Ferrell Street sidewalk located behind Annie Camp School. Option “A” would be laying sidewalk to the top of the hill at an estimated cost of $23,464.50 or Option “B” would be from the school all the way to Matthews Street at an estimated cost of $50,307.60. Mr. Martin suggested the project be put out for bids. Committee members were asked to come prepared to discuss the matter at the next committee meeting.
Walnut Street Baptist Church - Street Dedication- Mr. Martin provided an aerial photograph of the area, and reported the street did not meet specifications due to the alignment and width of the street and median. Councilman Moore stated in fairness to Mr. Bob Troutt, the City did not accept the streets at Sage Meadows therefore we should not accept this street. Councilman Farmer stated the City should not accept any street that does not meet city specifications.
Penny Lane- Mrs. Charlotte Foster and Mr. John Moore addressed committee members regarding a drainage problem as a result of moving the flow of water from either a driveway or a road. Councilman Moore asked that the record reflect that Mr. John Moore was his brother and even though he would participate in the discussion of Penny Lane he would refrain from voting on the matter. Councilman Moore reported the area in question was in deed a road which had been accepted by ordinance during annexation in 1971. It was explained that many roads were accepted under annexation that did not meet regulations, and it was up to the City of Jonesboro to maintain the property. Mrs. Foster questioned who, if it was a city road, authorized Mr. John Moore to fill in the drainage ditch. Discussion followed regarding if the land in question was a road and if there was a preexisting drainage ditch. Both Mrs. Foster and Mr. John Moore agreed there was a swell that existed that caught the drainage water. Mr. John Moore stated Mrs. Foster’s husband had told him that the swell was created when someone drove a large tractor tire over the area. Mr. John Moore explained he was able to drive his mini van off the pavement and up the hill for the last five years. Mr. Claude Martin showed committee members where the drainage pipes had been altered. Councilman Moore recommended a culvert be installed in the location. Councilman Dover questioned who altered the pipes. Mr. John Moore responded saying he had dug it out beside the road and installed gravel and pipe so the water would flow. He also stated it was to provide access to his property. Mrs. Foster contended by changing the flow of water it caused flooding of her property. Mayor Brodell stated he had spoken with City Attorney Crego who had requested a survey of the property for the purpose of determining if the area was a subdivision. The survey had been received this morning, but the City Attorney had not provided any details to Mayor Brodell yet. It was determined that before the committee could make a recommendation they must first get legal advise and clarification on what exactly the property is. It was explained that who is responsible, will depend on those legal clarifications.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Dover moved, seconded by Councilman Street to adjourn. All voted aye.