title
Minutes for the special called Public Services Committee meeting July 27, 2004.
body
Public Services Committee
Special Called Meeting
July 27, 2004 at 4:30 p.m.
Members present: Ann Williams, Dave Young, Tim McCall, Cecil Province, and Judy Furr.
Others present were: Ms. Linda Womack, Tennis Association; Ken Stacks, Rotary Club, Pam Alexander, Urban Forestry; Jim McKinnon, Grant Coordinator, Keith Inman, Jonesboro Sun; and Donna Jackson, City Clerk
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilwoman McCall for the approval of the July 12, 2004 committee minutes as provided. Copies were made available to all in attendance. All voted aye.
CONTRACT - ARKOMA
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to refer a resolution to the full council accepting the low bid meeting bid specifications and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with Arkoma Playground and Supply for the construction of playground, sprayground and bankshot basketball at the Rotary Centennial Park, pending review by the City Attorney. All voted aye.
CONTRACT - NORTHEAST ARKANSAS TENNIS ASSOCIATION
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to refer a resolution to the full council authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with the Northeast Arkansas Tennis Association for the operation and maintenance of the Allen Park Tennis Complex, pending review of the 501C3 status, and fee documentation by the City Attorney. Under the contract revenues would be divided 33% to NETA for operational cost, 33% to an escrow account for maintenance and capital improvements, and 34% to City of Jonesboro for court maintenance and capital improvements. It was explained the facility would open by August 6, 2004. All voted aye.
CONTRACT - AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS - MASS CARE SHELTERS
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to refer a resolution to the full council authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with the Red Cross designating Parker Park, Earl Bell, Allen Park, and E. Boone Watson community centers as American Red Cross shelters. All voted aye.
FORESTRY GRANT
Ms. Pam Alexander, Chair of the Environmental Preservation and Enhancement Committee of the Chamber of Commerce reported they were working to develop a Jonesboro Urban Forestry Council in hopes of becoming a Tree City U.S.A. member. She explained the Urban Forestry Grant would be for the purchase of a stump grinder and tree inventory using a GIS system that would provide information allowing for a monetary value placed on trees. She explained that they made the decision to not do the whole city because they were in a learning curve and needed to educate the public. It was further explained that a tree ordinance would have to adopted, but they would work with the MAPC and new City Planner to incorporate their ideas. Possible opposition by developers was expected.
CRAIGHEAD FOREST LAKE DRAW-DOWN
Mr. Wilkie explained Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, received only half of the federal funding they were expecting and Mayor Brodell was in negotiations for additional funding. He explained they plan to drain the lake next summer when funding is available. Mr. Wilkie also explained containment of the sand may not be as expensive as originally thought, explaining it would have to be structure properly, questioning if an engineer was needed. Mr. Wilkie was instructed to obtain the services of an engineer.
PORTA-POTTY REPORT
Mr. Wilkie reported the pilot period for port-a-johns seems to be going well, with the exception of three complaints which were: no place to wash up after a run; tidiness of the johns; and 1 inquiry as to why the bathrooms were closed.
FILM ABOUT HAUNTED PLACES
Mr. Wilkie reported that a film maker by the name of Harold Russell with Arkansas Film Makers would be doing a film regarding Craighead Forest Lake and Keller’s Chapel, both believed to be haunted.
CHANGE ORDER REQUEST - SIDEWALKS AT ALLEN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
Mr. Jim McKinnon was instructed to rebid work for additional sidewalks at Allen Park because the cost of $22,463.00 was a substantial change resulting in a 26% increase in the original contract.
GEESE
Councilman Young inquired about a possible grant for the population control of geese at Craighead Forest Park. Mr. Jim McKinnon was asked to research the matter and report back to the committee.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business the meeting was adjourned.