title
Minutes from the Public Works Committee meeting on November 9, 2006.
body
Public Works Committee Minutes
Thursday, November 9, 2006
3:30 p.m.
Members present: Darrel Dover, Alec Farmer, Chris Moore and John Street. Councilman Province arrived at 3:51 p.m. Councilman Ashley was unable to attend. Mayor Formon and Mr. Tony Thomas from the Mayor’s Office were also in attendance.
DRAINAGE PRESENTATIONS
Miller Newell, Sharp Street/Fire Station #2: Discussion was held regarding the proposed improvements. Councilman Moore questioned why the design did not include the Hummelstein property for detention. Mr. Teddy Hooton explained they have spoken with Mr. Hummelstein, who was interested in a land swap with the City. Mr. Hooton added the Hummelstein property on Burke Street is 5 acres. Councilman Farmer questioned how wide the easement is between Monroe and Huntington lined up with Sharp Street. It was explained there is some pipe that runs through that area now. Mr. Hooton stated he has not found any easements in that area. Discussion was held regarding possibly extending the pipe from Huntington to Burke Street. It was explained the piping would cost approximately $800 per foot. Councilman Moore suggested condemning Sharp Street and using the street to channel water to the Hummelstein property. He added the City would need to purchase the duplex on Sharp Street since it would be land locked if the City used Sharp Street for drainage. Mr. Mike Cameron suggested proceeding with the work on the design from Huntington going south (Phase I). Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to authorize Miller Newell to proceed with design of West Huntington south to West Matthews (Phase I). All voted aye. City Attorney Phillip Crego added the committee would need to keep in mind any possible EPA concerns with the Hummelstein property when they start discussions about possible acquisition of the property. He noted anything that is on the Hummelstein property would be the City’s when the property is acquired. Mr. Cameron questioned when work would begin with Phase I of the project. It was explained the work would be started after the first of the year.
Mr. Bernie Auld discussed drainage concerns on Cherry and Oak Streets. He noted that on Oak Street in a 5-year storm event the entire system is inadequate. He added Oak Street acts as a conduit, so he recommended leaving it as is. He explained it could be placed on future street plans for when Oak Street is replaced unless there are inundation problems within the structures along that road. Mr. Auld then discussed Mr. Sutton’s property on Cherry Street. He stated he would like to go back to the task force to discuss possible alternatives to detention because detention would not accomplish the goal. Councilman Dover questioned what the possible alternatives would be. Mr. Auld explained alternatives would include doing nothing, upgrading the system or purchasing the home. Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to authorize Mr. Auld to bring back a cost analysis of upgrading the system versus purchasing the property. All voted aye. Mr. Auld stated he would have the analysis done for the December regular meeting.
SSR Ellers, Centre Grove: Mr. Brad Davis discussed the proposed changes at the Jonesboro High School. He further explained he’s met with the school district and they seem open to his suggestions. Mr. Cameron suggested having the City Attorney and the Jonesboro School District’s attorney meet to discuss the project and a possible permanent drainage easement. Mr. Davis then discussed the changes near Parkview. He explained with the changes at the school and the changes near Parkview, no homes will flood at the 100-year storm. He further explained the cost of the improvements is $1.3 million.
Mr. Cameron suggested proceeding with the design phase for a drainage project that would use the McArthur School football field for detention. Councilman Dover motioned, seconded by Councilman Moore, to authorize SSR Ellers to draw preliminary conceptual drawings using McArthur football field for detention with the approved rates not to exceed $3,000, pending approval by the Mayor and Engineering Department. All voted aye.
Mr. Davis then discussed the drainage project at Burke and Chestnut near West School. It was explained Mr. Harry Hardwick is already getting hard appraisals for the properties. It was asked for Mr. Davis to proceed with the design as if the City had purchased the properties.
MINUTES
Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Farmer, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on October 3rd and the special meeting on October 17th as written. All voted aye. Minutes were made to those in attendance.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to purchase property located at 709 Owens Avenue, 1801 W. Oak Avenue and 1803 W. Oak Avenue: Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to approve the resolutions and place them on the agenda under new business. All voted aye.
Ordinance to clarify the enforcement authority of the Floodplain Administrator, creating a floodplain permit and other purposes: Councilman Farmer questioned whether the Floodplain Director is the same as the Floodplain Administrator since the ordinance refers to both in Section 4. Mr. Tony Thomas explained they are the same. He added the ordinance has the emergency clause in it in order to meet the deadline with FEMA.
GENERAL PROPERTY/BUILDINGS/PARKING
Long range facilities planning recommendation: Mr. Otis Spriggs explained he is preparing to forward the recommendations to the full Council. He noted it will be released through the Mayor’s Office. PENDING
Best Building lease renewal: Chairman Street noted the six-month lease extension will be expiring in December. Mr. Spriggs stated he wanted to bring that to the committee’s attention. Mayor Formon stated they are looking at some property owned by City Water and Light and that their recommendation would be part of the long range facility recommendations. PENDING
PLANNING
Residential/Commercial zoning regulation text amendment review: Mr. Spriggs stated he forwarded the amendments to the committee for review and has not heard anything back. He added he will be forwarding the amendments to the full Council. Councilman Moore motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to place it on the City Council agenda for December 5th. All voted aye.
Street acceptance ordinance update: Mr. Spriggs provided the committee with copies of the proposed ordinance for review. He also provided the committee with a flow chart which showed the flow of how streets should be approved and accepted. He explained he found an ordinance from 1987 (Ordinance 2029) that had good language for accepting streets. He further explained he would like to adopt the manual, which would include the Code of Ordinance Section 9, and the document used by Engineering that profiles the streets in the approval process. Chairman Street questioned whether the proposed document included a formal method for the Council to accept streets. Mr. Spriggs stated Ordinance 2029 gives the Council liberty to accept streets, but the process hasn’t been formalized. He noted it describes the whole process and what needs to happen before the certificate is issued. Mr. Spriggs stated before the next meeting he would meet with Mr. Hooton to review the process. He added the City would need to decide how far back they want to accept streets. Discussion was held regarding the streets at Sage Meadows. Councilman Farmer questioned whether the City dictates when the final lifts can be put in. Mr. Hooton stated he thinks it has been done that way in the past. Discussion was then held regarding whether the City tells developers when to put the final lift on. Mr. Crego stated ultimately it’s the developer’s responsibility and he’s unsure what authority the City has to tell them when to put on the final lift. Discussion continued concerning whether the City regulates when developers can put on the final lift. PENDING
Land use plan meeting: Mr. Spriggs stated they will be holding the meeting on November 30, 2006, at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Southwest transportation study: Mr. Spriggs explained the study will be considered by the MAPC at their meeting on November 14, 2006. PENDING
STREETS/SIDEWALKS
Standard operating procedures: Mr. Hooton explained he has not worked on the procedures. PENDING
Sidewalks: Mr. Paul House provided the committee with a report from Mr. Jeremy Bevill. Mr. House noted $350,000 is needed to complete the sidewalks in 2007. Councilman Moore questioned what the status is of the Fisher Street sidewalks. Mr. Thomas stated they are doing surveying of the sidewalks in that area. Councilman Moore then questioned whether the Frierson sidewalk has been completed. Mr. Hooton stated they have a little cleanup to do, but the sidewalks have been basically completed. Chairman Street questioned whether they were on schedule to meet with the ADA compliance deadline. Mr. House stated they are on schedule and if the $350,000 is in the budget for 2007 then they can meet the rest of the requirements in time for the deadline. PENDING
Associated Engineering, discussion on ownership interest: Mr. Hardwick provided the committee with information showing Mr. Cameron only has a 15% interest in Associated Engineering. Mr. Crego stated it was just for FYI due Mr. Cameron’s contract with the City.
Signed agreement for proposed intersection change at Aggie and Paragould Road: Mr. Hooton stated the agreement is being updated with some changes the City had. He added he should have it for the regular meeting next month. PENDING
Loberg Lane: Mr. Hooton stated they should have a traffic count by next month. PENDING
Harold Mays, question concerning a utility easement in a new residential development: Mr. Mays explained a utility company wants to put some boxes in the front of his homes, but he wants them to put the boxes in the back. Discussion was held regarding the utility easements on the property and whether the City can dictate which easement is used. It was explained there is a five foot utility easement in the front of the homes for utilities to put their lines. Mr. Crego stated there are no policies stating which easement the utilities have to use. It was asked for Mr. Mays to meet with Mr. Spriggs and Mr. Thomas to discuss the problem.
DRAINAGE
W.D. Davidson, drainage issue on Crepe Myrtle: Mr. Thomas stated they are working on the situation. PENDING
Stormwater Ordinance, BMP Manual/Stormwater Manual: Mr. Spriggs stated the task force is meeting with Carter Burgess on November 14, 2006, at 3:00 p.m. at Associated Engineering. Mr. Thomas added Mr. Arbuckle has some additional recommendations for changes to the manual. It was noted they are also working on the BMP Manual. PENDING
Drainage easement on Casey Springs Road: Mr. Hooton stated he has the resolution written, but is waiting on the original easement. He added once he gets the easement he will put the resolution on the City Council agenda. PENDING
Floodplain letter, number of postcards sent out in response: Mr. Thomas stated they sent out the postcards to every address on the original list to make sure everyone who received a letter also received the postcard.
List of street and drainage projects completed for 2006: Mr. Hooton stated he had a list, but it also included other items such as work orders. He explained they will have to go through the list and pick out the drainage projects because several of the items could be considered drainage.
SANITATION
Landfill closure update: Councilman Moore suggested waiting until the Council meeting to discuss the recent meeting with ADEQ concerning the landfill.
OTHER
Mr. Hooton stated he received two requests to install pipes and needed the committee’s approval before proceeding. Councilman Farmer questioned whether the developer’s sign hold harmless agreements before the City installs the pipe. Mr. Hooton stated they haven’t had to in the past. Discussion was held regarding what the City does when installing pipe for developers. It was suggested for the task force to review the policy for possible changes and additions. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Moore, for the task force to review the policy and bring back recommendations. All voted aye.
Mr. Thomas explained they were informed by FEMA the City has been granted an extension for the CTP contract until September 30, 2007. He added the official correspondence is in the mail.
Councilman Farmer discussed scheduling a public hearing concerning capital improvements for the City. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Moore, to recommend to the full Council holding a public hearing for December 14, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss capital improvements. All voted aye.
Mr. Thomas stated they met with AHTD concerning the access points to the Highway 63 bypass. He added they have asked AHTD to also review Southwest Drive and are allowing them to use the additional money that was allocated to look at the extra access points. It was also suggested to have AHTD discuss the Washington interchange. Mr. Hooton explained if there was additional money leftover then AHTD would advise the City as to what might be done next.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Dover motioned, seconded by Councilman Farmer, to adjourn. All voted aye.