title
Minutes for the Public Services Committee meeting on January 14, 2004.
body
Public Services Committee
January 14, 2004 - 4:00 p.m.
Members present: Dave Young, Cecil Province, Judy Furr, Ann Williams Tim McCall, and Bill Roddy
Others present were: Donna Jackson, City Clerk; Jason Wilkie, Parks Director; Jimmy Harper; Bill Ebbert; Jeff Owens; Keith Inman, Jonesboro Sun; Larry Flowers, Finance Director.
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to recommend to the full council to transfer City Water and Light Park, Culberhouse Park, and Pop Stricklin Park from City Water & Light to the City of Jonesboro. All voted aye.
Councilman Roddy moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to recommend to the full council the transfer of N. Main Park lots and a 100’ easement located near a well at Allen Park (Landsbrook) to City Water and Light. All voted aye.
A contract for Allen Park, Parker Park, E. Boone Watson, and Earl Bell to formalize the relationship between the Booster Club and the City of Jonesboro was tabled. Mr. Wilkie was asked to make sure the contract was amended to include how the funds would be handled and have the City Attorney review the agreement. Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to approve the contract contingent on approval by the City Attorney. All vote aye.
Mr. Wilkie informed the committee of changes to the Allen Park Community Center walking trails. It was explained the scope of the work should not affect the bid because it falls under the annual concrete contract. No action was taken.
Mr. Wilkie reported they had received documentation from the State regarding the Skate Park at Allen Park, and had a contract with Gridline. He explained they were seeking approval from the committee for the contract which contained changes based on the City Attorney’s recommendations. The committee members had received a copy of the contract without these specific changes. The changes included:
• Billing to be done on a monthly basis rather than bimonthly so no great sum of money is being paid prior to the work being done.
• The contractors are working on getting licensed in the State of Arkansas, but had not been completed as of yet.
• Removing the term “Consequential Damages” from the contract.
• Inclusion of the contractors in the city’s liability insurance, but property damages would be the responsibility of the contractors.
Councilwoman Furr reminded Mr. Wilkie that the resolution adopted by Council on October 6, 2003 listed the amount of $150,000 for the skate park at Allen Park, and at that time the question was asked how much of the $150,000 would the City of Jonesboro be responsible for. At that time the Council was informed it was an 80/20 match, however on material provided by Mr. Wilkie the grant was a 50/50 match obligating the City of Jonesboro for $75,000.00. Mr. Wilkie stated he was aware at the time that the 80/20 match was incorrect information, explaining that Mr. McKinnon the Grants Coordinator misspoke. Chairman Young requested Mr. Wilkie to make a copy of the adopted resolution; provide information regarding the grant and the city’s portion of the matching fund; and where the money had been appropriated in the 2004 budget.
Discussion followed regarding a Jonesboro Sun article which ran January 14, 2004 pertaining to funding for Craighead Forest Park, and the possibility of future funding being jeopardized due to action by the Jonesboro City Council. Councilman McCall stated he had spoken with Mr. Scott Henderson, Director of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission regarding a letter he had sent to Mayor Brodell dated January 9, 2004. In his letter Mr. Henderson states his disappointment in the Jonesboro City Council reallocating funds earmarked for improvements to Craighead Forest Lake. Mr. Henderson had stated when he wrote the letter he was under the impression no local funding had been allocated for park improvements. Councilman McCall explained to Mr. Henderson that over $200,000.00 had been appropriated for park improvements by the Finance Committee and the Jonesboro City Council. Councilman McCall stated Mr. Henderson explained he had gotten his information from a conversation between Mr. Wilkie and Jodi, the Nature Center Director. Councilman McCall assured Mr. Henderson no one on the Jonesboro City Council plans to withdraw their previous commitments, and money was available, but they would not be appropriating money without the specifics. Mr. Wilkie responded saying he had not spoken to Jodi prior to December 1st, but he had mentioned to Mr. Sam Barkley and Mr. Sam Henry that the ½ million dollars had been moved. He explained he did so because he felt it was pertinent information for Mr. Barkley and Mr. Henry at the time. Councilman Young gave an overview of numerous projects they hope to accomplish at Craighead Forest, one being the closing of the swimming area due to it not being handicapped accessible. Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to close the pool until it is ADA compliant. All voted aye. Councilman Young called for a vote of support in the city’s efforts to work with the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission. Councilman Roddy so moved, seconded by Councilman Province who stated they needed to send a positive response to the AF&GC. Councilwoman Furr questioned if AF&GC had requested a response be provided. She explained any parks purchased with Parks and Tourism Grants must be maintained in perpetuity, and expressed concern for future generations being saddled with the financial burden. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilwoman Furr who abstained from voting stating she did not have enough information regarding the matter.
Mr. Wilkie requested the contract for Parker Park storage unit be put back on the agenda, however it was determined that the questions asked by City Attorney Crego had not been answered. Mr. Crego had requested confirmation from CDBG regarding the scope of work being changed among other concerns.
With no further business, Councilman Roddy moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to adjourn the meeting.