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Minutes for the Public Works Committee meeting on June 6, 2006.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
4:30 p.m.
Members present: Jimmy Ashley, Darrel Dover, Alec Farmer and John Street. Councilman Moore and Councilman Province were unable to attend.
MINUTES
Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to approve the minutes from the May 2, 2006, regular meeting and the May 16, 2006, special meeting as written. All voted aye. Minutes were made to those in attendance.
GENERAL PROPERTY/BUILDINGS/PARKING
Lawson Road project: Mr. Ken Yarbrough stated papers had been filed by his attorney to re-claim his property that had been donated to the City. It was questioned whether a judge would need to make a ruling on the property since the property was deeded to the City. City Attorney Phillip Crego explained he had not seen any documentation, but it was his understanding that the papers were filed. He added that he did not think a judge would need to make a ruling in the case for Mr. Yarbrough to get his property back. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to make an offer to Mr. Yarbrough for 3-lanes with concrete curb and gutter, with underground drainage, on the current route with an 8 foot path on one side for a bike way and walkway with a 365 day construction schedule. It was added the current route is described as being within the previously donated 5-lane right-of-way as previously designed by Fisher and Arnold. All voted aye. It was asked for the 365 day construction schedule to be determined by Mr. Yarbrough and Mayor Formon. It was also decided to hold off on re-designing the plans until the contract with Mr. Yarbrough is signed and recorded. Mr. Brian Wadley stated they could have something in writing for Mr. Yarbrough tomorrow. Chairman Street added he spoke with Mr. Joe Turney concerning their area on Lawson Road. Mr. Turney indicated the 3-lanes with curbs and gutter would be okay, but they would prefer to see the 5-lanes. Mr. Yarbrough asked about the lateral sewer. Mr. Teddy Hooton stated he spoke with City Water and Light and they indicated it would be better to do the lateral sewer after the road. It was also asked for Mr. Claude Martin and Mayor Formon to decide whether they would need to purchase the right-of-way for five lanes all the way through, or narrow the right-of-way up to three lanes at Mr. Yarbrough’s property. It was then questioned what the project would cost. Mr. Hooton explained he could not give the committee a precise cost, but could make an estimate. PENDING
Discussion was held regarding an e-mail sent by Mr. Amin Ulkarim to Mr. Ted Fortenberry, General Manager for KAIT, concerning a decision by the Public Works committee to take out bath paths on the expansion of Lawson Road. Chairman Street noted he was contacted by Mr. Fortenberry concerning the matter and told Mr. Fortenberry that the committee did not take out the bike paths for Lawson Road. Mayor Formon stated he did not know about the Mr. Ulkarim sending the e-mail.
Mr. Claude Martin presented the committee with an ordinance to amend the contract with Fisher and Arnold. He explained Fisher and Arnold made the re-design that included no curbs and gutters for Lawson Road. The additional cost is $24,388.97. Councilman Ashley motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to authorize the payment to Fisher and Arnold and to place the ordinance on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. All voted aye.
Building for use as a Public Works facility: Discussion was held regarding the internet connection in the Best building. It was explained that because of the new phone system, an additional expense for a phone system would be needed wherever the Public Works departments are located. Mr. Otis Spriggs explained the Long Range Planning committee looked at five properties for a new Public Works facility. The committee recommended the Meadows facility. Mr. Spriggs discussed the Meadows facility. Mr. Hooton added the lease on the Best building will be expiring soon and would need to be renewed by July 5th. Mr. Spriggs stated there are two buildings at the Meadows site that would need to be demolished. Councilman Farmer suggested providing everyone on the Council with the information about the proposed facilities and to allow each Council member time to view the proposed facilities. Discussion was held regarding the landfill facility. It was questioned if the committee was looking into the old fire station on Matthew and Caraway for future use by JETS. Mr. Wadley explained the building did not meet FTA standards, so it is not usable by JETS. Police Chief Michael Yates added there is a buyout clause in the Best building lease and two people have already looked at the building. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to exercise the six month option on the Best building so the Council has time to view the facts and recommendations. All voted aye. It was suggested to set aside a time for the Council to tour the Meadows site and the landfill area. PENDING
PLANNING
Assistant City Planner position: Mr. Spriggs informed the committee he hired Mr. Thomas White who was working as a planner for the City of Lake Charles, Louisiana, to fill the Assistant City Planner position. Mr. White is scheduled to start work in two weeks.
Updating land use plan: Mr. Spriggs explained he is going to complete the update with the new planner. They are currently waiting to forming a committee of 5-7 members for more input. He expects to have something initiated in the next thirty days. PENDING
Zoning ordinance update: Mr. Spriggs stated he has a proposal for the C and R district updates. He will be taking them to MAPC on the 15th. He added the amendments are ready for public input. PENDING
STREETS/SIDEWALKS
Abandonment of right-of-way on W. Washington Ave. due to realignment by AHTD, as requested by Farmer Enterprises: Councilman Farmer explained no action is needed now. But, access will be cut off to 15 acres of his property because of the new construction. The Highway Department indicated to him that after the relocation is complete the City would be responsible for any future drives. He added he’s not ready to move ahead at this time, but will be coming to the committee at a later time concerning abandonment.
Traffic study, north: Mr. Wadley suggested not moving ahead with the north traffic study until everything is complete with the southwest traffic study.
Standard operating procedures: Mr. Hooton stated he has not been able to work on the procedures. PENDING
Unfinished subdivisions, paving of Alex, Briar, Matt: Mr. Martin stated Richard Bond was the low bidder at $95,195 to pave all three streets. It was asked for him to prepare an ordinance accepting the bid and appropriating the money for the next meeting. Discussion was held regarding Justy and Lamb. It was added the developer’s permits could be put on hold. PENDING
Sidewalk compliance with ADA: Mr. Jeremy Bevill stated they have made good progress on the construction. He added he did not think the City would have any problems meeting the deadline for compliance. Mr. Martin presented the committee with a resolution to contract with Cameron Construction for ADA ramps for $88,928.25. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to approve the resolution and place it on the agenda for the June 20th City Council meeting. All voted aye. It was explained the money is already available in the ADA fund to pay for the contract. PENDING
Mr. Bevill added the ADA funds will be near zero after paying the $88,928 to Cameron Construction. He questioned whether the committee wanted to appropriate more money to the fund like last year. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to recommend to Mr. Larry Flowers and Mayor Formon the appropriation of $150,000 to the ADA Sidewalk Fund and to present it to the Finance Committee. All voted aye.
Discussion concerning John Sloan’s arterial proposal for southwest Jonesboro: Chairman Street expressed concerns over Ridge Pointe residents being upset about John Sloan’s proposal. He explained he met with Don Parker, the residents’ attorney, and explained Mr. Sloan’s plans are just a proposal and will not be passed without going through committees and being made public. It was asked for Mayor Formon to explain the situation at the Council meeting for the publics understanding.
DRAINAGE
734 & 736 Valley Drive: Mr. Craig Light, of NRS Engineering, indicated placing a detention pond at 734 and 736 Valley Drive would have the same effect as putting one at 732 and 734 Valley Drive. It was added 732 Valley Drive did not want to sell, but 736 Valley Drive did. PENDING
Discussion was held regarding the proposed resolution on the June 6th Council agenda concerning adopting a drainage improvement cost-benefit economic analysis for property acquisition or condemnation justification purposes. Mr. Martin asked where the line should be drawn. Discussion was held concerning how to determine when the cost exceeds benefit. It was explained when the increase in cost exceeds the increase in benefits, then the line should be drawn there. It was asked to add that terminology to the resolution. It was also suggested to amend the resolution to not put in a dollar amount for flood damage, but to say the amount will be the most current FEMA projections for damages. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to pull items 5 and 9 from the June 6th Council agenda for further study. All voted aye with the exception of Councilman Dover who abstained.
Carter-Burgess hydrologic and flood plain changes from 1991 FEMA flood plain maps: Councilman Farmer explained there have been some discrepancies between the Corps and Carter-Burgess, so the flood plain maps could be affected if the changes are not reviewed before being submitted. Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, for the Public Works Director/Flood Plain Manager, Mr. Claude Martin, to direct Carter-Burgess, the city’s Pilot Study & CTP contractor, to provide him for his review and approval before submission to FEMA with the Carter-Burgess hydrologic and flood plain changes from 1991 FEMA flood plain maps. All voted aye.
Stormwater ordinance: Mr. Martin explained the stormwater manual is on the agenda to be approved, but not the BMP manual. He also stated he was told the City would not need to officially get an extension for the BMP manual, rather it could be handled in the yearly report. It was recommended the BMP manual shouldn’t be more stringent than the federal requirements. Mr. Martin said he can’t find where the requirements are more stringent. Mr. Martin was asked to contact Mr. Vic Young to find out what Mr. Young thought was more stringent. It was also asked for Mr. Martin to cut down the manual, then forward it to the committee for review. PENDING
Proposed detention pond west of Farm Creek: Mr. Martin stated they have a conceptual drawing on the pond. They are waiting for permission to do the survey so they can get an appraisal. It was asked for the administration to present the committee with something in writing so they can review it. Mr. Wadley stated the property owner indicated to him that he would be interested in trading his property for some property the City owns on Strawfloor. Mr. Crego indicated that would not be a problem, as long the City is getting value for value. PENDING
Flemon Road drainage: Mr. Hooton explained he’s waiting on the Highway Department. PENDING
Mr. Martin explained Mr. Bernie Auld concluded a detention pond is not needed near the future Kohl’s site, although the City determined a detention pond is needed. Mr. Auld suggested hiring a third party since his opinion differed. He suggested hiring Mr. Tom Black out of Searcy. He asked the City to pay half of the cost, which would be no more than $2,500. Mr. Martin noted it should be done in a week to ten days and he could take the money out of his Professional Services account. He added whatever conclusion Mr. Black comes up with will be what will be pursued. Councilman Dover motioned, seconded by Councilman Ashley, to suspend the rules and place a resolution on the agenda to pay and contract with Floodplain Associates out of Searcy, Arkansas, to obtain third party recommendation for resolution concerning detention at the Kohl’s site on Fairpark and for the City to pay no more than $2,500. All voted aye.
SANITATION
Proposal for construction management services for the installation of landfill gas extraction system and final cover system for the City of Jonesboro landfill facility: Councilman Farmer motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to approve the resolution for construction management services, subject to Mr. Crego’s approval, and place it on the Council agenda for the June 20th meeting. All voted aye.
OTHER
Mayor Formon explained he looked into removing or moving the billboard in the parking lot on Burke Street. The cost of moving the sign would be $38,900 and Mr. Halsey offered to pay $10,000. Councilman Province indicated to Mayor Formon in a previous conversation that the price was too high to move the sign. Councilman Province suggested curbing around the sign to protect vehicles. Mayor Formon stated the buyout is $950 a month for 9 years.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Ashley motioned, seconded by Councilman Dover, to adjourn. All voted aye.