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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on November 15, 2004.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 15, 2004
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met November 15, 2004 at 5:15 p.m. in the Haworth Room of the Huntington Building located at 900 W. Monroe, Jonesboro, Arkansas. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Chris Moore, Judy Furr, Tim McCall, Jim Hargis, John Street, Harold Perrin, City Clerk Donna Jackson, Staff, Press, and Audience.
Chair Chris Moore called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to approve minutes from September 20, 2004 and from October 18, 2004 as provided. All voted aye. Copies of the minutes were provided to all in attendance.
POLICE
Police Firing Range: Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to recommend to the full council a resolution naming the police firing range the “Wayne Dowdy Memorial Police Firing Range” contingent on a recommendation by Mayor Brodell. It was explained that Captain Dowdy was instrumental in working with city leaders and local businesses in establishing a firing range for the Jonesboro Police Department. All voted aye.
Taser Policy: Councilwoman Furr presented a drafted Taser Policy written by Captain Tim Eads for the purpose of informing, directing and providing a written guideline in the proper deployment of tasers. City Attorney Crego was provided a copy of the taser policy and asked to make a recommendation by the next Public Safety Committee meeting. Committee members were asked to review the policy and come prepared to discuss the matter in thirty days.
INSPECTIONS
Zoning Classifications: City Attorney Crego stated he was consulting with Mr. Jeff Hawkins regarding the change in zoning classifications, and would have the information available at the next committee meeting.
Traffic Study for South Jonesboro: Councilman Street reported Carter & Burgess and Peters & Associates have completed the work on the traffic analysis and once the data is compiled they will call a public hearing sometime the first of December.
E911
Scheduled Meetings: Councilman Perrin announced a meeting for November 22, 2004 with the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office for the purpose of accessing the needs of the 911 Center. It was announced there would be a meeting with Motorola at Fire Station No. 1 to discuss radios, towers, personnel and buildings. Mr. Bob Andrews, 911 Director announced an AVL training session for dispatchers on November 16th and 17th. He gave examples how the AVL System has already assisted various departments with job related matters.
School Resource Officers: Chairman Moore questioned if school officials had been notified that grant money had been cut so additional funding could be obtained. Chief Floyd Johnson confirmed that all school superintendents had been notified and they plan to hire off-duty police officers on a temporary basis. He explained SRO grant funds had been “frozen” - neither denied or approved - and was hopeful that the matter would be resolved after the first of the year.
AMBULANCE
311 Number: Councilman McCall informed committee members that numerous calls come into the 911 Center that are non-emergency calls. It was reported that 6000 calls were transferred to other departments by 911 dispatchers since August of this year. Councilman McCall stated information would be mailed out to committee members pertaining to a 311 Non-Emergency Number for their consideration the first of the year.
FIRE
ISO Ratings, Burn Ordinance: Reports for these two items were not available due to Fire Chief Herring not being able to attend due to an out of town training session. Chairman Moore stated he would contact Chief Herring and have the information available at the next committee meeting.
Wrecked Fire Truck Salvage: Councilman Perrin requested a report on the purchase of salvage from the wrecked fire truck.
Ladder Fire Truck: It was explained that Fire Chief Herring had called City Clerk Donna Jackson requesting that agenda item E - an ordinance appropriating funds for a Pierce Ladder Truck - be tabled because he was not satisfied with the explanation provided by the vendors regarding the price. Discussion followed and the committee determined that bids had been taken and accepted for the established price of $458,777 and an emergency existed since the Pierce truck would be replacing a piece of equipment that was 19 years old. City Attorney Crego reminded committee members that the ordinance simply appropriated the funds. The decision was made not to table the ordinance.
ANIMAL CONTROL & MOSQUITO
VIDC: Councilman Hargis reported the time for mosquito control has been extended due to weather conditions, but Vector agreed to provide service as necessary. Chairman Moore requested a copy of the VIDC contract.
Public Hearing - Vicious Dog Ordinance: A public hearing was scheduled for November 30, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of getting public comment regarding a proposed animal control ordinance.
Presentation for Dr. Jack Jones: Mr. Aubrey Scott was asked to have a plaque prepared that contained Dr. Jones’ years of volunteer service as Jonesboro’s Veterinarian so it could be presented to him at the December Council meeting.
Mr. Scott brought up signalization by Peter’s & Associates. It was explained the matter needed to be presented to the Public Works Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business Councilwoman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman Street for adjournment. All voted aye.