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Minutes for the City Council meeting on December 15, 1986
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An Appeal Hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. for Wesley and Edna Gatlin regarding Lots 17 and 18 of Block B of Burns and Luttherloh Sub. and Lots 2, 3, and 4 in Block B of Elder’s Add., W. of Lutterloh St., rezoning R-2 to C-1 requested. Attorney Keith Blackman addressed the Council and asked them to consider overruling the decision of MAPC because of the improvement a business would be to the area. The MAPC denied the request contending it would be spot-zoning He added that adjoining property currently involved in foreclosure abuts property zoned C-1. After discussion, Mr. Blackman asked that the matter be tabled until a later date.
City Council Minutes - December 15, 1986
The Jonesboro City Council met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Present were City Clerk, City Attorney, and all Aldermen. Vice- Mayor Don Culpepper presided in the Mayor’s absence. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the invocation was given by Rev. C. A. Johnson.
The minutes of December l, 1986, were approved as mailed on motion by Mr. Stricklin, seconded by Mr. Sanderson. All voted aye.
Mr. Hinson offered the following ordinance: (Annexation-Wilson Cox, N. end of Scott)
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CERTAIN LANDS ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY COURT OF CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, ARKANSAS; ASSIGNING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY TO WARD 3; ZONING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL (R-2); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Dr. Strauser asked the Attorney, Skip Mooney for clarification on the number and location of the nine lots being annexed. Mr. Mooney stated that he would have detailed drawing by the second reading.
Dr. Strauser offered the following ordinance: (Rezoning-J. White, Jr. & R. White, Fox Meadow Village, C-3 to R-2)
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #954 KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CHANGE IN ZONING BOUNDARIES.
Mr. Park moved, seconded by Dr. Strauser to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for the second time.
The following ordinance was on third reading: (Annexation-Walnut St. Baptist Church, Scenic Dr. & Dupwe)
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CERTAIN LANDS ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY COURT DATED AUGUST 19, 1986; ASSIGNING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY TO WARD 4; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Mays to adopt the ordinance. All voted aye. The ordinance was given the number 2005.
The following ordinance was on third reading: (Annexation-Industrial Park Property)
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CERTAIN LANDS ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY COURT OF CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, ARKANSAS; ASSIGNING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY TO WARD 6; ZONING SAID ANNEXED TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL 1 (AG 1); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mr. Mays moved, seconded by Mr. Park to adopt the ordinance. All voted aye. The ordinance was given the number 2006.
Public Works Director, Jeff Gibson presented a report regarding signalization of Gee/ Matthews that was made to Tony Sullivan, Traffic Division of AHTD. The report included the following.
1. Tony Sullivan did have a copy of the traffic count that the city took during the spring of 1986.
2. The three (3) intersections of Gee (Hester, Matthews and Washington) were studied as interacting intersections.
3. The original traffic count on the three intersections was taken during the summer months on a twenty-four (24) hour interval.
4. Tony Sullivan came up during the middle of September and did a traffic and pedestrian count during the peak hours in the morning and afternoon at the inter-section of Gee and Matthews.
5. Tony Sullivan also did a visual inspection of the intersection that included the problem with the curve on Gee just south of the intersection.
6. Matthews and Gee are both on the Federal Aid System. But Tony said that the state was only recommendation and the City had the right to follow the recommendation or not to follow it depending on how the City fathers decided.
7. Tony said he took all information that was gathered (not just the traffic count) to help him come up with recommendation that we should retain the existing traffic control.
8. Tony said that if the City decided that it wanted to install a traffic control signal that it would not qualify for Federal Urban Aid.
9. Tony suggested that the City and the concerned parents discuss this problem and try to find a solution that would satisfy all the parties concerned.
10. Lastly Tony stated again that his department was requested to do a study and make a recommendation to the City. After the recommendation is made, the City has the right to decide what they want to do at the intersection.
Mr. Gibson stated how much he appreciated the efforts of the AHTD and especially Mr. Tony Sullivan in the work that they are doing in the city.
Mr. Stricklin asked Mr. Gibson about Federal Urban Aid money effecting the intersection at Gee and Matthews and whether or not it would affect other intersections or projects. Mr. Gibson responded that the monetary assistance would have to be requested on that intersection (Gee and Matthews) only, and would not affect any other project or on-going.
John Sloan, Chairman of the Streets and Highway Committee of the Chamber of Commerce addressed the Council and stated he was neither for nor against the proposal, but wished to clarify the position of the committee. The committee first proposed a traffic light at the intersection before Annie Camp Junior High was opened, then later rescinded the recommendation after further study. He stated the committee recommended a study of the intersection of Matthews and Gee, Hester and Gee, and Washington and Gee, which resulted in a study of said intersections by the AHTD. He reiterated the committee was not making a recommendation for or against said proposal.
Mrs. Emma Richardson encouraged Aldermen to approve installation of a light at Gee and Matthews and requested a controlled lane of traffic.
Bob Rees stated he had done a traffic check at the intersection of Gee and Matthews during peak hours and results indicated few pedestrians cross Gee and Matthews during school hours and added the light is not warranted. He quoted Federal requirements as being 150 pedestrians crossing per hour on an average of an 8 hour day. He further added cost of installation of a light would be $10 thousand just for installation.
Peggy Barrett, accompanied by her daughters stated her children were her motivation for her presence at the meeting and urged Aldermen to install a light. She stated Mr. Rees traffic figures were in accurate because parents would not allow their children to cross the intersection during peak hours until something could be done at the intersection to make it safer. The Martin Massen family also encouraged the Council to install said signalization. Sam Massen, 11 and a student at West Elementary made an eloquent plea in behalf of his fellow students and told Aldermen they are afraid to cross the intersection because of heavy traffic.
Asst. Chief Cook addressed the Council and presented statistics of accidents at the intersection of Gee and Matthews. He further added that Capt. Smith, Traffic Safety Officer and he recommend the installation of a light at Gee and Matthews.
Mr. Bridge, Chairman of the Street Committee stated the committee had studied the matter and recommended the full council make the decision regarding the intersection.
Mr. Hannah stated he is concerned that installation of a light at Gee and Matthews will only compound problems on Hester, noting that any traffic back up south on Gee and Matthews would block Hester. He recommended widening the intersection and making left hand turn lanes on Gee. Mr. Gibson showed Mr. Hannah a drawing of a proposed revamping of the intersection.
Mr. Nix moved, seconded by Mr. Park to authorize the placement of at least one traffic signal on Gee Street and to have the Street Committee, Jeff Gibson, Bob Smith, and a representative of the School Board recommend where to install said light by the second meeting in January. A roll call vote was taken. All voted aye.
Mr. Culpepper moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to appoint Peggy Barrett to the committee to review the intersection as the School Board’s representative. All voted aye.
The following bid was up for review:
86:33 - Public Works Uniforms - Mr. Mays moved, seconded by Mr. Evans to accept the low bid meeting specifications. All voted aye.
Jeff Gibson, Public Works Director addressed the Council regarding repair or replacement of a bridge at Oakhurst (GE Drive) and the GE Plant. He stated that he had received a letter from the Arkansas State Highway Commission stating they are ready to program the rehabilitation of the bridge on GE Drive estimated cost of $200,000.00. Bridge repairs can be partially funded by the AHTD on 80/20 matching funds, but the AHTD requires a deposit of 5% of the estimated cost $10,000 Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to pursue the project and for the city to pay our share ($10,000) of the bridge at Oakhurst (GE Drive) and GE Plant. All voted aye.
Mr. Park moved, seconded by Dr. Strauser to appoint Tom McDonald to the MAPC with term to expire 12/89 and to reappoint John Sloan to the MAPC with term to expire 12/89. All voted aye.
Regarding the 1987 proposed budget. Mr. Hannah complimented Finance committee members and Department Head Chairmen for their attendance and input into the budget preparation. He stressed the importance of passage of the budget. Mr. Sanderson stated the budget did not address the city living within our money and questioned revenue estimate for 1987. Mr. Sanderson asked if the city needed to adopt the budget before the new Mayor takes office, citing February 15, 1987, as the deadline. Finance Director, Herb Davis responded that the date was correct, however, he urged Council members to adopt the budget. Mr. Hannah added the proposal included a limited amount of money to give Mayor-elect Brodell some flexibility in dealing with the programs he wished to implement. Mr. Hubert Brodell stated he had no problems with the adoption of the 1987 Budget as long as it can be amended during the coming year.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to increase the line item in the Fire Department to $1,040 for a part-time secretary. All voted aye.
Mr. Hannah offered the following ordinance:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS: THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY ADOPTS A 1987 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,079.707.
Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for a second time. Mr. Hannah then moved, seconded by Mr. Mays to further suspend the rules and place on third reading. All voted aye. The ordinance was read for the third time. Mr. Hannah moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton for the adoption of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken. All voted aye with the exception of Mr. Sanderson who voted nay. The ordinance passed and was given the number 2007.
Mr. Hannah, Finance Chairman, recommended the Finance Director, Herb Davis be instructed to appropriate $5,736.66 to pay overtime to members of the Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Mr. Stricklin moved, seconded by Mr. Shelton to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee. All voted aye.
Vice-Mayor, Don Culpepper read a letter from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department regarding design work for a traffic light at the intersection of Stadium and Aggie.
Don Culpepper complimented Aldermen and stated his term of service on the Council had been a tremendous education and praised members as a fine group of unselfish gentlemen. Mr. Culpepper drew repeated praise from fellow Aldermen. Mr. Mays offered a resolution commending Culpepper for his service to the community. Mr. Mays then moved, seconded by Mr. Stricklin for the adoption of the resolution. All voted aye. The resolution was given the number 1986:42.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.