title
Minutes for the City Council meeting on April 18, 2006
body
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - April 18, 2006
The Jonesboro City Council met Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. Members present were: Mayor Doug Formon, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, City Attorney Crego and twelve council members. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to approve the minutes for the April 4, 2006, City Council meeting as delivered. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
For discussion purposes Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to amend the agenda swapping the order of Agenda Item F - An Ordinance providing for the levy of a one percent (1%) sales tax, and Agenda Item G - An Ordinance calling for a special election for a one percent (1%) sales tax. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilwoman Williams moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to place the rezoning reconsideration located on Flemon Road for Jerry McCormick back on the agenda for the May 2, 2006, City Council meeting. She explained Mr. Teddy Hooton had State and County Authority information pertaining to drainage solutions. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
The following ordinance was on the third and final reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM C-3, R-1, and R-3 TO C-6 LUO LOCATED SOUTH OF HIGHLAND PARK CIRCLE, WEST OF PAUSCH DRIVE, NORTH OF HIGHLAND DRIVE, AND EAST OF DARA DRIVE. (ROBERT REES)
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3629.
Councilman Moore offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM R-2, RESIDENTIAL, TO C-1 COMMERCIAL, LOCATED BETWEEN HOPE AND CREATH. (ST. BERNARD’S HOSPITAL/JONESBORO REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS CO.)
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to suspend with the second reading of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM AG, AGRICULTURAL, TO C-1 COMMERCIAL, LOCATED NORTH OF HIGHWAY 49 SOUTH BETWEEN WILKINSON DRIVE AND MAPLE VALLEY DRIVE (THREE SISTERS LLC)
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street to suspend the rules for the second reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Moore offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE JONESBORO CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 2.20.04 (A) IV ENTITLED PROCEDURES AND PARLIAMENTARY RULES, ORDER OF BUSINESS, FINANCIAL REPORT
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Farmer to suspend with the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Hargis who voted nay, stating more information was needed, rather than less. Those members voting aye were: Farmer, Province, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Hargis who voted nay. Those members voting aye were: Farmer, Province, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Farmer for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilman Hargis who voted nay. Those members voting aye were: Farmer, Province, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilwoman Williams offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID BY DACUS FENCE COMPANY, INC. FOR FENCING AT SOUTHSIDE SOFTBALL COMPLEX AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS.
Councilman Moore questioned why the other bid forms were not included. Mr. Jeff Owens, speaking for Mr. Jason Wilkie, Parks Director, stated no other bid forms were provided to him by Mr. Wilkie. He explained the only information made available was the second and third bidders stating Lacy Welding declined to bid, and the third bidder bid $10,000.00 but the hand writing was so poor, he was unable to read the name of the third bidder. It was explained that Dacus Fence Company was the low bidder and other bids were taken. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to waive the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned ordinance number 3631.
Agenda Item G, - An Ordinance calling for a special election for a one percent (1%) sales tax. was addressed before Agenda Item F - An Ordinance providing for the levy of the one percent (1%) sales tax.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, ON THE QUESTION OF LEVYING A ONE PERCENT (1%) SALES AND USE TAX FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS WITHIN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION AND SUBSEQUENT LEASING OF CONVENTION, MEETING, AND EVENT FACILITIES, RELATED PARKING FACILITIES, AND OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS RELATED THERETO; TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING, STAFFING, AND OPERATION OF A CENTRALLY-LOCATED FIRE STATION AND RELATED PARKING FACILITIES; DEFINING THE TERM “SINGLE TRANSACTION;” PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Councilman Farmer stated questions had been raised regarding the need to pass the levy ordinance (Agenda Item F) at the same time calling for the special election (Agenda Item G). Councilman Street questioned why the fire station was included with the convention center, stating he had received comments from several citizens who were concerned with lumping the two together. Mayor Formon stated it was placed on the ballot in order to lower the fire rating. Councilman Street and other City Council members stated they did not have a problem building a fire station, but stated it should be two separate ballot issues. Mayor Formon explained there are so many building needs, listing four fire stations, a justice complex, animal control and transit building, that if this one fire station could be removed from the list it would open up more resources. Attorney Tim Grooms explained until the Jonesboro City Council passes the ordinances calling for a special election and levying the 1% tax there was no reason to go into the details of the lease and purchase agreements. He explained they had however negotiated a “Master Development Agreement” that incorporates 90% of the terms that will be in the “Real Estate Agreement” and the “Lease Agreement”. Councilman Farmer questioned how Attorney Grooms sees the process of negotiation playing out once the tax is passed. Attorney Grooms responded saying under Arkansas Law the tax cannot be collected till October 1, so before the sales tax collection takes place the Real Estate Agreement and Lease Agreement would be brought back before the Jonesboro City Council for their approval. Councilman Street questioned the need for adopting the ordinance levying the 1% sales and use tax, and questioned if they could not wait until after the election to adopt this particular ordinance. Attorney Grooms explained this needed to be done so the voters understand what they are voting on, even though it would not take effect until the voters approved it and the appeal period had passed. Councilman Farmer explained the ballot language explains what the voters will be voting on and is in the language of the ordinance calling for the election. Councilman Farmer stated there are needs for a fire station, street improvements, and traffic light improvements in the area and would be an opportunity for the City of Jonesboro to take advantage of a TIF. Attorney Grooms stated this would not be a good candidate for a TIF because the Fire Station and Convention Center would be city owned properties, to which Councilman Farmer pointed out the hotel would not be city owned, which would result in $150,000 to $200,000 a year for these improvements. Attorney Grooms stated the developer would not be opposed to a TIF. It was explained the value of the property and surrounding properties has increased since the purchase of the property. Councilman Moore stated Mayor Formon has presented his plan for building the convention center, and building a fire station, and unless Mayor Formon concedes that the two measures need to be split he did not think the City Council should amend Mayor Formon’s proposal. Councilman Street argued this is the first discussion the City Council has had on the proposal, and it is not fair to dismiss the public’s concerns. Councilman Moore stated the City Council is being asked to send Mayor Formon’s plan to the public for a vote, and unless he is willing to amend it, he was in favor of sending it to the voters as written. He further explained the City Council did not submit a plan for building a fire station or placing a tax on the ballot. Councilman Farmer questioned City Clerk, Donna Jackson regarding the deadline for adding an issue to the ballot. City Clerk Jackson explained ballot measures are handled through the County Clerk’s Office, but guessed the time frame to be sixty days. Following the city council meeting the City Clerk’s Office researched the matter and it was determined the time frame was as follows: … for a referendum petition at not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days after the passage of such measure by a municipal council; nor less than ninety (90) days when filed against a local or special measure passed by the General Assembly. Councilman Farmer questioned if the City Council wanted to pass the measure with or without the levy, but agreed that Mayor Formon and Mr. Fowler’s committee have put the plan together. Mayor Formon explained there was a lot of discussion among his committee members, naming Wallace Fowler, Harold Perrin and other “financial wizards” stating they did not want to cloud the issue and felt it was the best plan. Councilman McCall stated the fire station was one of the weak links regarding the ISO rating. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to suspend the rules and place on second reading. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Street to remove the first four paragraphs of the ordinance and pulling the ordinance levying the 1% sales and use tax until after the election is held. Attorney Grooms stated there was a problem with doing that, because the voters needed to be voting on something the City Council has levied. He referenced Section Five (5) of Agenda Item F, stating if they vote to pass the ordinance it is completely subject to the vote of the people, making it void if the public votes against it. Councilman Farmer stated the Section Five (5) is in the ordinance that the City Council is not be currently considering (Agenda Item F - the ordinance levying the 1% sales and use tax). Attorney Grooms explained it must be considered in order to get the tax passed and levied, otherwise the voters would be voting on something the City Council has not approved. Attorney Grooms stated the argument for passing both ordinances, is that the City Council could possibly go against the will of the voters. Councilman Moore questioned City Attorney Crego, if the City Council could vote to overturn the will of the voter. Mr. Crego explained technically they could, causing a complex legal issue. He explained the difference between a referendum and an initiative, stating by not passing both ordinances there was the possibility of having ½ an initiative and ½ a referendum creating a legal problem. At the explanation of City Attorney Crego, Councilman Farmer and Councilman Street withdrew their motion and second. Councilman Street stated for the record that while he does not object to citizens voting on the measure, he in no way endorses it. Councilman Moore called for the question on his motion to suspend with the second reading. A note was passed to City Clerk Donna Jackson, who announced there were only 57 days prior to the primary election. Mayor Formon responded stating they had checked with County Clerk Nancy Nelms who had said if the measure was passed today it could be placed on the June 13th ballot. Mayor Formon stated the actual time frame was 45 days, and former city council member Gary Harpole confirmed. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye on the second reading. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. It was determined in order to place the measure on the ballot, the ordinance would have to be adopted at this current city council meeting. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to suspend the rules for the third and final reading of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in an eight (8) to three (3) vote. Those members voting aye were: Farmer, Hargis, Moore, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, and McCall. Those members voting nay were: Province, Williams, and Furr. The ordinance was assigned 3632.
Councilman Johnson offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF A ONE PERCENT (1%) SALES AND USE TAX FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS WITHIN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION AND SUBSEQUENT LEASING OF CONVENTION, MEETING, AND EVENT FACILITIES, RELATED PARKING FACILITIES, AND OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS RELATED THERETO; TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING, STAFFING, AND OPERATION OF A CENTRALLY-LOCATED FIRE STATION AND RELATED PARKING FACILITIES; AND PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
Councilman Farmer questioned if the City Council was under a deadline to pass this particular ordinance, to which Attorney Grooms responded saying they could not have the election until this particular ordinance is passed because of the previous ordinance (calling for the election) referenced this ordinance (levying the tax), so both ordinances needed to be adopted. He further stated this ordinance would not go into effect until the voters had voted. Some discussion followed regarding amending the ordinance to reflect the will of the city council to let the public vote on the measure when Mr. Wallace Fowler stood up and stated based on the evenings conversation, he was individually (not speaking for the advisory committee) recommending pulling the item from consideration and forgetting about the convention center because he did not believe they would be able to pass it. He further stated they had an eight story Hilton Inn Garden waiting for the convention center, including two restaurants. Mr. Fowler stated Mr. Hammons had called two weeks ago saying he could make more money selling the property than with the convention center. Mr. Fowler contended that no other companies had offered any proposals within the last twelve months and with Mr. Hammons being 86 years old he had other places to go. Councilman Province responded saying he felt the Council had an obligation to the citizens of Jonesboro to vote one way or the other. Mayor Formon questioned Mr. Fowler if he wanted it pulled because there is not a unanimous vote by the City Council. Mr. Fowler responded saying he did not have the authority to pull the measure, that it was Mayor Formon’s decision. Mr. Fowler stated they cannot raise the sixty to seventy thousand dollars needed to sell it to the people. Mr. Fowler stated he had been trying for ten years to get a convention center, but he did not believe they could get it to pass, and recommended consulting with Mr. Gary Harpole. Councilman Moore stated while he respects Mr. Fowler’s opinion, it should be Mayor Formon who should pull it because it was Mayor Formon’s plan. Mr. Gary Harpole responded saying they had conducted polls and found the measure to be received very favorably, but also found there was a lot of stock placed in the opinion of the city leaders. He stated a lot of effort went in to this for the last several months, and the ordinances had been placed on and pulled off. He stated the ordinances the city council received tonight were provided several weeks ago, and had only been amended with regard to the date. Mr. Harpole explained as a marketing person, by the discussions in the city council meeting, it had robbed the opportunity of any sort of feeling that the city leaders are behind this project. He further stated they were starting way behind, based on the dialogue of this evenings meeting. Mr. Harpole agreed it was Mayor Formon’s decision to make regarding the pulling of the ordinance, but recommended he pull the measure from consideration. Mr. Roger Watkins stood up and recommended Mayor Formon work under the advisement of a committee prior to deciding to pull the measure himself. However, it was explained the measure was time sensitive, and either the measure is approved tonight or not. Mayor Formon called for a recess to allow him time to consult with his staff. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street to recess. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Mayor Formon called the meeting back to order. He explained after consideration of the time and effort spent by Barry Ledbetter, Joe Williams, Wallace Fowler, and Harold Perrin to make this project possible he could not see pulling the item from the agenda (tonight). He explained all that is being decided tonight is to take the measure to the voters for a decision. Mayor Formon further explained it will not cost anything if it is done on the runoff election date. He agreed it would be harder to sell, and stated he had private conversations with the council members about the proposal along with Attorney Tim Grooms, but until tonight was unaware that anyone was “nervous” about the convention center and unwilling to vote on it. He stated he wanted to go forward with the proposal. Councilman Moore offered the amended ordinance for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION BY THE PUBLIC FOR THE QUESTION OF THE LEVY OF A ONE PERCENT (1%) SALES AND USE TAX FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS WITHIN THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION AND SUBSEQUENT LEASING OF CONVENTION, MEETING, AND EVENT FACILITIES, RELATED PARKING FACILITIES, AND OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS RELATED THERETO; TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING, STAFFING, AND OPERATION OF A CENTRALLY-LOCATED FIRE STATION AND RELATED PARKING FACILITIES; AND PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Jonesboro (hereafter "the City") has determined there is a need for an election to allow the citizens to determine the need for capital improvements
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to suspend with the second and third readings. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to adopt the amended ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned Ordinance No. 3633
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution accepting bids for construction of fencing at Craighead Forest Park ATV area. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:41.
Councilwoman Williams moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of a resolution contracting with NRS Consulting Engineers for engineering work on Oaklawn Cemetery. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:42.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of a resolution approving the purchase of firefighter fitness equipment as priced in bid number 2006:29. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:43.
Agenda Item 8 - The original resolution committing funds toward completion of the Arkansas State University Westside Overpass Project was amended prior to being offered and read. Councilman Farmer explained at the last city council meeting it was requested the resolution be amended to include the status of the funding, and the improvements that would be made with that funding, including the Marshall Estates project being the number one add alternate. He explained while some amendments were made it did not include the reference or cost of the project. Councilman Farmer submitted an amended resolution that included subsections “f” and “g” as follows:
f. All funding amounts and construction estimates are based on the Westside Overpass Project booklet distributed to the mayor and city council in February 2006 with a revised design layout of the project attached and referenced as Attachment A.
g. Before any funds will be released by the city, the ASU Board of Trustees shall adopt a resolution (see Attachment B) approving its obligations under this agreement.
Councilman Farmer explained he wanted to make sure the current version of the design layout of the project (Distributed to the MPO on February 7, 2006) was attached to the resolution as “Attachment A”. He explained the current version showed the bridges being removed on Caraway Road, but Caraway Road remaining. The old version showed all of Caraway Road being removed. Mr. Jennus Burton concurred with Councilman Farmer. Also, Councilman Farmer explained Section “g” included an attachment “B” that required before any funds would be released by the city, the ASU Board of Trustees would adopt a resolution approving its obligations under the agreement. Mr. Burton stated he did not want to mislead the Council and explained the ASU Board of Trustees nor the City Council has the right to spend the Federal money without Arkansas Highway Transportation Department’s approval. He further stated what the ASU Board of Trustees is supporting is that the Marshall Estate drainage issues be added to the plan as an add alternate subject to AHTD approval. Mr. Burton explained they had requested the City design a solution for Marshall Estates but have not received such a plan. He further stated Carter Burgess had put the project on hold for four months. Questions were also raised regarding the impact of the overpass with other intersections. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to amend the resolution. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of the amended resolution. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:44.
Under new business Mayor Formon reported on a sanitation employee, Mr. Mike Sartin who had been injured in a motorcycle accident, saying he had been moved to a critical care unit. Mayor Formon reported the Police Administration has moved back into the Justice Complex, but it would be May 4, 2006, before Municipal Court would move back in. Lastly, Mayor Formon explained the Jonesboro Street, Fire, and Sanitation Departments are no longer assisting with the Marmaduke Disaster Relief, with the Police Department expecting to withdraw within a couple of days.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to suspend the rules allowing for five resolutions to be included on the agenda that had been approved by the Finance Committee, but had missed the agenda deadline. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution entering a contract with Northeast Arkansas Regional AIDS Network for $5,000.00 for CDBG NEA Continuum of Care. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye with the exception of Councilwoman Furr who abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:45.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of a resolution entering a contract with Focus Inc. for $5,000.00 for CDBG NEA Continuum of Care. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:46.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution entering a contract with for $5,000.00 with Jonesboro Urban renewal & Housing Authority (HCDO) for CDBG NEA Continuum of Care. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:47.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution entering a contract with Hispanic Community Services, Inc. for $5,000.00 for CDBG NEA Continuum of Care. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:48.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams for the adoption of a resolution entering a contract with Mid-South Health Systems for $5,000.00 for CDBG NEA Continuum of Care. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned resolution number 2006:49.
Councilman Perrin announced the regularly scheduled Finance Committee meeting for 4:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room on Thursday, April 20, 2006.
Councilman Hargis requested he be part of the planning for the development of the animal shelter, and questioned its status. Mayor Formon stated the Construction Manager had been hired and would be providing drawings soon. Councilman Hargis explained they would have to follow procedure by taking it to the Finance Committee and City Council, because it had not been budgeted due to any projections being made available.
Councilman Farmer requested that Mr. Harry Hardwick and Mr. Brian Wadley provide information to the Public Works Committee regarding the condemnation evaluation of Valley View utilizing guidelines of the Arkansas State Highway Department. Councilman Farmer also commented on lawsuit filed on the Pine Apartments, stating priorities needed to be established. He explained recommendations had been provided by Carter and Burgess in August of 2005, and the Public Works approved the recommendation of a detention pond in 2005, but no action was taken. He urged priorities be set in order to avoid lawsuits.
Councilman Farmer also stated he got the impression the Jonesboro City Council had been chastised for having a public discussion on an issue having major importance to the City of Jonesboro. He stated the City Council has a responsibility to its citizens to talk through issues and this was the first time the convention center had been brought before the Jonesboro City Council for discussion. He explained it was a large expenditure for the City of Jonesboro and the City Council should make things open and discuss issues so the public may be involved and know what is going on. Councilman Farmer stated while communication in the City Administration is better than it’s ever been, better communication was needed, because several of the amendments made to the measure had been expressed by different council members several months ago.
Councilwoman Furr concurred with Councilman Farmer stating being chastised for doing the correct thing is inappropriate at best.
With no further business, Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilwoman Williams to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.