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Minutes for the City Council meeting on December 1, 2003
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PUBLIC HEARING - 6:10 P.M. - A public hearing was conducted regarding the abandonment of an unnamed platted street in Patrick's 3rd Addition, and to vacate an alley in Block 2 of Patrick's 2nd Addition. The request was made by the Jonesboro Real Estate Holdings Company. No opposition was voiced.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 2003
The Jonesboro City Council met Monday, December 1, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Mayor Brodell, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, City Attorney Phillip Crego and twelve council members. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to approve the minutes of November 17, 2003. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy.
Councilwoman Williams moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to amend the agenda by moving Item G - Decision on the request made by the Northeast Arkansas Regional Transit Authority for $130,000 appropriation per year to the front of the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Province that $130,000 for three years be approved for the transit system for the City of Jonesboro. Several council members expressed concern for funding the transit system given the City of Jonesboro's budget constraints and the current budget deficit. Councilman Moore stated the matter should be voted on by the public up-front rather than in three years, because it will require a tax increase to maintain the transit system. Councilman Hargis stated questions had not been answered regarding the funding of the system. Councilman Province spoke in favor of the appropriation stating there are things you must do to assure the progress of the community, and stated there were a large percentage of people in the community who needed this transit system. He stated Jonesboro would not know if a tax increase would be necessary until the system has been tested, explaining there are other monetary avenues to pursue other than a tax increase. He explained there were plenty of community minded and civic minded people in Jonesboro who could take up the monetary slack if need be. Councilman Roddy expressed concern that the decision on the transit system was premature, and stated it should not be considered until the citizens of Jonesboro had voted on the matter. Councilman Street questioned where the funds would come from and could they count on federal funding to continue or would taxes have to be raised to perpetuate the system. He agreed the public should be allowed to vote on the matter. Councilwoman Williams explained a study had been done in 2001/2002 regarding bus routes, and that a specific plan could not be submitted until the bidding process had been completed. She stated a route plan could not be put forth until a professional was in place to provide the route plan. Ms. Williams requested sponsors of the transit system be allowed to answer specific questions the council may have. Mayor Brodell opened the floor for public comment regarding the transit system, with Councilman Young suggesting comments be limited to five minutes per speaker. Mr. Eddie Williams spoke in favor of the transit system saying it would provide a way for individuals who had broken the law and had no other means of transportation due to the fact that their driver's license had been revoked. He explained at one time he drove a cab, and recommended the council ask the cab companies to provide recommended bus routes. Mr. Steve Ewart provided a 2002 study done by Robert Wilford, Director of the Crowley's Ridge Development Council. He explained the study had been provided previously to quorum court members as well as members of the Jonesboro City Council. Mr. Ewart explained a plat had been done by a previous city planner who now resides in Jonesboro, but the information has not been released on the advice of their consultants which encouraged them to be broad and general on the front end. He explained after a route is established it is difficult to change it once an operator has been hired. He stated they would have to provide a budget to the Arkansas Highway Transportation Department and work through the City's MPO to know how much funds will be available from FTA sources. Mr. Ewart explained the people who stand to lose the most money from this endeavor, are those individuals in the community who will be funding the $300,000 each year from private funds. Councilman Young stated money was not the issue, explaining $130,000 a year out of a $30,000,000 budget is nothing, and pointed out the various groups in favor of the transit system. Councilman Moore questioned if so many citizens are in favor of the measure would it not be better to send it to referendum. Discussion was held regarding the 2002 study, with several council members stating they had not been provided a copy of the study. Councilman Farmer explained he did not have the study until a few days ago, and had spent five hours reviewing it. It was requested that the council hold off on making a decision until they had an opportunity to review the study and its different options. Councilman Farmer explained the newly hired MPO director, has a background in public transportation and would be starting December 16th. Councilman Farmer suggested getting a recommendation from the MPO director prior to the council making its decision. Councilman Perrin questioned Mr. Ewart if they had a written commitment for the $300,000 from private sources. Mr. Ewart responded saying they had been assured by the Chamber of Commerce that the $300,000 was a good pledge, and referred the question to Mr. Henry Jones, President of the Chamber. Mr. Jones responded saying they have letters from twelve of their larger members who would help raise the money if the City of Jonesboro would provide the $130,000 per year. He further stated the City of Jonesboro would not have to spend the $130,000 if they (the Chamber) do not raise the $300,000. Councilman Young had audience members in support of the transit system to stand, then questioned if they wanted the Council to put the matter off for two more weeks, or vote on the measure now. Several indicated they wanted an immediate vote. Councilman McCall questioned how the Chamber would raise the funds, if for some unforeseen reason the Friends of Transit funds were not made available. Mr. Jones explained every year, on faith, the Chamber raises $750,000 for their operational budget, and Jonesboro Unlimited raises $100,000 for unbudgeted economic development recruitment funds. He stated the larger chamber members that have an impact on Jonesboro's economy are in support of the transit system, specifically naming Mr. Mike Nelson, manager of the Stouffers Plant, who will have a1000 employees in a couple of years. Mr. Jones stated he feared if this particular industry had known the community had this kind of attitude toward such a progressive project they may not have located in Jonesboro. He went down a list of screening techniques used by industrial prospects when selecting a site, naming United Way, Foundation of Arts, good parks system, good city government, and the bus system. Mr. Jones explained they support the public transit initiative because it is good for Jonesboro and Craighead County and even though taxpayers will be paying for it, it won't be a specific tax until three years from now when they can vote it up or down. Or he stated until the Jonesboro City Council could find revenue from another source. Councilman Moore questioned Mr. Ewart if the buses would only run in Jonesboro without Craighead County's participation. Mr. Ewart stated that was not an issue for year one, but would be if they could attract additional dollars. Mr. Wilford explained when the study was first done routes were considered in the county because they wanted the support of quorum court members who had indicated they would not approve the transit system unless it included county routes. Mayor Brodell called for a roll call vote resulting in seven (7) to five (5) in favor of the motion. Those members voting aye were: Province, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, and McCall. Those voting nay were: Farmer, Hargis, Moore, Furr, and Roddy. The motion carried.
The following ordinance was on the third and final reading:
ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 5.16 GARBAGE, TRASH AND WEEDS OF THE JONESBORO MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SUBPARAGRAPH 25 CLEAN SWEEP PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF JONESBORO AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Moore to amend the ordinance by deleting the word "tires" from Section 8. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. Councilman Young moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of the ordinance as amended. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The ordinance would go into effect January 1, 2004, and was assigned number 3445.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO ABANDON AN UNNAMED PLATTED STREET IN PATRICK'S 3RD ADDITION, AND TO VACATE AN ALLEY IN BLOCK 2 OF PATRICK'S 2ND ADDITION. (Jonesboro Real Estate Holdings Company)
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Young 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned number 3446.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE AN AMENDMENT TO THE JONESBORO CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 14.32.11 ENTITLED OFF-PREMISE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN STANDARDS.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Young 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Young 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned number 3447.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE AN AMENDMENT TO THE JONESBORO CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 14.32.14 ENTITLED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY STANDARDS.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned number 3448.
The following ordinance was on the third and final reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO RESIDENTIAL (R-3), LOCATED ON THE SOUTHSIDE OF GREENSBORO ROAD, EAST OF N. CARAWAY ROAD. (Warren Lamberth and Nina Hedger)
Councilman Young moved for adoption. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF A WORK ORDER SOFTWARE SYSTEM FROM CARTEGRAPH FOR $20,000.00 FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. 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, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The ordinance was assigned number 3449.
Councilman Moore moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of a traffic resolution placing "STOP" signs at the following locations:
•For southbound traffic at the northwest corner of Crescent Cove at West Matthews.
•Sandra Lane in the northeast corner at the intersection with Stephanie Lane.
•Sandra Lane in the southwest corner at the intersection with Sandra Cove/Sandra Lane.
A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The resolution was assigned number 2003:85.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the adoption of a resolution authorizing Colson Caster Corporation, located at 3700 Airport Road to participate in the tax back program as authorized by Section 15-4-2706 (d) of the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003. Councilman Perrin questioned Section 2 of the resolution, "The Department of Finance and Administration is not authorized to refund local sales and use taxes to Colson Caster Corporation", stating the wording was different from previous Arkansas Advantage resolutions. Mayor Brodell explained the change was due to new state legislation. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy. The resolution was assigned number 2003:86.
Under new business, Mayor Brodell announced he had received a call from Senator Blanche Lincoln informing him if everything goes well the 1.5 million dollars for drainage and transportation will go before the House next week and should know something by early January. Councilman Farmer clarified the actual amount was for a million dollars not 1.5 million.
Mayor Brodell reported the American Heritage Main Street Grant was up to $5,000.00 and encouraged non-profit groups to apply.
Councilwoman Furr commended the Sanitation Advisory Board for their hard work in making recommendations regarding Jonesboro's Sanitation Ordinance.
Councilman Hargis provided the following CDBG projects information based on a report by Mr. Jim McKinnon, Grants Coordinator: E. Boone Watson Center to be completed this week by Cooper Construction Company and is within budget; Miles Park lighting still trying to find funding; Allen Park spray-ground being done by E.T.C. Engineers and should go for bid sometime in December or January; Parker Park storage building plans and specs have been completed by Architect Marc Cahoon and bids will be accepted December 9th; Earl Bell Center bathhouse and swimming pool should be completed December or January by E.T.C. Engineers; Playground equipment for Fairview Park, E. Boone Watson and Main Street Park should be installed this month; demolition is progressing with $7,300.00 left in the budget; 2004 CDBG program has been submitted to HUD with an expected approval date of March 2004; Allen Park Tennis Court from the 2001/2002 grant is progressing; Bids have been let for 2003 park improvement projects which includes skateboard & fencing at Allen Park and playground at Joe Mac Campbell; 2004 Craighead Park Rotary improvements have been submitted and should know something by January; ATV Trail Project is ready for bid; Allen Park Walking Trail has been bid out; Downtown Improvement with Knish will begin in January; MPO Director should be here December 16th.
Councilman Perrin announced the first meeting of the Records Management Committee would be December 4, 2003, at 3:30 p.m.
Under public comment, Mr. Eddie Williams complimented Mayor Brodell for the progression of Jonesboro referring to the streets and sidewalks.
With no further business Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Williams for adjournment of the meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Moore, Williams, Perrin, Street, Young, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Roddy.