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Minutes for the City Council meeting on July 5, 2005
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 5, 2005
The Jonesboro City Council met Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Mayor Doug Formon, City Clerk, Donna K. Jackson, City Attorney Phillip Crego and eleven council members. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Moore was unable to attend.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to approve the minutes of June 21, 2005, as provided. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Finance Director, Larry Flowers was on vacation, but a financial report was provided to members of the Jonesboro City Council.
The following ordinance was on the third and final reading:
ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL (R-1), SINGLE FAMILY MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMMERCIAL (C-3), GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
(Dennis Gambill)
Councilman Street 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3550.
The following ordinance was on the second reading:
ORDINANCE CREATING THE JONESBORO ECONOMICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (J.E.T.S.)
Dr. Paul Copeland provided a PowerPoint presentation answering several questions that had been raised. He explained according to ADA guidelines Jonesboro would be eligible to charge 2 ½ times the base fair or $2.50 for ADA services, allowing for the disabled individual, one family member and one personal care assistant to ride. He stated the on demand service would only be operational for eighteen to twenty four months in order to determine additional routes or realignment of the bus routes. Regarding Jonesboro’s financial requirement he explained for 2005 no additional appropriation would be necessary, only a line item transfer of $130,000.00. It was explained that CDBG funds were eligible for the local match with no set limit. Dr. Copeland explained by the end of the month he would have $90,000.00 in local contributions, and expected additional funding to come from advertisements. He explained additional funding would come from the refunding of gas tax.
Councilman Dover offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3506, KNOWN AS THE 2005 BUDGET, PROVIDING FOR THE FIRE SAFETY PREVENTION GRANT
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Dover 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3551.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3506, KNOWN AS THE 2005 BUDGET, PROVIDING FOR THE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT. (J.A.G.)
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Johnson 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3552.
Councilman Johnson offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3506, KNOWN AS THE 2005 BUDGET ORDINANCE, PROVIDING FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Dover 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3553.
Councilman Hargis offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATIONS OF FUNDING THROUGH CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Farmer 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Mr. Copeland explained all outside agencies had been notified and all but two had responded. Councilman Perrin questioned if outside agencies would be required to submit a balance sheet. Mr. Copeland explained it was not specified in this particular ordinance, but if they receive an appropriation from CDBG that information is required, and was part of the recent audit findings by HUD. It was explained enabling legislation provides that several of the boards and commissions report on a regular basis (annually and quarterly) to the Jonesboro City Council. Mr. Copeland explained the City of Jonesboro appropriates approximately 1.4 million dollars annually and accountability of those funds is necessary for budgeting purposes. Councilman Perrin stated he wanted to know what percentage of each individual project the City of Jonesboro is funding. He also recommended current financial information such as a balance sheet and P&L for a period of three years. Councilman Hargis moved, to amend the ordinance to include that information under Section Three, item (4), but the motion failed for lack of a second. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to table the ordinance until the amendment could be made. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Discussion was held regarding the use of the emergency clause. It was explained the emergency clause should only be used when an emergency exists and should be clearly stated in the ordinance. Councilman Perrin asked that consideration be given when writing ordinances and avoidance of the emergency clause unless there is justification for it. Councilman Perrin requested City Clerk Donna Jackson question the need of the emergency prior to placing it on the agenda.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A FUND SELECTION SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Dover to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3554.
Councilman Dover offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 3424, THE PURCHASING MANUAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE LIMIT FOR EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE FROM $250.00 TO $2,000.00
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of the ordinance. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Ashley 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3555.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr to pull the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 3485, WHICH CREATED A PERMANENT TRAFFIC CONTROL REVIEW COMMITTEE
A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Street offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE REPAIRS TO THE CITY OF JONESBORO’S HORIZONTAL GRINDER
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Street 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3556.
Councilman Perrin offered the following ordinance for first reading:
ORDINANCE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH A.C.A. 14-42-107 AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH AN OFFICIAL OF THE CITY OF JONESBORO FOR BUILDING CONTRACTOR SERVICES
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman McCall to suspend with the second and third reading. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Dover 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, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The ordinance was assigned number 3557.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Street for the adoption of a resolution accepting the findings and appropriate action for the 2003 annual Legislative Audit. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned number 2005:77.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the reimbursement for professional services and drainage easement acquisition for Ditch 26 (Viney Slough Ditch). A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned number 2005:78.
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Hargis for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute contracts and agreements for MATA right-of-way for Nathan and Joan Thompson at 4507 S. Caraway, Parcel No. “K”. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned number 2005:79.
Under new business, Mayor Formon announced a special called meeting for Friday, July 8th to be held in the Mayor’s Conference Room at 12:00 noon. He explained the reason for the called meeting was to discuss the Humane Society property, acceptance of a bid by Pierce for a pumper truck, and two resolutions accepting contracts with Peter’s and Associates for signalization.
Councilman Farmer moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to suspend the rules and place two resolutions on the agenda. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilman Dover for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Jonesboro Municipal Airport Commission to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Grant. It was explained the local match was being provided by the State of Arkansas. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned number 2005:80.
Councilman Street moved, seconded by Councilwoman Furr for the adoption of a resolution acknowledging the appropriation of funds from City Water and Light to the City of Jonesboro to be used for the replacement of traffic signal lamps throughout the City of Jonesboro. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley. The resolution was assigned number 2005:81.
Councilman McCall announced Mayor Formon had requested a special called Fire Chief election Committee meeting for tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room.
Councilman Farmer announced a Storm Water Compliance meeting for Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at the Huntington Building. He requested the meeting be placed on the City Council Calendar for the second Tuesday of every month.
Under public comment the following four individuals addressed the City Council:
Mr. Roger Watkins inquired about the status of the Commercial Sanitation fee. It was explained the matter had been pulled from consideration.
Mr. Everett Fair, executive director with Beacons and Bridges spoke in favor of the Transportation System encouraging council members to speak with their constituents. He stated the system would assist in getting individuals to work which would result in tax dollars for the City of Jonesboro.
Mrs. Sylvia Watkins expressed appreciation for having the sound system working.
Candice Martin, president of the ASU Student Government Association supported the transportation system stating it would benefit foreign and local students.
Dr. Charles Coleman stated several meetings had been conducted at Fisher Street, and one complaint that has been voiced is that city council members do not come into the community to talk with local residents about the transportation system. He encouraged members of the city council to speak directly with their constituents to find out how they feel about the transit system.
With no further business, Councilwoman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman Johnson to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken resulting in all members voting aye. Those members were: Farmer, Province, Hargis, Williams, Perrin, Street, Johnson, Dover, Furr, McCall, and Ashley.