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Minutes for the City Council meeting on March 20, 1995
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 20, 1995
The Jonesboro City Council met in regular session, Monday, March 20, 1995, at 7:30 P.M. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were Mayor Brodell, City Clerk Donna Jackson, and City Attorney, Phillip Crego. All twelve council members were present. Those Councilmen were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
The minutes of March 6, and March 10, 1995, were approved as mailed on motion by Councilman Perrin seconded by Councilman Wise. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Jim Farmer / Mike Gott)
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of the ordinance. Mr. Doug Ward listed several property owners who did not approve of the rezoning. He stated that of the five property owners who border Mr. Farmer's land only one agrees with the rezoning. Mr. Ward reiterated that to rezone Mr. Farmer's property, would set a precedence for spot zoning. A roll call vote was taken resulting in a seven to five vote. Those aldermen voting aye were: Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Roddy, and Hannah. Those aldermen voting nay were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Kelton and Harpole. The ordinance was given the number 2608.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (David Clines/ Jim Lyons)
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the approval of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2609.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Kent Arnold 26.73 acres)
Councilman Evans moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the approval of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2610.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Kent Arnold 3.32 acres)
Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Tate for the approval of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2611.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Kent Arnold 7.93 acres)
Councilman Rega moved, seconded by Councilman Wise for the approval of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2612.
The following ordinance was on the third reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Steve Stoker)
Councilman Evans moved, seconded by Councilman Young for the adoption of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2613.
Councilman Vance offered the following ordinance for the first reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 954, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGES IN ZONING BOUNDARIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Bob Harrison)
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Wise to suspend the rules and place on the second reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. Councilman Kelton moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to further suspend the rules and place on the third and final reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in an eleven to one vote against the motion. Those councilman voting nay to the motion were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. Councilman Kelton passed, then voted aye for the motion. The motion was denied for a third reading.
Councilman Vance offered the following ordinance for the first reading:
AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF REPAIR PARTS AND LABOR FOR A REX ROLLER
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to suspend the rules and place on the second reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. Councilman Kelton moved, seconded by Councilman Roddy to further suspend the rules and place on the third and final reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Evans for the adoption of the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2614.
The following resolutions were reviewed:
Councilman Evans moved, seconded by Councilman Tate for the adoption of a resolution setting a public hearing for April 3, 1995, at 7:15 p.m. The public hearing was requested by Tim Stallings for the purpose of vacating and abandoning 3.5 feet on the west side of Lot 11, Block H, in Candlewood Estates, Eighth Addition. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The resolution was given the number 1995:09.
Since 30 M.P.H. speed limits are customary when no speed limit has been adopted, the decision was made to pull the traffic resolution regarding 30 M.P.H. traffic signs. It was requested of the Clerk to omit any future 30 M.P.H. traffic resolutions from the agenda.
Councilman Hannah moved, seconded by Councilman Young to adopt a traffic resolution placing "STOP" signs at the following locations:
Meadow Valley Circle at South Hill Drive
Conway Lane at Dacus Lane
Pebble Drive at Pleasant View Drive
Philadelphia Road at Dacus Lane East bound.
Philadelphia Road at Beanie Drive (Both sides of Beanie)
Dacus Lane at Beanie Drive
Dale Drive at Frog Pond Road
Shanley Drive at Richardson Drive.
A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The resolution was given the number 1995:10.
Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Rega to adopt a resolution amending the travel reimbursement policy as it applies to all departments and offices of the city of Jonesboro. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The resolution was given the number 1995:11.
Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Wise to adopt a resolution adopting a new employee handbook for all employees of the city of Jonesboro. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. The resolution was given the number 1995:12.
The following bids were reviewed:
95:27 - Sports Field Lights - Parks and Recreation
Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin to accept the low bid which met bid specifications. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
95:28 - Chain Link Fence - Parks and Recreation
Councilman Tate moved, seconded by Councilman Young to accept the low bid which met bid specifications. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
Under new business Councilman Perrin moved, seconded by Councilman Young to appropriate $3445.23 to pay for the special election (1% sales tax held Feb. 7, 1995), with funds coming from the Unappropriated Sales Tax line item. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
Mayor Brodell reported twenty more loads had been gathered the first day of "Clean Sweep" compared to 1994 figures, and expected to break the 1994 record for tonnage pick up. Mayor Brodell also expressed his sympathy at the death of city employee, Animal Control Officer, Don Cox. Mr. Cox had suffered a fatal heart attack March 18, 1995.
Code Enforcement Officer, Doug Little reported a 50% increase in complaints for the first 2 months of 1995 compared to 1994.
Councilman Roddy offered the following ordinance for the first reading:
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR CONTRACTING MOSQUITO CONTROL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Vance to suspend the rules and place on second reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah. Councilman Evans moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to further suspend the rules and place on the third and final reading. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
Councilman Hannah stated in 1994 the question regarding a $1.00 increase for Mosquito Control was not allowed before the public for a vote, until the Mosquito Committee and Dr. Olsen provided a detailed budget, outlining how the funds would be used. Councilman Hannah expressed concern over maintaining what the public had been promised and allowing Dr. Olsen and his staff the opportunity to provide mosquito control for Jonesboro. Councilman Roddy reported if Mr. Allen Lowe of Vector Disease Control is allowed to provide mosquito control service to the city of Jonesboro, it would result in a $255,000.00 savings over a five year period. Mayor Brodell reported that Dr. Olsen had been consulted regarding contracting with Mosquito Control Professional Services and did not voice an objection. Mr. Lowe addressed the Council stating he had a Master's degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry & Physics, and had been involved with mosquito control since 1979. Mr. Lowe reported if he were hired his company would assess the needs of Jonesboro and supply the personnel, equipment, chemicals, insurance and liability to provide Jonesboro with professional quality mosquito control. Some advantages listed by Mr. Lowe were as follows: 1) Adhere to strict EPA guidelines; 2) Use only Arkansas approved pesticides; 3) Not limited to bid laws; 4) Jonesboro would be the hub of his operation north of Little Rock;. 5) All his employees are licensed for chemical application; 5) A guarantee to do whatever is necessary it takes to provide Jonesboro with professional quality mosquito abatement. When asked, Dr. Olsen stated in comparison Mosquito Control Professional Services can provide more aerial equipment, and has a funding advantage over the current mosquito control program.
Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Perrin for the adoption of the ordinance, but later receded the motion. Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole to amend the contract and to place a stipulation on the acceptance of the contract. The amendment was to retain Dr. Olsen on the city's payroll as a consultant, making recommendations to the Mosquito Committee and Council regarding future contracts with Mosquito Control Professional Services. The stipulation to the acceptance of the contract was to approve the contract based on negotiations between Jonesboro City Attorney, Phillip Crego and Mosquito Control Professional Services. Mr. Crego was instructed to include Dr. Olsen as a consultant and to determine the legalities of the contract and reach an agreement on the wording of the contract, for the purpose of representing Jonesboro's best interest. An example given was to include wording which allows Jonesboro the option of cancelling the contract at anytime if the Council is not satisfied with the performance of Mosquito Control Professional Services. Lastly, the amendment included an emergency clause to the ordinance. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
Councilman Vance moved, seconded by Councilman Harpole for the adoption of the ordinance as amended with the emergency clause. A roll call vote was taken resulting in an eight (8) to four (4) vote in favor of the ordinance. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Evans, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, and Harpole. Those Aldermen voting nay were: Wise, Rega, Province, and Hannah. The ordinance was given the number 2615. Councilman Young recommended the existing mosquito control equipment be referred back to the Mosquito Control Committee so they may determine what should be done with the equipment and make a recommendation to the Council. Mayor Brodell called a five minute recess.
After Mayor Brodell called the meeting back to order, Councilman Harpole moved, seconded by Councilman Young to accept the recommendation of the Professional Services Negotiations Committee to retain the services of Stephens Inc. to serve as bond underwriter for the City Council's MATA bond issue. Councilman Harpole also stated a resolution will be introduced at the next council meeting after City Attorney, Phillip Crego has determined what percentage should be appropriated from the sales tax of the bond issue. Councilman Young reported after reviewing the seven underwriting proposals, the Stephens Inc. proposal was the most competitive, it provided for the construction fund goals to be met, that the interest rate exposure would be minimal, the IRS hedge bond problems regarding the tax pre-status of the bonds would be solved. Stephens Inc. would permit Jonesboro to capitalize on the sales tax growth and allow for flexibility in the structure of subsequent issues. Mr. Eric Munson and Ms. Bobbie Nichols of the Stephens group gave an over-view of the Stephens Inc. proposal at the request of Councilman Young. A roll call vote was taken resulting in all council members voting aye. Those Aldermen voting aye were: Vance, Wise, Rega, Evans, Province, Young, Perrin, Tate, Kelton, Roddy, Harpole and Hannah.
Councilman Harpole reported that the Personnel Committee had met and was recommending Dr. Dan Hoyt of Arkansas State University to develop a Salary Administration Plan. Councilman Harpole stated he was not asking for action to be taken at this meeting, but stated he would like this matter to be considered by the Finance Committee and the full Council by the next council meeting (April 3). Dr. Hoyt stated he had been asked to make a proposal for a job design pay structure system for the city of Jonesboro. Dr. Hoyt stated the following: 1) It was important to have a pay system that attracts and retains good employees. You must be willing to pay the competitive market rate. 2) Recognize employee's performance and as their performance increases the compensation should increase. 3) Treat all employees fairly. 4) Be cost efficient for the city of Jonesboro.
Police Chief, Floyd Johnson gave a report to the Council regarding comparisons on Patrol Division Activities, various crimes reported to the Police Department, drug related crimes, weapon violations. Chief Johnson listed several programs being utilized for crime prevention. In summary Chief Johnson stated the Police Department is working, but welcomed any suggestions because there is always room for improvement.
Councilman Young announced the Airport Commission would meet at 5:30 p.m. March 21, 1995, at the Airport. The Airport Committee would meet April 3, 1995, at 6:45 p.m., and the Chamber would kick off its "Tremendous Project" April 1, 1995. He encouraged everyone to support this worthy project.
Councilman Perrin requested more information be provided to the Aldermen prior to making a decision based on a committee's recommendation. Councilman Perrin requested a better system of making committee chairmen accountable for assimilating information and getting it to other council members. Councilman Perrin suggested transparencies and more visual aid.
Councilman Hannah requested consideration be given to placing a tornado warning system (siren) at the Valley View School. Mr. Hannah stated one was needed as there is 1700 school children present every day.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned.