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Minutes for the Public Safety Committee meeting on June 21, 2004.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 21, 2004
The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee met June 21, 2004 at 5:20 p.m. at 900 West Monroe, Jonesboro, Arkansas. A full quorum was in attendance. Present were: Chris Moore, Judy Furr, Tim McCall, Jim Hargis, and John Street. Councilman Perrin arrived at 6:05 p.m Others in attendance: Mayor Brodell, Aubrey Scott, Ron Shipley, Bob Andrews, Alec Farmer, Alan Young, Butch Herring, Floyd Johnson, Rusty Grigsby, Keith Inman of the Jonesboro Sun, and Donna Jackson, City Clerk. Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m.
MINUTES
Councilman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman McCall for the adoption of the committee minutes for May 17th, 2004. All voted aye. Copies were made available to all in attendance.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Burning Ordinance
Councilman McCall moved, seconded by Councilman Furr to recommend the first reading of the ordinance to the full council with the second and third readings to be held at separate council meetings for a total of three meetings. This was recommended to allow for public comment. It was explained most of the ordinance is outlined in the Arkansas State Code, and everything else is allowed under local government jurisdiction such as time restrictions for burning, and a 24 hour advanced notice requirement. Councilman Farmer had questions pertaining to Sections 7.37.02 (A) and 7.37.04 (B) pertaining to size of acreage and open burning. He explained his code book did not reference state law 8-4-305. Fire Chief Herring stated that particular section prohibits burning on construction sites except for heating purposes. All voted aye.
Extrication Equipment
Councilman Hargis moved, seconded by Councilman Street approving the bid with Leeco Fire Equipment for extrication equipment in the budgeted amount of $26,185.00. All voted aye.
Fire Truck Replacement
Fire Chief Butch Herring reported they were having difficulty finding a replacement for a custom built fire truck that had been involved in a traffic accident earlier this year. He stated he could find a similar replacement, but at a much higher price due to depreciation of the wrecked vehicle. The committee had previously discussed the possibility of getting two smaller vehicles which could service a larger area than one large fire truck, but Chief Herring stated it would take eight months because of the bidding process, and time was a factor. Councilman Street inquired about providing insurance coverage for replacement of Jonesboro Fire Trucks in the future, but was informed that it would be very costly to provide that type of coverage for all the fire trucks, and that this had been the first wreck they have had in many years. Chief Herring stated he would have more to report at the next committee meeting.
MOSQUITO AND ANIMAL CONTROL
Dawn Riggins leaving department
It was announced that Mr. Jim Bowman would be marrying Ms. Dawn Riggins on Saturday, and Dawn would be leaving the Animal Control Department. Ms. Glenn Gossett would be replacing Dawn.
Animal Nuisances - Ditch Cleaning
Councilman Hargis inquired about a ditch located in a subdivision near Murray Creek by which unwanted animals were being a nuisance. Mayor Brodell reported they were working to clean the ditch out, but indicated it would not prevent the problem of animal nuisances, namely snakes. Councilman Hargis suggested the neighborhood could be enhanced by getting traffic signs out of the middle of the street walks.
Citations Vs Warnings - Vicious Dog Ordinance
Chairman Moore questioned why so many dogs are picked up but so little citations are written. Ms. Glenn Gossett explained they try to give written warnings before picking an animal up. Mayor Brodell stated in many cases when an animal is picked up, the enforcement officer does not know who the animal belongs to. Chairman Moore explained it was important to only warn citizens one time, but then enforce the law when possible. Councilperson Furr questioned the status of the vicious dog ordinance, and was informed by Mayor Brodell that he would have it available at the next committee meeting.
AMBULANCE
Councilman McCall announced there would be a meeting regarding the Ambulance Ordinance in the Mayor’s Conference Room next Thursday at 12:00 noon. It was explained the ordinance would be furnished to the Public Safety Committee for review.
INSPECTIONS
Councilman Street inquired about the status of hiring a new code enforcement officer. He was informed that the matter had been referred to the Finance and Administration Committee. Chairman Moore expressed concern over having compliance over citations, and stressed the need for an additional code enforcement officer.
E-911
Homeland Security
Bob Andrews, 911 Director reported twenty nine million dollars had been awarded to the State of Arkansas with three million going to Craighead County for Homeland Security. He explained they were looking at different tower locations because the two sites at ASU and Strawfloor were too close together for clear reception. Councilwoman Furr reported the Federal Government offers a free unbiased analysis of radio systems and try to consider compatibility of existing radio units. The name of the Federal Agency is Division of National Institute of Justice, Radio Inoperability Unit, National Law Enforcement and Corrections Center for the Southeast region.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Furr moved, seconded by Councilman Street for adjournment. All voted aye.