HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-12-20 Minutes143
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
December 20, 1977
The Fayetteville City Board of Directors met in regular session on December 20, 1977,
at 7:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the City Administration Building.
(v PRESENT: City Manager Don Grimes, City Attorney Jim McCord, City Clerk Darlene
Westbrook; and Directors Ernest Lancaster, John Todd, Paul Noland, Al
Hughes, David Malone, Philip Colwell, and Ann Henry.
ABSENT: None
a
Q OTHERS PRESENT: Members of the audience and representatives of the news media.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ernest Lancaster called the meeting to order. Following a moment of
respectful silence and roll call, the Mayor expressed appreciation to the general
public for its support during the year. He also expressed appreciation to repre-
sentatives of the news media for unbiased reporting of the Board's activities.
Director Hughes expressed considera'ble:bb.jection to prolonged exposure to
camera lights. Rather than subject Board members to the hot, bright lights, Hughes
felt the cameraman could scan the Board members then extinguish the lights. When
the lights were not immediately extinguished, Hughes excused himself from the Board
room. During discussion, Director Todd agreed the lights were uncomfortable but
realized they were necessary for television coverage. He did not feel the Board
should instruct the media personnel to extinguish the lights. Upon completion of
discussion, Director Hughes returned to the Board table.
The Mayor then called for discussion of the first item of business.
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143.1
143.2
143.3
REVENUE SHARING BUDGET HEARING
The Mayor opened a public hearing for proposed Revenue Sharing expenditures. 143.4
The City Manager explained that a new Revenue Sharing act required two public
hearings be held at the time of consideration of the annual Revenue Sharing Budget.
The administrative hearing had been held December 2, 1977, at 4:00 p.m., at which
the City Manager presided. Grimes said that one request had been heard -- that of
the Council on Aging for allocation of Revenue Sharing funds with which to purchase
a new passenger van for use by the Council. Grimes reported he had agreed to recommend
that the Board consider the requested allocation. The City Manager then itemized
the proposed expenditures, noting that previous years' Revenue Sharing surpluses
were being reallocated for street overlay projects.
Mr. Jerry Marshall, representing Council on Aging, told the Board of the organi- 143.5
zatioh's need for a new passenger van. The original van, Marshall explained, had
been purchased in 1972 by the Office on Aging through a Title III grant. Marshall
read a letter from Mr. Phil Peters, Director of the State Office on Aging, which
stated that "The State office relinquishes any claims on this vehicle and will allow
its trade-in on another bus to be used by the program." Marshall told the Board
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that Peters had orally stated that the used van could be put into use by county
health services if the City could not receive a reasonable trade-in on a new van.
In response to the Board, the City Attorney stated he knew no reason why the City
could not accept the bus as a donation of property and used as a trade-in on a
new vehicle. The present vehicle has required $1,500 in maintenance throughout
the year, Marshall stated, and had recently been sent to the garage for transmission
repairs.
144.1 The Board then discussed the proposed allocation of funds for purchase of
microfi]nyretrievalequipment for the City Clerk's office. City Manager Grimes ex-
plained that the equipment would enable the Clerk's office to provide improved
response to the general public and City officials who request copies of City
records. Grimes said one company had been consulted as to the type of equipment
available but he assured the Board that no obligations for equipment purchases had
been made to any company. In response to Board inquiries as to who would operate
the equipment, City Controller Pat Tobin stated that a full-time personnel slot
had been budgeted within the Finance Department which would provide for an employee
to perform microfilm services while also serving as receptionist for the License and
Tax Enforcement Agent.
144.2 The City Manager informed that a $150,000 decrease in 1978 Revenue Sharing
funds was due to decreased local tax efforts as a result of the loss of five mills
of voluntary tax and the expiration of the four -mill general obligation levy.
144.3 In regard to equipment for the City Prosecutor's office, the Board was
assured that the equipment would be tagged as City property and would be placed in
the Prosecutor's office provided by the City.
144.4 The Mayor asked if there were comments from the audience regarding the proposed
budget. There being none, the City Attorney read a resolution approving the 1978
Revenue Sharing budget as recommended by the City Manager. Director Hughes, seconded
by Todd, moved adoption of the resolution. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The Mayor declared the resolution passed.
RESOLUTION NO. 104-77 APPEARS ON PAGE226 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V
MODIFICATION OF ARCHITECTURAL AGREEMENT - Drake Field Terminal
144.5 At its December 2, 1977, meeting, the Board had tabled consideration of modifi-
cations to the Drake Field terminal architectural agreement entered into by the City
and Paul Young, Jr.
144.0 The City Attorney stated that themodification would delete provisions for
multipliers which had been proposed for additional services performed by the architect
and his employees. City Manager Grimes informed that the employee rate schedule
included overhead expenses.
144.7 Following discussion, Director Malone, seconded by Todd, moved adoption of a
resolution authorizing execution of the modification. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The Mayor declared the resolution passed.
RESOLUTION N0. 105-77 APPEARS 011 PAGE 227 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V
144.8 During further discussion, Director Hughes questioned when the Board would
have opportunity to work with the Architect on the plans and floor arrangements. He
recommended the Mayor appoint a Board committee which could accomplish preliminary
work.
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Architect Paul Young informed that no progress had been made on the plans
since the last consultation with the Board. Revision of the plans had been
delayed due to disagreement between the two airlines as to which airline would
occupy the choice location within the terminal. Young stated that each airline
chose to occupy the space which would provide the most convenience for air freight
service. The City Manager said he would try to arrange another meeting with the
airlines within the next week.
Director Hughes requested copies of the plans be provided to each Director
to allow the Directors to formulate ideas for the building.
ORDINANCE INCREASING PARKING SPACE RENTAL CHARGES
145.1
145.2
In response to the Board's desire to increase charges for reserved parking 145.3
CY) spaces, the City Manager recommended an increase to $100 per year a.
for each space. He said the figures were based on a 40 -cent -per -day maxi-
mum revenue per meter for a period of 250 days.
QThe City Attorney read an ordinance for the first time to increase the fees 145.4
to $100 per year... Director Malone, seconded by Henry, moved rules be suspended
Q and the ordinance placed on second reading. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the second time.
Director Todd, seconded by Colwell, moved rules be further suspended and the 145.5
ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time.
' Director Hughes, seconded by Malone, moved the ordinance be amended to provide 145.6
for a $120 per year' fee. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed and the ordinance amended.
The Mayor then asked if the ordinance, as amended, should pass. The recorded 145.7
vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The Mayor declared the ordinance passed.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2405 APPEARS ON PAGE350 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V
STREET IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES
Director Hughes, Chairman of the Board Street Committee, reported that the 145.8
Committee =?ear_rang'ed, tentative Community Development street project priorities
so that the projects could be submitted for Urban Systems funding if they did not
qualify for CD funding. He said the.Committee was attempting to receive a determina-
tion regarding CD funding in time to provide opportunity to submit ineligible projects
for possible Urban Systems funding. When questioned by ACORN representative Laura
Conway about what criteria had been used by the Committee in formulating the priorities,
Hughes replied that traffic flow had been considered as well as coordination of
other projects. In terms of through streets, Hughes said the Committee had been
concerned that proposed CD street projects would benefit only a few people whereas
improvements to through streets would result in more direct benefit to a greater
number of people.
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146.1 Ms. Conway felt the City was asking its citizens to generate revenue for
street improvements which would primarily benefit the University of Arkansas.
She stated that the ACORN organization is concerned with feeder streets, such as
Seventh and Locust, that serve local schools. Director Malone reminded that
many streets are scheduled for improvements using public works funds. And Director
Colwell cited several streets in the southern portion of town which are scheduled
for overlay funded through Revenue Sharing.
146.2 Director Hughes, seconded by Noland, moved the Board approve the Street Committee
actions in setting priorities for all of the various funding sources. Director Todd,
who did not feel that North Gregg should be increased to four lanes using CD funds,
moved that the two Gregg projects (fromElm to Ash and From North to Spruce) be deleted
from the CD listing. The motion was seconded by Director Henry and the recorded vote
was:
Ayes: Todd, Noland, Malone
Nays: Colwell, Henry, Hughes, Lancaster
The motion was declared failed.
146.3 The Mayor then asked if the motion by Director Hughes should pass. The recorded
vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: Henry, Todd
The motion was declared passed.
LOCUST AND SPRING STREETS INTERSECTION
146.4 In related discussion, Mr. Stephen Murphy addressed the Board regarding dangerous
conditions existing at the intersection of Locust and Spring Streets. Murphy stated
that numerous vehicle accidents have occured at the intersection because of poor
visibility and the motorist's lack of consideration of speed and directional signs.
He noted that many children use the intersection daily. After several consulta-
tions with the City Traffic Department, Murphy said a "dangerous inersection" sign
had been erected. He felt, however, that conditions could be better improved by
establishing a three or four way stop or by reinstating the through street status of
Spring Street.
146.5 Director Todd expressed his frustration at the number of dangerous intersections
existing within the City and believed the City is not appropriating the money to
correct the hazards. He felt there should be increased cooperation between the police
and traffic departments in identifying thedangerous intersections. Mayor Lancaster
agreed that hazardous conditions exist but that the primary problem is abuse of traffic
laws.
146.6 City Manager Grimes informed that recommendations should be forthcoming regarding
traffic flow patterns in and around the square and that the City would be reluctant
to change the existing traffic flows at this time.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT - St. Louis San Francisco Railroad
146.7 The City Attorney read a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with
the St. Louis -San Francisco Railroad to provide dedication of a street easement and
construction of a Moss -type crossing at Sycamore Street, west of Gregg Avenue.
146.8 Director Malone, seconded by Hughes, moved adoption of the resolution. The re-
corded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
RESOLUTION NO. 106-77 APPEARS ON PAGE 228 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V
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SEWER TAP REQUEST RECONSIDERATION - 124 West Meadow
At its December 2, 1977, meeting, the Board had taken action on a request by 147.1
Mrs. Elizabeth Prado to provide a sewer tap to accommodate a basement restroom at
her residence at 124 West Meadow Street. Easements for installation and maintenance
of the line could not be acquired by Mrs. Prado, reported the City Manager, therefore
Mrs. Prado asked that the Board reconsider her request.
Director Hughes, seconded by Noland, moved the Board reconsider the request. 147.2
The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
(V The City Manager referred to revised cost estimates for three alternatives 147.3
CO available to Mrs. Prado. Of the three, Grimes said he preferred removal of the
In sidewalk along the east side of Church Street to allow installation of the line.
He felt Mrs. Prado should be responsible for the total cost involved.
(..) Mrs. Prado preferred an alternative which would extend the line southward to 147.4
Q an existing sewer. This alternative, she felt, would provide easy access to the
Q sewer for future taps. Prado stated she was willing to pay the extra cost in
order to make the sewer more accessible to other people. She said she desired the
sewer to be problem free and did not want constant maintenance problems.
Following further discussion, Director Todd moved approval of the alternative 147.5
preferred by the City Manager and that the expense be borne by Mrs. Prado. The
motion died for lack of second. Director Colwell moved the alternative preferred
by Mrs. Prado be approved for the extension of the sewer southward to a manhole
opposite Prado's driveway with the expense of $975 to be borne by Mrs. Prado. The
III lime would become City property, maintained by the City, with future taps being
made at normal tap fees. The motion was seconded by Director Malone and the recorded
vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Hughes, Malone
Nays: Todd, Noland, Lancaster
The motion was declared passed.
APPROVAL OF 1978 GENERAL, PUBLIC WORKS, AND SANITATION BUDGETS
Director Todd reported that the 1978 General, Public Works, Sanitation, and 147.6
Revenue Sharing Funds total $5 million with overall net deficiencies of $45,000.
The deficiencies could be partially offset with CETA employees, he said. Budget
Officer Sturman Mackey informed that the budget was shown on a cash basis.
Director Todd stated that General Fund projected revenues reflect an increase 147.7
of $245,000 over 1977 with an increase of $250,000 in budgeted expenditures.
Approximately $80,000 in expenditures represented a proposed six percent salary in-
crease for employees. Of the departments showing increased budgeted expenditures,
Todd said the fire department is budgeted for the largest increase.
Director Todd then reported that an executive session had been held immediately 147.8
prior to the meeting at which time the Board agreed to attempt to formally evaluate,
on a routine annual basis beginning this year, the City Manager's performance. He
said the Board also agreed to increase the City Manager's salary at the same standard
pay percentage increase as the rest of the unclassified employees.
Ms. Brenda Blagg, SPRINGDALE (JEWS representative, said she felt the Board should147.9
have given two hours' notice; gone into special session in public; then have gone
into executive session. Although during the course of a conversation with Director
Todd she learned an executive session was being planned, she said she had received
no formal notice that the session would be held. City Manager Grimes stated he had
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148.1
148.2
148.3
148.4
148.5
instructed his staff to notify all media regarding the meeting.
In regard to projected expenditures of Advertising and Promotion funds,
Director Malone did not think the expenditures should be approved by the City
Board. Malone felt the Advertising and Promotion Commission should meet to
authorize those expenditures. He said he would plan to call a meeting of the
Commission to consider the expenditures. Mr. Mackey stated that the data was
provided as an informational item and agreed that it should not be included with
the overall budget.
Director Todd noted that the Public Works budget indicates a sizeable in-
crease in the program and reflects projected increases in county and state turn -
back. He said the Finance Committee recommended review of specific street projects
prior to final approval.
In regard to the Pay Plan, Todd stated plan revisions would provide increased
beginning salaries at lower entry levels. A six percent raise was recommended by
the Committee to be effective January 1, 1978. A $20 merit raise upon the employee's
anniversary date was also recommended subject to approval of the department head.
Unclassified employees would be eligible only for the six percent raise except
for the Street Superintendent, Purchasing/Personnel/Budget Officer, Administrative
Assistant, Planning Administrator, and Parks and Recreation Director who would
receive slightly higher increases. Overall personnel salary increases in the
General Fund would amount to about 15% for the total package. Todd noted that the
plan provides that inequities created by the plan may be corrected by the City
Manager.
Director Hughes was concerned that the Pay Plan would not provide consideration
for current employees in contrast with newly -hired employees. Mackey stated he under-
stood the Committee desired to maintain a $20 differential between any Mew employee
and employees who had been employed with the City for at least six months.
Upon completion of discussion, Director Todd moved adoption of the 1978
General, Public Works, Sanitation, and ancillary budgets. Also, that the wage
increases as reflected in the revised Pay Plan be approved including the increase
in the City Manager's salary in line with other classified employees. Also, that
the Public Works Fund budget be approved with the proviso that specific street
projects within the public works program will be reviewed, analyzed, and brought up
to date in the next few weeks. His motion also provided for review of cost allocation
methods used in the budget. He said his motion was with the understanding that
a Sanitation compactor is pending. The motion was seconded by Director Henry and the
recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
PURCHASE OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION UNIT
148.6 The City Manager recommended purchase of an Atomic Absorption Unit from Instru-
mentation Laboratory, Inc., under Bid 360 in the amount of $17,510.00. The unit
would be used by Pollution Control Plant staff to analyze waste water, sludge, and
industrial metals. Grimes said the equipment would be necessary to help comply with
EPA requirements and standards.
148.7 Pollution Control Plant Superintendent Mike Lawrence, stated that Instrumentation
Laboratory provided a more desirable maintenance agreement and that their equipment
experienced lower operating expenses. Lawrence assured the Board that the equipment
would be serviced only by its manufacturer. After the first of the year, the price
of the equipment was scheduled to increase significantly, he said.
148
1ckl
Director Malone, seconded by Henry, moved approval of the recommendation.
The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
INDUSTRIAL PARK SALE
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149
149.1
The City Manager informed the Board that the Industrial Park Committee had
requested approval of a sale of Industrial Park property to Los Angeles Brush Manu-
facturing Company. The City Manager recommended the Board approve the sale.
Director Malone, seconded by Colwell, moved to authorize execution of a con-
tract and deed. Director Noland desired the Industrial Park Commission be given
first refusal of purchase if the property is ever sold again. The Mayor asked if
the motion should pass. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
RELEASE OF EASEMENT - Villa North
The City Manager said errors had been made in
in the Villa North Subdivision and recommended the
of a corrected easement.
The City Attorney read a resolution authorizing
Director Hughes, seconded by Colwell, moved adoption
vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone,
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
149.2
149.3
the recording of an easement 149.4
easement be vacated in favor
execution of a release deed. 149.5
of the resolution. The recorded
Lancaster
RESOLUTION NO. 107-77 APPEARS ON PAGE 229 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V
LETTER OF COMMITMENT FOR PROVISION OF WATER SERVICE IN AREAS OF SANITARY LANDFILL
The City Manager requested the Board express their satisfaction as to the
sufficiency of the last letter submitted to the Pollution Control Commission and
that submission of another letter would not beneeessary.Director Noland so moved.
The motion was seconded by Todd and the recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed.
SALES TAX
149.6
The City Manager reported that the Springdale Mayor had expressed a desire 149.7
to pursue, jointly, a sales tax for Springdale and Fayetteville. He said a committee
of the Springdale Council would like to meet with a Fayetteville Board committee
for the purpose of discussing the possibility of jointly pursuing the sales tax.
City Manager Grimes suggested the Finance Committee meet with the Springdale committee.
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITY
The City Manager provided copies of correspondence concerning selection of an 149.8
architect for the proposed gymnasium. He stated he would like the Youth Center Board
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150.2
150.3
150.4
150.5
150.6
150
and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to screen the applicants and submit
a recommendation to the Board.
Director Todd felt that the Youth Center Board, which is not responsible to
the City Board, should not give a recommendation, particularly since the citizens
had voted on a recreational facility. Grimes then stated that a recommendation
would be accepted of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
SPECIAL CENSUS
The City Manager recommended a special census be conducted in the fall of 1978.
No action was requested at this time and he said he would return to the Board for
final authorization.
ORDINANCE AMENDING SIGN ORDINANCE
The City Attorney explained that the Code had erroneously been amended to delete
requirements for publication of notices of sign appeals. He read an ordinance to
correct the error. The ordinance contained an emergency clause.
Director Colwell, seconded by Henry, moved rules be suspended and the ordinance
placed on second reading. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the second time.
Director Colwell, seconded by Henry, moved rules be further suspended and the
ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time.
The Mayor asked if the oridnance should pass. The recorded vote was:
Ayes: Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland, Hughes, Malone, Lancaster
Nays: None
The ordinance was declared passed.
ORDINANCE N0. 2406 APPEARS ON PAGE 351 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
150.7 The Mayor asked if there be any amendments to the minutes of the December 6,
1977, meeting. Director Todd requested amendment to paragraph 130.3 to cause the
last sentence to read: "He did not believe an incineration system would be viable as
an immediate alternative since it would require two years to put into operation."
He also requested that paragraph 140.3 be amended to reflect term expirations of
December 31, 1981.
150.3 Director Noland stated that his statement regarding experimental status of
incineration systems was originally made two years ago during consideration of
the landfill contract.
ADJOURNMENT
150.9 Director Malone moved the meeting be adjourned.
the Mayor a journed th�e/meeting.
ATTEST: l'& .� 4<_c_) APPROVED
Darlene Westbrook, City Clerk
150
There being no discussion,
,AC/efreorel` ~414-4;
Ernest E. Lancaster, Mayor