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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-01 Minutes58 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS A regular meeting of the Fayetteville City Board of Directors was held on Tuesday, May 1, 1984 at 7:30 P.M. in the Board Room of the City Administration Building, 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas. PRESENT: Assistant Mayor Lancaster; Directors Johnson, Martin, Orton and Sharp; City Manager Grimes, Assistant City Manager McWethy, City Attorney McCord, City Clerk Kennedy; members of the press and audience ABSENT: Mayor Noland; Director Bumpass CALL TO ORDER In the absence of Mayor Noland, the meeting was called to order by Assistant Mayor Lancaster. EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH 58.1 Lancaster presented the employees of the month for April -- Robert Blythe, Water & Sewer Department; Bill Chester, Finance Department; and Jerry Surles, Police Department -- with certificates and checks for $150. Lancaster read comments from their supervisors on their outstanding performance. REQUEST FOR WAIVER FROM GREENSPACE ORDINANCE 58.2 City Manager Grimes recommended this request for a waiver from the literal requirements of the City's Greenspace Ordinance be referred back to the Parks Board and Planning Commission for their review, in accordance with the ordinance adopted at the last meeting. 58.3 Director Orton, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to refer this agenda item to the Parks Board and Planning Commission. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0, with Bumpass and Noland absent. 1 May 1, 1984 MODIFICATION OF PURCHASE OPTION Lancaster introduced a resolution authorizing the execution of a modifi- cation of a purchase option, for 5.63 acres on Robinson'Mountain, for a future radio tower site. • 59 59.1 Director Johnson, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to pass the resolution. 59.2 CO Upon roll call, the motion passed,,5=0: . : ID RESOLUTION NO. 59-84 APPEARS ON PAGE _ial OF ORDINANCE &.RESOLUTION Na BOOK xv<<k W ' co WILSON PARK • David Lashley presented a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board regarding 1984 and 1985 development plans for Wilson Park. Lashley summarized some historical background of activities of the PRAB since 1969. Lashley -stated the city contracted, in 1983, with Dr. Al Einert, to prepare a master plan which would incorporate many of the ideas and suggestions from the PRAB and from citizen input. Lashley stated a preliminary plan was prepared which addressed problems of parking, security, traffic, erosion, landscaping and beautification; that a revised plan was presented. to the PRAB in February, 1984 at which time the PRAB concluded that traffic and parking needed to be addressed immediately. Lashley explained the PRAB considered Einert's plan, which has been adopted by the PRAB, which incorporated part of his recomfiendations, and revised the plan to present to the City Board. - Lashley recommended the following improvements for Wilson Park as follows: PHASE I - 1984 Projects 59.3 59.4 DeSign and build asphalt parking lot on east side of park, on 59.5 south side of Prospect Avenue (Parking Lot 11) Design parking lot on Wilson:Avenue (Parking Lot E2) • Replace creek bridge Plant trees on north side of swimming pool Replace ballfield bleachers and scoreboard; repair fence • Director Orton asked how this recommendation differs from Einert's plan, and Lashley responded that suggestions of Einert's which were not included were plans for additional basketball courts, tennis courts, park activity center (including kitchen, meeting room, rental checkout), 59.6 59.7 59.8 59.9 59.10 60 May 1, 1984 60.1 permanent band concert shell, and exercise/jogging trail. Orton noted Einert had suggested the ballpark should be taken out. Lashley stated the PRAB disagrees and wishes to retain the ballpark for girls' softball. Orton asked if lights would be used late at night. Lashley stated the Parks Director has said "he can't guarantee that", but with girls' softball, there is a chance there will not be late games, unless there are scheduling problems. Lashley stated they are trying to move all late ballgames to Lake Fayetteville, Asbell, the Industrial Park, or Walker Park. Lashley stated they do not intend to remove the lights at this time. 60.2 Orton asked about Einert's plans to save certain valuable trees. Lashley noted Einert's plan is a conceptual plan. Lashley explained that in the area where a retaining wall is planned to be built, there are only about three trees that would be affected, that those three trees are still alive but "not very well". Lashley stressed also the engineer would consult with the park horticulturist. 60.3 Director Johnson asked about plans responded that in 1985 they "hope to from Wilson Park" Lashley stated one of the buildings for horticulture regarding the park shop. Lashley have the shop activity removed it might be an advantage to keep supplies. 60.4 Director Johnson asked about streets in the interior of the park. Lashley stated those streets would be closed off and returned to park use, that they have no plans at this time to remove the streets. 60.5 Director Martin asked whether the trees make the parking lot south of the pool less visible. Lashley agreed that this was so, and that they hope to have greenery barriers for the proposed parking lots. 60.6 Director Johnson asked for estimated costs for the 1984 projects, and Lashley responded that he can only guarantee to stay within the budget. 60.7 Lashley presented one other recommendation not included on the Phase I list: 60.8 That there should be a sidewalk on the east side of on Park Street, going north to Prospect. 60.9 Lashley presented the PRAB's Phase II recommendations: 60.10 PHASE II — 1985 Projects Suggested 60.11 Asphalt parking lot on Wilson Avenue (Parking Lot #2) 60.12 Close off park interior roadways 60.13 Wilson Park entry signs on SE and NW sides of the park the park, 1 1 61 May 1, 1984 Remove maintenance.activity and beautify the area 61.1 Stabilize and beautify the creek banks and rebuild creek -bridges 61.2 • • Repair service road to the swimming pool - 61.3 Renovate ballfield 61.4 InBuild flower garden and small gazebo on SE side of park 61.5 N Replace playground equipment and some picnic facilities 61.6 W CO Build drainage tile underground between tennis courts 61.7 Renovate park restrooms 1 61.8 • Several members -of the audience addressed the Board, particularly 61.9 in reference to the plan for closing off the interior roads of the park. 'One citizen commented that -families will have to walk farther to bring -their -picnic supplies into•the park.' Another citizen expressed the 'dpi'nion that traffic' on the -interior -roads is not 'a' hazard to ' the children, because the•speed bumps cause that traffic to travel at'a slow rate of,speed. Another member•of the audience suggested postponing'the construction of•a new parking lot until it;can be determined whether the parking lot at the tennis courts would be sufficient, stating perhaps -not that many people bring their cars to the'park. One citizen spoke in favor of closing the interior roads, stating his child had been run down, but fortunately not seriously hurt. Another citizen pointed out that the asphalt will eventually deteriorate on the interior roads. A park area resident stated she had observed several cars "zooming around" on the interior roads and "huge college students" using the children's playground equipment. 1 Director Sharp noted the PRAB has been very flexible in'their responsive- 61.10 ness to needs of the park area residents in the past, and stated he was certain the'PRAB would be very flexible in their design for the parking. Director Sharp, seconded by Orton, made a motion to accept the recommendation of the PRAB. Lancaster stated future plans in regards to these recommendations will come back before the Board. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. BID AWARD/AERATION EQUIPMENT Lancaster introduced the award of'bid for acquisition --of aeration equipment•for the Pollution Control Plant. Director Johnson, seconded by•Shatp,'made a motion to award the•bid to the'low bidder, Aqua Aerobic Systems, Inc., for $39,507.80, for acquisition of the aeration equipment. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. 61.11 62 May 1, 1984 62.1 City Manager Grimes cautioned that the order on this equipment not be placed prior to the funding approval. Vernon Rowe, speaking for McClelland Engineers, stated the aerators cannot be purchased until after facility plant funding is approved, that the Board's action will simply authorize the purchases.' Rowe stated also that advertisement has been made for the installation of the aerators, which bids should be received on June 4. Rowe stated approval of the facility plant is expected around June 1. BID AWARDS/SANITATION DEPARTMENT 62.2 Lancaster introduced an award of Bid #567A for a 23,000 GVW truck chassis with bed, for the Sanitation Department. Director Johnson, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to award the bid to the low bidder, Lewis -Ford, for $19,113.00. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. 62.3 Lancaster introduced an award of Bid 1567B for a 24,000 GVW truck with packer body, for the Sanitation Department. Director Johnson, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to award the bid to the low bidders, Choctaw and Lewis Ford. Director Lancaster pointed out these bidders were the only bids received. Purchasing Officer Mackey explained the Chevrolet Division has said they do not make that size truck anymore; that although the GMC Division does manufacture that size, they did not submit a bid. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. BID AWARD/PARK BLEACHERS 62.4 Lancaster introduced an award of Bid #570 for three sets of bleachers for Babe Ruth Park. Director Orton, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to award the bid to the low bidder, Sturdisteel Company of Waco, Texas. Purchasing Officer Mackey explained two sets of bleachers are for Babe Ruth Park and one is a replacement set for Wilson Park. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. BID AWARD/POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT 62.5 Lancaster introduced an award of Bid #571 for eight Police and one Fire Department vehicles. 62.6 City Manager Grimes explained the State bid was not held firm, due to time constraints on ordering this year's models. After reviewing this with the staff, Grimes stated it is their recommendation the bid be rejected and that we wait to take bids until prices are available on 1985 models. 1 1 AUL/bb May 1, 1984 Grimes, referring to the Vehicle Mileage Report for the month of April, reported the estimated mileage by December for Units 22 through 28. Grimes stated Unit 2 on the Mileage Report is presently the Assistant Chief's vehicle, and asked for authorization to advertise for bids for one standard floor -model sedan for the Assistant Chief, so that Unit 2 can be transferred to a patrol unit. Director Lancaster asked if the Board could be provided with a list of the vehicles that are proposed to be replaced. Grimes stated the list of units for which he reported high mileage by December were most of the units which are proposed to be replaced. Director Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to reject the bids and that the Purchasing Agent be authorized to advertise for bids for a standard sedan Director Martin pointed out that, by the time the proposed units are replaced, some of them will have at least 70,000 miles on them and Martin asked if the city's experience has been such that the police have been able to use similar vehicles with that type of mileage. Grimes stated experience has shown that maintenance cost go up after 60,000 miles but that, because of the $18,000 difference between the bids, the staff wants to try to wait until the 1985 models can be purchased from the State. Grimes noted also, that with revisions in the Shop operation, maintenance of these high mileage vehicles may provide a test of the Shop operation. 63 63.1 63.2 63.3 63.4 Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. 63.5 JANITORIAL SERVICES Lancaster introduced a resolution authorizing entering into a month- to-month contract with Harmony House for janitorial services for City Hall. 63.6 Director Orton, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to pass the resolution. 63.7 Purchasing Agent Mackey explained the resolution should actually authorize 63.8 a purchase order, not a contract, on a month-to-month basis, until such time as the city and the contractor are "thoroughly satisfied with each other". Mackey stated, if everything goes smoothly, there would be a request to enter into a contract with a thirty -day cancellation clause. City Attorney McCord stated he would draft a resolution to state "a month-to-month purchase order". RESOLUTION NO. 60-84 APPEARS ON PAGE Mo OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK XVIII 64 64.1 64.2 64.3 May 1, 1984 CHANGE ORDER/ANDREW CORPORATION Lancaster introduced approval of a change order, in the amount of $8,500.85, in the cost of the sewer line serving the Andrew Corporation. City Manager Grimes explained this change was necessitated because of additional rock excavation and a substantial area will be served to the south from this particular sewer line. Director Johnson, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to approve the change order. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. RESOLUTION N0. 61-84 APPEARS ON PAGE 9102/ OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK XVII BID WAIVER/STREET REPAIR 64.4 Lancaster introduced an ordinance waiving competitive bidding requirements for the repair of Prospect Street, near Olive Avenue; and awarding the job to Tomlinson Asphalt Company, in the low bid amount of $6,150. 64.5 The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. Director Sharp, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. McCord read the ordinance for the second time. Director Sharp, seconded by Johnson, made -a motion to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. McCord read the ordinance for the third and final time. Upon roll call, the ordinance passed, 5-0. ORDINANCE NO. 3007 APPEARS ON PAGE 1970 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK XVII I OTHER BUSINESS Building Maintenance Location 64.6 City Manager Grimes, referring to his memo regarding Interim City Hall and related space use, stated this had been prepared as a summary of proposed space use, that after the Board has reviewed it, and if they concur, "we'll begin working in that direction". 64.7 Director Sharp noted this summary came out as a result of a request made at a City Hall Committee meeting, to be sure that everyone had the same understanding of space allocation. 1 co N m a 1 May 1, 1984 Grimes stated the only aspect of the memo needing action at this time was locating the Building Maintenance operations on the first floor of Interim City Hall. Grimes reported that microfiching of records now stored in mechanical roans has begun and he predicted that, in about a month, the:shelves stacked to the ceiling should be down to head height. Director Sharp asked that the :next•.Board tour include a review of the areas addressed in the memo. • Director Martin stated he had taken a tour of the proposed areas for building maintenance and woodworking facilities.and•stated the amount of space proposed is ample, but.not+too muchy as'1t•is'his opinion that any less space would hamper efficiency. Director Martin, seconded by Orton,. made .a motion that the proposed space locations as set out in.the memo be approved. Upon.roll ca21, the motion:passed; 5-0; Director Lancaster asked how long the City a woodworking department. Grimes.explained it but the entire building maintenance division, of all the structures the city has, along with and repairs. . 1111' .. 1, ',. Manager foresaw having is not just woodworking, which is needed, because the needs for- shelving Sign Variance/First United Presbyterian Church City Attorney McCord, referring to a letter he received from Charles Harwell (representing First United Presbyterian Church), explained that, perhaps due to a breakdown in communication, the church has placed their sign in a location not in accordance with a variance which was granted by the Board. McCord noted Harwell is asking either for Board approval of the present location or to have the matter placed on the agenda for further consideration. 1 Sign Inspector Bert Rakes clarified the fact that the sign is,presently located 14 feet from Calvin Street and 15 feet from Old Wire Road (measurements from the streets, not from the rights-of-way). 65 65,1 65.2 65.3 65.4 65.5 65.6 65.7 Director Johnson stated the Board approved a variance of l0.feet from 65.E Old•Wire Road:and 25 feet from Calvin. Director Johnson, seconded by -Orton, made a motion to change the variance to 14 feet from Calvin and 15 feet from Old Wire Road. I act Rakes clarified for the Directors that the present sign from the rights-of-way are 0 feet from.Calvin S feet from Old Wire Road. Director Orton suggested the be temporary so that, if the streets are ever widened, have to be moved back. Director Johnson agreed to • setbacks of the treet and four variance should the sign would that amendment. 65.9 66 May 1, 1984 66.1 Director Martin expressed two concerns: (1) that the Board approved "something that was unworkable"; and (2) that the sign was installed in a location that was not approved. Director Martin asked if petitioners are furnished copies of minutes. The City Attorney stated he did not know if applicants are furnished copies of minutes but pointed out that, in this case, Mr. Harwell was under a mis-impression of the location approved and did not intentionally place the sign in the wrong location. 66.2 Director Orton suggested the Board might ask for recommendations from the Sign Inspector, as to placement of signs, when variance requests are considered. Bert Rakes stated he agreed that points of measurement can be estimates in some cases but pointed out, when an applicant receives a sign permit, the application indicates what the Board has approved before the permit is issued. 66.3 Director Sharp stated he saw no reason to place this item under "Other Business" at this time, that he did not think of this item as a crisis situation. 66.4 Director Johnson, seconded by Sharp, made a motion to table this item until it can be placed on the next agenda. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. Free -Standing Signs in R-0 66.5 The City Attorney reported he had been contacted by Director Orton regarding the ordinance passed at the last meeting to regulate the location of free-standing signs in R-0 districts. McCord stated Orton reminded him there had been discussion at the last meeting that, if a free-standing sign is allowed, wall signs should not be allowed. McCord stated, if this is the wish of the Board, he has an amendment prepared to that effect. 66.6 Director Orton stated it was her feeling that, if a yard sign is now permitted, it would be more attractive in a residential area not to have other signs as well. Orton asked if the other Directors meant to allow more than one sign in these cases. 66.7 Director Johnson asked if the intention is for there to be a choice between a yard sign and a wall sign or if the intention is to delete wall signs altogether. The City Attorney stated it was his understanding the discussion is for there to be a choice, unless the Board grants a variance. 66.8 It was the consensus of the Directors that an amendment be made to the ordinance that a wall sign shall not be allowed when a free-standing sign is used, without a variance from the Board. 1 1 May 1, 1984 The City Attorney read the amendatory ordinance for the first time. Director Johnson, seconded by. Sharp, made.a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. McCord read the ordinance lot the second time. Director Johnson, seconded by Sharp, made a motion,to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. McCord read the ordinance for the third -and final time. Upon roll call, the ordinance passed, 5-0. I� ORDINANCE NO. 3008 APPEARS ON PAGE 4/ 7j OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION Id BOOK Wilt CO Q 1983 Fire Code 1 The City Attorney stated the State of Arkansas has adopted the 1983 edition of the State Fire Code. McCord explained that, several years ago, the City adopted by reference the previous 1965 edition of the State Fire Code. McCord pointed out there is no reason for the City to "adopt" what is already State law. McCord recommended the sections of the City Code adopted by reference to previous State Fire Codes, and certain amendments thereto, be repealed in order to remove any ambiguity. The City Attorney read the repealing ordinance for the first time. Director Johnson, seconded by Orton, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second.reading. Upon .roll call, the motion passed, 5-0.' McCord read the ordinance for the second time. Director Sharp, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. McCord read the ordinance for the third and final time. Upon roll call, the ordinance .passed, 5-0. ORDINANCE NO. 3009 APPEARS ON PAGE 1475 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK /On Warner Cable Franchise The City Attorney, referring to the Board's actions at the last meeting instructing the staff to attempt.to renegotiate the Warner Cable franchise, stated the staff would appreciate some specific direction as to exactly what portions of the franchise should be renegotiated. McCord asked that individual Board members contact him as to their particular areas of concern, so that he can begin the renegotiating process. Donrey Litigation 67 67.1 67.2 67.3 67.4 The City Attorney reported that the U.S. Supreme Court denied Donrey's 67.5 petition to review the State Supreme Court decision upholding the 68 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 68.5 68.6 May 1, 1984 City's sign ordinance. McCord stated the original Chancery Court decree entered in November of 1982 ordered removal of Donrey's signs within 180 days; that the State Supreme Court decision became final on December 19, 1983. McCord explained 180 days from that date would be May 22, 1984. McCord stated "obviously it is impossible for Donrey to remove approximately 60 signs by May 22nd". McCord stated the City Manager, as well, feels if Donrey undertakes the removal process promptly, and proceeds diligently, the City should not pursue sanctions for contempt of Court for technical non-compliance if the signs are not all removed by May 22nd. McCord stated, if this position is acceptable to the Board, he would advise Donrey in writing. Director Sharp suggested Donrey be asked to submit a removal schedule to the Board. Director Orton expressed concerns that Donrey might not proceed with removal of the signs by May 22nd. McCord explained, if Donrey does not remove the signs, they will be in contempt of the Chancery Court's Order and the city can ask the Court to impose sanctions, or whatever the Court deems appropriate. McCord stated also there is past precedent for the city to begin cutting the signs down. Director Orton stated she thought the Board should "be reasonable" but pointed out a considerable amount of taxpayers' money has been spent to get to this point; that Donrey has had years of added time. It being the consensus of the Directors, the City Attorney stated he would proceed with asking Donrey to submit a removal schedule, so that the Board can decide if the schedule is reasonable. "Chief Motel" Litigation In answer to a query from Director Lancaster, the City Attorney provided the Board with an update on litigation involving the Chief Motel. McCord explained the Chief Motel has been charged in Municipal Court with refusal to comply with the amortization provision in the sign ordinance. McCord explained also the Chief Motel was a party in the Holiday Inn case but that since that time, the ownership has changed and the city may enforce the ordinance against the new owner, which is being done by prosecution in Municipal Court. American Awning & Patio Sign Appeal Director Lancaster pointed out that, at the last meeting, the Board denied an appeal from American Awning & Patio to have a rooftop sign; that the rooftop sign has still not been removed. The City Attorney explained the Board can direct the staff to remove the sign or to charge the owner in Municipal Court. McCord recommended his office ask the City Prosecutor to notify the owner that, if the sign is not removed within a very short period of time, one of those actions will be pursued. 1 1 Comments from Director Lancaster May 1, 1984 Director Lancaster stated that as •a result of a City Hall committee meeting held a few weeks ago, the Board "might have moved too far" into the area of operations and management, specifically -regarding coffee breaks. Lancaster, seconded by Orton, made a motion to rescind the Board's actions and stated this action is taken in recognizing that Don Grimes is the manager and that it is his prerogative to run the building as he sees fit. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-0. N LLQ CI) MINUTES Q The following corrections were made to the Minutes of the April 17 meeting: 42.4 1 -channel should be 12 -channel 44.5 "KOED" should be "CBN" "to add CBN, perhaps to Channel 14;" should be changed to read "perhaps CBN could be added to Channel 14;" 44.6 add "or to provide relief" to "duplicated must carry stations" delete "to lobby"congressmen regarding the cable situation in Fayetteville and Arkansas and regarding House Bill 4103" 69 69.1 69.2 69.3 69.4 69.5 69.6 69.7 With those changes, the Minutes were approved as distributed. 69.8 CITIZEN COMMENTS William Giese, resident of Fayetteville, addressed the Board. Giese thanked Director Sharp for having taken time to present "the city's side of the shop situation". Giese asked if it would be possible to publish brief job descriptions. Giese also asked to be allowed to accompany whomever will be going to look at what has been done at the Shop, after it has been set up. Director Lancaster stated he saw no reason why Mr. Giese should not go along on such a tour, but pointed out to Giese that the city has employed Mr. Van Bell to manage the shop situation. 69.9 Director Johnson, in reference to Giese's request for job descriptions, 69.10 stated the city may soon undertake a wage analysis study and an evaluation 70 May 1, 1984 70.1 of job descriptions. Giese asked if this study would be made public and Director Johnson stated it would probably be too lengthy for pub- lication, but would be available in the City Manager's Office. 70.2 City Manager Grimes stated Giese's request for a Shop tour was agreeable to him. ADJOURNMENT 70.3 With no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M. 1