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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-04-15 Minutes1 11a e 6., MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE FAYETTEVILLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS L6.1 A regular meeting of the Fayetteville City Board of Directors was held on Tuesday, April 15, 1986 at 7:30 p.m. in the Directors' Room of the City Administration Building, 113 West Mountain Street, Fayette- ville, Arkansas. PRESENT: Mayor Noland; Directors Bumpass, Hess, Johnson, Lancaster, and Orton; Acting City Manager Murphy, Department Directors Burch, Coates and Linebaugh, City Attorney McCord, City Clerk Kennedy, members of the press and audience ABSENT: Director Martin ROLL CALL 16.2 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Noland, with six Directors present. The Mayor asked for a moment of respectful silence. SESQUICENTENNIAL PRESENTATION 16.3 Dick Daniels, from the City that the City year, resident of Port Huron, Michigan, presented a plaque of Port Huron to Mayor Noland. Daniels told the Mayor of Port Huron is celebrating its sesquicentennial this as is the State of Arkansas. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT GRANT FUNDS 16.4 The Mayor announced that yesterday he received a call from Congressman Hammerschmidt's office informing him that Fayetteville has qualified for another $2.6 million in funds that will be used for continuing the construction of the sewer treatment plant. Noland explained this grant means there will be about a year and four months less of sewer sales taxation. 16.5 ARTS CENTER BOARD REPORT • Frank Sharp, Chairman of the City Arts Center Board, reported that Dr. Ferritor (member of the joint City/University Arts Center committee) will present a proposal to the University Board of Trustees on April 18. Sharp asked when the City Board wished to hear the Arts Center Board's report. It was agreed that this item would be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of May 6. April 15, 1986 HIGHWAY 265 CONNECTION The Mayor introduced a recommendation to the Board by the Planning 117.1 Commission regarding a preliminary proposal to connect downtown Fayette- ville with Highway 265. The Mayor explained the idea originated about a year ago from some residents living in the Highway 265 area whose concern included the alleviation of traffic around the area school. Noland stressed that the engineering study was preliminary only. The Mayor introduced a report from the engineering firm which prepared 117.2 the study - Crafton, Tull, Spann and Yoe. He noted that this was not a public hearing. Bob Crafton explained his firm's contract with the City asked for a preliminary route selection to connect Highway 265 to the downtown area, somewhere between State Highway 16 and State Highway 45. Crafton said the study also included soil testing, surveying required to allow recommendations regarding widths of the rights-of-way and pavement, the types of materials, required drainage structures, easements and projected grades of the roadway surfaces. Engineer Dan Brown stated, because of the configuration of the existing street network, it was the engineers' judgment that the route should be a "collector" street. Brown said current city standards indicate collector streets are to be four -lane and may have a maximum permissible grade of 15%, and that the report and cost estimates have been prepared based on this information. Brown described the routes proposed in the report: Alternate B begins at Mission Boulevard on Rockwood Trail, proceeds easterly along Rockwood Trail to the existing end of the pavement, continues to the east and curves off slightly to the south, connecting to Highway 265 at a point about 300 feet south of the entrance to the Hyland Park Subdivision. Brown stated the advantage of this route is that it is the shortest of those proposed. Brown stated the engineers felt this route was not feasible, primarily due to the effect of construction on the existing neighborhood along Rockwood Trail. Brown reported grades in this area are in excess of 20%. Cost Estimate: $1,956,000 Alternate C shares the existing portion of Rockwood Trail with Alternate B, and east of the existing end of Rockwood Trail the route curves off to the north and back to the east, connecting with existing Manor Drive, following Manor Drive to Highway 265. Brown stated the advantage of this route is that it has a less severe grade line for the portion of the route between Rockwood Trail and Manor Drive, and provides the best connection with Highway 265. The disadvantages, according to Brown, include all the disadvantages of Alternate B. Cost Estimate: $1,860,000 117.3 117.4 1.8.1 April 15, 1986 Alternate D begins at the intersection of Lafayette and Mission, five blocks east of College Avenue, proceeding eastward along existing Lafayette to the end of the pavement as it is now, angles off to the southeast as it climbs up the west side of the Mountain with a 15% grade, crests the hill at Williams Drive and then begins a downward descent on the east side of the mountain, falling the contours of the mountain northeasterly, and connecting into Alternate B and proceeding to connect with Highway 265, about 300 feet south of Hyland Park. Brown stated this route's advantage is it does not cause as much disruption of the existing neighborhoods as do the other alternates. Brown stated its disadvantage would be the requirement of some side street improvements to Sequoyah, Rex and Williams Drives, to maintain existing traffic movements. Cost Estimate: $2,713,000 L8.2 Brown described Alternates A, E, F and G which were considered by the engineers but rejected. 18.3 ii Brown reported that eight borings were drilled to depths of between eight and fifteen feet and tests were performed on soil samples taken from the borings. Brown reported that, as expected, the soils in the area exhibit some properties that "require special consideration in construction", and road subgrades will all require lime treatment in order to stabilize the subgrade. Brown said french drains have been included in the cost estimates. 18.4 Brown concluded by recommending Alternate D as the most desirable alternate. 18.5 Director Orton asked Brown what he would consider as a safe grade for a collector street. Brown responded that, although the city's standards permit a maximum grade of 15%, he estimated a grade of 7% to 8% to be safe. Brown noted that the geography of the area would not permit such grades.. 18.6 Director Lancaster commented that the engineering firm had done what was asked of them by the City, and had proven to him that it is not feasible to build a collector street over Mt. Sequoyah. 18.7 Director Bumpass apologized for any misinformation that citizens might have understood that the City planned to construct a road on the basis of the engineering study. Bumpass stated he thought the data gathered from the study should be placed in the information banks of the City for future planning. 18.8 Director Hess commented that the investigation of the question of a connection between Highway 265 and the downtown area has not resulted in a viable plan, but noted that the possibility of future development in the area will have to be addressed. • April 15, 1986 Director Orton noted the constructive side of the process was that the engineers have proven "it's not the thing to do". Director Orton made a motion to accept the study but to reject any recommendation to build a street over Mt. Sequoyah. Director Hess seconded the motion. Director Johnson pointed out that Crafton, Tull, Spann and Yoe did exactly what they were told to do in their contract. Johnson stated she thought it was the Board's responsibility to respond to the citizens. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0, with Director Martin absent. REZONING/205 ROCK STREET The Mayor introduced an ordinance rezoning the north 130 feet of a .73 acre parcel located at 205 Rock Street, from R-0, "Residential -Office", to C-2, "Thoroughfare Commercial. The Mayor explained the ordinance was left on first reading at the April 1 meeting, in order for the petitioner to bring a parking plan before the Board. Planning Director Sandra Carlisle clarified that the petitioner proposes to have nine parking spaces, with only five being required for the property. The City ,Attorney read the ordinance for the second time. Director Lancaster, seconded by Orton, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-1, with Director Johnson voting in the minority. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the third time. In answer to a question from Director Orton, Carlisle explained the parking area was located to the west of the driveway. The petitioner explained that a secure rock wall would be the west edge of the parking area, which he stated has been graded and is level. In answer to a question from Director Hess, the petitioner stated there was enough room for cars to back out, with there being 38 feet from the west edge of the parking area to a retaining wall. Director Lancaster asked if anyone had asked the petitioner for a Bill of Assurance promising to restrict the use of the property to that of a bookstore, art gallery and custom framing shop. The City Attorney responded that typically a Bill of Assurance is offered by the petitioner to offset neighborhood objections. McCord said he had previously advised that, for the Board to require a Bill of Assurance would be "contract zoning" which has been declared unconstitutional by some States. McCord added that he had not heard any neighborhood objections in this case. Director Bumpass pointed out that on the Board's tour of the property on April 1, they did not look at the west side of the property. Bumpass suggested the matter be tabled until the Board can view the parking 9 119.1 119.2 119.3 119.4 119.5 119.6 119.7 119.8 120 April 15, 1986 '0.1 area The petitioner assured the Board that the parking area on the diagram did exist. Director Johnson asked that the Board view the distance between the entrance to the parking area and the distance to the stop sign. '0.2 Director Bumpass, seconded by Johnson, moved to table consideration. :0.3 Prospective tenant for the property, Nancy Maier, pointed out that the rezoning had been tabled at the last meeting 'in order for the owner to present a plat of the parking, which she noted had been done. '.0.4 Upon roll call, the motion failed to pass, 3-3, with Directors Lancaster, Bumpass and Johnson voting in favor of the motion and Directors Orton, Hess and Noland voting against the motion. )0.5 Upon roll call, the ordinance passed, 4-2, with Directors Bumpass and Johnson voting in the minority. ORDINANCE NO. 3181 APPEARS ON PAGE BOOK )(xi V 7 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION/718 S. LOCUST 20.6 The Mayor introduced an ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of street right-of-way, located at 718 South Locust Avenue. The Mayor explained the ordinance was left on third reading at the April 1 meeting, for the property owner to provide a legal description of that portion of the street to be vacated. The Mayor noted that existing structures on this portion of Locust Avenue are located in the right-of-way as it was platted on the City maps about 50 years ago. 20.7 The City Attorney verified that the petitioner has provided a correct legal description and has reserved a ten -foot utility easement. McCord read the ordinance. 20.8 Director Bumpass expressed concern that there is a problem for seven blocks on this street, in addition to the property owned by petitioner Bronson. Bumpass commented that the City ought to figure out some way to obviate the repetitiveness of easement vacations. The City Attorney responded that legally the only way to vacate an easement is for the Board to adopt an ordinance. McCord explained that, for an ordinance to be adopted for the entire seven blocks, the petitioner would have had to undertake the cost of a survey. Acting City Manager Murphy stated the staff has discussed a process for handling easement vacation requests, so such requests can be presented to the Board with the staff confirming that the legal description is proper and that utility companies have agreed to the vacation. McCord noted that, with that process in place, it would be possible to include several vacations in one ordinance. I! April 15 Upon roll call,the ordinance passed, 6-0. 121.1 ORDINANCE NO. 3182 APPEARS ON PAGE BOOK xg/ V EASEMENT VACATION/1740 OVERCREST OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION The Mayor introduced an ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of an easement located on property at 1740 Overcrest Street. The Mayor explained the ordinance was left on third reading at the April 1 meeting, and that all parties have now agreed that only the south nine feet of the easement should be vacated and that the owner will dedicate the north six feet of the easement and an additional 16 .foot easement. The City Attorney advised that, since the ordinance has been read three times, a motion would be in order to amend the legal description to vacate only nine feet of the easement. McCord explained the other six feet would remain a dedicated easement and the only action necessary would be for the property owner to execute the easement. Director Orton, seconded by Hess, made a motion to amend the legal description in the ordinance. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0. Upon roll call, the ordinance passed, 6-0. ORDINANCE NO. 3183 APPEARS ON PAGE .// OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK XX/1/ FOURTH LOT SPLIT/BAILEY RD & COUNTY HWY. 87 The Mayor introduced a request by Curtis Parsley for Board approval of a fourth lot split, for property located north of Bailey Road and west of County Highway 1187. Director Orton noted that some time ago the Board asked for criteria to be prepared for the Board to use in considering requests for lot splits. Planning Director Carlisle explained that when the Planning Commission's Update Committee completes their work on this question, it will be submitted to the Planning Commission for their approval. In answer to a question from Director Hess, Carlisle said this lot split would be permissible under the proposed new rules for lot splits. Carlisle explained the property is located in the growth area (outside the city limits) and the request has been approved by Washington County. 121.2 121.3 121.4 121.5 121.6 121.7 121.8 121.9 1 0 April 15, 1986 12.1 Director Hess,seconded by Orton, made a motion to grant the request. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-1, with Director Johnson voting in the minority. NOMINATIONS ?2.2 Director Johnson, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, reported that the committee met today and recommended the_ appointment of Don R. Clark to the Advertising and Promotion Committee, to fill an unexpired term; and recommended the appointment of Lonnie Meadows to fill a term ending April 1, 1988 on the Board of Housing and Construction Appeals. 12.3 Director Johnson, seconded by Hess, made a motion to approve the recom- mendations of the Nominating Committee. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0.. r STREET COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT 22.4 The Mayor introduced a resolution appointing a Commissioner on the Board of Improvement for Fayetteville Street Improvement District No. 59, tabled from the April 1 meeting. The Mayor explained that Virginia McAllister has agreed to serve as a Commissioner. 12.5 Director Bumpass, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to approve the resolution appointing Virginia McAllister as a Commissioner on the Board of Improvement for Fayetteville Street Improvement District No. 59. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0. RESOLUTION NO. 45-86 APPEARS ON PAGE BOOK )(XVI) CONCILIATION AGREEMENT g7 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION 22.6 The Mayor introduced a resolution authorizing the City of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Civil Service Commission to execute a Conciliation Agreement submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in connection with monitoring conducted by the EEOC regarding age discrimination in employment. 22.7 Acting City Manager Murphy recommended the agreement be executed, with the condition that the time limit be reduced from two years to one year, and that the agreement be null and void if there is relief due to congressional action on the issue. 22.8 Director Johnson, seconded by Bumpass, made a motion to approve the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0. • /. RESOLUTION NO. 46-86 APPEARS ON PAGE BOOK April 15, 1986 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION • EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Mayor introduced consideration of the continuation of the City's Employee Assistance Program. He explained that the City's current contract with Organizational Resources; Inc., expires on April 1, 1986. Administrative Services Director Linebaugh recommended the continuation of the contract and noted that Organizational Resources asks for a 4% increase in fee, or $5.20 per employee, a total of $1,700, below the budgeted amount for the year. Mary Jordan, speaking for Organizational Resources, Inc., presented an annual report on the program. Jordan reported that, in the first year of the program, 15 employees or family members received services to include assessment and referral for professional help, as• well as follow-up and evaluation. Jordan noted there were 12 separate consultation sessions and 17 hours of supervisory employee training sessions, conducted at the beginning of the year. Jordan pointed out that statistics show that, in general, 18-25% of the population probably has personal problems which would warrant a need for professional help. Jordan stated she thought the usage was lower than expected due to the reorganization. She said she had received feedback from several departments that employees were hesitant to use the service because they felt there might be a direct line either to the Personnel Department or to the managers. Jordan stated she has attempted to dispel this. belief. Jordan stated 5-8% is a good usage of the program. Jordan recommended the Board consider the costs of absenteeism or retraining of employees, in their consideration of whether to continue the program. Director Hess stated he thought the City had an obligation to the employees to provide them an outlet for discussion of their personal problems. Director Hess, seconded by Orton, made a motion to continue the Employee Assistance Program and to grant the 4Z increase. 123.1 123.2 123.3 123.4 123.5 Director Johnson stated she thought $150.00 per employee was an awful 123.6 lot of money to spend, in light of the cutting back in City services next year. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-1, with Director Johnson voting 123.7 in the minority. RESOLUTION NO. 47-86 APPEARS ON PAGE j'7 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK XX✓/ 1 L, 124 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT April 15, 1986 a4.1 The Mayor introduced a request from the Public Works Director for approval to proceed with the addition of flow proportioning capabilities to the automatic samplers at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Mayor explained the necessary modifications are estimated to'cost $3000 (less the savings of $1500 from purchasing a smaller refrigerator for sample storage). The Mayor pointed out that this addition is required by the Department of Pollution Control and Ecology. a4.2 Director Johnson, seconded by Orton, made a motion to install the automatic samplers and reduce the size of the refrigerator. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0. AIRPORT ADVERTISING 24.3 The Mayor introduced a proposal for the City to enter into an agreement with the advertising firm of Blackwood and Martin, to design an ad campaign for the airport, in conjunction with airlines serving Fayette- ville. 24.4 Administrative Services Director Linebaugh explained that Director Bumpass had requested he review this proposal. Linebaugh reported that $2500 is requested to pay Blackwood and Martin to design an ad campaign, with $15,000 being requested by the City of Fayetteville, to be matched by $15,000 from the airlines, for the actual advertising. Linebaugh stated the staff recommends the $2500 be taken from the Airport budget, 'with the $15,000 to be taken from the Advertising and Promotion Fund. 24.5 Linebaugh explained the goal of the ad campaign would be to bring in 15,000 additional boardings. Linebaugh reported that, if this goal is met, and if the 15,000 persons are all visitors, the net potential City revenues could amount to $83,196. 24.6 Director Bumpass noted that business to the City could be increased by $927,000, and would put boardings at the airport in excess of 100,000 per year. Bumpass stated he hoped the advertising would point out that competitive rates are available from the Fayetteville airport, versus driving to Tulsa. Bumpass stated he hoped this cooperative venture will continue to maintain a good rapport with the airlines. 24.7 Mayor Noland stated that Bill Clodfelter and Garland Melton, members of the Advertising and Promotion Commission, were both very supportive of this idea, although the Commission did not actually take any action on this proposal. 24.8 Director Orton expressed her objections to an additional $15,000 being appropriated and suggested instead the funds come from the existing April 15, 1986 $60,000 Advertising and Promotion budget. Orton stated she still felt "a modest amount for advertising and promotion" draws the line at $60,000. Orton stated she thought this would take $15,000 from the Arts Center Fund. In answer to a question from Orton, Linebaugh reported that the trend on hotel occupancy over the last three years has increased by better than 10% per year. In response to Director Orton's suggestion that the $15,000 be taken from the Advertising and Promotion Fund's present budget, Director Hess explained that $12,500 of that budget is under contract with the Chamber of Commerce and most of the remainder is under contract with Blackwood and Martin for various advertising projects. Director Johnson asked if $2500 was included in the Airport budget for the design of the ad campaign. Airport Manager Dale Frederick responded that only $1500 was available for the expenditure. Director Hess, seconded by Bumpass, made a motion to enter into an agreement with Blackwood and Martin to design an ad campaign for the airport and that the City fund it for $15,000, with the proviso that the airlines will also match that $15,000, with $2500 to be contributed from the Airport Fund. 125.1 125.2 125.3 125.4 Director Johnson stated she thought there should be a plan for the 125.5 advertising to reach communities such as Rogers and Siloam Springs. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 5-1, with Director Orton voting 125.6 in the minority. Director Orton stated she thought the airport should be advertised but did not think the cost should come from the Arts Center Fund. Director Johnson disagreed, stating the cost would not come from the Arts Center Fund, but from the Hotel/Motel/Restaurant revenues which are allocated to various needs as determined by the Advertising and Promotion Commission. OTHER BUSINESS • SETTLEMENT OFFER/POLICE OFFICER LITIGATION 125.7 Mayor Noland asked Director Bumpass if he wished to request reconsideration 125.8 of the settlement offer (re Larry Perdue et al v. City), as he had indicated at the last Board meeting. Director Bumpass stated he did not wish to request reconsideration, 125.9 commenting that "I don't think it's going to do us any good". AML LEGISLATION FOR 1987 April 15, 1986 ?6.1 Director Johnson announced that May 15, 1986 is the deadline for proposed resolutions to be submitted to the Arkansas Municipal League for consid- eration at the League Convention on June 15. Johnson asked that any proposals be submitted to her prior to the May 15 deadline. BOARD RETREAT 26.2 It was announced that a Board Retreat would be scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, at City Hall. POLYMER BID AWARD 26.3 Deryl Burch, Public Works Director, asked for consideration of the award of bid for the purchase of polymer for the Pollution Control Plant. Burch recommended the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Nalco Chemical Company, which bid $196,146.05. ?6.4 Director Orton, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to accept the bid of Nalco Chemical Company for polymer. Upon roll call, the motion passed, 6-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES AMENDMENT 26.5 The Mayor introduced consideration of to the Agreement for Engineering Services, taxiway reconstruction and runway, taxiway 26.6 Director Johnson, seconded by Bumpass, made No. 1 to the Agreement for Engineering the motion passed, 6-0. RESOLUTION NO. 48-86 APPEARS ON PAGE ?/ OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOKXKVII approval of Amendment No. 1 for terminal apron expansion, overlays at Drake Field. a motion to approve Amendment Services. Upon roll call, MUNICIPAL COURT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 26.7 In answer to a question from Director Hess, Administrative Services Director Linebaugh clarified that the City staff has begun a program to administer collection of Municipal Court fines over ten days old. Linebaugh said it was too early to determine whether there has been an increase in the amount of fines collected since the program was instituted. Linebaugh said the staff will provide the Board with a monthly progress report. April 15, 1986 PARKING TICKETS Laurin Wheeler, Fayetteville resident, told the Board he received a parking ticket for parking on the wrong side of the street on West Shadowridge. Wheeler said he has been parking on the wrong side of the street for seven years and he asked if the ticketing would continue or if it was a random process. Wheeler asked why this enforcement was not being carried out uniformly, particularly around the University. The Mayor responded that it has always been illegal but just has not been enforced. The Mayor asked the Acting City Manager to respond. Murphy commented that the staff was examining this recent ticket situation and hopes to have a resolution to it very shortly. Director Bumpass stated he had pointed out to the staff in a letter that there is quite a bit of illegal parking in the City, some of which includes parking on sidewalks, which eventually breaks down the sidewalks. Bumpass said he asked the staff to address the situation and apparently the response was the issuance of hundreds of parking tickets. Bumpass said, contrary to what some police officers have told individuals, and contrary to what may have been reported in the newspaper, he did not request that anyone be given a ticket. Bumpass said he found the ticketing to be a question of "overkill". MINUTES The Minutes corrections: of the April 1 meeting were approved with the following 95.2 In line three, change "their" to "its" 95.5 In line nine, add "road" after "fuel farm" 107.7 ADJOURNMENT In line one, after "the easement" add "Johnson said it appeared from Warner's letter that their main cable for Winwood I Subdivision is located in the easement." In line In line In line In line two, change City" to "plaintiffs" five, change "create" to "establish" five, change "in" to "and recover" five, change "on" to "from" With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. 127.1 127.2 127.3 127.4