HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-12-15 Minutes•
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MINUTES OF A CITY RETREAT BOARD MEETING
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A Retreat meeting of the Fayetteville City Board of Directors°was
held on Saturday, December 15, 1990 at.8:30 a.m. in Room 326 of the,
City Administration Building at 113 West Mountain Street,,
Fayetteville, Arkansas.
PRESENT: Mayor William V. Martin, Directors 0. Michael
Green, Russ Kelley, Ernest Lancaster, Paul
Marinoni, Jr., Shell Spivey, and Fred Vorsanger;
and Directors -elect Bob Blackston, Dan Coody, Ann
Henry, and Julie Nash; City Manager Scott
Linebaugh, City Attorney Jerry Rose, City Clerk
Sherry Thomas; members of the staff, press, and
audience.
CALLTO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Martin.
Linebaugh introduced the following items to be discussed on the
agenda:
1. There would be a presentation on the Management Training
Program.
2. A presentation of why governmental accounting is so hard
to understand and what it is all about. This will be
presented by the city's auditors, Coopers and Lybrand.
3. Highlights of 1990 accomplishments.
4. Department objectives for 1991.
5. 1991 Budget review process.
Each Board member received a packet entitled, "City -Wide Goals and
Accomplishments." Linebaugh commenced the meeting with a review of
the highlights of 1990 accomplishments. He urged each Board member
to review the entire document at a later time.
The first goal the city set for itself in 1990 was to get the
public more involved in city government. Public hearings have been
held during the year -- 8 within 6 months -- ranging from the
budget, water and sewer rate increases, capital improvements
program, etc. Citizen committees have been formed such as the
Herbicide Task Force, the Public Works Director Selection
Committee, The Grading and Excavation Committee, and the Airport
Task Force Committee.
The second goal was to keep the public better informed. Since May
policies have been implemented of regular reports on projects and
problems, policies of regular press meetings, and encouraged the
staff to do presentations on various issues to citizen groups and
clubs. -
December 15, 1990
The third goal was to develop a more responsive staff. Ws have
developed internal policies and procedures geared toward
responsiveness; reviewed past actions where the staff has not bean
responsive; and tried to adjust policies and explain to the staff
what we need to do differently. We have also provided staff
management training, which will be discussed later.
The fourth goal was to insure that we have the best and most cost
effective service that our tax base will support. Ws have
scrutinized our services on a regular basis. We have started a
policy of financial review. We have done a financial trend
monitoring system from ICA, that has been very beneficial; and we
changed our budget adjustment policy.
The fifth goal was for the managers to be more of a hands-on
manager than the previous administration. A lot has been done to
be more involved in the staff activities, particularly the city
manager.
The sixth goal was to have a commitment toward solving the city's
problems and accomplishing designated projects. A reporting system
has been developed that tracks the progress of our project,,
project managers have been assigned to each project, and many other
things.
The seventh goal was to continue to develop a batter working
relationship with the Board of Directors. The objective was to
provide the Board with better and more usable advice, such as
providing two or three alternatives and providing a recommendation
on every subject. .
Linebaugh summarized some of the projects that have been
accomplished in the last year. Those include:
1. An additional aircraft rescue and fire fighting truck.
2. CIP Bond issue was explained clearly to the voters.
3. An alternative method to the school funding issue was
accomplished.
4. The distinguished budget presentation award was achieved
for 1990.
5. Certificate of Achievement For Excellency in Financial
Reporting was achieved for financial statements.
6. A merit pay system was implemented along with a
Performance Evaluation System.
7. Completion of a recodification of all city codes.
8. Successful agreement with the Humane Society, and an
animal shelter under construction.
9. A yard waste composting program was implemented.
10. Sanitation fund was reduced.
11. A pavement management system was implemented.
12. A monitor system was implemented in the Water Department.
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December 15, 1990
13. A detailed policies and procedures manual was implemented
in the Police Department, along with a drug.enforcement
grant program
14. A park development master plan was comprised.
15. Staff was cross -trained.
16. Rental re-hab program was implemented.
17. Training program in the Fire Department was reorganized,
HAZMAT team was initiated, and upgraded protective
clothing for the firemen.
18. Assisted threeindustries int 4resolving their
environmental violations.
19. Developed a manufacturer's association to provide a form
for industrial leaders to communicate.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
There was discussion and review of the management training. It is
felt the program for 1991 is a good one. There were 72 employees
that attended the training session, and a follow-up session is
being developed.
Kevin Crosson introduced the management training program that wad
held for all levels of management. The Bo Thomas Consulting Group
was selected to instruct this seminar. The meeting was turned
over to Bob Fisher, the Dean of the School of Business at Henderson
State University, and Bo Thomas.
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There was discussion about management training by the instructors.
The instructors commented on the positive attitude of the employees
of the city of Fayetteville, and in their willingness to accept
changes to be made, and their jobs made easier as a result.
The overall objective for the course was to establish a foundation
for ongoing management development program. It was very clear that
the City desired a common working knowledge that people could use
in talking with each other, which was very beneficial. A very
clear objective was the desire for communication to be improved
among employees.. Most of the sessions were devoted to the process
of how people work together to be more effective.
Another overall objective was that it was desired to identify
opportunities for cooperative efforts and team work. Team work and
communication skills were directed toward quality service and
responsiveness to the public.
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Another objective was being able to develop "Win/Win Objectives."
The needs of the departments, divisions, public, etc. were assessed
to reduce the competitiveness between people. Thomas challenged
the Board to work together toward common objectives with the
public, etc.
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December 15, 1990
Some philosophies of the program were to create a new environment.
Some characteristics of that environment are:
1. Rapid change
2. Complexity of the world.
3. Competitive environment.
4. People expect quality.
There was discussion on the importance of team work among the
employees. Each member was asked what they thought mads a "good
team" work, and there was a brief discussion on that subject which
followed.
Some common characteristics of great teams that can be implemented
for the City of Fayetteville are as follows:
1. They ars mission driven.
2. Acceptance of responsibility and cooperativeness vs.
competitiveness.
3. Individual competence (personal excellence).
4. A winning attitude.
Topics that were covered during the program included:
1. Teamwork
2. Mission -- Goal is to focus on the purpose of the
organization. Each department will work on a mission
statement to support the City of Faysttsville's overall
mission statement. Everyone should feel like their job
will make a difference.
3. Role clarification and negotiation -- This process led to
the heads of other departments working together with each
other.
4. Communication and listening skills
5. Rewards for a job well done.
6. Basics of motivation
7. Style awareness and action playing -- Making a difference
in the way management operates.
In closing, it was explained that the cost of excellence is
"hanging in there" even when the enthusiasm wears off. Never
leaving well enough alone, and taking a chance. Questions were
taken from the Board at this point.
REPORT FROM AUDITORS
There was a brief presentation by Dan Schultz from the offices of
Coopers and Lybrand on governmental accounting and how it applies
to the city of Fayetteville. They are currently auditors for
several cities in the area.
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December 15, 1990
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Mr. Schultz was present to give a short .explanation of the
accounting practices and fund structures set up for the city.
Governments deal with the flow of funds, accounting for money
coming in and money being spent. They are not really concerned
with net income or capital maintenance, then way a commercial
enterprise would be. Governments also have to deal with a variety
of laws and regulations that have to be accounted for. '
In a brief demonstration Mr. Schultz explained the fund structure
to the Board. He explained the kinds of funds or fund categories.
Governmental funds deal with the basic services that are associated
with government such as police protection, fire protection, arts
and recreation, etc. There are four basic funds that fall into
this category. All of these funds, with the exception of onee.can
have multiple funds. The general fund is the only one that you can
have only one. What falls into the general fund is what does not
get accounted for anywhere else (the catch-all).
There are a variety of special revenue funds which include the
kinds of transactions where the revenue source is designated for a
particular purpose such as federal grants, block grants, drug
enforcement grants, etc. State monies that are received that as
designated for particular governmental purposes, such as taxes that
need to be used for street improvements. The capital projects fund
is where the resources get recorded to build the governmental
infra -structure and the governmental assets that provide services
such as bond proceeds, dedicated sales tax, etc. A debt service
fund is for any general long term debt of the City, and resources
set aside to pay that service are recorded in this fund. These are
the multiple funds within any one of these particular categories
other than the general fund that account for the general
governmental operations of the City.
What goes into proprietary funds are operations where you can
generally find a counterpart in the private sector. There are two
proprietary funds and in each one of these categories there can be
multiple funds. The first category is the enterprise fund. The
things that get put in the enterprise funds, are activities that
you can find a counterpart in the private sector -- activities
where there is a fee or service involved to the public, which
include the airport, industrial park, water and sewer operations,
sanitation, etc. Revenues are measurable and generate the cost of
providing these services, and determine whether there is actually
excess revenues or whether there is a deficit in providing that
service. The other type of proprietary funds are internal service
funds. Internal service funds are set up where you have a
department that provides a service to another department, and that
service is provided on a cost reimbursement basis. One of the ways
you can determine how efficiently a government operates is by the
type and number of internal service funds that they provide.
December 15, 1990
The things that get into internal service funds ars things like
motor pools, copy shops, computer operations, etc.
Fiduciary funds ars funds where the government acts in some sort of
a fiduciary capacity such as pension funds, expendable trust funds,
agency funds, etc. There ars four basic kinds of fiduciary funds.
A good example of a non -expandable trust fund is an endowment fund,
where you can't spend the principal, but you can spend the interest
for a designated purpose, such as the Arts Center. The city has
not expendable trust funds. Agency funds are funds where you would
put bonds that are received on bids, payroll tax withholdings, etc.
Director Vorsanger asked if the Board, as a board and/or as
individuals, does sit on any way on the police pension, fire
pension or the municipal judge retirement and have any fiduciary
liability in these funds as directors of the city.
Mr. Schultz responded by stating that was a
He stated the accounting answer is: They
there ars specific guidelines as to control
included in the city's reporting. That
indicate the fiduciary responsibility.
good legal question.
are included because
and as to what gets
doesn't necessarily
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Account groups are the places where you would go to find the fixed
assets that are used to provide general governmental services such
as police cars, firs trucks, city hall building, etc.
Enterprise funds and internal service funds can have fixed assets
and long-term debt recorded on their financial statements. All of
the other governmental funds that have been discussed generally
don't record fixed assets of long-term debt. They are recorded in
the general fixed asset account group or the general long-term debt
account. The one thing that is usually not recorded in the
municipal financial statements are things called, "infra structure
assets" such as streets, curbing, gutter, lighting, etc.
Director Vorsanger pointed out to the press and new board members,
that a nine or ten million dollar budget, compared to Springdale's
should be compared to our general budget and not our total budget
of $60 million.
Mr. Schultz pointed out the key control documents to be studied by
any legislative body, are the expenditures in comparison to the
revenues, and whether you are spending what you are expected to
spend in relation to that budget.
There are basically five types of budget adjustments. There are
adjustments between major categories and an operational program
between capital projects up to $1,000 can be approved by the budget
coordinator. The second category is the adjustments between major
categories and the operational program or between capital projects
for $1,000 to $10,000 need to be approved by the administrative
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services director. The third category is adjustments to the
program that total less than 5% of the total operational program
budget, may be approved by the city manager. Any adjustments to a
category within a program which exceed $10,000 is approved by the
Board of Directors. The only change is that the dollar amounts are
now larger than they were last year.
Director Green asked if there were any specific financial ratios
that should be reviewed to aid in determining the city's financial
posture.
Mr. Schultz stated there are not generally accepted ratios such as
those from the private sector, but the amount of undesignated fund
balance is a key figure. Revenue growth needs to be looked at in
terms of whether the revenue basis is growing. Federal and state
projects need to be studied and how much financing is received from
outside sources needs to be reviewed.
Mr. Schultz reported, at the request of Director Spivey that there
were only five Certificates of Achievement for Financial Reporting
out of all of the municipalities of Arkansas, and Fayetteville was
a recipient of one of those awards. He continued to explain that
if you receive a Certificate, you are generally up in the top five
to ten percent in terms of being able to produce quality financial
reports. There is an -approximately 200 page list of requirements
that have to be met, and a checklist that they use to evaluate your
list point by point that is about 60 pages. Their votes then go to
Chicago, and then there is a third judge in Chicago who judges the
report. In order to receive a certificate, you need a unanimous
vote of all three judges. It is a very rigorous process. Clarity
is a major point in that evaluation. It is a fine balance of
comprehensiveness and clarity.
There was discussion on the general care that should be given to
the expenditures byrthe city with the money of the taxpayers. The
general consensustwas• that the Board should be very sensitive
toward the use of the money spent with tax dollars, and be able to
give an explanation of why and how that money was spent to the
taxpayers.
There was also discussion about the value of the internal auditor
who reviews operations and the way that money is being collected
and spent.
The entire Board was urged to read and study the financial reports
that are received on.a yearly basis. This concluded the discussion
on the report from'the auditors.
REVIEW OF THE RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE
There was discussion on the topic of what comprises a meeting and
what action can be taken at specific meetings. The general
December 15, 1990
consensus was that at agenda meetings there would not be any formal
action taken. City Attorney Jerry Rose explained that the only
requirement that he was aware of is contained in the Freedom of
Information Act. It requires two hours notice of meetings. Thor*
is no provision in the law that notice must be given regarding
agendas at any given meeting. As far as the state law is
concerned, consideration may be given to anything at any meeting
without being limited by an agenda. However, the Rules of Order
and Procedures, outline vary specific ways and kinds of meetings --
such as a regular meeting, a spacial meeting, executive session,
etc. A higher standard has been imposed on the Hoard by the Board
than is required by law.
Director Lancaster stated that there should be some control over
some of the things that have happened through city board meetings.
Mr. Rose pointed out that the only limitation currently in the
Rules of Order and Procedure regarding that is on page 2, paragraph
6, under "Public Notification and Participation". There are no
time limits for the public to adhere to at all.
It was suggested by Director Dan Coody that a request be made to
the public attending Board meetings that they organize and appoint
a spokesperson to present the different opinions, and everyone in
the audience that agrees with this person and/or topic just wave
their hands or acknowledge their vote, but not to have 30 people
stand up there with a whole bunch of different opinions
monopolizing time.
Director Green stated with the city manager fora of government,
people do feel a Little distant from the day to day operations of
the City Hall. Perhaps they can get with their representative to
feel they have a forum with more direct access to City Hall.
It was suggested that the Board ask the public
summarize, and tell just two or three points about
That would give the Board a chance to state that
already been addressed; thus, reducing redundancy.
There was discussion on how to avoid a filibuster via the public
monopolizing the meetings of the council. The general consensus
was that open government is a two-sided sword. Many times it needs
to be decided by the Mayor when to cut that discussion off.
to briefly
the issues.
subject had
Ross asked the Board to present to hie any changes that they would
like for him to draft to be voted on in January.
Director Green asked how four or more board members could get
together without violating the FOIA.
Mr. Rose responded that calling a special meeting of four members
of the Board is a statutory requirement and could not be changed.
He stated that this statute was probably used for times when an
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December 15,.1990-'
issue cam up that one Board member deemed as an urgent issue, and
maybe another Board member did not. If four or more agreed the
issue was urgent, then a meeting could be called.
The second group of procedures concerned the duties and privileges
of the Board members at Board meetings. The general consensus was
that the word "indirect" in the Rules and Procedures handbook was
a little too vague. Number 5, under "Roll Call" provides for the
consent agenda, and it has certainly been something that has been
frequently utilized within the last few years.
There was discussion on what constituted a public meeting. It was
discussed that a public meeting was a way for the Staff to get
public input into the final record issued to the Board. The Board
is always supplied with the minutes of the public hearing so that
they may review what has been said. The minutes are not verbatim,
and not legal transcripts. It was felt the minutes should contain
enough detail to be able to get good opinions and the flavor of the
meeting.
Rose pointed out that the only standing internal committee that the
City currently hastis.the nominating committee.
There were copies of. the City Manager Powers and Duties listed in
the handbook which had been distributed. The only specific
procedure other than stressing cooperation is that the chain of
command be followed. It was stressed that "it shall be distinctly
understood that authority for the management of the city shall pass
through the city manager, and that he/she shall be the only
official contact between the Board of Directors and the employed
personnel. Board of Directors are to refrain as individuals from
discussing management problems as opposed to policy problems with
the members of city staff." -
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Coody commented that he could see that there would be a problem in
a director going down and trying to activate some policy in a
department by saying, "Well, we should do this," but if a director
just wanted to go down and listen, would that be acceptable.
Rose responded to the question by saying that he saw nothing' that
would prevent that from happening.
The remainder of the rules have to do with the code of ethics.
They talk about the fact that you occupy a position of public trust
and should not utilize any special knowledge that you gain as a
result of your board membership for personal benefit.
Director Vorsanger inquired about procedures and parliamentary
rules. "The order of the Board's agenda shall be set by the city
manager." He asked if that should be set by the city manager or if
there should be some wording in there that the agenda should be set
December 15, 1990
by the Board at an agenda session in consultation with the city
managers. There was much discussion over the word "set".
Henry questioned why it is necessary to have an agenda meeting.
Mr. Rose explained that the reason is because there used to ba
different committees that ars no longer in existence. It was felt
there needed to be a time when the Board members initially looked
at an item and asking questions on them because what you end with
otherwise is the Board members being uninformed about the agenda
and the item on the agenda being postponed due to lack of
information. The agenda meeting facilitates a more refined City
Board meeting.
Ravin Crosson was asked to go over the Mission Statement with the
Board. He explained that the Mission Statement which was adopted
by the City Board in 1987 is "To have a forward thinking, credible
and responsible government to provide for our citizens a safe,
healthy, attractive, stimulating community in which to live and
work, by delivering the highest quality of municipal services while
seeking maximum value for dollars expanded. To have organized and
sound deliberations, to develop recant policies with ample
opportunity for public awareness and involvement." Each year this
Board looks at this and considers any changes.
Mr. Rose stated if the Board had any changes to maks in this
statement to let him know, and he would incorporate them into the
present document for reviewal.
The next item concerned the City-wide Projects and Problems
document. The top 15 projects that the staff felt the city has
going into 1991 were listed on this document. These projects are
ranked according to priority. The Board was urged to review this
document at length.
The projects listed were:
1) The incinerator disengagement
2) The Illinois River suit
3) Responsive government
4) Community strategic planning, (Staff is working on this
item}
5) Operational efficiency and effectiveness
6) Solid waste plan and implementation
7) A master plan
8) Economic development
9) Sewer rehab
10) Review of fess for a more cost effective government
11) Capital improvements program
12) New and additional water services
13) Regional/local transportation
14) Regional and Drake airport
15) Dickson Street and the Arts Center
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December 15, 1990,>
The next item to be addressed was the City-wide Projects. These
included:
1) The incinerator disengagement
2) Leadership perception of the community and of the Board.
3) Image of the city government
4) Illinois River
5) Solid waste issues
6) Sewer rehabilitation
7) The antiquated zoning ordinances and master plans
8) Economic development
9) General fund financial condition
10) Other environmental issues
11) School funding
The odor control at the waste water treatment plant was considered
to be a major problem and is included in the sewer rehabilitation
category. There will -be money in the budget to do the engineering
on the odor control problem also in the capital improvements
projects. Staff considers this to be high priority.
CIP PRESENTATION i
The 1990-1995 program represents the second update of the five-year
plan which was originally compiled in late 1988. The first CIP
compiled in 1988 provided for a long needed evaluation of the
capital needs of the city. The original CIP was formulated and
included funding from three primary sources -- capital improvements
bond issues,•pay-as-you-go funding and operating funds. The
citizens of Fayetteville approved the bond issue which would be
supported by the re -dedication of a one cent sales and use tax.
Pay-as-you-go funding is basically the excess sales tax revenue
after debt service for the bond issue. The operating funds that
are being used include utilizing fund balances from the city's
operating fund. This money can't be used for anything besides
capital projects. {
There was explanation of the definition of a CIP. There are two
definitions of whatis considered a capital improvement. The
project may defined 'as one which is self-contained. That would
include not only major improvements but also major feasibility
studies. Capital improvement can also be any property asset or
improvement with an estimated life or usefulness of five years or
more. They would include new or expanded public buildings or
facilities of a permanent nature; repair, remodeling or
rehabilitation of existing facilities; or major overhaul of.
equipment in excess of $5,000 or with a useful life of five years
or more; or for the purchases of any major piece of equipment.
The general overview of what a Capital Improvements Program does
for the city is that it promotes advanced planning and programming
by the department directorsand division heads.
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December 15, 1990
- It provides for orderly replacement of facilities and
equipment.
-It forecasts needs for new capital investments ahead of time.
-Helps the board of directors and administrative staff to gain
an overall view of growths and developments within the city,
and coordinate capital improvements within its growth.
-Helps plan for balanced development and capital expenditures
without concentrating too heavily on any one area or
department.
- It becomes a fiscal planning tool to forecast capital demands
on local revenue to foresee future borrowing needs, and state
or federal aid that will be needed.
-It insures projects and spending will be carried out in a
priority need in relation to the city's physical ability.
- It insures that capital projects will be implemented in
accordance with all of the objectives established by the Citjr
Board of Directors and as expressed by the citizenry.
-Allows for adequate time for projects to be planned and
designed carefully, including the opportunity for public input
in the process.
- Permits city officials to proceed with land acquisition
requirements in advance of the need.
There was discussion on the highlights of the document itself and
how it was broken down.
- The introduction is basically the executive summary. The
first item is the transmittal letter and gives priorities and
general highlights.
-The next item is the CIP Program Overview and a project map.
-The summary of project request and resource schedule reflects
totals by funds of projects funded and lists resources
available for the projects. It also notes the total amount of
the potential projects. There are three charts of
accompanying tables that detail the capital improvement cost
totals, the sales tax bond issue funding cost totals, and the
sales tax pay-as-you-go cost. There is also a combined
summarization.
- The second section of the document is the funding details.
This document is a detailed form for each project, which was
reviewed with the board.
December 15, 1999
-The final section is the. glossary.
The general fund is projected to be able to support $1.38 million
per year for capital construction projects for the school system
which is in the budget for 1991.
4.
Water and sewer projects will be funded through the sales tax bond
issue, sales tax pay-as-you-go, and water and sewer operations.
Because of the situation in the street fund, all street projects
are to be funded either.by the sales•tax bond issue or the pay-as-
you-go fund. The"operating budget will support only basic
maintenance and operations.
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The shop is an internal service fund. Revenue is generated for the
shop through vehicle4usage rates charged for vehicles to the user
departments.
All projects that *are airport related are funded through the
airport operating funds. Those operations are funded by leases,
user fees, and.federal and state grants.
Finally, the balance of the cost of the solid waste transfer
processing center is included in the sales tax bond issue funding.
The general highlight of the projects that are in the CIP include:
$6.8 million for,sewer system rehabilitation.
$8.4 million for new 36" parallel water line.
$12.4 million for.various street improvements.
$6.9 million for school system improvements. In 1990 $1.3
million was dedicated to that escrow account.
$700,000 assigned for parks improvements.
$1.9 million for4fire department improvements.
$1.5 million for economic development.
$1.5 million for sewer system improvements.
$6 million for water system improvements.
$2.1 million for waste water treatment plant projects.
$9.4 million for the incinerator bond payoff -and recycling
$4.5
$500,
$2.8
$400,
$1.3
$500,
$1.5
$400,
program . .
million for motor pool additions and replacements.•
000 for computerized mapping.
million for additional buildings and. improvements.
(Public works operations center, an additional fire
station, etc.)
000 is dedicated for computer hardware and software.
million for Dickson Street area improvements.
000 for water meter replacements and improvements.
million for airport improvements.
000 over the five year period for library book purchases.
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December 15, 1990
There vas discussion about the expense of
equipment.
A brief review of the add-on year of 1995 was
the add-on cost was $3.73 million dollars.
the hay harvesting
discussed, in which
It was asked if the projects were based on the assumption that the
regional airport is going to be in operation.
Crosson responded that the philosophy is geared away from a
regional airport concept. The regional airport was not taken into
consideration at the time the report was compiled.
An idea of the potential projects that are not going to be funded
was reviewed, with a little over $5 million listed. They included
recycling projects; upgrade and replacement of lift stations at the
waste -water treatment plant; and a number of parks maintenance
items. This was a staff proposal for funding to be voted on by the
Board at a future meeting. The only thing based in concrete in
this proposal is the items in the bond issue. That can't be
changed by the Board.
DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES
CITY MANAGER
City-wide goals for the City Manager's Office:
1. To continue to make our government more responsive to the
citizens needs.
2. To make sure that the city capital improvements program is a
success and properly implemented.
3. Ensure that the city provides the most cost effective and
efficient service for our citizens that the tax base can
support.
4. To get top production from employees while maintaining good
morale.
5. Develop the best plan possible to solve the top 15 problems,
and then implement it.
6. Developing a strategic plan for the city.
CITY ATTORNEY
1. To give the same advice no matter who asks it.
2. To not talk legalese. To be able to talk to everyone on their
own level.
3. To remember that I don't maks policy and I don't manage
people. I generally deal in advice.
4. To not get so busy that I don't have time to talk to you or
become inaccessible.
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December 15, 1990
CITY PROSECUTOR
Terry Jones reported on the goals set for the city prosecutor.
1. To try to get together with all departments that are using the
criminal justice system, and try to find some sensible way to
get enough manpower to do the job right.
2. To implement the hot check program and run it efficiently to
increase the revenues of the municipal court.
There was much emphasis put on the fact that additional personnel
will be needed to implement the hot check program
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`COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
1. The major objectives for 1991 are to provide all call -taking,
dispatching toy= police, fire and city services in a
professional and`accurate manner.
2. To provide continuing education and stress training to all
dispatchers focusing on the critical incident situations.
3. To enlarge the,present building and do more training.
ECONOMIC _DEVELOPMENT
s
The major objective is to improve the economic and social well-
being of the citizens of Fayetteville through those issues that
relate to job development,through raising sales tax revenues by
broadening the tax base. This provides things for citizens without
taxing the same'citizens at a higher level.
s
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Richard Watson discussed the projected objectives of the Police
Department for 1991.
•
1. Support Services --
{.
To continue to develop and revise in written policy and
procedures and general orders.%.
Help promote a better understanding by personnel.
To investigate and respond to all citizen complaints against
the Department and the Department personnel.
To continue to provide the DARE Program in the grade schools
in Fayetteville. -
2. Patrol --
Maintain a response time on emergency/calls after 1990 level
service using a computer dispatch analysis feature.
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December 15, 1990
To maintain arrest activity at 1990 levels, and increase the
clearance rate on the assigned investigations.
3. Drug Enforcement Program --
To form 100 major drug investigations in Northwest Arkansas in
cooperation with federal, stats, municipal and county law
enforcement agencies.
To increase the number of arrests and prosecutions of drug
offenders who operate in the Northwest Arkansas area.
FIRE DEPARTNRNT
Fire Chief Mickey Jackson reported the following projections for
his department in 1991:
1. Fire Prevention Program
To conduct at least 36 fire prevention seminars and expand
into occupancies. The building code identifies nine occupancy
groups and the Department targets ons of those occupancy
groups each year for specialized inspections. The target fdr
1991 rill be mostly industrial inspections.
To make contact with at least 80% of Fayetteville schools for
Fire Prevention education presentations.
To inspect 40 day care and preschool facilities, and every
school at least twice.
To handle 100% of all requests for counseling from parents,
and reports for juvenile fire setters.
To investigate all suspicious fires and code violators.
To achieve zero fire life loss in residential occupancy in the
city.
2. The Operations Program --
To provide comprehensive fire protection and rescue services
to the citizens through fire suppression rescue facilities
system maintenance, hazard familiarity, and abatement
activities.
To provide emergency response services at Drake field for
aircraft which have emergencies during flight, landing, and
take -off at the airport.
To maintain a response time of four minutes or less.
December 15, 1990
3. Training Program --
To maintain a high level of operational efficiency and
educational awareness of all personnel through an organized
training educational program which tests and drills to assure
effectiveness.
To train and drill each member of the department except for
station 3 personnel, on high-rise procedures, at least once a
year.
To achieve an average of 8 hours of hazardous materials
training for each member of the department through the year.
To provide CPR certification and re -certification for all
members of the department.
4. .The Hazardous Materials Program --
To provide comprehensive protective services for the citizens
of Fayetteville from the hazards -of hazardous materials
emergencies through participation in the Northwest Arkansais
Regional Hazardous Materials Response team at a fraction of
the cost of having to provide the entire service locally.
Five members of the FFD are assigned to the Fayetteville area
HAZMAT team.
To maintain a state of readiness in Fayetteville and
Washington and Benton counties and to manage and successfully
control serious hazardous materials emergencies.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
1. To maintain a qualified productive city staff, through
competitive employee practices and recruitment, and effective
employee development.
2. To safeguard city assets through accurate financial reporting
and effective cash management.
3. To develop and encourage professionalism and provide the most
courteous customer services possible in all administrative
services operations.
4. To provide essential animal services to the city through
licensing animals, and enforcing animal ordinances and
providing emergency and rescue services.
5. To provide an efficient, effective and safe fleet of vehicles
and equipment to all city user divisions.
•
A number of strategic programs have been established in the 1991
budget to support these major objectives.
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December 15, 1990
PUBLIC Wong
1. Airport --
The master plan will address two options: What will we do
with Drake field if the regional airport doss not happen, and
what will we do if it does.
To improve the approach to both runways 16 and 34, and extend
the safety overrun for both of those areas. These projects
will be funded through FAA Airport Improvement Funds.
2. Parks
Maintenance of all parks and sharing responsibilities with
Planning Management. We want to complete the Phase I
Development of Gulley Park, Bryce - Davis Park and the opening
of the Youth Center pool which we will be responsible for
maintaining.
3. Pollution Control --
Another objective is the completion of the engineering to
enhance the treatment capacity of the pollution control plant
to eliminate all the odors within three years.
4. Sewer Lines --
Rehabilitation of the sewer lines in the White River basin and
a solid waste -management plan. Adoption of a solid waste rate
structure. We have mandated a reduction of six positions in
solid waste.
5. Recycling
Implement a comprehensive recycling program
6. City Streets --
To pave another five miles of unpaved streets in the city.
PLANNING MANAGffi4PNT
1. City Planning Department --
The main goal for 1991 is to complete the city's management
plan. A consultant was hired for this project, but we have
been disappointed in the product. Public input is requested
in this area. We plan to complete the grading and excavation
ordinance. Ws hope to start some new services, and one would
be to respond to a lot of requests from developers and
realtors, etc. and provide them with a newsletter. The fee
4;04,
December 15, 1990
structure is scheduled to be updated. We are working with the
Historic District Commission to help them become a more viable
group.
2. Parks and Recreation --
Planning management was recently reorganized. The first
objective is to keep all city parks open. A new activity that
we hope to d� is to look at some more innovative things that
we could do with -parks and recreation.
3. Inspections Division --
We had a record year in construction. $47 million of
building permits were issued. We completed our cross training
of our inspectors. We need to take a look at the fee
structure in the.inspections division.
4. Community Development Division --
Their budget is funded almost entirely from the block grant
that they get, from the Department of Housing and Urbab
Development. "Some goals are: To continue the third year of
residential rehabilitation program in the Dickson Street
target area: ` We hope to continue the new rental
rehabilitation program started just this year. We hope to
complete some street, sidewalk and drainage improvements to
some selected streets on the northern part of the target area.
Furthermore, we hope to accomplish some new street
improvements' on Watson Street, and tie that into the
construction of the parking lot for the Walton Arts Center.
Lastly, we propose to continue operating the elderly taxi
program
r
1991 BUDGET
Linebaugh stated that balancing the budget has been a long and
gruelling experience. Our revenues are not keeping up with the
demands of cost of service. We cannot continue at the current
service levels that we are providing with the same revenue sources
that we have in the future.
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
There was discussion that the library is an essential service and
is as important as others. The next speakers were on the Northwest
Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, which was dropped from the
1991 budget. They asked the Board to reconsider the city's
membership and outlined the services that they provide for the
region. A group of people spoke on the solid waste and waste water
treatment plant and funding of the digester covers. The importance
December 15, 1990
of curbside recycling, marketing of recyclable', and expanding use
of drop off stations was discussed.
The speakers on the incinerator issue basically talked about the
status of funding. There were speakers on economic development,
and there wars speakers on the CMS.
Wan=
Ozarks Regional Library provides a lot of the technical services.
They catalog all of the books for the region. The major source of
funding is by pillage. The library has a budget for gifts. The
fines have been increased from 2 cants to 5 cents. The library has
exhausted its sources of funds. A plea was made to the Board to
restore the $26,000 budget for the library.
The Board responded by saying the budget would be considered.
PUBLTC COMMITS
Art Hollenback, president of the Air Museum, commented that he had
something to offer the city above and beyond an expenditure. Since
the inception of the Arkansas Air Museum in 1986, we have used the
building for various meetings and purposes. Compared with the
Shiloh Museum, the $25,000 annual funding of the Air Museum
represents an enormously good return investment for the City of
Fayetteville. The worst impact of a cutback would be the loss of
a full time visitor information center. The Air Museum needs
continued support from Fayetteville at this time to reach an
obtainable goal of self-sufficiency. More than 25% of our receipts
this year were from self generated sources. Withdrawal of this
year's $25,000 funding would cause an immensely crippling blow and
we ask for your continued support.
The Board responded to this plea by saying that they would consider
the budget.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Budget presentation was postponed to be reviewed at another
meeting.
The new Board members were introduced to the Administrative staff.
The Board watched a short film clip from the Fire Department after
the preceding agenda was discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.