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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-21 MinutesMINUTES OF.A MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL 107 A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council was held on Tuesday, March 21, 1995, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the City Administration Building, 113 W. Mountain, Fayetteville, Arkansas. PRESENT: Mayor Fred Hanna; Aldermen Stephen Miller, Kit Williams, Cyrus Young, Woody Bassett, Steve Parker, Len Schaper, and Heather Daniel; City Attorney Jerry Rose; City Clerk/Treasurer Traci Paul; Administrative Services Director Ben Mayes; Planning Director Alett Little; Assistant Public Works Director Charles Venable; members of staff, press, and audience. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hanna called the meeting to order with seven aldermen present. OLD BUSINESS Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an item that had been brought before the Council but was tabled or no decision made to allow further information to be presented. A. INCINERATOR LITIGATION City Attorney Jerry Rose stated that regarding the incinerator litigations, Kitty Gay had informed him that all potential third party defendants have signed Tolling Agreements. Third parties included the law firm of Wright, Lindsey, and Jennings, the Rose Law Firm, A.G. Edwards, Jim McCord, and Kutack and Rock. Rose explained that filings were generally due within 60 days following the issuance of the mandate. The Council should not be concerned with filing suits until after the Arkansas Supreme Court has made a decision on the incinerator case. At that time, the matter will presented to the City Council for a decision on how to handle the litigation. In answer to a question from Alderman Young, Rose stated a decision could be made in the fall. Jim Rose, attorney for the Northwest Arkansas Resource Recovery Authority, explained that the Authority had also entered into a Tolling Agreement. Alderman Bassett stated that the incinerator litigation was a strain not only on the Council but the community as well. The incinerator issue started many years before any of the current Aldermen were elected to serve but the difficult decisions would have to be made by them. 108 • Alderman Bassett stated he wanted to;:respond°to comments made by Mr. Robson'at a priorCouncil'meetirig. With regard to conflict of interest, ;as a.:practicing attorney from :a..family. of..practicing attorneys, there is the potential for conflict ofinterest. He explained .that his sister, Ms. Schaffer,., has been a partner in Wright,•Lindsey, and Jennings since 1991. Prior to that, Ms. Schaffer was the State. Securities Commissioner.. Additionally, he explained that his father ,had at one time consulted with Jim McCord, the. former City Attorney. Alderman Bassett also explained that he was council of record for Scottsdale Insurance Company, Mr. McCord's insurance carrier and he has been involved with The Rose Law Firm on a case pending in Federal Court. Alderman Bassett stated there has not been conflict of interest because the only action taken by the Council has been discussion of a decision from the Arkansas Supreme Court and tolling agreements. The tolling agreements have facilitated in keeping the City's right to pursue third party claims. He expressed concern about the rising debt. At the time a decision was to be made as to whether or not to pursue third party litigation, Bassett stated he would abstain from voting if there was any appearance of conflict of interest. Regarding the issue of whether or not he should serve on the Northwest Arkansas Resource Recovery Authority, Bassett stated that initially, he had reservations about serving but.felt duty bound to preserve the right of the City to pursue third party litigation. Bassett .stated that he hoped any concern of the fellow Council members might have in this matter `had been,alleviated and that regardless of the decision from the Supreme Court in the fall, he would .continue to comment liberally on .the issue and would be involved -discussion and advising on a course of action. Further he assured that he would not vote on' pursuit of third party litigation. Alderman Williams thanked Alderman Bassett for explaining and clarifying his situation. Alderman Williams agreed that Alderman Bassett was not facing a conflict of interest at this time and that it would be prudent for Bassett to abstain from any voting on the thirdparty litigation decisions. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hanna introduced consideration .of items which may be approved by motion, or contracts and leases which can be approved by resolution, and which may be grouped together and approved simultaneously under a "Consent Agenda": • Minutes of the February 28, .special and the March 7, regular City Council meetings.. 109 March 21, 1995. B. A resolution approving the payment of $8,276.87 to the Niblock Law Firm for legal services rendered in the incinerator lawsuit. RESOLUTION 43-95 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERR••S OFFICE. C. Removed from the Consent Agenda. Williams, seconded by Miller, made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. Item C A resolution accepting Bid 95-11 and awarding a contract to Johnson Mechanical in the amount of $80,849 for the installation of a new HVAC Chiller at the Fayetteville Municipal Airport. Mayor Hanna explained that a letter had been received regarding the bid. Alderman Schaper stated he had no specific comment but felt the audience should have an opportunity to address the matter. Alderman Parker stated that the point of the letter was that there was a question of unit size and bid specifications. Greg Anderson, the engineering representative, stated that the issue had been addressed at the pre-bid conference and explained that the width should not encroach upon the street. While the chiller is wider, the shortness of the unit would fit in the available space as it is. In answer to a question from Alderman Parker, Anderson stated non of the bids were ruled out on the basis of dimensions. In answer to a question from Alderman Williams, Anderson stated five bids had been submitted. Mayor Hanna stated that the chiller had been included in the bid. The issue that the Council is voting on is the contract with Johnson Mechanical. Anderson clarified that one chiller had been submitted in the base bid and another had been submitted as an alternate for a $1,000 difference in pricing. Anderson stated that he recommended approval of the base bid. In answer to a question from Alderman Williams, Anderson stated the Airport Board approved the contract on March 2, 1995. 110 March 21, 1995 Paul Davis, representing McQuay Inter-national,.stated-that the bid was $1,000 lower on•bid day and the decision was left to the City and the Airport Council as to which chiller was to be purchased from either Trane or McQuay. Davis explained that prior to bid day he had contacted Mr. Anderson and expressed his concern that the bid left. no room for competition. Prior to bid day and in the following addendum he approved McQuay to bid the project as an equal -meeting the specifications. The issues of local service and ARI Certification are not in the specification.- The specification calls for .a factory person to be on site at start up. That was included in the bid. The specification calls foriall testing to be done in accordance with ARI 550'and 590.!,'That is -in the McQuay catalog.ind,Literature: Certification or certifiea data has not been requested by the" contact documents nor any following addendums. Certification by --ARI is ane single point in an entire performance range of aichiller.. Davis�expIained that ARI only lists in June and December: 'McQuay is scheduled to receive their listing in June. Davis stated that -it was tit understanding that state law requires acceptance of low bids unless it can be proven that they cannot meet -bid -specifications or performance. In answer to a question from Mayor Hanna, Rose stated that the contract amount was the only matter before the Council. There were some deductions for Trane and McQuay but they could consider only the amount submitted by Johnson Mechanical. Discussion ensued regarding unsuccessful bidders. City Attorney Rose stated that if McQuay felt that legal error had been made they should submit their complaints in writing and he would provide them with his opinion.. Discussion ensued regarding low bid acceptance and the contract documents. Rose stated that he would be happy to discuss the matter with Davis at a designated time. Williams, seconded by Parker, made a motion resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by RESOLUTION 44-95 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S REZONING R95-7 to accept the a vote of 7 to 0. OFFICE. Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an ordinance rezoning .2 acres located at 117 W. Rock Street. from C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial to R -O, Residential -Office, as requested by Bill and Sharon Stiles. In answer toa question from Alderman Miller, Bill Stiles stated that he would be living in the structure. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. 111 March 21, 1995 Miller, seconded by Williams, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the second time.. Williams, seconded by Young, made a motion to suspend the. rules and place the ordinance on its third reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the third time. Alderman Young requested that the applicants be notified when they have been placed on the City Council Agenda. Alderman Daniel inquired as to whether they had met the new Parking Ordinance. Discussion ensued. Stiles stated that there was parking for 12 cars in the adjoining gravel lot. Stiles stated that at some point in the future they might consider operating a bed and breakfast but since they have the adjoining lot they could provide parking for up to 25 cars. Discussion ensued regarding parking spaces and trees and upgrading the parking lot. Upon roll call, the ordinance passed by a vote of 7 to 0. ORDINANCE 3879 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE BOOK. VACATION V95-2 Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an ordinance vacating a portion of a utility easement on Lot 17 of Boardwalk Addition Phase III (2769 Londonderry), as requested by Kim Easterling. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. In answer to a question from Alderman Daniel, Easterling stated that there had been a misunderstanding with regard to property lines and existing fence lines which was called to her attention upon survey. The water lines would not have to be moved. Discussion ensued regarding routine inspections and the prudence of lot surveys prior to construction. Williams, seconded by Parker, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the second time. March 21, 1995 Miller, -seconded by Parker, made a motion to„ suspend.:the,rules}and. place:the .ordinance on its: -third reading. Upon. roll call, the, motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the third time.,..., Upon roll call, the ordinance pissed by a vote•of 7 to 0.. ORDINANCE 3879 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE BOOK. - SEWER EASEMENT VACATION Mayor Hanna introducedconsi.deration' of an ordinance vacating.two sewer easements located "at' the proposed 'site of the City of Fayetteville Southeast Community Center., 244. E.. Rock Street. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. near the Community Center and urged the was necessary •to facilitate the Miller stated that•he lived Council to do whatever construction. Williams, .seconded by Parker, made a motion to.suspend the rules and place the ordinance on•its second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to O. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the, second time. Miller, .seconded by Williams, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third reading. Upon roll -call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the third time.. In answer to question from Alderman Schaper regarding the use of the Aeasements, Venable stated that. they had been abandoned and relocated.along the street. Discussion ensued regarding the location of the sewer line. Upon roll call., the ordinance passed by a vote of 7 to 0. ORDINANCE:3881 APPEARS ON'PAGE- OF ORDINANCE BOOK. EQUIPMENT.PURCHASE - Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of a resolution accepting low Bid 95=17 from Williams Ford Tractor •for --the; purchaseof tractors and other; equipment for $255,766 less a trade allowance of $142,460 for a -net amount of $83,306 aind-from Tom Christian for the purchase of a baler for $26.,286 less a trade allowance of $15.,.000,,for a net amount of $11,.286 and accepting a purchase offer from J. Beeks for $310 and from B. Rhine for $400. - 113 March 21, 1995. Alderman Miller stated that the resolution had been discussed at the equipment meeting and they had determined that they met the requirements and further commended Bill Oestreich for his work. Alderman Parker concurred that this was the best bid. Alderman Daniel stated her appreciation for the work done in the Equipment Committee. Miller, seconded by Young, made a motion to approve the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. RESOLUTION 45-95 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. EQUIPMENT PURCHASE Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of a resolution awarding Bid 94-89 for the purchase of a new Centrifugal Pump to either Arkansas Meter & Supply for $30,645.66 or B.T. Environmental for $13,196.14. Alderman Miller stated that the Equipment Committee had no concrete recommendation. The recommendation submitted to the Equipment Committee was to take the highest bid on the grounds that it was self -priming and therefore safer and would provide more comfort for the City employees. Discussion ensued regarding the working conditions for the City employees and why it would be in the best interest of all parties to accept the higher bid. Alderman Parker stated that the equipment is used on the average of 10 times per year and the pumps wear out quickly. A portable water tank would provide the 10 gallons of water to prime the pump. Regarding the safety aspect, he stated any savings could be spent on shoring of the walls which he feels is the paramount safety issue and therefore he urged purchasing the less expensive pump. Mayor Hanna stated that the pump would be used more than 10 times per year and that welfare and safety of the City employees are the most paramount issues and would justify purchasing of more expensive equipment. Alderman Williams stated that another issue in support of more expensive equipment is the environmental factor involving pump priming and sewer spillage. Alderman Schaper stated that safety while the most important issue is generally the most expensive issue. Discussion ensued regarding safety, shoring, and OSHA guidelines. 114 - March Miller, seconded by Young, made Upon roll call, the resolution Parker voting no. 21, 1995 a motion to approve the resolution. passed by a vote of 6 to 1, with RESOLUTION 46-45 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. PUBLIC HEARING AND TRANSFER OF CABLE TV FRANCHISE Mayor Hanna added that item 8 would include a resolution which the City Attorney would read. City Attorney Rose stated that the current franchise with Warner Cable contains an extensive provision providing for the transfer of the cable television franchise to a group -called Telecommunications of Northwest Arkansas, LTD. The City Council must give prior consent and that the intent isnot to renegotiate the terms but to simply assure qualification for the duties of the franchise and that the company adheres to the franchise provisions. The franchise controls the rates and that the public hearing was being held in accordance with the contract. Mayor Hanna called attention to a letter from Woody Charlton of the Cable Board. There were no comments from the audience: Alderman Williams stated that he had read _Charlton's letter which made some good points and further stated that the Council was limited as to what they could do. He explained that TCA would voluntarily provide service to neighborhoods and subdivision without substantial payment for. same. Mayor Hanna, expressed service and -stated that Alderman Schaper stated franchise renegotiation utilities.. He asked position on the issues: concern regarding„,;:installationand new those would be addressed with TCA. :that the -Council did Lave authority under tHexpress requirements for public service the,hTCA representative -;his philosophical Jerry Gamble., TCA representative., stated that they were .glad to have the opportunity to serve Fayetteville as they have been providing. service to the area. Alderman Schaper inquired if Gamble had seen the letter and further explained;that it was regarding the multiple tier and the idea of rising rates for providing channels.that•.people don't want: Gamble responded that most cities are different. Theconcerns would experience that the first order operator before making changes. are different and most line :be looked at and that it was of business was to become ups his the 115 March 21, 1995 Alderman Daniel expressed concerned on cable rates. Gamble stated that was of paramount concern to TCA but that federal law regulated them. In answer to a question from Alderman Young, Gamble .stated .that it was difficult to eliminate channels. In answer to another question from Alderman Young, Gamble stated that they would try and lay the lines with the other utilities. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. In answer to a question from Alderman Schaper, Rose stated that the renewal date was January, 2000. Marvin Hilton stated the televised meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission were protected. Miller, seconded by Daniel, made a motion to suspend the rules and proceed to the second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed with a vote of 7 to 0. Discussion ensued regarding providing cable serviceand the responsibility of TCA. The City Attorney read theordinance for the second time. Miller, seconded by Bassett, made a motion to suspend the rules and proceed to the second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed with a vote of 7 to O. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the third time. Discussion ensued regarding the resolution. Williams stated that the ordinance would be contingent upon the resolution and public comments. Upon roll call, the Ordinance passed by a vote of 7 to 0. ORDINANCE 3882 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE BOOK. The City Attorney read a resolution proposing continuing employment of Warner Cable employees. Woody. Bell, General Manager of Warner Cable, stated that the industry was experiencing many changes. He commented on service rates among the providers and stated that sooh every service would be regulated at the same rate. Clustering would allow the cable provider to compete with the larger telephone company in data transmission as a result of the development of new technologies. Warner Cable had tried to be a good corporate citizen and that TCA 116 March 21, 1995 would be cooperative. Withregard to the resolution; Mr: Bell pointed out an error, i.e.,. cable•television is not regulated by the Piublic Service,Commission-and further stated=that-they are'very different from public utilities. Alderman Daniel:inquired as to the effect clustering would -have on employees. Bell statedthat it should not have .a large impact bUt that personnei.policy of TCA would be the guidelines. Some had elected not to accept employment with 'TCA and yetothers were eligible for early retirement or severance pay while others would'continue in their positions with TCA. Discussion ensued regarding the cable television industry. Clint Bolding,. America, stated Cable expressed provisions. He representative of the Communications Workers of that he represented:the. 3.2:.employees ,of Warner their concern over termination/transfer/severance further urged the Council.to pass the resolution. • • Gary Gray, representative of the Communications. Workers of America, stated that there was a great 4eal ofapprehension regarding:TCA and requested that more. informatio.n_be provided to the employees of Warner Cable Companyand-a dialogue .be -.opened between TCA and Warner Cable employees. Further he urged the Council to pass -the resolution. Alderman Miller cautioned that a resolution did not guarantee the job security of Warner Cable employees but that it was a request that those employees be -given the -opportunity to work with TCA. Discussion ensued regarding the intentions -of TCA with -regard to Warner -Cable employees. Alderman;Bassett suggest that theresolutiom-read,":..whereas it isnin theabeat&interest of the City of Fayetteville, its citizens and. families to encouragethe ”continuity 'of 'employment when transfer occurs." , In answer to a questi there was not:atway to Bassett, .seconded by resolution as,revised..• vote of -7 to 0. on from ,Aiderman.,Dani'eiytRose stated that legally, `mandate the' fissile. -<._a . . Daniel, made a motion to approve the 'Upon roll call, the resolution passed by -'a RESOLUTION 47-95 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY 'CLEWS OFFICE. March 21, 1995 CONDEMNATION 117 Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an ordinance condemning an abandoned railroad right of way located north of Cato Springs Road to be used for permanent easement and temporary easement by the City and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with Cato Springs Branch and Town Branch Drainage and Flood. Control. Project. Ownership of such land is undetermined. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. Alderman Miller, Trails Advisory Committee chair, stated that this corridor has been considered for enhancement and a grant has been for written same. There was concern that this action might cause a problem with a future trail in light of the demolition of a bridge but it was determined that this action would actually help the Trials Committee and that they would recommend approval of this proposed ordinance. Williams, seconded by Miller, made a motion to suspend the rules and proceed to the second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passedby a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the second time. Miller, seconded by Williams, made a.motion to suspend the rules and proceed to the third reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the third time. Schaper inquired as to the costs associated with the condemnation in the amount of $5,150. Rose stated that this was provision money for the taking of these easements as soon as the owners were determined. Discussion ensued as to measures the Council had taken to determine the ownership of the easement and what would happen to the escrow monies if ownership remained undetermined. Upon roll call, the ordinance passed by a vote of 7 to 0. ORDINANCE 3883 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE BOOR. COMMERCIAL DESIGN STANDARDS Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an ordinance amending Sections 160.035, 160.036, 160.037, and 160.038 of the Code of Fayetteville to provide for additional commercial design standards. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. 118 March 21, 1995 Alderman_ Williams stated that the ordinance had been revised and that this ordinance was regarding .the least controversial provisions. of -the overlay. district and would not create an inordinant financial impact to the commercial district: He asked for discussion of Item 6 - Outdoor Storage Discussion ensued regarding the application of the standards to include C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4, metal side buildings and there locations, protection fram substandard property development, and fence variances including existing structure remodeling requirements for exterior appearance on metal sided building and building material requirement, and utilityrequirements for burial of lines. Further discussion ensued regarding the powers of administrative services ,proved by the Planning Commission.. Alderman Young expressed concern regarding burial of utility lines. Mayor Hanna expressed the desire to prohibit chain link. Alderman Schaper expressed concern regarding language in Item 6 with regard to natural vegetation and berming in regard to outdoor storage yards which is not being enforced. Discussion ensued as to procedure for amendment to the ordinance, and the language in Item 6 including "if left outside overnight." Further discussion ensued asto the interpretive difference between "display" and "outside storage." Jeff Koenig, a School Board member, expressed his concern that the ordinance had the potential to cut the tax base. Additionally, he stated the problems with variance provisions and the confusion and capital outlay.and risk involved for builders and developers during large scale development approval. Koenig presented a list of existing buildings that would not meet the proposed standards. Discussion.ensued regarding the University of Arkansas •not having to meet City standards. Further discussion ensued regarding the HYPER building, Barnhill, etc. and metal structures within the overlay. district, which- have received architectural awards versus nonaesthetic structures. Additional discussion ensued regarding automobile dealers and cost impact on .fencing their yards. and -the 'importance of the variance provisions for them. Alderman Young suggested a Survey of. Visual Preference and discussion ensued regarding differing opinions on what is aesthetically pleasing. Alderman Schaper suggested a Design Review Board and discussion ensued regarding the subjective nature of a Design Review Board and the ordinance itself. 119 March 21, 1995 Steve Ward, representing Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Contractors Committee noted that additional costs could be in the range of 13% to 17% and these costs would be passed along to every citizen. He requested more public.comments from the business community and developers to try to reach a consensus on the issue and offer the resources of the Chamber to facilitate same. Alderman Daniel stated that this could impact tourism. Discussion ensued regarding trade and tourism and the impact of less than aesthetically pleasing structures Alderman Miller suggested leaving the ordinance on the first reading and requested that Ward call the Chamber meeting within one week. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Hanna stated the Alderman Schaper had requested that two ordinances be placed on the agenda but left on the first reading. Rose stated that the Second Dwelling Ordinance would be read but that the Flood Plain Ordinance would be adopted by reference and not read as provided under the Council rules. Further in regard to the Flood Plain Ordinance, the City Clerk would publish notice that the Ordinance was available for public inspection. SECOND DWELLING ORDINANCE Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 160 of the Zoning Code to establish standards and regulations for detached. second family dwelling units within residential districts as a conditional use. The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. Alderman Schaper stated that his intention for leaving the ordinance on the first reading was to substantiate that the Planning Commission and City Council were working expeditiously to provide guidelines and refute accusations that the Council was "no growth" oriented. He invited public comment and stated that one of the units on the subject property must be owner occupied to take advantage of the ordinance. He added that there had been concern with rental property regarding absentee landlord and this ordinance would assure the quality and upkeep of the property would be maintained. Discussion ensued regarding leaving the ordinance on the first reading to allow for public comment. 120 -,-March; 21;: 1995 Rose .stated that there had been many,publichearings .and Tim Conklin in the Planning office had put a:.great deal of effort into the ordinance and commended him. Additionally,: he stated'that the more criteria you include for design review the more.:sound it becomes legally. Discussion ensued regarding enforcement of the ordinance's specific guidelines in court. Discussion ensued regarding visual preference and -specific guidelines as they apply to the overlay district. FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION: ORDINANCE Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an Ordinance adopting the flood damage prevention code to the City of Fayetteville: The City Attorney read the ordinance for the first time. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL. MEETING Mayor Hanna announced that tentatively, a special meeting was to be held.in-Conjunction with the Agenda Session on March 28, .1995.4 NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Alderman Daniel stated that'20.applications.had been received for 3 vacancies on the Planning Comtission.H All were qualified and willing to serve. Thenominees are John -:Harbison, John Forney, and Conrad Odom. Alderman Williams stated he was impressed..with the responses from the applicants and felt.that the nomineeswould provide a balanced Planning Commission. Alderman Parker stated that he appreciated the fact that all the Alderman .present were allowed to Vote., - Daniel, seconded by Williams:, made a :motion to approve the nominations. Upon roll call the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. Mayor Hanna stated that the terms would be. effective April 1, 1995. CITY_COUNCIL_VACANCY Mayor Hanna -stated that the council vacancy end selection procedure had been discussed at.;.:the Agenda Session':'- An advertisement for the vacancy had been published in the newspaper and would close on Friday, March 24, 1995. The applications would be reviewed after the Agenda Session on March 28, 1995. Interviews will be scheduled during the following week.. March 21, 1995 TOWNSHIP EXTENSION - TREE 121 • Alderman Parker asked the status of the registered tree on Township. Assistant Public Works Director Venable stated that was still under investigation. Discussion ensued regarding the Tree Ordinance and replanting of trees versus protection of older trees. Further discussion ensued regarding the Tree Committee and the Citizens Environment Committee and the amount of time the spend in public hearing and the paramount importance of public input and opinion. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALDERMAN PARKER Alderman Williams congratulated Alderman Parker for passing the bar. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:40.