10-07-97N
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Board of Directors Meeting Room
City Hall - 500 W. Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas
October 7, 1997 - 6:00 P.M.
The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in regular session
with Mayor Jim Dailey presiding. City Clerk Robbie Hancock called the roll, with the
following Directors present: Directors Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, and
Adcock - total 6; Absent - Directors Wilson, Hinton, Hodges, and Cazort - total 4.
With a quorum present, Mayor Dailey declared the Board of Directors in session
and the proceedings of the meeting are recorded as follows.
The Invocation was given by Director Kelly, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
(Director Cazort enrolled at 6:07 o'clock P.M.)
Rev. Rufus presented KOBAN police officer awards to Officer Charles Nellon
and Officer Ann Blackmon, COPP.
Vice Mayor Keck read a proclamation which proclaimed the month of October,
1997, as Domestic Violence Month in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas.
There was a motion by Vice Mayor Keck to consider Item 28 on the Agenda after
Citizen Communications. The motion was seconded by Director Cazort and unanimously
adopted. (See Resolution No. 10,099 regarding Comcast Cable Company after Citizen
Communications)
Consideration was given to the Consent Agenda which consisted of the following:
(1) Approval of the Minutes of the Board of Directors regular meeting held
December 17, 1996.
(2) A motion to set the date of hearing for October 21, 1997 on the appeal of
the Planning Commission's denial of the application to rezone 8910 Sunset Lane from
"R -2" Single Family District to "C -4" Open Display Commercial District.
(3) Resolution No. 10,089, entitled:
A RESOLUTION SETTING THE DATE OF HEARING ON THE
PETITION TO VACATE AND CLOSE THE ALLEY IN BLOCK 10 OF
COUNTRY CLUB HEIGHTS ADDITION TO THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK,
ARKANSAS. (October 21, 1997)
(4) Resolution No. 10,090, described as:
A RESOLUTION SETTING THE DATE OF HEARING ON THE
PETITION TO VACATE AND CLOSE THE STREETS IN MAUMELLE
ORCHARD ADDITION TO THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS.
(October 21, 199 7)
(5) Resolution No. 10,091, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 10,048
(AUGUST 19, 1997) TO INCREASE THE MATCHING FUNDS AMOUNT FROM
$25,000 TO $50,000 FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING
PLAYGROUND FACILITIES IN BOYLE PARK.
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(6) Resolution No. 10,092, entitled:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
UTILIZE FEDERAL FUNDING ASSISTANCE AND PROVIDE FIFTY
PERCENT (50 %) MATCHING MONIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF
RECREATIONAL TRAILS WITHIN BOYLE PARK.
(7) Resolution No. 10,093, described as:
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE FIRM OF WRIGHT,
LINDSEY & JENNINGS AS BOND COUNSEL OF THE PROPOSED
$16,000,0000 STREET/DRAINAGE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REVENUE
BONDS, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
ENGAGEMENT LETTER
(8) Resolution No. 10,094, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS,
RESOLUTION 9,719 (JUNE 4, 1996), TO PERMIT THE TRANSFER OF HOME
FUND TO THE OAKS NURSING HOME; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
(Volunteers of America -funds to be used to renovate Oaks Nursing Home at 4115 W.
16th St. instead of Westside School.)
(9) Resolution No. 10,095, entitled:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION 9,897 (JANUARY 21, 1997) TO ADD RWL CONTRACTORS,
INC., AS ONE OF THE NAMED PARTNERS IN A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP
AFFORDABLE HOMES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Affordable homes in
Parkview Hill Subdivision - joint partnership with Homeownership Partners of
Arkansas.)
(10) Resolution No. 10,096, described as:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
(DOE) TO HELP COMMUNITIES AND REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS TO
IMPROVE ENTERGY EFFICIENCY IN COMMERCIAL AND MULTIFAMILY
BUILDINGS. (Rebuild America Partner Program)
(11) Resolution No. 10,097, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION TO SET FORTH IN MORE DETAIL THE STEPS
TO BE TAKEN TO DEVELOP THE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL TARGETED
NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT PLAN; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
(12) Resolution No. 10,098, entitled:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY
CLERK TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE CITY TO
CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT SECOND AND MAIN
STREETS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (North Parking Deck.)
Upon a motion by Director Adcock, which was seconded by Director Cazort and
unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors, the Consent Agenda was dispensed with
as follows: (1) the Minutes of the Board of Directors regular meeting held December 17,
1996, were approved as written and distributed to the Board of Directors; (2) a motion to
set the date of hearing for October 21, 1997 on the zoning appeal for 8910 Sunset Lane
was unanimously adopted; and (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) Resolutions No.
10,089, 10,090, 10,091, 10,092, 10,093, 10,094, 10,095, 10,096, 10,097, and 10,098
were read and unanimously adopted. (Note: Director Kumpuris abstained from voting
on Item 3 -Resolution No. 10, 089.)
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October 7, 1997
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Director Adcock introduced some of the first graduates of the HOPE Center
Life Skills Program, which is designed to help the participants prepare themselves to
make the transition from welfare to work. Mrs. Ann Morris and Rev. Jerry Riddle
spoke briefly about the program. Director Adcock stated that transportation is a problem
for many of these ladies and asked citizens to volunteer to help provide transportation.
(Director Wilson enrolled at 6:30 o'clock P.M.)
At the time allotted for Citizen Communications, the first speaker was Mrs.
Martha Williams, President of American Families Real In Christ, who expressed
concern about public housing and welfare reform. She stated that when welfare
recipients become employed then public housing rent is increased and many of these
mothers cannot afford a rent increase as soon as they start to work. She asked the Board
of Directors to require that public housing rents stay at the same rate for a year after
residents have gotten off welfare.
The next speaker during Citizen Communications was Rev. Daniel Bowman,
who said he wanted to explain why some blacks boycotted the Central High Celebration
on September 25, 1998. When whites stop moving into the woods and to the country to
get away from black students; when white churches stop building private schools to keep
their students from integrating with black students; when whites and blacks can sincerely
unite their efforts together for the advancement of all; when hypocrisy and racism vanish
from our land and hearts so we can come together to make Arkansas and America the
land of the free and home of the brave, then we can come together to celebrate our
victories.
Consideration was then given to Item 28 on the Agenda, being Resolution No.
10,099, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO ABANDON INFORMAL FRANCHISE
RENEWAL NEGOTIATIONS AND TO SEEK A FORMAL PROCESS IF A
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH COMCAST CABLE COMPANY, INC. IS
NOT IN PLACE BY DECEMBER 15,1997; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Assistant City Manager Cy Carney gave a brief overview, stating that the City has been
without a contract with Comcast for a two year period. There has been dialogue during
that time but no satisfactory conclusion has been reached. City Attorney Tom Carpenter
said there has been a very informal process but negotiations have stalled. There was a
meeting in January or February, 1996 to try to work out some of the concerns, and there
have been meetings since then, but an agreement still has not been reached. He explained
that the Resolution states the intent to a seek formal renewal process, which will be time
consuming and expensive. Following Mr. Carpenter's lengthy presentation, Mayor
Dailey asked if the Comcast franchise is an exclusive franchise, to which Mr. Carpenter
replied that is has always been non - exclusive. Director Keck said one of the most
frustrating things for citizens that he has heard has been the concern about the rate
increase; secondly the content of channels that are provided for the rates that are given.
There is a third issue of service, but the majority of the time Comcast has been adequate
and above average. Director Keck felt the City should use this opportunity to find out
what is in the market, to test the market, and complete this process with Comcast so that
the citizens of Little Rock can benefit from competition. He urged the Board to adopt the
Resolution. Director Cazort asked if the City decided to operate its own cable system, is
this process necessary to make that decision. Mr. Carpenter stated it was not, but that
would be a major investment. In response to a question by Mayor Dailey, Mr. Carpenter
stated the formal process is a matter of sending notices, a matter of certain hearings, a
matter of doing a very detailed assessment of community needs. Mr. Mike Wilson,
Manager of Comcast Cable Company, responded to questions by Director Adcock. He
suggested that the informal process continue during the formal process. The Resolution
set the date of October 15, 1997 for the agreement to be in place or formal process would
begin. Director Kumpuris moved to extend the date to December 15, 1997, and the
motion was seconded by Director Kelly. After further discussion regarding the date, the
motion was unanimously adopted. Following the lengthy discussion, the Resolution was
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October 7, 1997
read. Director Keck moved for adoption of the Resolution. The motion was seconded by
Director Adcock, and the Resolution was adopted unanimously.
Item 13 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A CONDITIONAL WAIVER OF BOUNDARY STREET IMPROVEMENTS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES FOR LOTS 1, 2, A -1, AND A -2 OF BRISTOW SUBDIVISION;
(14600 Cooper Orbit Road.)
and the Ordinance was read the second time, having been read the first time on
September 16, 1997. Public Works Director Chandra Russell made a brief presentation,
explaining the requirement for right -of -way dedication and 15% hardship contribution.
She said the applicant did not want to dedicate any right -of -way or pay additional in -lieu
fees. The applicant was not present; therefore, the Ordinance was left on the calendar
for third and final reading on October 21, 1997.
Item 14 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A WAIVER OF DRIVEWAY SPACING PROVISIONS FOR COULSON OIL
COMPANY AT THE INTERSECTION OF GEYER SPRINGS ROAD AND
MITCHELL DRIVE;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Public Works Director Chandra Russell made
a brief presentation, explaining that Staff recommends denial because the City Code
requires driveway spacing to be one every 300 feet on arterial roadways and the applicant
wants two driveways on Geyer Springs Road with 100 feet between them. Director
Wyrick pointed out that the applicant has reduced the driveways from four to two on
Geyer Springs Road and from four to one on Mitchell Drive. Mrs. Russell said there is
not enough spacing to get adequate separation for the two driveways on Geyer Springs
Road. Mr. Robert Brown, engineer for Coulson Oil Company, explained the request for
the three curb cuts due to the traffic flow. Mr. Bob Gladden, Coulson Oil Company,
spoke briefly explaining the design of the project. Director Cazort proposed having one
60 foot driveway instead of two driveways on Geyer Springs Road. Mr. Brown said he
would have to confer with the owners. Therefore, the Ordinance was read the second
time and left on the calendar for third reading on October 21, 1997.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,582, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A WAIVER OF DRIVEWAY SPACING PROVISIONS AND FOR A
DEFERRAL OF THE SIDEWALK REQUIREMENTS FOR HERAL
ENTERPRISES, INC., 9110 LEW DRIVE;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. There was a motion by Director Cazort,
seconded by Director Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on second
reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being
nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the
second reading of the Ordinance ensued. There was a subsequent motion and second by
Directors Cazort and Adcock, respectively, to again suspend the rules to provide for the
third and final reading of the Ordinance. The motion was unanimously adopted by the
Board Members present, being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of
the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was read the third and last time. A roll call
vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the vote recorded as
follows: Ayes - Directors Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick,
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October 7, 1997
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Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and
Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Introduced next was Ordinance 17,583, described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A DEFERRAL OF BOUNDARY STREET IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING
SIDEWALK AND A WAIVER OF RIGHT -OF -WAY DEDICATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR KITCHEN EXPRESS LOCATED AT 4600 ASHER
AVENUE;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. There was a motion by Director Cazort,
seconded by Director Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on second
reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being
nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the
second reading of the Ordinance ensued. There was a subsequent motion and second by
Directors Cazort and Adcock, respectively, to again suspend the rules to provide for the
third and final reading of the Ordinance. The motion was unanimously adopted by the
Board Members present, being nine in number and two - thirds or more of the members of
the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was read the third and last time. A roll call
vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the vote recorded as
follows: Ayes - Directors Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick,
Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and
Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
The next presentation was Ordinance No. 17,584, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A DEFERRAL OF COMMERCIAL STREET REQUIREMENTS FOR
LITTLE ROCK CLEANING SERVICES, INC., LOCATED AT 12521 KANIS
ROAD;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. There was a motion by Director Cazort,
seconded by Director Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on second
reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being
nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the
second reading of the Ordinance ensued. There was a subsequent motion and second by
Directors Cazort and Adcock, respectively, to again suspend the rules to provide for the
third and final reading of the Ordinance. The motion was unanimously adopted by the
Board Members present, being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of
the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was read the third and last time. A roll call
vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the vote recorded as
follows: Ayes - Directors Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick,
Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and
Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,585, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING AND CLOSING PORTIONS OF
NORTH VALENTINE STREET NORTH OF THE "I" STREET
INTERSECTION; ALSO PORTIONS OF "I" STREET EAST OF ITS
INTERSECTION WITH VALENTINE STREET; RETAINING EASEMENTS;
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES;
and the Ordinance was read the second time. (See Minutes of September 16, 1997 for
public hearing and first reading of the Ordinance) There was a motion by Director
Cazort, seconded by Director Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on
third and final reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members
present, being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
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October 7, 1997
Directors, and the last reading of the Ordinance ensued. A roll call vote was taken on
passage of the Ordinance, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes - Directors Kelly,
Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9;
Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance
was declared PASSED.
Introduced next was Ordinance 17,586, described as:
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $50,000 FROM THE
UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE OF THE SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND
TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR MAJOR EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
AND /OR REPAIRS; (Roof repairs at Fleet Services; HVAC at Zoo, City Hall, and
Fleet Services)
and the Ordinance was read the first time. There was a motion by Director Cazort,
seconded by Director Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on second
reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being
nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the
second reading of the Ordinance ensued. There was a subsequent motion and second by
Directors Cazort and Adcock, respectively, to again suspend the rules to provide for the
third and final reading of the Ordinance. The motion was unanimously adopted by the
Board Members present, being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of
the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was read the third and last time. A roll call
vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the vote recorded as
follows: Ayes - Directors Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick,
Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and
Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Item 20 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE FUTURE -
LITTLE ROCK RESERVE TO ESTABLISH AN ACCOUNT FOR
COOPERATIVE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Director Cazort moved to suspend the rules to
provide for the second reading of the Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Director
Adcock, and unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being nine in number
and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was
read the second time. Directors Kelly and Keck had questions regarding the nature of the
accounts and the amount of money in each. Therefore, the Ordinance was left on the
calendar for third and final reading on October 21, 1997.
Ordinance No. 17,587 was the next presentation, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR AUTOMATED
VEHICLE LOCATOR SYSTEM EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. There was a motion by Director Cazort,
seconded by Director Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on second
reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being
nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the
second reading of the Ordinance ensued. Assistant City Manager Cy Carney and staff
responded to questions by the Board. There was a subsequent motion and second by
Directors Cazort and Adcock, respectively, to again suspend the rules to provide for the
third and final reading of the Ordinance. The motion was unanimously adopted by the
Board Members present, being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of
the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was read the third and last time. A roll call
vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the vote recorded as
follows: Ayes Directors Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick,
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October 7, 1997
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Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and
Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,588, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE TO DESIGNATE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
CONSULTANT SERVICES AS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, PURSUANT TO
AUTHORITY GRANTED IN ACT 429 OF 1995;
and the Ordinance was read the second time, having been read the first time on
September 16, 1997. There was a motion by Director Cazort, seconded by Director
Adcock, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on third and final reading. The
motion was unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being nine in number
and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was
read the third and last time. A roll call vote was taken on the question, Shall the
Ordinance Pass, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes - Directors Kelly, Adcock,
Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kumpuris and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes -
None; Absent - Directors Hinton and Hodges - total 2. Whereupon, the Ordinance was
declared PASSED.
At 8:40 o'clock P.M. Mayor Dailey declared a ten minute recess. The Board of
Directors reconvened at 8:55 o'clock P.M. with Mayor Dailey presiding and eight
Directors present. (Directors Hinton and Hodges were absent.)
Resolution No. 10,100 was then introduced, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT WITH WITTENBERG, DELONY & DAVIDSON FOR
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE POLICE TRAINING FACILITY
REHABILITATION; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Located on Arch Street
Pike)
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Cazort moved for its adoption. The
motion was seconded by Director Keck and the Resolution was unanimously adopted by
the Board Members present.
The next presentation was Resolution No. 10,101, described as:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A
CONTRACT WITH THE OLDANI GROUP, INC., TO CONDUCT AN
EXECUTIVE SEARCH FOR A NEW CITY MANAGER; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES;
City Attorney Tom Carpenter explained the provisions of the contract. $22,500 is for
professional fees and $14,000 for expenses for a total of $36,500. Upon execution of the
agreement, the Oldani Group will begin a series of informational interviews with the
Mayor and the Board, various department heads and other certain community officials.
That process will be completed by October 24, 1997, after which they will develop a
recruiting brochure for distribution to a list of candidates with a closing date of December
1, 1997. There will be a screening by the Oldani Group and a spread sheet of
qualifications prepared for the Board of Directors. Sometime between December 9, 1997
and December 24, 1997, the Oldani Group will meet with the Board to discuss the spread
sheet. The finalist list will then be prepared for the Board of Directors and the Board will
conduct interviews the week of January 19, 1998. Director Adcock wanted the citizens to
meet with the candidates. Others felt that should not be part of the contract, but could be
part of the interviews. There was a motion by Director Keck to add to the contract the
provision for a two year escape clause. The motion was seconded by Director Cazort
and unanimously adopted. The Resolution was then read and Director Cazort moved for
its adoption. The motion was seconded by Director Keck and the Resolution was
adopted by a voice vote of 8 ayes and 1 no (Director Adcock) with two absent (Directors
Hinton and Hodges.).
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- Item 26 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance entitled: "AN
ORDINANCE TO REPEAL CHAPTER 34 OF THE LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
REVISED CODE 1988 AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 34 ENTITLED
TRANSPORTATION CODE "; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES." (Vehicles for
Hire /Taxicabs) The ordinance was scheduled for second reading, having been read the
first time on September 16, 1997; however, it was deferred to October 21, 1997 at the
request of staff.
Consideration was then given to Item 27 being Ordinance No. 17,589, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 5 -60 OF THE LITTLE ROCK
CODE, PERTAINING TO AMBULANCE SERVICE, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES; (To clarify the intent of Interlocal Agreements)
and the Ordinance was read the first time. (Director Keck asked for an update on the
meeting regarding different levels of service re: transporting accident victims versus
transporting patients from a hospital to a nursing home) There was a motion by
Director Joyce, seconded by Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the
Ordinance on second reading. The motion was unanimously adopted by Board Members
present, being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors, and the second reading of the Ordinance ensued. There was a subsequent
motion and second by Directors Joyce and Adcock, respectively, to again suspend the
rules to provide for the third and final reading of the Ordinance. The motion was
unanimously adopted by the Board Members present, being nine in number and two -
thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors, and the Ordinance was read the
third and last time. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows:
Ayes - Directors Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kumpuris and
Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Hinton and Hodges - total 2.
Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
The last matter to be presented was Item 21 on the Agenda being a proposed
Ordinance described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 28 -25 AND 28 -28 OF THE
LITTLE ROCK CITY CODE REVISED 1988 TO INCREASE THE FEES FOR
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Assistant City Manager Cy Carney made a
presentation, stating that in 1993 the fee was decreased from $14.25 to the current $13.25
and service was reduced from two pickups per week to only one per week. Since then we
have had two major revenue bonds issues that we have executed. One in 1993 for
$17,000,000 and another in 1995 for almost $12,000,000. Those two bonds issues are
acquiring debt service of almost $2.5 million due to the Landfill expansion and capital
equipment. In addition there have been increases in service such as recycling at $1.79 per
household per month and yard waste pickup. We are proposing a two phase fee increase
of $1.55 each - one to be effective on November 15, 1997, and one in the spring. This is
the amount of money that we need to service the debt and maintain the debt coverage
amount. Some of the issues being addressed are equitable payment, recycling, the
impact on low income families and a method to provide subsidies. Public Works
Director Chandra Russell gave more details about the services that have been added and
some of the things done to reduce the cost on customers. Staff is doing a very extensive
public information campaign on the fee increases. Finance Director Harold Boldt said
that Animal Control Services would no longer be funded through the garbage collection
fees and that $600,000 will now be part of the Operating Budget and will come from
General Funds. Mr. Boldt said the bond market requires the City to maintain a 110%
debt service on this solid waste utility system. During the discussion period, Director
Keck suggested user friendly fees - pay for special services; Director Kelly felt there
should be more incentive for recycling; Director Cazort felt charges should be on an
equitable basis by weight and size. Following the lengthy discussion, the Ordinance
was left on the calendar for second reading on October 21, 1997.
Minutes
October 7, 1997
There being no further business to be presented, the Board of Directors adjourned
at 10:22 o'clock P.M. to meet again in regular session on Tuesday, October 21, 1997, at
6:00 o'clock P.M.
ATTEST:
City Clerk Robbie Hancock
APPROVED:
Mayor Jim Dail
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