06-07-11Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in a regular meeting
with Mayor Mark Stodola presiding. City Clerk Susan Langley called the roll with the
following Directors present: Hendrix; Richardson; Cazort; Hines; Wright; Wyrick;
Fortson; Adcock; Vice Mayor Kumpuris; and Mayor Stodola. Director Hurst was absent.
Director Hendrix delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
Little Rock Spirit Award — Posthumously Awarded to Nebuchadnezzar Murray, Jr.
G1oPar Poster Contest Winners
ADDITIONS:
M -1 MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Little Rock City Board of Directors
Meeting of May 17, 2011.
M -2 RESOLUTION NO. 13,328: To certify local government endorsement of A.
Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors, Inc., to be located at 5611 Kavanaugh Boulevard,
Little Rock, Arkansas, to participate in the Arkansas Tax Back Program (as authorized by
Section 15- 4- 2706(D) of the Consolidated incentive Act of 2003); and for other purposes.
Staff recommends approval.
M -3 RESOLUTION NO. 13,329: To amend Little Rock, Ark., Resolution No. 13,030
(September 15, 2009) to specify additional locations for the franchise granted to the
Arkansas Research and Educational Optical Network (ARE -ON); and for other purposes.
Staff recommends approval.
M -4 RESOLUTION NO. 13,330: To authorize an exchange of property between the
City of Little Rock, Arkansas, and McGeorge Contractors; to authorize any necessary
amendment to a lease agreement between the City and Audubon Arkansas for property
leased to it for a nature center; and for other purposes. Staffrecommends approval.
Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to add Items M -1, M -2,
M -3 and M -4 to the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, Items M -1, M -2, M -3 and M -4 were added to the Consent Agenda.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
Mayor Stodola stated that he had received several cards from individuals that wanted to
address the Board regarding Item M -4.
Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to amend the
previous motion and to hold M -4 separate. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
Members present, the previous motion was amended and M -4 was held separately.
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1— 6 and M -1, M -2 and M -3)
1. MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Little Rock City Board of Directors
Meetings of April 19, 2011, and May 3, 2011.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 13,323: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with METI, Incorporated, in the amount of $52,508 for the purchase of one (1) METIman
patient simulator for use by Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services; and for other
purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The Little Rock City Manager's Office/Emergency Management Division is committed to
improving emergency medical response throughout the City. In order to accomplish this goal, the
City Manager's Office/Emergency Management Division proposes the purchase of one (1) METIman
emergency medical patient simulator for use by Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services. This
equipment is being purchased in accordance with Bid #11216.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 13,324: To approve HOPWA Funding to the Arkansas AIDS
Foundation in the amount of $234,022 for a twelve (12) -month period; and for other
purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: Approval of Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Funding to the Arkansas AIDS
Foundation in the amount of $234,022 for a twelve (12) -month period.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 13,325: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little
Rock by warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for
other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the
City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at 2512
Summit Street. Property Details: The parcel is a 7,000 square feet weed lot with no structure.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 13,326: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little
Rock by warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for
Other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the
City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the properties located at 2618
and 2620 Adams Drive. Property Details: The parcels are 5,700 and 7,250 square foot contiguous
lots with no structures.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
6. RESOLUTION NO. 13,327: To extend the current contract with Lincoln Financial
Services to provide Long -Term Disability Insurance for non - uniform City employees for
one (1) -year, effective May 1, 2011; and for other purposes. Staffrecommends approval.
Synopsis: Lincoln Financial Services, the incumbent provider of these benefits, has submitted a
renewal proposal with no increase in premium for a fourth year since the most recent Request for
Proposal.
M -1 MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Little Rock City Board of Directors
Meeting of May 17, 2011.
M -2 RESOLUTION NO. 13,328: To certify local government endorsement of A.
Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors, Inc., to be located at 5611 Kavanaugh Boulevard,
Little Rock, Arkansas, to participate in the Arkansas Tax Back Program (as authorized by
Section 15- 4- 2706(D) of the Consolidated incentive Act of 2003); and for other purposes.
Staff recommends approval.
M -3 RESOLUTION NO. 13,329: To amend Little Rock, Ark., Resolution No. 13,030
(September 15, 2009) to specify additional locations for the franchise granted to the
Arkansas Research and Educational Optical Network (ARE -ON); and for other purposes.
Staff recommends approval.
Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to approve the
Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Consent
Agenda was approved.
SEPARATE ITEM (Item M -4)
M -4 RESOLUTION NO. 13,330: To authorize an exchange of property between the
City of Little Rock, Arkansas, and McGeorge Contractors; to authorize any necessary
amendment to a lease agreement between the City and Audubon Arkansas for property
leased to it for a nature center; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
City Manager Bruce Moore stated that Parks and Recreation Department Director
Truman Tolefree was prepared to provide the Board with an update regarding the current
status and maps that depict the current and proposed boundaries.
Mr. Tolefree stated that in June 2010, City Manager Moore had authorized an analysis to
be conducted regarding the property located at Gilliam Park. Mr. Tolefree stated that
following the analysis, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was distributed and McGeorge
Contractors was selected. Mr. Tolefree reported that on November 30, 2010, per the
Parks and Recreation Asset Management and Disposition Policy, the Little Rock Parks
and Recreation Commission hosted a public forum to discuss the proposed trade. Mr.
Tolefree stated that on December 10, 2011, following the public forum, the Commission
recommended that the exchange of the property proceed.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
Director Richardson stated that he had read where Centerpoint Entergy had agreed to
relocate the pipeline to accommodate the proposed land acquisition. Director Richardson
asked who would be responsible for the cost of the relocation.
Lucas Hargraves, 1224 North Polk Street: Stated that he represented Granite Mountain
Quarries and that they would assume the cost associated with the relocation of the
pipeline. Mr. Hargraves stated that the Board had previously asked Granite Mountain
Quarries to work on improving their relationship with the Granite Mountain
Neighborhood Association. Mr. Hargraves stated that over the previous two (2) years,
representatives from Granite Mountain Quarries had met with the neighborhood
association and various neighbors from the area in an attempt to show that Granite
Mountain Quarries supported the Little Rock City in a Park Concept and were interested
in protecting the Fourche Creek Watershed. Mr. Hargraves stated that should the
exchange pass, the company -owned property would be moved back in excess of 1,300
feet from the nearest residence.
Charles Springer, 4909 Edge Street: Stated that he was a resident of the Granite
Mountain neighborhood and that he lived the closest to where the mining would be
occurring. Mr. Springer stated that he was against the land swap and urged the Board to
oppose the exchange.
Estella Hayes, 19 Avon Place: Ms. Hayes stated that the neighborhood association had
been working with representatives from the Granite Mountain Quarries; however, to date,
they had received nothing in writing regarding improvements that would be made to the
area.
Noel Washington, 1305 Cleveland Street: Stated that he was in opposition to the land
exchange and urged to the Board to vote against the land swap.
Gloria Springer, #6 Harris Circle: Stated that she was a member of the Granite Mountain
Neighborhood Association and several public meetings had been held regarding the
proposed land swap and that the neighborhood association had distributed cards to every
resident in the neighborhood asking for input regarding proposed improvements to the
neighborhood by Granite Mountain Quarries. Ms. Springer stated that she supported the
exchange of land.
Bennie Butler, #6 Harris Circle: Stated that he lived in the community and was in
support of the land swap.
Carl Hines, 1508 East 38th Street: Stated that he had met with representatives from
Granite Mountain Quarries and was confident that they would make the improvements
that they had promised.
Minnie R. Hayes, 2115 Simpson Street: Stated that she did not want to speak; however,
she wanted to have her support noted.
Joe L. Haves, 2115 Simpson Street: Stated that he did not want to speak; however, he
wanted to have his support noted.
Shirley Clanton, 1616 East 38th Street: Stated that she did not want to speak; however,
she wanted to have her support noted.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
Director Hendrix stated that what bothered many of the residents was that although
Granite Mountain Quarries had promised to make improvements to the area, nothing had
been put in writing.
Director Hendrix asked if the method utilized to introduce the resolution at the last
meeting was appropriate. City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated that the last meeting was
an Agenda Meeting, which set the agenda for the current meeting, and that a Board
Member had requested that the proposed resolution be included on the agenda, which was
an appropriate method.
Director Hendrix asked City Manager Moore if the method utilized was standard
procedure. City Manager Moore stated that numerous times a Board Member had asked
that an item be added to the agenda with concurrence of the Board.
Director Hendrix made the motion to defer approval of the resolution for two (2) weeks
so that staff could visit with the neighborhoods. The motion failed for the lack of a
second.
Director Hendrix made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to defer approval
of the resolution until she and staff could meet with the residents in the area. By roll call
vote, the vote was as follows: Ayes: Hendrix and Richardson. Nays: Cazort; Hines;
Wright; Wyrick; Fortson; Adcock; and Vice Mayor Kumpuris. Absent: Hurst. By a
vote of two (2) ayes, seven (7) nays and one (1) absent, the motion failed.
Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to adopt the resolution.
By roll call vote, the vote was as follows: Ayes: Cazort; Hines; Wright; Wyrick;
Fortson; Adcock; and Vice Mayor Kumpuris. Nays: Hendrix and Richardson. Absent:
Hurst. By a vote of seven (7) ayes, two (2) nays and one (1) absent, the resolution was
approved.
PUBLIC HEARING (Item 7)
7. ORDINANCE NO. 20,441; G -23 -429: To abandon a portion of the Forest Valley
Lane right -of -way and easement, located adjacent to Lots 12 and 13 in the Forest Valley
Subdivision, Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes; 0
nays; and 1 absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The adjacent property owner is requesting to abandon a portion of Forest Valley Lane
along with all easement rights adjacent to Lots 12 and 13 in the Forest Valley Subdivision.
Mayor Stodola opened the public hearing.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a third time.
Mayor Stodola asked if there were individuals present that wished to speak for or against
the item. There being none present, Mayor Stodola closed the public hearing.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance was approved.
SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 8 —10)
8. ORDINANCE NO. 20,442; Z- 84888 -A: To approve a modification to a Planned
Zoning Development and provide for the establishment of a Planned Residential District
titled Forest Valley Subdivision Revised PD -R, located on the south side of Forest Lane
at the end of Forest Valley Lane, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending Ordinance No. 20,166
and the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes.
Planning Commission: 10 ayes; 0 nays; and I absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The request is to amend the previously- approved Planned Residential Development to
allow a revision to two (2) of the previously - platted lots.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the ordinance was approved.
9. ORDINANCE NO. 20,439: To condemn certain structures in the City of Little Rock
as structural and health hazards; to provide for summary abatement procedures; to direct
the City Attorney to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove said structures;
to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staffrecommends approval.
Synopsis: Nine (9) residential structures in dilapidated and /or burned condition causing a negative
environment impact on the residential neighborhoods in which they are located.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the ordinance was approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the emergency clause was approved.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
10. ORDINANCE NO. 20,440: To authorize the issuance and sale of Sewer Refunding
Revenue Bonds; to provide for the payment of the principal and interest on the bonds; to
prescribe other matters relating thereto; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.
Staff recommends approval.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the ordinance was approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the emergency clause was approved.
Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Hendrix to hold Citizen's
Communication before the discussion of Item 11. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
Members present, the motion was approved.
CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATION
Mary Alford, 3024 Center Street: Presented the Board with a list of properties in the
Meadowbrook Neighborhood that was in need of attention.
Barbara Jones: Voiced her concern that a CATA Bus route was needed on John Barrow
Road.
Ronda Ross, Little Rock: Stated that she represented the Love Neighborhood
Association and presented the Board with a list of issues in the neighborhood that needed
attention.
Luke Skrable: Submitted a Code of Ethics complaint against the Mayor and Board of
Directors.
Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Adcock, for the Board to take a
fifteen (15)- minute recess. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the
motion was approved.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
DISCUSSION (Item 11)
11. Discussion: Priority Needs
Robert Webb: Stated that he represented Men for Equity and that the proposed sales tax
would have a negative impact on Wards 1 and 2 and that the proposal should include an
increase in Prevention, Intervention and Treatment Funds.
Bro. Wad: Stated that he was a member of Men for Equity and that the sales tax
proposal should include funds for a skills center.
Le'Anthony Vaughn: Stated that he lived in Ward 1, was a member of Men for Equity
and supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Keith Richardson, #10 Mystery Cove: Stated that he lived in Ward 2, was a member of
Men for Equity and supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Tony Crofton: Stated that he lived in Ward 1, was a member of Men for Equity and
supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Rev. Milton Graham, 9816 Regent Circle: Stated that he was a member of Men for
Equity and that the sales tax proposal should include funds for a skills center.
Carl Smith: Stated that he lived in Ward 2, was a member of Men for Equity and
supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Muhammad Rahman, 1811 Wellington Woods Drive: Stated that he lived in Ward 2, was
a member of Men for Equity and supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax
proposal.
Eric Breedlove: Stated that he lived in Ward 2, was a member of Men for Equity and
supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Lamont Palmer, 3405 Malloy: Stated that he lived in Ward 6, was a member of Men for
Equity and supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Renarda Williams, 401 East Capitol: Stated that he lived in Ward 1, was a member of
Men for Equity and supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Leon Tolbert: Stated that he lived in Ward 2, was a member of Men for Equity and
supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Vann Jester: Stated that he was a member of Men for Equity and supported the inclusion
of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Juvaris Grant: Stated that he was a member of Men for Equity and supported the
inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Justin Powell, 11800 Pleasant Ridge Road: Stated that he was a member of Men for
Equity and supported the inclusion of a skills center in the sales tax proposal.
Kathy Wells, 2121 Gaines Street: Stated that she was in opposition of the proposed sales
tax.
Barbara Jones: Reiterated her concern that a CATA Bus route was needed on John
Barrow Road.
City Manager Moore noted that the factors to consider when looking at the proposed list
was that that a portion of the proposed sales tax would be dedicated for capital and a
portion would be dedicated operational, with an eight (8) -year sunset.
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
City Manager Moore stated that the top priority was Public Safety and the proposal
included the following:
Little Rock Police Department:
$5,631,000 in operating and $303,000 in capital for fifty -two (52) new positions and the
retention of twenty -seven (27) grant - funded positions.
$9,000,000 in operating for the Public Safety Radio System Upgrade.
$2,600,000 in capital and $411,000 in operating for additional 911/311 Communications
upgrade and twelve (12) call taker positions.
$9,970,000 in capital and $125,000 in operating for the 12`h Street Mid -Town Station.
$10,000,000 in capital for a new Little Rock Police Department Headquarters and District
Courts Building.
$1,500,000 in capital and $150,000 in operating for the renovation of an existing facility
for a West Little Rock Police Station.
Increased funding to the Pulaski County Jail in the amount of $300,000 in operating.
Total amount for Little Rock Police Department: $33,373,00 in capital and $6,616,000
in operating.
Little Rock Fire Department:
$3,984,00 in operating for thirty -six (36) new positions and retention of eighteen (18)
grant- funded positions.
$800,000 in capital and $45,000 in operating for the West Little Rock Fire Station.
$5,050,000 in capital and $50,000 in operating for the Southwest Little Rock Fire Station.
Total amount for Little Rock Fire Department: $5,850,000 in capital and $4,079,000 in
operating.
Housing & Neighborhood Programs Department:
$397,000 in capital and $858,000 for twenty (20) new positions.
$1,205,000 in capital and $234,000 in operating of the expansion of the Animal Village
Expansion, four (4) new positions and equipment.
$100,000 in operating for the Land Bank.
Total amount for Housing & Neighborhood Programs Department: $1,602, 000 in
capital and $1,192, 000 in operating.
Fleet Services Department:
$3,567,000 in capital for fleet needs associated with new Police Staffing, Fire Stations
and Code Enforcement.
Neighborhood Based/Community Initiatives:
$3,000,000 in operating for a Youth Employment Skills Center and Re -Entry
Programming.
Total Public Safety: $44,392, 000 in Capital and $14,888, 000 in operating.
City Manager Moore stated that the proposal for Public Works included the following:
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
$4,064,000 in operating for street resurfacing and maintenance.
$56,000,000 in capital and $152,000 in operating for street and drainage reconstruction.
$8,000,000 in capital for sidewalks.
$6,000,000 in capital for traffic signals.
$750,000 in operating for building service repairs and maintenance.
Total Public Works: $70, 000, 000 in Capital and $4,966, 000 in operating.
City Manager Moore stated that the proposal for Jobs/Economic Development included
$40,000,000 in capital for job recruitment, workforce training, Little Rock Port expansion
and economic development infrastructure.
Parks and Recreation:
$250,000 in capital and $1,544,000 in operating for expanded maintenance.
$8,000,000 in capital for annual park upgrades.
$6,000,000 in capital and $634,000 in operating for the West Central Community Center
$980,000 in capital and $225,000 in operating for the Senior Center.
$54,000 in capital and $37,000 in operating for Ottenheimer Center.
$1,000,000 in capital for War Memorial Park.
$1,000,000 in capital and $75,000 in operating for MacArthur Park & Museum
operations.
$1,000,000 in capital for Otter Creek Park.
$1,000,000 in capital for Crump Park.
$1,000,000 in capital for Natural Steps.
$2,000,000 in capital for Western Hills Park
$3,000,000 in capital for trails.
Total Parks and Recreation: $25,284, 000 in Capital and $2,515, 000 in operating.
Little Rock Zoo:
$12,000,000 in capital and $455,000 in operating for capital upgrades and associated
operating cost.
$1,126,000 in operating for Zoo staffing and operating needs
Total Little Rock Zoo: $12, 000, 000 in capital and $1,581, 000 in operating.
Tourism:
$3,000,000 in capital for the Arkansas State Fair expansion.
Total Parks and Recreation, Little Rock Zoo and Tourism: $40,284, 000 in capital and
$4,096, 000 in operating.
City Manager Moore stated that additional priorities included:
$2,500,000 in operating for annual fleet replacement funding.
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2011
6:00 PM
$10,000,000 in capital and $965,000 in operating for basic Information Technology
capital enhancements.
$660,000 in operating for additional CATA routes for Pulaski Tech and John Barrow.
$4,600,000 in operating for additional funding to reduce the current liability for the local
Police and Fire Pension Funds and improve the Non - Uniform Pension Plans.
$4,500,000 in operating for one (1) -time revenue items in the current budget used to
finance on -going salary increases.
$750,000 in operating for additional funding for support departments, such as Human
Resources, Finance and Planning and Development.
Total for additional priorities: $10,000,000 in capital and $13,975,000 in operating.
City Manager Moore reported that the total amount for capital would be $204,676,000, at
'/z -cent which would sunset at eight (8) years; and $37,925,000 at 3/4 -cent which would be
on- going.
Mayor Stodola stated Ward hearings would be held so that the updated information could
be disseminated to the citizens to obtain feedback.
Vice Mayor Kumpuris made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, to take the
information back out into the Wards to obtain feedback. By unanimous voice vote of the
Board Members present, the motion was approved.
Vice Mayor Kumpuris made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to adjourn the
meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was
adjourned.
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APPROVED:
Mark Stodola, Mayor