Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-15 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19,2015 6:00 PM Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 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 rick following Directors present: Hendrix; Richardson; Webb; Cazort; Wyrick; Kumpuris; Adcock; Vice-Mayor Hines; Mayor Stodola. Directors Absent: Wright and Fortson. Director Ken Richardson delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. MODIFICATIONS ADDITIONS: M-1 RESOLUTION: To make appointment to the Little Rock Land Bank Commission; and for other purposes. M-2 RESOLUTION: To make appointments and re-appointments to the Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees; and for other purposes. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to add Items M-1 and M-2 to the agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, Items NI-1 and M-2 were added to the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 —6) 1. MOTION: To approve the minutes of the January 6, 2015, Little Rock City Board of Directors Meeting; and the December 23, 2014, Little Rock City Board of Directors Reconvened Meeting. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 14,123; G-23-456: To set June 2, 2015, as the date of hearing on the request to abandon approximately 570 linear-feet of the Rock Creek Way right-of- way in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 14,124: To authorize the City Manager to formalize an Architectural Agreement with Roark, Perkins, Perry & Yelvington for additional work at the 12th Street Station as to furnishings and other matters; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The Little Rock Police Department is requesting approval to allow the City Manager to amend the current contract with the architectural firm of Roark, Perkins, Perry&Yelvington to reflect their participation in the design, procurement and actual placement of furniture for the 12th Street Station. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 14,125: To transfer property by Quitclaim Deed under the Land Bank Side Lot Program; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: In an effort to convey underutilized parcels of property in the Land Bank's inventory,staff recommends transferring the property located at 2114 West 10th Street to the neighboring 1 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 6:00 PM homeowner under the Land Bank Side Lot Program. Property Details: The property at 2114 West 10th Street is a 6,795 square-foot unimproved lot with no structure. (Located in Ward 1) 5. RESOLUTION NO. 14,126: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Roberts-McNutt, Inc., to provide exterior masonry work at Little Rock City Hall; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement with Roberts-McNutt, Inc., to provide exterior masonry work at City Hall, Bid No. 15134. 6. RESOLUTION NO. 14,127: To authorize the City of Little Rock to support a United States Department of Transportation TIGER Grant by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's University Avenue Corridor Revitalization Project which will reconfigure the Asher and University Avenue intersection; and for other purposes. Synopsis: Approval of a resolution authorizing the City of Little Rock to support a United States Department of Transportation TIGER Grant by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's University Avenue Corridor Revitalization Project which will reconfigure the Asher and University Avenue intersection. 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. GROUPED ITEMS (Items 7 - 10) 7. ORDINANCE NO. 21,038; Z-8977-A: To approve a Planned Zoning Development and establish a Planned Residential District titled South Bowman Apartments Long-Form PD-R, located at 4212 South Bowman Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 11 ayes;0 nays;and 0 absent. (Deferred from April 7, 2015) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The request is a rezoning from R-2, Single-Family, to PD-R, Planned Development — Residential, to allow for the development of 16.02 acres with 240 units of multi-family housing. (Located in Ward 6) 8. ORDINANCE NO. 21,039: To dispense with competitive quotes due to an exceptional situation; to award an agreement for a Communications Center audit by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International, in the amount of $22,100.00; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Waives the requirement for competitive quotes and authorizes the City Manager to enter an agreement with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) to audit the Little Rock Communications Center's compliance with APCO's emergency dispatch operational standards, previously adopted by the City. 9. ORDINANCE NO. 21,043: To authorize the purchase of certain equipment for the Little Rock Police Department; to dispense with the requirement of competitive bids; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Waives the requirement for competitive bids to purchase certain equipment. The purchase is from the company which typically provides uniforms and equipment to the Department through the competitive bid process. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 21.040: To amend Little Rock, Ark., Rev. Code § 35-103 (1988) to add a section which names the Committee the Little Rock Water Reclamation 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 6:00 PM Commission; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: When the City created a semi-autonomous sewer utility, it followed State Statute and chose the Sanitary Sewer Committee form of organization. As a result, the board the City appoints is known as the Little Rock Sanitary Sewer Committee. This ordinance recognizes the name of the entity as the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission. The ordinances were read a first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read a third time. Mayor Stodola stated that he had received cards from individuals that wanted to speak in regards to Item 9; therefore, it would voted on separately. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinances for Items 7, 8 and 10 were approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause for Item 8 was approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause for Item 10 was approved. City Manager Bruce Moore stated that the previous day, President Obama had issued an order banning certain military-style equipment, such as armored trucks, assault rifles, etc. City Manager Moore stated staff had studied the list and compared it to the items being recommended and had determined that the ban did not impact what was being purchased, as the City was not purchasing the items from the Federal Government. Director Hendrix asked what items were being recommended for purchase. Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner reported that the items that would be purchased included: gas masks, along with the filters for the masks; gas mask carrier; shin guards for lower extremities; helmet; and shield. Director Webb asked when staff determined that the equipment was needed. Chief Buckner stated that over the past several months it had been determined that many of the Officers were missing standard-issue items. Chief Buckner stated that with the assistance of the Emergency Management Division, they had been able to acquire some of the items, such as tourniquets and personal protection equipment (PPE), which included goggles, gloves, and sanitizer. Director Webb asked if grant monies were available for the purchases and if it had been determined that it was necessary for all 500 Officers to receive the equipment. Chief Buckner stated that due to the enormity of the numbers of Police Departments across the country applying for grant funding, the likelihood of actually receiving grant funding would be minimal. Chief Buckner stated that a Police Officer could not be expected to protect someone else's life or property if he/she did not have the ability to protect themselves. Chief Buckner stated that currently there were only forty-four (44) Officers with protective equipment. Director Richardson asked if any of the Officers still rode their bicycles in the neighborhoods and distributed their business cards in an attempt to forge a relationship between the community and the Police. Chief Buckner stated that due to the volume of calls for service, there were 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 6:00 PM times when the COP Officers were in-line taking those calls. Chief Buckner reported that the COP Officers did have bicycles and the attempt was to get them out in the neighborhoods as frequently as possible. Chief Buckner stated that in an effort to maximize their time, bike racks were being installed on the cars so that during down times with fewer runs, the Officers could park their vehicles and ride their bicycles throughout the neighborhoods. Director Wyrick asked how many agencies in Pulaski County had the same type of protective gear. Chief Buckner stated that he did not know about Pulaski County; however, he knew that the Arkansas State Police was in the process of ordering the equipment. Director Wyrick asked if there would be training for the Officers so that they would know how to determine when the appropriate time was to don the equipment. Chief Buckner stated that roll call training was being developed so that all Officers would become familiar with when and where to utilize the equipment. Omavishukur: Stated that he was against the purchase of the protective equipment and he felt that the community would be safer without Officers showing up to an incident in the equipment, which might escalate violence. John Gilchrist, 63 Springridge Court: Stated that he was President of the Little Rock Fraternal Order of the Police, which represented all Little Rock Police Officers. Mr. Gilchrist stated that during his twenty-seven (27) years of service, he had been in two (2) situations where the equipment would have be useful. Mr. Gilchrist stated that unless Officers were adequately protected in all circumstances, they would be unable to protect the citizens. Mr. Gilchrist asked the Board to support the purchase of the equipment. Annie Abrams, 1925 Wolfe Street: Stated that she supported the Prevention and Intervention approach to dealing with situations. Ms. Abrams stated that she wanted to see additional data to support the fact that the Officers needed the equipment before she could support the purchase. Ms. Abrams stated that the Board should request additional information before a decision was made. Carolyn Floyd: Stated that she had lived in Little Rock for thirty-seven (37) years and had never seen a riot in her neighborhood, and she was against the purchase of the protective equipment. Sgt. Rodney Lewis: Stated that he had been with the Little Rock Police Department for twenty-five (25) years and on the Special Response Unit Team for twenty-four (24) of those years. Sgt. Lewis stated that although the City had never seen riots similar to the ones occurring around the country, he felt that the Officers needed to have the equipment should an incident occur. Ross Racop, 301 Alamo Drive: Stated that Little Rock had never experienced riots and that people in the City had calmer minds. Mr. Racop stated that more research needed to occur before the acquiring the equipment and that he was against the purchase of the protective equipment. Vice-Mayor Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to call the question on the vote. Director Hendrix stated that she had indicated earlier that she wanted to make a motion to defer. 4 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 6:00 PM Vice-Mayor Hines stated that he would withdraw his motion and Director Cazort stated that he would withdraw his second of the motion. Director Hendrix made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to defer Item 10 for one (1)-month. By roll call vote, the vote was as follows: Ayes: Hendrix; Richardson; Webb. Nays: Cazort; Wyrick; Kumpuris; Adcock; and Vice-Mayor Hines. . Absent: Wright. By a vote of three (3) ayes, five (5) nays and one (1) absent, the motion failed. Vice-Mayor Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to call the question on the vote. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Hendrix and Richardson voting in opposition, the question to vote was called. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Hendrix voting in opposition, the ordinance was approved. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Hendrix voting in opposition, the emergency clause failed. SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 11 — 12 and Items M-1 & M-2) 11. ORDINANCE NO. 21.041: Z-9018: To reclassify property located in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 11 ayes; 0 nays; and 0 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the 2.25-acre property located at 4700 South University Avenue is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from 1-2, Light Industrial District to C-3, General Commercial District. (Located in Ward 7) The ordinance was read a 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 Vice-Mayor Hines, 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. 12. ORDINANCE NO. 21,042: To condemn certain structures in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, as structural, fire and health hazards; to provide for summary abatement procedures; to direct the City Staff to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove said structures; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Six (6) residential structures in a severely dilapidated, deteriorated and/or burned condition causing a negative environmental impact on the residential neighborhoods in which it is located. All Notices have been mailed in accordance with Arkansas State Law. The ordinance was read a 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 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 6:00 PM 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. M-1 RESOLUTION NO. 14.128: To make appointment to the Little Rock Land Bank Commission; and for other purposes. Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to appoint Leta Anthony to fill the unexpired Little Rock Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Representative Term of Kenyon Lowe, said term to expire on March 19, 2016. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the appointment was approved. M-2 RESOLUTION NO. 14.129: To make appointments and re-appointments to the Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees; and for other purposes. Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to re-appoint Sara Barcheller to serve her second four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019; to appoint Deborah Havner to fill the unexpired term of Sharon Bailey, said term to expire on June 30, 2017; to re-appointment Kaki Hockersmith to serve her second four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019; to appoint Brenda Mize to serve her first four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019; to appoint Patrick O'Sullivan to serve his first four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019; to re-appoint Terri Snowden to serve her second four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019; to appoint Kyle Stroud to serve his first four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019; and to re-appoint Van Tilbury to serve his second four (4)-year term, said term to expire on June 30, 2019. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the appointments and re-appointments were approved. Vice-Mayor Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, for the Board to take a fifteen (15)-minute recess. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Hendrix voting in opposition, the Board took a fifteen (15)-minute recess. DISCUSSION (Item 13) 13. DISCUSSION: At-Large Board Seats — Director Erma Hendrix Director Hendrix stated that the term At-Large did not have a true meaning and that her concern was that the At-Large Directors provided no balance in overall voting. Director Hendrix stated that she had enough data to justify the fact that the Board needed to change and for true representation to occur, the At-Large seats needed to be done away with. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Carolyn Floyd, 1519 Wolfe Street: Centennial Park 6 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting May 19, 2015 6:00 PM Joe Arnold, 14010 Napoleon Road: Invite Board & Staff to concert in Riverfront Park on Memorial Day Weekend to assess the Tobacco Policy. Thurman Haves, 2915 Ringo Street: OK Program. Louis Portlock, 2801 Woodsgate Drive: OK Program. Demetria Briggs, 2906 Center Street: OK Program. Amy Strivers, 916 Garland Street: OK Program. Spencer McElwav, 3023 Walker Street: OK Program. Kevin Williams: OK Program. Evin McElwav, 3023 Walker Street: OK Program. DaVetta Flowers, 2109 Brown Street: OK Program. Savveon Lambert, 2109 Brown Street: OK Program. Kyle Thomas, 2316 West 17th Street: OK Program. Ron Sheffield, 12 Benefield Lane: OK Program. Anika Whitfield, 4501 West 16th Street: OK Program. Gloria Springer, 6A Harris Circle: OK Program. Deborah Springer Sullan, 9817 Kensington Drive: OK Program. Chuck Beals: OK Program. Terri Hollingsworth, 7102 Ohio Street: OK Program. Eric Higgins, 12401 Southridae Drive: OK Program. Johnny Hanson, 1218 West 21st Street: Relationship of Police with African-Americans. Director Kumpuris made the motion, seconded by Vice-Mayor Hines, to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was adjourned. ATTE= APPROVED / / / 411W11. gley, City Clerk Mark Stodola, h1(ayor