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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-20 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in a regular meeting with Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., presiding. City Clerk Susan Langley called the roll with the following Directors present: Hendrix (via WebEx Teleconferencing); Richardson (via WebEx Teleconferencing); Webb (via WebEx Teleconferencing); Peck; Hines; Wright; Kumpuris; Fortson (via WebEx Teleconferencing); Adcock; Vice-Mayor Wyrick (via WebEx Teleconferencing); and Mayor Scott. Director Erma Hendrix delivered the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 — 15) City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated that he had been contacted by The Friday Firm in regards to Item 7 that dealt with Revenue Bonds at the Little Rock Port Authority. City Attorney Carpenter stated that the request had been made that The Friday Firm complete some work on the Land Title, which technically qualified as a conflict; however, it was not an irrevocable conflict and the Board could wave the conflict. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 15,313; G-23-474: To set November 2, 2020, as the date of public hearing on the request to abandon portions of Vernon Estates Drive, Cameron Street and the James M. Henson Drive rights-of-way, located east of Chicot Road and south of Baseline Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 15,314; G-23-475: To set November 2, 2020, as the date of public hearing on the request to abandon portions of the fifteen (15)-foot wide alley right- of-way located within Block 16, Hillcrest Addition, adjacent to 1117 Rose Street, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 15,315; G-24-056: To set November 2, 2020, as the date of public hearing on the request to abandon several easements within the Vernon Place Addition, Wallace Baseline Acres Addition and Brimson's Replat, located generally north of Vernon Estates Drive and east of Chicot Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 15,316: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Redstone Construction Group, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $405,255.48, for the Katillus Road and Forest Lane Improvement Project; and for other purposes. (Funding from the 3/8-Cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax and the Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Redstone Construction Group, Inc., for the Katillus Road and Forest Lane Improvements, Project No. 05-17-ST- 223B, Bid No. 992. (Located in Ward 5) 5. RESOLUTION NO. 15,317: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Harris Management, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $141,344.40, for the Ward 2 Sidewalk Project; and for other purposes. (Funding from the 3/8-Cent Capital Improvement 1 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM Sales Tax and the Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Harris Construction Management, Inc., for the Ward 2 Sidewalk Project, Project No. 2-17-SW359, Bid No. 991. (Located in Ward 2) 6. RESOLUTION NO. 15,318: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Escamilla Excavating, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $243,382.80, for the Yarberry Land Improvement Project; and for other purposes. (Funding from the 3/8-Cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax and the Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Escamilla Excavating, LLC, for Yarberry Lane Improvements, Project No. 7-17-ST-294, Bid No. 993. (Located in Ward 7) 7. RESOLUTION NO. 15,319: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Redstone Construction Group, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $2,419,732.55, for the Pratt Remmel Road Extension Project; and for other purposes. (Funding from the 3/8- Cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Redstone Construction Group, Inc., for the Pratt Remmel Road Extension, Lindsey Road to Frazier Pike, Bid No. 1008. (Located in Ward 1) 8. RESOLUTION NO. 15,320: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Central Arkansas Mitigation Bank, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $55,579.75, for Stream and Wetland Mitigation Credits for the Pratt Remmel Road Improvement Project; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Central Arkansas Mitigation Bank, LLC,for Wetland Mitigations Credits, Bid No. 1006. (Located in Ward 1) 9. RESOLUTION NO. 15,321: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Enterprise FM Trust, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $244,171.00, to lease forty- eight (48) vehicles for the Little Rock Police Department; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Enterprise FM Trust for the leasing of forty-eight(48)vehicles to be utilized by the Little Rock Police Department. 10. RESOLUTION NO. 15,322: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a fourth extension of the contract with VSP, in an amount not to exceed $135,000.00, for Group Vision Insurance for the period beginning January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with VSP for Group Vision Insurance for the period of January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. This renewal represents year five(5) of the seven (7)-year term. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 15,323: To authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute any documents required to transfer the title of two (2) properties between the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Haybar Properties, LLC; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute appropriate documents for a land swap in the Fletcher Meadows Subdivision between the City of Little Rock and Haybar Properties. 12. RESOLUTION NO. 15,324: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $130,000.00, plus applicable 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20,2020 6:00 PM taxes and fees, for the purchase of twenty-five (25) mobile radios for the Little Rock Police Department, utilizing the Arkansas State Contract Purchasing Agreement; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc., for the purchase of a twenty-five (25) Motorola Radios for the Little Rock Police Department. 13. RESOLUTION NO. 15,325: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00, for the purchase of twenty-five (25) WatchGuard Cameras and Accessories for the Little Rock Police Department, utilizing the Arkansas State Contract Purchasing Agreement; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Motorola Solutions for the purchase of a twenty-five (25) WatchGuard Cameras and Accessories for the Little Rock Police Department. 14. RESOLUTION NO. 15,326: To request that the State of Arkansas provide $3,000,000.00 in Cares Act Funds to the City of Little Rock to assist the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; and for other purposes. 15. RESOLUTION NO. 15,327: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Delta Dental Insurance, in an amount not to exceed $650,000.00, for Group Dental Insurance for a period beginning January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into an Administrative Services only agreement with Delta Dental for the period of January 1, 2021,to December 31, 2021. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to approve the Consent Agenda. After the Consent Agenda had been read, Director Peck asked if Item 14 could be voted on separately. Director Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to vote on Item 14 separately. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the motion was approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Consent Agenda was approved. SEPARATE ITEM (Item 14) 14. RESOLUTION NO. 15,326: To request that the State of Arkansas provide $3,000,000.00 in Cares Act Funds to the City of Little Rock to assist the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; and for other purposes. Gretchen Hall: Ms. Hall stated that on a continual basis, the City of Little Rock and Pulaski County created approximately 25% of the State's total travel and tourism spending. Ms. Hall stated that in 2019, $1.8 Billion Dollars in travel spending was generated in Pulaski County, and 542 events were hosted in various facilities in the downtown area, with over 620,000 out of town guests in attendance. In addition, Ms. Hall stated that prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) Staff had secured 374 future meeting and events. Ms. Hall stated that 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20,2020 6:00 PM the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic had been extremely detrimental to the travel and tourism industry. Ms. Hall reported that since March 12, 2020, LRCVB had experienced 239 event cancellations, several spanning into 2022, and there were thirty-eight (38) events listed as postponements. As a result, LRCVB had deferred over $2 Million Dollars in capital improvements, permanently reduced staff by 30%, with an additional 10% on partial or full furlough, and the estimated revenue reduction for 2020 was approximately $7 Million Dollars. Ms. Hall stated that due to the fact that LRCVB was a governmental agency, they had not been eligible for any the funding and relief programs on the Federal or State level. However, with the recent $50 Million Dollar State CARES Act appropriation that had been approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council, several expenses such as payroll, utility costs for the various facilities, facility maintenance contracts, annual debt service, telephone and internet service, vehicle insurance, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and technology costs associated with shifting several of their operations into the virtual environment, had been deemed eligible. Director Peck stated that the impact that the tourism industry had on Little Rock and Pulaski County was significant and it was important to continue to work to bring visitors back to Little Rock. Director Fortson made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, to approve the resolution. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the resolution was approved. GROUPED ITEMS (Items 16 - 24) 16. ORDINANCE NO. 21,903: To establish the rate of taxation of property for the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to be collected in the year 2021 for various funds of the City of Little Rock; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Adoption of the ordinance levying Property Taxes to be paid on real and personal property located within the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. 17. ORDINANCE NO. 21,904: To declare it impractical and unfeasible to bid; to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the National League of Cities Institute, in an amount not to exceed $38,486.00, to provide Training and Technical Assistance to build capacity to identify racial disparities and address issues through policy and practice; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 18. ORDINANCE NO. 21,905: To authorize the issuance and sale of Water Reclamation Refunding Revenue Bonds; to provide for the payment of the principal and interest on the bonds; to prescribe other matters related thereto; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 19. ORDINANCE NO. 21,906: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Ordinance No. 19,769 (August 7, 2007); to authorize a revised repayment schedule and interest rate for the outstanding City of Little Rock, Arkansas Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2007B; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 20. ORDINANCE NO. 21,907: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Ordinance No. 20,074 (April 20,2009); to authorize a revised repayment schedule and interest rate for the 4 I Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM outstanding City of Little Rock, Arkansas Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2009A; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 21. ORDINANCE NO. 21,908: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Ordinance No. 20,711 (May 8, 2013); to authorize a revised repayment schedule and interest rate for the outstanding City of Little Rock, Arkansas Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2013; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 22. ORDINANCE NO. 21,909: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Ordinance No. 21,258 (August 12, 2016); to authorize a revised repayment schedule and interest rate for the outstanding City of Little Rock, Arkansas Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2016; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 23. ORDINANCE NO. 21,910: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Ordinance No. 21,553 (April 4, 2018); to authorize a revised repayment schedule and interest rate for the outstanding City of Little Rock, Arkansas Water Reclamation System Revenue Bond, Series 2018; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. 24. ORDINANCE NO. 21,911: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Ordinance No. 21,699 (April 2, 2019); to authorize a revised repayment schedule and interest rate for the outstanding City of Little Rock, Arkansas Water Reclamation System Revenue Bond, Series 2019; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. The ordinances were read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, 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 Hines, 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. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinances were approved as amended. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause for Item 16 was approved as amended. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause for Item 18 was approved as amended. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Item 25) 25. ORDINANCE NO. 21,912: To authorize the construction of betterments and improvements to the Water Reclamation System of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; to authorize the issuance of a Water Reclamation System Revenue Bond, Series 2020C for the purpose of financing the cost thereof; to provide for the payment and interest of the bond; to prescribe other matters relating thereto; and for other purposes. Mayor Scott opened the public hearing. The ordinance was read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, 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 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, 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 Scott asked if there were individuals present that wished to speak for or against the item. There being none present, Mayor Scott closed the public hearing. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance was approved. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Johnny Hasan: Ordinance No. 21,561 Belinda Jeffries: Murphy-Jeffries Building. Teri Jeffries: Murphy-Jeffries Building. Kerri Hodge: Requesting a Neighborhood Park. Patricia Blick: Save the Murphy-Jeffries Building. Luke Skrable (via e-mail): (City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated that the purpose of Citizen Communication was to bring matters before the Board that were not otherwise on an agenda. City Attorney Carpenter stated that Mr. Skrable's correspondence was in regards to the upcoming election and candidates that he did not think should be voted on; therefore, it was not an issue that would come before the Board and was not appropriate for Citizen Communication). Director Wright asked what the procedure would be to remove the Murphy-Jeffries Building from the Demolition List. Mayor Scott stated that a member of the City Board would have to request that an amendment be made to the original ordinance that approved the property for demolition. Director Wright stated that she would like to make the amendment to remove the building from the Demolition List. City Manager Bruce Moore stated that based on the Board's rules, the amendment would be placed on the November 17, 2020, Board Agenda. DISCUSSION (Item 26) 26. DISCUSSION: CARES Act Update & 2020 Budget Amendment. Intergovernmental Relations Manager Emily Cox reported that the City's CARES Act allocation from the State was $7.6 Million Dollars. Ms. Cox stated that the City had accrued expense related to the COVID-19 Pandemic that were not included in the 2020 Budget, such as: technology upgrades for employees to telework and for virtual meetings; reconfiguration of existing office work spaces to allow for social distancing; upfitting HVAC Systems to include ionization and UV lighting for air quality purposes; deep cleaning City facilities; 25% Match for FEMA costs; Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance; improvement of broadband capability in targeted public spaces; purchase of hot spots for K-12 Students; feeding programs with homeless providers; and alternative response vehicles for the Little Rock Fire Department. 6 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM Finance Director Sara Lenehan stated that the Original 2020 Adopted Budget for General Fund Revenues was $212,125,253.00, and the Amended Budget forecast was $204,039,253.00. Ms. Lenehan stated that a net reduction to General Fund revenues of $8,086,000.00 was proposed, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the Budget Amendment would be voted on at the November 2, 2020, Board Meeting. Property Taxes: Ms. Lenehan reported that the original charge received from Pulaski County and the 2020 Adopted Budget included a 4% increase in Property Tax revenues, and actual year-to-date revenues collected through September were comparable to the same period one (1)-year ago, but were slightly below budget. Sales Taxes: Ms. Lenehan stated that although COVID-19 had a significantly negative impact on Sales Tax revenues from restaurants, bars and categories associated with tourism and hospitality, the comparison of the results to the prior year through June included a boost from the collection of the Internet Sales Tax. Through July, the County 1 Sales Tax was 3.21% above budget and 2.85% above the same period a year ago. The Budget Amendment would reflect the favorable results through July, partially offset by a decline of 1% in comparison to the prior year for the remainder of the year. City Sales Tax has decrease 0.59% through July and the Budget Amendment would anticipate a decline of 3.5% for the remainder of the year. Licenses and Permits: Ms. Lenehan reported that Business Licenses were primarily collected at the first of the year; however, there was a slight reduction in collection anticipated over the remainder of the year. Mixed Drink Licenses had been significantly impacted by the closure and conditional reopening of restaurants and bars due to COVID-19, and the Budget Amendment would reflect lost revenue year-to-date and continued lower revenues for the remainder of the year associated with reopening restrictions and capacity. Building and Related Permits have remained strong due to economic development, but have experienced a reduction in comparison to budget due to COVID-19 impacted delays in construction. Intergovernmental Pension Turnback Revenues: Ms. Lenehan stated that Pension Turnback Funds were received in July from the State, and the Budget Amendment would reflect the difference between the 2020 Adopted Budget and actual receipts. The increase were tied to an increase in covered Public Safety Payroll and the Local Police & Fire Retirement System (LOPFI) portion was attributed to Police and Fire Members of the LOPFI Plan and was intended to offset approximately 40% of the pension cost. The portion attributed to the closed plans would be passed directly through to the closed plans along with other dedicated revenues to pay down the unfunded liability. Charges for Services: Ms. Lenehan reported that Charges for Services for all parks and tourism related activities had been most impacted by the COVID-19 closures. The Little Rock National Airport reimbursement for Police and Fire Services was slightly above the original budget projection. The 911 salary reimbursement had been increased due to the legislative change in 911 Fees, which increased funding available for 911 Services. School Resource Officer Charges decreased due to school closures as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Fines and Fees: Ms. Lenehan stated that revenues from fines and fees had also been impacted by COVID-19 closures, as the Courts closed in mid-March and have only received resumed. In addition, fewer tickets were issued as individuals stayed at home while schools and business closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Franchise Fees: Ms. Lenehan reported that Electric and Gas Franchise Fees had decreased due to a milder than anticipated winter and summer weather. In March, the Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2020 6:00 PM City received notice that Entergy Corporation filed an adjustment with the Public Services Commission to reduce the Energy Cost Recovery Rider. The adjustment, which began in the first billing cycle of April 2020 and will run through March 2021, was expected to reduce energy cost by 3% - 7% in comparison to 2019. This would reduce the Franchise Fee forecast originally provided by Entergy by an additional $500,000.00. Water reclamation revenues have been lower than anticipated due to temporary restaurant and business closures. Other Revenues: Ms. Lenehan stated that miscellaneous revenues had increase slightly, partly due to insurance and workers' compensation reimbursements. Investment income was expected to decrease due to lower interest rates and increased COVID-19 and grant expenditures. Pension Dedicated Revenues: Ms. Lenehan stated that revenues dedicated to the closed Police and Fire Pension Plans were included in the variances, and the Budget Amendment for those revenues would be offset by a like adjustment to the pension contributed to the closed plans. Ms. Lenehan reported that a total net revenue reduction of $8,086,000.00 would be included in the proposed Budget Amendment. Ms. Lenehan stated that the General Fund adjustment would include a reduction to Fire salaries associated with the CARES Act reimbursement request, transfers out to offset other unbudgeted COVID-19 expenditures and other expenditure adjustments that had occurred since the adoption of the budget. In addition, the Budget Amendment would include revenue and expenditure adjustments to the Street Fund, Fleet Fund, Vehicle Store Fund Waste Disposal Fund and the Parking Garage Fund. Mayor Scott adjourned the meeting. 4440 SO APPROVED: 406- 0 ___ Susa • •ley, City - k Frank Scott, Jr.,. _ayor, 8