HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-17-20 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
November 17, 2020
6:00 PM
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
November 17, 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. Deputy City Clerk Allison Segars 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. City Attorney Tom Carpenter delivered the
invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADDITIONS:
M-1 RESOLUTION: To consent to the assignment of the Lease Agreement for 300
East Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Staff recommends
approval
Director Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to add Item M-1 to the
Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, Item M-1
was added to the Consent Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 — 11, Items 13 - 15 and Item M-1)
Mayor Scott stated that Director Webb had requested that Item 12 be held separately
1. MOTION: To approve the minutes of the September 1, 2020, September 15, 2020,
October 6, 2020, October 20, 2020, and November 2, 2020, Little Rock City Board of
Directors Meetings.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 15,341; Z-9500: To set December 1, 2020, as the date of public
hearing on the appeal of the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial for a
Planned Zoning District titled Goodwin Manor Long-Form PCD, located at 3708 Garrison
Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 15,342; Z-9525: To set December 1, 2020, as the date of public
hearing on the appeal of the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial for a
Planned Zoning District titled Mountain Park Addition PRD, located at the northeast and
northwest corners of North Taylor Street and P Street, in the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas; and for other purposes.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 15,343: To transfer title of the property located at 2301 South
Martin Street, from the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to Hoang Thi Nguyen & TrienVan
Vo, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. (Land
Bank Commission: 5 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absent) Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort by the land bank to maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like
to transfer the properties located at 2301 South Martin Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Hoang Thi
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
November 17, 2020
6:00 PM
Nguyen & TrienVan Vo. The property is a residential rehab structure that is 1,041 square-feet on a
6,750 square-foot lot.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 15,344: To transfer title of the properties located at 3401 West
10th Street and 3423 West 10th Street, from the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to Marcus
McClendon, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other
purposes. (Land Bank Commission: 5 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absent) Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort by the land bank to maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like
to transfer the properties located at 3401 West 10th Street and 3423 West 10th Street, Little Rock,
Arkansas, to Marcus McClendon. Both properties are residential lots that are 7,000 square-feet.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 15,345: To transfer title of the property located at 1605 Jones
Street, 2423 West 17th Street and 2522 West 17th Street, from the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, to Marvell Banks, d/b/a/ Banks Investments, to be used for Neighborhood
Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. (Land Bank Commission: 5 ayes, 0 nays
and 3 absent) Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort by the land bank to maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like
to transfer the properties located at 1605 Jones Street, 2423 West 17th Street and 2522 West 17th
Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Marvell Banks, d/b/a Banks Investments. All properties are
residential lots ranging from 3,500 square-feet to 7,550 square-feet.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 15,346: To transfer title of the property located at 1423 South
Maple Street, 1524 South Martin Street, 1617 South Martin Street, 1623 South Martin
Street, 1515 South Pine Street, 1105 South Valmar Street, 3321 West 16th Street, 3323
West 16th Street, 3401 West 17th Street, 3403 West 17th Street, 3419 West 17th Street,
and 3327 West 17th Street, from the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to Robert Alexander,
d/b/a Kustom Made Properties, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs;
and for other purposes. (Land Bank Commission: 5 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absent) Staff
recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort by the land bank to maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like
to transfer the properties located at 1423 South Maple Street, 1524 South Martin Street, 1617 South
Martin Street, 1623 South Martin Street, 1515 South Pine Street, 1105 South Valmar Street, 3321 West
16th Street, 3323 West 16th Street, 3401 West 17th Street, 3403 West 17th Street, 3419 West 17th Street,
and 3327 West 17th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas to Robert Alexander, d/b/a Kustom Made Properties.
All properties are vacant residential lots ranging from 3,000 square-feet to 11,250 square-feet.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 15,347: A resolution to approve the utilization of HOME
Investment Partnerships Program Community Housing Development Organization Set-
Aside and HOME Program Income Funds to IN Affordable Housing, Inc., to produce
three (3) affordable housing units within the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other
purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: A resolution to approve the utilization of HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Set-Aside and HOME Program Income
Funds to IN Affordable Housing, Inc., to produce affordable housing units.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 15,348: A resolution to approve the utilization of HOME
Investment Partnerships Program Community Housing Development Organization Set-
Aside and HOME Program Income Funds to the University District Development
Corporation, Inc., to produce seven (7) affordable housing units within the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: A resolution to approve the utilization of HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Set-Aside and HOME Program Income
Funds to the University District Development Corporation, Inc., to produce affordable housing units.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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10. RESOLUTION NO. 15,349: To authorize the City Manager to approve an increase
to the contract amount for Harbor Environmental, Inc., in an amount not to exceed
$27,578.00, for Professional Engineering Services for the Bowman Road 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 enter into contract with Harbor
Environmental, Inc., for a Professional Engineering Consultant Services for the Bowman Road
Improvement Project. (Located in Ward 6)
11. RESOLUTION NO. 15,350: To authorize the City Manager to approve an increase
to the contract amount for Michael Baker International, in an amount not to exceed
$138,569.00, for Professional Engineering Services for the Bowman Road 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 enter into contract with Michael Baker
International, for Professional Engineering Consultant Services for the Bowman Road Improvement
Project. (Located in Ward 6)
13. RESOLUTION NO. 15,352: To ratify emergency purchases of supplies or services
over the amount of $50,000.00 made in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic during the
times of emergency declared by the Mayor, the Governor of the State of Arkansas and
the Federal Government; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Scott declared a local emergency on
March 12, 2020. To protect the health and safety of residents and public employees during the
COVID-19 Pandemic, the City incurred costs over $50,000 to improve the telework capabilities of
public employees; to have safe and efficient public meetings that allow for both virtual and live
attendance; to provide additional broadband access to those engaged in virtual education, including
at community centers and various parks and through the purchase of hot spots; to implement public
health measures through modification and cleaning of various city facilities and through the
procurement of personal protective equipment, additional alternate response vehicles for the Little
Rock Fire Department, and other FEMA-eligible expenses for which a 25% match is required.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 15,353: To sell properties owned by the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), to allow for the
construction of a UAMS Daycare Facility and associated parking lot; and for other
purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the appropriate documents
to sell land to the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) for the construction of a Daycare
Facility and associated parking lot.
15. RESOLUTION NO. 15,354: To authorize the City Manager to extend the
agreement with Explain My Benefits, LLC, for a fifth term, in an amount not to exceed
$85,000.00, to provide Benefit Administration and Enrollment Services for eligible
employees and dependents of the City of Little Rock and the City's participating affiliated
agencies, to provide certain web-based applications for patient protection and Affordable
Care Act Forms 1094-C and 1095-C Reporting Services; and for other purposes. Staff
recommends approval.
Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to extend the agreement with Explain My
Benefits, LLC, for web-based Benefit Administration, Enrollment Services and ACA Reporting for the
period of January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021.
M-1 RESOLUTION NO. 15,355: To consent to the assignment of the Lease Agreement
for 300 East Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Staff
recommends approval.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to approve the Consent
Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Consent
Agenda was approved.
SEPARATE ITEMS (Item 12 and Items 16 - 18)
12. RESOLUTION NO. 15,351: To authorize the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk to
enter into a Transfer Agreement for ownership of right-of-way from the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas, to the Arkansas Department of Transportation; and for other purposes.
Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk to execute agreements
and deeds for the transfer of ownership of land and rights-of-way from the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, to the Arkansas Department of Transportation for the widening and reconstruction of
Interstate 30.
Director Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to approve the resolution.
Director Webb stated that there were still outstanding lawsuits in relation to the 1-30
Crossing Project and asked why the City was in in such a rush to transfer ownership of
the property. Public Works Director Jon Honeywell stated the properties in question
were located at corners where the City had already dedicated a right-of-way easement
to the Arkansas Department of Transportation; however, based on more detailed design
as the project moved forward, the work in these locations would require ownership of the
property rather than an easement.
By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Webb voting in opposition,
the resolution was approved.
16. RESOLUTION NO. 15,356: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with Alta Planning + Design, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $99,961.00, for the
Complete Streets Master Bike Study Plan; and for other purposes. Staff recommends
approval.
Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with Alta Planning Plus
Design, Inc.,for the Complete Streets Master Bike Plan Study, ArDOT Project 061628, Bid No. 652.
Director Hines asked from what fund the match for the grant would taken. Mayor Scott
stated that the grant match would be taken from the Street Fund.
Vice-Mayor Wyrick made the motion, seconded by Director Webb, to approve the
resolution. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Directors Hines and
Wright voting in opposition, the resolution was approved.
17. ORDINANCE NO. 21,923: To amend § 1(2) of Little Rock, Ark., Ordinance No.
21,561 (March 20, 2018), to remove the property located at 2901 Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr., Drive from the Demolition List; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.
Synopsis: To amend Ordinance No. 21,561 removing the structure located at 2901 Dr. Martin Luther
King,Jr., Drive from condemnation.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Hines made the motion, seconded by
Director Wright, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By
voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Adcock voting in opposition, the
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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rules were suspended and the ordinance was read a second time. Director Hines made
the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance
on third reading. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Adcock
voting in opposition, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read a third
time.
Deputy City Clerk Allison Segars read a letter that had been submitted by
representatives from the Greater Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church expressing
their opposition to the removal from the Demolition List. City Manager Bruce Moore
stated that since the Church had sent the letter in opposition, they had visited with
Director Hendrix regarding the property and were now in support.
Director Adcock asked if the condition of the building had changed since staff had
declared it a nuisance. Planning & Development Director Jamie Collins stated that the
condition of the building had not changed and at the time the property was originally
presented to the Board, there was a back area that had been burned and was
uncovered. Mr. Collins stated that the burned out area had since been removed.
Director Richardson made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to call the question
on the vote. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the question to
vote was called.
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.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 2t922: To permit Dockless Mobility Technology within the City
of Little Rock, Arkansas; to amend Little Rock, Ark., Rev Code §§ 32-463; 32-494; 32-
496 (1988); to permit the use of Dockless Mobility Units on public streets in Central
Business Districts, or other designated areas; to establish certain standards for the use
of such technology; to establish a Business Licenses Fee and Franchise Fee for use of
the City right-of-way; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
The ordinance was 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 Hines asked if the scooters had previously been approved to operate under an
Administrative Agreement for a trial basis. City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated that
originally there was a Memorandum of Understanding, which was amended several
times. City Attorney Carpenter stated that the Arkansas General Assemble passed an
Act that set forth standards and conditions for the scooters to be used on public rights-
of-way. Director Hines asked if the scooters would be allowed to operate if the
ordinance was not passed. City Attorney Carpenter stated that as a general rule, local
governments had control over the streets; however, a company could possibly come in
and begin operations as a result of a State Statute having been passed.
Director Adcock stated that it appeared that the ordinance did not designate areas of the
City that the scooters could operate. City Attorney Carpenter stated that the scooters
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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would be allowed on streets throughout the City and restricted from operating on the
sidewalks. Director Adcock asked if it had been determined how much the Franchise
Fee would be assessed. City Attorney Carpenter stated that he thought the amount was
$10,000.00 and was included in the ordinance.
Mayor Scott stated that a representative from Lime Scooter was on the phone and could
remotely answer questions from any of the Board Members. Mayor Scott reminded the
Board that the scooters were already allowed and that the ordinance was to allow the
City to capitalize on a Franchise Fee as a result of their operation.
Nico Probst, Director of Government Relations for Lime: Thanked the Board for allowing
the scooters to operate within the City for the past two (2) years.
Director Richardson asked if the scooters would be available to all areas of the City. Mr.
Probst stated that they were happy to add new deployment locations and that when the
scooters were first introduced they intentionally operated a small amount of vehicles in
the City in an effort to introduce the riders to the service.
Director Webb stated that she was not as familiar with the State Law regarding the
scooters and that she would like to take some time to educate herself with additional
information.
Director Webb made the motion, seconded by Director Peck, to defer action on the item
for two (2) weeks until the December 1, 2020, Board Meeting. By voice vote of the
Board Members present, with Director Richardson voting Present, the item was
deferred until the December 1, 2021, Board Meeting.
PRESENTATIONS (Item 19)
19. RESOLUTION NO. 15,339: 2021 Expenditure Projections — Sara Lenehan,
Finance Department Director.
2021 Personnel Salary Progression: Continuation of Step and Grade Progression for
Union and Union-eligible employees, which includes the International Association of Fire
Fighters, the Fraternal Order of Police, American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees (AFSCME) & Union Eligible and 911 Communications Positions.
However, there will be no additional salary adjustments included in the Budget.
2021 Personnel Health Benefits: Includes a renewal of the fully-insured coverage with
United Healthcare. There is an increase of 7.5% included in personnel cost that is
associated with the increase premium; however, the increased cost would be offset by
the Health Insurance Holiday premium savings from December 2020, which was
reflected in Transfers In as Carry-Over. There will be no increase to premium cost for
employees in 2021 and buy-op options for lower deductibles and co-pays will be
available to employees at the 2020 premium rates
2021 Personnel Pension Rates — Current Plans (effective January 1, 2021): Fire Local
Police & Fire Retirement System (LOPFI) Pension contribution is set by the State of
Arkansas and is currently at 23.50% and will remain unchanged as it is at the State
maximum. Police LOPFI Pension contribution will be at 23.23%, which is a 1% increase
from the previous year of 22.23%. The LOPFI contributions for Fire and Police are
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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partially offset by State Pension Turn-Back Funds that are included in the Budget as
Intergovernmental Revenues. The Non-Uniform Pension contribution will be 9%, which
is unchanged.
2021 Pension Rates Effective July 1, 2021: Judges and Court Clerks participate in the
Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) Pension Plan and the rate is
set by the State and is currently at 15.32%, which is unchanged. There is one (1) Judge
that is still covered by Arkansas District Judges Retirement System (ADJRS) Plan and
the contribution is 38.99%.
2021 Personnel Pension Contributions — Closed Plans: Closed Police and Fire Pension
Plans are now administered through LOPFI and the contributions are offset by the
ongoing dedicated 1-mill property tax levies for each plan. In addition, the City
contributes sales tax contributions of $500,000 and other dedicated fines and fees for
each plan. For the Closed Police Pension Plan, LOPFI will send the City a bill for the
monthly contribution of $333,185, which will be approximately $3,998,220 for the year.
The City will make an additional contribution from dedicated revenues to pay down the
unfunded liability of $3,810,102, for a total contribution of $7,808,322. For the Closed
Fire Pension Plan, LOPFI will send the City a bill for the monthly contribution of
$268,268, which will be approximately $3,219,216 for the year. The City will make an
additional contribution from dedicated revenues to pay down unfunded liability of
$3,556,900, for a total contribution of $6,776,116. There is a closed Non-Uniform
Defined Benefit Plan which is decreasing in members. The contribution that is actuarial
determined will decrease by $85,000 to $500,000. Other Personnel Assumptions that
are applicable to all funds are: Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) contributions
that are primarily for Cobra and retiree health benefits, and the actuarial cost will
decrease by $298,850 to $1,188,500; Judges and Clerks Liability for a previous plan that
has an unfunded liability which is set at $185,000, with no change; and based on
experience the Workers Compensation contribution will decrease by $412,000 to
$2,635,000.
General Fund and Full-Time Staffing: There are no changes in General Fund Staffing
for Executive Administration, the Board of Directors, Community Programs, the City
Attorney's Office, Housing & Neighborhood Programs, Public Works, Parks & Recreation
or any of the three (3) District Courts. In 2020, the Finance Department will be adding a
new Deputy Director over Finance Operations, to facilitate compliance with new
Accounting Standards, a Senior Accountant, a new Small Business Coordinator position
to improve Minority and Small Business Training, Development and Participation in City
Contracts, and a Senior Budge Analyst will be added in 2021 with the implementation of
new Budget Software, offset by the reduction of the Fiscal Systems Administrator
position. Human Resources added two (2) new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
positions in 2020 to assign and facilitate responses to FOIA Requests. In 2020,
Information Technology added two (2) new Business Applications Analyst positions to
consolidate and manage the carious Infor/Lawson modules, with one (1) of the positions
being transferred from Finance. Planning & Development added a Development
Manager in 2020 to facilitate permitting and planning activities for economic
development opportunities. In 2020, the Little Rock Zoo added an additional Animal
Keeper position. The Little Rock Fire Department added a Civilian Analyst position to
manage accreditation activities and to free up a Uniform position for Operations. The
Little Rock Police Department added a Police Media Relations position, two (2)
Telephone reporting positions and an Office Assistant position. There was no change to
the Uniform position count, and seven (7) officers in the latest 2020 Recruit Class will be
partially-funded by a COPS Grant.
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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Special Project & Grant-Funded Staffing: Community Programs added a Positive
Intervention position during 2020. In addition, Human Resources added a Wellness
Coordinator position, which will be funded by a portion of the Health Insurance Holiday
Premium Savings. Housing & Neighborhood Programs added a grant-funded positions,
and six grant-funded Victim Services positions were added in the Little Rock Police
Department (LRPD). In addition, LRPS will be adding a social Worker position will be
added in 2021 utilizing Byrne Grant Funds.
Full-Time Staffing —Other Funds: In Public Works, a Solid Waste Inspector position was
added, as well as a Support Services Specialist was added in Street Operations. The
Vehicle Storage Facility added a Storage Attendant position.
2021 Expenditures — Fleet Allocations for Fuel and Vehicle Maintenance: The cost of
Fleet labor, fuel, vehicle insurance, vehicle maintenance, and parts expenses are
allocated to departments based on the number of vehicles assigned, maintenance
requirements and actual fuel usage. Parts expenses are forecast to decline in 2021, due
to better inventory management and the Fleet Replacement Program which has taken
older vehicles out of service. The fuel rate per gallon, including the $0.14 mark up for
labor and supplies in the Fleet Fuel Acquisitions Division, is budgeted at $2.09 for
unleaded and $2.19 for diesel, compared to the 2020 rates of $2.30 and $2.60,
respectively.
2021 Outside Agency Funding Highlights:
Rock Region Metro: Decrease in the funding by $341,616. The total funding level is
$9,854,118, of which $7,854,118 (80%) is reflected in the General Fund, and
$2,000,000, or 20%, is reflected in the Street Fund.
Pulaski County Jail: Increase in the funding by $74,393, or 3%. The total funding is
$2,554,153, of which $2,394,153 is reflected in the General Fund, and $160,000 will be
paid from the Local Jail Fee Special Project.
In addition, the 120-day funding reductions that were associated with COVID-19 in 2020
will be restored for the Arkansas Arts Center, the Museum of Discovery, and The
Downtown Partnership. In addition, an enhancement of Arts Center Funding is included.
2021 Expenditures Debt Service — Short-Term Notes: The Debt Service and bond
Agent Fees on short-term financing notes will total $4,258,645 in 2021, of which
$954,657 of this amount will be reimbursed by the 3/8-Cent Fund, representing the
principal portion of the 2016 note issued to fund the addition of a Fire Truck and the
completion of Fire Station #24 construction, which was included in the Transfers In
Revenue Budget. The Debt Service will decrease by $1,246,889 from 2020, reflecting
the retirement of the $5.9 Million note that was issued in 2015.
General Fund Revenue Summary and Expenditures: The 2021 General Fund Revenue
Forecast, which was presented at the November 10, 2020, Board of Directors Agenda
Meeting, is $210,100,969, or 3%, above the 2020 Amended Budget. The change from
the 2020 Original Budget is a reduction of 1%. The 2021 forecast is still approximately
$8 Million, or 3.6%, below 2019 actual results. Approximately 80% of the General Fund
Revenues are generated by Sales & Use Tax, Property Tax and Franchise Fees.
2021 General Fund Personnel Budget: There will be a net increase of $1,384,145 to the
General Fund Personnel Budget from the 2020 Original Budget, before vacancy savings.
The amount includes the COPS Grant reimbursement of approximately $325,000 to
offset 72% of the cost of seven (7) Officers hired in 2020. There is an increase of
$500,000 to the Vacancy Savings requirement from $5.5 million to $6 million, as a result
of the fact that the 2020 Original Budget of $5.5 million was achieved by September 30,
2020.
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Other Expenditure Highlights: General Fund maintenance expenditures will have a net
increase of $134,520 as follows due to the purchase of additional programs and
software across City Departments, and contracts will increase by approximately
$349,392. The Fleet allocation for labor, fuel, and vehicle service in General Fund
Departments will decrease by a net of $350,470. Funding for the 3rd phase of a four (4)-
year plan to implement a second set of Fire Turn-Outs will be provided through short-
term financing or 3/8-cent interest earnings in 2021. The Budget includes a $1 million
contingency allocation for revenue or expenditure variances
General Fund Outside Agency Support: The total Rock Region Metro Funding is
$9,854,118, which is a decrease of $341,616 from the 2020 Budget due primarily to
anticipated COVID-19 Federal reimbursements of expenditures and lost revenue.
$7,854,118 of the cost is included in the General Fund Budget. Additional funding from
the Local Jail Fine Special Project of $160,000 will bring the total support for the Pulaski
County Jail to $2,554,153, representing a 3% increase in funding. The 120-day funding
reductions due to COVID-19 that were included in the 2020 Amended Budget will be
restored in 2021, and the Arts Center Funding will increase by $100,000.
General Fund — Debt Service: The debt service of $4,258,645 represents principal and
interest on the 2016 Short-Term Note issued to advance funding of 3/8-Cent Capital
Sales Tax Projects, and notes issued in 2017 and 2019 to purchase Police Patrol
Vehicles, to fund Phases One and Two of the new Computer-Aided Dispatch System, to
replace end-of-life mobile radios for Police and Fire, for software, and for other Public
Safety equipment and building improvements. The principal portion of the payment on
the 2016 note was utilized to advance completion of Fire Station #24 in Southwest Little
Rock and will be offset by a Transfer In from the 2021 tax proceeds of the 3/8-Cent
Sales tax in the amount of $954,657. The 2015 $5.9 Million note was retired in 2020,
resulting in a net decrease in the debt service of $1.2 Million.
General Fund — Transfers Out: Transfers Out will decrease by approximately $3.4
Million from the 2020 Amended Budget and by $1.7 Million from the Original 2020
Budget to $8,251,012. The transfer of $194,000 to Other Funds represents a transfer to
the Street Fund to offset the cost of parking enforcement. The 2021 Contingency
Allocation of $1 Million and is unchanged from the Original 2020 Budget. Transfers to
Special Projects and for Grant Match are presented on the following slides.
General Fund Special Protects: The reduction in funding reflects amendments to the
2020 Budget that are not applicable to 2021. For Children Youth & Families, of the
$1,378,000 reduction from the $4.75 Million included in the 2020 Original Budget,
$378,000 is a reduction to the Community Schools allocation and $1 Million is a
reduction to other programming. The 2021 allocation, in combination with the $2.7
Million in carry-over funds remaining as of October 31, 2020, will provide approximately
$6.2 Million for programming through the end of 2021.
Grant Match Transfers: In addition to the $230,000 allocation for 2021, Grant Match
Funds totaling approximately $788,000 for the Outdoor Recreation Grant, the River
Mountain Park Mountain Bike Project, Planning Grant, Heritage Grant, Metroplan
Transportation Alternative (TAP) Grant, Recreational Trail Grant, Stop Violence Against
Women, Assistance to Fire Fighters, and others are set aside from previous grant match
allocations for expenditure for grants that have been awarded and will carry into 2021.
Other Fund Revenue Summaries and Expenditures:
Street Fund Revenue Forecast: Property Tax includes the road tax millage and an
allocation of Act 9 payments in lieu of taxes. The growth rate in the road tax was 2.5%
based on information obtained from the Pulaski County Assessor's Office. The Act 9
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revenue was consistent with prior year resulting in a net growth rate of approximately
2.3%. The decline in State Tax Turnback was primarily attributed to anticipated reduced
fuel usage associated with COVID-19. The Arkansas Department of Transportation
projects a reduction of approximately $400,000 in the road user per gallon charge,
partially offset by a slight increase in the 1/2-Cent Sales Tax. The increase in Transfers
In reflects the carry-over of the Health Insurance Holiday premium savings set aside in a
special project in 2020 to offset the increased cost of health insurance in 2021.
Street Fund Expenditure Forecast: The Street Fund Budget is balanced with revenues
and expenditures of $21,279,119. As noted in the Personnel highlights earlier, AFSCME
personnel will continue with step and grade progression.
Street Fund — Transfers Out: Street Fund Transfers Out of $2,127,717 includes funding
for vehicle and equipment replacement, continued funding for the Re-Entry Right-of-Way
and Sidewalk Programs, the annual administrative overhead allocation and Johnson
Control savings.
Waste Disposal Fund Revenue Forecast: The increase in sanitation fees reflects the
monthly 78¢ increase in recycling beginning April 1, 2021 (Ordinance No. 21,891). The
decline in Landfill Fees in 2020 has been attributed to the temporary closure of the
Landfill to commercial haulers to preserve space for residential and contracted waste
collection during construction of the new cell. The increase in the 2021 forecast is due
to the opening of the new cell and the gradual increased acceptance of outside waste.
The decrease in miscellaneous revenue is primarily due to insurance recoveries on
landfill equipment and refuse trucks in 2020. Insurance proceeds are utilized for
replacement of the equipment and vehicles taken out of service. Transfers In reflects
the carry-over of the 2020 Health Insurance Holiday premium savings that will offset the
increase in health insurance cost in 2021.
Waste Disposal Fund Expense Forecast: The 2020 Waste Disposal Fund Budget is
balanced with revenues and expenditures of $23,671,871. The Waste Disposal Fund is
budgeted in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles on an accrual
basis, which includes non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization. Some
cash needs, such as capital expenditures and the principal portion of bond payments,
are not presented on the income statement as expenses. Capital expenditures of
approximately $3.7 Million for additional Side Loaders, Rear Loaders, and landfill
equipment are planned in 2021. The principal portion of the bond payment is
approximately $305,000.
Waste Disposal —Transfers Out: Transfers out include funding for environmental youth,
annual administrative overhead in the Street and General Funds, and continuation of the
Anti-Litter Programs.
Fleet Fund Revenue Forecast: 2021 Fleet fuel charges will decrease from the 2020
Original Budget by $336,880; however, will increase from the Amended Budget due to
increased usage in comparison to the declines experienced in 2020 associated with
COVID-19. The fuel rate per gallon, including the $0.14 mark up for labor and supplies
in the Fuel Acquisitions Division, is budgeted at $2.09 for unleaded and $2.19 for diesel,
compared to the 2020 rates of $2.30 and $2.60, respectively. The internal billings for
parts and sublets is significantly decreased due to better parts inventory management
and a decrease in repairs attributed to the Fleet Replacement Program which has taken
older vehicles out of service.
Fleet Services Fund Expense Forecast: The Fleet Services Budget is balanced at
$13,390,623.
Vehicle Storage Fund Revenue Forecast: Vehicle administration fees, storage fees, and
wrecker fees are expected to improve from the 2020 Amended budget, but remain below
10
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
November 17, 2020
6:00 PM
the 2020 Original Adopted Budget and 2019 Actuals due to the impact of COVID-19 on
traffic. Auction sales are slightly reduced due to the number of vehicles available for
action.
Vehicle Storage Fund Expense Forecast: The Vehicle Storage Fund is anticipated to
have Revenue of $1,759,847, less expenses of $1,699,157 for estimated net income of
$60,690. Contract costs for towing services are expected to increase from the 2020
Amended Budget, but remain below the Original 2020 Budget as the impact of COVID-
19 on traffic gradually improves.
Parking Garage Fund Revenue Forecast: The parking garages will continue to be
operated by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. Expenses for Parking Deck
Operations have been broken out by category for the 2021 Budget. Overall, expenses
will increase $91,854 from the 2020 Amended Budget to $1,760,887, but will remain
approximately 18% below the 2020 Original Budget and 2019 Actual expenses due to
the continued impact of COVID-19. Net income will remain sufficient to fund debt
service on the Parking Garage Bonds.
CITIZEN COMMUNICATION
There were no cards received from individuals wanting to speak during Citizen
Communication.
Director Kumpuris made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, to adjourn the
meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was
adjourned.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
ACUANV1
Allison Segars, D ty City Clerk Frank Scott, Jr., Aliye�
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