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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-06Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING City Hall — 500 W. Markham November 6, 2006 - 6:00 PM The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in a regular session with Director Adcock presiding. Nancy Wood, City Clerk, called the roll with the following Directors present: Pugh, Hinton, Hurst, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Fortson, and Adcock. Vice Mayor Cazort and Mayor Dailey were absent. Director Keck gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Director Adcock asked the Board to consider the listed modifications. MODIFICATIONS ADDITION: M -1. RESOLUTION 12,386 - Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with MHC Software, Inc. for purchase of printing software in the amount of $52,000; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Director Pugh made the motion, seconded by Director Stewart, to accept the modifications to the agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present the modifications were approved. The consent agenda was read. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 -12) 1. MOTION - Z -8105 - To set the date of public hearing for November 21, 2006, on an appeal of the Planning Commission's Action in approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow for construction of an accessory dwelling on the R -3 zoned property located at 109 South Martin Street. Planning Commission: 9 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Staff recommends denial of the resolution; approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Synopsis: A record objector is appealing the Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit to allow for construction of an accessory dwelling on the R -3 zoned property located at 109 South Martin Street. 2. RESOLUTION 12,371 - G -23 -367 - To set the date of public hearing for November 21, 2006, on the abandonment of an alley right -of -way, located within Block 202, Original City of Little Rock; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 recusal (Stebbins), and 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The adjacent property owners request to abandon the north /south 20 -foot wide alley right -of -way (20 feet by 300 feet) located within Block 202, Original City of Little Rock. The block is bounded by West 16th, West 17th, Broadway and Spring Streets. 1 f Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 3. RESOLUTION 12,372 - To set the date of public hearing for November 21, 2006, on the question of the issuance of waste disposal revenue bonds for the purpose of financing betterments and improvements to the City's Waste Collection and Disposal system. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The resolution authorizes Stephens, Inc., Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP and officials of the City to take the necessary actions to offer the bonds for sale and to prepare the ordinance authorizing the issuance of the bonds. The maximum amount of the bond issue is $4,000,000. 4. RESOLUTION 12,373 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the H & E Equipment Services Inc. to provide repair services for heavy equipment. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: To establish a contract with H & E Equipment Services Inc. (bidder meeting minimum specifications) to provide repair services for heavy equipment. 5. RESOLUTION 12,374 - To allow the City Manager to enter into a contract with Casco for the purchase of 15 thermal imaging cameras for the Little Rock Fire Department; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: To enhance the efficiency and safety of its operations, the Little Rock Fire Department has incorporated into its daily firefighting operations the use of thermal imagining cameras. Funding in fiscal year 2007 will allow the department to complete its multi -year plan of providing at least two cameras at every fire company in the city. The department wishes to enter into a contract with Casco, for the purchase of fifteen (15) cameras; fourteen (14) will be purchased by City and one (1) will be invoiced to the Airport. The Little Rock Fire Department will purchase 14 cameras each year after 2006. 6. RESOLUTION 12,375 - To adopt the FEMA approved Little Rock/ North Little Rock Hazard Mitigation Plan. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Adoption of this hazard mitigation strategy will increase Little Rock's eligibility for assistance from FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. Little Rock will also gain additional credit points under FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) program, which provides discounts on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance premiums for residents of communities that voluntarily participate in this program. 7. RESOLUTION 12,376 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts with various vendors for the purchase of asphaltic materials for the Public Works Operations Street Department. Staff recommends approval for purchase of the low bid meeting specification. Synopsis: An annual contract with various vendors (Cranford Construction Co, Lasiter Asphalt, and JayCo) for the purchase of asphaltic material for the Public Works ^perations Street Depa, tment. RESOLUTION 12,377 - To approve the 2007 Annual Action Plan delineating the uses of CDBG, HOME, and ADDI entitlements for the 2007 Program Year (January 1, 2007 through - cember 31, 2007). Synopsis: The approval of the resolution approves the submission of e Action Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 9. RESOLUTION 12,378 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a long -term landfill gas utility purchase agreement with GEO Specialty Chemicals; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute a utility purchase agreement with GEO Specialty Chemicals ( "GEO ") for the sale of landfill gas to offset GEO's natural gas usage in their manufacturing process. 10. RESOLU'T'ION 12,379 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. for Johnson Controls Inc. to install, operate and maintain a landfill gas - to- energy system, and to provide services regarding the landfill gas -to- energy system, which will result in project benefits asset forth in the assured performance guarantee; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. ( "JCI ") to install, operate, and maintain a landfill gas -to- energy system and to provide benefits and assured performance guarantee. 11. RESOLUTION 12,380 - To ratify the following appointments and re- appointments to the Board of Directors of the Museum of Discovery : Appointments: John Conner (3 year term beginning January 1, 2007), Gloria Love (3 year term beginning January 1, 2007), Mark Saviers (3 year term beginning January 1, 2007), Brad Williams (3 year term beginning January 1, 2007). Re- appointments: Irma Hunter Brown to serve an additional 3 year term and, Jennifer Robins to serve an additional 3 year term. Term Expirations (January 1, 2007) : Robert Chandler, Scott Daniel, Natalie Ghidotti, Donna Hambuchen, Tom Kane, Melody Piazza, Bruce Wesson, Mary Wohlleb. 12. RESOLUTION 12,381 - To ratify the re- appointment of Mr. Ronald L. Sheffield, as Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. Staff recommends approval. M -1. RESOLUTION 12,386 - Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with MHC Software, Inc. for purchase of printing software in the amount of $52,000; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. A motion was made by Director Hurst, seconded by Director Pugh, to adopt the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the Consent Agenda (Items 1 -12 and M -1) was adopted. Andre Bernard, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, gave a brief presentation on the citizen participation process for Item 8. He also did an overview of the proposed programs for 2007. 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS Speaker: Jane Dickey, Vision Little Rock Governance Task Force Chair Topic: She sited several Vision Little Rock ideas that were discussed and rejected by the task force; including veto power for the Mayor, no vote power for the Mayor, and elimination of the At -Large positions on the Board. She stated that she was concerned about a petition that was circulating that was in favor of these issues that the task force had rejected. Upon questioning by Director Keck, she also discussed some of the recommendations that were made by the Governance Task Force which included making the position of Mayor full time with appropriate salary, staff, and benefits included, to give the Mayor Veto power, to give the Mayor "appointment" power for all Boards and Commissions. Speaker: Gary Brewster, President of Windamere Neighborhood Association Topic: As a resident of the Southwest Little Rock area, he agreed with Ms Dickey's concerns about being concerned about eliminating the At -Large positions, sighting Director Adcock as a driving force for the improvements in their neighborhood. Speaker: Betty Snyder Topic: Spoke in opposition of the Mayor veto and eliminating the At -Large Directors. She also discussed her concerns with the proposed Wastewater Utility water retention basin in Southwest Little Rock. The grouped items were read the first time. Grouped Items: Items 13- 17 13. ORDINANCE 19,624 - To amend Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; providing for a deferral of Master Street Plan construction requirements for Aldersgate Road; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes a deferral of street improvements required under the Master Street Plan for five (5) years or until adjacent property is developed for Camp Aldersgate at 2000 Aldersgate Road. 14. ORDINANCE 19,625 - To amend Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; providing for a deferral of Master Street Plan construction requirements for Kanis Road; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes a deferral of street improvements required under the Master Street Plan for five (5) years or until adjacent property is developed for Camp Aldersgate at 2000 Aldersgate Road. 15. ORDINANCE 19,626 - LU06 -16 -02 — To amend the Land Use Plan (16,222) in the Otter Creek Planning District from light industrial to single family; and for other matters. Planning Commission: 9 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A Land 'i 4 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 Use Plan Amendment in the Otter Creek Planning District from Light Industrial to Single Family along the south side of Alexander Road, east of Otter Creek. 16. ORDINANCE 19,627 - Z- 6396 -A — To reclassify property located at 11617 Alexander Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 9 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the 9.87 acre property at 11617 Alexander Road is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from I -1 to R -2. 17. ORDINANCE 19,628 - Z -8097 — To reclassify property located at 1512 Commerce Street, 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: 9 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the 0.16 acre lot at 1512 Commerce Street is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -5 to R -4. The grouped items (13 -17) were read the first time. Director Hurst, seconded by Director Keck, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time. Director Hurst, seconded by Director Kumpuris, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, Items 13 —17 were adopted. SEPARATE ITEMS: Items: 18 — 21 18. RESOLUTION 12,382 - To authorize the offering of up to $4,000,000 of City of Little Rock, Arkansas Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, Series 2006; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The resolution authorizes Stephens, Inc., Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP and officials of the City to take the necessary actions to offer the bonds for sale and to prepare the ordinance authorizing the issuance of the bonds. The maximum amount of the bond issue is $4,000,000. Director Adcock requested that the Clerk read Item 18. A motion was made by Director Hurst, seconded by Director Hinton, to adopt Item 18. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, Item 18 was adopted. 19. RESOLUTION 12,383 - To declare a 90 day moratorium on the issuance of building permits, or the acceptance of rezoning applications, in the Midtown area of Little Rock from an area bounded by West Markham Street on the north, Interstate 630 on the South, University Avenue on the east and McKinley Street on the west; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Director Adcock requested that the Clerk read Item 19. The resolution was read and a motion was made by Director Pugh, seconded by Director Hinton, to adopt Item 19. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, Item 19 was adopted. 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 20. RESOLUTION 12,384 - To allow the City Manager to enter into contracts with CIGNA to provide health care benefits for City employees; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. The Item was read for the first time. Cameron Wedgeworth, United Healthcare, thanked the Board for allowing them to serve the City for this past year. He recommended that the City establish a long term health care management strategy. He addressed the impact of disease management and wellness programs on premium costs. The Board asked questions of Jim Bradshaw, Human Resources Benefits Manager, regarding the process of selecting and /or retaining a carrier. Jay Prewitt, United Health Care, who serves as the City case manager, answered questions from the Board about the trends of the City claims that may be causing the spike in premiums. Another concern was the impact of other employee groups added under the City's coverage. Director Keck asked questions of the City Manager about self funding employee health insurance and how close the City was to being able to achieve this goal. Bruce Moore, City Manager, stated that the City's reserve fund was the highest priority at this time, but once that was accomplished that a self funded plan would be reviewed. Director Kumpuris stated his concerns about the data that was presented to the Board for review in regard to diagnoses and the bid process for health insurance. Director Adcock asked the City Manager to explain in detail how a new carrier from out of state was going to meet the needs of the City employees. A motion was made by Director Kumpuris, seconded by Director Hurst, to adopt Item 20. By Majority voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, Item 20 was adopted. Director Keck requested that his vote be recorded as present. PUBLIC HEARING (Item 21) 21. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE - Held on 2 "d Reading - Z- 3419 -C — To approve a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Commercial District titled A Cut Above Short -Form PCD, located at 302 North Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 3 ayes, 7 nays, I absent. Staff recommends denial. Synopsis: The applicant is appealing the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial for a rezoning of the site from 0-3 (General Office) to PCD to expand the allowable uses of the site. The request includes the allowance of a salon and an eating establishment as allowable uses. Upon Board request, Staff gave a brief presentation on Item 21. Some issues of concern included hours of operation, whether the use was too intense for the nearby residential area, and if there was a liquor store attached to the application. Director Adcock allotted fifteen (15) minutes for each side in favor or opposition of the issue. Present to speak in favor of item 21 were Angela Bielanin (applicant), and Lynda Bowers. They both cited that the proposed deli would be an upscale eating establishment comparable to Jason's Deli and McAlister's on a smaller scale. 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 The business would operate during normal business hours, not past 9 PM, and no alcohol would be served. Traffic and parking was also a topic of discussion; sighting that there was adequate parking in the lot and that traffic had not decreased since the close of the last business on the site and they felt like it would not overload the current situation. Present to speak in opposition was Ken Cates, President of the Beverly Hills Neighborhood Association. Mr. Cates expressed many concerns including; but not limited to, an increase in traffic and accidents at the intersection, lights, noise, and people. He stated that 38 of the 69 residential housing in the neighborhood were owner - occupied. He expressed concern for what would happen to the property if the proposed business failed and asked the Board to vote in opposition of the application. The item (21) was read the first time. Director Keck, seconded by Director Fortson, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time. Director Hurst voted no. Director Pugh, seconded by Director Stewart, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. Directors Hurst and Keck voted no. The ordinance (Item 21) was held on second reading. The Board instructed the City Manager to coordinate a meeting between the applicant and the neighborhood to discuss the logistics of the application and to see if they could come up with a situation agreeable to all parties. OTHER BUSINESS (22 - 23) 22. REPORT - LR/NLR Hazard Mitigation Plan — Dr. Jeff Connely (November 6, 2006) A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Hurst, to go into executive session. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present the meeting was recessed at 7:40 PM. Director Adcock called the meeting back to order 8:05 PM. Mr. Bruce Moore, City Manager announced the recommendations to the following Boards and Commissions: 23. EXECUTIVE SESSION & RESOLUTION 12,385 - Appointments to Boards and Commissions. • ADA Citizen's Grievance Committee — Danny Petty (appointment) • Animal Services Advisory Board — Angela L. Leake (appointment) • Children Youth and Families — Lynn Hamilton (appointment) • City Beautiful Commission — Steve Homeyer (appointment) • Midtown Advisory Board — Howard Baker Kurrus (reinstatement) • Planning Commission — Pam Adcock, Jerry Meyer, Chauncey Taylor, and Darrin Williams (reappointments) • Sister Cities Commission — Rhonda Michelle Smith (appointment) • Racial and Cultural Diversity - Alicia Dean (appointment) 7 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting — Minutes — November 6, 2006 A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Pugh, to accept the nominations. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the nominations to above listed commissions were accepted. Director Keck, seconded by Director Fortson, made a motion to adjourn. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. ATTEST: X7, ��'7w�z�zz� - Na cy Woo C M C City Jerk APPROVED: /i / I- VL r Jim Hey Ma a