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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-08Minutes — Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 3, 2008 6:00 P.M. MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING City Hall — 500 W. Markham November 3, 2008 - 6:00 PM The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in regular session with Mayor Stodola presiding. City Clerk, Nancy Wood called the roll with the following Directors present: Adcock, Hendrix, Keck, Wyrick, Wright, Cazort, Richardson, Kumpuris, Fortson, Vice Mayor Hurst, and Mayor Stodola, Director Wright gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Stodola asked the Board to consider the listed Modifications. ADDITIONS: PRESENTATION: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week — Desiree Bender (November 3, 2008) DEFERRAL 9. ORDINANCE - Applicant requests deferral to November 18, 2008. Authorizing the construction of betterments and improvements to the sewer system of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; authorizing the issuance and sale of sewer revenue bonds; providing for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds; and prescribing other matters relating thereto. (I" reading held October 21, 2008) (2"d reading held October 28, 2008). A motion was made and seconded to add the Presentation and to defer the Ordinance (Item 9) to November 18, 2008, PRESENTATIONS: Budget and CAFR Awards (November 3, 2008) The Consent Agenda consisted of Items 1 -7. 1. MOTION - To approve minutes of the Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting of October 7, 2008, and the Reconvened Meeting of October 14, 2008. 2. MOTION - Z- 7603 -E - To set the date of public hearing for November 18, 2008, on an appeal of the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial for an amendment to the previously approved PCD to allow the placement of an individual tenant sign on Lot 1 Cantrell Falls PCD. Planning Commission: 3 ayes, 4 nays, 3 absent, I abstention. Staffrecommends denial. Synopsis: The applicant is appealing the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial for an amendment to the previously approved PCD to allow the placement of an individual tenant sign on Lot 1 Cantrell Falls PCD. Minutes— Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 3, 2008 6:00 P.M. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 12,778 - To appoint Stephens Inc. as bond underwriter for the proposed issuance of Little Rock, Arkansas Refunding and Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2008; (The Park and Recreation Bonds); and providing for other matters in connection with the issuance of bonds. Staffrecommends approval. Synopsis: Adopt a resolution appointing an underwriter to assist the City in developing and issuing the Refunding and Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series, 2008. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 12,779 - To appoint Wright, Lindsey and Jennings LLP as bond counsel for the proposed issuance of Little Rock, Arkansas Capital Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008; and providing for other matters in connection with the issuance of bonds. Staffrecommends approval. Synopsis: Adopt a resolution appointing bond counsel to assist the City in issuing the Capital Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008. 5. RESOLUTION NO. 12,780 - To authorize the Mayor to negotiate a purchase price for the land commonly referred to as The Western Hills Country Club; to authorize the Mayor to negotiate a purchase price for property intended to become part of the West Central Ballpark Complex in Rosedale; to authorize other City Officials to execute or notarize any necessary documents; to make the payment for these parcels subject to the issuance of city refunding bonds; and for other purposes. Staffrecommends approval. 6. RESOLUTION NO. 12,781 - To authorize an expenditure of $50,000 for renovation and improvements to the Little Rock Audubon Center; and for other purposes. Staffrecommends approval. Synopsis: The City leased property in the /Fourche Creek Watershed to Audubon on December 20, 2005. Audubon is building a Nature Center on the premises by renovating and adding onto the former Granite Mountain Community Center The construction bid was awarded in September, 2008. The City committed to provide $50,000 for use by Arkansas Audubon to assist with renovation and construction of the Nature Center. 7. RESOLUTION NO. 12,782 - To authorize a contract with Audubon Arkansas for $148,500 of HUD funds for renovation and improvements to the former Granite Mountain Community Center for a Nature Center. Staffrecommends approval. Synopsis: The City leased property in the Fourche Creek Watershed to Audubon on December 20, 2005. Audubon is building a Nature Center on the premises by renovating and adding onto the former Granite Mountain Community Center. The construction bid was awarded in September 2008, to Flynco, Inc. The City will contract with Audubon for $148,500 of HUD funds awarded to the City for the purpose of facilities renovation and improvements to the Granite Mountain Community Center. The Consent Agenda (Items 1 -7) was read. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort to adopt the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Consent Agenda was adopted. Director Wyrick recused on Item 4 because her son -in -law is a partner in the law firm represented. CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS Speaker: Luke Skrable Topic: Little Rock Crime Stats and Broken Window Concept 2 Minutes — Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 3, 2008 6:00 P.M. 8. ORDINANCE NO. 20,043 - -A -316 — Accepting the Independence Farms/Rahling Annexation, adding certain lands to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The annexation of some 13.8 acres to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, along the north side of Kanis Road and Edswood Road. The ordinance was read the first time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, 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 ordinances were read the second time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance was passed. 9. ORDINANCE - Deferred to 11 -18 -08 - Authorizing the construction of betterments and improvements to the sewer system of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; authorizing the issuance and sale of sewer revenue bonds; providing for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds; and prescribing other matters relating thereto. (Is' reading held October 21, 2008) (2 "d reading held October 28, 2008). 3'd Reading — November 3, 2008) 10. ORDINANCE NO. 209044 - To amend certain sections of the Little Rock Transportation Code; revised Code 34 -1 to 34 -115 (1988) to declare an emergency and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: An ordinance to revise Chapter 34 of the current Little Rock Transportation Code. The proposed revisions would provide needed clarification of terminology that would enable staff to better enforce this Code, increase the permit fees for providers and operators, provide for improved investigational methods and accountability, provide governing authority of one (1) type of ground transportation service (horse and carriage) from the Parks and Recreation Department to the Fleet Services Department. Attached is a detailed memorandum from the City Attorney's Office summarizing the proposed changes to the Transportation Code. Mr. David Wages was generally in agreement with the transportation code amendments, but spoke on the issue of wait time charges. There was some discussion regarding this issue. Director Cazort stated he thought the Board should go ahead and adopt the changes represented in the amendments as they are listed. He stated that he was apart of the last total revision of the Transportation Code and it took a tremendous amount of time and effort of all those that were involved. He further stated that if some changes need to be made; they could be brought back to the Board as amendments. The Board was in agreement. The ordinance was read the first time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Vice Mayor 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 ordinances were read the second time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Vice Mayor Hurst 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 ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance and emergency clause were passed. 3 Minutes — Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 3, 2008 6:00 P.M. SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 11 -12) 11. ORDINANCE - Withdrawn by Applicant - MSP08 -03 - To amend the Master Street Plan (19152) removing the collector connection between Dixie Road and Chenal Valley Drive; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Amending the Master Street Plan removing the collector connection between Dixie Road and Chenal Valley Drive. After an overview by Mr. Bozynski, Planning Director, and statements by Mr. Tim Daters, the applicant requested to with draw the application at this time. A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Kumpuris to withdraw the item at the applicant's request. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present the item was withdrawn. 12. REPORT - City of Little Rock Financial Report - Ms. Sara Lenehan, Finance Director. Mayor Stodola announced that the Board Retreat would be held Friday, beginning at noon at the River Market. The Board had a lengthy discussion on what to include on the retreat agenda. During the discussion process Director Richardson asked for clarity on the process of adding items, as what would be appropriate items for the retreat, and what would be more appropriate for public discussion, or a board work shop. He also cautioned against spending too much time on the budget, as it could potentially eat up the whole four and a half hours. He asked to add the additional location for the 12th Street substation as a discussion item. He also asked about facilitator for this meeting. Director Hurst wanted discussion on public safety, crime stats, trends in neighborhoods, etc. She stated that she wanted to have a better comfort level in how the city is addressing public safety issues. Director Adcock asked to have an agenda item, reviewing the priorities a previous board had set which included: Safe City, Economic Development Policy, Basic City Services, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life as these may not be the same priorities for the current Board. She also said she wanted the Board to have the discussion concerning franchise relocation, but stated this could be done on one of the months with a fifth Tuesday in a Board workshop. Director Wright asked to remove the Budget discussion from the retreat agenda. She felt it would take up too much of the time, and that a discussion was scheduled for November 10, 2008. She asked to add domestic violence as a topic, and also wanted an update on the legislative package being submitted on behalf of the city. She asked if the priorities mentioned were a part of the Vision Little Rock process; and wanted the citizens to have a clear vision on where the City is going. She also asked if the Board was limited to one retreat. Mr. Moore answered no, that in fact, some of these items may require more discussion than this one retreat. Director Hendrix item for the agenda was to discuss Board Procedures. Director Wyrick asked to discuss the procedures that would be used for neighborhood parks to apply for money from the re -issue of the 1998 Parks bonds; that she had had several calls from neighborhood people who wanted to know what the process would be for them to apply for funds. Director Kumpuris asked that in talking about Board procedures that they would also discuss Board relationships to promote a more functioning Board; to get better at working together. Director Fortson agreed with Director Kumpuris that Board relations was important to have a better in Minutes — Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 3, 2008 6:00 P.M. functioning Board and suggested taking the Market Street Survey off the agenda, as well as taking the 2009 Budget off. A motion was made by Director Kumpuris, seconded by Director Adcock to remove these two items. Director Keck stated that he thought Market Street was important, and recognizing that it is a work in progress, would like to amend Director Kumpuris' motion to keep Market Street on the agenda, but to delete the 2009 Budget. Director Fortson stated that while he thought it was important, and had been the one to originally add it as an item to the agenda, said it would probably stimulate discussion and could take at least two hours for the presentation. Mayor Stodola stated that he and the City Manager had seen the presentation, if the Board did not ask questions; just the presentation could be done in thirty to forty -five minutes. Mayor Stodola asked for a roll call vote on the amendment which was recorded as follows: Directors Richardson, Cazort, Keck, Wyrick, Kumpuris voted in favor, Directors Hendrix, Wright, Fortson, Adcock, and Vice Mayor Hurst voted in opposition. The vote was tied; the Mayor declined to vote. The motion failed. Mayor Stodola announced the original motion was still on the floor. A voice vote was held; by majority vice vote the motion carried. Director Hendrix stated that she had never heard of a four hour retreat, that this is not enough time to discuss all the issues that need discussed. Director Richardson asked the Mayor to state what is now on the retreat agenda. Mayor Stodola announced the following items were on the list to be placed on the agenda. The items included: Board Procedure Additional location for the Mid -town police sub - station Public Safety, which included a number of issues such as crime stats, the jail issues, domestic violence, incarceration rates, neighborhood trends, etc. Re -visit the five priorities of the previous Board Rental Inspection City Legislation proposed fro the General Assembly The application process for apply for park bond dollars Director Richardson asked if the Board procedures were not already written. Mr. Moore, City Manager, stated there is a big thick manual and that each new member received a copy after they took office. He cautioned on spending a lot of time on this because it covered so much material. Director Richardson asked if there would be a facilitator to guide the Board through this. Mayor Stodola said he would be sure each member has a copy that they can review before the retreat and they could move forward from there. Director Richardson stated he was not sure this was the time, but in the near future the City had to start identifying additional dollars. Director Wright said she could see how this could understand Director Richardson's point, and the Board could come back and felt the retreat could be used more for discussing how the Board 5 Minutes — Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 3, 2008 6:00 P.M. works together and works better as a team. She felt the Board need to work on Board relations more than going over procedures which everyone could read in the manual. She thought that revenue options could fall under Board Priorities. Director Cazort agreed that any discussion of future revenue options would not be taken to the citizens anytime soon, and stated he had a plan or proposal, and felt it was time to start talking about future options. Mayor Stodola stated there may not be enough time at the retreat to have this discussion. Director Cazort said it didn't necessarily have to be at this retreat, but discussion needs to happen. Mayor Stodola asked if there were any more discussion that needed to take place regarding the retreat. There was no more discussion. Director Keck made a motion, seconded by Director Wright to adjourn. By voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: Nanc Wood, C C City Clerk 2 APPROVED: Mark Stodola Mayor