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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-10Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in a regular meeting with Mayor Mark Stodola presiding. City Clerk Susan Langley called the roll with the following Directors present: Hendrix; Richardson; Hurst; Cdzort; Keck; Wright; Kumpuris; Adcock; Vice Mayor Fortson and Mayor Stodola. Director Wyrick was absent. Director Hendrix delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS ARVEST River Market on Ice Update Little Rock Holiday Parade Update Little Rock Housing Authority Presentation National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Proclamation MODIFICATIONS M -1 RESOLUTION NO. 13,237: To authorize the City Manager to approve an a amendment to the contract between the City of Little Rock and Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C., to provide legal counsel to represent the City before the Civil Service Commission; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval Synopsis: The City has a contract with Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus to provide legal counsel to represent the City before the Civil Service Commission. The contract states that in no event shall total remuneration exceed the sum of $45,000 per year unless the City and the Law Firm agree to an amendment to the contract. Due to an unexpected increase in Civil Service Commission appeals, the law firm is requesting an amendment to the contract. The contract expires December 31, 2011. M -2 RESOLUTION NO. 13,238: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little Rock by warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at 3327 West 17`h Street. M -3 RESOLUTION NO. 13,239: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little Rock by warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at 3101 South Arch Street. 1 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Adcock, to add Items M -1, M -2 and M -3 to the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, Items M -1, M -2 and M -3 were added to the consent agenda. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 -11 and Items M -1 — M -3) 1. MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting of November 1, 2010, and the Little Rock Board of Directors Reconvened Meeting of October 26, 2010. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 13,227; G -24 -031: To set the date of December 7, 2010, as the date of hearing to abandon a sanitary sewer easement retained in the formerly abandoned right -of -way of Monroe Street, located at 5100 Asher Avenue; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Kaufman Lumber Company is requesting abandonment of a sanitary sewer easement retained in the formerly abandoned right -of -way of Monroe Street, located at 5100 Asher Avenue. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 13,228: To renew 123 taxicab operator permits for Greater Little Rock Transportation Service, LLC, for the period from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution authorizing the approval of one (1) operator permit and 123 taxicab permits for Greater Little Rock Transportation Service, LLC, for 2011. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 13,229: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Network Innovations in the amount of $51,840 for the purchase of ten (10) fixed satellite radios for strategic placement throughout the City of Little Rock. (STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The Little Rock City Manager's Office /Emergency Management Division is committed to improving interoperable communications throughout the Division proposes the purchase of ten (10) fixed satellite radios for strategic placement throughout the City in the event of a catastrophic communications system failure. This purchase is covered under an existing State Contract for ease of purchasing and the best possible price. 5. RESOLUTION NO. 13,230: To authorize the purchase of a parcel of property offered for sale to the City of Little Rock, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. (LANDBANIC SPECIAL PROJECT) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Staff has identified a parcel of property which is being offered for sale and is located contiguous with the Land Bank -owned property located at 1224 West 13`h Street. The parcel is to be used for the Land Bank Revitalization Program. 6. RESOLUTION NO. 13,231: To authorize the City Manager to execute a Public Agency Service Agreement with the City of Maumelle to provide fleet mechanical repair and body work for Maumelle Police Department Vehicles; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Public Agency Service Agreement with the City of Maumelle to provide fleet mechanical repairs and body work for Maumelle Police 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM Department vehicles. This agreement would have a term of one (1) -year, with the option to extend one (1) time for two (2) additional years. 7. RESOLUTION NO. 13,232: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with J -Con Incorporation to construct restrooms at Crump Park; and for other purposes. (2009 PARK REFUNDING BOND PROJECT) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with J -Con Incorporation to c 8. RESOLUTION NO. 13,233: To authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with Cline Construction Group to construct the Ottenheimer Community Center; and for other purposes. (2009 PARK REFUNDING BOND PROJECT) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Cline Construction Group to construct the Ottenheimer Community Center in an amount not to exceed $631,000. 9. RESOLUTION NO. 13,234: To authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts with two (2) organizations to provide Domestic Violence Services; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Enter into contract with two (2) organizations to provide Domestic Violence Counseling Services to Little Rock citizens. The Children Youth and Families Commission recommended the specialized services of two (2) agencies; one (1) for children and one (1) for adults. 10. RESOLUTION NO. 13,235: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little Rock by special warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. (LANDBANK SPECIAL PROJECT) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at South Park Street. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 13,236: To accept title to nine (9) properties donated to the City of Little Rock by special warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. (LANDBANK SPECIAL PROJECT) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of nine (9) properties for use in the City's revitalization programs. M -1 RESOLUTION NO. 13,237: To authorize the City Manager to approve an amendment to the contract between the City of Little Rock and Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C., to provide legal counsel to represent the City before the Civil Service Commission; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval Synopsis: The City has a contract with Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus to provide legal counsel to represent the City before the Civil Service Commission. The contract states that in no event shall total remuneration exceed the sum of $45,000 per year unless the City and the Law Firm agree to an amendment to the contract. Due to an unexpected increase in Civil Service Commission appeals, the law firm is requesting and amendment to the contract. The contract expires on December 31, 2010. 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM M -2 RESOLUTION NO. 13,238: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little Rock by warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for Other purposes. Staff recommends approval Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at 3327 West 17`x' Street. M -3 RESOLUTION NO. 13,239: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little Rock by warranty deed, to be used for Neighborhood Revitalization Programs; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the Land Bank and maximize the City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at 3101 South Arch Street. Director Adcock asked why the legal services referred to in Item M -1 were not provided by the City Attorney's Office. City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated that the legal services referred to in Item M -1 were to represent Management before the Civil Service Commission and by State Statute; the City Attorney's Office represented the Commission itself. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to approve the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Consent Agenda was approved. Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Keck, to add Item 17 to the Grouped Items. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, Item 17 was added to the Grouped Items. GROUPED ITEMS (Items 12 —14; and Item 17) 12. ORDINANCE NO. 20,354; Z -8593: To reclassify property located in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 11 ayes and 0 nays. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the vacant lot, located at 4418 Company Street, is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -3 to R -7A. 13. ORDINANCE NO. 20,355; LU10- 18 -02: To amend the Land Use Plan in the Ellis Mountain Planning District from Residential Low Density and Industrial to Mining; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 11 ayes and 0 nays. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A Land Use Plan amendment in the Ellis Mountain Planning District from Residential Low Density and Industrial to Mining for future development. 4 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM 14. ORDINANCE NO. 20,356; Z -8598: To reclassify property located in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 11 ayes and 0 nays. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owners of the 34.37 -acre property, located approximately one - quarter mile north of 16220 Lawson Road, are requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -2 to M. 17. ORDINANCE NO. 20,357: To authorize the issuance and sale of Waste Disposal Refunding Revenue Bonds; providing for the payment of the principal of and interest on the Bonds; prescribing other matters relating thereof, to declare an emergency; and for Other purposes. Staff recommends approval. The ordinances were read the first time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read a third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinances were approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause for Item 17 was approved. SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 15 - 16) 15. RESOLUTION: To establish the procedure that the consideration of appointments to City Boards and Commissions shall be done in public as opposed to in Executive Session; and for other purposes. Director Adcock asked if the City Attorney had been able to determine how long the City had been classifying Board and Commissions Members as City Employees. City Attorney Carpenter stated that he had not been able to establish a clear date as to when the practice began. Director Adcock asked the City Attorney to explain the benefits of the proposed resolution. Director Keck asked that in addition to the benefits, the downfalls of the proposed resolution should be discussed. City Attorney Carpenter stated that he discussion of the benefits and downfalls should be discussed by the Board as they were a policy matter. As for the legal standpoint, City Attorney Carpenter stated that the reason the Board had been able to discuss Board and Commission appointments during Executive Session was due to the fact that the appointees were deemed to be City Employees. City Attorney Carpenter stated that under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, all meetings had to be held in public, with the exception of Executive Sessions to discuss personnel matters. City Attorney Carpenter stated that the proposed resolution would declare that the appointees were not employees, which meant mean that appointments could not be discussed in Executive Session. 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM Director Keck stated that if the process became to simply rubber -stamp the Mayor's selections, over time the number of applicants would drop and the discussion regarding the qualifications of potential appointees would be less. Director Keck stated that he did not feel comfortable supporting the proposed resolution at that time. Director Kumpuris stated that it was not fair to have the applications and qualifications aired in public of the individuals that were volunteering to serve on a Board or Commission, and for that reason he could not support the proposed resolution. Director Wright stated that she agreed with the issue of discussing individual's qualifications in public; therefore, she could not support the resolution. Director Adcock made the motion to adopt the resolution; however, the motion failed for the lack of a second. 16. ORDINANCE: To enable volunteers on City Boards and Commissions to do business with the City after a competitive selection process that involves more than one (1) bidder; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. (Second Reading)(]" Reading held on October 26, 2010) City Attorney Carpenter stated that since the Board had been in the process of addressing the issue for the last several weeks, he felt the ordinance was no longer necessary. City Attorney Carpenter stated that the proposed ordinance should be withdrawn and an ordinance could be crafted that would be complete and specific. Director Cazort stated that given the fact that the Board was proactively trying to address the issue, he did not think that the adoption of a generic ordinance was necessary at that point. Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Kumpuris, to table the issue until the first meeting in February. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the issue was tabled to the first meeting in February. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Hendrix, to hear Citizen's Communication before the 2011 Budget Discussion. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, Citizen's Communication was heard prior to the 2011 Budget Discussion. CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATION Ronald Lovelace, 7411 Azalea Drive: Asked about the Health Clinic at the building that formerly housed Southwest Hospital. Mayor Stodola stated that Mr. Lovelace would 6 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM need to visit with Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines and the Quorum Court regarding the status of that clinic. Grace Blagdon, 716 West 24t' Street: Updated the Board regarding Glo -Par. OTHER ITEMS (Item 18) 18. DISCUSSION: 2011 Budget Discussion City Manager Bruce Moore began the budget discussion by stating that the proposed 2011 Budget contained the following recommendations: ➢ Maintain current staffing levels. ➢ Continued funding to Pulaski County to ensure a minimum of 880 beds at the Regional Detention Facility. ➢ Continued funding for supplemental jail space for thirty (3 0) beds. ➢ Continued the boarding & securing of residential and commercial buildings. ➢ Continued funding for the Homeless Coordination Program. ➢ Continued funding for CYF /PIT at the current level. ➢ Continued funding for weed lot maintenance. ➢ Funding for contractual raises at 4% for IAFF, FOP and AFSCME. ➢ Funding for up to 4% merit -based raises for non -union employees. City Manager Moore stated that staff had worked to review major revenue streams, compute historical year -to -year growth, obtain State and County financial projections, obtain franchise fee projections and set initial 2011 growth projections. City Manager Moore stated that the 2011 revenue assumptions from anticipated 2010 year -end results were as follows: increase in County Sales Tax by 2.3 %; increase in City Sales Tax by 2.5 %; no increase in assessed valuation; 1% increase in business licenses; and a decrease of 1.2% in franchise fees. One -time transfers included $1,500,000 of debt service savings from refunding the 2002 Waste Disposal Bonds and $299,921 from Fleet Services. In addition, carry -over funds included 2010 Franchise and Sales Tax Revenues of $1,000,000, and 2010 excess vacancy savings of $1,000,000. City Manager Moore reported that the 2011Expenditure Assumptions and `Givens' were as follows: ➢ Union Contract agreements were reviewed. ➢ LOPFI and Municipal League projects were obtained ➢ Funding requests from outside agencies were received ➢ Reduction of $1,288,119 in General Debt Fund Service ➢ Increase in CATA funding request of $704,908 ➢ Balanced budget while maintaining current Public Safety levels. 7 Little Rock 'Board of Directors Meeting November 16, 2010 6:00 PM According to Mr. Moore, 2011 Personnel Assumptions include: 4% salary increase for contract and non -union employees; General Fund Vacancy Savings forecasted at $5,500,000; and no increase in health care costs for City Employees. Mr. Moore reported that effective January 1, 2011, Fire Pension would increase to 16.58 %, up from 15.58 %, and Police Pension would increase to 13.23 %, up from 12.23 %. In addition, on July 1, 2011, the Judges Pension would increase to 23.35 %, up from 16°/x, and the New Judges and Court Clerk's Pension would increase to 12.46°/x. Discussion was held regarding the fact that although the budget was balanced, a more long -term solution was needed to provide additional revenues to the City. Director Adcock asked that a survey be prepared for distribution at the Public Budget Hearings to ask citizens what was important to them in the way of City Services. Director Keck made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: APPROVED: Mark Stodola, Mayor