Board of Directors

MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AUGUST 2, 2004, AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Monday, August 2, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., Board Chambers, City Hall, with Mayor Mike Bush presiding. The invocation was given by Dr. Raymond Peoples, and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Bush. Mayor Bush called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1 Roll Call Roll call was as follows: Present: Directors Peggy Brunner-Maruthur, Elaine Jones, Burt Newell, Carroll Weatherford, Bill Edwards, Bob Wheeler, and Mike Bush, total 7. 2 Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Brunner- Maruthur, that the agenda be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3 Approval of Minutes of July 19, 2004 Board Meeting A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the minutes of the July 19, 2004 Board Meeting be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 4 Recognition of Guests No guests were present for recognition.  CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consisted of the following: 5 Public Safety Report (July 21, 2004). 6 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-178 Approving Certain Bid Awards [a] Sewer Rock - Utilities (annual supply contract awarded to John Jenkins and Company); [b] Screened Fines - Utilities (annual supply contract awarded to Spa City Gravel); and [c] Property Clearing and Cutting - Code (annual supply contract awarded to John T=s Excavation). 7 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-179 Approving an Application of a Loan with the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, State Revolving Loan Fund, for the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant and Various Wastewater System Improvements. 8 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-180 Declaring the Intent of the City of Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Refinance Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering Services Through the State Revolving Loan Program. 9 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-181 Designating the City Signatory Authority Agent for Participation in the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission State Revolving Loan Program. 10 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-182 Declaring the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission as the Designated Management Agency for the City of Hot Springs Wastewater Service Area. 11 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-183 Awarding a Contract to Friday, Eldredge & Clark for Legal Services as Bond Counsel for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission State Revolving Loan Program. Board of Directors Meeting 2 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M. 12 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-184 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Contract with NRS Engineering for Engineering Services Related to the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Facility. 13 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-185 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Contract Addendum No. 3 with Grimes Consulting Engineers (Taxiway “D” Improvement Project). 14 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-186 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Memorandum of Agreement Between the City and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Improvements to the Runway Safety for Runway 23 at the Airport. 15 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-187 Approving a Certain Street Name (Crackerbox Lane). A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Brunner- Maruthur, that the Consent Agenda be approved; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. 16 PUBLIC HEARING This being the time and date set for a public hearing on a petition to vacate an unnamed alley located in Fairdale Addition, Mayor Bush declared the public hearing open. There being no comments, Mayor Bush declared the public hearing closed. Board of Directors Meeting 3 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  NEW BUSINESS 17 Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-44 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF A CERTAIN UNNAMED ALLEY LOCATED IN FAIRDALE ADDITION,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the rules be suspended and the ordinance be read for the first time by title only; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. The ordinance was then read for the first time by title only; and upon the question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that the ordinance be passed as read; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner- Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 18 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-188 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION WAIVING WASTEWATER PERMIT FEES AND WASTEWATER IMPACT FEES FOR GARLAND COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, advised that a request was received from Garland County Habitat for Humanity to waive the wastewater permit fees and wastewater impact fees for the homes they construct for affordable housing. The Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization which provides affordable housing for low- income citizens; and according to Mr. John Goodman, Executive Director, they construct eight to ten homes per year. The fiscal impact of waiving the permit and impact fees would be approximately $5,750. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. Board of Directors Meeting 4 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M. 19 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-189 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF HOT SPRINGS MUNICIPAL WATER SERVICE TO TECHNOLOGY PLACE IN MID-AMERICA PARK (POWERHOUSE PROMOTIONS),” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, advised that this was discussed at the last Board Meeting. A letter was received from Mr. Jason Housley, with Powerhouse Promotions, requesting that the City install a water line at the City=s expense. He has now agreed to comply with the City’s policy which will require them to employ ten, full-time employees within the first 24 months of being in business. If they do not comply, Powerhouse Promotions will have to pay $2,000 per employee (the difference of whatever number of employees they have up to ten). Staff recommends that the City construct an eight-inch water main and fire hydrant to provide water service to any future development and fire protection. The cost is estimated to be $13,105. Mayor Bush questioned who will check this business in 24 months regarding the number of employees, and Mr. Cochran replied that his office will do a follow-up. Director Edwards asked the location of the nearest fire hydrant, and Mr. Cochran replied that the closest fire hydrant would be Mid-America Boulevard and Technology Place. Director Brunner-Maruthur pointed out that under the Board’s procedural guidelines, there is a provision regarding resubmission of items for another 180 days. She said that at the last Board Meeting, Mr. Housley said there was no serious interest in the lot next to him; and he will have five, full-time employees and several seasonal. She expressed concern that the City is going to pay the $13,000; and after he satisfies it and meets the requirement of the 24 months, he will return to employing five employees, which cannot be prevented by the City. She noted this business is in the County, and she understands this is to support business but will not help the citizens in the City. She pointed out if the City had a sunset on it, then that would be different. She suggested his hiring the ten employees first for a certain amount of time, and then the City could make it eight inches instead of two inches. She commented that she could not support this request. Board of Directors Meeting 5 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  City Manager Kent Myers mentioned this was denied at the last Board Meeting on a 3-3 vote. He stated the request has now changed, and the applicant has said he will meet the ten-employee requirement. He questioned under the current policy if this can be reconsidered tonight and under what procedure. City Attorney David White explained it is a new issue in that he is returning to the Board with a new proposal; and therefore, it would be appropriate as a new business item for the Board to consider. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Weatherford, Wheeler, Jones, Newell, and Bush, total 5. Voting “no”: Directors Edwards and Brunner-Maruthur, total 2; motion carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 20 Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-45 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE TO C-TR, COMMERCIAL TRANSITIONAL, TO INCLUDE A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED NORTH AND EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF MEADOWMERE TERRACE AND MALVERN AVENUE, ZONED R-1, RURAL RESIDENTIAL, AND R-2, SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the rules be suspended and the ordinance be read for the first time by title only; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. The ordinance was then read for the first time by title only; and upon the question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Jerry Raetz, Planning and Development Director, explained this rezoning would allow for the development of single-family homes as a permitted use and as a conditional use which would require an application to be considered by the Planning Commission. He stated that typically these are quiet, professional businesses that are approved in a CBTR zone. The Planning Commission had one abstention since one of the members lived in the neighborhood, but the other six members voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning. Board of Directors Meeting 6 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 21 Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-46 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE TO C-3, OFFICE/NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL, TO INCLUDE A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY, LOCATED AT 205 AND 207 FRANKLIN STREET, ZONED R-3, LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the rules be suspended and the ordinance be read for the first time by title only; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. The ordinance was then read for the first time by title only; and upon the question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Weatherford, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Richard Belanger, CEO for Combined Healthcare Credit Union, submitted information regarding the credit union which has been in existence for 37 years. He explained they are 50 percent minority-owned and are different from a bank to the extent that the members own the credit union. They are a nonprofit organization and extend credit primarily to many people who are not served by other financial institutions in the city. They are a low-income designated credit union; and in addition to normal credit union activities, they provide credit education, credit repair, credit rebuilding and credit counseling. He stated they are looking to expand their facility and serve individual employers, most of the medical facilities, physician offices, and city employees. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 22 Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-47 Board of Directors Meeting 7 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PENALTY AND PROCEDURE FOR VIOLATION OF OVERTIME PARKING IN RESTRICTED UNMETERED AND METERED PARKING SPACES,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Weatherford, that the rules be suspended and the ordinance be read for the first time by title only; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. The ordinance was then read for the first time by title only; and upon the question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, City Manager Kent Myers reported that at a recent meeting of the Downtown Merchants’ Association, Director Brunner-Maruthur and Director Weatherford were in attendance; and the merchants expressed concerns regarding a problem with parking downtown. He mentioned there are individuals who park all day, feed the meters; and if they get a ticket, they do not object to paying the $5 fine. He explained that in order to get the attention of those individuals and to create more parking for the hourly customer downtown, then the fee needed to be increased from $5 to $10 as far as the parking fines. He pointed out this is the recommendation of the Downtown Merchants’ Association and is citywide for delinquent parking. Director Jones said it has been brought to her attention that the City should consider lowering the cost of the Exchange Street Parking Facility, which would give people more access to parking there. Mayor Bush questioned the amount for the parking facility, and Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell stated that it is $1.00 per hour, $6.00 maximum per day; and $4.00 after 5:00 p.m. He noted this is in line with the other private lots, and there could be a problem with getting in competition with the other lots. Director Weatherford pointed out that the City has already lowered the monthly fee for the downtown merchants. Director Brunner-Maruthur said the downtown merchants felt if the individuals were only ticketed $5, it would not be a motivator for them to use the Exchange Street Parking Facility. Board of Directors Meeting 8 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  Director Newell asked if there was an ordinance limiting parking to two hours where the police would mark the tires, and Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell advised there are no parking meters downtown. He added it is two-hour parking which is free, but there is a two-hour limit. Director Newell questioned the meters in other areas of the City, and Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell advised they are $.25 an hour but vary in the time limit. There are some ten and five-hour meters, but the majority is two hours. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 6. Voting “no”: Director Newell; motion carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 23 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-190 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION ADOPTING CERTAIN REVISIONS TO THE 2004 BUDGET,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, City Manager Kent Myers reported that he Board held a work session about ten days ago on the budget; and the finances have improved over last year. There has been additional money due to sales tax increases, increases in breakage fees and other revenue sources. At the work session, the Board discussed adding several items back into the budget. There are also a couple of revisions to the listing of budget changes. Ms. Dorethea Yates, Finance Director, explained there is one correction regarding the funding of the salary increases for the Intracity Transit Fund. She added a line item for the IT Grant Match in the amount of $5,420 The total change in General Fund expenses has changed to $263,272. The net impact on the General Fund is now $267,346. Those changes are due to the increase in the transfer to the Intracity Transit Fund. Regarding the net impact on the Transit Fund, the increase in the fund balance was $1,711 but is now $7,131 which is due to an increase in the transfer from the General Fund of $5,420. City Manager Kent Myers stated that in the original packet for the mid-year budget meeting, there was discussion to add several items to the Exchange Street Parking Plaza Board of Directors Meeting 9 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M. (police substation - $47,500 and public restrooms - $111,000). The Board authorized staff to include in the listing the police substation, but the vote was 3-3 to not include the restroom at this time. He stated that Director Jones has requested that the Board reconsider including the restroom. He advised that Mr. Jack Greenway, Chief Building Official, felt that they need to be vandal-proof restrooms; and each of the restrooms would have five toilets and a sink. He advised if the Board does not want to add the total amount of $111,000 to the budget at this time, the City has the ability to finance these improvements through a lease purchase. The lease purchase would be in the total amount of $117,110 principal and $7,000 interest, which could be paid out over three years at a rate of $39,000 a year. Director Jones stated she attended an event at the parking facility this weekend; and there were two porta-potties, which are not sanitary; and there were over 1,000 people in attendance. She stated that the restrooms across the street are locked at 6 p.m. She stressed there is a great need for them and asked that the Board reconsider adding those in the budget. Director Weatherford pointed out there are three events this year and will be four next year, plus there will be downtown visitors; and there is no restroom facility unless they go across the street to the National Park. Director Edwards stated the City cannot have a 24-hour restroom downtown and not place restrictions on the time. Director Brunner-Maruthur said the downtown merchants gave a list at their meeting, and that was one of the requests. During the work session, Mr. Steve Smith commented that the merchants did not want it, which surprised her. She said that the number of commodes was five women and five men and questioned if there is any way they can be scaled down. Also, with the construction of the police substation, she asked if there would be any facilities there for the police; and City Manager Kent Myers advised there would not. He added that the police substation will not be a manned facility, but the officer will be there periodically to do paperwork. Director Brunner-Maruthur stated if the City is going to have a substation, there should be a facility there for the police. She said she would like to get another bid or make a provision. She pointed out if there are events at the Exchange Street Parking Plaza, there must be provisions for the people. Board of Directors Meeting 10 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  Director Newell asked if the downtown merchants were in favor of it, and Director Brunner-Maruthur replied they gave her a sheet of paper saying they were. Director Newell questioned who wanted the police substation, and Mayor Bush stated that the Board voted for it. Director Newell commented that those have been discussed in the past years, and the Police Chief has not been in favor of the substations anywhere else. He questioned if he was in favor of this one, and Mayor Bush advised that he spoke in favor of it at the Board Work Session. Mayor Bush asked how many people use the parking facility daily, and City Manager Kent Myers stated that it is 20 to 40 per day. City Manager Kent Myers stated that staff can take the comments and scale back the restrooms and draw up the plans and bid this out. The Board can make the decision once it is bid out. He recommended that the Board not amend the budget at this time but allow staff to return with some firm numbers and go through a design and bidding process. He suggested considering three toilets on each side instead of five. Director Brunner-Maruthur mentioned that prior to the parking facility, there was not a place for a police substation; and they have experienced many problems in the evening. She said that the Police Chief made it clear that he thought it was a needed facility. Director Edwards pointed out that the use of the police substation will not be consistent and questioned spending that much money if officers will not be there all the time. Director Newell said that he would be in favor of it if there would be officers there at all times, but an empty building is another source of vandalism. City Manager Kent Myers stated that he can arrange for the Police Chief to be at the next meeting or proceed and bid this item out, and he can be present for the presentation of the bid prices. Director Edwards suggested that he talk with the Chief before proceeding. Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell said if it is the Board’s intent to bid the restrooms, there will have to be engineering fees in order to develop the specifications, which means approximately $7,500 will need to be added to the budget for engineering fees. He added that according to code, if 1,000 people are expected, the restrooms have to meet a certain size. City Manager Kent Myers pointed out that the City is leasing the facility out for non- city events, and it is being used without restroom facilities. Board of Directors Meeting 11 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  Regarding the fire hydrant painting program, Director Weatherford said that he talked with Mr. Jason Lawrence, Court Administrator, regarding community service workers performing that work. Director Brunner-Maruthur requested that Mr. Bill Bradbury, training officer with the Fire Department, address this issue. Mr. Bradbury advised that the Fire Department’s main concern is to maintain the color coding on the caps that reflects the amount of water which flows from each hydrant and that the work is done in order not to interfere with accessing any of the caps. He pointed out that the work would have to be done where there would not be any paint on the threads. If it met those needs, he said he did not see a problem with it. Director Brunner-Maruthur stated that the Fire Chief was concerned about an ongoing program being started, and this was a public safety issue because the colors indicate what is available; and in an emergency, that is important. Mr. Bradbury mentioned that on top portion where the turn stem is located, there are four different colors they use. If someone painted those hydrants other than the Fire Department painting the tops, then he would have to make sure they kept with the Fire Department’s color coding. Director Brunner-Maruthur said that the Fire Chief was also concerned about using a certain type of paint, and many of the fire hydrants are very old and rusted and need to be scraped. Mr. Bradbury explained that they have a maintenance program. As far as painting the entire hydrant, he stated they do not do that but mainly take all of the caps off and make sure the threads are not damaged, lubricate them, as well as flow water, and then paint the top portion of the hydrants to match the flow of water that they can expect from each hydrant. Director Brunner-Maruthur stated that she would like to see this program remain in the budget, noting this is a public safety issue. She said that she would like to see an official program established by the City to protect the citizens. Director Edwards asked how often the fire hydrants should be painted, and Mr. Bradbury advised that they check the flow on the hydrants yearly. If the flow has changed from year-to-year, then they change the top portion. However, they do not paint the entire hydrant but just the cap of the hydrant which is where they look for their flow. Board of Directors Meeting 12 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  Director Weatherford said that he spoke with Mr. Lawrence, and he is confident there are people in the community service program who can paint fire hydrants to save the City money. Director Brunner-Maruthur mentioned she has been trying for about ten years to get something specific going; and that it appears when it comes to public safety, the City uses volunteers and public service. Mr. Jason Lawrence said that he and Director Weatherford had discussed having someone from the Fire Department supervise the program and try it. He pointed out that part of the work in the Board Chambers was done by alternative community service workers. City Manager Kent Myers suggested including this in the budget at this time and not contracting it out, and possibly Mr. Lawrence could try it for 60 or 90 days. If there is not reasonable progress, then the money will be in the budget and can proceed with the contractor. It was the consensus of the Board to leave $10,000 in the budget for the fire hydrants painting program and use the alternative community service workers for several months and review the progress. Regarding the restroom facility at the parking facility, City Manager Kent Myers advised that at the present time, the price is $111,000 but will try to get that price down. He pointed out that is meeting code requirements and may not be able to lower that, but it will be a not-to-exceed figure. Also, the staff will look at decreasing the toilets on each side. However, the City may not be able to do that in order to meet the building codes. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Jones, to add a “not to exceed” figure in the amount of $111,000 in the budget for public restrooms at the Exchange Street Parking Plaza; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Regarding the police substation, Director Newell stated that in all of the previous discussions regarding police substations, Police Chief Ashcraft has never been in favor of them. He said that he would like to have officers in the substations; but if it is going to be vacant most of the time, he did not want to spend $50,000 and create a vacant space. Board of Directors Meeting 13 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  Director Brunner-Maruthur pointed out that the Police Chief had said it was coming out of his budget, and she did not think he would recommend it if he did not feel it was necessary. She said that he felt it was needed in this area since they are having problems. She added if space can be provided, then the City can always change how they use it. Director Newell said he would support it but did not want to see wasted funds. It was the consensus of the Board to leave the police substation in the budget. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the resolution with the addition of the restrooms; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted, as amended. 24 Out-of-State Travel for Directors Weatherford, Jones and Edwards A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Jones, to approve the out-of-state travel for Directors Weatherford, Jones and Edwards to attend the National League of Cities Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 30 through December 4, 2004. OTHER BUSINESS 25 Board of Directors Items Director Edwards expressed appreciation to all the employees who did the renovation on the Board Chambers and also to Director Maruthur for the decorating. Director Jones thanked Mr. Jerry Raetz and Mr. Nelson Self for their help with over 50 applicants last week for HUD monies. Director Weatherford expressed appreciation to those who participated in the Spa Rib Cookoff Saturday, July 31. Director Brunner-Maruthur announced that anyone who has street lights out, may call 1-800-ENTERGY. There is a metal tag on each pole beginning with SL and four numbers, and citizens need to give the numbers and street name when reporting their street lights out. She also stated there have been many phone calls regarding problems Board of Directors Meeting 14 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M. with mosquitoes and suggested that residents landscape their property. She pointed out this can be controlled by repairing leaky faucets, cleaning storm drains, and chlorinating swimming pools. According to the Health Department, one of the biggest offenders is having pots outside with standing water. It also helps to reduce the number of mosquitoes by providing air and light, as well as trimming bushes. She said that she has received numerous requests for spraying. Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell reported there has never been an official spraying program, but many years ago, diesel fuel was used. City Manager Kent Myers said if any complaints are received to refer them to his office and possibly the City can do some isolated assistance rather than a citywide program because there may be some standing water, and it may be a code enforcement issue. Director Brunner-Maruthur commented this related to an abundance of kudzu creating a canopy, and the complaints were from Logans Loop and Ramble. City Manager Kent Myers requested that she have citizens call his office, and he will see if he can help them on an individual basis. 26 City Manager’s Report City Manager Kent Myers gave the following report: 1. Regarding the Consent Agenda, the Board approved a property clearing and cutting, which will provide a faster response to the complaints on high weed lots. The Board approved a per square foot bid so that the City now has the ability to hire the two contractors to take care of the problems immediately once the property owners have been notified. This will speed up the response time about three or four weeks. The Board approved seven items related to the financing of the new wastewater treatment plant. The best financing available is through the State of Arkansas (revolving loan fund - about a 3.25 percent interest rate on a 20-year loan or 3 percent on 10 years). In addition, there were a number of smaller projects included in that loan program. Plans are to continue the grinder pump replacement program, which was added in at $947,000. The City is also going to replace the sewer line up Highway 7 North, which will go through Gulpha Gorge and continue onto Belvedere Country Club ($1 million project). The total projects for the loan is $7.7 million. The new plant will enable the area around Lake Hamilton School to continue to grow and will also save on electrical costs in pumping that sewage back into the City. Board of Directors Meeting 15 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.  2. He recognized those individuals who were responsible for the renovation of the Board Chambers (Architect Doug Arnold, who designed the improvements; Public Works Director Ron Kohler; Property Maintenance Department (Wes Burton and J. C. Kingery); Terry Payne and Lois Baker, Public Information Department; Harvey Oxner with Resort Cable Television; Lee Hadlock with Dr. Video; and Director Brunner-Maruthur. He stated this is Phase I; and in the 2005 budget, plans are to have funds to complete the improvements, which will add new sound and video equipment, television monitors, and any other items the Board wants to do as Phase II in 2005. He said that Director Jones wants to consider restroom improvements. 3. The City is continuing to receive phone calls on the new disconnect policy for water services. In response to that, the City is making courtesy calls for customers that have maintained a good account with the City and will entitle them to an additional five days. If the courtesy call does not result in them paying their bill, then they will be disconnected. Many of the customers have good payment records, and now the City is making a courtesy call to those individuals prior to turning off the service. He stated the criteria in defining a good account is that their water has not been disconnected in the past 12 months; they have not been late on their payment more than two times during the past 12 months; and they have not given the City any bad checks in the past 12 months. 4. Complaints have been received regarding the downtown crosswalk construction project. The contractor shut down for a couple of days due to the visit by the Vice President today and tomorrow. The contractor has the ability to move to another job for a couple of weeks and come back to the project on Central Avenue on August 16. Several of the downtown merchants have indicated they would prefer waiting two weeks, and tourism traffic will be decreasing by that time. 5. City staff has worked over the last several months with downtown property owners and merchants in trying to develop the first annual downtown development conference. As a result, a draft brochure has been designed that will be taken to the downtown group tomorrow. On September 30, 2004, at 12 noon, at the Arlington Hotel, the keynote speaker will be Jeff Sanford, who is the president of the Center City Commission in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the key player in the redevelopment of downtown Memphis. The City will cover the $25 registration for the Directors. Board of Directors Meeting 16 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M. 27 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m, to meet again on Monday, August 16, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting 17 August 2, 2004, at 7:00 P.M.