Board of Directors

MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MARCH 6, 2006, AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Monday, March 6, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., Board Chambers, City Hall, with Mayor Mike Bush presiding. The invocation was given by Mr. Isaih Jernigan, 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 Maruthur, Elaine Jones, Steve Smith, Carroll Weatherford, Bill Edwards, and Mike Bush, total 6. Absent: Director Tom Daniel. 2 Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the agenda be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3 Approval of Minutes of February 20, 2006 Board Meeting A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the minutes of the February 20, 2006 Board Meeting be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 4 Recognition of Guests Director Edwards recognized Mr. David Johnston. CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consisted of the following: 5 Public Safety Report (February 26, 2006). 6 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-77 Approving Certain Bid Awards (a) Patrol Vehicle Equipment - Police Department [annual supply contract awarded to Fleet Safety Equipment, Inc., in the amount of $2,204.48 per vehicle]; (b) Highway 7 South Bridge Wastewater Line Rehabilitation - Utilities [reject and rebid]; and (c) Laptop Computers [16], PC’s [2], and Related Equipment - Utilities and Public Information [awarded to Gateway in the amount of $28,076.75]. 7 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-78 Approving the Extension of Hot Springs Municipal Wastewater Service to Bledsoe Circle (Lots 50 through 56). 8 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-79 Approving the Extension of Hot Springs Municipal Wastewater Service to Fountain Lake Drive-In. 9 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-80 Approving the Extension of Hot Springs Municipal Water and Wastewater Service to Kaufman Road Town Homes. 10 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-81 Approving the Extension of Hot Springs Municipal Water and Wastewater Service to Glenstone Subdivision. 11 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-82 Approving the Extension of Hot Springs Municipal Water and Wastewater Service to 134 Kelly Drive. 12 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-83 Approving the Extension of Hot Springs Municipal Water and Wastewater Service to Farr Shores Villas Located on Farrs Landing Road. 13 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-84 Awarding a Contract to Henderson Specialties, Inc. for Water Intake Gate Repairs at Lake Ricks. Board of Directors Meeting 2 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. 14 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-85 Awarding a Contract for Engineering Services to Engineers, Inc. (Design Services for Annual [2006] Water and Wastewater Line Replacements). 15 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-86 Approving an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Grant Application by the Bank of the Ozarks in the Amount of $100,000 to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Texas, for Expansion of the “Single-Family, Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program.” 16 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-87 Authorizing Filing and Accepting a Grant with the U. S. Department of Justice Pursuant to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. 17 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-88 Approving Certain Street Names (Bluebell Place, Coneflower Court, and Larkspur Court). 18 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-89 Awarding a Contract for Engineering Services to Pettit and Pettit Consulting Engineers for Design of a Replacement Chiller and Chiller Plant Controls at the Residential Life Building at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and The Arts. A motion was made by Director Smith, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the Consent Agenda be approved; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Smith, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Daniel; motion unanimously carried. PUBLIC HEARING 19 Public Hearing on Petition to Vacate a Portion of an Unnamed Alley Located in Block 118 of Orr’s Subdivision This being the time and date set for a public hearing on a petition to vacate a portion of an unnamed alley located in Block 118 of Orr’s Subdivision, Mayor Bush declared the public hearing open. There being no comments, Mayor Bush declared the public hearing closed. Board of Directors Meeting 3 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.  NEW BUSINESS 20 Proposed Ordinance No. O-06-19 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF AN UNNAMED ALLEY LOCATED IN BLOCK 118 OF ORR’S SUBDIVISION,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Maruthur, 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 Smith, that the ordinance be passed as read; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Smith, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Daniel; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 21 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-90 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO HELLER CO., INC. FOR HIGHWAY 7 NORTH/GULPHA GORGE WASTEWATER LINE REHABILITATION,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Don Cochran, Director of Utilities, advised that this project will consist of pipe bursting the existing 8-inch and 10-inch wastewater line and increasing the pipe size to a 12-inch pipe. The project extends on Highway 7 North around the Belvedere Subdivision following Highway 7 back into town and then through Gulpha Gorge. The project also consists of rehabilitating some of the wastewater lines within the Belvedere Subdivision. On February 21, bids were opened on this project, and three contractors responded. Heller Company was the lowest overall bidder in the amount of $1,743,111. This project will be funded through the State Revolving Loan Program and the loan the City receives from Arkansas Natural Resource Commission. The total amount of the loan was $9 million. Board of Directors Meeting 4 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.  Mayor Bush asked for an explanation of pipe bursting, and Mr. Cochran explained there is a machine that looks similar to a bullet and is about the same size in diameter of the 8-inch pipe and around 3 feet long. As this bullet is pulled through the pipe, it expands and bursts the existing pipe; and behind, it is pulling the new pipe in its place. As it is pulled down the line by a cable, it bursts the old pipe out of the way and pulls the new pipe with it. Director Maruthur commented she has checked into this and stated this will expand the 8-inch and 10-inch to a 12-inch wastewater delivery service from DeSoto Park to Belvedere. She said the definition of pipe bursting is a semi-trenchless method of installing pipes to replace badly damaged lines and is ideal for increasing the capacity of existing lines. Since it requires very little excavation, pipe bursting is a good solution for installing new pipes without disrupting businesses, residences, and the environment. She explained that in the process, a plastic-type pipe is pulled through the old line, which is shattered as the new pipe is pulled through; and the broken pieces are displaced into the surrounding soil. She said much of this pipe is clay and cement; therefore, it is not a threat to the environment. She added this is the only pipe rehabilitation method that makes it possible to replace a line without excavation. Mr. Cochran noted they selected the method for this area because a large amount of this line goes through the National Park, and it is very difficult to go outside the easement in the National Park territory. Therefore, they needed a method that would limit the excavation in that area. Director Maruthur questioned how soon this will take place; and Mr. Cochran advised that as soon as the contract is awarded tonight, he will meet with the contractor and give him a Notice to Proceed. The contractor will have between 10 to 30 days to get the pipe materials ordered and probably start to work within the next 30 to 45 days. Director Edwards asked if this line follows the highway, and Mr. Cochran advised that it parallels the highway on the north through the Gorge and Highway 7. He added that most of it is on the edge of the pavement. Director Edwards asked if the residents who are on this line will be out of service for a certain number of hours, and Mr. Cochran replied there are not many service lines to homes. However, the contractor will do one or two sections at a time; and by the end of the day, he would have all of the service lines reconnected. He stressed they would not leave anyone out of service for more than a few hours. Board of Directors Meeting 5 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.  Director Smith asked if there was any track history with this type of technology, and Mr. Cochran advised that the City has used it over the years with no problems that he is aware of. City Manager Kent Myers suggested that since there seems to be some interest from the Board on this project, that possibly Mr. Heller could set up a demonstration for the Board to show them the process. He asked that Mr. Cochran set that up once Mr. Heller starts and invite the Board to see this process. Mr. Cochran said that he will get a schedule and then find a good location where they can observe the process. Director Maruthur commented this is the opposite of when they were proposing to do sleeving where they put it inside the existing pipe without removing the pipe. Mr. Cochran explained that it is basically the same thing except with this method, they are able to expand and put in a larger pipe. He mentioned with the other method, they would put in a smaller pipe because it would fit inside the existing pipe. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Smith, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Daniel; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 22 Proposed Resolution No. R-06-91 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF SIGHTSEEING PERMIT #13 AND CBID # 2 PERMIT # H FROM OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TOURS TO SOUTHWEST TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Director Smith questioned where they are going to operate, and Mr. David Johnston, Southwest Transportation Services, Inc., advised that they are going to operate from their Airport Shuttle offices as far as the equipment is concerned and will also operate the storefront on Central Avenue where Outdoor Adventure Tours previously operated and will sell tickets there. Also, they will operate the loading services out of the same location. Board of Directors Meeting 6 March 6, 2006 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 Maruthur, Jones, Smith, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Daniel; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 23 Proposed Ordinance No. O-06-20 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF CERTAIN SOLE-SOURCE ITEMS (SEWER PUMPS AND PARTS); REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 5349; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Edwards, 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 Jones, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the ordinance be passed as read; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Smith, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Daniel; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. OTHER BUSINESS 24 Board of Directors Items Director Jones reminded the students and parents that this week is the testing week and would like to see the scores increase and the parents involved in the homework. Director Edwards invited the Board to the Head Start school board meeting next Thursday at 12 noon, 600 West Grand. Director Smith reported that one of the local businesses has been recognized by a publication, Arkansas Business. These are statewide awards; and a local business in the 800 block of Central, Art Exchange, has been recognized as one of the finalists for business of the year for businesses with 25 or less employees. Board of Directors Meeting 7 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.  Director Maruthur advised if street lights are out, citizens may call 1-800-ENTERGY. There is a metal tag attached to the pole beginning with SL, plus four digits; and also they need to give the street name. She reported there is a new program if people are having difficulty when driving with seeing around a corner due to a visibility obstruction. To report this, citizens may call 321-6861. Director Edwards commented that the mercury vapor lights have been outlawed and asked if it is an environmental issue. City Manager Kent Myers explained that they have not been outlawed, but the State Legislature approved during the last session a requirement that they be shielded. He explained that a shield must be installed around the lights so that the elimination shines down rather than out. He stated that all new lights the City adds will require the shield around them, which will increase the cost over 50 percent for new street lights. He advised that the Arkansas Municipal League is discussing returning to the Legislature and allowing cities to adopt those shields on a local option basis. 25 City Manager’s Report City Manager Kent Myers gave the following report: 1. A project that the Board discussed over a year ago is the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial project on Whittington Avenue. Today, he and Public Works Director Steve Mallett met with Mr. Morris Cash on-site, and they have generated enough funds for the project where they feel comfortable starting construction. They are continuing to solicit donations in the community and will start on the project this month. If anyone is interested in supporting that project, they may contact Mr. Morris Cash, at Mid-South Engineering. 2. Tomorrow night, there will be a Board Work Session at 6 p.m., and there are seven items on the agenda. Most of the items are intended to bring the Board up to date on some important issues facing the City in the near future, such as future locations of fire stations, future water source, accessing water from Lake Ouachita, etc. 3. He just returned Saturday from Washington, DC as part of the LeadAR leadership group. They met for over an hour with Mr. James Lee Witt, former director of FEMA, and also met with the Congressional representatives and their staff members. He advised that Mr. Beau Bishop, with Congressman Ross’s office, is resubmitting a request for $2.8 million for rock slide mitigation. He informed him that the City does not have the 20 percent match budgeted, and Congressman Ross advised that he did not believe a match would be required with the earmark they are requesting. They are placing this at the top of Board of Directors Meeting 8 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. their priority list and working on appropriations at the present time. The appropriations will take several months; but at this point, it is going to be requested from Congressman Ross’s office, which is a direct result from the meetings held with the Congressman last year. He stated that the Directors may give him a call if they choose. Director Edwards stated that he wants to send Congressman Ross a letter since he is working on an issue for him. 26 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m., to meet again on Monday, March 20, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: _____________________ APPROVED:__________________ Lance Hudnell, City Clerk Mike Bush, Mayor Board of Directors Meeting 9 March 6, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.