Board of Directors

MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MAY 4, 2010, AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., Board Chambers, City Hall, with Mayor Mike Bush presiding. The invocation was given by Ms. Barbara Cooper, 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, Cynthia Keheley, Pat McCabe, Rick Ramick, Tom Daniel, and Mike Bush, total 7. 2 Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Director McCabe, duly seconded by Director Keheley, that the agenda be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3 Approval of Minutes of April 20, 2010 Board Meeting A motion was made by Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the minutes of the April 20, 2010 Board Meeting be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 4 Recognition of Guests Director Maruthur stated that at the employee awards banquet, there were two awards presented for excellence in innovations. One was to Ms. Peggy Beggs, Personal Computer Tech, who had concerns about the computer system and designed a back-up system, which proved very beneficial since there was a system crash a week later. She mentioned the other individual was Ms. Jeff Fields, Public Information Assistant, who created an employee crossword puzzle. Mr. Fields then announced that Mr. Daniel Crowe, from Utilities Department, won the $60 super prize for completing both phases of the employee newsletter puzzle. He said this contest was designed to create more communication between departments and also to educate the employees on different departments and what they do. Mr. Daniel Crowe won $50 for winning the super prize, and Mr. Fields and Ms. Minnie Lenox, Human Resources Director, donated the money. Mr. Crowe also won a $10 prize for creating a clever caption for a photo that was in the employee newsletter featuring Mr. Steve Mallett, Deputy City Manager for Public Works/Utilities; Mr. Lance Spicer, City Clerk; Mr. Bob Reddish, Resident Advisor for Intracity Transit; and Mr. Nathan Neighbors, Recreation Supervisor, when they were doing some landscaping. 5 Board of Directors Announcements Director Daniel stated that on Saturday, May 15, at 8 a.m., there will be the 5th Annual Stueart Pennington Running of the Tubs. It will start on Central Avenue at the Arlington Hotel and come down to the Buckstaff about the finish line in front of the water fountain at the Exchange Street Parking Plaza, with the chicken cook-off immediately following that. He stated these events are sponsored by the Downtown Association of Hot Springs, and proceeds are designated for the lighting of the trees and the lighting of the buildings downtown. Director Keheley extended an invitation to all the citizens of Hot Springs to help celebrate with the City the formal dedication of the new Farmers Market facility and pavilion on Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m., at the new pavilion, 121 Orange. 6 CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consisted of the following: 7 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-89 Approving Certain Bid Awards - (a) Towing/Flat Changing - Fleet Service [annual supply contract awarded to Burks and Mahoney]; and (b) Janitorial Service - City Hall, Parks Department, Utility Administration, Animal Services, Transportation Plaza, Sanitation Locations (4), Police Department, Street Department, and Parking Deck [annual supply contract awarded to ServiceOne of Arkansas, Board of Directors Meeting 2 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.  ServiceMaster, James Enterprises, Dow Building Service, and Elliott Maintenance]. 8 Proposed Resolution No. R–10 -90 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Addendum No. 2 to the Contract with Delta Airport Consultants, Inc. for Runway 13/31 Rehabilitation, Phase II. 9 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-91 Awarding a Contract to Brown Engineers, LLC for Wastewater Grinder Lift Station Radio Alarm Meter Engineering Services. 10 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-92 Extending an Agreement with Emergency Communications Network for the CodeRED_ Emergency Notification System (August 19, 2010). 11 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-93 Authorizing the Filing of a Grant Application with the U. S. Department of Justice Pursuant to the Edward Byrne Memorial Local Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program for Certain Law Enforcement Equipment and Vehicles. 12 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-94 Authorizing the Filing of a Grant Application with the U. S. Department of Justice Pursuant to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. 13 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-95 Accepting a Grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grant Program for Restrooms at Family Park. 14 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-96 Accepting a Scholarship from the 2010 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Center for DWI Courts (NCDC) DWI Court Training Program. Board of Directors Meeting 3 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.  A motion was made by Director Ramick, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Upon discussion, Mr. George Pritchett, 125 Carl Drive, spoke against an item on the Public Safety Report installing bike lanes all the way through downtown. He said that he is presuming there is 7 feet per car, 2-1/2 feet to open the door, and 1-1/2 feet, which is a total of 11 feet. In those areas where this is taking place, he stated it takes 22 feet out of the roadway. He noted there are people riding bicycles today in the traffic lane because it is the safest place to ride. He pointed out if a bicyclist is in this four-foot area and someone opens a door and swerves, they will be killed in a traffic lane. He commented that a bike lane downtown where there are semi-trucks, fire trucks, and emergency vehicles, the bicyclists are often wearing radios. He added there is not sufficient room in the traffic lanes from approximately the Malco Theater up to the fountain. He stressed that someone can get killed. He said without public input and without the merchants and bicyclists being involved, he does not think the Board should pass it. He stated he would like to see the representative from the Police Department, who thought this was alright, to measure the width of the street. He urged the Board to remove this item from the Public Safety Committee Report and open it up for public input. Director Keheley stated that she thinks it is a wonderful concept. However, she understands there are going to be shared lanes on both sides of Central Avenue from Park Avenue all the way to Market Street. Mr. Mallett replied that is correct. Director Keheley asked if the Public Safety Committee approved this unanimously and what endorsements did they have. Mr. Mallett advised this is currently a shared roadway, but there are signs on the poles that designate it as a shared road. He pointed out this is not setting aside any additional lanes, and this is not a dedicated lane for a bicycle. He explained this is basically just being more aware to the motorists and to the bicyclists that this is a shared roadway, and they have to yield to the bicyclists who choose to be in a roadway because bicycles and vehicles are considered mode of transportation. He added they both have the same right to utilize the roadway in the City’s Trails Master Plan. He pointed out the standard drawing included in the Board packet shows, from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, this is the safest place and best place for both vehicles and bicycles. He advised the City has an approval from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department where they approved the installation of markings on Highway 7, and they also say it needs to be put in accordance with the MUTCD, which it is. He mentioned they also have approval Board of Directors Meeting 4 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. from the Central Business Improvement District to do the same thing, and it was unanimous approval at the recent meeting from them to install the arrow. City Manager Lance Hudnell pointed out it is in also accordance with the Master Trails Plan that went through public hearings. He reiterated that it is already a shared ride marking, and this is just adding markings to an already-designation. Mr. Mallett added it is just a marking and a cycle with two arrows and designates that it is a shared roadway. He stressed it is not a designated bike lane, and the City is not adding a lane. Director Maruthur said the width does deviate and mentioned that she has had to pull over several times because of LifeNet, and she has great concerns about this. She pointed out it is not a matter of not wanting them but is a matter of public safety. Mr. Mallett stated it is basically another way to sign what is already there; and the signs on the posts, indicating a shared roadway with a cycle under it, basically does the same thing on the road. Director Maruthur mentioned there could be an instance where there is an emergency vehicle and a car hits a bicyclist. City Manager Lance Hudnell stated that the bicyclist and the car are in the same lane. Director Jones commented that they both have to pull over anyway regardless. Director Maruthur pointed out that sometimes there is no place to pull over. Mr. Mallett commented there is not enough room for a bicycle and a car to be in the same lane together. He added this basically lets the vehicles know that bicycles have as much right to occupy the full lane as a vehicle does. Director Keheley pointed out there is no striping, just signage; and Mr. Mallett replied there is no striping and no line. Director Daniel commented everyday there are bicycles up and down Central Avenue and have been for years. He said he had a concern about that also; but it was explained that the City is not striping anything and is not taking any more space than what it has the right to have under the state law because it is a state highway. He added all the City is doing is making them more aware, and there are signs down there already. Board of Directors Meeting 5 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.  Director Maruthur said she would like to see this item considered for a separate vote. She questioned when the Master Plan was done, if there were bump-outs; and Mr. Mallett replied there were not. A motion was made by Director Maruthur, duly seconded by Director Jones, to remove Item 09-125 from the Public Safety Report and move to New Business; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to approve the other items in the Public Safety Report and the remaining Consent Agenda; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS 6 Item No. 09-125 of Public Safety Report A motion was made by Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, to approve Item No. 09-125 (Place Shared Lane Marking [Sharrows] decals in accordance with Section 9C.07 of the MUTCD, 2009 Edition, on Central Avenue Between Park Avenue and Market Street) of the Public Safety Report; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, and Daniel, total 5. Voting “no”: Director Maruthur and Mayor Bush, total 2; motion carried. 15 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-97 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS, AND JAMES MORTON, D.B.A. PACOM, INC. FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY AT THE AIRPORT,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. Board of Directors Meeting 6 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.  A motion was made by Director Keheley, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Mr. George Downie, Airport Director, explained this is the standard lease form for unimproved grounds on the Airport; and the lease has some minor changes in the wording as suggested by the Airport Advisory Committee and the City Attorney. He explained that a time frame has been inserted in the standard ground lease for which construction is to begin and end. He added all taxes are to be paid by the tenant, and these are real estate taxes and taxes assessed against the improvements and the grounds. He reported all plans for construction must be submitted to the City for approval. He advised Mr. Morton has submitted a conceptual drawing of the hangars he proposes and is proposing between 20 and 25 hangars, which will be storage units housing King Air jets and other smaller-type aircraft. He advised the largest hangar is 4,200 square feet, and others will be 3,600 square feet and 2,000 square feet. He proposes to build smaller units, and these units will house multiple aircraft. He said there is a need for storage units for approximately 50 aircraft, and some of these people have been on the hangar waiting list for several years. He pointed out in regard to the financial situation, the Airport cannot float bonds and build anymore hangars. He advised that he has spoken with at least five local individuals in attempting to get this done but has not succeeded. He explained they cannot put a plan together where they can get a quick enough return back or a substantial enough return back on their investment. However, Mr. Morton has come up with a financial plan; and he has given the Airport a copy of his financial backing contract with the bank. He noted he is planning on investing from $2 million to $2.2 million in this project, and the benefits from this will be the relocation of aircraft to Hot Springs which will increase fuel sales. Also, it will create jobs during the construction part. He advised that state and local taxes will increase based on the fuel sales and aircraft brought to Arkansas from other states. He mentioned at the end of the 30-year lease, which is being proposed, the City will end up with all the improvements that were submitted in 30 years. Director Maruthur questioned how many years the City has been trying to get this developed, and Mr. Downie replied that it is 2½ years. Director Maruthur asked if he is the first private person, and Mr. Downie advised that he is not the first. He added that he has dealt with several local entrepreneurs who were unable to bring a substantial return on their investment. He added Mr. Morton is approaching it with a different point of view that he actually will be selling these individual units as well, which other airports have done this. He noted they have sold their hangars but still at the termination of the 30-year agreement, no matter when he sells them, even if he sells Board of Directors Meeting 7 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. those units ten years from now, that individual owner will only have 20 years of owning that hangar before it reverts back to the City. Director McCabe commented if there is a land lease involved at $300 per acre and if he sold all of the units, Mr. Morton would still be paying the land lease. Mr. Downie advised that is correct. Director McCabe pointed out in the land lease, the cost of living adjustment was every five years and asked if that was a city policy. Mr. Downie advised that it is an airport policy on all long-term leases, and that is the way it is with the GCEDC (every five years) and especially on the long-term leases exceeding 20 years. He mentioned on the smaller units that the Airport owns, it is every two years. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 16 Proposed Resolution No. R-10-98 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN CENSUS TRACTS OF THE CITY FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Maruthur, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, City Manager Lance Hudnell advised this came about because of two projects currently occurring in the City. One has to do with the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and The Arts; and the other has to do with the redevelopment of the Majestic Hotel. Both of those entities desire to take advantage of a tool known as New Market Tax Credits, and one of the criteria for the financing agency has to do with the area in which those projects are located being designated by the governing body as a redevelopment and investment district. He stated that the City has not done this before but is doing this in regard to the two projects; and in working with Mr. Dave Byerly, the City looked at a larger area so it could take advantage of other things that he was aware of. He added that the Planning Department staff looked at this as well to see if there are other areas contiguous to this that the City would want to use for these same issues if some another developer came along. For simplicity sake, the boundaries of the census tracts were used, which also Board of Directors Meeting 8 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. helps the developers because they can go to the census data, pull the data for those districts, and put it together as a package without having to figure out how much population is in or out of a district if a census tract were split. He advised this is not permanent, and additional districts can be created later. He mentioned this resolution is somewhat of an urgency because of the closing pending on the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and The Arts for their tax credits, as well as the Majestic property. He advised there is no obligation on part of the City. Director Maruthur commented under fiscal impact, there is no direct cost to the City except for the benefits of the redevelopment of these projects that are performed by other people. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 17 Proposed Ordinance No. O-10-27 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING POLICIES AND RATES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLE TOWING SERVICES REQUESTED BY THE HOT SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 5694; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Daniel, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, 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 Keheley, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Steve Mallett advised that the members of the Towing Service Advisory Committee recommend the proposed changes and repeal of Ordinance No. 5694, which sets the criteria for the towing services that are called out by the Police Department during traffic accidents. He stressed this is a situation in which the City calls them out, and they are acting as an agent of the City and on behalf of the City. He stated this is in no way directly related to the business outside of that so obviously this is a list that the City maintains and sets the criteria for these companies to Board of Directors Meeting 9 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. follow as an agent of the City. He explained there are five items that were addressed in these revisions: (1) clarification on what constitutes a forfeited call. He explained when the City calls a towing company and does not get a proper response, the City is allowing for three of those in a 30-day period. If there is excess of that, then they will be suspended from the City’s list for a period to be determined during a hearing; (2) establishes a fee of $5 per tow truck driver for a permit, which was already in the ordinance; but the fee of $5 had not been set; (3) allows for immediate suspension of a towing service by the Police Department Captain for some type of offense that is considered to be substantial; (4) clarifies the inspection process for both initial and annual requirements; and (5) requires that a competent person be present at the place of business that can release vehicles from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, as many citizens are experiencing problems recovering their vehicle after an accident. He mentioned this ordinance does not address the distance from the city limits. Director Daniel questioned the fee of $5 and asked if the City does a background check. Mr. Mallett replied there will be certain criteria that they will check at the Police Department, and they will make sure they have a valid driver’s license and licensed to drive a wrecker. They will have to renew that on an annual basis at a $5 per annual basis. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 18 Proposed Ordinance No. O-10-28 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR CERTAIN ITEMS RELATED TO WATER METER REPLACEMENT WITH UTILITY METERING SOLUTIONS,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director McCabe, 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?” Board of Directors Meeting 10 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. and upon motion of Director Keheley, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Steve Mallett stated that staff is requesting waiving competitive bidding for work related to the replacement of meters and meter boxes and/or lids and other minor meter modifications that may be necessary in conjunction with the current effort to replace all of the water meters in the system. He said the request is to accept an itemized pricing provided by Utility Metering Solutions for various items of work related to the changing out of the water meters, and currently the contractor is doing that work. He added the total cost of these items shall not exceed $100,000; and it is an itemized, per-item cost that they provided to the City. He stated if the City is planning to go out to bid the same type of work, or if it comes in at a cost less than this from another firm, that can be considered as well. He pointed out since they are the current contractor on the project, it is much better for all parties involved to keep that shoulder of responsibility on the contractor. He explained anytime there is another contractor, there is the possibility of delaying the project and bear some of the liability if something goes wrong. He commented it is cheaper to do it this way than for the City to do it with its forces. Also, it will take all of the liability off the City and keep it on the contractor. He mentioned there may also be instances where the meter is leaking and requires minor repair of the piping in addition to the boxes that need to be replaced. The following items address that: (1) there is box replacement; (2) box reset; (3) lid replacement (labor only - city will supply the lid); (4) direct connect - 5/8" to 1" meters; (5) a curb stop for 5/8" to1" meters; and (6) commercial meter repiping - 1-1/2" and larger. He said the City plans on bidding this work out; and if it comes in less than that, which he does not expect it; but if that happens, the City can terminate this contract since it is a per-item cost and come in with a new contract. Director McCabe asked how he will verify the work that is done, and Mr. Mallett replied there will be a level of trust the City has to place in the contractors; however, there will be in-house staff that will go by and visually inspect each box after it happens. He added there will be the new boxes and old boxes and easy to tell if a box is replaced because that was an item they were concerned about. He stressed there will be a level of oversight. Director McCabe asked if he has a procedure where they are going to list the addresses in a timely basis. Mr. Mallett advised that they are going to report daily, and he will get a list everyday where they have been and what they have replaced. He said they are going to try to do that on a daily basis to keep from getting to the end of the month and try to go back and verify 2,000 meters. He noted the City will have meter readers who are available to go out who were previously reading meters Board of Directors Meeting 11 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. but will not have to now and can provide some of the same inspection service being mentioned. Director Keheley questioned if they will start the process in the older or newer sections of town, and Mr. Mallett stated they have currently started the process and are out on Highway 7 South outside the city limits. He explained that is where they chose to start because they are going to try to do this in a progression to where they can minimize the impact on the billing system and keep that flow going. Director Maruthur questioned the logic in starting in the newer areas rather than the older areas; and Mr. Mallett advised that is the largest route, which is out in the rural area. He explained that it takes more staff time, fuel, etc. to go into the larger areas where there is more distance between the meters and farther from their shops. He stated the City made a concerted effort to start in the farthest reaches of the county so it can start receiving the larger benefit sooner. City Manager Lance Hudnell noted that Mr. Mallett is going to have some publicity through the City’s website that will let citizens track how the City is moving. Mr. Mallett added that the newspaper has printed an article outlining what citizens can expect to happen in their yard, and it should be about a 15-minute procedure unless there is a major box replacement. He stated that all the work should take place at the box, and they will come to the door and ask people to flush their lines. He said if residents are not home and if there is an outside faucet that is accessible, they may bleed the air from the lines to keep people from getting home and having to do that themselves. He advised the City will place a door hangar if the resident is not home to let them know what has happened. He stressed there is no need for that person to come inside the residence; and if someone tries to do that, they should call the Police Department because they are not working for the City. He added the employees working for the City will have on bright green clothing and will be identified, as well as their truck. Director Maruthur asked who would be responsible if something happens to their water heater or anything else during this flushing process, and Mr. Mallett said the residents would be able to make a claim; and the City has to deal with the contractor as far as any liability. He advised there will be a five-minute presentation on Channel 15 of a video of the people making an installation. He reported updated information will be provided on the City’s website as they progress. Board of Directors Meeting 12 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.  City Manager Lance Hudnell reiterated they should not be coming into anyone’s home and should not be doing any repairs inside the house or anywhere else. He said if someone comes to a resident’s home and says they need to make a repair, he urged them to call the Police Department. Mr. Mallett added that he would urge residents not to invite them in to make a repair because they are most likely not licensed plumbers. Director McCabe questioned the timeframe for this project to be concluded, and Mr. Mallett replied that the contract time is two years; however, if they do not encounter any problems, they are hoping to be done by the end of this year. He mentioned they just finished a project in Glenwood, which was the same as Hot Springs but smaller. Director McCabe expressed appreciation to Mr. Mallett for the way he is tiering this work by doing the remote areas on the system first, which cuts down on labor and gas. He pointed out if that was the last to be changed out, the City would be spending money every month going out and reading those meters; but since it is the first, the City will start receiving some savings immediately. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. OTHER BUSINESS 19 Board of Directors Items for Discussion Director McCabe reported that the Naval Academy is starting to make its selections on the summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Program; and there will be Garland County representatives going to one of those programs. When they return, he said he would like to have them attend a Board Meeting and make a report. Director Maruthur said that today she attended a funeral for a good friend and neighbor and read the following: “Life is too short to wake up with regrets so love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don’t just because you can. Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly. God never said life Board of Directors Meeting 13 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it.” She said that is for the Stewart Family. 20 City Manager’s Report City Manager Lance Hudnell gave the following report: 1. He asked that Chief Southard give a report on a program that he has begun known as “Operation Safe Neighborhood.” Police Chief Bobby Southard reported this is a program known as pro-active law enforcement. He said it is developed and presented out of the Criminal Investigation’s Division and serves a multitude of purposes: (1) it gets those detectives into the neighborhood where they are receiving complaints; (2) there is an ability to have people in that neighborhood they can call upon to gather information to provide the Police Department with data, such as what time of the day are they having heavy traffic flow at a particular house. This enables them to zero in on times, dates, and days of the week should they decide to run an operation in that neighborhood; (3) in doing this, they have analyzed their crime reports and have looked at complaints that are coming in from citizens. He stated the Police Department can put that all together and choose a day and a time and go out into the neighborhood in number and visit. While they are visiting, if drug activity is going on, then they deal with the drug activity; if loud noise is going on, they deal with the loud noise. He advised their first area was in the Hagan Street area; the second area was around Hobson and Wood Street; the third was on Central from Greenwood north to Park. They made 15 felony arrests, 23 misdemeanor arrests, 14 warrants service, 23 traffic citations, 6 criminal citations, 1 DWI arrest; towed 8 vehicles; made contact with 153 citizens at their homes, which did not include the ones they were taking to the jail; filed 8 reports, conducted 1 residential search, and 10 vehicle searches. He advised that their plans are to do this once a week in those neighborhoods and to encourage people to enjoy their neighborhoods and to join Neighborhood Watch Programs, and work with the Police Department to make this a better place to live. 2. There are several openings on advisory committees. The City is accepting applications for one position on Civil Service Commission; three positions on the Planning Commission (Districts 2, 5 and 6); one position on the Board of Zoning Adjustment (all Board districts are available for that position); and one position on the Urban Forestry Committee (all Board districts are available for that position). Board of Directors Meeting 14 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.  3. On Friday, at 4 p.m., there will be an outdoor sculpture showcase unveiling at the Downtown Parking Facility. This will be going on through the summer; and at the end of the term, one particular sculpture will be chosen for purchase. 4. The Comprehensive Plan is moving along, and there will be a series of open houses on May 17, 19 and 20. The consultant is proposing to use the open house format where it is a come-and-go based on the issues they put together from the first round of activities that have been concluded. 5. A couple of weeks ago was National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and he thanked the Board for its service and all those who serve on the boards and commissions. He reported the Beautification Commission has been very active. 6. The dedication of the Farmers Market pavilion will be held on Saturday, May 8, at 10 p.m. Also, the Farmers Market season is now underway. 7. E-Day will be on Sunday, May 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and this is sponsored by the Beautification Commission. 8. The Hot Springs Cruisers Car Club will be at the Airport on Saturday, May 8; and May 17 through May 22, the Boys and Girls Club will hold their annual carnival at the Airport. Admission is free with proceeds from Riser and refreshments to benefit the club. 9. The new online payment center for utility bills is doing well. There were hundreds of residents utilizing it the first month; but there is another way to pay, which is pay-by-phone. There is no charge for that service. 10. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department is holding a public hearing on May 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at National Park Community College, in the Martin Eisele Auditorium. This is the Highway Funding Blue Ribbon Committee, and they are looking at a variety of ways to try to fund new revenue for the highways. This is an opportunity for citizens to give their input with regard to the type of financing they would like to see utilized. In regard to the sculpture unveiling this Friday, Director Maruthur mentioned this will be preceding the Gallery Walk. Board of Directors Meeting 15 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. 21 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m., to meet again on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: _____________________ APPROVED:__________________ Lance Spicer, City Clerk Mike Bush, Mayor Board of Directors Meeting 16 May 4, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.