City of Jonesboro
Regular Meeting
AUGUST 12, 2002

The regular meeting of the City of Jonesboro Mayor and Council was held Monday, August 12, 2002.  The following council members were present:  Thomas Adair, Yvette McDonald, Rick Yonce, Clifford Sewell, Wallace Norrington and Luther Maddox.  Mayor Joy B. Day presided.

The minutes from the called meeting held July 25th 2002, were read.  Councilwoman McDonald made a motion to approve the minutes as read, Councilman Sewell seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.  Next, the August 01, 2002 called meeting minutes were read. Councilman Norrington made a motion to approve these minutes. Councilwoman McDonald seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Day advised the council that an amendment needed to be added to the agenda, for appointed of a pension plan administrator.   Councilman Sewell made a motion to amend the agenda to consider appointment of a Pension Plan Administrator.  Councilman Norrington seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Under old business, Kim Pierce requested a variance to build her home at the corner of Lee Street and Spring Street.  Developer Richard Lester reviewed with the council the engineering plans outlining the home.  Councilman Adair asked Mr. Lester if the property is in a flood plane.  Mr. Lester explained the property is not in a flood plane and the drainage problem would be addressed by placing a pipe for runoff.  Mayor Day voiced concern about the placement of the garage.  Mr. Lester said they are not considering the garage at this time; it can be placed where it will comply with current codes.  Councilman Maddox asked about the drainage easement in the back of the property.  Mr. Lester explained there is enough room to be 10 feet off centerline and the water runoff or drainage easement should not be a problem.  Discussion was held on the distance from Spring Street, which is the primary street and the variance request would be 24.6 feet and a variance request from Lee Street of 5.7 feet.  This would lineup the new house that has a porch with the house next door.   Mayor Day requested a motion to take a 20-minute recess, which would give Mr. Lester and the Public Works Director time to go to the property and get correct footage from Lee Street and Spring Street for the lineup placement of the house.  Councilman Sewell so motioned.  Councilman Adair seconded and the motion carried.

Under new business, Jason Griffin and Clayton Hawkins requested an occupational license to operate a painting business from the home located at 133 Arnold Place, #A.  Councilman Maddox asked about painting supplies, signage and traffic at their home.  Mr. Griffin explained they will be using an existing barn for storage some items, however most supplies will be at the current work site and they do not plan on putting a sign out, nor do they expect any traffic.  Councilwoman McDonald made a motion to approve the home based occupational license.  Councilman Yonce seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Robert Young came before council requesting a waiver on the recent rezoning denial of the property located at 117 Stockbridge Road.  He would like for the council to consider a zoning for an assisted living area and therefore request a waiver from the city code; which states property can only come up for rezoning once every 12 months.  Councilman Sewell made a motion to deny the request.  Councilman Norrington seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Day reminded the council about the VALIC program offered to city employees.  In order to be in compliance with new IRS requirements the city needs to adopt the amendment to the 457B VALIC plan.  Councilman Maddox made a motion to adopt the amendment to the deferred compensation plan.  Councilwoman McDonald seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Under other business, Mayor Day appointed a committee of Rick Yonce, Luther Maddox and herself to hire a technology administrator.  Fire Chief Jimmy Wiggins asked the Mayor and Council to amend the fire department budget $900.00 to purchase a defibrillator.  This money would come out of another fire department account.  Councilman Maddox made a motion to increase the amount allocated for a defibrillator by $900.00 to be taken from another fire account in order to cover the $5,400.00 cost of two defibrillators. Councilman Sewell seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 

Mayor Day asked the council to consider appointing Joan Jones as Pension Plan Administrator for the city.  Councilman Sewell made a motion to appoint Joan Jones as Pension Plan Administrator.  Councilwoman McDonald seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Attorney Mark Skibiel, came before council to advise them that he has purchased a home at 161 South McDonough Street to operate his business.  He needs to build a parking lot that would come up the driveway and behind the home.  He explained to the council he has no plans to change the façade of the home other than freshen the white paint.  Mayor Day advised Mr. Skibiel that his property is in the historic district, he needs to bring in plans/diagram of where the parking lot will be specifically and of any changes in the façade or structure he intends to do.  Mayor Day explained that as soon as the plans are delivered she would set up a meeting with the Historical committee to expedite the permit. 

Mr. Lester and Public Works Director, James Massengale reported to the council that after measuring, the house is 34 feet from the property line.  Mr. Lester requested a variance of 16 feet off Spring Street (south side) and a 5.7foot variance on Lee Street (west side) side of the property.  The house would be 34 feet from Spring Street, which would put it in line with the house next door.  Councilman Maddox made a motion to grant the variance of 16 feet on the south, 5.7 feet on the west, including the engineering adherence to drainage, with the city incurring no liability for drainage or water damage. Councilman Yonce seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Under other business, Councilman Adair voiced concern that the First Baptist Church has had temporary buildings for their allotted time.  Councilman Sewell recommended that the Mayor write a letter to the First Baptist asking what action they plan to take in regards to these temporary buildings.  Mayor Day will let the council know their response.  Councilwoman McDonald asked for update of the Methodist Church fencing.  Mayor Day explained that she and Mr. Jenkins have been playing phone tag.  She will follow up.  Public Works Director, James Massengale updated the council regarding political signs being placed on the right of way and along the railroad tracks.  If they get any calls, the signs will be available for pickup at the maintenance lot.

Councilman Sewell made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Councilman Norrington seconded.  The motion carried.  Meeting adjourned.

Joy Day,                    Joan Jones,
Mayor                         Assistant City Clerk