City of Jonesboro
Council Meeting
January 10, 2005

 The City of Jonesboro Mayor and Council held a regular council meeting on January 10, 2005 at 7:00pm.  The meeting was held at 170 South Main Street.

                        Members present:         Council member Yvette McDonald

Council member Donna Meadows

Council member Wallace Norrington

                                                            Council member Clifford Sewell

                                                            Council member Linda Wenz

                                                            Council member Rick Yonce

                                                            Mayor Joy B. Day

                        Staff present:                Stacey Ingles, Finance Officer

                                                            Kathryn Lookofsky, Main St. Director

Robert Thomas, Police Chief

Jon Walker, City Manager

John Kendall, City Attorney

Jimmy Wiggins, Fire Chief

Minutes Approved:  Councilman Norrington motioned, seconded by Councilwoman McDonald to approve the December 6, 2004 minutes as written.  The motion carried unanimously. 

Councilwoman McDonald made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2004 Called Meeting as written.  Councilman Yonce seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 

Comprehensive Plan:  Councilman Sewell made a motion that we adopt the Comprehensive Plan Update.  Councilman Norrington seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 

Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance:  Councilwoman McDonald made a motion that we approve the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance. Councilman Sewell seconded.  Mayor Day asked for any discussion.  The motion carried unanimously. (Ord. 2005-01 Bk One) 

Solid Waste Ordinance:  Mayor Day asked for any questions or comments on this ordinance.  Councilman Sewell made a motion that we approve the Solid Waste Ordinance.  Councilman Norrington seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. (Ord. 2005-02 Bk One) 

Budget Discussion:  Councilman Yonce addressed the current growth trends, LCI, retail development and voiced concern about grants, lack of citizen involvement; he apologized for his lack of communication regarding the budget.  He stated the retail support would not be available for downtown development and that we need to keep our current city services.  He suggested that we review our grants in progress and possibly give some up if we do not have the funds and to use reserve funds if necessary.  He voiced concern about the situation going on with Clayton County and suggested that the city not go into any contract with Clayton County at this time.  He suggested saving money by not outsourcing some administrative functions.  Councilman Yonce made a motion that we reopen the Budget talks to try and find money to keep the Jonesboro Fire Department.  Councilman Norrington seconded. Voting in favor of the motion were Councilman Norrington, Sewell, Yonce.  Councilwomen McDonald, Meadows and Wenz opposed the motion.  Mayor Day broke the tie by voting against the motion. 

Councilman Sewell reviewed the facts regarding the sale of the water system in 1995, confirming the need to sell the system due to the improvement that would have been needed.  Councilwoman Wenz asked Councilman Yonce about the use of Reserve Funds and how long the funds would be used.  Councilwoman Meadows commented that the council was unanimous when discussion was first held regarding the fire department and that tourism is a vital part of Jonesboro.  Councilman Norrington made a statement that he asked the county commissioners to restore automatic aid and bring the county and city back together again.  He commended the fire department for their service to the citizens of Jonesboro and Clayton County. 

Fire Service Contract with Clayton County:  Councilman Yonce made a motion that we deny the contract.  Councilman Norrington seconded.  Councilman Yonce, Norrington and Sewell voted for the motion.  Councilwomen McDonald, Meadows and Wenz opposed the motion.  Mayor Day broke the tie and voted against the motion.  The motion failed.

Councilman Norrington made a motion to table this contract for further study.  Councilman Yonce seconded.  Councilman Sewell, Yonce and Norrington voted for the motion.  Councilwomen Wenz, McDonald and Meadows opposed the motion.  Mayor Day broke the tie and voted against the motion.  The motion failed.

Councilwoman McDonald made a motion to approve this contract.  Councilwoman Wenz seconded.  Under discussion Councilman Yonce asked for confirmation that the city would retain control of the community room and the contract specifies that the city would have a med unit and battalion.  Councilman Sewell voiced opposition of having the current leadership of the Clayton County Fire Department having too much control and that is one reason he is opposed to this contract.  Councilwomen Wenz, McDonald and Meadows voted for the motion.  Councilmen Sewell, Norrington and Yonce opposed the motion.  Mayor Day broke the tie and voted for the motion.  The motion carried.

 Mayor Day read a statement (see attached) to the public.

 Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Ordinance Amendment:  Councilwoman McDonald made a motion to amend the ordinance.  Councilwoman Wenz seconded.  Councilwomen Wenz, McDonald and Meadows approved the motion.  Councilman Norrington, Sewell and Yonce opposed the motion.  Mayor Day broke the tie and supported the motion.  The motion carried. (Ord. 2005-03, Bk One)

Occupational Tax Ordinance Amendment:  Mayor Day asked for questions or discussion.  Councilwoman McDonald made a motion to approve the amendment to the occupational tax.  Councilwoman Wenz seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously. (Ord 2005-04, Bk One)

Contract for Contaminate Testing:  Councilman Sewell made a motion to approve the contract to test for contaminates at the property located at 271 North Main Street.  Councilman Norrington seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

RFP for Public Defender:  Councilwoman Wenz made a motion to issue a request for proposal for a public defender service as required by the state.  Councilwoman McDonald seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Parade Permit Fee:  Councilwoman Meadows voiced concern about waiving the cost of parade, littering, police, public works etc.  Mayor Day suggested we review our parade fees.  Councilman Norrington made a motion to waive the parade permit.  Councilman Sewell seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Day stated there is no need for an Executive Session.

Public Comment:  Several citizens addressed the council voicing their support of the Fire Department and of their concern as to the response time from Clayton County Fire Department.

There being no further business, Mayor Day called for a motion to adjourn.  Councilman Norrington motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Councilwoman McDonald seconded.  The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

Joy Day, Mayor                                                            Joan Jones, City Clerk