CITY OF JONESBORO

 WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 4th, 2011

 

Mayor Maddox called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

Present:                                    Luther Maddox, Mayor

                                                Clarence Mann, Councilmember

                                                Wallace Norrington, Councilmember

                                                Joe Compton, Councilmember

                                                Pat Sebo, Councilmember

                                                Bobby Wiggins, Councilmember

                                                Roger Grider, Councilmember 

 

Employees Present:    Franklin Allen – Chief of Police, Joe Nettleton- Public Works Director, and  Janice Truhan -City Clerk.

 

Public Comments were given by:  Beverly Lester; Joy Day;  Gary Wilson; Carl Helton

 

Firehouse Museum rental: Discussion ensued regarding the use of the Jonesboro Firehouse Museum and Community Center by the Clayton County G.O.P.  Mr. Carl Swenson stated that the reason’s he was looking for a place to meet was because they needed more space.  The Firehouse would be used for business purposes only, no political issues are involved.  Councilmember Grider and Mayor Maddox suggested that if the rental of the facility was approved, Monday and Wednesday is acceptable as Tuesday and Thursday is community related functions.  Councilmember Sebo discussed the perception of aligning with a political party.  Councilmember Mann stated that whoever rents the facility brings revenues to the City, no matter what political party.

 

Atlanta Regional Commission:  Staff members Ashley Rivera and Adam Edge stated that they are in the final stages, deliverables, of the pay study and job classification process. They stated that this study will assist in retaining qualified individuals.  ARC processed position statements, staff interviews and job specs and referred to a market survey of salary ranges.  Ms. Rivera stated that in a meeting with Mayor Maddox and Ms. Truhan, that it was indicated that the results would not be implemented in relation to pay scales due to the current economy, and that the implementation of that portion of the process was moot. Councilmember Sebo asked about the Excel salary spread sheet and if they were the minimum pay for each position and asked were was the comparative.  Councilmember Mann asked if part of their research compared like size cities with Jonesboro. Ms. Rivera indicated that no market comparison was conducted.

 

Cell Tower Leases: Discussion ensued concerning leases for Cell Towers.  The City Attorney recommended negotiations. Councilmember Grider asked if we would have the exclusive listing with the firm that represents us, or do they work with others on an individual basis. The vendor stated that they make the deals with the carrier, in representation of the City. 

 

The Jonesboro Housing Authority: would like to initiate a resolution indentifying Board members and the terms of office. Suggestions were made for the members to stager their terms so they don’t expire at the same time.

 

Soil and Erosion Ordinance:  Discussion ensued concerning Soil and Erosion.  Ms. Truhan stated that the State of Georgia has made minor changes to the recently approved Soil and Erosion ordinance.  Once the changes are made, the revised Ordinance will be submitted to Council at the Regular meeting for approval.  The prior approved ordinance will need to be rescinded, at that time.

 

Mayor Maddox called for other items from the Council.  Councilmember Grider spoke of the ‘No turn on red sign at Spring and Main.  The Mayor stated that this was incorrect and was in the process of being removed. Also, the same with the left turn arrows at College and McDonough where the intersection will be cleaned up also.

 

Councilmember Wiggins brought up area signs that are down.  Mayor Maddox stated that is Code Enforcements job to find and report.  Councilmember Grider stated that people are smart, they know when there is no code enforcement.

 

Discussions regarding vacant house’s and solid waste issues ensued.  Also discussed was the inability of renter to access the Firehouse Museum, and the need to have key’s at the Police Department available for use.

 

A question regarding Streetscape Phase II and burying the utilities underground was addressed by Mayor Maddox.  He stated that that will have to be cleared by the Railroad. 

 

Councilmember Wiggins asked about the roadwork that will be conducted at Johnson Street.  Mayor Maddox stated that it was approved by the County and that he would contact CC - DOT

for an update.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the closing of streets from Smith to College.  They were closed at 5:00 a.m. in preparation of Taste of Clayton.  Mayor Maddox suggested a detour sign needs to be placed at Spring St. and that we can obtain one from the contractor.  Councilmember Sebo stated that the ribbon cutting for Streetscape completion is at 10:45 at the Train (Tara) Museum, which is also the kickoff for the Taste of Clayton.

 

Mayor Maddox stated that Councilmember Mann and Councilmember Wiggins were the two fine volunteers for Jonesboro Days, and that all interested to volunteer can do so at Jonesboro City Hall.

 

Councilmember Compton mentioned the parking and non ADA compliance, that the parking is very dangerous.  Chief Allen concurred.  Councilmember Compton suggested that we review the plans which should show requirements. 

 

Councilmember Norrington asked about the teenage club – Party Hall.  Mayor Maddox stated that we did not renew their Occupational Tax Certificate.

 

Motion made to adjourn:  Compton; 2nd: Norrington; Vote:  Unanimous.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________    ________________________________________

LUTHER W. MADDOX – MAYOR                        JANICE TRUHAN - CITY CLERK