An ordinance that had generated some controversy by calling for mandated installation and maintenance of surveillance cameras inside fast food restaurants, filling stations and convenience stores was referred to the public safety committee after receiving a first reading at the Pine Bluff City Council meeting Monday.
Alderman George Stepps, the legislation’s sponsor, said he wanted to assure constituents that he intended the measure to provide for public protection.
“It’s not for generating revenue, and I don’t want it to burden anyone,” he said.
The proposal in its original form included a penalty clause that stated noncompliance would carry fines of $300 to $1,000 for each day a violation occurred.
Alderman Irene Holcomb said a public safety committee meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 5 to allow citizens an opportunity to ask questions and comment on the measure.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In the meanwhile, Police Chief Brenda Davis-Jones said she would be providing recommendations on the issue and they would be addressed before the committee.
“Come then,” Holcomb urged, saying the committee session is “the time to discuss the ordinance.”
In other business, an alley between West 13th Avenue and Lee Street in block 18 of the Eureka Heights Addition No. 4 was closed, at least temporarily and only on paper, following a lengthy discussion that started with a public hearing before the council meeting and resumed when the ordinance was introduced as the panel’s first business item.
Despite cautioning from Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr., Development and Planning Chairman Stepps — after being reminded that without an emergency clause, ordinances don’t become effective until 30 days after their adoption — decided to adhere to his committee’s do-pass recommendation on the measure. After Holcomb called for a vote, Alderman Bill Brumett cast the lone nay.
The controversy was spurred by a Friday notification from the city’s wastewater utility that it is opposing the closing. The process on the proposed closing had been initiated in August and the measure had already received its first two readings. City Attorney Althea Hadden-Scott, who said the utility hasn’t yet disclosed a reason behind its objection, pointed out that procedures on such matters have recently been undergoing some changes.
Meanwhile, former Alderwoman Janice Roberts — one of eight neighbors who petitioned for the alley’s closing — said that her group began its process in August, paid required fees and expected the matter to be expedited to a timely decision. Roberts spoke during the public hearing and council session. No utility representative attended either.
Prior to the council’s vote, Redus said that if the utility’s late objection was somehow tied to the new process, “We might need to table it” until the utility could state its case. Redus and some council members stated concerns that the petitioners could fence the alley and possibly disrupt utility services there, but Redus was reminded of the waiting period on ordinances. Redus and the council members then agreed that the utility should have ample time to express its concerns prior to the next council meeting on Nov. 5, which represents a 21-day window. Redus said the council could then address any problems that might develop.
An Alderman Steven Mays-sponsored resolution calling for the requesting of a state study on the feasibility of relocating and/or constructing one or more pedestrian bridges was on the agenda, but was removed as it remains under committee consideration.
Two other ordinances receiving initial readings called for:
• Closing a portion of Clark Drive.
• Providing for the reimbursement of police officers for the expense of repair or replacing uniforms damaged or destroyed in the line of duty.
Three ordinances given a second reading called for:
• Amending current ordinances concerning the basis for calculating the city’s privilege and occupation tax on daycare and childcare centers.
• Providing for the rezoning of 1115 Commerce Road to neighborhood business.
• Consenting to the change of control of the cable television franchise. This measure was then referred to committee.
Three unanimously adopted resolutions called for:
• Directing the city clerk to publish notice of a public hearing on a portion of Clark Drive.
• Authorizing the mayor to contract with Craig Brumley Construction Inc. for work concerning the second phase of the Highway 63 sewer extension project.
• Declaring certain houses, buildings and/or structures as nuisances and ordering their abatement. This resolution was amended.
The public works committee will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 23 in the mayor’s conference room.