AUGUST 2023 REGULAR City of Van Buren, Arkansas
Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of the City Council
Monday,August 28, 2023
Van Buren Municipal Complex
CALL TO ORDER 5:30PM
The regular monthly meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor
Joseph P. Hurst at 5:30PM. Reverend and City Attorney Jacob Howell led the invocation.
Mayor Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL 5:31PM
Present: Council Member Kenneth Bell, Council Member Mike Kneeland Council Member Tyler
Wood, Council Member Matt Dodson, Council Member Tonia Fry, Mayor Joseph P. Hurst, City
Attorney Jacob Howell, City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds
Absent: Council Member Madison Simmons
PRESENTATIONS -AWARDS
None
CONSENT AGENDA 5:32PM
After determining there were no reported objections or unfinished business, Council Member
Tyler Wood moved to approve the consent agenda which consisted of:
o Minutes from July 24, 2023, City Council Meeting
o Street Closures:
■ The Vault—concerts
o Financial Statements
o Department Reports
Motion was seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson. All in favor. None opposed. Consent
Agenda approved.
NEW BUSINESS 5:33PM
Resolution 08-01-2023 ARDOT Partnership
Mayor Hurst stated that the original Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)
partnership was passed in January 2023. This is an amended resolution changing the 10-foot
side path to a 5-foot sidewalk instead. He stated this was because of public input.
Motion to adopt Resolution 08-01-2023 made by Council Member Kenneth Bell. Seconded by
Council Member Mike Kneeland. Roll Call. All in favor. None opposed.
Resolution 08-01-2023 ARDOT Partnership is adopted with five yeas and no nays.
Discussion Amending Animal Control (Dogs) Ordinance
Mayor Hurst stated that this would be a discussion of the very long ordinance (25 pages)that is
being proposed that will be call the"Dog Ordinance". The ordinance will be read in its entirety
in September, October and November of 2023 and will become effective January 2024.
Highlights of the ordinance will include but not be limited to:
1. Nothing mandates microchipping or spay/neuter of animals.
2. Propose changing the dog license fee from $5.00 to$50.00 for the base fee.
3. Multi-layered fee approach with various discounts that can be applied.
Mayor Hurst expects there will be changes each month this ordinance is read. Discussion was
had regarding how to get the new information out to the public. Thoughts are advertise on
websites, shelter,veterinarians,word of mouth. Citizens will have a grace period once formally
adopted.
Discussion Jim and Mary Hale—Drainage Issues on Property
Jim and Mary Hale presented the city council with a power point presentation, notebooks with
photos, letters, and history of prior communications regarding flooding on their property, off
HWY 59 behind Hope's Creek.
Mr. Hale stated that the issue of flooding began in 1990 and has continued all these years. He
believes the issue has gotten worse with new commercial improvements and buildings that
have forced the water onto his private property.
Mayor Hurst stated that the city would research what could be done, if anything,and will reach
out to him.
i
I
I
I
Miscellaneous and General Discussion 6:15PM
Joe McDaniel spoke regarding Colby Jones "Keep Arkansas Beautiful" report on Mayor Gene
Bell Park. He stated that this will be a short film noting the history of the making of the park
and is a great compliment to the city. Film should be available for viewing on YouTube at the
end of September or first of October. Anyone will be able to see how we"Keep Van Buren
Beautiful'.
ADJOURNMENT 6:26PM
Council Member Tyler Wood made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Matt
Dodson. The motion passed 5-0. The Regular Meeting of the Van Buren City Council was
adjourned at 6:26PM.
ATTESTED: APPROVED:
5f�
Shawnna R nolds Jose P. Hurst
City Clerk-Treasurer Mayor s