MARCH 2024 REGULAR MEETING ri
City of Van Buren, Arkansas
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council
Monday, March 25, 2024
Van Buren Municipal Complex
CALL TO ORDER 5:30M
The regular meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph P.
Hurst at 5:30PM. City Attorney and Reverend Jacob Howell led the invocation. Pledge of
Allegiance was lead by Girl Scouts—Red Oaks.
ROLL CALL 5:30PM
Present: Council Member Madison Simmons, 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: None
PRESENTATIONS-AWARDS
None
CONSENT AGENDA 5:37PM
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 February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting
o Street Closure: First Baptist VB First Kids Vacation Bible School 6/3-6/7
o Resolution 03-01-2024 Removal/Disposal of Fixed Assets
o Resolution 03-02-2024 Adopting a Revised Personnel Policy Handbook
o Ordinance 08-2024 Amending Ordinance 35-2023 Dog Ordinance
o Financial Statements
o Department Reports
Motion was seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson. All in favor. None opposed. Consent
Agenda approved.
NEW BUSINESS 5:37PM
Resolution 03-03-2024 Entering into contract services with Neal Morrison
Mayor Joe Hurst discussed that this contract is to have engineering services for various projects
within the city and will not cost more than $63,500. This will include engineering services for
Mr. Hale on Hwy 59 who spoke to the council last year about the drainage issue on his
property.
Motion to adopt Resolution 03-03-2024 was made by Council Member Kenny Bell. Seconded
by Council Member Tonia Fry. Roll Call. All in favor. None opposed.
Resolution 03-03-2024 Entering into contract services with Neal Morrison Consulting is adopted
with six yeas and zero nays.
Ordinance 09-2024 Providing Optional Insurance for Elected Officials (MHBP)
City Clerk-Treasurer stated that the city has learned that once an active city council member
turns sixty-five (65) years of age,they lose their insurance coverage. This ordinance is to
authorize the City of Van Buren to continue offering insurance coverage for the active council
member and their dependents. There are limitations referenced in the ordinance.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 09-2024 was made by Council Member Tyler Wood. Seconded by
Council Member Mike Kneeland. Roll Call.
Council Member Matt Dodson Yea
Council Member Kenny Bell Yea
Council Member Mike Kneeland Abstain
Council Member Tyler Wood Yea
Council Member Tonia Fry Yea
Council Member Madison Simmons Yea
Ordinance 09-2024 Providing Optional Insurance for Elected Officials(MHBP) is adopted with
five yeas and no nays.
Motion to approve emergency clause made by Tonia Fry, seconded by Madison Simmons. Roll
Call. All in favor. None opposed. Emergency Clause passed with a vote of six yeas and no nays.
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Ordinance 10-2024 Authorizing a Private Club Permit for The Box Arcade
Mayor Hurst opened the floor to Ms. Garcia who is requesting the authorization to submit an
application to the state to serve alcohol at her business. She described her establishment and
stated that there are visitors of all ages and is a family atmosphere. There is no actual
restaurant but food and beverages are sold over the counter.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 10-2024 made by Council Member Tyler Wood. Seconded by
Council Member Matt Dodson. Roll Call. All in favor. None opposed.
Ordinance 10-2024 Authorizing a Private Club Permit for The Box Arcade is adopted with six
yeas and no nays.
MISCELLANOUS and GENERAL DISCUSSION 6:35PM
Mayor Joe Hurst made mention that the eclipse will be on Monday,April 8, 2024 with 1:50PM
being the moment of totality. He stated that there should be a lot of travelers and expect
crowds.
A conversation was had regarding the regular closing of Main Street for social gatherings. A
presentation was made by the owner of Pointer Place Brewery as well as the Old Town
Merchants Association. It was determined that there would be further discussion and brought
back to the city council in the future.
ADJOURNMENT 6:12PM
Council Member Madison Simmons made a motion to adjourn,seconded by Council Member
Tonia Fry. The motion passed 6-0. The Regular Meeting of the Van Buren City Council was
adjourned at 6:1213M.
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City of Van Buren
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Shawnna M. Reynolds eph P. Hurst `
City Clerk-Treasurer Mayor �itN��__
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