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FEB 9,2026 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING City of Van Buren, Arkansas Minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council Monday, February 9, 2026 Van Buren Municipal Complex "Regular City Council meeting was scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, but was postponed due to inclement weather CALL TO ORDER 5:30PM The special meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph P. Hurst at 5:30PM. Reverand and City Attorney Jacob Howell led the invocation. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS - AWARDS None ROLL CALL 5:31PM Present: Council Member Mike Kneeland, Council Member Madison Simmons, Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, Council Member Matt Dodson, Council Member Tyler Wood, Council Member Tonia Fry, City Attorney Jacob Howell, Mayor Joseph P. Hurst, City Clerk- Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds Absent: None SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS District Court requested access to online banking with Citizens Bank. This access allows them to reconcile their bank account earlier in the month without depending on paper statements to arrive. The were no objections made by the city council and this request is approved. This will apply to all current and future bank accounts with Citizens Bank. CONSENT AGENDA 5:33PM After determining there were no reported objections or unfinished business, Council Member Mike Kneeland moved to approve the consent agenda which consisted of: Minutes from Regular Meeting of the City Council December 22, 2025 Organization of governing body 14-43-501 Procedural Rules 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule Street Closures: Downtown Merchants TOTMA-2026, King School 5K Resolution 02-01-2026 Entering into Contract On Call Services Hawkins-Weir Resolution 02-02-2026 Authorization to Convey RO-ARDOT Hwy 59 Widening Resolution 02-03-2026 Setting A Public Hearing—Summit-Mooney Resolution 02-04-2026 Adopting Revised Budget 2025 Resolution 02-05-2026 Entering Into Contract Hawkins-Weir Boatwright Drainage Phase 2 Ordinance 01-2026 Authorizing Purchase of Concrete 2026 Ordinance 02-2026 Authorizing Purchase of Asphalt 2026 Ordinance 03-2026 Amending Ordinance 21-2025 Purchasing Dump Truck Ordinance 04-2026 Adopting Amended Standard Drawings for Public Works Construction Financial Statements Department Reports: Police Public Works/Planning Fire Ambulance Building Code Enforcement Motion was seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry. Consent Agenda approved with a vote of six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Hurst declared the consent agenda passed. NEW BUSINESS 5:34PM Public Hearing VBMU Bond Projects Mayor Joseph P. Hurst announced that the official public hearing on bond items. Attorney Ryan Bowman addressed the council and explained there was a publication in the Press Argus Courier on January 28, 2026, announcing the public hearing. There were no comments from the public. Ordinance 05-2026 Confirming Rates for Services Rendered by the Water and Sewer -VBMU Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Van Buren Municipal Utilities Steve Dufresne and attorney Ryan Bowman to address the council regarding this ordinance. Mr. Dufresne and Mr. Bowman explained that the bonds would be used for replacing many feet of very old water and sewer pipes, some dating back to the 1800's, 1920's and 1960's. Additionally, there would be three water towers that would be rehabbed. The bonds will be in the amounts of$2,300,000, $3,750,000 and $3,435,000 and $4,430,000 for a period of 20 years. There will be no rate increase to the residents and loans can be paid early. The loans will commence on March 26, 2026. Motion to adopt Ordinance 05-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Madison Simmons. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 05-2026 Confirming Rates for Services Rendered by the Water& Sewer -VBMU is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 06-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $2,300,000 A-VBMU Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Van Buren Municipal Utilities Steve Dufresne and attorney Ryan Bowman to address the council regarding this ordinance. Mr. Dufresne and Mr. Bowman explained that the bonds would be used for replacing many feet of very old water and sewer pipes, some dating back to the 1800's, 1920's and 1960's. Additionally, there would be three water towers that would be rehabbed. The bonds will be in the amounts of$2,300,000, $3,750,000 and $3,435,000 and $4,430,000 for a period of 20 years. There will be no rate increase for the residents and loans can be paid early. The loans will commence on March 26, 2026. Motion to adopt Ordinance 06-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 06-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $2,300,000 A-VBMU is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 07-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $3,750,000 B-VBMU Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Van Buren Municipal Utilities Steve Dufresne and attorney Ryan Bowman to address the council regarding this ordinance. Mr. Dufresne and Mr. Bowman explained that the bonds would be used for replacing many feet of very old water and sewer pipes, some dating back to the 1800's, 1920's and 1960's. Additionally, there would be three water towers that would be rehabbed. The bonds will be in the amounts of$2,300,000, $3,750,000 and $3,435,000 and $4,430,000 for a period of 20 years. There will be no rate increase for the residents and loans can be paid early. The loans will commence on March 26, 2026. Motion to adopt Ordinance 07-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Mike Kneeland. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 07-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $3,750,000 B-VBMU is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 08-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $3,435,000 C- VBMU Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Van Buren Municipal Utilities Steve Dufresne and attorney Ryan Bowman to address the council regarding this ordinance. Mr. Dufresne and Mr. Bowman explained that the bonds would be used for replacing many feet of very old water and sewer pipes, some dating back to the 1800's, 1920's and 1960's. Additionally, there would be three water towers that would be rehabbed. The bonds will be in the amounts of$2,300,000, $3,750,000 and $3,435,000 and $4,430,000 for a period of 20 years. There will be no rate increase for the residents and loans can be paid early. The loans will commence on March 26, 2026. Motion to adopt Ordinance 08-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 08-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $3,435,000 is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 09-2026 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $4,430,000 D- VBMU Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Van Buren Municipal Utilities Steve Dufresne and attorney Ryan Bowman to address the council regarding this ordinance. Mr. Dufresne and Mr. Bowman explained that the bonds would be used for replacing many feet of very old water and sewer pipes, some dating back to the 1800's, 1920's and 1960's. Additionally, there would be three water towers that would be rehabbed. The bonds will be in the amounts of$2,300,000, $3,750,000 and $3,435,000 and $4,430,000 for a period of 20 years. There will be no rate increase for the residents and loans can be paid early. The loans will commence on March 26, 2026. Motion to adopt Ordinance 09-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Mike Kneeland. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 09-2029 Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $4,430,000 D -VBMU is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 10-2026 Rezoning 1425 Fayetteville Road Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Madison Simmons moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk- Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Madison Simmons moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Planning Director Wally Bailey to address the council. Mr. Bailey mentioned this had been passed by a unanimous vote of the Planning Commission to forward to the council for approval. It is a property next to Waffle House in the name of Circle TTrust and there is a planned commercial project for a four (4) story hotel. He also confirmed there was infrastructure to support this type of project. There was notice of public hearing posted in the Southwest Times Record on December 21, 2025, and January 6, 2026. The property at 1425 Fayetteville Road is requesting to be rezoned from R-1 to C-2. This will also update the zoning map and amend ordinance 07-1963 and municipal code 14.04.04. Motion to adopt Ordinance 10-2026 was made by Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson. Seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 10-2026 Rezoning 1425 Fayetteville Road is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 11-2026 Rezoning 19 & 21 South 14th Street Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Planning Director Wally Bailey to address the council. Mr. Bailey mentioned this had been passed by a unanimous vote of the Planning Commission to forward to the council for approval. It is a property that was allowed to be zoned C-2 23 years ago in error. The property cannot be sold at this time because it is considered non-conforming due to the current zone. There was a public hearing posted in the Southwest Times Record on December 21, 2025, and January 6, 2026. The request is for the property at 19 & 21 South 141h Street to be rezoned from C-2 to R-3, which will allow the property to be sold. This will also update the zoning map and amend ordinance 07-1963 and municipal code 14.04.04. Motion to adopt Ordinance 11-2026 was made by Council Member Mike Kneeland. Seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 11-2026 Rezoning 19 & 21 South 14th Street is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 12-2026 Authorizing Land Transfer for Field of Dreams High School Baseball Field Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst addressed the council stating that Van Buren High School currently maintains this portion of the Field of Dreams and has done so for many years. This part of the property will transfer to the High School, and they will maintain insurance on it. They will maintain the parking lot and have their own water meter. Motion to adopt Ordinance 12-2026 was made by Council Member Matt Dodson. Seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 12-2026 Authorizing Land Transfer for Field of Dreams High School Baseball Field is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Motion to approve emergency clause made by Council Member Tyler Wood, seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson Roll Call. All in favor. None opposed. Emergency Clause passed with a vote of six yeas and no nays. Ordinance 13-2026 Amending Ordinance 07-1963 Adding Auto and Vehicle Impoundment Council Member Tonia Fry moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tyler Wood, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Planning Director Wally Bailey to address the city council. Mr. Bailey stated that the current municipal code does not allow for the temporary holding of vehicles (not a salvage yard) for vehicles that have been towed or impounded. This was unanimously approved at the Planning Commission meeting on January 6, 2026, to be forwarded to city council for approval. Again, this is not a salvage yard where parts of vehicles can be sold but a temporary holding of vehicles not more than 60 days. This will amend ordinance 07-1963 and municipal code 14.04.02. Motion to adopt Ordinance 13-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 13-2026 Amending Ordinance 07-1963 Adding Auto and Vehicle Impoundment is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 14-2026 Amending H-1 District Land Use Council Member Madison Simmons moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Madison Simmons moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Madison Simmons moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Planning Director Wally Bailey to address the city council. Mr. Bailey stated that the current municipal code does not allow for the minimum square footage and other language for the historic district in chapter 14. The permitted and conditional use legend needs to be updated as well. This request will amend zoning Chapter 14 and will amend the permitted and conditional use legend while updating municipal code 14.04.56. Motion to adopt Ordinance 14-2026 was made by Council Member Tyler Wood. Seconded by Council Member Mike Kneeland. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 14-2026 Amending H-1 District Land Use is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Ordinance 15-2026 Authorizing Purchase of Truck— Code Enforcement Council Member Matt Dodson moved to suspend the rules and read by title only for the first reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be suspended, and the ordinance be placed on its second reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the ordinance the second time by title only. Council Member Tonia Fry moved that the rules be further suspended, and the ordinance placed on the third and final reading by title only. The motion was seconded by Council Member Matt Dodson, followed by a unanimous vote by the council. City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds then read the ordinance for the third and final time by title only. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst stated this is a vehicle that has been budgeted for in the 2026 budget for Code Enforcement. It will be purchased from Rhodes Chevrolet in Van Buren, keeping the funds local. The truck has to be built and will be a 2026 F-150 4X4 Super Crew for a cost of $46,923.50. Motion to adopt Ordinance 15-2026 was made by Council Member Tonia Fry. Seconded by Council Member Mike Kneeland. Roll call. All in favor. None opposed. Ordinance 15-2026 Authorizing Purchase of Truck—Code Enforcement is adopted with six yeas and zero nays. Mayor Joseph Hurst declared the ordinance passed and signed same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds. Resolution 02-06-2026 Entering into Contract Hawkins-Weir Town Ditch Engineering Study City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds read the resolution in its entirety. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst invited Kyle Salyer with Hawkins-Weir to address the council. Mr. Salyer mentioned that there has been a cost increase of$8,200 over the last three years and it will now be $99,400 for this study and there is an expected reimbursement from FEMA in the amount of$69,150. This cost will cover engineering designs and study. Motion to approve Resolution 02-06-2026 was made by Council Member Mike Kneeland. Seconded by Council Member Tonia Fry. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst asked City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds to call roll. All in favor. None opposed. Resolution 02-06-2026 Entering into Contract Hawkins-Weir Town Ditch was adopted with six yays and zero nays. Mayor Hurst declared the resolution passed and signed the same in open council, duly attested by City Clerk-Treasurer Reynolds. MISCELLANOUS and GENERAL DISCUSSION 6:31PM None ADJOURNMENT 6:32PM 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 Meeting was adjourned at 6:32PM. G�erk TrodS ��A G,� City of Van Buren ATTESTED: APPROVED: �� d� Cy a ��rry County,Pt� ,a Shawnna M. Re nolds Jos h P. Hurst City Clerk-Treasurer or