12 December 2012 Special MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD DECEMBER 3, 2012
A special called meeting of the City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at
6:30 p.m., on Monday, December 3, 2012 at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by
Mayor Freeman. Council members present were Alderman Parker, Moore, Ragsdale, Dodd, and Sagely.
City Clerk Treasurer Barbie Curtis was also present. City Attorney Candice Settle was absent. This
made a total of seven (7) present. A quorum was declared.
The Mayor ordered spread upon the minutes, the "NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
AND WAIVER OF REGULAR NOTICE OF AND CONSENT TO SPECIAL MEETING."
Mayor Freeman then went into budget discussion. He went over the city's revenues line
by line. He pointed out the school resource officers will increase from $75,000 to $100,000 per
an agreement with the Van Buren School District. Also, he is looking at a 2% raise across the
board. A 3% raise was considered, but with health insurance rising again in January he decided
to stay with the 2% raise. We will be transferring Jack Bernard to Property Maintenance after
April 1 and also looking at hiring an additional maintenance employee when needed. When we
start receiving the new sales tax money, the city clerk's office will set up a line item for the
highway tax in order to keep it separate. We will let it build and use it for overlay projects. With
the current projection, we would end up with a surplus at the end of 2013 of about $340,000. The
City Attorney's office will get a 2% raise plus the group insurance. Administration will get a 2%
raise with Jennifer getting an extra $1 00 /month and Ashley getting an extra $100 /month. Ashley
is the lowest paid employee. Within the Street Department, Wes Cleland will get an additional
$125 /month.
Mayor reviewed project completion dates. The Senior Center is projected to start in April
of 2013 and completed within about 12 months. Discussions have started regarding the police
station project to start in June and that will be approximately an 18 month construction. The fire
station will start a little earlier, around May or June, and that one will be a 9 to 12 month
construction. We are working through surveys for the fire station and location issues for the
police station. Rena Road is proceeding slowly with a hopeful completion in another 1- 1 1/2
years. Mayor Freeman suggested that everyone stop by the old library to check out the new
renovations.
There being no further business, motion was made by Alderman Parker seconded by
Alderman Dodd to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting
adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
AT A »ROVED:
CITY CLERK- TREASURER MAYOR �re