10 October 2014 Regular }
MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2014
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October
20, 2014 at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Freeman. On roll call,the
following Council members answered as their names were called: Alderman Parker, Blake,
Moore, Ragsdale Dodd, and Sagely. City Clerk-Treasurer Barbie Curtis and City Attorney
Candice Settle were present. This made a total of nine (9)present. A quorum was declared.
The invocation was given by Pastor Bobby Johnson of First Assembly of God.
Next, Mayor Freeman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On the agenda next, Mayor Freeman asked to adopt the minutes of the Special Council
Meeting on August 28, 2014. Linda Bagby asked if her name was anywhere in those minutes or
any reference to false numbers. City Clerk-Treasurer Barbie Curtis then read a portion of the
minutes. Alderman Parker made a motion to approve the minutes. Alderman Ragsdale seconded
the motion. On roll call, the following Council members voted aye: Alderman Blake, Moore,
Ragsdale, Dodd and Parker. The following voted nay: Sagely. Alderman Sagely defended her
vote in saying she thought this was very misleading about Alderman Parker. She stated that there
was more discussed and if the public were to read these as is it would seem as if Alderman
Parker did not care which is non-sense. Alderman Parker further explained that the recording
stopped and the rest of the comments made on that bond were not available. City Attorney
Candice Settle mentioned to the mayor that in the future we could have a court reporter type
verbatim what was discussed in the council meetings. City Clerk Barbie Curtis said this is the
first time in sixteen years that this has been an issue and that according to Municipal League
Attorney, Mark Hayes, city council minutes are not to be word for word. Alderman Parker stated
that this was just an unfortunate event and we just have to move forward at this point. Mayor
Freeman said we now have back up recorders going.
Next, Mayor Freeman asked to adopt the minutes of the Council Meeting on September
15, 2014. Alderman Dodd made a motion to approve the minutes. Alderman Ragsdale seconded
the motion. On roll call, the following Council members voted aye: Alderman Blake, Moore,
Ragsdale, Dodd, Sagely and Parker. The following voted nay: none.
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION.TO AUTHORIZE THE
MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF CERTAIN FIXED
ASSETS FROM THE CITY OF VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET INVENTORY,BY
SEALED BID,AUCTION OF OTHER METHODS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE LAW,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor
Freeman asked if there was any discussion. Police Chief Kenneth Bell stated that the DVR no
longer works and is being traded in and the camera was in a police car and also no longer works.
Alderman Ragsdale seconded by Alderman Parker moved that the Resolution be adopted. On
the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Alderman Blake, Moore,
Ragsdale, Dodd, Sagely and Parker. Nays—none.
The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution, which
was attested by the City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 10-1-2014
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. 10- -2014
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,A
RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF CERTAIN FIXED ASSETS FROM THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET INVENTORY,BY SEALED BID,AUCTION OR
OTHER METHODS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE LAW,AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has certain fixed assets on its Fixed Asset Inventory List which are obsolete,
and/or beyond repair,and are no longer cost effective,so as to no longer be needed by the City;and
WHEREAS, after an inventory of fixed assets,it is therefore recommended by our State Auditor that said items or
item be removed from the City's Fixed Asset Inventory and disposed of by sealed bid,auction or as
otherwise authorized under Arkansas law.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE TT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,
THAT:
SECTION 1: The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to remove the following asset or assets from the
Fixed Asset Inventory and to dispose of same by sealed bid,auction or other such methods authorized
under the law:
Department Amount Description of Inventory Control#
Police Department $4,500.45 Everfocus Paragon 264 DVR PD-729
SN#1HY053150003
Police Department $5,421.60 Watchguard DV1 Mobile Video System PD-693
SN#DV 10-132975
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren, .amt. . its City Council,did pass,approve,and
adopt,by a vote of J for and(Lagainst the foregoing Resol.ition at'ta regular meeting he...the 206 day
of October 2014.
di,
Robert D.Freeman
Mayor
• WY STED: , I ' FORM:
B. .le Curtis . • • '
City Clerk/Treasurer , ••.mey
On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE LEVYING (RENEWING)
THE MILLAGE TAX FOR THE CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL PURPOSES AND FOR
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY PURPOSES FOR THE YEAR 2014; DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk read the Ordinance in its
entirety. Alderman Ragsdale moved that the rules be suspended and the Ordinance be placed on
its second reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman Parker. The council followed with
a unanimous vote. The Clerk then read the Ordinance the second time.
Alderman Ragsdale moved that the rules be further suspended and the Ordinance placed
on the third and final reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman Dodd. The council
followed with a unanimous vote. The Clerk then read the Ordinance the third and final time.
The Mayor asked if there was any discussion. Mayor Freeman stated that these are the same rates
that have been in effect since the 1980s.
The Mayor then put the question, "Shall the Ordinance pass?" Motion was made by
Alderman Parker and seconded by Alderman Ragsdale to adopt the Ordinance. On the Clerk's
calling the roll,the following vote resulted: Ayes—Alderman Blake, Moore, Ragsdale, Dodd,
Sagely and Parker.Nays—none. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were six (6)
ayes and(0)nays. Four(4) votes being necessary for passage.
Motion was made by Alderman Ragsdale and seconded by Alderman Sagely,that the
emergency clause be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes
—Alderman Blake, Moore, Ragsdale, Dodd, Sagely and Parker. Nays—none.
The Mayor then declared the Ordinance passed and signed same in open Council, duly
attested by the City Clerk.
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 16-2014
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
ORDINANCE NO.16-2014 --
BE
—BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,AN ORDINANCE TO
BE ENTITLED:
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING(RENEWING)THE MILEAGE TAX FOR THE CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL PUR-
POSES AND FOR THE PUBLIC LIBRARY PURPOSES FOR THE YEAR 2014;DECLARING AN EMERGENCY;
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,is duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Arkan-
sas,with all powers,authority and duties of a city of the First Class;and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Ordinance is immediately necessary for preservation of the health,
safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, and an emergency exists
which requires that this Ordinance become immediately effective and in full force and effect;and
WHEREAS,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,must have funds for its municipal operations,and
can only obtain the requisite funding to continue its current level of services to its citizens by renewing
the levy of a 2 mill tax on real and personal property,for the general municipal purpose of the City,and
by renewing the levy of a 1.4 mill tax on real and personal property tax for the Van Buren library main-
tenance purposes.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BU-
REN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1:The rate of all real and personal property in Van Buren,Arkansas,for the year 2014,for gen-
eral municipal purposes under the authority of Section 4,Article XII,of the Constitution of 1874,of the F
State of Arkansas, be, and the same is hereby affixed at 2 mills on the dollar of the.assessed "'
valuationof all real property subject to taxation in the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,for the year 2014,
for general municipal purposes.
, I
SECTION 2:The rate of all real and personal property in the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,for the year
of 2014,for the maintenance of a City Public Library,under the authority of a vote of the people of the
City of Van Buren,Arkansas,and the City General Elections held on the 7th day of April,1942,(1 mill)
and the 8th day of November,1994„(.4 mill),be,and the same is hereby affixed at 1.4 mills on the dol-
lar of the assessed valuation of all real and personal property subject to taxation in the City of Van Bu-
ren,Arkansas,for the year 2014,for the library maintenance purposes,subject to the provisions of Act
No.848 of 1981;the same being"adjustment or rollback of tax rates due to increase in aggregate valua-
tion of taxable property.
SECTION 3:A Certified Copy of this Ordinance shall be filed in the office of the County Clerk of Craw-
ford County,Arkansas,in order that the Quorum Court of Crawford County,Arkansas,may include the ,
same in the general levy of the year 2014 and cause the same to be extended upon the tax books and
collected as required by law.
SECTION 4:This Ordinance being immediately necessary to obtain revenue to pay expenses of the City
Government for the C' of Van Buren,Arkansas,and necessaryin providingfor the immediate preser-
vationdy •
of the public peace, health, ad safety,an emergency is declared to exist and this Ordinance
shall be,take effect,and be in force after its passage and publication.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas, by its City Council, did pass,approve,and
adopt,by a vote of 6 for and 0 against,the foregoing Ordinance at its regular meeting held on the 20th
day of October 2014.
Robert D.Freeman,Mayor;
Attested:Barbie Curtis,City Clerk/Treasurer
Approved As To Form:Candice A.Settle,City Attorney
Published in the October 22, 2014 issueof the Press Argus-
Courier.
Next on the agenda was Boards and Commissions. The Van Buren Housing Authority
recommended the reappointment of Kevin Clifton to a five year term. Alderman Ragsdale
seconded by Alderman Blake made a motion to grant the nominations. The Council followed
with a unanimous vote. The Historic District Commission recommended the appointment of
Cathy Gifford to complete the term of Jody Rhoads. Alderman Ragsdale seconded by Alderman
Parker made a motion to grant the nominations. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
The Planning Commission recommended the appointment of Lynn Graham to a three year term.
Alderman Ragsdale seconded by Alderman Dodd made a motion to grant the nominations. The
Council followed with a unanimous vote.
Next on the agenda was the Financial Statement. Alderman Blake asked about the
Architecture Plus and MAHG expenditures on the check register and why they weren't paid out
of the bond fund. Mayor Freeman explained the Architecture Plus was likely the police station
and MAHG was the senior center and that he would go back and check the resolutions to see if it
designates which fund it is to be paid out of. Alderman Sagely asked Alderman Blake what page
that was on. Alderman Blake replied page six (6). Alderman Blake again stated that for the last
several months he's seen Architecture Plus being paid out of general fund. Mayor Freeman said •
that Architecture Plus might have been paid out of general fund from the new police station line
item. He stated he would check on it and if changes needed to be made we would get it fixed.
Motion was made by Alderman Dodd and seconded by Alderman Ragsdale to appropriate the
sum of$ 1,101,566.31 to pay expenses and salaries for September 2014, presented by the City
Clerk. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
10-10-2014 06:58 AM CITY OF VAN B URE N PAGE: 1
1 __,,r, TRIAL 8.'...F •
AS OF: SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2014 ."'---•-----,..
10 -General Fund
`CC MONTH TO DATE *" *** YEAR TO DATE *`*
ACCT# ACCOUNT NAME DEBITS CREDITS DEBITS CREDITS
ASSETS
1000 Petty Cash 0.00 200.00
1020 Cash in Bank 117,667.93 280,624.15 •
3.
' 1020.01 Cash In Bank-Ins. Reimb. 0.00 0.00
0•
1020.03 Cash In Bank-ASP's&Walmart Gra 0.00 79.24
1020.04 Veterans' Memorial-Act 934 0.00 12,980.91 967,585-09+
1020.05 2009 Byrne Recovery Grant 0.00 4,300.00 _
1 1020.06 2009 Byrne Grant 0.00 0.00 ,7 y 8•93+
I, 1020.07 2007 Byrne Grant 0.00 0.00 1 . 0 450•Jo+
1020.08 Cash in Bank- Storm Damage 0.00 0.00 1 3 7 3 1 .39+
�: 1020.09 District Cout Grant-Mediation 0.00 25.00 004
j, 1020.10 Cash in Bank - HDC 20.00 2,482.05
i D i 0 a 7: 6.3 1
1020.11 Cash in Bank-KVBB 2,768.92 3,500.00
i 1020.12 Emergency Management Fund 0.00 0.00
I. 1020.13 Cash In Bank-ACT 833 4,025.19 124,250.15
i 1020.14 Court Automation-District 172.10 80,667.30
I 1020.15 Cash in Bank-ACT 1314 0.00 0.00
1020.16 AR Dept of Rural Services 0.00 0.00
1020.17 New Police Dept 10,168.67 8,593.19 '
1020.18 Cash in Bank - PD Co Tax 23,130.68 213,368:91
1020.19 Cash in Bank - FD Co Tax 21,541.78 139,342.15
1020.20 Cash In Bank-Erosion Control 200.00 15,350.00
'. 1020.21 Cash in Bank-CPAcademy 0.00 291.15
1020.22 Cash In Bank-PEG Grant 0.00 10,000.00
1020.27 Cash in Bank - Levee 0.00 9,895.26
1020.28 Marina Repairs 0.00 10,495.60
1020.29 Property Maintenance-Scrap 0.00 63.25
1020.30 Field of Dreams-Equipment 0.00 1,198.34
1020.31 Cash in Bank - Parks & Rec 270.89 488.00
' 1020.32 GIF 0.00 4,072.15
' 1020.33 Cash in Bank-Yard Waste 2,338.02 220,148.65
1020.51 Cash in Bank - Cemetery 322.80 4,036.56
1020.91 Cash in Bank - Cap Imp 115,322.56 850,586.32
1040 Investments 0.00 0.00
1040.10 Investments - Sales Tax City 0.00 0.00
1040.18 Investments - PD Co Tax 0.00 0.00
1040.19 Investments - FD Co Tax 0.00 0.00
1040.27 Investments - Levee 0.00 0.00
1040.31 Investments - Parks a Rec 0.00 0.00
1040.51 Investments - Cemetery 0.00 38,752.59
1040.91 Investments - Cap Imp 158.77 374,035.46
1050 Fixed Assets 0.00 0.00
1051 Accumulated Depreciation 0.00 0.00
1504 Due from Payroll 0.00 0.00
1505 Due From Other Funds 0.00 0.00
1520 Due from Street Fund 0.00 0.48
1540 Due From Library Fund 0.00 0.00
LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE •
Next Police, Fire, Building Inspector, and Ambulance Reports were presented for filing.
There being no further questions or changes,the reports were filed as submitted. Mayor Freeman
explained that we do not have an Engineering report due to Brad Baldwin's retirement this
month, but Joe Hurst will be taking care of that from now on.
Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion. The council had a
request from Les Thomas to close streets for the annual Veteran's Day Parade on November 11,
2014. Motion was made by Alderman Ragsdale and seconded by Alderman Parker to approve
the request. The council followed with a unanimous vote.
The council also had a request from King School to close streets for their annual Run
with the Knights 5k on March 7, 2015. Motion was made by Alderman Ragsdale and seconded
by Alderman Blake to approve the request. The council followed with a unanimous vote.
Reverend George Glynn encouraged the council to make a decision based on the
proposition for the state to go "wet"in the upcoming election. County Judge John Hall took a
stand on it last week and he hopes the city will do so as well. He then passed out an information
sheet to each council member and thanked the mayor for his time. 4.h.
John Pope said that this coming Saturday is the Great Arkansas Cleanup and we will have
two dumpsters starting at 9:00 a.m. at Lake Lou Emma.
Gary Bobo, who is a resident of Ward 2, questioned the council on an item on page
twenty-six (26) of the revenue and expense report. Alderman MaryAnn Dodd stated that the
council members did not have a copy of that report. Mr. Bobo asked why if we only budgeted
$10,000 for Capital Improvements-FD were we $225,357.15 over budget. Mayor Freeman
replied that this was discussed earlier and it was due to finishing the new fire station and its final
payment. Mr. Bobo asked why it was not paid out of the bond fund. Mayor Freeman stated that it
was paid out of both bond and capital improvement funds. Mr. Bobo recollected the figure of
$161,000 and wondered what the additional expenditures were to make it$225,357.15 over.
Mayor Freeman said if he would like to know in more detail what those expenditures were then
he would pull the budget and discuss that with him. Mayor Freeman continued on to say that as
we discussed two months ago, we knew going into this that some would have to be paid out of
Capital Improvements. Mr. Bobo asked if we knew this at the very beginning when we took it to
the public. Mayor Freeman replied that at that time yes we had some sort of idea that we might
have to pay some of this from Capital Improvements. He also said that back in 2012 we did a
best guess of what the cost might be and knew that we would have other tax revenues available
and that as Alderman Parker pointed out at the August special called council meeting, we had to
do the same thing with the construction of the new library. At that time we pulled $250,000 out
of our reserves and paid for the completion. Mr. Bobo asked if we would be paying the bond off
early. Mayor Freeman replied yes, earlier than we would have if we would have requested the
original dollars. Mayor Freeman went on to explain that it was a ten(10)year bond that will be
paid off in seven(7) years and one of the reasons we did that was to make sure all of our projects
totaled under ten million dollars so it couldn't be sold to an out of state bank and that any
additional expenditures over that ten million would come from our reserves. Mr. Bobo
questioned if the 1% sales tax will retire once that bond is paid off. Mayor Freeman said yes we
will pay off that bond. Mr. Bobo then asked what the remaining .5% sales tax will be for. Mayor
Freeman stated that it would go towards maintenance and cost of additional firemen. Mr. Bobo
asked what happens if there is run over available in General Fund. Mayor Freeman said that we
adjust the overall budget in February. Mr. Bobo asked if the reserve goes into any bond to draw
interest. Mayor Freeman said no that it sits in the bank account or as investments.
Alderman Parker commended Jennifer Froud for all her work on the Volunteer
Community application. We didn't win this year,but it was a great application.
There being no further business,motion was made by Alderman Parker and seconded by
Alderman Dodd to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting
adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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ATTESTED: AP VED:
CITY CLERK-TREASURER MAYOR
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