03 March 2001 Regular MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MARCH 19, 2001
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 19, 2001, at City Hall. The
meeting was called to order by Mayor Riggs, presiding Officer. On roll call the following members answered as their
names were called: Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. City Clerk Barbie Curtis and City
Attorney Candice Settle were also present. This made a total of nine(9)present. A quorum was declared.
The Invocation was given by Reverend George Lynn pastor of the Living Word Baptist Church.
Next the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next Mayor Riggs asked to adopt the minutes of the Council Meeting on February 26, 2001 as printed. Alderman
Parker seconded by Alderman Swaim made a motion to approve the minutes as printed. On roll call the following
Council members voted aye: Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. The following voted nay:
none.
Next on the agenda was to consider an ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A MORATORIUM ON THE
PLACEMENT OF SIGNS IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN. The Clerk read the Ordinance the first time in its
entirety. Alderman Swaim moved that the rules be suspended and the Ordinance placed on its second reading. The
motion was seconded by Alderman Pitchford. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—
Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were
six(6)ayes and(0)nays. Four(4)votes being necessary for passage. The Ordinance was read the second time.
Alderman Swaim then moved that the rules be further suspended and the Ordinance be placed on its third and final
reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman Parker. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted:
Ayes— Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there
were six(6)ayes and(0)nays. Four(4)votes being necessary for passage. The clerk then read the Ordinance the third
and final time. The Mayor declared the Ordinance open for discussion.
The Mayor then put the question, " Shall the Ordinance pass?" Motion was made by Alderman Swaim and seconded
by Alderman Pitchford to adopt the Ordinance. Mr. Harold Parrish spoke to the Council about the signs and how
this was going to affect his children's company. He said they had put all their money into their sign company and this
Ordinance would hurt their future business. Alderman Swaim then made a motion that the Ordinance be amended from
ninety(90)days to sixty(60) days. The motion was seconded by Alderman Pitchford. On the clerk's calling of the roll
the following vote resulted: Ayes - Alderman Swaim, Parker, Pitchford and Barker. Nays—Alderman Moore and
Taylor. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were four(4) ayes and two (2)nays. Four(4)votes being
necessary for passage.
Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Pitchford made a motion to pass the Ordinance as amended. On the clerk's
calling of the roll the following vote resulted: Ayes—Alderman Swaim, Parker and Pitchford. Nays—Alderman Moore,
Taylor and Barker. Mayor Riggs broke the tie by voting for the Ordinance. The Mayor declared the Ordinance passed
as there were four(4)ayes and three(3)nays. Four(4)votes being necessary for passage.
Motion was then made by Alderman Swaim and seconded by Alderman Picthford, that the Emergency Clause be
adoped which on roll call the following vote resulted: Ayes - Alderman Swaim, Parker and Pitchford. Nays— Alderman
Moore, Taylor and Barker. Mayor Riggs voted aye to break the tie. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there
were four(4) ayes and(3)nays. Four(4)votes being necessary for passage. The Mayor then declared the Ordinance
duly passed and signed same in open Council, duly attested to by the City Clerk.
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 7-2001 _
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On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS FOR A NEW FIRE TRUCK. The
Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Alderman Swaim asked how many bids they had received. Chief Teasic Harris
said they had sent to four Companies and had only the one bid. Chief Harris said he wanted to go ahead with the bid
made by Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. Chief Harris said they need this new fire truck to help the citizens of Van Buren to
receive a lower insurance rate. He said this chance doesn't come very often. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman
Taylor made a motion to re-advertise for bids for a fire truck. Alderman Swaim said that they need to have more than
one bid. Chief Harris said if they wait on another bid for thirty(30)days, they would miss the chance for the I SO rating
and he also said that the Fire Department men had worked very hard to meet the goals for the rating to benefit the
Community. Alderman Pitchford seconded by Aderman Moore moved that the Resolution be adopted. The question
was put by Mayor Riggs on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the following voted aye: Alderman
Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. And the following voted nay; 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 3-1-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. 2 -I -2001
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS FOR A NEW FIRE TRUCK.
WHEREAS, It is necessary for the City to purchase a new fire truck;and
WHEREAS, The City has advertised and received bids for the fire truck;and
WHEREAS, The attached bids have been received and opened on the time and
date advertised; and
WHEREAS, The City Council feels that the bid made by Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
for the amount of$ 329,895.00 is the lowest and best bid.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: That the bid of$ 329,895.00 made by Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
is the lowest and best bid and is hereby accepted.
SECTION 2: The Mayor is hereby authorized to make specific payment
arrangements with the successful bidder and the Mayor and City
Clerk-Treasurer are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement
with Pierce Manufacturing,for up to the bid amount.
Inc.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS I DAY OF MARCH,2001.
0 sr
MAYOR JOHIIRIG
ATTESTED:
_OCt//11;c-
CITY CLERK/TREASURER
Next on the agenda was to consider a RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS FOR A RESCUE UNIT. Mayor
Riggs said the price was higher than they had previously thought it would bc. Chief Harris said this unit was fully
equipped and ready for any emergency. Chief Harris said he would like to have the unit to reach the ISO goals. He also
said this Rescue unit was very important to help in any situation and would go to the scene of accidents when the fire
truck could be left at the station. Alderman Pitchford seconded by Alderman Swaim made a motion to ask for new bids.
The question was put by Mayor Riggs on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the following voted aye:
Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. And the following voted nay; none. The Mayor said
they would advertise for new bids.
On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
CERTIFYING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT OF BUSINESS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
ADVANTAGE ARKANSAS PROGRAM(FORMERLY THE ARKANSAS ZONE PROGRAM—ACT 947 OF
1993). The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Alderman Taylor made a motion to amend the Resolution by
removing the number two (2)which states that the Resolution would take effect immediately. The motion was seconded
by Alderman Barker. On roll call the following voted aye; Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and
Barker. Alderman Taylor seconded by Alderman Parker moved that the Resolution be adopted as amended. The
question was put by Mayor Riggs on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the following voted aye;
Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. And the following voted nay;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 3-2-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. -A -2001
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS CERTIFYING
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT OF BUSINESS TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE ADVANTAGE A1fKANSAS PROGRAM(FORMERLY THE ARKANSAS
ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM—ACT 947 OF 1993).
WHEREAS, The local government must endorse a business to participate in the
Advantage Arkansas Program and benefit from the refunds/tax
credits as provided in the Arkansas Enterprise Zone Program
Regulations of 1993;and
WHEREAS, Said endorsement must be made on specific form available from
ADED;and
WHEREAS, Spencer's Candlery, Inc. located at 818 Main Street, Van Buren,
Arkansas has sought to participate in the program and more
specifically has requested benefits accruing from the construction
of the specific facility;and
WHEREAS, Spencer's Candlery, Inc., has agreed to furnish the local
government all necessary information for compliance.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: Spencer's Candlery, Inc. be endorsed by the City of Van Buren,
Arkansas for benefits from the refunds/tax credits as provided in
the Arkansas Enterprise Zone Program Regulations of 1993,
through June 30,2001.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 111-4-DAY OF MARCH,2001.
kt' . • •
MAYO' :iGGS
ATTESTED:
C
CITY CLERK/TREASURER
On the agenda next was to consider a request of the Old Town Cruisers to close the Main Street, in front of the
Depot, Cane Hill and Cedar Street for Annual Rod Run, on September 8th and 9t 2001 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Alderman Taylor seconded by Alderman Moore made a motion to grant their request. The Council followed with a
unanimous vote.
Next was a request to appoint Rick Spoon to a six(6)year term on the Civil Service Commission replacing Chris
Bell who resigned. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Pitchford made a motion to appoint Rick Spoon to the six
(6)year term on the Civil Service Commission. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
On the agenda next was a request by Judge Steven Peer for additional funding to Municipal Court. Judge Peer said
that the Municipal Court had hired a lady for part-time work and would like her to be entitled to(APERS)the retirement
system. Judge Peer said that Carol Ray the Municipal Court Clerk had checked on the regulations of (APERS)
retirement program. The regulations of the state for employees to be entitled to (APERS )was to work over eighty(80)
hours a month. Judge Peer said since the employee is working for the County and the City, he asked the Council to
consider the City's part of funding the Municipal Court for the part-time employee's retirement. Alderman Swaim
seconded by Alderman Moore made a motion to pay their part of the APERS program. The Council Followed with a
unanimous vote.
Next on the agenda was the Treasurer's Report. Motion was made by Alderman Swaim and seconded by Alderman
Moore to appropriate the sum of $745,910.52 to pay expenses and salaries for Februay 2001, presented by the City
Clerk-Treasurer. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
la.K_-.639.726.41. City Of Van Buren
6-1-. ---138.3,.6.78. r the period February 1, 2001 to February 28, 2001
pc00.8,-7.316.74. Treasurer's Report
Ub.ury -6.424.14.
14.0.A.-4.096.45. Year To Date Current Month Year" To Date
005
s.91o•s2+• Last Month Amount This Month
GENERAL FUND
Receipts
Beginning Balance $595,729.52 5.00 $595,729.52
Retained Clearing Acct. - de ($2,352.82) $.00 ($2,352.82)
State General Turnback $24,022.84 $24,011.86 $48,034.70
Property Tax (City General) " $609.13 $.00 $609.13
Sales Tax Proceeds $201,960.01 $240,400.16 $442,360.17
New County Sales Tax Proceed $109,453.95 $131,858.35 $241,312.30
Franchise Tax $62,140.55 $81,751.48 $143,892.03
Privilege Licenses $76,785.50 $12,452.50 $89,238.00
Court Fines $20,309.21 $32,363.45 $52,672.66
Inspection Fees $6,874.82 $10,988.90 4' $17,863.72
Pet Licenses $392.00 $20.00 $412.00
Civil Small Claims $433.54 $737.60 $1,171.14
Misc. General Fund $2,467.47 $101.45 $2,568.92
Interest $487.77 $447.46 $935.23
Administrative Justice Fund $38,368.29 $61,471.98 $99,840.27
Reimb. Co. Share Mun. Ct. 5.00 $13,160.76 $13,160.76
Garage Sales $30.00 $85.00 $115.00
Property Clean Up $5,850.29 5.00 $5,850.29
Cobra Insurance Payment $638.10 $2,544.90 $3,183.00
Police Grants $10,620.78 $23,706.61 $34,327.39
Miscellaneous Revenue-P.D. $200.00 $.00 a $200.00
Insurance Reimbursement-P.D. $1,371.95 $625.00 ', $1,996.95
Juvenile Transport $2,620.00 $953.00 $3,573.00
Miscellaneous Revenue-F.D. $6.00 $2.02.00 $208.00
UNCLAIMED LIABILITIES ACCOUNT $.00 $88.50 $88.50
Total Receipts $1,189,018.90 $637,970.96 $1,796,989.86
r
Disbursements
Salaries - Admin. $27,888.82 $28,544.02 $56,432.84
Other - Admin. $25,828.21 $16,832.36 $42,660.57
Accounting Consult Fees-FEMA $20,835.14 $29,056.17 $49,891.31
New County Sales Tax Transfer $109,453.95 $131,858.35 $241,312.30
Vision 2010 Expenditures $.00 $433.82 $433.82
Fixed Assets General $.00 $534.55 $534.55
Total Administration $184,006.12 $207,259.27 $391,265.39
Salaries - Police $115,013.67 $114,121.02 '_$229,134.69
Other - Police $68,338.67 $65,562.15 x$133,900.82
Juvenile Transport $2,359.73 $11,187.13 $13,546.86
Total Police $185,712.07 $190,870.30 $376,582.37
Salaries - Firemen $85,053.51 $100,077.04 $185,130.55
Next Police, Fire, Fire Marshall, Building Inspector's, KOH, Municipal Court, Auditorium Commission Reports
were presented for filing.
Next was any item from any citizen present. There was none.
Next was time for Miscellaneous and General Discussion. Mayor Riggs said he would like to comment on the
Ordinances and Resolutions. He said he would like all Ordinances and Resolutions that was to be ready for Council
meeting, in the Mayor's office no later than Wednesday before the Council meeting on the following Monday.
There being no further business motion was made by Alderman Taylor and seconded by Alderman Pitchford to
adjourn. The City Council members followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
ID 1 n ,. .
MAYR op
ATTESTED:
&It:, 6,44;d
CITY CLERK-TREASURER