09 September 2001 Regular MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 17, 2001
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 17, 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 Attorney Candice Settle
and Deputy City Clerk Connie Hyatt were also present. This made a total of nine(9)present. A quorum was declared.
Next the Mayor said they had put together a Proclamation because of the events that happened last week,
September 11, 2001, from terrorist destroying the World Trade Center hi New York, and taking thousands of lives.
The Mayor said by the power invested in him that he joins with the citizens and businesses of the City of Van Buren,
that the American flag be flown at half-staff, in honor and memory of those who lost their lives in this tragedy and of
the strong ideals upon which our Nation was founded as a City.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Gene Cowin, Associate Pastor of Butterfield Assembly of God.
Next the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next Chief Bell made a presentation of an award of merit to Pete Lopez for his outstanding service in stopping a
local bank robbery. Scott Weston with Firstar recognized Mr. Lopez and thanked him for his protection of the
employees and the bank. Pete Lopez thanked everyone and said he was not a hero and that the ladies at the Bank also
did their part in stopping the Bank robbery.
On the agenda next, Mayor Riggs asked to adopt the minutes of the Council Meeting on August 20, 2001 and the
Special Called Meeting on September 6, 2001 as printed. Alderman Parker seconded by Alderman Swaim made a
motion to approve the minutes of the regular Council Meeting on August 20, 2001 and the special called meeting
September 6, 2001 as printed. On roll call the following Council members voted aye: Alderman Swaim, Parker,
Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. The following voted nay: none.
CITY OFFICERS
BARBIE CURTIS
// 1
City Clark-Tr.ssursr - i _ `fir"„'(=.
CANOICE SETTLE . .T 1 I' �� /`
CNY Ntpn.y r i y1,. ( Y-�T ���a •/ / /
STEVEN PEER U/` (
Mu kdy.1 Judo - r
CAROL RAY , l .`��2 111W n _1 . • , �'" - '' /
Cant Clan _ — -1'4° - _
VIVIAN MITCHELL -_ - - __
Adm .tUtho Assistant _ - — -- -
W
to Ola Myer
Y AlJIMBA (1-71#g of dun urn, Arh�rns s
DAVID JIM BARKER
OORE
DONNA PARMA JOHN RIGGS,Mayor
MIME PITCHFORO
BILL SWAIM 1003 Broadway•Van Buren,Arkansas 72956
BILL TAYLOR (501)4741541 Fax(501)471-5010
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, America became the victim of a
terrorist attack with the destroying of the World Trade Center in New York and the
severe damage to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, this is the most devastating terrorist onslaught ever waged against
the United States, with the death toll expected to be in the thousands and with life,
as we now know it, being completely changed forever; and
WHEREAS, because of this crisis, the people of America must be more united
than we have ever been before; and
WHEREAS, in the face of this seemingly ages disaster, the people of America
should have an abiding faith in the God who rules our world, in the ideals and
strength of our Nation, in our democratic process and in the leaders of our Nation
who are now faced with the decisions Which will ultimately determine the future of
the world:
NOW. THEREFORE, I, John Riggs, Mayor of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas,
and by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby join with the citizens and
businesses of Van Buren in displaying the American Flag, flown at half-staff, in
honor and memory of those who have lost their lives as a result of this tragedy and
as a symbol of the strong ideals upon which our Nation is founded. I further urge
that we join other states and countries in an attempt to bring all the world together
to create a spirit of unity and peace in our world and that this peace will not be
a dream, but rather a reality. 1n--elosing, let us never forget that THIS UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA IS A COUNTRY THAT IS INDEED ONE NATION, UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FUDR ALL.
SIGNED AND SEALED THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER , 2001
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On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE
ABANDONMENT OF A STREET IN AZURE HILLS ESTATES IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Alderman Taylor seconded by Alderman Swaim 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 Deputy
City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 9-3-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
1
RESOLUTION NO. -3 -2001
A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ABANDONMENT OF A
STREET IN AZURE HILLS ESTATES IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
WHEREAS, Linda Gabriel,L.Scott McBrayer and Teri T.McBrayer,Joe Bowie and Sherry
Bowie,James G.Williamson,Jr.and Carole M.Williamson,and Morril H.
Harriman and Martha M.Harriman have petitioned the City Council of Van
Buren,to vacate and abandon a street Azure Hills Estates in the City of Van
Buren,Arkansas.
WHEREAS, The Petitioners own all the property adjoining the street above described;and,
WHEREAS, The City Council of Van Buren,Arkansas,acting under the authority of Arkansas
Code Annotated,Section 14-301-301 et seq.,has the authority to abandon streets.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS: •
SECTION 1: That a Public Hearing is set for October 15,2001 at 7:OOAhtpm,at
which time said Petition shall be presented to the City Council and the Council
will determine at that time whether such property should be abandoned as a street
and that all persons directly interested have consented to such abandonment.
SECTION 2: That the City Clerk of Van Buren,Arkansas is hereby directed to give notice by
publication once a week for two weeks in some newspaper published in
Crawford County advising the property owners i ffected4hat on said date and
time the Council will hear said Petition.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS I 1 DAY OF Sepliornk4elt. ,2001.
O• yip-
MAYOR V
itz7
ATTESTED:
Come M1a
CITY CLERK
Q_A -
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On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE
ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF THIRD STREET IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS. The
Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Alderman Swain seconded by Alderman Pitchford 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 Deputy
City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 9-4-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. 4'K -2001
A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ABANDONMENT
OF A PORTION OF THIRD STREET IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, Nancy Millsap has petitioned the City Council of Van Buren, to vacate
and abandon a portion of the City's right-of-way on Third Street from
Adams Street to the levy, said property being the Street between Lots 4, 5
and 6 of Block 42 and Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of Block 26 of the
Riverside Addition in the City of Van Buren,Arkansas.
WHEREAS, The Petitioners own all the property adjoining those portions of the above
described;and,
WHEREAS, The City Council of Van Buren, Arkansas, acting under the authority of
Arkansas Code Annotated, Section 14-301-301 has the authority to
abandon streets and alleys.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: That a Public Hearing is set for October 15, 2001 at 7:00 P.M., at which
time said Petition shall be presented to the City Council and the Council
will determine at that time whether such property should be abandoned as
a street and that all abutting property owners and other persons directly
interested have consented to such`abandonment.
SECTION 2: That the City Clerk of Van Buren, Arkansas is hereby directed to give
notice by publication once a week for two weeks in some newspaper
published in Crawford County advising the property owners affected that
on said date and time the Council will hear said Petition.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS I I DAY OF SEPTEMBER,2001.
•
MAYOR JO 1 RIGGNv
ATTESTED:
Comp
CITY CLERKASURER
1
On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT TO AVOID COSTLY
LITIGATION. The Clerk read the Resolution In Its entirety. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Taylor 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 Deputy
City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 9-5-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
•
RESOLUTION NO. q 5 -2001
•
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT TO AVOID COSTLY LITIGATION.
WHEREAS, That the City Council placed a moratorium on the construction of signs
within the City on March 19,2001,and subsequently enacted an Ordinance
regulating the construction and placement of signs within the City;and
WHEREAS, Nation Outdoor Advertising,LLC,is an outdoor advertising company that
contracted with Poindexter-Bell, LLC to construct a billboard sign on
property owned by Poindexter-Bell, LLC located at 1914 Fayetteville
Road,Van Buren,Arkansas;and
WHEREAS, That prior to the issuance of the moratorium,the City Building Department
issued a letter to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department
confirming that the construction of the Nation/Poindexter-Bell Billboard
was permitted under existing City ordinances;and
WHEREAS, Both Nation and Poindexter-Bell relied upon the assurances of the City
Building Department and constructed the said Billboard at some expense;
and
WHEREAS, That the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department subsequently
denied a permit to erect the Billboard as a result of the sign ordinance
enacted by this Council;and
WHEREAS, That Nation subsequently assigned its interest in the sign location lease to
Sandford Properties, LLC d/b/a Ultra Outdoor Advertising, LLC, an
outdoor advertising company;and
WHEREAS, It is in the best interests of the citizens of Van Buren to avoid costly and
uncertain litjgation;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSASt
SECTION 1: That the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Settlement Agreement
with Sanford Properties,LLC d/b/a Ultra Outdoor Advertising,LLC,for
the placement of the Poindexter-Bell Billboard.
SECTION 2: - That the City of Van Buren will incur no financial obligation to either
Nation Outdoor Advertising, LLC, Sanford Properties, LLC d/b/a Ultra
Outdoor Advertising,LLC or Poindexter-Bell,LLC as a result of entering
into said Settlement Agreement.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS I frth DAY OF SEPTEMBER,2001.
MAYO9l;JOHN RIG
ATTESTED:
effC vt
On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A
PROJECT AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL
RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO LANDSLIDE IN CITY PARK.
AGREEMENT NO. 69-7103-1-058. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Alderman Swaim seconded by
Alderman Taylor 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 Deputy
City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 9-6-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. q-ex -2001
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROJECT
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO THE
LANDSLIDE IN CITY PARK. AGREEMENT NO. 69-7103-1-058.
WHEREAS, Under the provision of Section 216 of Public Law
81-516, Emergency Watershed Protection Program,
and Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978,
Public Law 95-334, NRCS is authorized to assist the
City in relieving hazards created by natural
disasters that cause impairment of a watershed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: THAT the Mayor is authorized to enter into a Project
Agreement with Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) for repairs to the landslide in City
Park at an estimated cost of $13,800.00. Payment
by the City to NRCS shall be 25$ of this cost and
the total cost to the City shall not exceed $3,450.00.
•
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER , 2001
I1 \ e )MAYOR Y
ATTESTED:
CITY CLERK- REASURER
motto C Clete
On the agenda next was to consider a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A
PROJECT AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL
RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO LANDSLIDE IN CITY PARK.
AGREEMENT NO. 68-7103-1-280. The Clerk read the Resolution hi its entirety. The Mayor said that NRCS had
asked for proposals when they met last week The Mayor said they were not sure until this afternoon what the contract
amount would be. He said the City's share would be 25%of the cost and he said they were still working with their
Representatives to try and get some help from the Governors Office. Alderman Baiter asked if the project would
include trees. Alderman Barker said the trees seem to have protected other parts from a landslide. Mayor Riggs said
he didn't think the trees were a factor. The Mayor asked Brad Baldwin, City Engineer about the trees. Brad Baldwin
said the trees would not be part of the project. He said any landscaping or planting of tress would be the City's
responsibility. Alderman Taylor said they had two(2)Resolutions and asked if one Resolution covered one part and
one covered the other part. Mayor Riggs said one Resolution covered the part of what they are suppose to do and they
are going to bill them for their part, he said the other Resolution will take care of what they are going to do for the City
and they will bill us in increments of$50,000.00. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Taylor 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 ayc; 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 Deputy
City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 9-7-2001
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS//
RESOLUTION NO. 7'7 -2001
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROJECT
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO THE
LANDSLIDE IN CITY PARK. AGREEMENT NO. 68-7103-1-280.
WHEREAS, Under the provision of Section 216 of Public Law
81-516, Emergency Watershed Protection Program,
and Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978,
Public Law 95-334, NRCS is authorized to assist the
City in relieving hazards created by natural
disasters that cause impairment of a watershed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: THAT the Mayor is authorized to enter into a Project
Agreement with Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) for repairs to the landslide in City
Park at an estimated cost of $208,230.00 Payment
by the City to NRCS shall be 25% of this cost and
the total cost to the City shall not exceed
$52,057.50.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER , 2001
C� J"."O1:--
ATTESTED:
C ECITYCLTAU
RER
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Next on the agenda was to consider an ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 7-1963 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN ARKANSAS AND
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS. 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 Taylor. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following
vote resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. Nays—None. 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 Taylor 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. Nays -none. 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. There was none.
The Mayor then put the question, " Shall the Ordinance pass?" Motion was made by Alderman Swaim and
seconded by Alderman Taylor to adopt the Ordinance. On the Clerk's calling of the roll the following vote resulted:
Ayes—Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. Nays—None. The Mayor declared the motion
carried as there wore aht(6)ayes and one(0)nays. Four(4)votoa being necessary for paaaagc.
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 20-2001
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On the agenda next was to consider a REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 4-2000 AND AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 22-1997 ESTABLISHING MONTHLY RATES FOR MANDATORY RESIDENTIAL
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS. 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 Taylor. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the
following vote resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. Nays—None. 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 Taylor. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted:
Ayes—Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. Nays-none. 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 Taylor to
adopt the Ordinance. On the Clerk's calling of the roll the following vote resulted: Ayes—Alderman Swaim, Parker,
Moore, Taylor, Pitchford and Barker. Nays-None. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were six(6) ayes
and one(0)nays. Four(4)votes being necessary for passage.
Motion was then made by Alderman Swaim and seconded by Alderman Taylor, that the Emergency Clause be
adopted which on roll call the following vote resulted: Ayes - Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Taylor and Pitchford.
Nays-Alderman Barker. The Mayor declared the Ordinance passed as there were five(5) ayes and one (1)nay. Four
(4)votes being necessary for passage.
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 21-2001
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Next on the agenda was the recommendation from the Board of Trustees of the Van Buren Public Library to appoint
Mr. Joe Riley to fill the vacant position of Lynn Rotert. Alderman Taylor seconded by Alderman Swaim made a
motion to approve the recommendation from the Library Board. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
On the agenda next was the recommendation from the Van Buren Public Facilities Board to appoint Dr. Merle
Dickerson to fill the un-expired term of Dr. Ken James, ending December 31, 2005. Alderman Taylor seconded by
Aldennan Swaim made a motion to approve the recommendation. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
Next on the agenda was a request from the Old Town Merchants Association for$500.00 to purchase candy for the
Halloween Trick or Treat on Main Street. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Taylor made a motion to grant the
request for the $500.00. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
Next was a request by the Butterfield Assembly of God Church to close the street on the corner of Main and 8th
Street in Van Buren on October 6, 2001 for the safety of the children and adults during a concert, they are sponsoring.
They also requested that the street between 8th and Cane Street be blocked. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman
Taylor made a motion to close the street for the Butterfield Assembly of God Church. The Council followed with a
unanimous vote.
1
I
Next on the agenda was the Treasurer's Report. Motion was made by Alderman Swaim and seconded by Alderman
Taylor to appropriate the sum of$817,241.80 to pay expenses and salaries for August 2001, presented by the City
Clerk Treasurer. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
�4A
•F. -)653.809.78+
. eiL -179.217.33' I City Of Van Bureri
01ft --X72.572-13. For the period August 1, 2001 to August 31, 2001
Library >9.627.51+ Treasurer's Report
1(,p. -•i2,0 1 5.0 5+
005 Year To Date Current Month Year To Date
817.241.80* Last Month Amount This Month
i:
___.---.__-GENERAL FUND---------_-..
Receipts
Beginning Balance $595,729.52 $.00 $595,729.5;
Retained Clearing Acct. - Ge ($2,352.82) $.00 ($2,352.8:
State General Turnback $210,774.16 $23,090.39 $233,864.5
Property Tax (City General) $82,238.60 $.00 $82,238.6(
Sales Tax Proceeds $1,540,388.74 $228,968.37 $1,769,357.1:
New County Sales Tax Proceed $851,451.07 $124,651.60 $976,102.6;
Franchise Tax $520,747.81 $106,732.23 $627,480.0
Privilege Licenses $103,333.00 $612.50 $103,945.5(
Court Fines $235,278.43 $28,934.74 $264,213.1;
Inspection Fees $67,799.01 $9,122.95 $76,921.9E
Pet Licenses $677.00 $136.00 $813.0C
Civil Small Claims $4,916.99 $720.95 $5,637.94
Misc. General Fund '$30,149.62 $1,518.18 $31,667.8C
Interest $2,716.82 $218.66 $2,935.4E
Administrative Justice Fund $419,650.29 $69,100.00 $488,750.29
Reimb. Co. Share Mun. Ct. $38,248.81 $4,461.43 *42,710.24
Vision 2010 Revenues $.00 $4,125.00 $4,125.00 f
Garage Sales $4,075.00 $575.00 $4,650.00
Phillips Landing $7,500.00 $-.O0 $7,500.00
VBMU 1/2 Cost City Eng. Exp. $9,710.34 $4,239.35 $13,949.69
Reim. From Co. Sales Tax-PD $43,786.74 $15,809.97 $59,596.71
Cobra Insurance Payment $11,621.50 $2,057.60 $13,679.10
. Police Grants $65,679.79 $8,120.18 $73,799.97
Child Protection Fund $406.24 $58.75 $464.99
Miscellaneous Revenue-P.D. $4,164.60 $250.00 $4,414.60
Insurance Reimbursement-P.D. $31,363.26 ($21„550.00) $9,813.26
Juvenile Transport $12,241.00 $.00 $12,241.00
Miscellaneous Revenue-F.D. $242.07 $.00 $242.07
Donation/Camera $.00 $6,111.00 $6,111.00
Act 833 Money $20,497.11 $.00 $20,497.11
UNCLAIMED LIABILITIES ACCOUNT $133.50 $.00 $133.50
Total Receipts $4,913,168.20 $618,064.85 $5,531,233.05
Disbursements
Salaries - Admin. $211,789.40 $32,694.46 $244,483.86
Other - Admin. $52,380.95 $7,386.40 $59,767.35
Phillips Landing $40,916.47 $1,388.21 ?$42,304.68
Engineer Supplies & Expenses $6,439.30 $400.53 $6,839.83
Engineer Survey Supplies $586.24 $171.68 $757.92
Engineer Vehicle(Gas, Maint) $2,048.36 ($1,425.50) $622.86
Engineering Services $69,22.3.25 $6,049.1.0 $75,272.35
Accounting Consult Fees-FEMA $6,143.23 $1,296.75 $7,439.98
New County Sales Tax Transfer $606,724.53 $38,378.30 $645,102.83
Riverfront Property Purchase $35,264.88 $5,115.93 $40,380,81.
t
F
Next Police, Fire, Fire Marshall, Building Inspector, Municipal Court and Engineer's Reports were presented for
filing.
Next was any item from any citizen present. There was none.
Next was lime for Miscellaneous and General Discussion. The Mayor said he had an item for their attention. He
said Cathy Gifford had dropped off some information on the Main Street Community Program. He said they have an
application that is due the end of October to be qualified for the Main Street Program. The Committee had raised
$90,000.00 and he said they are $84,700.00 short of their goal. The Mayor said that would include the City's
commitmegt to help find a location, for an office, whether they would discuss a location at the King Opera House or if
they would find another location. The Mayor said he would like to see if they could fmd some revenue for their next
year's budget He said they need a commitment from the City to meet their goal. The Mayor said the application is due
the last of October. He said once they get the application process going and the wheels are rolling, he said there were
things that could happen that could take the financial burden off the committee and enhance the promotion of getting
Down Town back on its feet. Mayor Riggs said he would like to make a commitment for at least a three(3)year period
for$10,000.00 dollars a year. He said he would like Candice Settle, City Attorney to check into this matter. Attorney
Candice Settle said she didn't think that the city could legally do the commitment. Alderman Swaim said they would
be using tax dollars to promote private enterprise and he didn't believe it could legally be done. The Mayor said this
was a key part of the City's Community and revenue and the down town area needs the City's support. Alderman
Parker said she totally supports the project The Mayor said there has to be an $84,000.00 commitment between now
and the end of October. The Mayor said he was willing to help and that it would be the Council's final decision.
Alderman Parker said she didn't know if they could help legally. Mayor Riggs said that Sheny Hodo had researched
this project and she said seventeen(17)cities participate in this program. Sherry said that this money would help with
sidewalks, streets, lights and various things they need to get taken care of. Alderman Swaim said that the lighting and
sidewalks were already the City's responsibility. He said donating to an Organization for their discretion of taxpayer
funds would be held to be illegal. Alderman Swaim told Mayor Riggs if he would clear this up and clear the legalities
then bring it back to the Council they could then make a decision. The Mayor said if he could find out that it was legal,
he asked if he could get Council's approval to go ahead and commit$10,000.00 for next year. Alderman Swaim said, "
no sir not in my name." The Mayor said the main thing was to get the application in before October 31, 2001.
Alderman Swaim said they have one more Council meeting before October 31, 2001 and that the Council could decide
then after they have heard all the facts.
Richard Hodo spoke as a property owner in Historical Down Town. He said several business were leaving the
down town area because they are not doing well in their business. He also said he would like for the Council members
to have a vision to see where the down town area could be going if they try to keep it alive. Mayor Riggs said he
thought the Council was willing to help they just need to find out the legal way to do it. The City Attorney said they
need to find the legal way to go about it Sheny Hodo said they had met with the Mayor of Little Rock and they were
doing the same project, she said there has to be a way the City of Van Buren could help. Sherry Hodo also said that at
a training class they had gone to last week, they had learned that in a down town region the merchants could bring in 20
to 25%of the taxes. She said the down town area was beneficial to the whole city.
Alderman Taylor spoke about the mural at the River Front Wall, saying the wall was chipping and needs to have
something done to protect it. The Mayor said they would check into getting it taken care of.
There being no further business Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Taylor made a motion to adjourn. The
Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
APPROVED:
ATTESTED:
_LL2
CITY CLERK-TREASURER MAYOR