11 November 2018 Regular MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 26,2018
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 5:30 p.m. Monday,
November 26, 2018 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: Council Member
Wood, Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty, Moore and Swaim. City Clerk-Treasurer Phyllis Thomas and
City Attorney Candice Settle were present. This made a total of nine (9) present. A quorum was
declared.
The invocation was given by Heart of Hospice representatives Jonathon Hamby and Julie
Strickland.
Mrs. Strickland then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Freeman then asked to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting on
October 29, 2018. Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the minutes. Council
Member Kneeland seconded the motion. On roll call,the following Council members voted aye:
Council Member Wood, Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty, Moore and Swaim. The following voted
nay: none.
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC
HEARING DATE FOR VACATING A DRAINAGE/UTILITY EASEMENT
LOCATED AT LOTS 65 & 66, PARK RIDGE AT LEE CREEK SUBDIVISION;
INSIDE THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, CRAWFORD COUNTY, ARKANSAS. The
Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Freeman asked if there was any
discussion. There was none. Council Member Swaim seconded by Council Member
Moore moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the
following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Wood, Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty,
Moore and Swaim.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 City Clerk then swore
in the new officers.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 11-1-2018
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.j L - I -2018
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR
VACATING A DRAINAGE/UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED AT LOTS
65 & 66,PARK RIDGE AT LEE CREEK SUBDIVISION; INSIDE THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN,CRAWFORD COUNTY,ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, Michael Kerr has petitioned the City Council of Van Buren, Arkansas to vacate and
abandon the public drainage and utility easement along certain lots inside the Park Ridge
Addition more particularly described as follows:
Description of Existing Easement
All that part of a 15.00 foot utility and drainage easement lying to the rear of lots
65 and 66,within Park Ridge Subdivision to the City of Van Buren,Arkansas
;and
WHEREAS, all of the property owners and adjacent property owners being affected by this easement
abandonment have consented by signed petition;and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Van Buren, acting under the authority of A.C.A. 14-199-103 and
A.C.A. 14-301-302, has the authority to vacate public easements, rights-of-way and
alleys or segments thereof.
NOW, 1"HBREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY f:th CITY COUNCIL OF 1'HE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,CRAWFORD COUNTY,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: A Public Hearing is set for 171 day of December 2018,at 5:30 P.M. in the Van Buren
City Council Room,at which time said Petition shall be presented to the City Council and
the City Council will determine at that time if such portion of said public easement
should be vacated and that all affected property owners and other persons directly
interested have consented to such vacating.
SECTION 2: The City Clerk of Van Buren,Arkansas,is hereby directed to give notice by publication
once a week for two consecutive weeks in some newspaper, published in Crawford
County, advising the property owners and others affected, of said date and time the
Council will hear said Petition.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkan ,y its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of to for and 0 against,the forego : .esolution at its rem ar meeting
held on the 26`s day of November 2018.
Robert 2. - -
•
Mayos
ATTESTED: PRO _
Phyllis Thomas Candice A. ettle(
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN. The Clerk
read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Freeman asked if there was any discussion.
Mayor o Freeman noted theincrease y is due to a four dollar increase on our '
vision coverage.
g
The city did not change in rate class or deductible this year. Council Member Sparkman
seconded by Council Member Kneeland moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the
Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Wood,
Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty, Moore and Swaim. 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 City Clerk then swore
in the new officers.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 11-2-2018
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. I 1 - a. -2018
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING HEALTH INSURANCE
BENEFITS FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN.
WHEREAS, City of Van Buren currently provides health insurance and related benefits to full time
employees,elected officials,former elected officials eligible under Ordinance 26-1978;
and
WHEREAS, the cost of providing health insurance to those eligible is a very substantial
expense to the city;and
WHEREAS, the current health and eye vision insurance rates will increase effective January 1,2019.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN
BUREN,ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: Health Insurance shall be made available to each full time employee and elected official
through the Arkansas Municipal League Municipal Health Benefit Fund.The City will •
pay the full cost of health insurance for the employee or elected official and up to a
maximum of$904.20 per month for the employee or elected official with family
coverage.
SECTION 2: Health Insurance shall be made available through the Arkansas Municipal League
Municipal Health Benefit Fund to each former elected official eligible for such benefits
under Ordinance No.26-1978 and Ordinance No.22-2005.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,
did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of !o for and 0 agai i the foregoing Resolution
at its Regular Meeting held on the 26'h day of November 201:.
Oft a
Robe .. reeman
Mayor
ATTESTED: . • 'PRO, 1 • T,r ORM:
Phyllis Thom Candic- • . ettle
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION APPROVING A ONE
HUNDRE DOLLAR($100.00) CHRISTMAS BONUS TO ALL FULL-TIME,
NON-ELECTED CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE ONE (1) FULL YEAR OF
SERVICE. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Freeman asked if there
was any discussion. There was none. Council Member Swaim seconded by Council
Member Moore moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll,
the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Wood, Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty,
Moore and Swaim. 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 City Clerk then swore
in the new officers.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 11-3-2018
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. l a - 3 -2018
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN
BUREN ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR($100.00)
CHRISTMAS BONUS TO ALL FULL-TIME,NON-ELECTED CITY
EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE ONE(1)FULL YEAR OF SERVICE.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas has paid a Christmas
Bonus to its salaried employees in the past;and
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas wishes to continue this
practice.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: All full-time,non-elected city employees who have
one(1)full year of service,shall be paid a one hundred
dollar($100.00)bonus for Christmas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council, i
did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of for and() against,the foregoing Resolution
at its regular meeting held on the 26th day of November ! 8.
_41_11‘1: -il .
Robe I ... -
Mayor
ATTESTED: - • PRO ' D AS TO FORM:
P Ilis Thoma andice It
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE FOR COMPLIANCE
WITH ARK. CODE § 14-42-107, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO CONDUCT
BUSINESS WITH AN OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE OF THE CITY OF VAN
BUREN,DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The
Clerk read the Ordinance in its entirety. Council Member Wood moved that the rules be
suspended and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading. The motion was seconded
by Council Member Moore. The council followed with a unanimous vote. The Clerk
then read the Ordinance the second time.
Council Member Wood moved that the rules be further suspended and the
Ordinance placed on the third and final reading. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Sparkman. 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.
There was none.
The Mayor then put the question, "Shall the Ordinance pass?" Motion was made by
Council Member Swaim and seconded by Council Member Moore to adopt the Ordinance. On
the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Wood,
Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty, Moore and Swaim. 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 Council Member Swaim and seconded by Council Member
Kneeland, that the emergency clause be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following
vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Wood, Sparkman, Kneeland, Petty, Moore and Swaim.
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 25-2018
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
ORDINANCE NO.7.5•2018
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED:
AN ORDINANCE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ARK CODE
ANN.§14-42-107,AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS
WITH AN OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY;AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, ACA§14-42-107 requires an ordinance be enacted specifically permitting the
conducting of any business between an official or employee of the city and the City of
Van Buren;and
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren wishes to conduct business,on an ongoing basis,with Mr.J.W. -
Wooden,an employee of the City of Van Buren in the Fire Department;and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Administration and the Van Buren City Council that compliance with
A.C.A.§14-42-107 is satisfied for the conducting of all city business;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.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1 Mr.J.W.Wooden,an employee of the City of Van Buren in the Fire Department,is
hereby authorized to conduct business with the City of Van Buren,Arkansas.
,SECTION 2: This Ordinance being necessary for the financial continuity of the City of Van Buren,
AFlcansas,and necessary in providing for the immediate preservation of the public peace,
health,and safety,an emergency is declared to exist and this Ordinance shall take effect
and be in force after its passage and approval.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of to for and_Ci against,the foregoing Ordinance at its regular
meeting held on the 26a day of November 2018.
41
Robert •a"�w-'t"i'_\
Maya
ATTESTED:(05 APPROVED AS 4.4
: A
�IlitThomas ) Candice ASettle
City Ckddfreasurer City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND
ORDINANCE NO. 21-2017 FOR THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING FUNDS
FOR THE CHAD COLLEY WILDERNESS PARK BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN
TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk
read the Ordinance in its entirety. Council Member Kneeland moved that the rules be
suspended and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading. The motion was seconded
by Council Member Petty. The council followed with a unanimous vote: The Clerk then
read the Ordinance the second time.
Council Member Kneeland moved that the rules be further suspended and the
Ordinance placed on the third and final reading. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Swaim. 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.
Council Member Petty asked if an emergency clause was necessary. Mayor Freeman
replied that no money would need to be expended within the next thirty days.
The Mayor then put the question, "Shall the Ordinance pass?" Motion was made by
Council Member Wood and seconded by Council Member Petty to adopt the Ordinance. On the
Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Wood, Sparkman,
Kneeland, Petty, Moore and Swaim. 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 Mayor then declared the Ordinance passed and signed same in open Council, duly
attested by the City Clerk.
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 26-2018
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
ORDINANCE NO.Z(o-2018
BE IT ENACTED BY TIM CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 21-2017 FOR
THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING FUNDS FOR THE CHAD
COLLEY WILDERNESS PARK BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAIL
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT;AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City Council of Van Buren authorized the Mayor to enter into a contract with
Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC) to develop bike and pedestrian trails and
associated amenities and improvements at Chad Colley Wilderness Park;and
WHEREAS, the City Council voted to waive competitive bidding due to exceptional
circumstances;and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council to commit funds for the development of said
trails.
NOW, IILLREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The Mayor is authorized to budget and expend up to$200,000.00 of Capital Improvement
Funds with Ozark Off Road Cyclists for the purpose of developing bike and pedestrian
trails and related amenities and improvements consistent with the Chad Colley Wilderness
Park Bike and Pedestrian Trail Plan.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, by its City Council, did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of (p for and against,the foregoing Ordinance at its regular meeting
held on the 26th day of November 2018.
10, 4111111k
Robe va. r--1
May
ATTESTED: -AP'10-VE i, •S-TO ORM:
Ph
li Thom
City Clerk/Treasurer ice A e
City Attorney
Next on the agenda was the Financial Statement. Motion was made by Council
Member Swaim and seconded by Council Member Kneeland to appropriate the sum of
$1,210,191.85 to pay expenses and salaries for October 2018, presented by the clerk.
The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
' 11-06-2018 02:35 PM CITY OF VAN B URE N PAGE: 1
TRIAL BALANCE
AS OF: OCTOBER 31ST, 2018
10 -General Fund
••• MONTH TO DATE ••• ••• YEAR TO DATE •••
ACCT4 ACCOUNT NAME DEBITS CREDITS DEBITS CREDITS
ASSETS
1000 Petty Cash 0.00 200.00
1020 Cash in Bank 165,815.29 303,255.10
1020.01 Cash In Bank-Ins. Reimb. 0.00 0.00
1020.03 Cash In Bank-ASP's&Nalmart Gra 0.00 0.00 1 :U 63 : 1 0;?• rp
•
f 1020.04 Veterans' Memorial-Act 934 0.00 - 0.00 t 2 3:3 2 7•7 7
3 1020.05 2009 Byrne Recovery Grant 0.00 105.00 ,
1020.06 2009 Byrne Grant
157-66',
0.00 O.OD
1020.07 2007 Byrne Grant 0.00 0.00 2
I +6 0 7' 6 4 '.
1020.08 Cash in Bank- Storm Damage 0.00 0.00 1 '2: U : I 1 I •+ y'•: ',
f 1020.09 District Copt Grant-Mediation 0.00 0.00
1020.10 Cash in Bank- HDC 0.00 0.46 o
1020.11 Cash in Bank-KVBB 0.00 1,286.66
1020.12 Emergency Management Fund 0.00 0.00
1020.13 Cash In Bank-ACT 833 79,578.57 168,305.94
1020.14 Court Automation-District 3,033.66 50,562.58
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 0.00 0.00
• 1020.18 Cash in Bank - PD Co Tax 7,500.14 25,669.43
•
i 1020.19 Cash in Bank - ED Co Tax 10,360.78 155,692.24
1 1020.20 Cash In Bank-Erosion Control 75.00 26,175.00
Si 1020.21 Cash in Bank-CPAcademy 0.00 0.00
• 1020.22 Cash In Bank-PEG Grant 0.00 0.00
t 1020.27 Cash in Bank - Levee 0.00 10,639.93
t 1020.28 Marina Repairs 0.00 10,495.60
• 1020.29 Property Maintenance-Scrap 0.00 0.00
1020.30 Field of Dreams-Equipment 33.01 5,600.93
1020.31 Cash in Bank - Parks i Rec 0.00 0.00
1020.32 01F 0.00 0.00
1020.33 Cash in Bank-Yard Waste 775.23 272,161.55 6y'.
1020.34 Cash In BankPublic Facilities 0.00 671.86 S
1020.35 Cash In Bank-Jail 0.00 0.00 a
1020.36 Cash in Bank-Property Cleanup 0.00 14,338.74 Q
fl
1020.37 Probation 37.83 57,459.41
1020.51 Cash in Bank -Cemetery 2.18 2,299 45
1020.52 Cemetery-Donations 0.00 32,000.00
1020.60 Cash In Bank-Reserve 180,000.00 90,638.90 ,f
1020.80 Cash in Bank-KOH 1,355.00 1,355.00 T
1020.91 Cash in Bank - Cap Imp 132,822.14 1,017,656.69
1040 Investments 0.00 0.001.
z
1040.10 Investments - Sales Tax City 0.00 0.00
66
1:
k 1040.18 Investments - PD CO Tax 0.00 0.00 1;
1040.19 Investments - FD Co Tax 0.00 0.00
1040.27 Investments - Levee 0.00 0.00
1040.31 Investments - Parks c Rec '1 0.00
0.00
1040.51 Investments - Cemetery 0.00 38,752.59 7
($ 1040.91 Investments - Cap Imp 187.99 381,402.45
F
1
Next Police,Fire,Building Inspector, Public Works/Planning, and Ambulance
Reports were presented for filing. There being no further questions or changes,the
reports were filed as submitted.
Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion. Mayor Freeman noted a
few things on the schedule in December. Drennen-Scott House open house is Friday from 5:30-
8:30, Courthouse lighting and the festival of trees is Saturday at 5:30, and the Christmas parade
is Saturday December 8th at 6:00. Also,Mayor Freeman mentioned that council meeting will be
held on December 17, 2018 due to the Christmas holiday. Mayor Freeman then requested for
December 31,2018 be a paid holiday for city employees. Motion was made by Council Member
Sparkman and seconded by Council Member Swaim to approve the Mayor's recommendation.
The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
There being no further business,motion was made by Council Member Wood and
seconded by Council Member Swaim to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Tr): A 'PR U VE 411116.1
C CLE -TREASURER MAYOR