03 March 2009 Regular MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 16, 2009
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March
16, 2009 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 Swaim, Parker,
Moore, Ragsdale, Dodd, and Sagely. City Clerk- Treasurer Barbie Curtis and City Attorney
Donald Jenkins were present. This made a total of nine (9) present. A quorum was declared.
The invocation was given by Reverend Wes Hilliard of Heritage United Methodist
Church.
Next, Mayor Freeman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On the agenda next, Mayor Freeman asked to adopt the minutes of the Council Meeting
on February 23, 2009. Alderman Swaim made a motion to approve the minutes. Alderman
Ragsdale seconded the motion. On roll call, the following Council members voted aye:
Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Ragsdale, Dodd, and Sagely. The following voted nay: none.
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN ASSETS FROM THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET INVENTORY, BY SUCH METHODS AS AUTHORIZED
UNDER THE LAW. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Freeman asked if
there was any discussion. Mayor Freeman mentioned that this vehicle was involved in an
accident and was totaled by the insurance. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Moore
moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote
resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Ragsdale, Dodd, and Sagely. 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 3 -1 -2009
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. .3 -_0_ 2009
I3E IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS, A RESOLUTION TO 13E ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN ASSETS FROM
THE CITY OF VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET INVENTORY,
BY SUCH METHODS AS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE LAW.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has certain 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
\VHEREAS. said items or item should be disposed of in accordance with state law, A.C.A.
14-58 -306, and removed from the City's Fixed Asset Inventory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN.
ARKANSAS THAT:
SECTION 1: The Mayor and City Clerk arc hereby authorized to remove the following 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 lnventon' Control
Police Department 522,131.00 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Sedan PD -639
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, by its City Council, did pass,
approve. and adopt, by a vote of for andO against, t going Resolution at its meeting held
on the 16' day of March, 2009.
100
Robert D. Freemat I •r\
ATTESTED: APPILQ\=E-D.AS TdFORM:
Barbie Curtis, City Clerk/Freasurer N. lionald Jenkins/ Jr:: City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ARKANSAS HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX CREDIT.
The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Freeman asked if there was any discussion.
There was none. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Sagely moved that the Resolution be
adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim,
Parker, Moore, Ragsdale. Dodd, and Sagely. 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 3 -2 -2009
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS, A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE ESTABLISIIMENT
OF AN ARKANSAS HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX
CREDIT.
WHEREAS, there is a current proposed bill to establish the Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Tax
Credit of 2009 pending before the Arkansas Legislature, and;
WHEREAS, based on the findings and determinations herein it appears to be in the best interest
of the citizens and the City of Van Buren, Arkansas to encourage preservation and
use of historic and cultural places by supporting the passage and enactment of this
act;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. The 2009 Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Tae Credit (AR HRTC) will create a 25%
credit to an individual or business' state income tax due for qualified expenses related
to the rehabilitation and reuse of a historic property.
SECTION 2. Presently 29 other states provide similar economic incentives in the form of tax
credits for rehabilitation, including neighboring states Louisiana, Mississippi.
Missouri, and Oklahoma (Texas and Tennessee do not collect state income taxes and
therefore cannot offer like incentives).
SECTION 3. These similar state tax credits have successfully spurred investment in older
neighborhoods and historic down -towns in both urban and rural communities.
SECTION 4. The state historic rehabilitation tax credit is a true economic stimulus tool having
a proven track record of leveraging up -front investment, creating jobs, and
significantly increasing property values and the corresponding local and state tax
revenue.
SECTION 5. The estimated revenue impact to the State of Arkansas is clearly offset by the
economic impact of investment in historic properties, neighborhoods and downtown
districts (Missouri's 525 million in credits has generated 5582 million in income and
5917 million in gross product).
SECTION 6. The AR HRTC program will be administered by the existing Department of
Arkansas Heritage. No new administrative organization will be created.
SECTION 7. Preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties is sustainable development and
reduces local and state infrastructure expenses by encouraging reinvestment in
established neighborhoods and communities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, by its City Council, did
pass, approve, and adopt, by a vote of (p for and D against, the foregoing Resolution at
its meetlug held on the I6' day of March, 2009.
I
Lan
Robert D. Fr
ATTESTED: APPRO T1 ED &ST, O FORM:
1 c✓
Barbie Curtis, City Clerk/Treasurer N. DonaldJer ins,-City4 ttomey
Next on the agenda was a request from Old Town Merchants to close streets for
downtown events. Motion was made by Alderman Swaim and seconded by Alderman Dodd to
approve. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
Next on the agenda was Boards and Commissions. The Municipal Utilities Commission
nominated Todd Young to fill the vacancy made by William McBrayer's resignation and John
.Barnwell to serve another 8 year teen on the Board of Commissioners. Alderman Swaim
seconded by Alderman Sagely made a motion to grant the nominations. The Council followed
with a unanimous vote.
Next on the agenda was the Financial Statement. Motion was made by Alderman Swaim
and seconded by Alderman Parker to appropriate the sum of S1,366,703.50 to pay expenses and
salaries for February 2009, presented by the City Clerk. The Council followed with a unanimous
vote.
3 -03 -2009 09:54 AM C I T Y O F V A N 9 U 1 0 9 1 PAGE: 1
TRIAL. BALANCE
AS OF: 0' BRU9807 iR, 2009
10 General Fund i
MCNTN TO GATE YE TODATE
ACCT. ACCOUNT NAME DEBITS CREDITS DEBITS CREDITS
ASSETS
1000 Petty Cash 0.00 200.00
1020 Cash in Bank 75,576.67 574,596.05
1020.08 Cash In Bank -Ins 2008 Storm 0.00 30,052.38 0
1020.09 District Cout Grant Mediation 500.00 1,800.00
302C.30 Cash In Sank XCC 1,089.9/ 26,136.92 8 J'% i 5 3 2 t]
1020.11 Cash In Bank -09138 0.00 7,749.28 1 C 2 1 6 4
1020.13 Cash In Bank -ACT 833 0.00 53,245.30 l l r p
1020.14 Court Automation District 1,262.50 41,687.91 7 B 3
1020.15 Cash in Bank -ACT 1314 0.00 0.00 3 I i Y 13 r
1020.16 M Dept of Rural Services 0.00 20,000.00 t 2 2 5 3 i
Y
1020.17 Nev Police Dept 0.00 35,000.00 L 4 3 1020.18 Cash in Bank PD Co Tax 24,190,513 179,180.49
1020.19 Cash In Bank FD Co Tax 24,190.58 251,404.86 ry 62 y L s
1020.20 Cash In Bank Erosion Control 275.00 1,000.00 0 0 0
1020.27 Cash In Bank Levee 0.00 6,344.17 U l 6
1020.31 Cash In Bank Parks E. Rec 1,797.00 52,700.24 3 E 6 m D
1020.51 Cash In Bank Cemetery 2,347.01 10,771.59 4
1020.91 Cash in Bank Cap Imp 42,706.50 54,009.04
1040 Investments 0.00 550,000.00 0 47
1040.10 Investments Sales Tax City 0.00 0.00
1040.10 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 :nvesteents Parks s Bec 0.00 0.00 G
1040.51 Investments Cemetery 0.00 40,752.59
1040,91 nvestments Cap Icp 0.00 1,804,115.23 yyy
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 0.00
1540 Due From Library Fund 0.00 0.00
LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE
2000 Accounts Payable 0.00 0.00
2010 Municipal Health Ins. Payable 0.00 0.00
2030 Colonial Life Payable 0.00 0.00
2035 Credit Union-First Resource 0.00 O 0.00
2040 LOPFI Payable 0.00 0.00
2050 National FCUndatlon Life Ins. 0.00 0.00
2060 AF1A0 0.00 0.00
2080 Conseco Payable 0.00 0.00
2090 Seer York Life Ina. Payable 0.00 0.00
2100 Life Ins. of Georgia Payable 0.00 0.00
2130 Garnislments Payable 0.00 1,417.99
2135 R. Alen Trust 9502355610 0.00 0.00
Next Police, Fire, Building Inspector, District Court. Engineer, 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 received
the draft report on the levees from John Rutledge with Freeze Nichols. He said there should be
no issues with having the levees certified by our April 5, 2009 deadline with FEMA. We owe a
lot to all the people who came before us in the construction of the levees in the 1930s.
Mr. Darl Sparkman spoke to the council. He lives at the corner of Anna Sue and Laura
Lane. They would like the six no parking signs replaced on Anna Sue. There were six people
present in support of signs going back up. Billy Ray Townsend says the parking makes driving
very dangerous. New duplex residents use the street because of no place to park. Steve Peters,
who resides at 1205 Anna Sue Road spoke to the council also. He is tired of the speeders. Mayor
suggested putting extra patrols in the area but speed bumps are out of the question. Mark
Mendenhall of 1303 Anna Sue Road asks the council to please look at a noise ordinance mainly
focused at noisy cars, motorcycles and engine breaking. Also, he wanted the city to look into
how many dogs can be located at one residence.
Alderman Dodd asked the Mayor if Pointer Trail West will be closed all week. City
Engineer Brad Baldwin said 3 -5 days but likely most of the week.
Chad Parsley appeared before the council again. Mayor Freeman said the subject was
closed. Mr. Parsley said the Mayor is violating his First Amendment Rights.
There being no further business, motion was made by Alderman Swaim and
seconded by Alderman Moore to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:25 p.m.
ATTTE r I I A PR VED:
42
cam -t u to 4 irk
CITY CLERK TREASURER MAYOR