10 October 2006 Regular r 7
MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 16, 2006
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2006 at City
Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Riggs. On roll call the following Council members answered
as their names were called: Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd and Sagely. City Attorney Candice
Settle and City Clerk Barbie Curtis were also present. This made a total of nine (9) present. A quorum was
declared.
The invocation was given by Schanon Caudle, Pastor of Northpark Baptist Church.
Next the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor then spoke and said if the Council didn't mind, he was going to skip down to Item #8. We have a
couple of people here on the Condemnation on 10 Street. He asked if Mr. Clark was there. Mr. Clark
answered yes. The Mayor told Mr. Clark he was premature in putting this on the agenda. You still have one (1)
day in the seven (7) day period of this notice. He is going to ask that Mr. Clark get a permit tomorrow and have
David and Terry to go up and inspect anything that's been done. Then he wants them to make a report to any of
the Council and make sure everything is in complete compliance with our Ordinances. If they are not in
compliance, the condemnation could still come up. Mr. Clark asked if he needed to get his permit now. The
Mayor told him no, that he could get it tomorrow. The Mayor told Mr. Clark that Terry and David would go
back in and inspect everything that's been done. He apologized for his mistake. Mr. Clark wanted to know
when the next council meeting was. The Mayor responded the 3 Monday of November.
On the agenda next, Mayor Riggs asked to adopt the minutes of the Council Meeting on September 18, 2006.
Alderman Dodd made a motion to approve the minutes. Alderman Swaim seconded the motion. On roll call
the following Council members voted aye: Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd and Sagely. The
following voted nay: none
On the agenda next 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 in its entirety. Alderman Swaim moved that the rules be suspended and the
Ordinance be placed on its second reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman Parker. On the Clerk's
calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd, and
Sagely. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were six (6) ayes and (0) nays. Four (4) votes being
necessary. The Ordinance was read the second time. Alderman Swaim moved that the rules be further
suspended and the Ordinance placed on the third and final reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman
Spoon. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes Aldennan Swaim, Parker, Moore,
Spoon, Dodd, and Sagely. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there 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
asked if there was any discussion. There was none. The Mayor then put the question, "Shall the Ordinance
pass Motion was made by Aldennan Swaim and seconded by Alderman Parker to adopt the Ordinance. On
the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd,
and Sagely. 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 GIVEN THE NUMBER 10 -2006
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 10 -2006
CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS
ORDINANCE NO.
10 -2006
AN ORDINANCE TO
AMEND ORDINANCE
NO. 7 -1963 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF REZON-
ING CERTAIN PROP=
ERTY IN THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN, ARKAN-
SAS AND AMENDING
THE ,ZONING MAP OF
THE CITY OF VAN BU-
REN, ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, Gary and Eric
Armstrong have submit-
ted a Petition to rezone
the following property
from C -1 to R -3:
Lots 9A and 98, Block B,
Meyers Addition to the
City of Van Buren.
WHEREAS, Notice of Pub-
lic Hearing has been pub-
lished as required by law;
and
WHEREAS, The Public
Hearing has been held as
required by law; and
WHEREAS, The Planning
Commission recom-
mended said zone
change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE
IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: THAT the
above described property
is hereby rezoned from
C -1 to R -3 and the Van Bu-
ren Zoning Map is
amended to reflect this
rezoning.
PASSED AND AP-
PROVED THIS 16TH
DAY OF OCTOBER,
2006.
MAYOR JOHN RIGGS
ATTESTED:
BARBIE CURTIS
CITY CLERK/TREAS-
URER
Published in the October
21, 2006 issue of the Press'
Argus- Courier.
On the agenda next 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 in its entirety. Alderman Swaim moved that the rules be suspended and the
Ordinance be placed on its second reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman Dodd. On the Clerk's
calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd, and
Sagely. 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 moved that the rules be further suspended and the Ordinance placed on the third and final
reading. The motion was seconded by Alderman Sagely. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following votes
resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd, and Sagely. 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 asked if there was any discussion. There was none.
The Mayor then put the question, "Shall the Ordinance pass Motion was made by Alderman Swaim and
seconded by Alderman Sagely to adopt the Ordinance. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote
resulted: Ayes Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd, and Sagely. 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 duly passed and signed same in open Council, duly attested by the City Clerk.
THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 11 -2006
WHEREAS, The Public
Hearing has been held as
required by law; and
CITY OF VAN BUREN WHEREAS, The Planning
ARKANSAS Commission recom-
ORDINANCE 11 -2006 mended said zone
change.
AN ORDINANCE TO
AMEND ORDINANCE NOW, THEREFORE, BE
NO. 7 -1963 FOR THE IT ORDAINED BY THE
PURPOSE OF REZON- CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY SA OF VAN BUREN,
ING CERTAIN PROP-
ARKANSAS:
ERTY IN THE CITY OF SECTION 1: THAT the
VAN BUREN, ARKAN- above described property
SAS AND 'AMENDING is hereby rezoned from
THE ZONING' MAP OF C -1 to R -3 and the Van Bu-
THE CITY OF VAN BU- ren Zoning Map is
REN, ARKANSAS. amended to reflect this
WHEREAS, Gary and Eric rezoning.
Armstrong has submitted PASSED AND AP-
a'Petition to rezone the ,PROVED" THIS 16TH
following property from DAY% OF OCTOBER,
C -1 to R -3: 2006.
Lots 10A and 10B, Block 8, MAYOR JOHN RIGGS
Meyers Addition to the ATTESTED:
City of Van Buren. u BARBIE CURTIS
WHEREAS;'hldtidcbrPijb CITY CLERK/TREAS-
lic Hearing has 'been'Pdb I URER
lished as required by law; Published in the October
and 21, 2006 issue of the Press
Argus- Courier.
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF WILSON
BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CITY PARKING LOT PAVING PROJECT. The Clerk read
the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Riggs asked if'there was any discussion. Alderman Spoon spoke and said
he had one (1) question. Would there be a reason we would need to clarify which city parking lot this would be
on the resolution? Alderman Swaim spoke and said according to the diagram, it's the old WaI -Mart parking lot
plus 88 spaces behind the building. Alderman Spoon agreed and said he was just curious if we would need to
clarify it on the Resolution in case there is ever a question about it. Alderman Swaim said it's all of it. That is
assigned to that property in the agreement with Experian. Alderman Spoon said he understood that but that it
said we are accepting a bid to pave the city parking lot. City Attorney Settle said she thinks the reason is
because there is only one (I) parking lot paving project at this time. She asked City Engineer Brad Baldwin if
this was connect and he said yes. She said she would have no problem identifying it in some manner. Alderman
Spoon said that would he fine. He just didn't want something to come back in a few months or years and
question it. City Clerk Barbie Curtis spoke and said twenty -five (25) years from now when someone is looking
it up, they are not going to know which parking lot it is. Alderman Spoon asked if it made sense to Brad.
Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman 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, Spoon, Dodd, and Sagely. And the following voted nay: none. Mayor Riggs asked
Alderman Spoon if he had a question. Alderman Spoon responded, saying that it was all good, but that he
would hate for twenty -five (25) years from now questions to come up as to which parking lot was paved. We
know right now that we are paving the Experian parking lot. Do we need to amend it? Alderman Swaim spoke
there were bid plans and hid specs for it that shows exactly what they were bidding on and what the city parking
lot consists of. They have the square footages. Alderman Spoon said he understood all that. Alderman Swaim
said according to this Resolution that is part of this. Alderman Spoon questioned Alderman Swaim and said,
"So you feel there's no reason to put on there which city parking lot we are paving Alderman Swaim said,
"Not at this particular instance because it's the only one we bid under these conditions and we have a bid sheet
on the back who bid on the project." Alderman Moore spoke and said it wouldn't be that big a deal to add it on
there. Alderman Swaim spoke and said we could put a stipulation on there and put a copy of the plat that the
City Engineer has and just attach it to it. Alderman Spoon spoke and asked City Engineer Baldwin if we could
do that. He agreed. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Moore made a motion to approve the
amendment. The question was put by Mayor Riggs on the amendment of the motion and time roll being called,
the following voted aye: Alderman Swaim, Parker, Moore, Spoon, Dodd, and Sagely. 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 10 -1 -2006
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 10 -1 -2006
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. J 0 1 -2006
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF WILSON BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
FOR THE CITY PARKING LOT PAVING PROJECT.
WHEREAS, The Mayor has advertised for bids for the City Parking Lot Paving Project;
and
WHEREAS, Two bids were received and opened as advertised; and
WHEREAS, The Council feels that the bid of Wilson Brothers Construction was the
best bid.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: The Bid of $181,950.00 by Wilson Brothers Construction is accepted and
the Mayor is authorized and directed to contract for and pay for the paving
of the parking lot.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 1(0 D AY OF OCTOBER, 2006.
MAYOR JOHN N
ATTESTED:
CITY CLERK/TREASURER
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
PURCHASE CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR THE LIBRARY. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety.
Mayor Riggs asked i f there was any discussion. There was none. Alderman Parker 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, Spoon, Dodd, and
Sagely. And the following voted nay: none.
The Mayor then stated he had an added agenda for the Resolution. Jimmy Bell has been working on that
for us. The home will either have to be torn down or hauled off The people who we bought the house and lot
from are willing to haul the house off at their cost. I need Council approval for that. If it stays, we are going to
have to tear it down. So I would like to have a motion that we allow the people (and I will get them a letter at
closing and give them thirty (30) clays to do it). Alderman Parker spoke and said at one of their library meetings
they had a discussion wondering if we could put out bids to see if anyone wanted to buy those houses and move
theta off Alderman Swaim spoke and said they wouldn't have any luck at it, all it would do is waste time and
legal document money spent on ads. Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Parker made a motion to
approve giving the property to them with the conditions as were specified with it being removed within thirty
(30) days of closing. 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, Spoon, Dodd, and Sagely. 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 10 -2 -2006
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. f 0 -A. -2006
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PURCHASE CER'T'AIN
PROPERTY FOR THE LIBRARY.
WHEREAS, That properly adjacent to the lot where the new library will be
located needs to be acquired by the City lo have sufficient properly
to construct the new public library.
NOW, THEREFORE, RE IT RESOLVED 131' THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CI'I'1' OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: THAT the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to purchase
the following property for the sum of 563,660.00:
"HIE SOUTII FORTY-SIX AND TWO- ITIIRDS (46 2/3) FEET
OF 101'S FIVE (5) AND SIX (6) AND 1 11E SOUTH FORTY
SIX AND TWO-THIRDS (46 2/3) FEET OF THE EAST (40)
FEET OF LOT FOUR (4) IN BLOCK TWENTY -FIVE (25) OF
MCGEE ADDITION '10 THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS.
SECTION 2: That the Mayor is authorized and directed to execute whatever
documents may be necessary to proceed with and finalize the
purchase of said property. and the City Clerk is hereby authorized
and directed to attest same.
PASSED AND AI'PROV ED TIIIS I (14L/DAY 013 OOCIII OILER, 2006.
MAYO)YJl)IIN RIG
ATi//EESTE D: /,•r
CITY CLERK/TREASURER
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THREE
VEHICLES FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT. The Clerk read
the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Riggs asked if there was any discussion. Alderman Swaim spoke and
asked what was the need for the 5.7L engine versus the 4.7L truck. Don Mullens, the Public Works Director,
spoke and said that it was a misprint on that information. They are both 4.7L. He called and asked about it.
The first Quad Cab listed is a 4x4 and the Ford is a Diesel. Alderman Swaim then questioned Mr. Mullens and
wanted to know how many vehicles were going to be disposed of when the new vehicles arrive. Mr. Mullens
responded and said that possibly one, one that night go to the Field of Dreams. He had talked to one of Allen's
employee's about how he is needing a vehicle. We would try to give him the best one that we've got. The two
(2) that we are replacing are pretty much gone. Alderman Swaim spoke and asked if they were going to be
sold. Mr. Mullens said one would be salvaged or sold and depending on what Alan and Paul work out, one may
go there. Aldennan Swaim spoke and said then we would get rid of two (2) vehicles, the one we give them out
there to get rid of their junker, and we'll have one there. So, we'll get rid of two (2), is that correct? Mr.
Mullens responded saying he needed to get with the mechanic to see if one (1) is even salvageable for a
standby. I doubt it will even happen because we are spending a lot of money on it maintence wise. We just
spent $1,500 on it. Alderman Swaim spoke and said so we should dispose of it, one way or another. Mr.
Mullens said sure. Alderman Dodd spoke and said that two (2) of the vehicles are going to replace vehicles that
we have and one (I) will be an additional vehicle, was that correct? Mr. Mullens responded and said yes, that it
will be a vehicle that hauls heavy loads, like the crack sealer, which is now burning up the transmission on the
3 /4 ton. Aldennan Dodd spoke and said when she talked to Mr. Mullens about this, we are adding a vehicle out
at the Field of Dreams, not replacing one, is that correct? That's not true? Mr. Mullens responded saying that
we are adding a vehicle out there, one of the old vehicles we are getting rid of. Aldennan Dodd responded that
one will go out to the Field of Dreams so they will have two (2) vehicles. Mr. Mullens responded saying that
was correct. This just came up today about the Field of Dreams. 1 was just approached about it today.
Alderman Swain spoke and said we will dispose of two (2) vehicles. Mr. Mullens responded and said yes.
Attorney Candice Settle spoke and asked if that was as amended with 5.7L changed to 4.7L. Alderman Swaim
responded yes and with the 4x4. That's where the price difference comes from. Aldennan Dodd spoke and
asked if we need to specify that we are going to get rid of two (2) vehicles. Do we need to put that in here?
Aldennan Swaim responded that he was adding it to his so he could tell what the difference was in prices.
Attorney Candice Settle said she was going to be modifying it so if you want her to add it in, that will be fine.
Mayor Riggs asked if everyone understands this. Alderman Swaim responded that he was picking up on the
fact that one is a 350 with Diesel and one of the Dodge is a 4x4. That versus the $19,000 versus the $16,000.
Mayor Riggs asked if there was a motion to approve the Resolution as amended. Alderman Swaim seconded by
Aldennan 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, Spoon,
Dodd, and Sagely. 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 10 -3 -2006
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 10 -3 -2006
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. 1 C-,3 -2006
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THREE VEHICLES FOR THE
STREET DEPARTMENT UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT.
WHEREAS, Under authority of A.C.A. 19 -11 -201, and following, and Resolution 2 -2-
1993, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas is authorized to purchase certain
equipment including cars, under state procurement contracts and that such
purchases are exempted from the requirements of competitive bidding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS:
SECTION l: The Mayor is authorized to enter into a purchasing agreement for one (1)
Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4.7L/V8 for the price of $19,993.05; one Ford
F350 Diesel for the price of $26,381.70; and one (1) Dodge Ram Quad
Cab 4.7L/V8 for the price of $16,840.15, totaling
$63,214.90 under the state procurement contract subject
to Resolution 2 -2 -1993. Two vehicles currently operated by the Street
Department will be transferred to another department or disposed of by
sale or other means.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS I (p DAY OF OCTOBER, 2006.
MAY 11'r JOHN S
ATTESTED:
-C�IAi o
CITY CLERKI TREASURER
Next on the agenda was time for Boards and Commissions. The Van Buren Advertising and Promotion
Commission voted to request that Pam Sheurer be reappointed to a four -year teini on the Commission. The
Commissioners also voted to request that Cleo Davidson be appointed to fill the unexpired term of Tammy Best
who is no longer qualified to serve. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion. There was none. Alderman
Swaim seconded by Alderman Dodd made a motion to accept the recommendation. The Council followed with
a unanimous vote.
Next on the agenda was the Financial Statement. Motion was made by Alderman Swaim seconded by
Alderman Parker to appropriate the sum of $2,009,283.32 to pay expenses and salaries for September
presented by the City Clerk. The Council followed with a unanimous vote.
10 -11 -2006 10:05 AM
C I T Y O F VON 005000 PACE: 1
TRIAL BALANCE
AS OF; 11PTEMEER 30TH. 2006
lo Gen0443l Fond
ryONTIi TO OAT¢ y[AR TO PATE
ACCT# ACCOUNT NAME DEBITS CREDITS DEBITS CREDITS
ASSETS
1000 Petty Cash 0.00 200.00
1020 Cash in Bank
32,079.10 232,076.14
1020.10 Cash in Bank Sales Tax City 0.00 0.00
1020.17 New Police Dept 0.00 35,000.00
1020.10 Cash in Dank PD Co Tax 2],6]9.24 62,742.10
1020.19 Cash in Bank FD CO Tax 6,542.72 100,673.60
1020.20 Cash In Dank 0005100 Control 400.00 ],925 -00 0.*
1020.27 Cash in Bank Levee 0.00 5,694.17
1020.31 Cash in Bank Parks Rec 992.40 40,030.01 902.699-03+
1020.51 Cash in Bank Cemetery 130.25 9,371.96 C
Imp 60,3]3.51 1,33],056.40
1020.91 Cash in Hank Cap I 1 1 l I l 6 l
10 +0 Investments 1,261.37 303,718.00 1 0 1, 1 1 0. 7 0+
1040.1° Investments Sales Tax City 0.00 0.00 62 6 5 6 00
1040.18 Investments PD Co Tax 0.00 D.00 6 1 3 6 7 0
1040.19 InveSlmenc5 FD Co Tax 0.00 0
1.0 0
1040.27 Investments Levee 0.00 0.00 9 4 0 0
1040.31 Investments Parks a Bet 0.00 0.00 35 5 4 5 0 9
1040.51 Investments Cemetery 3.98 40,609.64 9 6 4 6 3 7 S
1040.91 Investments Cap Imp 0.00 ]]2,]]0.18 008
1040.92 Capital Improvement CD 0.00 0.00
1050 Fixed Assets
B.00 0.00 2 4 0 09 28 3 3 2
1051 Accumulated Depreciation 0.00 0.00
1504 Due from Payroll
0.00 0.00
1505 Doe FrOm Other Funds 0.00 0.00
0.00 009.48
1520 Due from street Fund
1540 Due From Library Fund 000
LIABILITIES AND FUND NI nNCE
2000 ACCOwts Payable 0.00 0.00
2010 Municipal Health Inn. Payable 0.00 0.00
2030 Colonial Life Payable 0.00 0.00
2035 Credit Union -First Resource 0.00 0.00
2040 LDPFI Payable
0.00 0.00
2050 National Fousdatien Life In5. 0.00 35.28
2080 Consec0 Payable 0.00 0.00
2090 New York Life Ins. Payable 0.00 0.00
2100 Life Ins. of Georgia Payable 0.00 0.00
2130 Garnishments Payable
1,3]1.83 0 -00
2135 R. Allen Trust 4502355610
0.00 0.00
2140 United Hay Payable
0.00 D -DD
2150 Parks a Rec. F.O.D.
°.00 250.0°
2160 Pre -Paid Legal Senvices
o.OD 0.00
°.00 0.00
2171 S.S. ?Once Benevolent Assoc.
0.00 0.00
2115 Van Buren Fire Fighters Union 642.89 0 -00
o.oD
2176 Van Buren Firemen contribution 0.00
Next Police, Fire, Building Inspector, District Court, and Engineer Reports were presented for filing. Next
was time for miscellaneous and general discussion. Art Sellers of 7 Azure Hills spoke and said he had been
complaining about Hwy. 59, the whole way up to the Post Office. The big complaint is Cedar Street. It looks
like you have a Class 3 Landfill going on there. I talked to Code Enforcement and they are getting some
direction from the state pollution ecology and they aren't reading the whole paragraph. That's called Beneficial
Fill in there. Beneficial Fill has certain locations you can use it at and that is not one of them. You can use
Beneficial Fill like you use rip -rap around creeks and streams for stabilization. You can't use it to fill a hole in
the ground. The City Ordinance doesn't specifically address that but it really looks sad for the town. You
continue on up Hwy. 59 and no one's taking care of their properties, particularly Walmart and Lowe's. It really
looks trashy. You go up to Springdale and they clean it all up. Around here, if it doesn't look bad, then we'll
let it get that way. Some of the Ordinance apparently is missing, like on Pointer Trail West, it looks like Abu
Grabe, with the Constantine wire (razor wire) is like telling the neighborhood we are a bunch of thieves. We
need some Ordinance's around here to shape the town up. The state doesn't help us out much either. The entry
ways into the town off of the exits are really sad. Around the country, at least whenever you get within a mile of
the town, they clean it up. Around here, if it's not weeds or a reforce station project, we're in tuff shape. We
need to do something. It's really looking bad. Without getting too involved in a whole bunch of the other, I
would just like for you folks to consider it. Thank you. The Mayor responded saying that eventually every one
of those houses on Log Town Hill will burn down because they are doing it, one at a time. Not by choice, but,
we try to stay on them and comply with that. We try to keep the cemetery looking good. As far as the hole
being filled in, I don't know who's doing it but we can look at several issues on that maybe like drainage or if
he is planning on filling it in. Mayor Riggs asked Brad and David if anyone had made contact with them.
They both answered no. The Mayor said that they may end up having to take all that out. Code Enforcement
Officer Wesley Sandlin spoke and said the only reason he hadn't stopped it was because it was all concrete and
wood. Dirt will used to fill in over that. Mayor Riggs spoke and said that as far as mowing, he has sent the
crews out to the intersection of I -40 and Hwy. 59 several times because the state has a contract with individuals
and they mow it twice a year, so I send my guys at least 2 -3 times to mow the overpass and where the cars come
out at the lights. The good thing about Van Buren is that there is state highway every way you come and go
from. And that's also the bad news because they won't cleari it up. They send crews out once or twice a year to
do cleaning. As far as the Wal -mart area, they have been notified several times about compliance. We have
even gone out and helped them out. Vickie Davis then spoke about the condemnation property at 719 North
l0 What she is concerned with is, Mr. Clark has gotten another thirty (30) days chance. He has had five (5)
years to get this property in compliance. Within that time, there have been various incidents in the
neighborhood. We had the police out there going through the building looking for runaways. We've picked up
stuff from Mr. Clark's. He's done stuff without building permits. We want to make sure he will be punished
because he's not in compliance with the law. He has added an extra addition on there. He's also changed the
roof out and thank goodness he's gotten the yard cleaned up within the last two (2) weeks. How do we know
that this is going to be taken care of? The Mayor responded saying that as of Tuesday, October 17, he is going
to have a permit, and the inspectors, David Martin and Terry Wells, will inspect everything he has done and if
he's not in compliance, then we'll go back on the condemnation next month. Mrs. Davis responded that they
don't have a problem as long as it's in compliance and it's done properly and in order, but we have been
exposed to asbestos aspect, we've had lead paint blown across, and we really need some help as far as making
sure the Ordinance is enforced.
Alderman Swaim seconded by Alderman Spoon made a motion to adjourn. The Council followed with a
unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
ATTESTED: APPROVED:
40,10 0 eti-J2TC-ril
CITY CLERK TREASURER MAY