01 January 2021 Regular MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25,2021
The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 25, 2021 at the
Van Buren Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hurst. On roll call, the following Council
members answered as their names were called: Council Member Dodson, Kneeland, Petty, Bell and Wood.
City Clerk-Treasurer Phyllis Thomas and acting City Attorney Jacob Howell were present. This made a total of
eight(8)present. A quorum was declared.
The invocation was given by Council Member Petty. He then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Hurst presented City Council Member Alan Swaim with a plaque for his service to the cit:
The following items were on the January 2021 consent agenda:
• MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ON December 28,2020.
• RES 01-01-2021-A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO R.--'MOVE
AND DISPOSE OF CERTAIN FIXED ASSETS FROM THE CITY OF VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET
INVENTORY,BY SEALED BID,AUCTION OR OTHER METHODS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE
LAW,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
• RES 01-02-2021-A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE FINAL PLAT OF"I, CCOY
TRACTS 3A,3B,3C,3D"WITHIN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,CRAWFORD COUNTY,
ARKANSAS.
• RES 01-03-2021-A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE CIT
DEPOSITORY BOARD AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
• STREET CLOSING REQUEST FROM TOTMA FOR VARIOUS EVENTS IN 2021.
• BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS-RE-APPOINTING JIM WILLIAMSON TO THE VAN BURS
MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
• FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF$1,950,318.27 TO PAY EXPEN:.ES
AND SALARIES FOR DECEMBER 2020.
• DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
Council Member Kneeland made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member
Wood seconded the motion. On roll call, the following Council members voted aye: Council Member
Dodson, Bell, Wood, Kneeland and Petty. The following voted nay: none.
RESOLUTION 01-01-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. O/ -O I -2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,
A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF CERTAIN FIXED ASSETS FROM THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET INVENTORY, BY SEALED BID, AUCTION
OR OTHER METHODS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE LAW, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has certain fixed 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
WHEREAS, after an inventory of fixed assets,it is therefore recommended by our State Auditor that said
items or item be removed from the City's Fixed Asset Inventory and disposed of by sealed
bid,auction or as otherwise authorized under A.C.A§14-54-302.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to remove the following asset or 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 Control#
POLICE $1,524.04 WHELEN LIBERTY LED PD-704
LIGHT BAR
SERIAL#156112
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and
adopt,by a vote of 5 for and 0 against the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 251 day
of January,2021. P
-14—
seph I.Hurst
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
; (-7.15 )
P Thomas
City ClerWTreasurer City Attorney
RESOLUTION 01-02-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. O! -01,7 2021
BE IT ENACTED BY TIDE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING 11:L@. FINAL PLAT OF
"MCCOY TRACTS 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D" WITHIN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
CRAWFORD COUNTY,ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, is duly incorporated under the laws of the State of
Arkansas,with all powers,authority and duties of a city of the first class,and under such
authority has adopted the Subdivision Regulations for the City of Van Buren(Ordinance
No.7-2003);and
WHEREAS, the Van Buren Planning Commission reviewed and approved this final plat on January 5,
2021;and
WHEREAS, as a result of this meeting, the proposed Final Plat hereto was recommended by a
majority vote of the entire Planning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY TEE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,CRAWFORD COUNTY,ARKANSAS.
SECTION 1: Subject to the assurances provided in the Code of General Orders of the City of Van
Buren Subdivision Regulations Title 15 et sq., being executed to assure that all
improvements are put in and that all requirements of the Planning Commission are met,
the submitted Final Plat for"MCCOY TRACTS 3A,3B,3C,3D"within the City of Van
Buren,is hereby approved and accepted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of 5 for and O against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 25th day of January 2021.
j9114— (153L--
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
-Pcawno�
Phy s Thomas vell
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
RESOLUTION 01-03-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.of -03 -2021
1
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO
THE CITY DEPOSITORY BOARD AND FOR 0[HER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas,hereby acknowledges that
pursuant to A.C.A. 19-8-106, the mayor, city clerk, and a city council member
chosen by the city council or the city finance officer constitute the board to
designate depositories and supervise the depositing of municipal funds for the
City of Van Buren;and
WHEREAS, the previously appointed city council member is no longer serving on the council
and it is necessary to designate a new council member on the depository board.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVE])BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: That City Council Member Jim Petty is hereby appointed to the depository board of the
City of Van Buren.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
• approve, and adopt,by a vote of_6_for and U against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular
meeting held on the 25th day of January 2021.
osep .H
Mayor
ATTESTED: APP' S A I AS TO FORM:
PhYllis Thomas
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
FINANCIAL STATEMENT DECEMBER 2020
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December, 2020
T Total Expenditures •
$1,950,318.27
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On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
PLAN FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk read
the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. Cindy Faldon with the Van Buren
Boys and Girls Club explained the following resolutions are necessary to apply for a Community Block Grant
under the Coronavirus provision. This grant is being applied for to make renovations to the back of the Boys
and Girls Club in order to facilitate more area for the kids. Mayor Hurst further stated the city is merely the
agent for the grant. The city is not responsible for the funds or expenses of the project. Council Member Petty
clarified this resolution and the following resolution are for any Community Block Grant not just this particular
grant. Council Member Petty seconded by Council Member Bell moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the
Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Dodson, Bell, Wood, Kneeland
and Petty. 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 01-04-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.01 -Oy -2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,
A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS;AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas recognizes that all citizens,including low-and moderate-
income citizens, shall be requested and encouraged to participate in the assessment of
community issues,problems and needs;and
WHEREAS, as part of that process,citizens shall be encouraged to help identify potential solutions and
prioritize such issues,problems and needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY '1'HN, CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: To Facilitate public participation, the City Council for Van Buren hereby adopts the
attachment Citizen Participation Plan(attachment"A").
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and
adopt,by a vote of 5 for and 0 against the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 25i11 day
of January,2021.
Josep . ursr
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
`Wi
Rh}, ' Thomas owell
City Clerklrreasures City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A POLICY
PROHIBITING THE USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITHIN
THE APPLICANT'S JURISDICTION AGAINST INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN NON-VIOLENT
CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATIONS. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst asked if
there was any discussion. Chief Hammond commented this has been in place and effect since 2017 for a prior
grant. Council Member Wood seconded by Council Member Dodson moved that the Resolution be adopted.
On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Dodson, Bell, Wood,
Kneeland and Petty.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 01-05-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.0/ - -2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,
A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A POLICY PROHIBITING THE USE OF
EXCESSIVE FORCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITHIN THE
APPLICANT'S JURISDICTION AGAINST INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN NON-
VIOLENT CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATIONS.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas is applying for Arkansas Community and Economic
Development Program funding;and i
WHEREAS, as required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974,as amended,it shall be •
the policy of Van Buren to ensure that the following are true:
i
SECTION 1: The City has adopted and is enforcing this policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by •
law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-
violent civil rights demonstrations.
SECTION 2: The City will ensure that all law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction will enforce all
applicable State and local laws against physically barring entrance to or exit from a facility or
location, which is the subject of such non-violent civil rights demonstrations within its
jurisdiction.
SECTION 3: In response to non-violent civil rights demonstrations,the City will be mindful and protective of
the rights of all participants in such demonstrations,as well as any onlookers,bystanders,or any
other persons located in the vicinity or owning property in the vicinity in the vicinity.
SECTION 4: In connection with such demonstrations, the use of force shall be permitted only when
necessary to protect the rights of individuals or to uphold the law. In no event shall the use of
force in excess of that necessary to achieve the lawful goals of the City or City be permitted.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT CONSISTENT WITH THE GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES OF ACTIVITIES ASSISTED UNDER THE ACT,AS AMENDED,VAN BUREN WILL
ADOPT AND ENFORCE THE POLICY CONTAINED HEREIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and
adopt,by a vote of 5 for and 0 against the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 25th day
of January,2021.
Jo =.71�
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
P Thomas
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN
APPLICATION FOR ACEDP GRANT FUNDS TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS. The Clerk read the
Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. Council Member Petty recommended
submitting community needs in relation to the grant we are applying for. Council Member Kneeland seconded
by Council Member Wood moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following
vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Dodson, Bell, Wood, Kneeland and Petty. 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 01-06-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.Of -o(o-2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN
APPLICATION FOR ACEDP GRANT FUNDS TO THE STATE OF
ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, Van Buren is applying for funds through the Arkansas Community and Economic
Development Program;and
WHEREAS, It is necessary that certain conditions be met as part of the application requirements;and
WHEREAS, Van Buren has,or will,conduct a public hearing and has an active Citizen Participation
Plan/Community Development Plan,and as part of the application process has received
and considered comments on community development and housing needs,and proposed
activities;and
WHEREAS, As a result of the Community Development Planning activities;Van Buren has identified
and prioritized the community development and housing needs.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY nil,CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
The Mayor of Van Buren is hereby authorized,on behalf of Van Buren to submit an
application to the State of Arkansas for grant funds,under the Community Development
provisions of the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program,and to
expend funds to accomplish such community development activities,if the grant is
awarded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of 5 for and n against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 25th day of January 2021.
Joseph f.
yor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Lidgc2w4,-,„„
Ph i
Thomas �1�d7•RS ��'
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion. Connie Martin with Almost Home
Shelter gave the quarterly report to the council.
At 5:57 p.m. the mayor and council members went into an executive session to discuss the city attorney
and vacant council member position.
There being no further business, motion was made by Council Member Bell and seconded by Council Membf
Dodson to adjourn. The Council fc, lowed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
ATTESTED: APPROVED:
CI CLERK-TREASURER MAY