02 February 2021 Regular MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 1,2021
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The City Council of the City of Van Buren, Arkansas met at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021 at the
Buren Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hurst. On roll call, the following Council
tubers answered as their names were called: Council Member Kneeland, Petty, Dodson, Bell, Wood and
0 burn. City Clerk-Treasurer Phyllis Thomas and City Attorney Jacob Howell were present. This made a total
o nine (9)present. A quorum was declared.
The invocation was given by Jacob Howell. He then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT A NEW CITY COUNCIL
• MEMBER IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst
aiked if there was any discussion. There was none. Council Member Wood seconded by Council Member
Kneeland moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted:
Ares—Council Member Bell, Wood, Kneeland, Petty and Dodson. Nays—None.
The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution, which was attested by
th
City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
TITS RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 02-01-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.ad-o/-2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT A NEW CITY COUNCIL
MEMBER IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN.
WHEREAS, a vacancy has occurred in Position 2,Ward 2 of the Van Buren City Council held by
Darral Sparkman;and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ARK.CODE ANN.§14-43-411,when a vacancy occurs in any position on
the city council,the Van Buren City Council has the authority to appoint a successor to
4 serve for the unexpired term;and
WHEREAS, the Van Buren City Council wishes to appoint Ms.Kathryn Osbum to Position 2,Ward 2
of the Van Buren City Council to serve until the term expires on December 31,2022;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: Effective March 1,2021,Ms.Kathryn Osbum is hereby appointed to Position 2,Ward 2
of the Van Buren City Council for the City of Van Buren,Arkansas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of S for and O against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 1"day of March 2021.
Jo ph—'. st
i.yor
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ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Phy C owell
City Clerk City Attorney
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT A NEW CITY ATTORNEY
• IPA THE CITY OF VAN BUREN. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst asked if there
was any discussion. There was none. Council Member Petty seconded by Council Member Dodson moved that
the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council
1Vember Bell, Wood, Kneeland, Petty and Dodson.Nays—None.
The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution, which was attested by
th City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 02-02-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.oa-o a-2021
BE IT ENACIEl)BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT A NEW CITY ATTORNEY IN
THE CITY OF VAN BUREN.
WHEREAS, a vacancy has occurred in the elected office of City Attorney for the City of Van Buren
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held by Candice Settle;and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ARK.CODE ANN.§14-43-412,this vacancy shall be filled by the Van
Buren City Council until a successor is duly elected and qualified;and
WHEREAS, the Van Buren City Council wishes to appoint Jacob Howell to the City Attorney position
for the City of Van Buren to serve until the expiration of the regular term on December
31,2022; •
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: Effective March 1,2021,Jacob Howell is hereby appointed as City Attorney for the City
of Van Buren,Arkansas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of for and 0 against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 1'day of March 2021. �--�
Jos st
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Phyllis Thomas Jacob o.
City Clerk i ,ttorney
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The City Clerk-Treasurer, Phyllis Thomas, then swore in the new City Council Member and City
Attorney.
Mayor Hurst then gave a State of the City address.
Next,the following items were on the February 2021 consent agenda:
• MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ON JANUARY 25,2021.
• RES 02-03-2021-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.
j • RES 02-04-2021-A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REVISED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,2020.
• FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF$1,487,640.24 TO PAY EXPENSES
AND SALARIES FOR JANUARY 2021.
• DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
Council Member Kneeland made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Bell
seconded the motion. On roll call,the following Council members voted aye: Council Member Bell,
Wood, Osburn,Kneeland, Petty and Dodson. The following voted nay: none.
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RESOLUTION 02-03-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.O -Q3_-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 PIXEL 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.CA§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 $4,691.52 CANON 1R17401F COPIER PD-712
SERIAL#HHP00947
ADMINISTRATION $2,561.50 SINGLE XEON RACK MO-61
SERVER 2J4LDX1 CPNAS 1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and
adopt,by a vote of(a for and 0 against the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 1d day
of March,2021.
JosepHurst
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
"iY�' .d176/IDQA/
PliPhs Thomas owl
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
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RESOLUTION 02-04-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.2 .-O q--2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REVISED BUDGET FOR
11:11,YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,2020.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: 2020 current year's revenues of$20,755,856.30(Twenty Million,Seven Hundred
Fifty-Five Thousand,Eight Hundred Fifty Six Dollars and Thirty Cents)are
appropriated and a copy of said Budget is attached hereto and made a part hereof;
said revenue includes the deduction of 2019 revenues which were received in I
January 2020,and includes the addition of 2020 accounts receivable listings
received in 2021. I
SECTION 2: 2020 current year's expenditures of$16,850,661.08(Sixteen Million,Eight
Hundred Fifty Thousand,Six Hundred Sixty-One Dollars and Eight Cents)
including expenditures from prior year's balances are attached hereto and made a
part hereof;said expenditures include the deduction of 2019 expenditures,and
includes the addition of 2020 accounts payable listings paid in 2021.
SECTION 3: All expenditures are approved and a copy of the Revised Budget is attached
hereto and made a part hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did
pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of lc for and 0 against,the foregoing Resolution at its
regular meeting held on the l n day of March,2021.
Jose Hirst
Ma
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
1
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PhyllisThomas J�gb-II ell
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT JANUARY 2021
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January, 2021
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Total Expenditures: r
$1,487,640.24 [=
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1 17r - = rA- 1f +
37. 11+
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114
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On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TBE MAYOR TO ENTER
- INTO A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES 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. Larry Yancey from Hawkins Weir spoke about the various projects in the
ci . Council Member Petty seconded by Council Member Wood moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the
C rk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Bell, Wood, Osburn, Kneeland,
P and Dodson.Nays—None.
The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution, which was attested by
th City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
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` THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 02-05-2021
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.0 a., -o.5-2021
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE
CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas desires to make various improvements within the City
to include streets,drainage,bridges and sidewalks;and
j W EREAS, in order to commence the projects and to seek grant funding, the City is in need of
professional engineering services for the development of plans and designs, cost
estimates,and supervision for said projects.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE TT RESOLVED BY 1'Hk,CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The Mayor is authorized to enter into a contract (Exhibit "A") with Hawkins-Weir
Engineers, Inc. to provide engineering services for the development of preliminary
engineering and designs, and cost estimates for the above listed projects. Payment for
such engineering services shall not exceed$25,000.00 plus any applicable reimbursable
expenses.
E IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas, by its City Council, did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of Co for and j,against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 1"day of March 2021.
''It'f44( 16)- C-64"---
Jo Agr, st
M.
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
,AdLWATIIP '�
� 'inra2
Phyllishy Thomas •co. -
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
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On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF GOODWIN
• AND GOODWIN, INC. FOR DOWNTOWN DRAINAGE CLEANING AND CCTV INSPECTION;
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst asked if there
was any discussion. Council Member Petty asked why there was such a difference in the two bids and
questioned whether both bids included heavy cleaning. Mr. Yancey with Hawkins Weir replied that both bids
in luded heavy cleaning. Council Member Bell asked if the project would cost more if problems occur. lair.
Y cey explained that any addition expenses must be approved by the council before going forward. Council
M mber Petty pointed out a discrepancy in the amount of the quote versus what was listed in the resolution. It
w agreed the resolution would be corrected. Council Member Kneeland seconded by Council Member
D son moved that the Resolution be adopted as amended. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote
re, ilted: Ayes—Council Member Bell, Wood, Osburn, Kneeland, Petty and Dodson.Nays—None.
The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution, which was attested by
th' City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 02-06-2021
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CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
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j RESOLUTION NO.oa-da-2021
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I BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
1 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING 1'HN, BID OF GOODWIN
AND GOODWIN, INC. FOR DOWNTOWN DRAINAGE
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CLEANING AND CCTV INSPECTION; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES. ;
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has advertised for bids for Downtown Drainage Cleaning
and CCTV Inspection;and
. WHEREAS, bids have been received and opened in accordance with Arkansas law and
Goodwin and Goodwin,Inc.was the lowest bidder meeting the bid
specifications;and
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has determined that the bid of Goodwin and Goodwin,Inc.
is the best bid.
NOW, '1'HP:REFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN
BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The City of Van Buren,Arkansas accepts the bid of$45,100.00 for Downtown
Drainage Cleaning and CCTV Inspection,as submitted by Goodwin and Goodwin,
Inc.,as set forth in"Exhibit A"attached hereto.
{ SECTION 2: The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized by the City Council for
the City of Van Buren to pay all expenses relating to the project from Capital
Improvement funds and to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the
agreement.
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 O against,the foregoing Resolution
at its regular meeting held on the 1' day of March 2021.
JosepOurst ,
May
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Ph Lhs Thomas Jacob Howell
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
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On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING
• AND AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT FOR, AND PURCHASE OF,A DODGE RAM 2500 CREW CAB
TRUCK FROM BREEDEN TRUCK CENTER OF VAN BUREN; FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF
FUNDS; 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
piped on its second reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dodson. The council followed
wth 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
• '• final reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dodson. The council followed with a
r: •'ii ous vote. The Clerk then read the Ordinance the third and final time. The Mayor asked if there was any
di cussion. Mayor Hurst pointed out that this purchase would be made from a Van Buren dealership. Council
.mber Petty questioned the process of waiving the competitive bidding and using a state contract price.
;yor explained we must follow the ordinance in place, but this process is subject to review.
The Mayor then put the question, "Shall the Ordinance pass?" Motion was made by Council Member
P ` and seconded by Council Member Kneeland to adopt the Ordinance as amended. On the Clerk's calling
th' roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Bell, Wood, Osbum, Kneeland,Petty and
D dson.Nays—None. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were six (6) ayes and(0)nays. Four(4)
v es being necessary for passage.
Motion was made by Council Member Petty and seconded by Council Member Kneeland, that the:
el4ergency clause be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council
Member Bell, Wood, Osburn, Kneeland, Petty and Dodson. Nays—none.
The Mayor then declared the Ordinance passed and signed same in open Council, duly attested by the
Cily Clerk.
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THE ORDINANCE WAS GIVEN THE NUIVIBER 01-2021
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ORDINANCE NUMBER 01-2021 CONTINUED
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
ORDINANCE NO. I -2021
BE IT ENACirt)BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED:
AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND
AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT FOR, AND PURCHASE OF, A
DODGE RAM 2500 CREW CAB TRUCK FROM BREEDEN
TRUCK CENTER OF VAN BUREN; FOR THE
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS;DECLARING AN EMERGENCY;
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren Street Department is in need of a vehicle for the maintenance of
property within the City;and
WHEREAS, after extensive research and inquiry,the City of Van Buren Street Department has
determined that the purchase of the vehicle from Breeden Truck Center of Van Buren at
the 2021 state purchase price would be the most practical,feasible,and cost effective
method for the department and WHEREAS, the cost of this new Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab truck is a total price of$28,114.00
exceeds the limit for purchase without competitive bidding;and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined,pursuant to A.C.A.§14-58-303(bX2)(B)that
exceptional circumstances exist which render the competitive bidding process to not be
practical or feasible;and
WHEREAS, a state of emergency exists because the truck will provide improved life safety and
protection of property.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED AND ENAC n I)BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The Street Department of the City of Van Buren,Arkansas is in immediate need to
purchase the Dodge Crew Cab truck.
SECTION 2: The purchase of said truck from Breeden Truck Center,located in Van Buren,Arkansas,
for the sum of$28,114.00,pursuant to the purchase order attached hereto as Exhibit"A"
is necessary to protect the life and safety of Van Buren citizens.
SECTION 3: The City Council in accordance with the terms of A.C.A.§14-58-303(b)(2)(B)hereby
waives the requirement of competitive bidding and directs the Mayor to purchase the
above described for the price set forth in Section 2 above.
SECTION 4: It is further found that due to the immediate need to acquire this truck an emergency is
declared to exist and this ordinance being necessary for the preservation of the public
health,safety,and welfare,it shall take effect from and after its passage and approval.
SECTION 5: The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized by the City Council for the City of Van
Buren to execute all documents,contracts,and agreements necessary to effectuate this
Ordinance.
SECTION 6: The various provisions and parts of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable,
and,if any section or part of a section,or any provision or part of a provision herein,is
declared to be unconstitutional,inappropriate,or invalid by any court of competent
jurisdiction,such holding shall not invalidate or affect the remainder of this Ordinance
and to that extent the provisions hereto are declared to be severable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of (a for and O against,the foregoing Ordinance at its regular meeting
held on the 1"day of March 2021.
Josep —�
Mayor
`ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
1,9-P-Thomas;(-1 )&02,
Phylg
ell
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney
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Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion. Julie Murray introduced Pat Powell,
• Executive Director at Leadership Crawford County.
Zack Beshears addressed the council regarding the need for licensing cats and to control the stray cat
population. Mayor Hurst responded this may be reviewed at some point.
There being no further business, motion was made by Council Member Bell and seconded by Council
Member Kneeland to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:25
ATTESTED: APPROVED:
C LE -TREAS _"A`V--015
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