Loading...
MARCH 2022 REGULAR MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 28,2022 The City Council of the City of Van Buren,Arkansas met at 5:30 p.m. Monday,March 28,2022 at the Van Buren Municipal Complex. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hurst. On roll call,the following Council members answered as their names were called: Council Member Bell,Dotson,Kneeland, Osburn, Petty, Wood. City Attorney Jacob Howell and City Clerk Phyllis Thomas were present. This made a total of eight (8) present. A quorum was declared. The invocation was given by City Attorney, Jacob Howell. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scouts, Red Oak Service Unit. Mayor Hurst thanked Mrs.Marquette for leading this Girl Scout group for so many years and all her service to this community. Madeline Marquette, leader, explained Girl Scout Month. One hundred ten years ago Girl Scouts was founded. It was fifty years ago that it was started here in Van Buren. The troop handed out cookies to all the council members,Mayor Hurst, City Clerk/Treasurer Phyllis Thomas, and City Attorney Jacob Howell. The Mayor then gave the State of the City address outlining the year of 2021. On May 3rd, 2021, Van Buren was hit by a tornado. All our departments came together during this time of need. The city spent about$549,000.00 to clean up our city, For the city, including the Police Department and Fire Department,our number one priority is the protection and safety of our community. Our Police Department received body cameras in June for each individual police officer. They can record anything from use of force to vehicle pursuits to taser deployment. Our Police Department lost their dispatchers due to the 911 consolidation. Code Enforcement was combined with Animal Control and is now located in the City Complex under the direction of Mayor Hurst. Our Fire Department had more calls in 2021 than we have seen in the last 10 years. They were able to use their training facility for the first time. The city council approved a new fire engine for the fire department. Our Planning Department stated that some of the applications that have been filed include 56 total lots and subdivisions. Our Historic District continues to do great work. Mr. Wally Bailey, City Planner, met several times with Almost Home and their board members to determine ways to improve our current regulations on animal control. We were also awarded a Tap Grant for new sidewalks next to Oliver Springs Elementary. Other ordinances that the Planning Department brought change to were subdivision regulations, amendments to the master street plan and change some conditioned use regulations. Our Street Department spent many hours on the May 3`d tornado clean up. We have completed overlays and large street repairs. We have been able to put more revenue towards our street and drainage projects. 2020 was the first year for our Christmas at the Parks. We continue to add new features including a new ice-skating rink. The donations from the community have been outstanding. Mayor Hurst stated that another important component of our community is Keep Van Buren Beautiful. Mayor Hurst stated that Mr. John Pope is always willing to speak and talk about the efforts of the previous year. We really appreciate John and all of his efforts. Mr. Pope stated that the amount of trash we pick up has declined over the years. He also informed the council of an Earth Day event on downtown Main Street on April 23rd from 10-6pm. .* Next, the following items were on the February 2022 consent agenda: • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 28,2022. • STREET CLOSURES: PIONEER DAY PARADE • THE REFUGE CHURCH • RESOLUTION NO.03-01-2022-CONTRACT WITH HAWKINS WEIR POINTER TRAIL-LEGACY BLVD. OVERLAY. • RESOLUTION NO.03-02-2022-CONTRACT WITH HAWKINS WEIT WASHINGTON STREET PARKING LOT. • RESOLUTION NO.03-03-2022-SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ABANDONING A PUBLLIC UTL1TY EASEMENT. • RESOLUTION NO. 03-04-2022-FIXED ASSET DISPOSAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS • DEPARTMENT REPORTS: POLICE-FIRE-BUILDING DEPARTMENT-PUBLIC WORKS/PLANNING-AMBULANCE. Council Member Kneeland made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Petty seconded the motion. Council members voted aye: six The following voted nay: none. RESOLUTION 03-01-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.03 -bl -2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, . ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 11:1E 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 street improvements within the City at Pointer Trail West and Legacy Boulevard Street;and WHEREAS, the Pointer Trail West and Legacy Boulevard Street Improvement Project requires professional engineering,project management,and inspection services;and NOW,I'Iii,REFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: The Mayor is authorized to enter a contract(Exhibit"A")with Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc. to provide engineering services for the Pointer Trail West and Legacy Boulevard Street Improvements Project Payment for such engineering services shall not exceed$72,470.00. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass, approve, and adopt,by a vote of fo for and 0 against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 28a'day of March 2022. Joseph 'Hurst Mayor ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Pityllis Thomas Jacob owell City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney r, r i' • RESOLUTION 03-02-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.1)3-0_2. -2022 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 I'HE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas desires to make parking lot improvements within the City at Washington Street,North 5th and 6`h Streets;and WHEREAS, the Downtown Van Buren Parking Lot Improvements Project requires professional engineering,project management,and inspection services;and NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: The Mayor is authorized to enter a contract (Exhibit "A")with Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc. to provide engineering services for the Downtown Van Buren Parking Lot Improvements Project.Payment for such engineering services shall not I exceed$23,400.00. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council, did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of 4 for and c against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 28c'day of March 2022. e seph P Hurst ayor Arr'ES TED: APPRO TO FORM: P y lis Thomas owed City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney • RESOLUTION 03-03-2022 I • CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.O3-03-2022 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 ABANDONING A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT ALONG LOTS18 AND 19 IN THE TWIN CIRCLE COMMERCIAL PARR,PHASE I ADDITION INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF VAN BUREN,CRAWFORD COUNTY,ARKANSAS. WHEREAS, Simmons Foods,Inc.represented by Hoffman&Associates,Inc,has petitioned the City Council of Van Buren,Arkansas,to vacate and abandon the public utility easement along certain Lots 18 and 19 inside the Twin Circle Commercial Park,Phase I more particularly described as follows: PROPOSED VACATED AND ABANDONED EASEMENT DESCRIPTION See Exhibit"A"attached ' ;and WHEREAS, all the property owners and adjacent property owners being affected by this public utility easement abandonment have consented by signed petition;and i 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 utility easements or segments thereof. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY 1'HE.CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: A Public Hearing is set for April 25,2022,at 5:30 P.M.little 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 utility 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,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of ( for and o against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 28th day of March 2022. 4.1rirdi,-----i2,--(-ik _ Mayor i ATTESTED: APPR ORM: ,n a Phy11l Thomas b Howell City Clerk/Treasurer I I I City Attorney I • I r P F i r • RESOLUTION 03-04-2022 CTTY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.03 -014-2022 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 lilt CITY OF VAN BUREN'S FIXED ASSET INVENTORY, BY SEALED BID, AUCTION OR OT11LR 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,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,MAT: 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 $28,652.00 2011 Ford Expedition PD-000031 VIN:IFMJU1G59BEF29061 IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of b for and o against the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 28't day of March 2022. bseph P. ATTESTED: O FORM: `����ia/C7T PhThomas °well City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney . _ • tri at 2- 00 00 ri 10 X 1.1J • RESOLUTION 03-05-2022 On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk read the Ordinance in its entirety. Mayor Hurst stated that if this was approved our fireworks display will be Monday,July 4,2022, at the Field of Dreams. In the past we have had donations from local families which amounts to about half of the cost. The city has not received these donations yet but we hope to continue that partnership. Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. There was none. Council Member Bell seconded by Council Member Osburn moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Cleric's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Kneeland, Osburn,Petty, Wood,Bell, and Dodson. 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 03-05-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.b3 -2022 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 FIREWORKS DISPLAY SERVICES FOR i'HA. CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren,Arkansas desires to conduct fireworks display service at the Field of Dreams within the city;and NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION I: The Mayor is authorized to enter a contract(Exhibit"A")with J&M Displays,Inc. to provide fireworks display services for the city.Payment for such services shall not exceed$21,600.00. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas, by its City Council,did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of Ca for and Cl against, the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting held on the 28th day of March 2022. Hurst Mayor ATTESTED: PRO O F . Ph hs Thomas Jacob Howell City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney • ORDINANCE 13-2022 On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A STREET DEPARTMENT VEHICLE FROM RANDALL FORD OF FORT SMITH; FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Clerk read the Ordinance in its entirety. Council Member Petty moved that the rules be suspended, and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dodson. 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 Dodson. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The Clerk then read the Ordinance the third and final time. Mayor Hurst stated that we are continuing to upgrade our fleet. We have been making repairs in an effort to keep these trucks running as long as possible. John Karstens, Street Superintendent, stated that our new trucks should be here by August or September. We are replacing two diesel trucks with one diesel and one gas. These trucks will still be able to pull equipment with one truck having a dump bed and the other one having a flat bed. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion. There was none. Motion was made by Council Member Wood and seconded by Council Member Osburn to adopt the Ordinance as amended. On the Clerk's calling the roll, the following vote resulted: AYES—Council Member Kneeland, Osburn,Petty,Wood,Bell and Dodson. NAYS—None. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were six (6) AYES and zero (0)NAYS. 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 13-2022 t I F. g'. F e ORDINANCE 13-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS • • ORDINANCE NO. 3 -2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A STREET DEPARTMENT VEHICLE FROM RANDALL FORD OF FORT SMITH; FOR 11:LE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has determined that the street department is in need of replacing two vehicles,and are not cost effective to perform the duties required for maintaining the streets for the City of Van Buren;and WHEREAS, after extensive research and inquiry,the City of Van Buren Street Department Manager has determined that the purchase of two new vehicles from Randall Ford of Fort Smith would be the most practical,feasible,and cost-effective method for the department:and NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY WI,CITY COUNCIL OF 111E CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: The City of Van Buren has a need to purchase two vehicles; 2022 Super Duty F-350, Randall Ford of Fort Smith, for the price of$56,240.00 and 2022 Super Duty F-350, Diesel,Randall Ford of Fort Smith,for the price of S68,156.00,as detailed in the attached quotes(Attachment"A"). SECTION 2: 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 and City Clerk/Treasurer to purchase the above-described vehicle for the price set forth in (Attachment"A"). SECTION 3: The Mayor and City Clerk/Treasurer 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. 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 Ordinance at its regular meeting held on the 28th day of March 2022. yf A oseph•. 'urst ayor ATTESTED: • '' . PROVED FORM: • L's Thom • City Clerk/'Treasurer City Attorney • Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion On behalf of the Lions Club, John Pope thanked the Mayor and the city for the wonderful groundbreaking event at the pocket park,named in honor of former Mayor Gene Bell. The event was attended by more than 40 people. F Ppp- 2: There being no further business, motion was made by Council Member Osburn and seconded by Council Member Dodson to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. ATTESTED: APPROVED: r CITY CLERK-TREASURER MAYOR There being no further business, motion was made by Council Member Osburn and seconded by Council Member Dodson to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. ATTESTED: APPROVED: TY CLERK-TREASURER Y p t;. yg� }