AUGUST 2022 REGULAR MINUTES OF THE VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 22,2022
The City Council of the City of Van Buren,Arkansas met at 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 22,2022 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,Dodson,Petty and Woodi
absent were Council Members Gifford and Kneeland. City Cleric Phyllis Thomas was present. This made a
total of four(4)present. A quorum was declared.
The invocation was given by our City Attorney,Jacob Howell.
City Attorney Jacob Howell then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next,the following items were on the July 2022 consent agenda:
• MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ON July 25,2022.
• VAN BUREN HOUSING AUTHORITY APPOINTMENT.
• STREET CLOSING-THE VAULT-CONCERT-SEPTEMBER 10,2022.
• RESOLUTION NO.08-01-2022-SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR STREET CLOSING.
• FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:POLICE-FIRE-BUILDING DEPARTMENT-PUBLIC
WORKS/PLANNING-AMBULANCE.
Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Bell seconded
the motion. Council members voted aye: four The following voted nay: none.
RESOLUTION 08-01-2022
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.09-of-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 ET.ARING DATE FOR
ABANDONING A PUBLIC STREET RIGHT OF WAY IN THE
STEVENSONS ADDITION INSIDE THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
CRAWFORD COUNTY,ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, Cox Investment Properties,represented by Satterfield Land Surveyors,has petitioned the
City Council of Van Buren,Arkansas,to vacate and abandon the public sheet right of way
along Lots 1 through 9,Block 1,Stevenson Addition more particularly described as
follows:
Description of Existing Street Right of Way
Part of the 40.00-foot Road Right of Way East of Lots 1 through 9 of Block 1 of
Stevenson Addition to the City of Van Buren,Crawford County,Arkansas being
— --- — - -- more particularly described as follows: -
Beginning at a point marling the Southeast Comer of Lot 9,Block 1 of said
Stevenson Addition.Thence along the East line of Lots 9 through 1,Block 1 of
said Stevenson Addition,North 01 degrees 48 minutes 35 seconds East,297.00
feet to a point marling the Northeast Comer of Lot 1,Block 1 of said Stevenson
Addition.Thence South 88 degrees 11 minutes 25 seconds East,40.00 feet to a set
rebar with cap.Thence South 01 degrees 48 minutes 35 seconds West,297.00 feet
to a set rebar with cap.Thence North 88 degrees 11 minutes 25 seconds West,
40.00 feet to the Point of Beginning,containing 0.27 acres.
WHEREAS, all the property owners and adjacent property owners being affected by this street right of
way abandonment have consented by signed petition;and
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 street rights of way or segments I!
thereof.
NOW,TB REF'ORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: A Public Hearing is set for September 26,2022,at 5:30 P.M.in the 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 street right of way should
be vacated and that all affected property owners and other person 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 City Council
will hear said Petition.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,:did pass,
approve,and adept,by a vote of t} for and O against the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 221d day of August 2022.
4ose h urst
or
ATTESTED: AP�O �ST ORM: j
Phyllig Thomas cob Howe
City Clerk/Treasurer ey
t
RESOLUTION NO. 08-02-2022
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REVISED EMPLOYEE
POLICY HANDBOOK. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety.
The Resolution states that the revised section, 5.1.1 POLICE DEPARTMENT in the Personnel
Handbook was revised June 22,2022.
Chief Hammond discussed that two new specialized School Resource Officer positions are being added
to the Police Department and there will be an update to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Van
Buren Police Department and the Van Buren School District. The officers will work during the school year and
be off in the summer. Chief Hammond discussed how this would look regarding salary and time off.
Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. There was none. Council Member Bell seconded by
Council Member Petty moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following
vote resulted: Ayes-Council Member Dodson,Petty, Wood, and Bell. 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 Mayor declared the motion carried as there were four(4)AYES and zero (0)NAYS.
The Mayor then declared the Resolution passed and signed same in open Council, duly attested by the
— -- City Clerk. --- ----- - -- --- -
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 08-02-2022
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.C9-C Z 2022
_ BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE REVISED PERSONNEL
HANDBOOK GOVERNING CITY EMPLOYEES FOR THE CITY
OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, AND REPEALING THE
EXISTING PERSONNEL HANDBOOK; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WBEREAS, it is necessary to update and revise the existing Personnel Handbook for the City of Van
Buren to conform to changes in law and policy;and
V E-IEREAS, a copy of the revised section,5.1.1 POLICE DEPARTMENT in the Personnel Handbook
is attached hereto as"Exhibit A"and all employees shall receive a copy of the revised
personnel handbook page.
t
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The revised Personnel Handbook for the City of Van Buren,Arkansas, section 5.1.1
POLICE DEPARTN=, attached hereto as"Exhibit A"is hereby adopted and the
existing Personnel Handbook dated June 22,2022,is hereby repealed.
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 O against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 22'day of August 2022. }}
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ATTESTED: AP TO FORM:
Ph 'ads Jacob I3 �
City Clark/Treasurer City Attorney
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RESOLUTION 08-03-2022
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.
The Cleric read the Resolution in its entirety.
The Resolution states that the Mayor and the Van Buren Boys and Girls Club can enter into an
agreement and the Mayor is authorized to allocate$20,000.00 total for the VBBGC to be paid as follows:
$10,000.00 by August 31St and$10,000.00 by December 31"of the year 2022.
Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. There was none. Council Member Wood seconded by
Council Member Dodson moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Cleric's calling the roll,the following
vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Dodson,Petty, Wood, and Bell. 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 Mayor declared the motion carried as there were four(4)AYES and zero (0)NAYS.
The Mayor then declared the Ordinance passed and signed same in open Council, duly attested by the
City Cleric.
THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 08-03-2022
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO.25' _a_2022
BE IT ENACTED BY TEE CTI'Y COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WrM THE VAN BUREN BOYS
AND GIRLS CLUB(VBBGC)IN THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,
ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, the Van Buren Boys and Girls Club(VBBGC)has been serving area children since
1958;and
WHEREAS, the VBBGC's mission is to enable all young people, especially those with the
greatest needs, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible
citizens;and
WHEREAS, the proposed agreement will continue the successful partnership between the City
and the VBBGC that has benefitted the social and recreational interests of city
residents.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY TEE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement(Exhibit"X with
the Van Buren Boys and Girls Club to benefit the social and recreational interests
of city residents and has budgeted a total of$20,000.00 to be paid ih two
increments:$10,000.00 by August 31,2022,and$10,000.00 by December 31,
2022.
IN VffMSS WHEREOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approve,and adopt,by a vote of_�L for and c7 against,the foregoing Resolution at its regular meeting
held on the 22'd day of August 2022.
oseph st
i r
I
ATTESTED: APF O FORM:
Py Jacob Howell
City Clerk/Treasurer
RESOLUTION 08-04-2022
On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO APPLY
FOR SPAY AND NEUTER GRANT.
The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety.
The resolution states that the Mayor is authorized to submit an application of formal request to the
Arkansas Economic Development Commission for purpose of securing state grant funds in the amount of
$6,000.00 to aid and assist the Van Buren community in executing the proposed project and the Mayor or City
Clerk is authorized to administer the grant funds, as needed.
Connie Martin from Almost Home Shelter stated that dogs that are to be transported out of state,namely
New Jersey,must be spayed or neutered prior to transport,if they are old enough. If a puppy is transported
before the age required for this procedure, Almost Home agrees to pay for the procedure when the puppy
becomes of age. This grant will assist in funding this need.
The Mayor asked if there was any further discussion. There was none.
Motion was made by Council Member Bell and seconded by Council Member Petty move that the
resolution be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: AYES—Council Member
Dodson,Petty, Wood, and Bell. 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 Mayor declared the motion carried as there were four(4)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 RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 08-04-2022
CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
RESOLTTI1ONNO.49 -dV -2022
BE IT ENACTED BY TIM CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VANBUREN,
ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TOBEEN M.ED:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY
OF VAN BUREN TO APPLY FOR A GRANT ON BEHALF OF
THE CITY,AND PARTNER WITH ALMOST HOME FOR THE
SPAY AND NWTTSR PROGRAM, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the city has determined that the Van Boren community meets eligibility rogaicemeatr
necessary to apply for a gram maderthe Arkansas Spay and Neuter Grant program;and
WHEREAS, the Van Buren community has presented plans to spay and neuter cats mad dogs in Van
Buren along with Almost Home;and
WHEREAS, the city recognizes the need for the project,concurs its importance,and supports the Van
Buren community in its efforts to proceed with the same.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BYTHE CITY COUNCM OF THE=OF VAN
BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1:The Mayor of the City of Van Buren is hereby authorized to submit an application of
formal request to the Arka»sns Economic Development Commission for purpose of
scouring state grant funds inn the amount of$6,000 to aid and assist the Van Buren i
community in executing the proposed project described heroin and thatthe Mayor or City
Clerk of Van Buren is further authorized to administer the gmat funds for the same
pmject.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Vsa Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,
approvq®d adopt,by a vote of 4 for end O against,the foregoingRrsolutioa at itsregularmeetmg
hehi oa the 22nd efAugust2022.
use p,Harst
Mayor
ATTESTED: ROVED AS ORM:
Pifyllts Thomas 7ecob H
City Clerk/rmmsaer ny Attomey
ORDINANCE 30-2022
On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MAIN STREET
ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT ORDINANCE.
The Clerk read the Ordinance in its entirety.
Council Member Bell 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 Wood moved that the rules be further suspended, and the Ordinance was 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.
The ordinance states that this is an amendment to Ordinance 26-2022, allowing a temporary
entertainment district boundary extension and time change for special events, declaring an emergency herein.
The emergency clause states that the ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its
passage.
Lindsey Dodson spoke about the blocks that would be included in the event and both she and the Mayor
state this event would be a good"test run"for the Entertainment District.
General discussion was had regarding any"spill over"into other parts of the downtown area, such as
parks. It was again noted that this is a smaller event that will be from 8th street down and no one should be
outside the established boundaries. Chief Hammond stated there have been no issues to mention.
The Mayor asked if there was any further discussion. There was none.
Motion was made by Council Member Bell and seconded by Council Member Dodson to adopt the
Ordinance as amended. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted:AYES—Council Member
Dodson,Petty, Wood, and Bell. NAYS—None.
The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were four(4)AYES and zero (0)NAYS.
Motion was made by Council Member Wood and seconded by Council Member Dodson that the
emergency clause be adopted. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: AYES—Council
Member Dodson,Petty, Wood and Bell. NAYS—None. 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 30-2022
ORDINANCE 30-2022 cont.
CITY OF VAN BUREN,AMCANSAS
ORDINANCE NO.30-2022
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS
AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 26-2022, ESTABLISHING
MAIN STREET ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT; ALLOWING A
TEMPORARY ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT BOUNDARY EXTENSION
AND TDM CHANGE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS; DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY HEREIN;AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the City
and its residents to allow a temporary boundary extension and time change for the
Main Street Entertainment District established by Ordinance 26-2022;and
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN
BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT:
SECTION 1: The city hereby amends Ordinance 26-2022 to temporarily extend the Main Street
Entertainment District boundary and times for the 2022 Downtown Junkfest as set
forth in Exhibit"A".
SECTION 2: Emergency Clause: Due to the immediate need to provide entertainment,
hospitality, and dining opportunities to its citizens during the 2022 Downtown
Jimld'est,an emergency is hereby declared to exist,and this Ordinance shall be in
full force and effect from and after the date of its passage.
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 U against,the foregoing Ordinance at its regular meeting
held on the 221 day of August 2022.
osep P.Hurst
ayor
ATTESTED: FORM:
tr?YXdd�
Ph Ihs Thomas aco Howe
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney i
'Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion
Discussion on ARPA Funds -Mayor Hurst stated that he was not going to get into any specific discussion
regarding ARPA funds but that a special meeting is scheduled for September 19,2022, at 5:30 PM to begin
formal discussion.
Additionally,Mayor Hurst mentioned that parking downtown is still a topic of discussion for the future.
Currently, TOTMA is evaluating the situation and will be meeting to discuss the issue.
There being no further business,motion was made by Council Member Bell and seconded by Council
Member Dodson to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
ATTESTED: APP VED:
cITY CLERK-TREASURER Y R +