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OCTOBER 2022 REGULAR MINUTE,S OF THE VAN BUREN,ARIKANSAS CITY COUNCIL,MEETING OCTOBER 24,2022 The City Council of the City of Van Buren,Arkansas met at 5:30 p.m.Monday, October 24,2022 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, Gifford,Petty and Wood, absent was Council Member Kneeland. City Cleric Phyllis Thomas was present. This made a total of five(5)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 September 2022 consent agenda: e MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ON September 26,2022. e STREET CLOSURE:BASEBALL BOOSTER CLUB JINGLE RUN VETERAN'S DAY PARADE e ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT EXTENSIONS—HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE NOV. 11-12 9 HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENTS NOV.25-26 ® RESOLUTION NO.10-01-2022—ANNUAL SIDEWALK FUND ® RESOLUTION NO.10-02-2022—PERSONNEL HANDBOOK • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS o DEPARTMENT REPORTS:POLICE—FIRE—BUILDING DEPARTMENT—PUBLIC WORKS/PLANNING—AMBULANCE. Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Dodson seconded the motion. Council members voted aye: five The following voted nay: none. 1 I RESOLUTION NO. 10-01-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO. 10.O 1 -2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PLANNING COIVMIISSION'S RECOiVIlVIENDATION FOR THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK PROGRAM AS FUNDED BY THE SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FUND WHEREAS, a Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance Fund was established with Ordinance 5- 1997 for the purpose of collecting funds for sidewalks and establishing procedures for the administration of those funds;and WHEREAS, the purpose of Ordinance 5-1997 is for construction and maintenance of sidewalks for the safe conveyance ofpedestrian traffic,primarily,but not limited to,sidewallcs around schools and along streets defined as collector and arterial streets on the master street plan;and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 4,2022,to receive input from the public and prepare a recommendation where sidewalks need to be built. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION I: The City Council accepts the Planning Commission's recommendation for the sidewalk program as funded by the Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance Fund for the next year.The recommendation and priorities are shown on Exhibit A to this Resolution. IN WITNESS WI,REOF,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 24'h day of October 2022. 4Jos �Humst Mayor ATTESTED: APP FOR"" Y Pffyllis Thomas Jacob owal City Clerk/Treasurer ttorney RI ESOLUTION NO. 1.0-02-2022 CITY or VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.J-Q-Off-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 EXPLOYEES FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, AND REPEALING THE EXISTING PERSONNEL HANDBOOK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, 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 WHEREAS, 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. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION t; The revised Personnel Handbook for the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,section 5.1.1 POLICE DEPARTMENT, attached hereto as "Exhibit A" is hereby adopted and the existing Personnel Handbook dated August 22,2022,is hereby repealed. IN tiVITNESS 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 24'day of October 2022. sephPp t Ma o ATTESTED: APPR ' FORIYI: All PL�11WAD/na-i Ph lis Thomas Ja b Ha City Clerld'Treasurer City Attorney - C FINANCIAL STATEMENT SEPTEMBER 2022 5 September,2022 Total Expenditures $1,569,063.79 i r RESOLUTION NO. 10-03-2022 On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.09-03- 2022,TO AUTHORIZE A SIX THOUSAND DOLLAR($6,000.00)BONUS TO ALL FULL-TIME CITY AND VAN BUREN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED ON OR BEFORE SEA PTE MBE R 1,2022. The Clerk read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst stated that we passed a Resolution like this last month,there are a couple of things we need to clarify about our retirement. Mayor Hurst asked Phyllis Thomas, City ClerldTreasurer if she would like to explain. Mrs. Thomas explained that before the September Council meeting, she called Arkansas Public Employees Retirement(APERS)to inquire about whether the city would have to pay APERS Retirement on this bonus,to which APERS stated yes. After the September Council meeting,we found out that if in our Resolution that we stated the fact that it was not used to enhance retirement purposes then we did not have to pay APERS. This will save the city about fifty to sixty thousand dollars and each employee about three hundred dollars, so that is why we are coming back to amend this resolution. Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. Motion to approve with amendment was made by Council Member Bell, 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 Petty,Wood,Bell,Dodson and Gifford. Nays—None. The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution,which was attested by the City Clerk andunpressed with the seal of the City. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were five(5)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 10-03-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARICANSAS RESOLUTION NO.10 _03-2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN ARKANSAS,A RESOLUTION TO BE UVITT.ED: A RESOLUTION M11NDING RESOLUTION NO.09.03.2022,TO AUTHORIZE A SIX THOUSAND DOLLAR(S6,000310)BONUS TO ALL FULL- TLIIE,CITY AND VAN BUREN MUNICIPAL UTIIdTIESEMPLOYEESWHO HAVE BEEN EBIPLOYED ON OR BEFORE SEPT10MBER 1,I022. )WHEREAS, the City of Van Burca City Council amends Resolution No.09.03.2022,to authorin a sit tircusaad dollar(6,000.00)bonus to nil fu11.8me City and Van Buren Municipal Mks employees,who he-beea employed en or before Septemberl,2022. \VHEREAS, pursuant to Act 616 of the 2009 Arkansas General Assembly,lump sum payments or booms may be deemed by the city council to not be eligible for rctircmrnt calculation prapasas. NOW,THEREFORE,BE 1T RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF VAN IIUREN,ARf4SNSA5,TILM SECTION 1: Resolution No.69-03-2022 is hereby amended to authorize all fol-time.City and Van Bum Municipal Utilities emplayeas whn have been employed on or befora September 1,2022,to receive a sk thousand dollar($6,000.00)bonus to be paid out of lha City's general ford using American Rescue Plan Act funds. SECTION 2: Pursuant to Act 616 of 2009,this bonus will not be eligible for ref ocourat calculation purposes. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Van Bunn,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and adopt,by avote of S for and O against,the foregoing Resolution at its i ngularmeeting held on the 2d1 day of Octaber2022. Q Lose)t P. rest r A T TESTED: APP VE FOItItI: Ph 11is Tbam o o Hawell City ChnIuDeasurer Cky Anomey RESOLUTION NO. 10-04-2022 On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS CERTIFYING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT OF A BUSINESS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TAX BACK PROGRAM(AS AUTHORIZE ID BY SECTION 15-4-2706(d) OF THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003). The Cleric read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst explained that this is a program that the city has participated in previously with Arkansas Poly,Dillmier and Bekaert. This is an exciting opportunity for the community. Van Buren Chamber of Commerce President Julie Murray explained that Simmons started their expansion in January 2022,with an estimated completion date of September 2023. This is a 153-million-dollar project and will result in 180 to 240 new employees,with an annual payroll of 7.9 million. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission has qualified this project for the Tax Back incentive,which provides sales and use tax refunds on the purchase of building materials,machinery,and equipment to qualifying businesses that create new jobs as a result of construction, expansion, or facility modernization projects in Arkansas. Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. Motion was made by Council Member Gifford,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 Petty, Wood, Bell,Dodson, and Gifford. Nays—None. The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and-signed the Resolution, which was attested by the City Cleric and impressed with the seal of the City. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were five(5)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 10-04-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO.]0-Or--2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR TILE CITY OF VAN BUREN. ARIGWSAS,A RESOLUTION TO B6 ENTHI.ED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF VAX BUREN, ARIGLISAS CC•RTIFYMO LOCAL GOVEIMIENT EYBORSE51ENT OF A BUSINESS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TAX BACK PROGRA.IE(AS AUTHORIZED RY SECTION 154-2706(d)OF THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003). WHEREAS, in rider to be considered far participation in the Tax Back program,the local governmentmust endorse s business u participate In the lax Hack Program;ar,d WHEREAS, the local gnvemment mmt autbodre the reRsnd of lacni s21es audme taxes u provided in tho CamoUdated Inceotive Act of 2003;and WFiEREAS, said endorsement mnst be made on specific fomn evm7able,from the ArkamuEconomic Development Commission;and WHEREAS, Simmam Prepared Foods,Ina.,lacatedat 2101 Twin Circle Drive,Von Buren,Arkaosu has sought t0 participate in the program and more specifically hm requested benefits accruing from comtrucdon and ar expaadon of ate specific facility;and WHEREAS, Slmmom PiepuedFoods,Toe,has agreed to fundsh the local government all necessary information forcemp0once. NOW,THEREFORE,DE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARINNSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: Sbnmons Prepared Foods,fac,Is endoned by the Von Buren City Council for beoeflis from the$ales g use t-refunds u provided by SWIM 15-1.2706(d)of the C—.Iidmed lncmtivc Actof2003. S`CCrTION2: The Department ofFinance and Administration is authorized to reRutd local sales and we taxes to Simmons Prepare,17:.. ,1". IN 11TTNESS R'HEREOF,the City of Van Duren,Admnsas,by its City Council,did pus, approve,and adopt,by a vote of J,for and A against,the foregoing Resolution at Its special meeting held on the 24a of Waber2022. 22 ss �(— I epbP Iw ATTESTED; Pb}Us Thomas Jacob H vel Chty Clerkrrreansrer tt0mcy RESOLUTION NO. 1.0-05-2022 On the agenda next was to consider A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARK.ANSAS,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Cleric read the Resolution in its entirety. Mayor Hurst stated that this is a project we have been working on and asked Mr.Wally Bailey, City Planner to explain. Mr. Bailey explained that the Streetscape project originally included the drainage project. We had the opportunity to file for a grant with FEMA to take care of the drainage separately. We are separating the drainage project from the streetscape agreement,this way we will be able to recoup engineering fees on the drainage project. Mr.Bailey also stated that the drainage project will need to be completed before we start the streetscape project. Mayor Hurst asked if there was any discussion. Motion was made by Council Member Dodson, seconded by Council Member Petty moved that the Resolution be adopted. On the Cleric's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: Ayes—Council Member Petty,Wood,Bell,Dodson, and Gifford. Nays—None. The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution adopted and signed the Resolution,which was attested by the City Cleric and impressed with the seal of the City. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were five(5)AYES and zero(0)NAYS. The Mayor then declared the Resolution passed and signed same in open Council,duly attested by the City Cleric. THE RESOLUTION WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER I0-05-2022 MY OF VAN BUREN ARILSNSAS RESOLUTION NO.IU-�-3022 BE IT'ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANS VS,A RESOLUTION TO DL•ENTD:LED: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR TIIE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, AND FOR OT TER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Van Duren,Arkansas desires to make various improvements within the City la include streets,dralw3c,bridges and sidewalks;and WHEREAS, In order to commaoce the projects and to seek•grant funding,the City B in need of pmfesslonal ersginamieg services for ILe development of plans and dcsig s,cost estimates,and supervislao forsaid projecm NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL.OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSSS,THAT: SECTION 1: The Islayor is amlhorized to enter into o wound(Exhibit"A")with Hawkins-%Ve'ir s Eagineea.Ioc,to provide engineering seal=for the development of preliminary engineering and designs,and cost estimates for the above listed projects. Payment for such eu&ccdog services stag not exceed S50,270.00 plus any applicable vetmbnrsable expenses. IN WITNFSS WHEREOF,the City of Van Duren,Askamas,by its City Council,did pass, approve,and adopt,by a vote of„a forand�,ogahr%the faregoiug Resolution at its tegular meeting held on the 24e day of October 2022, ATTESTED: APPRO FORM: I ph Wslhom 'I ohH City CkrWfrcaswcr Cit;cd0a ey ORDINANCE 36-2022 On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE REVISED 2020 NATIONAL]ELECTRICAL CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Cleric read the Ordinance in its entirety. Council Member Wood moved that the rules be suspended, and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bell. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The Cleric 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 Bell. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The Cleric then read the Ordinance the third and final time. Mayor Hurst asked Mr. Wally Bailey, City Planner to speak on this ordinance. Mr.Bailey explained that earlier this year we brought to you the updates to the Mechanical Code and Phunbing Code. Now it is time to update our Electrical Code. The Arlcansas Department of Labor and Board of Electrical Examiners are the agencies that take care of the State Electrical Code and have updated the code to the 2020 code from the 2014 code. Excluded from the adoption of the 2020 National Electrical Code is GFCI requirements for Heating,Ventilation and Air Conditioning,which is stated in our local requirements as well as our ordinance. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion.There was none. Motion was made by Council Member Wood and seconded by Council Member Bell to adopt the Ordinance as amended. On the Clerk's calling the roll,the following vote resulted:AYES—Council Member Petty,Wood,Bell,Dodson and Gifford. NAYS—None. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were five(5)AYES and zero (0)NAYS. Motion was made by Council Member Petty and seconded by Council Member Dodson that the emergency clause be adopted. On the Cleric's calling the roll,the following vote resulted: AYES—Council Member Petty,Wood,Bell,Dodson and Gifford. NAYS—None. The Mayor then declared the Ordinance passed and signed same in open Council,duly attested by the City Clerk. ORDINANCE 36-2022 ORDINANCE 36-20222 cont. CITY OF VAN BURL,N,ARILANSAS ORDMANcF NO.5J 2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARICANSAS,AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED: : AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING TSE REVISED 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE IVPTH LOCAL AI4TENDI4IENTS;DECLARING AN EMERGENCY;AND FOR OTHERPIIRPOSES. WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the 2014 version of the National Electrical Code with Local Amendments pursuant to Ordinance No.13-2014,and WHEREAS, a more current edition is available that would better serve the needs of the City of Van Buren;and WHEREAS, notice of a Public Hearing was duly published,and a Public Hearing was conducted by the Van Buren Planaing Commission to consider these proposed amendments;and WHEREAS, the proposed changes heroin were recommended by a majority vote of the entire Planning Commission. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY TEE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: There is hereby adopted by reference the 2020 National Electrical Code as adopted by the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners,together with local amendments. The provisions of Section 210.3(F)of the 2020 National Electrical Code dealing with the GFC I requirements for Heating,Ventilation and Air Conditioning are excluded from the adoption ofthe National Electrical Code.Three(3)copies of the referenced regulatory code,together with the local amendments,is nmv on file in the office of the Van Buren City Clerk and the same are hereby adopted by reference and incorporated as if set out word for word herein. SECTION 2: All Ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed to the extent of the conflict.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 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. SECTION 3; It is of the utmost urgency that the,City of Van Buren,Arkansas has an up-to-date Electrical Code to protect its citizens.Therefore,an emergency is declared to exist and this.Ordinance,being necessary for the preservation of the public peace,health and I safety,shall be in full force and take effect immediaiely upon and after its passage. i IN WITNLSS'V1'1 EOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass, approve,and adopt,by a vote of, for and O against,the foregoia Ordinance at its regular meeting held on the 24th day of October.2022. - b oseph .H st r ATTESTED: APPRO FOR+tiI Ph Ilis Thomns aco awe City C1erklTreasurer City Attorney ORDINANCE 37-2022 On the agenda next was to consider AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING JASON COLLINS TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR A PRIVATE CLUB PERMIT,PURSUANT TO A.C.A.3-9-222 WITH THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL DIVISION,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Cleric read the Ordinance in its entirety. Council Member Dodson moved that the rules be suspended, and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading.The motion was seconded by Council Member Wood. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The Cleric then read the Ordinance the second time. Council Member Gifford proved 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. Mayor Hurst ask Mr. Jason Collins owner of Doomsday Coffee to speak. Mr. Collins explained that they serve minimal cocktails at their locations. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion. There was none. Motion was made by Council Member Wood and seconded by Council Member Bell to adopt the Ordinance as amended. On the Cleric's calling the roll,the following vote resulted:AYES—Council Member Petty, Wood,Bell,Dodson and Gifford. NAYS—None. The Mayor declared the motion carried as there were five(5)AYES and zero(0)NAYS. The Mayor then declared the Ordinance passed and signed same in open Council,duly attested by the City Cleric. ORDINANCE 37-2022 CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARKANSAS ORDINANCE NO.--2022 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS,AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING JASON COLLINS TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR A PRIVATE CLUB PERNET,PURSUANT TO A.C.A.3-9-222 WITH THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL DIVISION,AND FOR OTHER.PURPOSES. WHEREAS, Jason Collins has presented to the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,for consideration an application for a Private Club Permit for a business to be known as"Doomsday Coffee and Roasterie of Van Buren";and WHERE,AS, the City Council of the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,believes it is in the best interest ofthc citizens ofthe City of Van Buren,Arkansas to authorize Jason Collins to proceed with such petitionbefore the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. NO'bV,THERI;FORE,BE IT ORDAINED BYTHE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN,ARICANSAS,THAT: SECTION 1: The application submitted by Jason Collins for his Private Club Permit is hereby approved to be submitted to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. IN WITNESS WHERLOF,the City of Van Buren,Arkansas,by its City Council,did pass,approve,and adopt,by a vote of_,q_- for and o against,the foregoing Ordinance at its regular meeting held on the 2411 day of October 2022. J0631kv fI st Mayor ATTESTED- y� 711TD-A TO FORM: • `��tciJGt4�r—L11 Phylis Thomas aco Dwell City ClerldTreasurer City Attorney Next on the agenda was Miscellaneous and General Discussion a. Almost Home Animal Rescue and Shelter proposed remodel Connie Martin from Almost Home explained that they would like to expand the shelter. Mrs.Martin explained,we feel that this expansion is needed to establish a more user fifiendly/safe wonting environment for volunteers and to give dogs outside runs fiom their inside kennels. In 5 %years we have saved nearly 2,000 dogs. We help citizens needing dog food, dog houses and other assistance. Almost Home achieves over 20,000 volunteer hours each year." We are very pleased that local businessman Doug Knierim has offered to oversee our project at no cost. Doug has guided us on materials and details. We are requesting$113,719.00,with a$10,000 contingency,for our expansion. Mayor Hurst stated that he had slated$50,000.00 for Almost Home,but it looks like we are about $63,000.00 short. Are there any other resources? Mrs. Martin stated that they are going to be doing a fiord raiser soon but need that money for a new van. Council Member Bell feels the city should approve the request, otherwise Almost Home will be asking to repair their current building. Council Member Petty questioned the figures for the remodel.Mr.Doug Knierim was not there to answer any questions that the council needed answered. Council Member Dodson stated there is a possibility of a discount for materials and supplies from Lumber One. The Council Members want to meet with the contractor before malting a decision. Mayor Hurst stated that we will revisit this next month. Connie Martin from Almost Home Rescue and Shelter gave her quarterly report. Deidre Fears from the Crawford County Library System and Van Buren Library wanted to invite the City Council to a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Thursday, October 27ffi at 4:30 p.m. There being no further business,motion was made by Council Member Gifford and seconded by Council Member Dodson to adjourn. The Council followed with a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m. ATTESTED: APPROVED• r CI LERI -TREASURER MAYOR