December 2020 Council Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
December 14, 2020
Ozark City Council Meeting Room
A Regular Meeting of the Ozark City Council was held on December 14, 2020 at 5: 30 p.m.at the Ozark City Council Meeting Room in City Hall. Present were Mayor Roxie Hall, City Attorney Kevin Barham, City Clerk Susan Stevens, Deputy City Clerk/ Treasurer Marla Ward, and Alderpersons Rex Anderson, Susan Holman, Charlie Meeker, Randy Melton and Aerial Nicely. Alderperson Brandy Flanary was not present. After the Call to Order by Mayor Hall, Tonya Talkington gave the Invocation, followed by a Welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vernon McDaniel.
Upon a roll call, a quorum was declared to exist for the meeting. Randy Melton moved for approval ofthe Minutes from the November meeting. This motion was seconded by Charlie Meeker, and upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the minutes were approved. A motion was made by Rex Anderson to approve the Financial Reports and seconded by Susan Holman. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the Financial Reports were approved.
Street & Water Committee Report: Rex Anderson stated that he had received a positive report from Tonya Talkington regarding employee productivity and job responsibility assignments. Tonya then gave report on the sewer plant. The software at the plant has many issues and is mostly obsolete. Repairs now are just being done piecemeal and are not viable long term. She presented a proposal from Bertrem Products Inc. who would supply a Mission SCADA system. This is a very reputable company who provide 24-7 technology service. One pump station has already transitioned. They would be able to have us up and running in a few weeks. Susan Holman questioned how this was to be paid for. Tonya stated that it is in the Water department budget to take care of costs. City Attorney Kevin Barham then stated that since the cost is below $ 20,000, no bids are required. ” Exceptional Circumstances” can be declared which enable the city to act immediately outside of normal procedures. He then presented Resolution 2020- 14 declaring these circumstances and allowing the purchase of the computer services. Susan Holman made a motion to have the Resolution read. Rex Anderson seconded the motion and all Alderpersons voted aye. Mr. Barham then read the Resolution. Randy Melton made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Susan Holman. All Alderpersons voted aye and Resolution 2020- 14 was approved.
For the Street Department report, Rex Anderson stated that Michael Brasseaux reported that a roof on the concession stand needs to be replace at a cost estimate of$ 1500. 00 for a metal roof. The Street Department can take care of this in January and pay out of their budget. He is very pleased with each of the department employees and then Rex Anderson stated that Michael is doing very well with all of his new position responsibilities. Vandalism at the Overlook Park was then addressed. In November, over$ 2000. 00 of damage was done. This includes damage to restrooms and throwing picnic tables over the cliff. Police Chief Devin Bramlett stated that as of December 1″, the gates are being locked/unlocked at posted times. Hopefully this corrective action will put a stop to the vandalism. Randy Melton expressed appreciation for the prompt action of the Street Department in removing 2 trees that were causing concern along the walking trail at Westside Park. There is a 3rd tree that property owners asked to be left as it is still alive. It will be evaluated at a later date.
Charlie Meeker presented the report for the Budget Committee. Highlights include 2 trucks and a cleaning service for the Police Department; 1 new truck, a mower and trailer for the Street Department; for the Fire Department, work on the street next to the new station, and for the Community Center a new vacuum system, an additional employee, and promoting Brooke Rosson to Department Head. He also stated that employee wage scales need to be discussed after the first ofthe year. The Police Department is way behind in salaries compared to other cities. The two types ofpay raises include the COLA( cost ofliving allowance) and a merit-based system. The question was asked if we are in line with the Arkansas Municipal League. They generally let each city determine which system works best for them. The next meeting for the Budget Committee is Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 4: 30 p.m.
Police Chief Devin Bramlett gave a report on the abandoned property at 2307 W. Commercial. Two notices have been sent to owner, one by regular post and one by registered mail, they were both returned. Notices have also been posted on the front and back doors. These actions satisfy the law in regards to notification. There are overdue taxes that are not being currently paid. The owner is deceased and her heir is an OTR truck driver who lives in Texas and has no interest in the property. Probate has not been filed, and a title search needs to be done costing approximately $ 3004400). It is now up to the Mayor, the Street and Police Departments to determine the next move. City Attorney Kevin Barham stated the questions to be answered now include is it a danger to the community or can it be made secure? The Building Inspector can determine this. Medicaid has not filed a lien on the property and the County was unaware that the owner is deceased. Susan Holman asked ifthe City could purchase the property. The estate would have to go through Probate to qualify for sale. Devin then listed several properties around town that need to be addressed. The main two are the Kimbrough Building. and the Coley Building. Vernon McDaniel stated that someone is currently living in the Coley Building due to it being zoned commercial and residential. The Mayor will be meeting with the Police Chief, Street Department head and the Building Inspector to determine how to proceed.
New Business:
A handout was included in the meeting packet listing the price increases that CARDS will be implementing January 1, 2021. These are based on a 3. 5% increase in market fluctuation.
There will be no formal swearing in ceremony of newly elected officials held at the Courthouse due to COVID- 19 restrictions. County Clerk Tammy Sisson will swear in the County Officials at the Courthouse as need arises. She will then swear in the new City employees at 5: 15 prior to the City Council Meeting scheduled for January 11, 20201 at 5: 30. If an emergency meeting arises before this scheduled meeting, she will be available to attend and enact the swearing in procedure
City Attorney Kevin Barham then presented Ordinance 2020- 18 to the Council. This will amend 2017- 12 which is the Franchise Tax Ordinance for Pinnacle Communications. They want a revision in the wording of the Ordinance. 2020- 18 voids the” whereas” clauses in 2017- 12. Rex Anderson made a motion to add Ordinance 2020- 18 to the Agenda, seconded by Susan Holman. All Alderpersons voted aye. A motion to read was made by Susan Holman and seconded by Charlie Meeker. All Alderpersons voted aye and Mr. Barham read the Ordinance. Susan Holman made a motion to dispense with the 2nd & 3′ dreading and accept by title only, seconded by Randy Melton. All Alderpersons voted aye. A motion to approve was made by Rex Anderson and seconded by Charlie Meeker, with all Alderpersons voting aye. Ordinance 2020- 18 was approved.
City Treasurer Marla Ward stated that our funds ($ 145, 000) from the CARES Act should be received soon. The program had a defect in it at the state level. The State refiled our paperwork and approved the funds,
Mayor Hall requested that she be allowed to close all City offices at 2: 00 p. m. on Wednesday, December 23 and remain closed December 24the& 25th for the Holiday, and reopen Monday, December 281h. This to be done in lieu of the usual Christmas Party which was cancelled due to COVID- 19. Susan Holman questioned the length of the closure interfering with bill paying, etc. but the dates are such that they will not interfere with late notices and/ or shut offs. Public notice is to be given.
Trash and recycle will be done on Saturday, December 26th. CARDS will pick up any extra trash, boxes, clean- up items. If your pick-up day is before Christmas, you will be allowed to put out extra items the next week.
Mark Dietz thanked the Council for their part in Mr. Brockett’ s new business endeavor. Work is progressing and he hopes to be open for business in March or April of 2021.
Special Recognition: Employee of the Year Leroy Campbell
5 Years Marla Ward
25 Years Brenda Atkinson
35 Years Randy Beneaux
A special thank you to Aerial Nicely for her service on the City Council.
Mayor Hall thanked everyone present for all their hard work and a good year.
A motion to adjourn was made by Susan Holman, and seconded by Aerial Nicely. All Alderpersons voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday, December 14, 2020 were approved and passed this 11th day ofJanuary, 2021.
Mayor Roxie Hall
City-of Ozark
City Clerk Susan Stevens
City of Ozark