MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
December 12, 2022
Ozark City Council Meeting Room

The Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Roxie Hall and upon roll call, a quorum was declared to exist for the meeting. Present were Aldermen Rex Anderson, Will Heffmgton, Charlie Meeker and Randy Melton. Alderpersons Rusty Cagie and Brandy Flanary were not in attendance. Also present were Mayor Hall, City Attorney Kevin Barham, City Clerk Susan Stevens, and Treasurer/ Deputy City Clerk Marla Ward. Kevin Barham led the Invocation and Charlie Meeker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Will Heffington to approve the November minutes and seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the minutes were approved. A motion was then made by Randy Melton to approve the financial reports and seconded by Rex Anderson. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the financial reports were approved.

Rex Anderson reported for the Street and Water Committee which met on November 17th. Street Department Supervisor Michael Brasseaux was given the go ahead to order street signs as the funds are available in their budget. The Committee also recommended to the Council that if funds are available in the budget for new equipment, that a snow- plow truck be purchased. Bids are also coming in for signage for the Fire Department. They are all competitive and the last one is due Friday, December 16th. The Committee also recommended the purchase of a skid steer for the Water Department. Candy Bonds had presented a request at the meeting for approval of a water line tap for 8 cottages to be built on 2nd Street. The Committee recommended that the Council allow the project to move forward.

It was noted in a report from the Police Department that Shop With A Cop is this week on Wednesday and Thursday with 80 children participating. It was also stated that we will have 5 positions open within the Department after the first of the year.

The Community Center reported there is a Holiday Special on memberships and day passes now through December 23rd. Holiday Hours are Dec. 23rd, close at 3pm, December 24th & 25th, Closed and December 31St, close at 3pm. There will be a price change on memberships effective January lst, 2023. There will be a$ 5 increase across the board. Day passes will remain 5/person. The Revenue goal for 2022 has been met. Weekends continue to be very busy with
almost every weekend booked.

The Street Department reports they have been working on Christmas lights and have several ditch clean- outs to do. The Fire Department reports that CPR renewals were completed on December 5th. The annual SCBA testing and services were completed December 6th. The annual pump tests will be conducted on December 16th. Vehicle servicing is being completed.

A motion was made by Randy Melton to add an item to the Agenda. The item pertains to the purchase of a snow plow truck for the Street Department. The motion was seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call all Aldermen voted aye and the item was added as 3d. A motion was made by Will Heffington to add discussion regarding property on 107 W. Market to the Agenda. The motion was seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call, all Aldermen voted aye
and the item was added as 3e.

Mr. Bill Brockett presented Item 3a. He is currently building a Tri-Plex office structure at 1527 W. Commercial, He would like the be shown the same consideration as Mr. Roy Day in having his building permit and water tap fees waived. There will be 3 water taps (one for each office space). He has already purchased a building permit and would like a refund. Rex Anderson stated that lines need to be drawn in regards to waiving fees and permits. He asked if
we are going to backdate waivers for everyone or will it be limited to Commercial endeavors that will bring investments and jobs to the city? Randy Melton and Kevin Barham pointed out that income from business permits will offset the building permit waivers to a degree. Kevin stated that a refund is possible after the fact, but difficult due to state taxes having already been paid on the monies. Granting a credit for future building projects versus a refund was also discussed. Water Department Supervisor Tonya Talkington stated she would like specific guidelines laid out going forward as to what will be allowed in the future since it will affect her budget. It was also asked if there were any other business incentives available and if there is a fund for such items. Rex stated that there is a Community Development Fund. It was stated that this entire issue needs to go before the Street& Water Committee for backing and future guidelines. Charlie Meeker made a motion that a refund be given minus the state taxes and that no water tap
charges be made. This was seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all Aldermen voted
aye and the motion was approved.

Item 3b was then brought forward regarding Christmas bonuses for City employees. Charlie Meeker recommended raising the net take home bonus for full time employees from 100.00 to $150.00 and the net take home bonus for part-time employees to remain at $50.00.  This was seconded by Will Heffmgton. Upon a roll call, all Aldermen voted aye and the motion was approved.

Item 3c: Tonya Talkington then presented a report from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC). At the meeting on Friday, December 2, 2022 they approved $270 million in American Rescue Plan Act( ARPA) funding distribution. The City of Ozark Water Department received a recommendation for an award in the amount of $379,134.00 with 0% cost share for the Ozark Water Treatment Plant Sodium Hypochlorite Improvement project. Randy Melton and Charlie Meeker have completed their Act 605 training. As of January 1St we will need one more person to attend the training to be in compliance.

Randy Melton then presented Item 3d regarding the purchase of a 2007 Chevrolet, 1.5-ton diesel snow plow truck w/salt spreader with only 56, 000 miles on it. We would be trading in a 2005 Chevrolet truck belonging to the Street Department. The cost of the truck is $24,900.00. Subtract the trade-in of $2000.00 and the City’ s total cost will be $22,900.00. Resolution 2022-12 states approval for” appropriating money for the purchase of a used truck for the street department, authorizing the purchase, and the trade- in of an existing vehicle from the street department.” A motion was made by Rex Anderson for the Resolution to be read, seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call, all Aldermen voted aye and Mr. Barham read the Resolution. A motion was then made by Randy Melton to approve the Resolution, seconded by Rex Anderson. Upon a roll call, all Aldermen voted aye and Resolution 2022-12 was approved. Marla Ward is to handle the cancelling and reissuing of vehicle insurance.

Item 3e concerns property located at 107 E. Market Street. Pictures were provided. The first one was taken 9- 6-2022 and the second two pictures were taken 12-8-2022. The property was purchased sight unseen at a state auction in July. After viewing the property and learning of the costs to bring it up to code, the buyer filed a quit claim warranty deed and signed it over to the City of Ozark. The lowest bid to clear the property is $5500.00 due to a huge tree that has
fallen on the house. Any monies obtained from the auction will go to the City clean- up fund. The buyer will have 60 days to bring the property into compliance. A motion to auction the property at the first available date in January (7th, 10th, or 12th) was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and permission was given to auction the property.

Under Public Input Mrs. Sandra Edds stated that a resident at 101 West Walker Street has been running a business out of their home without a license for the past six and a half years. There have been numerous proprietors and up to 37 customers a day. Mr. Barham asked what the nature of the business is. Mrs. Edds was unsure of the exact nature of the business but stated that it was probably selling drugs and they needed to be accountable for licensing requirements just like every other business in town. The McElheny Trust owns the rental property. Police Chief
Devin Bramlett is to get this matter checked out as soon as possible.

Announcements: The Christmas lights are up! The Street Department along with help from OG&E have them strung from the top of the Courthouse. More lighting will be added next year as funds allow with the project to be completed by Christmas of 2024. The Pocket Park lighting project by Ozark Pride & Beautification has also been completed. There has been nothing but positive reviews of the lighting. Recycling will run on Friday, December 23rd. City Offices will be closed on December 23rd and 26th for the Christmas holiday and on January 2, 2023 for observance of the New Years Day holiday, The swearing- in ceremony for all City Officials is to be held January 1St, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Courthouse.

There will be a Policy & Personnel meeting on Tuesday, December 27th at 5: 30. There will be a Budget meeting on Thursday, January 5th at 5: 30pm. There will be a meeting on January 2401 at 5:00 pm to discuss new IT system proposals. All Councilmembers are requested to attend this meeting.

Outgoing Alderman Rex Anderson was presented a plaque in honor of his many years of dedicated service to the City of Ozark.

A motion to adjourn was made by Will Heffington and seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call, all Aldermen voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.

Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday, December 12, 2022 were approved and passed this 9th day of January 2023.

Mayor Roxie Hall

City Clerk Susan Stevens