MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
June 13, 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 Alderpersons Rex Anderson, Rusty Cagle, Brandy Flanary, Will Heffington, Charlie Meeker, and Randy Melton. Also present were Mayor Hall, City Attorney Kevin Barham, City Clerk Susan Stevens, and Treasurer/ Deputy City Clerk Marla Ward. Rev. Brad Elrod from the Ozark First United Methodist Church led the invocation and Brooklyn Sisk led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Two military veterans were present, Grant Nicely and Nick Trotter. They were presented with American Flag pins. Sponsors and Volunteers for The Run for the Fallen were then recognized with a framed certificate. They are: Bro. Brad Elrod, Ozark FUMC, Arkansas Valley Electric, Jesse Solley, Ozark Rotary Club, Rhonda Coleman, Tracy Lewis, Ariel Nicely, Grant Niceley and family, Brooke Rosson. Robert Ervin, Jacob Jones from Hope Church, Barbara Garner, Jana Tolbert, Buzz & Pam Minshew, Harp’ s of Ozark, Holt’ s Vet Clinic, Workman’ s I-40 Travel Center, Rivertowne BBQ, Southeast X-Ray, Inc., Randy& Larhonda Melton, Franklin County Library& Staff, Sarah Rodriguez, Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Roxie Hall, Roxie, Clinton, Raelynn& Jameson Hall, Ozark Police Department, Sherry Timmerman,
Daniel Elder, Tonya Talkington, Michael Morrison, and Morgan Shaffer.

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

Rex Anderson reported for the Street& Water Committee. He stated that several issues were addressed in their meeting regarding excessive rainfall on an old system and the advantages of updating our current system. The Street Department is in their busy mowing season and looking at different paving projects. Also mentioned was an expressed interest from CARDS for possibly purchasing the transfer station property, or possibly a long-term lease of the property. Rusty Cagle reported for the Parks & Recreation Committee. The pickle-ball project is still under discussion. The players are requesting the whole court on Tuesdays and Thursdays and any other options are not being met with a positive attitude. It was noted that the basketball courts were installed primarily for the youth of Ozark and they should have precedence. WAPDD Tracy McKenna was present and is looking at grants to fund a pickle- ball venue. The merry- go-rounds are up and going at the parks. The City paid for repairs for one and the Ozark Rotary Club paid
for repairs on the second one.

Under old business, the Tolbert’ s are out of the building at 205 River Street. A discussion was had on the fairest way to dispose of the property. It is .39 acres and is zoned commercial. There was a representative from an auction company present and he stated that they could have an auction ready to go within 30 days. City Attorney Kevin Barham stated that the sale of the property would fall under the clean-up requirements of cash at time of sale and 60 days to clear property. Mr. Barham is to prepare a resolution stating these terms and giving the Mayor permission to hold a public auction of the property. Fire Chief Nick Trotter said that we need-to have the borders of the property confirmed and Rex Anderson said that Adams Abstract can get us a legal description.

The Corps of Engineers are working on permits for the drainage project in Pleasant Homes- Mayor Hall and Street Director Michael Brasseaux are meeting-regularly for these discussions. The Corps will not allow any removal of any trees along the creek. There have been a lot of complaints about the potholes on Hwy 219. ARDOT had a maintenance supervisor take a look at the route for any immediate maintenance needs, but there are no construction projects being planned for this section of highway. The main priority work being planned is the Hwy 64 Job-from-the west-side of Ozark to the west side of Altus, which-is-currently. scheduled- for-2023.

New Business

Mr. A.C. Moncrief spoke from the local food bank about a permanent location. They have been looking at how other small cities handle their pantries. They would like to purchase/lease a section of the Eastside. Ball Park which is currently not being used. They have an architect who can draw up plans and give us a projected cost. These costs may be covered partially by COVID funds and Mrs. McKenna from WAPDD is also looking at grants for coverage. Steve Outlaw is donating the production profits from the local Hee-Haw variety show to the food bank. A property description is needed from Adams’s Abstract. Mr. Barham is to prepare a resolution allowing the city to apply for a grant/ long-term lease of the property. Rex Anderson stated that he could’ get estimates on HVAC. Nick Trotter brought up the possibility of refurbishing the Anderson building to house the food bank.

David Mahon, Chairman of the Planning& Zoning Commission, presented a variance request, Resolution 2022-3, from Family Dollar. They are proposing an expansion of their building from 7992 square feet to approximately 10,500 square feet. The building addition will be roughly 100′ x 25′. The 25′ will cause the building to encroach in the town’ s rear setback approximately 1.8′; 8.2′ from the rear property. Family Dollar will build a retaining wall. A motion to read the Resolution was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and Mr. Barham read the Resolution. A motion to approve was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and Resolution 2022- 3 was approved. Mr. Mahon then stated that Shelby Beasley has resigned from the Commission. Bailey Hall has volunteered to replace her. A motion to approve was made by Brandy Flanary and seconded by Will Heffington. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and the motion was approved.

There was no Public Input.

Announcements from the Mayor

For brush pick-up on Thursday’ s, citizens need to call City Hall before 3:00 pm on Wednesday’s. We have had a lot of positive feedback on the new sign in front of the City Offices. Our local 4-H Chapter worked today at Reed Mountain Park Overlook painting tabletops and did a great job! Many thanks to them all. We have reached out to OG& E, and they are putting up two more lights at the East End Park. A thank you to Tommy Johnson for bringing the grass on the banks at East End Park to our attention. We are working on the issue so that our kids and adults can fish from the bank and possibly hold tournaments. Indoor lights have been ordered for the Putt-Putt Golf addition. We need 3 more station sponsors and we can move on to the flooring. We are hoping and planning for the project to up and running by the fall with the cost to be included in a membership package or otherwise $3. 00 per person. An electric carousel is being donated by Mayor Hall and Family. It is undergoing some electrical repairs and when those are complete it will be set up to run using tokens only. Rex Anderson stated that he had driven around town last weekend and was glad to see all the activities that were being held for all ages. These included a concert at the PAC, Movie Night in the Park, a busy skateboard park, and a Jr Rodeo, as well as busy playgrounds and picnic areas.

A motion to adjourn was then made by Randy Melton and seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.

Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday, June 13, 2022 were approved and passed this 11th day of July, 2022.

Mayor Roxie Hall

City Clerk Susan Stevens