MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
May 9, 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, and City Clerk Susan Stevens. Students from the Calvary Christian Academy K-4t’ Grade led the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Charlie Meeker to approve the April Minutes, with a name correction on page 3, and seconded by Brandy Flanary. 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 Randy Melton. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and the Financial Reports were approved.

The Community Center reports that they will be closing at 6 pm on Friday, May 13 so that staff may attend Ozark High School Graduation. Party rentals are still high and they are continuing to book through the summer months. Hannah Sisk and the Advanced Art class are working on murals& artwork in the Center and sponsorship signs are to be installed. The Water Department reports that the water line is in at the Overlook Park. The Department will be working on pot holes, ditch work, repainting crosswalks, and mowing. The Fire Department has hired a full time City Building Inspector. Mr. Jeffrey Allen brings to the job 25+ years of experience. Fire Chief Nick Trotter will be working with him the next few months to acclimate him to the job. Charlie Meeker reported for the Fire& Police Committee. They have received a grant for bulletproof vests. Officer David Warren was named as the Resource Officer at Ozark Schools. Officer Shea Reed will return to regular duties. The Cemetery Committee meeting was postponed due to a scheduling conflict. Water Department Supervisor Tonya Talkington presented a handout and spoke on the effects of the excessive rainfall (over 20″) on our water systems. Police Chief Devin Bramlett stated that the new records clerk worked for one week and then quit so we are advertising the position again. Mayor Hall stated that she has had calls about the possibility of conducting self-defense classes at the High School. Devin said that they have had them in the past but stopped due to the shut- down. He is looking into getting them restarted.

There was no Old Business.

Under New Business, Daniel Elder brought an update from Ozark Pride& Beautification. Lights have been replaced around the square. Color change LED lights have be placed in the Pocket Park along with plants and flowers. The summer project will be power washing the downtown buildings. Volunteers and equipment will be needed in June and July. Ozark Pride & Beautification has adopted a 3 1/2 mile stretch of Hwy 64 from Puddin’ Ridge to Gar Creek. The State of Arkansas provides signs and supplies as well as pick-up of trash bags. Current Senior Class pictures will be coming down this Friday for Graduation. New Class of 2023 pictures will be going up soon, sponsored by Ozark Pride & Beautification and Main Street Ozark.

Candy Bonds then spoke regarding property at 609 N. 4th Street. She is requesting to build an additional house on the property making a total of three units instead of two. She provided an aerial photo handout showing the property layout along with property lines and adequate parking spaces provided. There is a neighbor who has contacted Rex Anderson with concerns about drainage and flooding. Brandy Flanary stated that if this problem has been ongoing, then adding an additional unit shouldn’t make it worse. Rex would like more input. Fire Chief Nick Trotter stated that Google Earth Pro could be used to show elevation and history of the property. Ms. Bonds stated that if there is a problem, she is willing to help solve it. Randy Melton stated that he did not think we should delay her project because of one more house. Water Superintendent Tonya Talkington has looked it over too for runoff problems and said that drainage is a Civil issue not a city issue. The original Ordinance was approved with a condition limiting the property to two units. A motion was made by Brandy Williams to remove the limiting condition and seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the motion was approved.

Planning Commission Chairman David Mahon then presented Ordinance 2022- 9 regarding a rezone on North 2nd Street (exact addressed has not been assigned). The rezone would be changing a 10- acre tract from R1 to R3. A petition with 20 signatures had been presented to them in favor of the rezone. There was discussion as to whether or not the property, after development, would be considered a subdivision. It would not. Upkeep requirements differ, the City of Ozark would not be responsible for street, ditches, etc. If property is ever sold or split into smaller lots, then it would become a subdivision and all paving, gutters, ditches, and upkeep would be under the zoning codes for subdivisions. A motion was made by Randy Melton to read Ordinance 2022-9, seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and City Attorney Kevin Barham read the Ordinance. A motion was made by Charlie Meeker to dispense with the 2nd and 3rd readings and read by title only. This was seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call vote, Alderpersons Cagle, Flanary, Meeker and Melton voted aye and Alderpersons Anderson and Heffington voted nay. Brandy Flanary then made a motion to approve Ordinance 2022-9 and was seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call vote, Alderpersons Cagle, Flanary, Meeker and Melton voted aye with Alderpersons Anderson and Heffington voting nay. A motion was then made to enact the emergency clause by Randy Melton and seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call vote, Alderpersons Cagle, Flanary, Meeker and Melton voted aye and Alderpersons Anderson and Heffington voted nay. Ordinance 2022- 9 was approved.

Rex Anderson made a motion to add Lee Wiseman from DataMax (IT services) to the agenda, seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all alderpersons voted aye and Mr. Wiseman took the podium. He wanted to clarify information given at the April 19th meeting. DataMax has been providing service to the Arkansas/ Texas areas for over 20 years. They will be able to handle issues either remotely or on-site with one monthly charge instead of extra charges for unforeseen problems

David Mahon spoke first under Public Input about the city sewer problems. He has two rent houses on Gibson Street with ongoing issues; backups, overflows, etc. All the plumbing has been replaced in the past two years and pipes are now all PVC. A private company has reviewed the plumbing. The City pipes are old and the sizes vary. He stated that he has spent $5000.00 out of pocket over the past 3 years. What can be done to solve this problem?

Chris Chancey then spoke regarding the code Enforcement Officer stating that he is out of control. A Mrs. Brenda Mann is his neighbor and on one occasion, the Officer attempted to actually enter her home. The officer has knocked (beaten) on his door at odd hours with threatening behavior. He stated that the Officer is bullying the elderly and showing favoritism in giving warning tickets. Ozark could be brought under a lawsuit. Mr. Chancey urged the Council
to talk to the community and find out what is going on.

Under Announcements there will be a Farm Day at the Park on Saturday, May 21′. The Debes family will be bringing animals. The public is encouraged to visit the Community Center and see the new murals by Ms. Sisk, Ms. Bonds and the advanced art class. The three parking spaces in front of the Water Department door have been changed to two Handicapped spaces. The Handicapped space in front of City Hall will be changed to Veteran’ s parking. Paperwork
has bee turned in to the Corps of Engineers regarding improvements in Pleasant Homes. On May 24th, Ozark 4H will be painting tables at Reed Mountain Park. It was noted that the restrooms have already sustained damage by vandals. If you seen anything suspicious, please report it! There is a lot of negativity on Social Media. Make sure you get both sides of the story! The Mayor then read a letter from a citizen praising City Officials and Departments for being available to help make our City better.

A motion to adjourn was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon
a roll call vote, all alderpersons voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.

Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday, May 9th, 2022 were approved
and passed this 13th day of June, 2022.

May Roxie Hall

City Clerk Susan Stevens