September 2022 Council Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
September 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 Alderpersons Rex Anderson, Rusty Cagle, Brandy Flanary, Will Heffington, Charlie Meeker and Randy Melton. Also present were Mayor Hall, City Attorney Kevin Barham, and Treasurer/ Deputy City Clerk Marla Ward. City Clerk Susan Stevens was not present. Alderman Rex Anderson led the Invocation and Alderman Will Heffington led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Randy Melton to approve the August 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 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 Water & Street Committee. Water Department Supervisor Tonya Talkington, and employees Leroy Campbell and Austin Frazier are away at training classes in Hot Springs regarding ACT 605. This is an 8- hour certification class. We need to have at least three council members certified by the end of the year. The LIHWAP Program( payment assistance for low- income households) was discussed at the meeting. There are a lot of strings attached to the program for both the city and recipients. No decision was made regarding the program at this time. McCormick Works gave an impressive presentation on a new type of street repair they are offering. It is designed to make asphalt last longer. Michael Brasseaux is to reach out and set up a demonstration on a sample section of street. The new treatment is cost effective and eco-friendly. Bank OZK has used it with great success. Randy Melton spoke on two possible sample sites: the intersection at Hwy 23 and Hillbilly Lane and the round-about. He also spoke on the need for a sidewalk from the round- about to the school. At present, students have to either walk in the street or over in the field. He stated that this needs to be addressed before a student is injured. The Ozark School System is in agreement and funding is being looked into. Rex Anderson then spoke on the issue of speed bumps. While price and type are being researched, police presence in high traffic areas will be increased. Main Street Ozark has appointed a Committee for Bridge Lights to aid in completion of the project. The scheduled Police& Fire Committee meeting was cancelled. Randy Melton then spoke for the Policy & Personnel Committee. At this time, according to Ordinance 2016-23, wage limits were only in effect for the year 2017. Limits do need to be set going forward and this will be addressed at the budget meetings. Community Center Director Brooke Rosson recently attended training that qualifies her for a 4% raise effective September 1St, 2022. It was decided that if an employee does not have earned sick time on the books and has to be off work, they will not be paid. There is a city employee at the Water Treatment Plant with 30 years experience who will be retiring soon. He has agreed to work part-time to help train his replacement. This will be after the first of the year, probably in March.
Old Business: The property on River Street sold at auction for $11,500.00. We paid $250.00 to Reading Auction for their services. Fall Clean- Up is the week of October 3-8. Citizen’ s will be required to take their items to the Transfer Station. There will be volunteer help for the elderly and disabled. Rex Anderson made a motion to allow the Mayor to enter into a Lease Agreement with the Forestry Department at Fire Station #3. Brandy Flanary seconded this motion. Upon a
roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and the motion passed. In the following discussion, City Attorney Kevin Barham pointed out that the original agreement had been that the tenant would be responsible for repairs and maintenance. The printed agreement sent by the Forestry Service states that the City will be responsible for everything. The agreement provides a tenant termination of 30 days notice. Mr. Barham stated this needs to be 90 days and reciprocal with the city. They are requesting a 5-year agreement and Mr. Barham advises against this as it would be affecting a carry-over of City administrations and finances. We need it stated in the agreement who will be responsible for what concerning repairs, maintenance( building and grounds) and whose name the utilities will be under. Treasurer Marla Ward asked where the new income would go and Mr. Barham stated the money would go to the Fire Department. Randy Melton recommended that Mr. Barham oversee the contract and make any needed changes.
New Business: Brandy Flanary made a motion to read Resolution 2022- 7. It is a Resolution that authorizes an agreement for Architectural Services re the Food Pantry. Will Heffington seconded the motion and Mr. Barham read the Resolution. Upon a roll call, all Alderpersons voted aye and Resolution 2022-7 was approved. Randy Melton made a motion to read Resolution 2022- 8. It is a Resolution that designates WAPDD to administer the ACEDP Grant Project for the Ozark Food Pantry. Brandy Flanary seconded the motion and upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and Resolution 2022-8 was approved. The Mayor spoke on item 3c on the Agenda. She has been working with Daniel Elder on getting a grant to pay for painting the downtown city building. All that is needed is a letter of support from the city to include in his grant application. An example letter from the city of Conway was provided in the Meeting Packet. Brandy Flanary made a motion that we provide this letter, seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call vote, all
Alderpersons voted aye and the motion was approved. A motion was made by Randy Melton to read Resolution 2022-9. It is a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to trade lands owned by the City of Ozark with Franklin County. Brandy Flanary seconded the motion and Mr. Barham read the Resolution. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and Resolution 2022-9 was approved. Item 3e of the agenda was withdrawn by request of Chris Brockett. Item 3f was also withdrawn. A motion was made by Rex Anderson to add an item to the agenda and seconded by Brandy Flanary. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and Item 3g was presented. Roy Day introduced his partner, Norman Ladd. Mr. Ladd stated that they are looking to buy property and build a building for a new business for Ozark. It will be called River Valley Precast, producing storm shelters and metal safe rooms with 50+ employees. They will be locating on 2nd street on the site of the old hatchery with a 1. 5 million dollar investment in property, building, and equipment. They are requesting the City to waive the building permit and install a 2 inch water line. Rex Anderson stated that he had consulted. with other cities over similar projects. Even though every city handles situations differently, they do provide good opportunities to the City and community. He is good with moving forward. Randy Melton agreed. Brandy Flanary asked when the project would begin and Mr. Ladd stated immediately. Rex Anderson made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Rusty Cagle. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the permit waiver/ water line request was approved. The business will be responsible for the yearly business permit.
Announcements: Our Code Enforcement Office has been out on medical leave since mid-June. He had surgery September 1St and will be out 4-6 more weeks. Our Police Department is taking care of his duties while he is out. They are aware of the high grass at some places and are doing their best to contact the people at home to take care of the issue.
A motion to adjourn was made by Brandy Flanary and seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday September 12th, 2022 were approved and passed this 10th day of October, 2022.
Mayor Roxie Hall
City Clerk Susan Stevens