2019-03-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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During the year,the council had several discussions on addressing the fire pension solvency issue. The council ultimately decided put the question of increasing the fire pension millage to one mill on the ballot and allow our citizens make the decision.I am pleased that the citizens continued to support our former firefighters by passing the increase at the November election. The most significant recent event of 2018 was the council's decision to purchase approximately 5 acres of land at the entrance to the Batesville-Independence County Industrial Park for the Batesville Police Department.The property includes a 4,000 square foot office building,a large shop building and a large paved parking lot.The Batesville Police Department has operated out of a small rented building,where Chief Alan Cockrill didn't even have a door to his office,since its creation a couple of years ago.The department's new renovated office is virtually complete and as soon as the weather gets warmer we will have a grand opening so our citizens can tour the new headquarters.The continued public support for the Batesville Police Department is phenomenal.We will continue to strive to be one of the"Safest Cities in Arkansas"and I commend my officers for all they do. Another extremely important event occurred in August when the city and White River Medical Center cut the ribbon to open the new 201h Street main entrance to the hospital.This improvement had been ten years in the making and not only provides a grand new entrance and view of the hospital complex,but also improves access through the 201h Street stoplight with its recently installed protected left turn light.Further street improvements at this location are scheduled as soon as the weather improves. As I prepared for this address I thought back to the 1980's and 90's when Batesville seemed to be content and seemingly unconcerned with its future.Today,we cannot afford the luxury of being content with past accomplishments.It has been our vision for our future and our unwavering determination to make our community a better place that continues to empower progress.2019 will be a time for the citizens of Batesville to assemble again to reflect on the progress we have made,and to think about"what's next"for our great city.I pledge to you that I will continue challenging our community to"Dream Big!"and become the best it can be! In closing,it would be remiss of me not to mention all of our dedicated employees,staff and department heads. These individuals go "above and beyond"to perform their duties and share my love and commitment for this city. I have witnessed employees working all night in harsh weather conditions to repair a broken water pipe. I have also witnessed employees who were taking chemo therapy treatments and continue work to serve this great city.My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to each of these special individuals and to every city employee for a job well done. The future of Batesville is bright.The highlights of the past year serve to remind us of what can be accomplished when we work together for the good of our community. The cooperative spirit of our citizens working together to make Batesville"the best it can be"shines a brilliant beacon of hope,lighting the path of progress for those who come after us. May God bless our city,state and country! MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Elumbaugh told the council of a fixed asset disposal of a 1988 John Deere Backhoe, unit#305 out of the cemetery department. The backhoe sold for$10,857.50 on GovDeals. LIAISON REPORTS Councilmember Matthews said he attended the 62nd anniversary of independence for Ghana. Dr. Matthews said the ceremony was nice and hopes that Ghana will send a delegation here this summer. COUNCIL COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT There being no more business, Councilmember T. Bryant moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Matthews seconded and all voted for.