HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-08 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 8, 1998
The Batesville City Council met for its regular meeting on September 8, at 5:30 p.m.
at the Municipal Building. Mayor Joe Biard presided over the meeting. Councilmember
Gaither gave the invocation. Upon roll call, all the council answered present. Also
present were the Deputy City Clerk and the City Attorney.
Councilmember Cargill moved to approve the minutes from the last meeting.
Councilmember Ford seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember Insell
seconded and all voted for.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO RE-ZONE CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN
EAGLE MOUNTAIN
Attorney Steve Bell, representing Howard House and RE Bell, requested certain
properties in Eagle Mountain be re-zoned from R-2 to C-2 and a small adjacent area from
R-2 to R-1 to provide a "green belt"between homes and a proposed commercial area.
Mayor Biard read the ordinance (except for the legal land description; which was given to
each Councilmember) and Councilmember Bone moved to suspend the rules and place
the ordinance on the second reading. Councilmember Pectol seconded and the roll call
was 8 for and 0 against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the second reading and
Councilmember Bone moved to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on the
third and final reading. Councilmember Insell seconded and the roll call count was 8 for
and 0 against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the third reading and Councilmember
Bone moved to adopt the ordinance. Councilmember Pectol seconded and the roll call
count was 8 for and 0 against. The ordinance was given 98-9-1. Councilmember
Gaither moved to adopt the emergency clause. Councilmember Carpenter seconded and
all voted for.
SECOND READING OF ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
Animal control officer Bill Burrus was present to answer questions in regards to the
proposed amendments to the city's animal control ordinance. After some discussion the
ordinance will be placed on the agenda at the next council meeting for the third and final
reading.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Biard updated the council on several projects: (1) Pleasant Plains by pass;
Mayor Biard told the council that bids were to be opened September 22, 1998. The bid
for the 167 South four lane would probably be in May of 1999. He stated that the
Arkansas Highway and Transportation had informed him that this section of Hwy 167
would start construction at the junction of Hwy 14 & 25 at the top of Ramsey Mountain
and go south to the junction of Hwy 14 at Southside.
(2) The storm drain located at 23rd & Harrison is being worked on by the city's street
department. This said street will be completely redone, making for a wider turning
radius, and the hole at this location will be filled and a new water drain will be installed.
(3) The proposed traffic light at 20th & Harrison should be advertised for bids soon. If
everything goes well the traffic light should be in operation by early summer 1999.
(4) The city would be receiving $130,000 in grant money for repair of sidewalks in
downtown Batesville and in the Historical District.
(5)Plans are in the works for reconstruction of Hwy. 106 starting at Central and
continuing for about 2 �/z miles through Ruddell Hill. A public hearing has been set for
October 13, 1998 for the residents of the Ruddell Hill Community. The city will be
responsible for some utility relocation and for obtaining the right-of-way clearances.
(6)Updated the council on some unsightly property that the code enforcement has
been working on. Chad McClure, the city's code enforcement officer, gave the council a
copy of a letter he had received from Imperial Motors. In the letter Mr. Bobby Bales,
Manager stated that they have started cleaning up this property. He assured Mr. McClure
that he needed a little time, but would have the property looking good when completed.
(7) Bids on a new truck for the code enforcement officer had been taken. The only bid
came in from Stanley Wood Chevrolet Pontiac. Councilmember Insell made a motion
that the Mayor use his discretion to decide on the truck and Councilmember Gaither
seconded. All voted for.
(8) Establish a Board of Adjustment and Appeals. Five members have been appointed
to serve on an Adjustment & Appeals Board, as required by state law. The city is
required to have this board of appeals for the purpose of hearing any appeals from any
business that has been closed due to violations of safety codes. The appointments and
terms are as follows: Blake Watkins —3 years, Herman Lee—2 years, Billy Campbell—
2 years, Ron Wilder— 1 year and Andy Edwards — 1 year.
CEMETERY RESOLUTIONS
Cemetery Resolutions #98-251-1 on behalf of Jerry Barris, Jr. for $100.00, 498-251-2 on
behalf of Beth Ann Storey for $300.00, and 498-251-3 on behalf of Judson Storey for
$300.00 were presented to the council for approval. Councilmember Insell moved to
adopt the resolutions and Councilmember Gaither seconded. All voted for.
REVIEW OF BILLS
After a review of the bills, Councilmember Insell moved that they be paid and
Councilmember Gaither seconded. All voted for.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Pectol ask for an update on the condemnation proceedings at 529
Wycough Street. Code Enforcement Officer Chad McClure told the Council that he and
the City Attorney had met with the property owner and her attorney, at the property last
Friday. She has been given 10 days to remove her personal items before the demolition
begins. Councilmember Pectol and Councilmember Bone asked Mr. McClure to check
on some old appliances located in the 700 block of Central Ave.
There being no further business, Councilmember Mitchum moved that the meeting be
adjourned and Councilmember Insell seconded. All voted for.
JOE M. BIARD,MAYOR
BRENDA RILEY, DEPUTY CLERK