HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-24 Minutes of Council
October 27, 1998
The Batesville City Council met for its regular meeting at 5:30 P.M. on October 27, at
the Municipal Building. Mayor Biard presided over the meeting. Councilmember Pectol gave
the invocation. Upon roll call, all the council answered present. The City Clerk and City
Attorney were also present.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the minutes from the last meeting.
Councilmember Cargill seconded. All voted for.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the prepared agenda as amended.
Councilmember Insell seconded and all voted for.
CONSIDER CONDEMNATION PROCEDURES ON THE LANDERS THEATER BUILDING
The council watched a video tape and viewed pictures of the condition of the Landers
Theater building located on Main Street. The building has been empty for approximately two
years and is in very poor shape. The roof has almost completely collapsed. Two architects
wrote letters stating in their opinion the property should be condemned. The property is
currently condemned for human occupancy, however, the Mayor said he felt the building
should be condemned. Fire Chief Bob Davis explained the state abatement code on
condemned buildings. Councilmember Gaither moved to proceed with the condemnation
process and Councilmember Insell seconded. All voted for.
ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ms. Virginia Starzy, Executive Vice President of the Batesville Area Chamber of
Commerce, addressed the council to request their continued annual contribution of$20,000
for economic development. The council was given a packet highlighting chamber events and
goals as well as a copy of their proposed 1999 budget. Mayor Biard said he hoped to have
the budget ready for adoption at the first meeting in December and their request will be
considered.
ANNUAL REPORT FROM MAIN STREET BATESVILLE
Mr. Ron Autry, representing Downtown Batesville (Main Street Batesville) addressed
the council. Mr. Autry asked the council to continue their support of$10,000 annually for
economic development. Again the Mayor said their request will be considered in the 1999
budget.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Mayor played a video tape detailing the possible problems with the Y2K (Year
2000). Computers and other microprocessor and software-driven equipment may experience
problems on January 1, 2000. The Mayor said city the is looking at all areas of the city to
make sure we are Y2K compliant.
The council also watched a video on a "Smart Trailer" which is a mobile speed
detector that monitors and posts speeds as motorist pass. The device reminds motorist of
the speed and seems to be a deterrent in cities where they are used. The cost for to "Smart
Trailers" would be approximately $20,000. The Mayor said he has applied for a grant for
around $16,500 to help purchase the units.
The Mayor gave the council a copy of a letter regarding the proposed contribution from
the county for the parks and recreation. The Mayor said the county was recommending
cutting the annual contribution to the city for recreation from $20,000 to $10,000. The Mayor
asked the council to instruct him if they wanted him to mail the letter to all the county quorum
court members and to the County Judge David Wyatt. The council members expressed their
concerns about the reduction and said that the $20,000 request was a very small amount.
Councilmember Gaither moved to mail the letter on behalf of the council. Councilmember
Cargill seconded and all voted for.
LEVY FOR 1999 MILLAGE
Councilmember Cargill moved to levy rates of taxation on real property and personal
property in the City for the year 1998 and payable in 1999. The rates levied were:
City General------------------------------1.8 Mills
Firemen's Pension--------------------- .4 Mills
Councilmember Insell seconded and all voted for.
Cemetery Resolution
The council considered a cemetery resolution #98-300-1 for Bernard and Blanche
Campbell in the amount of$200.00. Councilmember Insell moved to approve the resolution
and Councilmember Bone seconded. All voted for.
There being no further business, Councilmember Mitchum moved that the meeting be
adjourned. Councilmember Insell seconded and all voted for.
Joe M. Biard, Mayor
Denise M. Johnston, City Clerk