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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-27 MINUTES OF COUNCIL APRIL 27, 1999 The Batesville City Council met for its regular meeting on April 27, at 5:30 P.M. at the Municipal Building. Mayor Joe Biard presided over the meeting. Councilmember Ford gave the invocation. Upon roll call, all the council answered present. Also present was the City Clerk and the City Attorney. Councilmember Ford moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Councilmember Pectol seconded and all voted for. Councilmember Ford moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember Cargill seconded and all voted for. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS — PART I The Mayor said the City has the opportunity to receive a grant to clean up the Bayou from the Guard Record to Central Avenue. The project will go out for bids and if approved the clean up should begin in August. PRESENTATION OF ANNEXATION PROPOSAL — FIRST READING OF ANNEXATION ORDINANCE Mayor Biard read the prepared statement regarding the annexation proposal. "Tonight we embark upon one of the most important proposals that you have and will consider in quite some time. Starting with this meeting I am proposing an annexation proposal to you. There of course will be those who oppose it and those who favor it. I'm sure one of the first questions to be asked in all probability will be "Why would I want to be a part of Batesville". Although several reasons will be cited, the bottom line is: Do you want to stay the same or do you want to take steps to insure and preserve the present economic strength which we currently enjoy. If you wait and do nothing, there is great risk that Batesville and Independence County are left behind. Let me give you an example of how some other comparative and progressive cities are doing. The last official census was 1990, however a census "estimate" was made in 1996. Let's take a look at the period 1990 to 1996. Growth Cabot --------------------------------- 4,637 Harrison ------------------------------1,601 Mt. Home -----------------------------2,209 Searcy ---------------------------------1,977 and now, Batesville ----------------------------- 445 Let's say, for example, an industry looks at these figures and just on paper, one might conclude this is not a very progressive community. Of course, we know the truth. As to the question or comment, "Why would I want to be a part of Batesville"? I would say.......without a progressive city like Batesville, which by the way provides 87% of all revenue, what do you have left? Where do you work and maybe have retired from? Where do you shop, enjoy recreational activities? Do you want your children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to live here and work? To have these thingsoouu must have a strong, growing economy. There is only so much real estate and there's not much let in the present city limits. For a brief moment, just imagine this county with no Batesville in it....or for that matter, this part of Arkansas There will not be another census until 2010. Unless we act, there will be no increase in turnback on sales tax. We must move forward this year. My approach to this issue will be: To anyone not in favor of this.... you are not a political enemy. It is my belief that if I did not bring this proposal, I would not be doing my job because I believe it is in the best interest for not only Batesville, but for all of Independence County. It is my intent to simply put it before the people where the decision will be made, and in general, I believe the people will make the right decision. Tonight, I will ask you to put on first reading, an annexation ordinance. On May 11, we would have the second reading and a full public hearing. On May 25, we would have the 3rd and final reading with a full public hearing. We propose the election on October 12th. I am taking this approach to allow plenty of time for discussion". Peggy Beller, chairperson of the annexation task force, addressed the council and talked about the purpose of the annexation task force. Charles Barnett approached the council and discussed the map presented which shows the proposed area to be annexed. The Mayor read for the first reading an ordinance submitting to the voters of the City of Batesville, Arkansas, and other affected persons, the questions of annexation to said City of Batesville certain contiguous territory. The description of the property was not read but presented in writing. ORDINANCE CHANGING PORTION OF 20TH STREET TO PIONEER DRIVE Mayor Biard read an ordinance which will change the name of a portion of 20th Street or commonly known as School road to Pioneer Drive. Councilmember Bone moved to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on the second reading. Councilmember Cargill seconded and the roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the second reading. Councilmember Bone moved to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on the third and final reading. Councilmember Gaither seconded and the roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the final reading and Councilmember Cargill moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Carpenter seconded. The roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. The ordinance was given #99-4-1. Councilmember Bone moved to adopt the emergency clause and Councilmember Carpenter seconded. The roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. DISCUSSION CONCERNING LANDERS THEATRE Mayor Biard said the city has been unable to locate Mr. Langston who was given permission to renovate the old Landers Theater. Mr. McClure showed the council pictures of the theater, which is in very poor condition and is a safety hazard. The Mayor said he feels it is time the council takes the necessary steps to start the condemnation process. Councilmember Cargill moved to start the condemnation process and Councilmember Carpenter seconded. Ms. Bone said she is for condemning the structure, however, she would like to see the front of the building preserved. Mayor Biard said that was also important to him and he will do his best to have the front of the building preserved. The motion carried. REPORT BY DAVE HUGHES — RE: PLANS FOR HOUSE AT 548 BROAD Mr. Dave Hughes addressed the council regarding his property located at 548 Broad Street. Mr. Hughes gave the council a time schedule proposal for restoring the structure on the property. Mr. Hughes said it will take approximately 9 months to remodel the structure. The council agreed to the time schedule that Mr. Hughes proposed, however, instructed him to keep the property clean in the process. POSSIBLE PROPERTIES FOR CONDEMNATIONS Mr. McClure presented a video showing 4 separate properties that need to be considered for condemnation. The properties include a house located in the 2300 Block of Byers Street owned by Ronald Bennett, 2455 Neeley Street owned by the State of Arkansas, 380 Lilly Street owned by Dexter White, and 763 State Street owned by Henry Clement. Councilmember Gaither moved to start condemnation proceedings on all four properties. Councilmember Bone seconded and all voted for. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS — PART II Mayor Biard read a draft that he said he would like to publish for the invitation for bids on the development of a restaurant on the site at Riverside Park commonly known as the Lockkeeper's House. Councilmember Cargill moved to run the ad and Councilmember Insell 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