HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-25 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
JANUARY 25, 2000
The Batesville City Council met for its regular meeting on January 25, 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 were the City Clerk and the City Attorney.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the minutes from the previous
meeting. Councilmember Gaither seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the prepared agenda as
amended. Councilmember Insell seconded and all voted for.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Biard said that he has been made aware that an individual has
been approved for a loan to re-open the Melba Theatre. The Mayor said the
plans are to open a $1.00 theatre. The Mayor said plans are still in the works to
clean up the Landers Theatre.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY A SALES AND USE TAX
Mayor Biard introduced an ordinance that would provide for the levying of
a one percent sales and use tax within the City of Batesville. Mayor Biard read
the ordinance. Mr. Mark Hayes, attorney for the Arkansas Municipal League,
addressed the council to explain and answer questions regarding the wording of
the ordinance. 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 Cargill moved to further suspend the rules and place
the ordinance on the final reading. Councilmember Pectol seconded and the roll
call count was 7 for and 1 (Ford) against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the
final reading and Councilmember Bone moved to adopt the ordinance.
Councilmember Carpenter seconded and the roll call count was 7 for and 1
(Ford) against. The ordinance was given #2000-1-3. Councilmember Ford said
he reason for voting against the ordinance was that he felt that the city should
vote on a '/2 percent sales tax instead of a one percent sales tax. Mr. Ford said
that a '/2 percent would accomplish everything that the city needs to do.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION IN THE
CITY OF BATESVILLE ON THE QUESTION OF LEVYING A ONE PERCENT
SALES AND USE TAX WITHIN THE CITY OF BATESVILLE
Mayor Biard introduced an ordinance that would call for a special election
in the City of Batesville on the question of levying a one percent sales and use
tax within the City of Batesville. Mayor Biard read the ordinance for the first
reading and Councilmember Bone moved to suspend the rules and place the
ordinance on the second reading. Councilmember Cargill seconded and the roll
call count was 7 for and 1 (Ford) against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the
second reading. Councilmember Cargill moved to further suspend the rules and
place the ordinance on the third and final reading. Councilmember Bone
seconded and the roll call count was 7 for and 1 (Ford) against. The Mayor read
the ordinance for the final reading Councilmember Gaither moved to adopt the
ordinance. Councilmember Bone seconded and the roll call count was 7 for and
1 (Ford) against. The ordinance was given #2000-1-4. Councilmember Bone
moved to adopt the emergency clause and Councilmember Carpenter seconded.
The roll call count was 7 for and 1 (Ford) against.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS PART 2
Mayor Biard said he has asked the Highway Department to look at the
stop light at College and Central to see if it is necessary. The Mayor said the
traffic backs up to Main Street quite often and the light may need to be removed.
The Mayor said he recommends that the old radio station building should
be torn down. The appraisal on the property said the property was more
valuable with the building removed. Parks Director Randy Palmer said a
playground for small children is being planned for that area. Councilmember
Insell moved to have the building torn down. Councilmember Carpenter
seconded and all voted for.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The council was given a copy of the financial statements for the month
ending December 31, 1999. The City Clerk said after talking to the City's
auditors, there would not be a need to amend the 1999 budget.
CEMETERY RESOLUTION
The council considered a cemetery resolution for Sue Taylor, Resolution
#00-25-1, for $100.00. The resolution being in order, Councilmember Insell
moved to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Cargill seconded and all voted
for.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr. Elmer Kirk addressed the council and said the most important thing
the city can do is move the water intake above the Bayou. Mr. Kirk said he is
currently taking radiation treatments at CARTI in Search and was told that
Batesville and Independence County has the highest cancer rate per capita in
the United States. Mr. Kirk said the culprit is the location of the intake valve. He
said he wanted to go on record that whether the city gets a one cent sales tax or
not, the water intake needs to be moved.
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