HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-12 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
JUNE 12, 2017
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on June 12th at 5:30 pm at the Municipal
Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presided over the meeting. Utility Billing Supervisor Nick
Baxter gave the invocation. Upon roll call, the following Councilmembers answered present;
Tommy Bryant, Margaret Henley, Doug Matthews, Chris Poole and David Shetron. Also
present was the City Clerk Denise Johnston. Councilmembers Chris Beller, Sonya Crafton and
Paige Hubbard and City Attorney Tim Meitzen were absent.
Councilmember Bryant moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Councilmember Shetron seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Bryant moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember Henley
seconded and all voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A) POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Police Chief Alan Cockrill addressed the council with his monthly report. The Chief also
reported on the rally held at Riverside Park this past Saturday. He said the groups
protested in a peaceful manner, however, towards the end there were a few problems but
no arrests were made. He commended his police force and 10 reserve officers and
thanked the Independence County Sherriff's Department and the State Police for their
man power.
B) ENGINEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his monthly report. Mr.
Johnson said the Wastewater Treatment Plant is working through warranty items and
said the new facility is running smoothly. He said he is about ready to close the deal with
Union Pacific on the railroad property and will then be able to acquire the remaining
easements and go out for bids on the Contract Section 3, sewer replacement project.
The Street Department is finishing up on the cleanup from the recent flooding and he is
hoping Main Street will be paved in the next couple of weeks.
C) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION REGARDING COLLECTION OF SALES TAX ON
INTERNET SALES
Councilmember Bryant introduced a resolution in support of Federal and State legislation
to ensure the proper assessment and collection of sales tax from all internet/online sales.
Mrs. Johnston read the resolution in full. Councilmember Poole said he wanted to make
sure our citizens understand that this is not a new or additional tax. It is simply creating a
fair and free market for all businesses and consumers regardless of the location of the
business from which the purchase was made. Currently if you purchase goods online,
there are not local or state sales taxes which creates an unfair playing field for brick and
mortar stores. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember
Shetron seconded. The electronic roll call count was 5 for and 0 against. The resolution
was given #2017-06-01-R.
D) EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilmember Bryant moved to go into executive session for the purpose of hiring,
firing, promoting or demoting one or more city employees. Councilmember Henley
seconded and all voted for. Upon returning from executive session, Councilmember
Shetron moved to reappoint Mr. Chris Milum to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for. Mr. Milum's term will June 10, 2022.
E) REVIEW PAID BILLS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
The council was given the May Paid Bills report and the February and March Financials
reports.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Elumbaugh commented on the wonderful turnout for the ribbon cutting and
dedication of the new Community Center and Aquatics Park. He said the facility officially
opened Friday, June 9t" although the outdoor pool has been open for a couple of weeks. He
said we already have close to 2,000 memberships. The facility is open to the public from 5:00
a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
LIAISON REPORTS
None
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Matthews said Entergy is now offering LED lights for city street lights.
He said the city should check into replacing lights on a need be basis with LED for their
longevity and cost savings. Mayor Elumbaugh said he would call our local representative with
Entergy and check into the LED option.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no more business, Councilmember Bryant moved that the meeting be
adjourned. Councilmember Henley seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK