HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-26 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
MARCH 26, 2019
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on March 26th at 5:30 pm at the
Municipal Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presided over the meeting. Utility Office
Manager Nick Baxter gave the invocation. Upon roll call, the following Councilmembers
answered present; Ronda Bryant, Tommy Bryant, Scott Fredricks, Julie Hinkle, Paige
Hubbard, Fred Krug, Doug Matthews and Chris Poole. City Clerk Denise Johnston was
also present. City Attorney Tim Meitzen was absent.
Councilmember Hubbard moved to approve the minutes from the previous
meeting. Councilmember R. Bryant seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Hinkle moved to approve the prepared agenda. Councilmember
R. Bryant seconded and all voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A) RECOGNIZE THE LADY PIONEERS AS THE AAAA STATE CHAMPIONS
Mayor Elumbaugh congratulated the Lady Pioneers for winning the AAAA State
Basketball Championship. The Mayor said the Lady Pioneers have not won the
State title since 1992. The Mayor gave each Pioneer a certificate of achievement
as well as the managers and coaches.
B) POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mayor Elumbaugh said Police Chief Cockrill said he did not have anything to report
to the council. Chief Cockrill will be on the next meetings agenda for his monthly
report.
C) ENGINEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his monthly report. Mr.
Johnson reported that contract section III is close to going out for bids. He said
they were having to adjust the original specs which has delayed the process. Both
utility plants are running well despite of all the recent rains. Street department
started repairing pot holes today with hot mix. Sanitation department is still waiting
on the delivery of the one-arm automation sanitation truck. Hopefully it will be
delivered soon.
D) CONSIDER BIDS FO THE RECOATING OF THE EAGLE MOUNTAIN WATER
TANK
City Engineer Damon Johnson said they received two bids for the recoating of the
Eagle Mountain water tank. After a review of the bids, Olsson Engineering Firm
recommended to accept the low bid of$1,193,290.00 from Kimery Painting.
Councilmember T. Bryant moved to accept the low bid from Kimery Painting.
Councilmember Matthews seconded and all voted for.
E) CONSIDER BIDS FOR A 2019 CAB AND CHASSIS FOR THE LEAF MACHINE
Mayor Elumbaugh said the City received one bid from Scott Wood Chrysler Dodge
Jeep and Ram for a 2019 Ram 5500 series regular Cab & Chassis for $49,850.00.
The truck will be used to pull a leaf machine. Councilmember Matthews moved to
accept the bid from Scott Wood Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram. Councilmember
T. Bryant seconded and all voted for.
F) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPLY FOR AN
AEDC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT ON BEHALF OF BATESVILLE
PRESCHOOL
Councilmember T. Bryant introduced a resolution to authorize the Mayor to submit
an application to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission on behalf of
Batesville Preschool Central Campus. Councilmember T. Bryant moved to
suspend the rules and read the resolution by title only. Councilmember Fredricks
seconded and the electronic roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. Ms. Johnston
read the resolution by title only. Councilmember T. Bryant moved to adopt the
resolution. Councilmember Matthews seconded and the electronic vote was 8 for
and 0 against. The resolution was given #2019-03-01-R.
G) STATE OF THE CITY
Mayor Elumbaugh gave the State of the City address as follows;
As I begin my thirteenth year as your mayor,I am both humbled and honored that you have chosen me to lead our great city for one
of the longest mayoral tenures in our city's history.As we approach the 200t1 year anniversary of the birth of our city in 1821,1 wonder what
those who platted Batesville would say about it now.
I believe they would not only approve,but also be marveled that Batesville has not only survived but flourished.While many early
cities wilted like flowers being permanently relegated to history,Batesville would not go quietly.The citizens of the oldest continually inhabited
city in Arkansas have persevered through good times and bad,refusing to back down from any challenge our city has faced to become one of
the most admired cities in Arkansas today.I see that same tenacity and determination in our present day citizens and I attribute it to the fact
that many of them can trace their heritage all the way back to those first settlers.While some cities seem to search for their identity,
Batesville's strong historical roots have given it purpose and direction throughout its long history.
In those early days settlers came for the opportunities the new frontier west of the Mississippi offered.Paraphrasing from the
August 4,1866,Batesville Immigration Society article:"No portion of the state,and in fact,no portion of the country west of the Mississippi,
presents superior inducements to actual settlers.No country more attractive is to be found in the West.In short,we have a good country,
one rich in natural resources and it needs but the laborer,the practical mechanic,and the man and means of energy to develop these
resources and render it prosperous and wealthy.To these we say"Come"and you will be kindly received!"
They came and were kindly received,both the educated and uneducated,both the laborer and the entrepreneur,both the
skilled and unskilled. All became the fabric that has made Batesville what it is today.
Today,many of those who choose to make Batesville their home have done so because of the quality of life offered here and
the small town atmosphere conducive to rearing families.
One of the most important quality of life requirements a community must have is access to quality health care.We are
fortunate that local health care visionaries understood the importance this would play in the future of our community. We were recently
reminded when the White River Medical Center was named as one of the"Top 100 Rural&Community Hospitals"in the United States by
The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
Another extremely important requirement is quality educational opportunities.We are blessed with great primary and
secondary schools and we are fortunate to have not one,but two,institutions of higher learning in Lyon College and UACCB.Their
collaboration with the Impact Independence Strategic Plan's educational initiatives in cooperation with Forward Arkansas has made our
community a leader in creative change. They continue to enable students to obtain the education and skills they need to become
productive members of our community while providing business and industry with employees that meet their needs.We applaud the
Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce for setting our community apart through their leadership in this vital area.
The new community and aquatics center,our sports complexes,the development of the downtown Maxfield Park,the
continued development of walking and biking trails,the new and modern Independence County Library housed in the restored Historic
Barnett Building and the continued revitalization of the Main Street Downtown Historical District,and especially the restoration of the
Melba Theatre.All are vital amenities desired by those who continue to choose Batesville as their home.Economic developers have long
said the best way to evaluate the viability of a city is to look at their downtown and see whether the community believes enough in itself
to invest in its downtown.Recently,native son Skip Rutherford commented that he has been to every city in Arkansas and Main Street
Batesville is by far the best one in the state!
I am extremely thankful that you continue choosing to move Batesville forward by pushing the envelope in dreaming"what's
next"for our great city and by electing community minded city council members who are dedicated to working together to continue bringing
positive change to our community.
Last year brought some changes in our leadership as Julie Hinkle replaced Sonya(Crafton)Gaither who resigned after moving out of
her ward and Ronda Bryant replaced Dr.Chris Beller who also moved outside of the city.In November,Scott Fredricks was elected to fill
Margret Henley's position and former council member Fred Krug was elected to fill David Shetron's position.Both Henley and Shetron chose
not to run for re-election.I am grateful for the contributions that these former councilpersons made and I continue to be thankful for citizens
willing to serve on our council.These individuals are dedicated to continuing the progress we have made.While many cities in Arkansas
struggle to find young professionals willing to serve in these leadership positions,I am encouraged that Batesville is the exception to the rule.
I am also mindful of the trusted working relationships that we have formed with other community partners including the Batesville
Area Chamber of Commerce,Main Street Batesville,The Independence County Library Board,White River Medical Center,UACCB,Lyon College
and others.Without these trusted relationships much of the phenomenal progress our city has witnessed might not have otherwise occurred.
Electing leaders with a strong community spirit and a burning desire to work with other trustworthy elected officials is vitally important to the
success of any city.
Next,I'd like to turn my attention to a few continuing challenges and some highlights from 2018.
First,I must say that it's difficult to believe that ten years after passing the 2009 wastewater tax we would still be working on
the project!We still have one major contract segment we hope to award this year.This project involves replacing several major
wastewater lines with a single much larger one.This will be a challenging endeavor as the line replacement begins in Riverside Park,
crosses US 167,goes through both of the poultry plants,goes through the rail yard at the depot,continues along Poke Bayou,near the jail,
and then comes up the bayou near Charles Street.This is one of the most critical parts of the wastewater project as this line replacement
is expected to significantly reduce the inflow and infiltration of rainwater into the wastewater system.
In February,tourism director Kyle Christopher and Chamber CEO Crystal Johnson gave an update noting the launching of the
new tourism website"Experience Independence"and the announcement of"way finding"signs to direct visitors to area attractions.
Batesville is the first city of our size to utilize the signs and more are planned.The lodging tax continues to bring more people and events
to our community through its unique incentive program based on hotel stays.No other city our size is using this approach and it is
making a significant difference. We are looking forward to Batesville's first Hilton chain hotel,the Hampton Inn that will increase room
capabilities for our future visitors.
Also in February,the council moved forward with purchasing several acres of land adjacent to the existing city yard on General
Street. This will benefit us in consolidating most of the city's maintenance shops into one central location.
The city continues to work with the Miracle League of Arkansas to bring to fruition the dream of a special ball field for special
needs children and adults. Additionally,the city has been considering the construction of an"all inclusive"playground to provide special
needs children with more recreational opportunities.
The dream of a city dog park also came closer to reality as local business owner,Steve Bryant,stepped up to lead the ongoing
effort to raise private funds for its construction.
The$1.5 million dollar contract for the construction of a mile of 18"water line on White Drive was awarded and is now
nearing completion.This line supplies the county industrial park on White
Drive and adds additional backup protection in case of a line failure.
A new playground was recently constructed in Riverside Park replacing an old and outdated wood structure. The theme is the
"White River Queen"which is designed to replicate a steam boat that frequented our beautiful White River years ago.
The trail system continues to grow with the opening of a new section from Batesville Junior High to Timberland Drive.
The city worked with area child advocacy leaders to modify the zoning code to allow for the opening of a new Children's
Advocacy Center on Boswell Street.The center offers round the clock support for children and youth in need.
The Independence County Library opened its spacious new quarters in the restored,historic Barnett Building.The council's
vision of repurposing the historic building when it accepted the building as a gift was brought to life through the dedicated work of
Admiral Bob Carius and Judge Bill Walmsley.This modern facility will serve our community for decades to come.
The city continued its mission to better provide services to our citizens by implementing mechanized trash pickup with the
goal of reducing injuries and labor costs associated with the service.
In August,parks director,Jeff Owens,reported that,as of August 24,2018,the new Community&Aquatics Center had 4,010
memberships representing 8,073 individual passes.The number of activities offered to our members has continued to grow. One of the
fastest growing sports we've added is"Pickleball". Pickleball is a paddle sport,for all ages,similar to tennis and badminton played in the
gym. The Batesville High School swim team and our local Torpedoes team continue to utilize the facility year round and host several
meets throughout the year.
In October,the council recognized our City Clerk/Treasurer Denise Johnston for obtaining the International Institute of
Municipal Clerks designation of Master Municipal Clerk(MMC).The MMC designation is only bestowed upon municipal clerks who have
completed demanding educational requirements and who have a record of significant contributions to their local government,their community
and state. There are only six other clerks in Arkansas who have obtained the designation.
During the year,the council had several discussions on addressing the fire pension solvency issue. The council ultimately
decided put the question of increasing the fire pension millage to one mill on the ballot and allow our citizens make the decision.I am
pleased that the citizens continued to support our former firefighters by passing the increase at the November election.
The most significant recent event of 2018 was the council's decision to purchase approximately 5 acres of land at the entrance
to the Batesville-Independence County Industrial Park for the Batesville Police Department.The property includes a 4,000 square foot
office building,a large shop building and a large paved parking lot.The Batesville Police Department has operated out of a small rented
building,where Chief Alan Cockrill didn't even have a door to his office,since its creation a couple of years ago.The department's new
renovated office is virtually complete and as soon as the weather gets warmer we will have a grand opening so our citizens can tour the
new headquarters.The continued public support for the Batesville Police Department is phenomenal.We will continue to strive to be one
of the"Safest Cities in Arkansas"and I commend my officers for all they do.
Another extremely important event occurred in August when the city and White River Medical Center cut the ribbon to open
the new 201h Street main entrance to the hospital.This improvement had been ten years in the making and not only provides a grand new
entrance and view of the hospital complex,but also improves access through the 201h Street stoplight with its recently installed protected
left turn light.Further street improvements at this location are scheduled as soon as the weather improves.
As I prepared for this address I thought back to the 1980's and 90's when Batesville seemed to be content and seemingly
unconcerned with its future.Today,we cannot afford the luxury of being content with past accomplishments.It has been our vision for our
future and our unwavering determination to make our community a better place that continues to empower progress.2019 will be a time for
the citizens of Batesville to assemble again to reflect on the progress we have made,and to think about"what's next"for our great city.I
pledge to you that I will continue challenging our community to"Dream Big!"and become the best it can be!
In closing,it would be remiss of me not to mention all of our dedicated employees,staff and department heads. These individuals go
"above and beyond"to perform their duties and share my love and commitment for this city. I have witnessed employees working all night in
harsh weather conditions to repair a broken water pipe. I have also witnessed employees who were taking chemo therapy treatments and
continue work to serve this great city.My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to each of these special individuals and to every city employee
for a job well done.
The future of Batesville is bright.The highlights of the past year serve to remind us of what can be accomplished when we work
together for the good of our community. The cooperative spirit of our citizens working together to make Batesville"the best it can be"shines a
brilliant beacon of hope,lighting the path of progress for those who come after us.
May God bless our city,state and country!
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Elumbaugh told the council of a fixed asset disposal of a 1988 John Deere
Backhoe, unit#305 out of the cemetery department. The backhoe sold for$10,857.50
on GovDeals.
LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember Matthews said he attended the 62nd anniversary of
independence for Ghana. Dr. Matthews said the ceremony was nice and hopes that
Ghana will send a delegation here this summer.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no more business, Councilmember T. Bryant moved that the
meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Matthews seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK