HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-20 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
MARCH 20, 2018
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on March 20, at 5:30 pm at the
Municipal Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presided over the meeting. Utility Billing
Supervisor Nick Baxter gave the invocation followed by a moment of silence for the
passing of Independence County Chief Deputy Jeff Sims. Upon roll call, the following
Councilmembers answered present; Chris Beller, Tommy Bryant, Margaret Henley,
Paige Hubbard, Doug Matthews, Chris Poole and David Shetron. City Clerk Denise
Johnston was also present. Councilmember Sonya Crafton 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
Shetron seconded and all voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A) POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Due to the death of fellow officer Independence County Chief Deputy Jeff Sims,
Police Chief Alan Cockrill was unable to attend tonight's meeting.
B) ENGINEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council and gave them updates on
the following projects. Mr. Johnson said work on the Fitzhugh extension is
progressing but still a long way from completion. The city has been working on
installing a drainage wall and the medical center is installing electrical
applications for future lighting and signage. The county will complete the base
work before asphalt can be applied.
Mr. Johnson said work is progressing on preparing a long term, 10 year, plan for
the Water Treatment Plant. He said there are immediate issues that are being
addressed now but the long term plan will help keep the plant in good working
condition as well as meet the ever changing State and Federal laws. He hopes
to have the plan ready sometime this summer.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is working well. The replacement of an air-line
to one of the lagoons has presented a slight problem but nothing that cannot
handled.
Bids to paint the Eagle Mountain water tank will be going out soon and he hopes
work will begin this summer. Because the tank will have to be drained and stay
empty for several months, Mr. Johnson is seeking advice from our engineering
firm McGoodwin, Williams and Yates on the best strategic plan to maintain water
pressure for the portion of the city that will be affected by the project as well as
now not to waste water in the process.
Mr. Johnson said he is lacking 6 to 8 easements for the Contract Section II
project. He said it is getting to the point where he may have to pursue legal
action on the last few easements.
In closing Mr. Johnson apologized for the inconvenience to the citizens and
home owners on College Street where the replacement of old water lines are
being done. He said when you live in an old community such as Batesville,
dealing with replacements and upgrades on extremely old infrastructure is an
ongoing issue. He thanked the public for their patience and understanding.
C) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
Councilmember Bryant introduced a resolution to amend the City's
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Bryant said the recommended changes, approved by
the Batesville Planning Commission, were to "fix" a zoning issue off of Harrison
Street regarding Commercial and Residential zoning on the same tract and the
changes will enhance the area for future growth for the city. City Clerk Denise
Johnston read the resolution in full. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the
resolution and Councilmember Shetron seconded. The electronic roll call count
was 7 for and 0 against. The resolution was given #2018-03-01-R.
D) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY ON HARRISON
STREET FROM R-1 TO C-1.
Councilmember Beller introduced an ordinance to rezone certain property on
Harrison Street from R-1 to C-1. The proposed property attached to a portion of
the old Country Club. Councilmember Bryant moved to suspend the rules and
read the ordinance by title only. Councilmember Beller seconded and the
electronic vote was 7 for and 0 against. Ms. Johnston read the ordinance by title
only. Councilmember Bryant moved to further suspend the rules and waive the
second and third readings and Councilmember Beller seconded. The electronic
vote was 7 for and 0 against. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the
ordinance and Councilmember Beller seconded. The electronic vote was 7 for
and 0 against. The ordinance was give #2018-03-01.
E) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A DEED OF DEDICATION OF AN
ALLEY
Mr. Butch Ketz addressed the council regarding a proposed resolution to accept
a Deed of Dedication of an alley located off Water Street 2nd and 3rd Streets. Mr.
Ketz said the alley is paved and has been used for years by the public.
Councilmember Bryant introduce the resolution. Councilmember Matthews
moved to suspend the rules and read the resolution by title only. Councilmember
Bryant seconded and the electronic vote was 7 for and 0 against. Mr. Johnston
read the resolution by title only. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the
resolution and Councilmember Hubbard seconded. The electronic vote was 7 for
and 0 against. The resolution was given #2018-03-02-R.
F) 2017 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Mayor Elumbaugh gave his 2017 State of the City Address. Attached is a copy
of the address.
State of the City Address by Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh
March 20,2018
2018 marks my 12th year as your mayor and I am excited to bring you the State of the City.
Each year as I prepare for this address I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me,and by the phenomenal support and
encouragement that you continue to show me. The lifeblood of any city is progress and I am thankful that you continue moving Batesville
forward by electing city council members who have our community's best interests at heart.I am fortunate that you have given me a team of
community-minded individuals who are dedicated to working together to bring about positive change in our city.Working with these
individuals has been rewarding. I am also mindful of the trusting 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,
LIACCB,Lyon College and others.Without these relationships much of the phenomenal progress our town 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.
For most of my life,Batesville has been known for being the oldest existing city in Arkansas,the White River Water Carnival,and the
home of NASCAR's Mark Martin.2017 was a turning point in Batesville's history with the opening of the Batesville Community Center&
Aquatics Park and the outpouring of community support for the re-vitalization of Main Street. Other improvements include the creation of the
downtown Maxfield Park,the relocation of the library to the historic Barnett Building,and especially our restored Melba Theatre,which serves
as a major downtown anchor. New businesses continue to locate downtown and plans by several individuals to build loft apartments are
continuing to move forward.
On June 811 the city formally held the ribbon cutting for the Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park elevating our"quality of
life"and"quality of place"to a position that few,if any,cities in Arkansas our size,have attained.The June 911 edition of the Batesville Guard
carried a fitting headline entitled"A Promise Fulfilled".The new 105,000 square foot facility is one of the largest facilities in the state and its
iconic architecture and modern amenities have made Batesville the envy of many other cities. We have hosted many groups,meetings and
events. A few of these consist of the Las Vegas act,"Recycled Percussion",the MMA Fights,several banquets,craft shows,wedding showers,
birthdays,and even the start of a new church. The center has helped to improve and grow our youth and adult programs as well. I am most
proud of the fact that so many of our citizens have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. I have received numerous testimonials of
members becoming independent after being on a walker,losing weight,quicker recoveries from the use of our therapeutic pool and
eliminating their dependence on medications.
In November,the city was notified that its entries in the Arkansas Business Trendsetter City 2017 program had won in four of six
categories for cities of 5,000 to 20,000 in population. The Trendsetter City program is designed to honor cities that are leaders in innovative
programs and initiatives for improvement and growth. Being a"Trendsetter City"is an honor that speaks to the commitment of city leadership
and its citizens,and creates a great economic development selling point.The December 2017 insert to the Arkansas Business Magazine detailed
the awards with the formal presentations made at the Arkansas Municipal League's Winter Conference in Ft.Smith in January.The importance
of this statewide recognition cannot be overemphasized.
Batesville was a Trendsetter Winner in the Public Safety Category for the Batesville Police Department's Community Relations Team
and the programs and classes it offers to our citizens. Its non-profit arm,the Law Enforcement Public Safety Partners,helps provide for non-
budgeted training and equipment for both the Batesville Police Department and the Independence County Sheriff's Department.Batesville was
recently named as the 2018 sixth safest city in Arkansas by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.The recent addition of four new
officers for 2018 brings the total number of employees to 29,and provides the citizens of Batesville with 5-6 officers on our streets at all times.
With a focus on community based policing,advancements in training and education,our department has quickly become a leader in Arkansas.
Batesville was a Trendsetter Winner in the Infrastructure Category for the new Wastewater Treatment Facility and its innovative use
of"moving bed bio-reactor technology"to effectively double the city's wastewater treatment capacity to 9.0 million gallons per day.With the
construction of this new facility,the city of Batesville was recognized as going"above and beyond",setting new standards,statewide,for
wastewater treatment.
The city,and its engineering firm,McGoodwin,Williams&Yates,received top honors at the 2017 American Council of Engineering
Companies of Arkansas'Engineering Excellence Awards for the new Batesville Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system infrastructure
upgrades.The project also received the"People's Choice Award"designated by event attendees as the single best overall engineering project.
Batesville was a Trendsetter Winner in the Wellness and Fitness Category for the development of the Batesville Community Center
and Aquatics Park and the city's development of the Batesville Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.The Batesville Community Center and
Aquatics Park also received the"Facility of the Year Award"in the over$500,000.00 category by the Arkansas Recreation&Parks Association.
Members from all over Independence County have embraced the new facility,which currently has a membership base of 6,447 individuals. The
center has seen well over 200,000 visitors in the ten months since its opening last June and is used on a daily basis by an average of 750 people.
At the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas'annual banquet recently held in Little Rock,the city,and its
engineering firm,Crafton-Tull,won the 2017-2018 Engineering Excellence Award and the"People's Choice Award"for the Batesville Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. Batesville's dedication to health and wellness for its citizens continues to attract statewide attention.
Batesville was a Trendsetter Winner in the environmental category for the new wastewater facility,and in particular,the 1,800-foot
wastewater tunnel under our golf course. The use of Archimedes screw pumps should save our citizens thousands of dollars in annual energy
costs.By returning treated wastewater to the White River,much cleaner than the White River itself,Batesville leads the way in environmental
stewardship of our state's natural resources.
At the Trendsetter Awards ceremony in Ft Smith,the first ever Pinnacle Award was introduced.Each winning or honorable mention
city was eligible to compete for the Pinnacle Award.As the anticipation of the announcement began to build,the over 500 in attendance
wondered if the winner would be Little Rock,Bentonville,Ft.Smith,EI Dorado,Fayetteville,Maumelle,Crossett,Magnolia,Berryville,Danville,
Paris,Prescott or Batesville.Fayetteville and Batesville had both won in four categories,and most people expected Fayetteville to win the
Pinnacle Award.When Batesville's name was called as the winner of the Pinnacle Award as being"THEcity in Arkansas whose programs and
initiatives are truly innovative,represent a commitment to progress and are an example for other cities to follow",the crowd cheered as myself
and members of the city council proudly took the stage to receive this coveted award!
Leaders from every corner of Arkansas are talking about Batesville and the exciting things happening here.Community leaders from
all around our state are coming to Batesville to see firsthand our improvements in"quality of life"and"quality of place".Investors have taken
notice and we have new inquires by groups and individuals wanting to be a part of our progressive community.
Batesville has been transformed from the BACKGROUND to the FOREGROUND with these prestigious awards.
Now let us shift gears for a moment and touch on a just a few other noteworthy things that happened in 2017.
In January,the city council passed the first-ever lodging tax,and created the Batesville Advertising&Promotions Commission to
market and support the assets and events of Batesville and Independence County. The new position of Director of Tourism was created in
order to increase economic development by bringing new dollars into our community through tourism. This was a central goal of the Impact
Independence Project.Just last week,at the Arkansas Department of Parks&Tourism's 2018 Governor's Conference on Tourism,the city of
Batesville won the"Community Tourism Development Award". This award is presented annually to a community or organization that has
achieved substantial success in the enhancement of its local resources through imaginative and innovative development efforts.Also at the
event,the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council's Executive Director and Batesville Advertising&Promotions Commission Chairwoman,Cathy Drew,
was inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame.
In March,the council continued planning for Batesville's future by authorizing the city engineer to begin the design phase of
improvements to the Water Treatment Plant facilities.The council also approved a resolution to offer for lease,the 2.63-acre riverfront site,
previously occupied by the Firefighting Training Center,to developers interested in locating a new hotel on the river.Talks with several
developers continue,but nothing definite has emerged.
In July,the council voted to close Broad Street between 15t1 and Sidney Street to allow White River Health Systems to move forward
with the continued development of the medical center campus and the long term planning needed to meet the future health care needs of our
region.White River Health Systems is Batesville's largest employer with over 1,700 employees and an annual payroll of$120 MILLION dollars.
In September,the council passed an ordinance creating a long-term,perpetual maintenance fund for the Batesville Community
Center and Aquatics Park and the adjacent tennis courts.This ordinance requires that a minimum of$75,000.00 per year be placed into a
separate fund for the long-term maintenance of the new facilities.In addition,monies from sponsorships,of various areas in the new facility,
are also deposited into the fund.Any expenditure from this fund requires specific council approval.
Continuing the support for sports and tourism at the Terry Sims Diamond Sports Complex,the city applied for a$176,000.00 grant to
build restrooms adjacent to the T-Ball fields.The bids came in over the grant award,but the council approved additional funds for the project to
ensure the new restrooms would be ready for the 2018 Spring T-ball season.
In October,Fire Chief Brent Gleghorn announced that the city's ISO Fire Rating had improved from a Class 3 to a Class 2,saving most
property owners additional money on their fire insurance.
In November,Police Chief Alan Cockrill briefed the council concerning the condition of Officer Michael Dickinson who had recently
been shot multiple times while on duty responding to a domestic disturbance call. Chief Cockrill also presented lifesaving awards to three of
our citizens who helped save the life of Officer Dickinson.This was a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those we place in harm's way
every day.
Building permits were up over$8 million from 2016 with the largest of those,$12.957 million,being for Citizens Bank's new St.Louis
Street headquarters. Recently,Merchants and Planter's Bank opened its new state of the art facility on Harrison Street. Residential
construction growth continued in 2017 with fifty new apartment units and twenty-three new single-family homes.Two new subdivisions are in
the works,one near the Eagle Mountain Golf Course called Eagle View Estates,and another located near Big Pine Road called Hammerhead
Estates.
Sales tax revenue in 2017 continued to increase from 2016. New business announcements have included Freddy's Frozen Custard&
Steak Burgers,T.J.Maxx,Casey's General Store,and a new Pizza Hut location just to name a few.The recruitment of additional retail
opportunities was a goal of the Impact Independence Plan.
There are several things concerning our community that cannot be overemphasized.First,the prestigious awards bestowed upon
the city of Batesville have brought significant statewide recognition to our community.This heightened awareness,especially with the Arkansas
Economic Development Commission,will help keep our community at the forefront when companies seek to expand into Arkansas and
investors decide what communities they will invest in.
Second,is the focus of the Impact Independence Strategic Plan Initiative that was developed by the Batesville Area Chamber of
Commerce,Lyon College,and UACCB.The plan's focus on economic prosperity,tourism,educational excellence,healthy living,and wellbeing
has already demonstrated important and meaningful results.
As I looked back over the highlights of the past year,I could not help but think"Wow,what a difference 12 years can make in the life
of a community!"Batesville has gone from being down,and nearly out,in 2007,after suffering massivejob losses with a looming economic
downturn on the horizon,to being acclaimed as the most innovative and progressive city in the state of Arkansas.
What changed?Mostly what changed was the attitude of our citizens.Our community realized it couldn't continue doing the same
things we had always done and expect different results.Rather than"throwing in the towel",in 2008,citizens filled the Batesville High School
Cafeteria to consider a new land use plan for our community.What began as an effort to get input from the community on where different type
land uses should be located;the group quickly propelled the discussion into their dreams for Batesville. Facilitators encouraged those in
attendance to"Dream Big!" If you look back at the recommendations and dreams of this group,you will see that these have now become a
reality.
I did not make these dreams and goals come true.City government did not make them come true.The Chamber of Commerce didn't
make their dreams come true.Their dreams for our community came true because our citizens chose to work together for the good of
Batesville. Their dreams came true because they were determined to elect individuals who share their vision for our future and who are
dedicated to working together with an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation.
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. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to
each of these special individuals. After twelve years,we have become somewhat of a"family"and they contribute daily to making Batesville an
amazing place to call home.
2017 witnessed the recognition of many of Batesville's greatest accomplishments. As your mayor,I am extremely honored to
accept these awards on your behalf. I will always remember that it was your vision for our future and your unwavering determination to make
our community a better place that empowered these successes for our city.
The future of Batesville and the community we all call"home"is bright.The events of the past year serve to remind us of what we
can accomplish 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 continue to bless our city,state and country!
MAYOR COMMENTS
None
LIAISON REPORTS
None
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Beller commented about all of the wonderful accomplishments
the City has made in the past few years and how great it has been for our citizens,
however, he said we need to not let all of these awards and recognitions distract us
from looking towards the future. He said yes, we have done a lot of great things but
there is still a lot of work to do.
Councilmember Matthews also said the city needs to concentrate on
infrastructure. He said Batesville has always had drainage issues and drainage along
with infrastructure need to be at the top of our agenda.
Councilmember Shetron commented on the recent revitalization of Main Street.
He said the majority of the work was done by a group of volunteers that gave numerous
hours to the vision. Mr. Shetron also mentioned that the project was primarily funded by
private donations. He said it took some time to get to this point but now Batesville Main
Street is a great place to visit.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no more business, Councilmember Matthews moved that the
meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK