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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-11 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2025 The Batesville City Council met in regular session on February 11th, at 5.30 pm at the Municipal Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presided over the meeting. Bryce Cash gave the invocation. Upon roll call, the following Councilmembers answered present; Brittany Bennett, Paige Hubbard, Fred Krug, Lackey Moody, Julie Hinkle and Robb Roberts. Scott Fredricks and Landon Reeves were absent. Also present were City Clerk Jessica Davis and City Attorney Tim Meitzen. Councilmember Bennett moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Councilmember Hubbard seconded and all voted for. Councilmember Hinkle moved to approve the prepared agenda as amended. Councilmember Hubbard seconded and all voted for. CITIZENS COMMENTS Citizen Marcus Jackson addressed the council. He discussed his work with community service participants and the need for community support to help individuals break free from criminal and addictive behaviors. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS A) POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT Police Chief John Scarbrough addressed the council with his monthly report. Chief Scarbrough informed the council of a decrease in calls compared to last month. He stated traffic enforcement efforts have led to more citations and fewer warnings, aiming to promote safer driving. The department also recovered three stolen vehicles. B) ENGINEER'S REPORT City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his monthly report. Mr. Johnson provided updates on various large projects including excavation and water piping for the new water treatment plant. He discussed challenges with obtaining railroad permits and an issue at the current water plant due to rain events. They were able to resolve the issue and the plant is still working well. The speedbumps have been installed that were paid for by the Eagle Mountain Homeowner's Association. He also informed the council of a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Thursday at 10.30 a.m. on Chaney Drive. C) FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT Chief McCollum address the council and stated they had fifty-two calls last month. He also said they performed three inspections and assisted with fifteen plan reviews. Chief McCollum stated one of the Batesville firefighters was named best firefighter in Independence County in the Batesville Guard. He called Mr. Randy Jones up to accept his plaque. D) MR. JAMES SCALES TO DISCUSS THE USE OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS TO PROMOTE BATESVILLE Mr. Scales addressed the council and proposed using public service announcements (PSAs) to promote Batesville. He explained the benefits of using PSAs including free or low-cost advertising on local news stations. He emphasized the importance of promoting other businesses and the city to create a supportive community. He suggested involving local colleges and organizations to help with the production of PSAs. E) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS NOT TO EXCEED $42,921.00 WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING Councilmember Moody introduced the ordinance. A motion was made by Councilmember Moody, seconded by Councilmember Hinkle to suspend the rules and read the ordinance by title only. The electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the ordinance by title only. A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Hubbard to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings. The electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Moody to adopt the ordinance and the electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the emergency clause. A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Hinkle to adopt the emergency clause. The ordinance was given #2025-02-01. F) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE & UPDATE TITLE 15 OF THE BATESVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE (SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS) Councilmember Moody introduced the ordinance. A motion was made by Councilmember Moody, seconded by Councilmember Bennett to suspend the rules and read the ordinance by title only. The electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the ordinance by title only. A motion was made by Councilmember Moody, seconded by Councilmember Bennett to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings. The electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. A motion was made by Councilmember Roberts, seconded by Councilmember Hubbard to adopt the ordinance and the electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. The ordinance was given #2025-02-02. G) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR PRIVATE CLUB PERMIT Councilmember Bennett introduced the ordinance. A motion was made by Councilmember Hubbard, seconded by Councilmember Moody to suspend the rules and read the ordinance by title only. The electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the ordinance by title only. A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Hinkle to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings. The electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Hubbard to adopt the ordinance and the electronic roll call was 6 for and 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the emergency clause. A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Moody to adopt the emergency clause. The ordinance was given #2025-02-03. H) EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Councilmember Hubbard, seconded by Councilmember Moody to enter executive session. All voted for. The council entered executive session at 6:10 pm. Upon their return at 6:21, Mayor Elumbaugh called for a recommendation for the Planning & Zoning Commission. Councilmember Moody made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Hubbard to appoint Mr. Micah Bryant to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a term expiring 6/10/2028. All voted for. 1) FINANCIAL REPORT The council was given a copy of the January, 2025 financials for review. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Elumbaugh announced the next council meeting is scheduled for March 18th 2025. Councilmember Krug made a motion to schedule one council meeting for the month of March on the 18th. Councilmember Roberts seconded and all voted for. Mayor Elumbaugh informed the council of changes to the fixed assets. A 2022 trash truck will be removed from the list because it was traded in on another vehicle. A 2009 mower was transferred from the water treatment department to the public works department. LIAISON REPORTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Krug announced a pickleball tournament being held on February 22"d from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the community center. All proceeds will go to Jeff Owens. Councilmember Roberts mentioned the Main Street parking pads were not being utilized correctly. He suggested more barriers be installed to prevent trucks from driving on the sidewalk. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Councilmember Bennett moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Hubbard seconded and all voted for. The meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m. Rick EI , Jessica Davis, City Clerk