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Home My WebLink About2026-03-10 A H19MRiC . - 1RCAR:R7: a� �RkA,9Sg5 Of CITY OF BATESVILLE COUNCIL REGULAR CALLED MEETING City Hall March 10,2026 5:30 P.M. COUNCILMEMBERS: OTHERS: Landon Reeves, Ward./Position 1 (Absent) Rick Elumbaugh,Mayor Scott Fredricks, Ward 1 Position 2 Jessica Davis, City Clerk Fred Krug,,Ward 2 Position 1 Tim Meitzen, City Attorney Robb Roberts, Ward 2 Position 2 Julie Hinkle, Ward 3 Position 1 Brittany Bennett, Ward 3 Position 2 Paige Hubbard, Ward 4 Position 1 Lackey Moody,Jr., Ward 4 Position 2 CALL TO ORDER The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. INVOCATION Bryce Cash ROLL CALL BY CITY CLERK The clerk verified the roll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Hinkle to approve the minutes from the February 17, 2026 regular called meeting. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Hinkle, seconded by Councilmember Hubbard to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS None UNFINISHED BUSINESS None City Council Meeting March 10.2026 Page 2 of 5 NEW BUSINESS A) RECOGNITION OF THE BATESVILLE PIONEER SWIM TEAM Councilmember Krug addressed the audience and spoke about how impressed he was with the swim team after attending the state swim meet. There were 20 competing teams. The Mayor invited Councilmember Moody up to assist with handing out awards and Coach Alfredo Aleman to address the council and audience. Coach Aleman thanked everyone for the opportunity. He said he was very proud of this group of excellent students. They cheered for each other and gave it their best to bring home a fifth consecutive Arkansas 5A State Championship. The Mayor, Councilmember Moody, and Coach Almen awarded each team member that was present with a certificate of recognition. B) POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT Chief Scarbrough addressed the council with his monthly report. He recognized Lieutenant Rob Leonard for his efforts during a shooting that took place by his home. He secured the weapon and rendered lifesaving aid to the victim until paramedics were on the scene. He thanked Bad Boy Mowers for their generous donation that went towards tasers for all patrol officers. The department will also be utilizing AEDs in all patrol vehicles. C) FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT Chief McCollum addressed the council and reported the department had 66 calls, 273 training hours, 2 FOIA requests, and 2 final inspections. He mentioned UACCB is looking into providing a rookie school for the fire department. Right now,the nearest one is in Camden, AR. He announced he has been appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the Arkansas Fire Protection Service Board. D) CITY ENGINEER REPORT City Engineer, Damon Johnson addressed the council with his monthly report. He informed the council both water and park projects are progressing well. Street Superintendent, Johnny Coles will be attending a traffic signal training being held here in Batesville. Individuals from all over the state will also be in attendance. He announced Tolm will be having,materials and equipment brought in to the Farmer's Market area by the park to create a temporary parking lot.. This will provide additional space for plant operations while both projects are still active. E) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY PARKS AND RECREATION TO ENTER INTO AN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT WITH CORINTH COCA-COLA BOTTLING WORKS Councilmember Hubbard introduced the Resolution. Councilmember Hubbard made a motion to read the resolution by title only, seconded by Councilmember Moody. The electronic roll call was 7 for, 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the City Council Meeting ;March 10,2026 Page 3 of 5 resolution by title only. Councilmember Fredricks made a motion to adopt the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Bennett. The electronic roll call was 7 for, 0 against. The resolution was given#2026-03-01-R. The Mayor invited Parks Director, Lowen Lermitte up to address the council. He gave a brief overview of the Coca-Cola agreement and various programs happening in the Parks & Rec Department. They have hit record numbers for the youth basketball program. The soccer program already has over 400 registrations. T-ball registration is open until April. Councilmember Fredricks inquired on the sports complex facilities being available once the weather is nice for citizens to utilize while Riverside Park is closed. Mr. Lermitte said they usually close those gates after the season for maintenance but agreed that would be a good thing to provide. Councilmember Hinkle thanked him for fixing the restroom locks at the ball field: Councilmember Bennett commended Mr. James Young for his exceptional leadership during the youth basketball games. F) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPLY FOR A GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) ON BEHALF OF THE BATESVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT Councilmember Roberts introduced the Resolution. Councilmember Moody made a motion to read the resolution by title only, seconded by Councilmember Bennett. The electronic roll call was 7 for, 0 against. Mr. Meitzen read the resolution by title only. Councilmember Roberts made a motion to adopt the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Bennett. The electronic roll call was 7 for, 0 against. The resolution was given#2026-03=02-R. Councilmember Roberts mentioned the Airport Commission and Airport Manager, Justin Thompson worked hard to bring this forward to the council. G) EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Councilmember Fredricks, seconded by Councilmember Hinkle to enter into executive session. The motion passed unanimously. The council entered executive session at 6:11 p.m., upon their return at 6:21, a motion was made by Councilmember Fredricks, seconded by Councilmember Bennett to appoint Landon Downing to the Public Facilities Board. He will finish the term that expires in 2028. The motion passed unanimously. H) FINANCIAL REPORT The council was provided a copy of the February financial report. COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR The Mayor stated the city received a thank you card from Ms. Jennifer Dempsey. He appreciated her kind words. He announced the next council meeting is scheduled for March 24th, 2026. The date for the State of the City is to be determined. He announced Councilmember Landon Reeves formally submitted his resignation from the council and requested a motion to accept it. A motion was made by Councilmember Roberts, seconded by Councilmember Fredricks to accept the resignation and declare a vacancy r City C 01111ci1 Meeting March 10.2026 Page 4 of S for Ward 1. The motion passed unanimously. The Mayor stated interested parties should contact City Hall to apply for the position. The Mayor called for a motion to approve the purchase of sofas for the Community Center out of the Perpetual Maintenance Fund. A motion was made by Councilmember Moody, seconded by Councilmember Hinkle to approve the purchase from Global Industrial in the amount of$9,253.19 for sofas to be used at the Community Center. The motion passed unanimously. Dates to Remember: • Council Meeting March 24th • State of the City TBD LIAISON REPORTS Councilmember Moody stated the Planning&Zoning Commission has been working very hard over the last 3 months. Fifty-one permits have been issued with a combined value of over 11 million for new construction. They have reviewed plans for multifamily projects for over 200 new housing units. COUNCIL COMMENTS Brittany Bennett—None Scott Fredricks—None Julie Hinkle—She raised a concern on behalf of Ms. Betty Barnett regarding rain water coming onto her property. Paige Hubbard—None Fred Krug—None Lackey Moody,Jr.—He mentioned there was a ribbon cutting Thursday at 1:00 pm at Polk Bayou for the disc golf course and encouraged attendance. Landon Reeves—Absent Robb Roberts—None CRIV Council Meeting March 10,2026 Page 5 of 5 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Councilmember Bennett made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Fredricks to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m. Rick Elumb or Jessica Davis, C Clerk 1