HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-24MINUTES OF COUNCIL
MARCH 24, 2015
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on March 24, at 5:30 P.M. in the
Municipal Building. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh called the meeting to order.
Cemetery/Landscape Supervisor Jonathan Abbott gave the invocation. Upon roll call,
the following councilmembers answered present; Chris Beller, Tommy Bryant, Sonya
Crafton, Margarett Henley, Paige Hubbard, Doug Matthews and Chris Poole. Also
present were the City Attorney Lindsey Castleberry and City Clerk Denise Johnston.
Councilmember David Shetron was absent.
Councilmember Bryant moved to approve the minutes from the previous two
meetings. Councilmember Poole seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Matthews moved to approve the prepared agenda and
Councilmember Bryant seconded. All voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Ms. Sherry Cavaness addressed the council regarding the airport commission
meeting. Ms. Cavaness said she called City Hall to ask the time and place for the
commission meetings. She was told the meetings were the third Monday at 6:00 PM at
the airport terminal. Ms. Cavaness said when she arrived, the meeting was already in
progress. She later found out the meeting started at 5:30. Ms. Cavaness asked the city
to correct the information on the city's website.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A) SHERIFF DEPARTMENT'S MONTHLY REPORT
The council was given a copy of the January and February monthly Sheriff
department's monthly report. There was no one from the Sheriff's department at
the meeting.
B) BATESVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AN ART PROJECT ON
MAIN STREET
Ms. Paige Dirksen with the Batesville Area Arts Council and Mr. Danny Dozier
addressed the council to discuss the possibility of starting a storm drain mural
project. Ms. Dirksen said the project will give local artists the opportunity to
express themselves with semi-permanent public art in the form of a small-scale
outdoor storm drain mural. She said she has identified 15 potential storm drains
within the downtown area to paint. Ms. Dirksen said all art will be approved
before the work begins. Councilmember Bryant moved to proceed with the
project and Councilmember Hubbard seconded. All voted for. Mayor
Elumbaugh asked Ms. Dirksen to get with the City's Engineer, Damon Johnson
to help choose which storm drains are to be painted.
C) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPLY FOR A
GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ON BEHALF OF
THE BATESVILLE AIRPORT COMMISSION
Councilmember Matthews introduced a resolution to authorize the Mayor to apply
for a grant from the FAA on behalf of the Batesville Airport Commission. City
Attorney Lindsey Castleberry read the resolution in full. Airport Manager Darren
Wilkes, said if approved, the grant monies will construct 2 taxiway extensions to
promote hangar development. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the
resolution and Councilmember Matthews seconded. The roll call count was 7 for
and 0 against. The resolution was given #2015-03-01-R.
D) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL -AID FUNDS TO
EXTEND THE BATESVILLE GREENWAY TRAIL
Councilmember Beller introduced a resolution to authorize Parks and Recreation
Director Jeff Owens to execute all the appropriate agreements and contracts
necessary to expedite the construction of the Greenway expansion. Mr.
Castleberry read the resolution in full. Mr. Owens said the expansion will begin
at the High School and go down the Baha (Jennings Lane) to Timberland Street.
He said there will be some drainage issues that will need to be corrected and
because of the terrain, hand rails will have to be installed. Councilmember Beller
moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Bryant seconded. The roll
call count was 7 for and 0 against. The resolution was given #2015-3-1-2-R
E) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A
LEASE ADDENDUM TO THE JOSIE'S CURRENT LEASE AGREEMENT
Councilmember Bryant introduced a resolution to authorize the Mayor to enter
into a lease addendum to Josie's current lease agreement. Josie's Restaurant
sustained substantial damage during a fire on December 6t". Mr. Castleberry
read the resolution in full. Mr. Zach Mobley addressed the council and explained
the changes that will be made in the new building. He said the new floor plan
increases the seating capacity by 20% to about 300. Councilmember Bryant
moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Beller seconded. The roll call
count was 7 for and 0 against. The resolution was given #2015-3-3-R.
F) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 2014 BUDGET
Councilmember Bryant introduced a resolution to amend the 2014 budget. Mr.
Castleberry read the resolution in full. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt
the resolution and Councilmember Henley seconded. The roll call count was 7
for and 0 against. The resolution was given #2015-3-4-R.
G) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO DESIGNATE THE DISTRICT COURT CLERK
AS THE OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES
ASSESSED IN DISTRICT COURT
Councilmember Bryant introduced an ordinance to designate the District Court
Clerk as the official responsible for the collection of fines assessed in District
Court. Mr. Castleberry read the ordinance in full. Mr. Castleberry explained that
the Municipal League has sent the ordinance to all cities who use a district court.
Section 16-13-709(a)(2)(A)(i) requires that city's designate an official to collect
the fines from District Court and the Division of Legislative Audit is asking it be
done by ordinance. Councilmember Matthew moved to suspend the rules and
waive the second and third readings. Councilmember Bryant seconded and the
roll call count was 7 for and 0 against. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt
the ordinance and Councilmember Henley seconded. The roll call count was 7
for and 0 against. The ordinance was given #2015-3-1.
H) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO REDUCE THE SPEED LIMIT ON MAIN
STREET BETWEEN 5T" STREET AND NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE
Councilmember Bryant introduced an ordinance that would reduce the speed
limit on Main Street between 5t" Street and North Central Avenue to 10 MPH.
Mr. Castleberry read the ordinance in full. Mayor Elumbaugh said the reduced
speed will be safer for pedestrians and vehicles backing out of the parking
spaces. Councilmember Matthews moved to suspend the rules and waive the
second and third readings. Councilmember Henley seconded and the roll call
count was 7 for and 0 against. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the
ordinance and Councilmember Henley seconded. The roll call count was 7 for
and 0 against. The ordinance was given #2015-3-2.
1) ENGINEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his monthly report.
Mr. Johnson said the large sewer line replacement project on Westside was
progressing well. He said they are also replacing water lines where needed and
will be paving the streets when completed. The Wastewater Treatment Plant
project is near completion and he hopes to be running the new facility in the next
few months. The Water Treatment Plant is also running well. The street
department is working on storm drain repairs as well as other projects around
town. Mr. Johnson said he is still trying to get all the easements required to do
the next large sewer project and has run into a few snags along the way.
J) PAID BILLS REPORT
The council was given a copy of the paid bills report for February, 2015.
K) MAYOR'S 2014 STATE OF THE CITY
Ladiesand gentlemen of the city council, City Clerk Denise Johnston, City Attorney Lindsey Castleberry, and citizens of Batesville, I am honored to bring you my
annual state of the city address. I believe that great cities make a great state. Batesville is a great city, and the state of our city is strong.
As I prepared for this address, I thought back to the November 2006 election when I was first elected as your mayor. I ran on the promise that I would lead the city of Batesville
forward into a more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren. I am proud of the accomplishments our city has made. Moving a city forward isn't a one-man show and
the mayor can't do it alone. It requires a lot of teamwork and I am very thankful that you have given me a great team to work with.
cannot do my job without an effective city council. I am thankful that you have continued to put your trust in this group of dedicated public servants who believe that by working
together good things can be accomplished for our city.
I am also thankful that you have continued to re-elect Mrs. Denise Johnston as your City Clerk/Treasurer. She, along with her two deputy clerks, is responsible for keeping track
of every penny of your tax money according to the requirements of state law. She does a fantastic job and I never have to worry about whether her work is done accurately or
precisely. Knowing that the public's tax dollars are handled properly makes myjob a lot easier.
Mrs. Johnston is well known throughout our state as one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable city clerks in Arkansas. Her efforts in computerizing all of the city's
accounting records has resulted in our city having one of the best accounting systems of any city in Arkansas. In 2014, she was selected as the City Clerk of the Year by the
Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association. 2015 begins her 25th year as city clerk and her long record of service brings a level of stability to city government
that many cities only wish for.
Mr. Lindsey Castleberry, our city attorney is also a huge asset to our community. Besides providing legal advice to the city he also prosecutes offenses that occur within the city.
Batesville is very fortunate to have a city attorney with the kind of dedication Mr. Castleberry has demonstrated.
Finally, I must also praise the work of my administrative secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Corter. She has been a dedicated city employee for numerous years working for the city in
multiple departments. She is responsible for scheduling my appointments and making sure I am not late for meetings. Her professionalism, knowledge of city government, and
love for our community makes her the perfect person to greet our citizens who visit or call city hall.
I believe that the city services we provide enable our citizens to live better, more productive and comfortable lives, enabling them to have a quality of life not always found in
small cities.
We are fortunate to have loyal, and dedicated employees, many of our employees have decades of service, who love this city as much as I do and are committed to serving the
citizens of Batesville.
These dedicated men and women make sure that you have uninterrupted water and sewer service. They see that your trash is picked up on time and improve the looks of our
city with limb and leaf pickup. They make sure our parks are well maintained, and see that all public areas are landscaped and well groomed. They work to maintain our
streets, provide our citizens with superior firefighting and rescue capabilities, operate our airport, and enforce our zoning laws and our state's fire and building codes. Animal
control is enforced to help ensure the safety of our citizens and their pets. Soon we will also be providing the citizens of Batesville an enhanced level of police protection with
our new Batesville Police Force.
Early in my administration I began weekly meetings with the supervisors of all these departments. My goal was simple. If each department knew what all the others were doing
then we could be more efficient in the delivery of services to our citizens. An added benefit has been that your mayor has really learned a lot from these dedicated employees!
Each year when I begin to prepare this address, I initially think the previous year has slipped by quickly without as much forward movement as I would have hoped for. Then, as
I begin to look back through the minutes of each council meeting, I am reminded ofjust how much progress has actually been made. This past year has seen many great things
accomplished for our city and I hope you are as proud of them as I am. Recently a citizen commented that he believed Batesville had made more progress in the last five years
than it had in the twenty plus years he had lived here. I hope you feel the same. Early in my administration your city council recognized the importance of the airport to our
business community and economic development. They chose to substantially increase funds to the airport commission allowing them to have the matching funds available to
secure additional grants. As a result, the airport has continued to grow as aircraft owners continue renting hangar space faster than the Airport Commission can build it. A new
multi -bay hangar for larger aircraft was constructed and occupied in 2014, making it the third new multi-plane hangar constructed by the Airport Commission in recent years.
About 80 aircraft are currently based at the airport. Currently, the Commission continues adding additional hangar space and is planning a major renovation of the terminal
building, which hasn't been updated in several decades. We are fortunate to have such a talented group of aviation and civic minded volunteers who serve on this important
commission. The Batesville Regional Airport is recognized as one of the best airports of its size in Arkansas.
In October, airport manager Darren Wilkes was recognized, along with the airport itself, for being chosen as the 2014 Airport of the Year by the Arkansas Airport Operators
Association. The award is in recognition of the airport's contribution to the overall Arkansas airport system and the community's efforts to expand and improve the facility.
Our city continues to enjoy increased sports tourism, which brings tremendous dollars into our community as participants and their families spend money at our area
businesses.
Each February, our city continues to host the Six County Region 3 Archery Tournament, which brings 300-400 archers and their families to our city. We are grateful that
FutureFuel Chemical Company continues to allow the use of the White Rogers Building for this event.
The new Terry Sims Diamond Sports Complex and the new soccer complex were both part of the capital facilities authorized by voters under the 2012 Community Development
Initiative. These projects are both complete and we continue to nurture the establishment of the grass to improve the eye appeal and first impression of the new facilities.
In May of last year, the first baseball tournament was held at the new complex. The three day Ian Kinsler NIT baseball tournament was a resounding success bringing an
estimated 5,500 additional visitors and players to our city. According to the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the tournament had a $500,000.00 impact on sales, with
businesses reporting a 100 to 118% increase in revenues for the weekend. This is a Win, Wn! Awin for our businesses and our community. Parks Director, Jeff Owens, has
scheduled eight baseball tournaments for this spring with five of those already in the definite category. As the word of the new, seven field, Terry Sims Diamond Sports Complex
spreads, the facility will generate increased sports tourism bringing thousands of visitors to our community each year. Participation in the city's youth soccer program continues
to grow with 33 teams signed up to play and the youth baseball and softball programs have over 500 kids signed up to play this spring.
We are certainly appreciative of the local businesses that continue to demonstrate support for the new sports complexes by purchasing all of the available sponsorships for the
sports fields.
In February, the city opened bids on the new Fitzhugh Park Community Center and Aquatic Park. The new facility is part of the 2012 Community Development Sales Tax
Initiative passed by voters. The new facility will have a gymnasium with three basketball courts, six volleyball courts, a walking track, and a racquetball court. This large facility
will attract basketball and volleyball tournaments and will be able to utilize chair seating for two to three thousand people for area graduations and other large events such as
outdoor products shows, boat shows and other similar events. The center section of the new facility will house several large meeting rooms, two "board" type meeting rooms,
exercise rooms and office space. The indoor aquatics facility will feature a competition swimming pool capable of hosting competitive swimming events in both meter and yard
disciplines, a heated therapy pool, and a smaller "kiddie" pool with a small water slide to create a year round venue for children's birthday parties. The outdoor portion of the
aquatics facility will have a zero entry pool with a swimming area, diving area, a double water slide, a zip line and a lazy river. Not only will these new facilities provide exciting
new opportunities for our schools, citizens and local businesses, but they will also attract companies and individuals looking for large event venues and individuals wanting to
take advantage of the aquatic offerings and exercise opportunities in a fifty to seventy five mile radius of Batesville.
We are making good progress on construction of the Fitzhugh Park Community Center and Aquatic Park although continued bad weather can possibly delay the project. We are
still hoping for a 2015 grand opening although the timetable is dependent on the weather during the coming months.
When completed, our community will have a facility to be proud of and one that will provide new opportunities for our citizens and area businesses. Soon, we will be giving area
residents and businesses opportunities to sponsor certain furnishings for the new facilities. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting new addition to our community
through a sponsorship, please contact Parks Director Jeff Owens or myself. There will also be multiple opportunities for citizens to volunteer at the new facility.
In July, construction was begun by M & A Jones Construction Company of Batesville on a $634,996.00 project that has been in the works for at least six years. The city has
been working with the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB), White River Planning & Development District (WRPDD) and others to secure funding
to relocate the White River Fire Fighting Training Center from the banks of the White River in Riverside Park to the UACCB Campus in conjunction with the construction of a
combined Firefighting Training Center/Workforce Training Center. Once the center locates to the new facility, the city can consider economic development opportunities of the
riverfront area, including the possibility of marketing the site for a multistory riverfront hotel.
2014 was a pivotal year for the Main Street Batesville Program. Deficiencies in the program had resulted in a possibility of de -certification of the program by Main Street
Arkansas. Mr. Bob Carius was elected as the chairman of the Main Street Batesville Board and he has led a renewed interest in preserving and improving the downtown area.
With most of the downtown buildings privately owned it was critical for the Main Street Batesville organization to obtain the support of a majority of the property owners in the
effort to revitalize the downtown area. The Main Street Batesville Board decided to engage the services of Mr. Dan Burden, a world renowned leader in helping cities revitalize
their downtowns. Our goal was to create a more walkable, pedestrian friendly, and more aesthetically pleasing downtown environment where people would want to go to spend
time.
Over a three-day period, Mr. Burden met with downtown stakeholders and afterward the Main Street Batesville organization held a public meeting to discuss the
recommendations of Mr. Burden. The Main Street Batesville Board recognized that a complete makeover of the downtown streetscape would have the best chance to foster a
revitalization of the downtown area. The Main Street Batesville Board asked the city to partner with them to create a completely new streetscape for Main Street in the
downtown area. Instead of two driving lanes with parking on each side of the street, angled parking on alternating blocks utilizing a single, reduced speed, driving lane to slow
traffic down would be created. Large planters would be created on the corners to increase the green space. The streetscape changes are a work in progress and their overall
changes have been well received by a majority of the public.
Recently, it was announced that the owner of the 100 plus year old Historic Barnett Building was donating it to the City of Batesville and its partnership with Main Street
Batesville. The coming year will bring exciting new possibilities for this historic building's use. I am excited about the new challenges and opportunities taking place in our
historic downtown.
No political races developed in the city during the fall elections and all of the aldermen, city clerk and city attorney were all returned to office, along with myself. Early in the year
however, two vacancies were created when aldermen moved out of their respective wards. Mrs. Paige Hubbard resigned from Ward 3, Position 2 because she moved into Ward
4, and Mr. Davy Insell resigned from Ward 4, Position 1 because he moved out of the city limits. The council appointed Mrs. Hubbard to fill the Ward 4, Position 1 seat and Dr.
Chris Beller to fill the Ward 3, Position 2 seat.
In September, Mr. Fred Krug retired and moved to Greers Ferry. He was recognized for his dedicated ten years of service as a city council member serving Ward 3, Position 1.
After considering four applicants to fill the Ward 3, Position 1 vacancy, the council appointed Ms. Sonya Crafton to fill the vacancy.
An ordinance was passed prohibiting the use of e -cigarettes in city parks, cemeteries and other city owned facilities.
A new Patrol/Narcotics Detection dog was purchased with monies from the alcoholic beverage tax set aside for public safety.
The city accepted the annexation of the county's new 46.7 acre business park.
A new fire truck was placed into service in order to maintain the city's excellent Class 3 fire rating which saves property owners money on existing fire insurance premiums.
The city continued its promotion of economic development through its participation in the "Tax Back Program" administered by the Arkansas Economic Development
Commission that allows companies to recoup local sales taxes paid on certain items used in an expansion of existing facilities.
A $50,000.00 grant allowed the city to purchase a new chipper machine which allows the continuation of our free leaf and limb pickup program.During the summer months the
Parks and Recreation Department continued the "Movies in the Park" program, which is sponsored by area businesses, and provides free, family oriented movies in our very
own Riverside Park.
A flashflood early in the year resulted in an estimated $250,000.00 damage to several city facilities including the new walking trail and extensive damage to the bridge in
Riverside Park. One recommendation was to replace the old bridge at an estimated cost of over a million dollars. Street Department personnel decided to repair the bridge
themselves under the supervision of the city engineer saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to the cost of a new bridge. The city also expects to receive
money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for the flood damage. City personnel worked long hours during the flood event and the Citizens Bank,
First Community Bank, Woodlawn Nursing Home and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a catfish dinner at Josie's Restaurant to show the community's
appreciation.
A new water and sewer rate ordinance was enacted resulting in small yearly increases instead of much larger increases on a more infrequent basis.
A long discussion centered around tornado sirens after a mid -year, F1 tornado damaged several structures in the city. It was noted that the old sirens had been out of service for
a long time and had been replaced by the county operated Alert Express System whereby individuals are contacted via cell phone and telephone land lines. The city will
continue to encourage citizens to signup for the free service by including the information and the phone number to call with utility bills.
Midyear, the council approved a resolution to issue revenue bonds for the new assisted living center to be built on the old Woodlawn Nursing Home site by
Wood -lawn Inc.
Our Dispatch Supervisor, Ms. Joy Wilson, resigned because of health issues and former County Judge Bill Hicks was hired as Dispatch Supervisor bringing needed reforms to
the department.
The city discussed the conversion of all the light fixtures in the three story municipal building to LED type lights. After an energy audit was conducted, it was determined that the
project should go forward considering that grant money was available to help with the project. This is expected to pay for itself in energy savings within three years.
In November, the bid was awarded for Phase III of the Greenway Trail which will begin at Douglas Street and connect with the Batesville Junior High School. This trail will
provide a continuous walking trail from the Mickey Mouse pool to the Junior High School.
Also, in November, out of state travel was approved for two personnel to attend the multi -day stoplight training school in Decatur, Alabama. All of the stoplights in our city, as
well as the one at the top of Ramsey Mountain, are maintained by the City of Batesville. In order for the city's employees to be able to repair these traffic control devices the city
is required to send its employees responsible for stoplight repair to this school every year.
The council approved the installation of LED lighting at the three fire stations with the monies coming from grant monies and the alcohol beverage tax fund set aside for public
safety. Fire department personnel will do the retrofitting, saving additional money.
A new feature was added to Riverside Park to enhance the experience of our citizens when touring the Christmas Lights Display. First Community Bank, through the
encouragement and vision of CEO Dale Cole, donated to the city a new synthetic ice skating rink along with 102 pairs of skates. The new skating venue served 4,375 visitors,
many from other communities. The new feature was a resounding success and the net income of over $12,000.00 is being used to buy more features for the upcoming years.
This past year also saw the addition of more horse drawn carriages as that feature continued its success as well.
The city purchased a traffic counter to monitor the traffic. There were approximately 38,000 cars that drove through the Christmas lighting displays between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
when the lights were turned on. If the vehicles averaged 3 people per car that equals well over 100,000 people who viewed the City of Batesville Christmas Lights Display. Each
year, thanks to the continued contributions of area businesses and individuals, the number of displays continues to grow.
The city continued to recognize the accomplishments of its citizens including the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Batesville Class of 2014 program, which
trains young professionals in our community to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Members of the Believer's Community Church were recognized for their community service project building 14 new picnic tables for the new sports complex.
In July, city personnel were formally recognized for their hard work, and long hours in extreme heat to finish the Riverside Park Bridge repair so Cheney Drive could be re-
opened up for the July 41h festivities.
At the November 12th meeting, the city continued its recognition of championship teams by recognizing the undefeated Batesville Blitz Soccer Team and the Batesville Pioneer
Junior High Football Team who went undefeated with a 10-0 record.
In December, city personnel responsible for putting up the Christmas light displays were recognized for working long hours, often into the night, to make sure all the lights were
ready on December 1 st. It takes city crews two full months to put up all the lights, but the praise from area residents makes the effort all worthwhile.
Wastewater line replacement, required under our Consent Administrative Order, is progressing, but slowly. The CAO requires the replacement of old leaky sewer lines and we
continue to concentrate that work on Westside. As we replace the sewer lines, we are also upgrading many of the water lines in those areas since the streets in the affected
areas are being repaved as line work is completed. To ensure that the work continues on schedule a new $700,000.00 trencher was placed into service in order to saw through
the copious amount of solid rock encountered. It replaced an older trencher that was over 20 years old.
One major component of the line rehabilitation project is the installation of a new 48" wastewater line, that will run from Riverside Park, through the poultry plant's premises,
along the bayou near the jail and then back up along the bayou although it has still not gone to bid. Acquiring the right of way from property owners has been problematic. The
rapid pace at which new expansions have happened in order to accommodate expected future growth at the poultry plants the city has had to re-engineer the location of the line
creating further delays.
Progress on the new wastewater treatment plant continues, although at a slower pace than I had hoped. The city continues to press the contractor for faster progress. When
finished our wastewater treatment capacity will increase from 4.3 million gallons per day (MGD) to about 12 MGD. We reached our legal discharge limit of 4.3 MGD in 1990 and
the new plant will provide capacity to allow expansion of existing industries and attract new industry to our community.
In October, the council authorized the Utility Department to proceed with hiring a specialized construction company to prepare the connections between the active sewer lines
coming into the existing pump station and the new tunnel facility. This will facilitate the transition to the new pump station at the wastewater plant when the new treatment plant
comes online. This work has been completed to date.
Work on water and sewer line replacement, where needed, continued under streets that were to be repaved with partial State Street Aid Program funds along with funds from
the 2012 Community Development Initiative O & M Fund. This planning helps minimize the need to dig up a street soon after it has been repaved.
The city has completed the conversion from an obsolete control system at the water treatment plant to a new modern computerized control system and continues planning for
additional improvements to the water distribution and storage system.
The last of the radio read water meters were installed. Long term, the new radio meters will save taxpayers substantial money over the old manual read meters.
In November, the Police Department Feasibility Report prepared by Davis Business Planning of Fayetteville, Arkansas was presented and discussed by company
representatives.
In early December, the discussion into forming a City of Batesville Police Department continued with Councilman Poole making a motion to have City Attorney Castleberry draw
up the appropriate ordinance to give the county the required six month notice that the city is withdrawing from the Inter -local Law Enforcement Agreement. The motion was
approved by an 8-0 vote ushering in the creation of a new Batesville Police Department.
On December 17th, the city council voted 8-0 to approve the ordinance prepared to withdraw from the Inter -local Agreement. The action resulted in the formation of the new
Batesville Police Department that will usher in a new era of enhanced, community based, police protection to the citizens of Batesville. Also passed was a resolution to negotiate
with the county and the area volunteer fire departments for the city to continue operating dispatch services.
Before closing let me reiterate that the condition of our city is strong. The City of Batesville will continue to challenge our community to be all it can be.
We will continue to move forward on many fronts, including finishing the construction of existing projects and working with other stakeholders to find new ways to build a
successful, comprehensive, economic development program to encourage new business development and job growth in both wholesale and retail sectors of our economy.
We will also continue to work with existing employers to retain existing jobs and to encourage business expansion and newjob creation. It is crucial that we continue to promote
all forms of tourism including, conventional tourism as well as lessor known forms of tourism such as sports and festival tourism. Tourism brings "new" dollars into our
community as visitors spend their money here which will generates tax dollars for the city.
I believe the new Fitzhugh Park Community Center and Aquatic Park, which is expected to open in December of this year, will greatly enhance the quality of life for the citizens
of our community. I hope that generations to come will appreciate this new facility, be proud that our community invested in its future, and that many will ask why it wasn't built
sooner.
I believe that this new facility will prove to be a valuable tool for entities to assist all our educational facilities, our banks, business and industries in order to be successful and
grow their organizations. I also believe that it will be an invaluable tool in attracting new businesses to our community.
Some might say that the City of Batesville faces many challenges in 2015 but I believe the city is presented only with opportunities to make our community a better place, a
place our children and grandchildren will want to live and raise their families. I pledge to you that I will continue leading our city forward in the progressive manner you have
come to expect.
In closing, I would like to leave you with this quote by Wilfred Peterson: 'Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the
successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.
May God bless you and may God bless the City of Batesville.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Elumbaugh invited the council and public to the Arbor Day Celebration on
April 2nd at 10:00 AM at Riverside Park. He said the city will be planting a tree in
memory of former Mayor Joe Biard.
The Clerk informed the council of several fixed asset disposals. 2001 Komatsu
Trackhoe Excavator sold on GovDeals for $29,831.25, 1989 Kubota Tractor, Unit #406,
sold on GovDeals for $3,406.67, 1998 Chev. Unit #428, sold on GovDeals for
$1,602.01, 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, Unit #402, sold on GovDeals for $886.87, 1993
Ford F-350, Unit # 429 sold on GovDeals for $2,225.00, John Deere Mower 738 traded
in for new mower, Unit 338, 28 foot home made equipment trailer traded in for new
trailer, and 1999 1 ton Dodge 3500 flatbed junked for parts.
LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember Matthews said in response to Ms. Cavaness' remarks during
Citizens Comments that the Airport Commission meetings are subject to change for one
reason or another and suggested that if she wants to attend every meeting that she
could contact the airport manager and request to be put on the email list. He also said
the commission will open bids in late April for the upgrade to the airport terminal. They
are expecting the bids to be around $700,000.00.
Councilmember Poole said the law enforcement committee met last night and
approved the time line presented by Chief Cockrill to begin the full operation of the new
police department. The plan sets out dates to transfer city owned equipment from the
sheriff's department to the city and hire and certify officers. Chief Cockrill said upon
approval from the council, he would certify a letter to include the timeline to the Sheriff
and County Judge and regular mail to the council and quorum court. Councilmember
Matthews moved to approve the Chief's timeline and Councilmember Bryant seconded.
All voted for.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Henley said she had a call regarding a problem on Alice Street
that Mr. Johnson was aware of. Mr. Johnson said he is aware and is working to remedy
the problem. Ms. Henley also asked if the cities new (used) street sweeper was in use.
Mayor Elumbaugh said it was however man power was usually an issue.
Councilmember Matthews said he would like to thank and recognize the street
department for their hard work and long hours during the bad weather this past winter.
Dr. Matthews also said he has had several calls inquiring if there are going to be
bleachers at the soccer fields this year. Parks Director Jeff Owens said he had no plans
for bleachers at the soccer fields at this time. He said normally soccer spectators bring
lawn chairs. In order to put bleachers at the fields, the city would have to pour concrete
for the bleachers to set on and sidewalks in order to be compliant with the Americans
►n1[i 7 �7�171 I[iC�_[�
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Bryant moved that the meeting
be adjourned. Councilmember Matthews seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK