HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-08 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
OCTOBER 8, 2013
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on October 8, at 5:30 PM at
the Municipal Building. Mayor Elumbaugh called the meeting to order. Utility Office
Manager Nick Baxter gave the invocation. Upon roll call, the following council answered
present; Tommy Bryant, Margarett Henley, Paige Hubbard, Davy Insell, Fred Krug,
Douglas Matthews, Chris Poole, and David Shetron. Also present were the City Clerk
Denise Johnston and the City Attorney Lindsey Castleberry.
Councilmember Bryant moved to approve the minutes from the previous
meeting. Councilmember Insell seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Matthews moved to approve the prepared agenda.
Councilmember Henley seconded and all voted for.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Mr. Royce Adams addressed the council with concerns over a new Riverwood
Estates subdivision being constructed off Harrison Street between Stoneflag and Gap
Road. Mr. Adams said he was concerned about drainage issues due to the new
subdivision and wanted to make sure the City Engineer was approving the plans before
roads are constructed.
Ms. Sheila Avant addressed the council asking for support from the City for the
application of a GIF Grant to refurbish the old Ethel O. Miller Gym.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Before the beginning of new business, the Highlander Youth Singers performed two
songs for the council and audience. The choir is made up of area youth from 6th
through 12th grades.
A) SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT
Mayor Elumbaugh said Chief Deputy Alan Cockrill was unexpectedly called out
and had to leave the meeting, however, a Department Activity & Status Report
for August was provided in the council packets.
B) MS. CRYSTAL JOHNSON WITH A WATER CARNIVAL REPORT
Ms. Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Chamber of Commerce addressed
the council with a report on the recent White River Water Carnival. Ms. Johnson
said this year's carnival was a huge success with approximately 9,000 people in
attendance, 7,000 of which were county citizens. Ms. Johnson said the Chamber
partnered with the Arkansas Parks and Tourism and conducted a survey that
revealed an economic impact in our area of approximately $292,000.00 due to
the carnival. She said a new event, the 5K Glow Run, yielded an unexpected
1,100 runners. She said runners from Missouri, Tennessee and one from Florida
came to our City to participate in the Glow Run.
C) MR. BOB CARIUS WITH A MAIN STREET BATESVILLE UPDATE
Mr. Bob Carius with the Main Street Batesville program addressed the council
with an update on the Main Street program. Mr. Carius said a new board is
being formed and a plan is in place to revitalize our Main Street program. He
spoke of the importance of our downtown which is a historic treasure within itself.
He said that 50+ stores in our downtown are listed on the State's Historic
Register and discussed the importance of keeping our downtown alive and
vibrant. Mr. Carius invited the council to a Main Street Merchants Meeting on
October 15th and promised to keep the council updated on the Main Street
program.
D) LEVY OF TAXES
The council considered the Levy of Taxes for the year 2013, payable in 2014.
Councilmember Matthews moved to continue the levy at City General 5 Mills and
Firemen's Pension .4 Mills. Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for.
E) ENGINEER'S REPORT
City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his engineer's report.
Mr. Johnson gave a brief rundown of major construction activities throughout the
City and said everything was running smooth and on schedule.
F) REVIEW PAID BILLS REPORT
The council was given a copy of the September, 2013 paid bills report for review.
MAYOR COMMENTS
None
LIAISON REPORTS
None
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Henley reminded the council of the Family Violence Prevention
Candlelight Vigil scheduled for October 10th at 6:00 PM. Ms. Henley encouraged
everyone to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Matthews moved that the
meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for.
RICK ELUMBAUGH, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK