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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-26 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MARCH 26, 2013 The Batesville City Council met in regular session on March 26, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Building. Mayor Elumbaugh called the meeting to order. Councilmember Krug 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 and the City Attorney. Councilmember Shetron moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Councilmember Insell seconded and all voted for. Councilmember Bryant moved to approve the prepared agenda as amended. Councilmember Henley seconded and all voted for. CITIZENS COMMENTS None UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS A) SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Chief Deputy Alan Cockrill addressed the council with the Sheriff Department's monthly report. Chief Cockrill also informed the council that the three new metro cars have been placed in service. B) MS. CRYSTAL JOHNSON WITH AN UPDATE FROM THE CHAMBER Ms. Crystal Johnson, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, addressed the council. Ms. Johnson introduced several of the Chamber Board of Directors who were present at the meeting. She first thanked the City for the working relationship and continued support that the Chamber receives from the City. She said the grant writing efforts through the Chamber have benefited the City approximately $86,000.00. There are two outstanding grants that should be received by late summer. Ms. Johnson said she was notified by the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Department that tourism was up 42% for our area in 2012. She said she has asked for a detailed report to try to determine what caused the increase so we can continue that kind of growth. She also said Councilmember Bryant recently suggested moving the tourism information center from the Airport to the Chamber. She said the move has been very beneficial primarily because the Chamber has a larger staff to be able to help and answer questions from the public. They have also added a Hospitality Guide which has been well received. Ms. Johnson said they have also recently redesigned their website. Lastly, Ms. Johnson said there is a new program sponsored and funded by the Chamber Foundation. She said she would like three councilmembers and three quorum court members to form a committee that will travel to other cities of our size that have been successful in attracting industry to their areas. The travel will probably be in November and at no cost to the City. C) REQUEST FOR ANEW WATER SERVICE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS Ms. Katherine Crawford addressed the council requesting a water meter at her residence located outside the city limits. Utility Office Manager Nick Baxter said a city water line runs in front of Ms. Crawford's residence. Mr. Baxter said Ms. Crawford has met all the requirements and signed all required forms. Councilmember Krug moved to approve the water meter. Councilmember Bryant seconded and all voted for. D) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID OF A CONCESSION STAND AT THE NEW EAST MAIN SOCCER COMPLEX Councilmember Bryant introduced a resolution to award the bid for the construction of a concession stand at the new East Main Soccer Complex. The low bidder for the project was StoneBridge Construction for $272,000.00. The project is part of the temporary sales and use tax for capital improvements for parks and recreation. City Attorney Lindsey Castleberry read the resolution in full. Councilmember Insell moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Henley seconded. The roll call count was 7 for and 1 (Shetron) abstained. The resolution was given #2013-03-01-R. E) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL BALL FIELDS AT THE NORTH COMPLEX Councilmember Insell introduced a resolution to award the bid for the construction expansion of the new youth ball fields and parking lot at the North Complex. The low bidder for the expansion was StoneBridge Construction for $2,100,000.00. The project is part of the temporary sales and use tax for capital improvements for parks and recreation. City Attorney Lindsey Castleberry read the resolution in full. Councilmember Henley moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Insell seconded. The roll call count was 7 for and 1 (Shetron) abstained. The resolution was given #2013-03-02-R. F) REVIEW OF THE FEBRUARY, 2013 PAID BILLS REPORT The council was given a copy of the February, 2013 paid bills report for review. G) REVIEW OF THE JANUARY, 2013 FINANCIALS The council was given a copy of the January, 2013 financials for review. H) ENGINEER'S REPORT City Engineer Damon Johnson addressed the council with his Engineer's Report. Mr. Johnson said the City opened bids for an asphalt compactor for the Street Department. The low bid was J.A. Riggs for $38,855.00. Councilmember Bryant moved to accept the low bid and Councilmember Shetron seconded. All voted for. Mr. Johnson gave a quick overview of the different activities going on throughout the City. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Elumbaugh said the City has been approved for a 50/50 Grant from Parks and Tourism to purchase the Sims property located next to the North Complex. The grant funds will not be available until sometime in September. The Mayor asked for permission from the council to do a short term loan to go ahead and purchase the property. Councilmember Krug suggested borrowing the money from the Utility Department since it will only be for a few months. The council agreed. Councilmember Bryant moved to borrow the money from the Utility Department and Councilmember Insell seconded. All voted for. The Mayor said a local citizen, Mr. Dick Bernard, wanted to thank the fire department to their quick response to his house fire this past week. He said the fire department was at his residence within 4 minutes of being dispatched therefore greatly minimizing the damage to his home. The Mayor said the fire department would be advertising in the next couple of weeks for the new fire truck and two additional full paid firefighters. LIAISON REPORTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS None 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