EUREKA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1996
Mayor Barbara O’Harris was unable to
be at the meeting until later in the day and the Council chose Alderman David
Jeffrey to act as Pro Tern until she arrived.
Mayor Pro Tern, David Jeffrey,
called the meeting to order, directly after the Public Hearing, at 9:08 a.m.
PRESENT:
Mayor Pro Tern, David Jeffrey,
Aldermen Jan Watson, Sheila Seratt, Bill
Earngey, Bill Rubley, and Chris
Riker.
ALSO PRESENT:
Attorney, Lewis Epley, Mike Ellis
from Carroll County Newspapers, Don
Malt, Bill Meggenberg, Jay Miner,
Jim Walden and Clerk Lee.
Mr. Walden led in the pledge of
allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The Council moved Ordinance #1680,
The Nickleson property vacation to #1 under new business. Mr. Walden said that
item #6 under New Business, Moped Franchise Amendments, was not ready to be
presented, but the Council left it there to be discussed. The arrival time of
the Mayor was in question, so they put her State-of-the-City address as item #8
of New Business.
Alderman Watson made the motion to
approve the agenda as amended, and Alderman Earngey seconded it. All were in
favor, 6/0/0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
approve the minutes from January 16,
1996, which dealt with the funding
agreement for the Recycling Center.
Alderman Riker seconded. The vote was four Aldermen for and Mr. Rubley
and Mr. Earngey abstained, 4/0/2.
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
approve the minutes of January 22, 1996. Alderman Watson seconded. All were in
favor, 6/0/0.
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
approve the minutes of January 23, 1996. Alderman Watson seconded. Several
people didn’t have time to read over the minutes. Alderman Riker made the
motion to postpone the approval of the January 23rd minutes to the February
27th meeting. Alderman Watson seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Ordinance #1685, City Collection
of CAPC Taxes, (Postponed from the January 23rd meeting: Alderman Watson made
the motion to read Ordinance #1685 in its entirety for clarification. Alderman
Rubley seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0. Mr. Walden read the ordinance. The
ordinance has been read once, but the vote was never taken. A long discussion
followed.
Mr. Earngey said that the CAPC is
not like any other commission in that the person collecting the tax would still
be under the direction of the Executive Director of both the Chamber and the
Commission. He said the position named in the ordinance says Executive
Director/Bookkeeper. Alderman Soratt said that the person that collects the tax
will not fall under the direction of the Executive Director. The person will
fall under the jurisdiction of the Chairman and the Commission.
Alderman Jeffrey said that the CAPC
is riot financially able to hire a director at this time.
Alderman Seratt mentioned that the
person collecting the tax right now is working full time, and an executive
director has a great many duties, also, She doubts that on person can do both
jobs.
Alderman Rubley said that majority
of the business owners want the CAPC and the Chamber separated.
85
The Council then asked Mr. Epley,
since he knew the history of the formation of the CAPC, if he could explain why
they were put together. He said that back then, both organizations were small,
and it was for economic reasons. Back in 1961 the Chamber budget was about
$3,000. There were several towns in Arkansas that were successfully using the
same situation, and it has been successful during the formative years. Alderman
Seratt said that the Council is trying to micro-manage a Commission that is
trying to work the needed changes out within itself. Alderman Rubley says that
the CAPC money should be collected by the City, and he has always felt that
way.
Alderman Earngey made the motion to
postpone the vote on the City collecting the tax until after the following
motion, which is, inasmuch as it is in the best interests of the City, and
pursuant to Chapter 4.32.02 in the City code, the City Council requests that
the CAPC establishes a combined full time position of Executive
Director/Bookkeeper. Alderman Riker seconded. The vote was Aldermen Rubley,
Watson,and Jeffrey voted no, and Aldermen Riker, Seratt, and Earngey voted yes,
3/3/0. Mayor Pro Tern Jeffrey called the question. The vote to vote was 6/0/0.
The vote on Ordinance #1685 was Aldermen Riker, Rubley & Earngey for and
Aldermen Jeffrey, Watson, & Seratt against, 3/3/0. Ordinance #1685 failed,
on the first reading vote.
2. Sewer Line, Highway 23 South, School District:
Mr. Miner said that he did not
forsee any problems. He said that the Colemans would like the City to extend
the sewer line to the corner of their building and not be charged a tap fee to
hook it up, in exchange for an easement. The others that are asked for
easements show no signs of there being any problems, however everyone is not in
town at this time. Everyone is anxious to get started before it gets much later
in the season.
3. Howell Street Wall:
Mr. Miner said that Mr. Clark has
not contacted him. He may not have been able to meet with Mrs. Brown. Mrs.
Brown seems to think that the people who looked at buying the property before
are still interested. Alderman Rubley suggested investigating the purchase of
the property, cleaning up the mess, building back the wall and then using it
for some City purpose or selling it to recover our money.
Mr. Walden asked if it being a
nuisance is enough reason for a City to purchase the property, and Mr. Miner
said it is, since it involves safety, health and welfare, and esthetics.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Ordinance #1690, Vacation of Property,
Nickleson:
Alderman Rubley made the motion to
place Ordinance #1690 on its first
reading. Alderman Watson seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Mr. Walden read the Ordinance.
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
approve. Alderman Watson seconded.
Roll call vote passed, 6/0/0.
Alderman Watson made the motion to
suspend the rules and place
Ordinance #1690 on its second
reading by title only. All were in favor,
6/0/0.
Mr. Walden read the ordinance by
title only.
Alderman Rubley made the motion to
approve. Alderman Watson seconded.
The ordinance passed on its seconded
reading, 6/0/0.
Alderman Earngey made the motion to
recess. Alderman Rubley seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0. The
meeting was reconvened at 10:19 a.m.
Mayor O’Harris took over the meeting
as the meeting reconvened.
2.
Resolution
#428, Designating Mr. Young as the Representative of the Mayor’s Office, and
the City Signatory:
Alderman Seratt made the motion to read the resolution. Alderman Jeffrey seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Mr. Walden read the Resolution.
86
Alderman
Jeffrey made the motion to approve.
There was some discussion. Mr.
Walden explained that this resolution is a clear statement to clarify
The chain of command.
There are certain documents that the Mayor cannot sign, nor can any member of
the Council. In the case of absences, the City is covered.
Aldermen Hiker, Jeffrey, Seratt, and
Watson voted yes, and Aldermen Rubley, and Earngey abstained, 4/0/2.
3. Resolution #429, Designation
Mr. Young as the City’s Representative on the Carroll County Solid-Wastes
Authority:
Alderman Seratt made
the motion to read Resolution #429. Alderman Watson seconded. All were in
favor, 6/0/0.
Mr. Walden read the resolution.
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
approve. Alderman Jeffrey seconded.
The roll was called and Resolution
#429 passed, 6/0/0.
4. Resolution #430,
Designating Mr. Young as the City’s Representative on the
Four-County(Northwest) Regional Solid-Wastes Management District:
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
read Resolution #430. Alderman
Watson seconded. All were in favor,
6/0/0.
Mr. Walden read the resolution.
Alderman Jeffrey made the motion to
approve. Alderman Seratt seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
5. Resolution #431, Designating Mrs.
Lee and Mr. Young as Trustees for the Employee’s Retirement Fund:
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
read Resolution #431. Alderman Watson seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Mr. Walden read the resolution.
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
approve. Alderman Watson seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Mr. Walden said that there are two
other areas whore a designation has to be made. He did not feel that it was
necessary to draw up resolutions for them. The Municipal League requires that
the Mayor designate an employee as the Designated Personnel Director, and its
required that there is a designated American Disabilities Act Co-ordinator for
the City.
6. Moped Franchise Ordinance
Amendment: -
Mr. Miner reported that the
franchise holders may not operate this year.
He will bring the ordinance to the
next agenda-setting meeting with
alternatives for the Council to
consider.
7. Transit Department Issues,
(Correction of previously approved City Council Minutes, $1 Pass, and March 1st
Start Up Funds), Alderman Watson:
The correction involved the Public
Hearing Minutes of October 24,1995, and it was corrected before the meeting.
The Council decided to set a work
session at a future date to discuss the suggestions by Mr. Graebner that the
City can implement.
Alderman Watson said that the
Transit Department will need $15,000 by the first of March. Alderman Jeffrey
made the motion to take $15,000 from reserves and pay the Transit Department.
Alderman Seralt seconded. Alderman Jeffrey withdrew his motion, after
discussion.
Alderman Watson reported that
Charles Fargo is looking at equipment to lease for the year of 1996. He is not
looking at lease purchase. It is illegal for the City to pay interest. Also,
there has been discussion of grant money and what is available.
8. Mayors State of the City Address.
The Mayor’s State of the City address was put on file in the Clerk’s office. It
listed the many accomplishments of the City in 1995. A copy is on file in the
clerk’s office.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT:
Mr. Walden announced that the
December Sales and Use Tax check from the State (which was collected in November of 1995), was a little over $16,000 greater than
December of 1994. The City finished the
year with $6932 more than the 1994 total collections. That is one percent increase.
Mr. Graebner’s final report is
in. Please recycle the draft copies.
87
The U S Justice Department had
contacted Jim to say that they had lost our file on the ADA complaint that was
filed against the Auditorium, and the person who is handling our case has about
6000 other cases that she is handling. She was pleased that we have made the
effort to comply in the use of our stairtracker device, and she said it was a
good good-faith effort. Mr. Walden faxed copies of City Council minutes and
Budget Documents showing what we have planned and committed to and her response
was that she thought she could send a letter of resolution in the near future.
Alderman Earngey asked that the
Council discuss how the Sales and Use Tax is divided. It will be on the agenda
for the February 20th agenda-setting meeting.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Public Works Dept.: Alderman Jeffrey
reported that John Galvin has earned a Class 1 Wastewater Operator’s License
and is due a 20 cent an hour increase, effective 10-12-95. Alderman Watson made
the motion to approve. Alderman Seratt seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0. Mr.
Jeffrey had to leave at this time.
Police Department: Alderman Seratt
reported that the first bids that the Police Department received on the Van
Buren building were highly divergent and that a bid package is now being
prepared to be put up for bids. The amount of money needed may far exceed the
amount allowed and on a building that does not belong to the City of Eureka
Springs. There will be more discussion at the February 20th agenda-setting
meeting.
Transit Department: Alderman Watson
said that Mr. Graebner is sending a form so that there will be a monthly
report.
Mayor O’Harris said that each
department should do a monthly report so that it will minimize the surprises
such as the Council has had to deal with in the past.
Mr. Miner will have an ordinance
ready for the next council meeting in regards to doing away with the Board of
Review.
Mr. Rubley reported that the HDC
would like to wait until the sidewalk samples are cured out a bit more before
they give the Council their final report. He offered to attend the HDC meeting
to be held February 21st at 7
p.m.
The Mayor announced that the Council
will be having another work session on February 15th at 7 p.m. to discuss the
suggestions of the State Highway Department and gather ideas.
Solid Waste Advisory Commission will
meet on February 28th at 2 p.m.
Alderman Earngey reported that the
Tourism Advisory committee had a good meeting. It looks as though the City will
have to dedicate money for an extra two trams . They are talking with tour bus
operators to work in tandem with the City.
Alderman Seratt made the motion to
adjourn. Alderman Riker seconded. The vote was 5/0/0. The meeting was adjourned
at 11:53 a.m.
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY ADDRESS
The year 1995 is a part of our
history now; but, to us in City Government, 1995 was a year of many
accomplishments. Let me share Some of them with you.
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
The City Offices continued to serve
our growing, changing community during 1995. The Water Office processed 27 new
water taps and 15 new sewer taps. Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Fee
collections provided nearly $37,000 for repairs and improvements at the Plant.
Occupation Licenses for 840
businesses were issued during the past year, and the General Fund received
approximately $54,000 from the sale of these Licenses.
The Municipal Court also had a busy
year. A total of 499 dockets were processed; and revenues of $71,000 were
received. Small Claims fees totaled
$2,500.
The Building Inspector’s Office sold
502 permits and produced $30,000 in General Fund rcvenucs.
Sales Tax receipts remain the City’s
largest revenue source. For the twelve months of 1995, the sales tax checks
totalled $1,461,916; and this figure is $6,932 larger than 1994’s receipts.
Parking revenues for 1995 increased
$22,000, or 24 percent, over 1994’s.
With generous assistance from TCA
Cable, the City acquired its own 24 hour television channel, Channel 31 , broadcasting City Council meetings. Audio
equipment upgrades enhanced the production of our meetings, as well as
improving the sound quality for the Municipal Court. TCA Cable also provided a
character generator which enables the City and Holiday Island to provide
immediate, continuous public service announcements. We are very pleased to have
this capability to communicate with our community.
EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Emergency Services Department
made several improvements during 1995 that will benefit our community and the
Western Carroll County Ambulance District. District funds were used to purchase
a new Life Pak 11 heart monitoring system. With this equipment and cellular
telephones, paramedics can scud vital information about patients to the nearest
hospital; and the paramedics can determine which type of advanced medical
treatment will be necessary to sustain life. In addition, new Blood Pressure
Cuffs, Pro—I Thermometers, Anti-Shock Trousers, Suction Devices, and several
other items have been added to each ambulance so that all EMS personnel can
offer advanced medical treatment.
The District has ordered a new
ambulance which should be in service by mid-summer.
As a continuing program to keep
insurance mating classifications up—to—date, ISO Commercial Risk Services,
Inc., periodically evaluates communities which have public fire protection to
assure that property insurance premium calculations receive proper recognition
for existing public fire protection. This insurance classification number is
one of several elements used for property insurance premium calculations for
properties in our City. The last evaluation of Eureka Springs was conducted
several years ago; and, therefore, ISO inspected our City during 1995 to
re—evaluate our classification.
1996
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY ADDRESS
The ISO classification scale ranges
from ten to one, with one being the best rating. Eureka Springs has been a
Class Eight City for many years. Chief Jordan just received very good news from
ISO, however. ISO was very impressed with our efforts to improve our fire
Suppression capabilities, and our City has received a Class Five rating. This
should result in lower insurance rates by the middle of 1996.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Stitz reports that thc morale
of the Police Department is very positive and that the personnel encountered
many excellent learning opportunities during 1995. She stated: “Every year, we
learn more and more about how to do our jobs better.”
The Department’s dispatch services
were improved during 1995. James Loudermilk was promoted to head dispatcher,
and he has upgraded his training by pursuing Level 2 and 2R ACIC/NCIC
certification. Melinda Morrell was promoted the staff secretary position; and
since that time, she has become a certified dispatch instructor. Melinda has
also earned Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and received ACIC/NCIC
training.
Regarding the investigative efforts
of the Police Department during 1995, Detective Morris Pate reported
approximately 80 active felony investigations. This is a record number for our
Department . As has happened before, one investigation can clear many cases.
Thirteen cases, for example, were cleared when one burglary ring was arrested.
During the year, Detective Pate, along with other City and County officers,
cleared a total of 70 cases.
Officer Randy Sellars, our senior
breathalyzer operator, reported that DWI arrests for the year were down
significantly. Twenty—nine tests were run during 1995 in comparison to 59
during 1994. Chief Sitz believes this decrease is due in large part to a higher
level of public awareness, a more responsible drinking public, and a
significant increase in the level of cooperation among local businesses that
serve alcohol.
Chief Stitz was notified
recently by the U.S. Department of Justice that our Police Department has been
approved for a $52,000 grant through the C.O.P.S. Program. She further reports
that the entire ire Police Department staff is very excited about moving to the
Van Buren Street location. Renovations on the building are being planned.
One of the Police Department's
priorities for 1996 will be to resolve some of the youth issues in our
community. Hopefully, the grant award will help the Department with plans for
addressing these youth issues.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department has a
lengthy list of improvements and accomplishments for 1995. Phase II of the
Water System Distribution Project was started; and upon completion of this
project, more than nine miles of new eight— and ten—inch water lines will have
been laid in the lie City. In addition, 80 fire hydrants and a multitude of
main—line valves will have been installed.
After several years of consideration
and planning, the tertiary filtration system, the final filters, at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant is now operating.
Several previous City Councils
contributed o the preliminary planning for the Planer Hill Walkway Project. The
engineering and surveying for the Project was completed during 1995; and the
Arkansas State I Highway and Transportation Department has issued a permit for
the Project.
One of our goals for the Street
Department is to be able to spend approximately $100,000 each year to pave and
to maintain City streets. After careful consideration of the 1995 Street
Improvement Program, approximately $100,000 was expended for these purposes.
A portion of the Beautification
Funds were used to install the lovely lighting on the decorative railing along
Spring Street. Now, we will work toward
purchasing attractive benches and trash receptacles.
CITY OF
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY
ADDRESS
Mr. Murray
reported that an estimated $60,000 was spent during 1995 on the maintenance of
stone walls.
The City
is very proud of’ its Tree City U.S.A status, and the Public Works Department
participated in a 1995 projedt which resulted in the planting of twelve large
maple trees around the Historic Loop. These trees were about fifteen feet tall,
and they were planted to replace trees that had been removed.
The Public
Works Department crew members work very hard to improve and to maintain our
historic City. Six crew members advanced their qualifications during 1995 by
earning water and wastewater operator's Iicenscs.
SOLID-WASTES
MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
The
Solid—Wastes Management Department enjoyed a prosperous year during 1995; and
it moved closer to our goal of having the Department be self— supporting. The
market values ol recyclable materials increased substantially; and by utilizing
cooperative marketing opportunities, our Facility received more than $80,000
during the year for (he sale of recyclable materials. In addition, other growth
factors in our City resulted in increased revenues for franchise fees, bag
sales, collection fees, et cetera. The volume of recyclables processed
increased, and the processing cost per ton decreased.
The
residential corrugated cardboard collection program and the commercial glass
collection programs WCFC fully implemented during 1995, and our residents
diverted more recyclable materials from the waste stream during the year.
A number
of improvements were made at the Recycling Center to improve safety, to
increase efficiency, and to improve the marketability of the recyclables. A
grant for $22,000 was received through (the Four—County Solid—Waste Management
District, and the funds were used to purchase a skid steer loader with four
different attachments. This equipment helped to increase our productivity.
The
Recycling Center staff plans to continue their efforts to increase the level
and efficiency of services while decreasing costs. Under the recent agreements
between the City and the Carroll County Solid—Waste Authority, the Recycling
Center will be processing recyclable materials From the entii-e County.
TRANSIT
DEPARTMENT
The
Transit Department is entering its thirteenth season. When the Department was
started in 1984, we had one trolley and one bus. Since then, we have expanded
to a fleet of seven trolleys, two trams, and two buses. The current assets of
the Department are in excess of two million dollars.
During its
twelve years of operation, the Transit Department has transported over 4.5
million passengers; and the drivers have driven over 1.8 million miles. In the
past, excess revenues provided opportunities for us to make capital
improvements such as the purchase of the two trams and the two expansions of the
trolley garage.
Excess
revenues have also been used to provide curb—service transportation for local
residents throughout the year. This is
transportation to the grocery store, City Offices, Post Office medical
facilities, et cetera, is very in important to some of our residents. The Department
of Human Concern reported that the Eureka
Springs Transit operated the best small transit. service in the State of
Arkansas.
The
Transit Department is very proud to announce that, after twelve years of
operations, we have not had any major accidents or injuries which resulted in a
judgment against us. We owe this long—standing record to all of the excellent
employees who dedicate themselves to making the Transit Department so safe and
successful.
Mr Fargo
commented that everyone in the Transit Department is looking forward to the
thirteenth season and the he especially wanted to thank the Mayor’s Office, the
City Council, the CAPC and the Chamber of Commerce for supporting the
Department.
91
1996
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY ADDRESS
AUDITORIUM COMMISSION
The Auditorium Commission reported
several financial accomplishments during 1995. The Auditorium’s earned income
increased by 42 percent; and restoration grants were received from the National
Endowment for the Arts, Arkansas
Historic Preservation Program, Eureka Springs Preservation Society, and the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. Program support was received from the
Arkansas Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance Five programs were
presented in the Auditorium, and it was rented fifteen times during 1995.
Recent restoration activities
include: obtaining grants for the development of the Master Plan; completing
the restoration of the windows on the south side of the building with a grant
from the Eureka Springs Preservation Society; and raising over $ I ,000 for the
restoration of the Baldwin grand piano.
The Commission has substantially completed the Master Plan for the Auditorium.
Outreach activities during 1995
include: having approximately 2,400 students in Eureka Springs and SpringdaIe
attend school performances of an artist sponsored by the Auditorium;
distributing special-population tickets for performances; and having children
from Eureka Springs and Berryville participate in two performances with Ballet
Arkansas.
Goals for the Auditorium Commission
for 1996 include the completion of the public restrooms, program accessibility,
improvements to the stage area, increased usage of the facility, and increased
community outreach.
BOARD OF REVIEW COMMISSION
The Board of Review held seven public
hearings during 1995; and it approved seven applications for conditional use
permits, as follows: two permits for ten bed and breakfast units; two permits
for eight new bed and breakfast units; and three tourist lodging permits,
including four new units and one existing unit.
CITY ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
COMMISSION
The 1995 C.A.P.C. tax receipts of
$925,710 were $14,710 greater (hail the.
1994 receipts. This is a one percent increase for the year.
Advertising expenditures during 1995
were $475,204; and special—event funding totaled $57,231.
The Commission’s community service
expenditures were: Auditorium Maintenance, $28,000; Auditorium Bonds, $23,000;
Transit Bonds, $47,000; Public Restroom, $9,750; and Traffic Control Program,
$9,250.
The Commissioners are looking
forward to 1996 and to working with their new advertising firm, Kirkpatrick,
Williams, Gurley, Associates.
CEMETERY COMMISSION
As of December 31, 1995, the
Cemetery Commission had cash and investments totaling $115,500. For many years,
the Commission was able to maintain the Eureka Springs Cemetery on revenues
derived from the sale of lots and from interest earned on investments. Because
of continuing low interest rates, however, the commissioners asked the City
Council for funding support during 1995. The City Council voted unanimously to
provide assistance funding for the Cemetery; amid, in addition, the Council l
asked the Quorum Court to assess a voluntary contribution for the Eureka
Springs Cemetery. The Quorum Court approved the Councils request , and the
voluntary contribution will be listed
on the 1996 property tax statements.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
The Eureka Spring Historic District
Commission serves as the Certified
Local Government (CLG)Commission It
schedules 24 meetings per year and the commissioners usually have a lengthy
agenda. During 1995, 77 Level 1
applications were reviewed. Of these,
32 were for painting, 13 were for signs, and 32 were for maintenance. In addition, the commissioners reviewed 32
Level II applications and 39 Level III applications. The Commission reviewed a total of 148 applications during 1995.
1996
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY ADDRESS
The Historic District Commission’s
responsibilities continue to increase each year as our historic properties
become more rare. Within the Historic District, no building or structure can be
erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished until the Commission has
approved a certificate of appropriateness. In addition to buildings and
structures, the Commission must issue certificates of appropriateness for stone
walls, fences, light fixtures, steps and paving, and other appurtenant
fixtures.
HOSPITAL COMMISSION
When the past year began, the Eureka
Springs Municipal Hospital was in desperate and declining financial condition.
Without management changes and improved financial underpinning, the Hospital
faced bankruptcy and possible closure of the facility. Steps were taken by the
Hospital Commission to find new
management with the financial and administrative resources to reverse
the decline of the Hospital.
Commissioner W. King Gladden and
Attorney Lewis E. Epley, Jr.,approached major hospitals in Fayetteville,
Srpingdale and Rogers to determine whether a management agreement could be
reached with another hospital. An
agreement acceptable to both parties was reached with Washington Regional
Medical Systems of Fayetteville
The Hospital Commission recommended
that the City Council approve the agreement; and documents related to the
agreement were signed by the City, the Hospital Commission, and Washington
Regional Medical Systems on February 9, 1995. Mr. Parkhurst reported that the
agreement has been working smoothly to date. Washington Regional Medical
Systems has made all payments to the Commission as they were due, and all arc
current.
The Eureka Springs Municipal
Hospital does not meet all present standards for hospitals, and it is able to
continue operations because of “grandfathering” by those governmental boards
that approve such institutions. Part of the agreement with Washington Regional
Medical Systems included the transfer to them of certain real estate on Passion
Play Road (which was not owned by the Commission or the City). Washington
Regional has the option to build medical facilities on that land, and it is
scheduled to start construction on a Medical Clinic Building this year. Also, a
new hospital facility may be built on that land in the future.
As of December 31, 1995, the
Hospital Commission had total cash assets of
$528,429. The Commission was pleased that. the City Council
approved the
Mayor’s nomination to extended the tenure of Commissioner
Flora Mac
Fitzsimmons for an additional five years, until June 1,
2000.
PARKING AUTHORITY
The Parking Authority remained
focused during 1995 on continuing to move toward solving the serious problem of
parking shortages in the 1-listoric District.
The Authority contracted with the
Center for Resource Planning and Management, Southwest Missouri State
University, to conduct a Parking Feasibility Study; and the study was completed
during December, 1995. The general purposes of the study were to identity
parking needs in the downtown area and to determine the feasibility of
development of a multi—level parking garage in the downtown district. The
Findings of the study indicate a deficiency of approximately 440-500 parking
spaces to meet current demand levels for parking in the downtown district.
During May, the City’s residents and
business operators had the opportunity to respond to surveys pertaining to the
feasibility of the proposed parking deck at the northwest corner of Center and
Mountain Streets. The results of the surveys indicated that a majority
respondents agree that a parking garage should be constructed in the downtown
district. Now, we move into 1996 with the task of finding ways to fund the
proposed project. The Parking Authority
believes that the parking garage can become a reality and it is dedicated to
doing what it can to help the project succeed.
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1996
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY ADDRESS
In addition, the Parking Authority’s
efforts to improve our overall parking and transportation plan includes
planning to make the Planer Hill Lot more effective and studying areas outside
of the downtown district, both publicly and privately owned, that could serve
as lots for parking and unloading motor coaches.
The Parking Authority was pleased to
welcome Mr. Bruce Knapp as a new member of the Authority during 1995. He is a
longtime resident of the City and a fine addition to the Authority. All of the
members of the Authority are looking forward to working together to achieve
more progress during 1996, and in years to come.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The Parks and Recreation Commission had
a busy, prosperous 1995! The Commission and the University of Arkansas
are continuing the development of the Lake Leatherwood Master Plan, and several
improvements were made at Lake Leatherwood Park during the year. The manager’s
house and most the cabins now have new roofs. The picnic shelter was restored
to its WPA look, and playground equipment donated by the Elementary School is
being installed. More tables, benches, and boats with trolling motors were
added. Stage One landscaping was completed; and, in addition, (lie first season
of Suthmer Camp was a big success!
The Commission also focused on
improvements in Basin Park during the year. The Victorian Fountain was
restored, undcrground electrical connections were laid to all parts of the
Park, hadlrails were installed on steps, and maple and dogwood trees were
planted. In an effort to improve salety, tiew concrete walking areas were laid;
and attractive new rock walls arc being constructed around the garden beds.
Several improvements were wade at other
parks, too. New sprinkler systems were installed at I-larding and Sweet
Springs; and a new cut limestone drinking fountain was installed at Grotto
Spring. Permanent plantings were added to all parks, and new benches and tables
were added to several parks. The first of the park surveys was completed for
Calif Spring.
Black Bass Lake and a site near
Little Lake Eureka became City parks during 1995. Development of the Little
Lake Eureka site is underway.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission/Board of
Zoning Adjustment tackled several significant issues during 1995 beyond the
typical applications for variances, reioning, and tree cuts. Foremost of these
was thc beginning of the project to produce a visioii plan for the City to lake
us from the 20th into the 21st Century.
Responding to complaints that
earlier plans seemed to languish, the Planning Commission took a di ffcrciit
approach. From (lie outset, the commissioners were determined to involve
members of thc community in the development of the plan. Once the City
contracted with thc Donaglicy Project, University of Arkansas At Little Rock,
they went to the community and asked for volunteers to serve on the six Focus
Groups which had been created. Over several weeks in February and March, we wcic
the grateful recipients of some 500 volunteer hours given by people who were
concerned enough to come together on several Tuesday nights to talk about
whci’c we were as a community and where we wanted to go. The information which
was gathered during these meetings and during the many hours ol discussions
with the Donaghey personnel is being consolidated and refined to produce our
Plan. By the end of 1995, we were approaching the Ilnal stage if the, work. The
Commission hopes to present a proposed plan to the Mayor, the City Council, and
the Community by early spring.
During 1995,
the Planning Commission also created a Policies and Procedures Manual, a
compilation of the Commission’s
procedure designed to carry out the mandates set forth in the Planning
and Zoning Ordinances. Their goal was
to establish an easy-to-understand set of guidelines so that all applications
will be handled consistently.
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CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE- CITY ADDRESS
The Planning Commission held a
public hearing on January 25, 1996, on a number of proposed revisions to
the Zoning Ordinance. Among these proposed changes is the merger of the Board
of Review back into the Board of Zoning Adjustment; the establishment of a new
zoning category to allow the development of multi—family dwellings without a
conditional use permit in areas where appropriate to extend landscape
requirements to new parking areas created in Victorian Commercial areas; and to
make the Table of Permitted Uses more user friendly by establishing separate
tables for each zoning category. The Commission intends to continue in 1996 to
review the Zoning Ordinance from time to time to propose changes appropriate,
particularly as and when called for under the Vision Plan.
In order to be more responsive to
citizens seeking assistance from the
Planning Commission and to be able
to devote more time to planning, the
Commission elected last July to meet
formally twice a month. The meetings are
now held at 7 p.m. on the second and
fourth Thursdays of each month; and, as
always, the Commission invites and
encourages City leaders and citizens to attend.
The Planning Commission is pleased
with the results of 1995. The commissioners continued to move forward with
planning work while hearing several dozen applications for variances, tree
cuts, and rezoning--most of which were handled as formal public hearings. The
Commission’s goals for 1996 arc to continue on the same path, that is, to
continue planning and advising and to continue reviewing applications with care
and with sensitivity to the impact our actions today have on tomorrow's Eureka
Springs.
SOLID-WASTES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The five-member Solid-Wastes
Advisory Committee was established under the terms of the Solid—Wastes
Collection and Transfer Contract between the City and Freeman Waste Management,
Inc. In addition to mediating customer complaints, evaluating applications for
Special services, and recommending policies and Contract a amendments to the
City Council, the Committee conducts at
least semiannual evaluations of the services rendered. The Committee reported
that the 1995 evaluations indicate that. Freeman Waste Management operated in
compliance with the Contract and that no areas of concern were identified.
CLOSING REMARKS
All of the accomplishments which I
just mentioned could not have been possible without the many volunteers who
constantly work for the betterment of our fair City, each and every year.
During 1995, more than 5,000 volunteer hours were donated to the City by loyal
and tireless elected officials, commissioners, committee members, and volunteer
firefighters. I am taking this opportunity to publicly thank these "unsung
heroes’ of our community:
“Thank you all so much!”
My goal for the City during 1996 is
to work with the City Council and other interested, concerned individuals and
groups in the completion of a comprehensive City Master Plan. This will involve
the compilation and the integration of all of the surveys, plans, and studies
which have been completed recently or will be completed soon. We need to begin
the first phase of our City’s future by the cud of 1996! We, as a community,
need to know where we ale going so that we will know when we get there 5, 10,
and 20 years from now.
Now, I am challenging you, the citizenry of Eureka Springs, who would like to leave a positive, lasting mark in the City. Some Eurekeans have had a dream for a long time. They have wanted to bring the ‘Spring Street Lantern” street lights back to Spring and Main Streets. If you or your organization are interested in donating a Lantern, please contact the Mayor’s Office at City Hall.
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CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
STATE-OF-THE-CITY ADDRESS
The approximate cost per Lantern is
$2,300. Our intent is to install a brass plaque on each Lantern to identify the
donors.
You may see the actual Spring Street
Lantern street light at the South Main Street entrance of the Bank of Eureka
Springs, near the ATM Machine
LET’S LIGHT UP EUREKA TOGETHER!
Barbara A. OHarris, Mayor
City of Eureka Springs, Arkansas
February 13, 1996