CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1999

 

Mayor Beau Satori called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Eureka Springs City Council to order at 7 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Western District Courthouse.

 

PRESENT:  Mayor Satori and Alderpersons Jeffrey, Taylor, Stoppel, Sumpter, Schrader, and Freeland.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Ed Leswig, Lisa Liggett, Bill Earngey, Kirby Murray, Diane Murphy, David White, Jeff Pratt, Roy and Matt from Boy Scout Troop No. 67, Carrie Seymour, and Pete & Cindy Schneider.

There were a few people who did not sign in.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  Kim Dickens led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  The motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: 

The motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of October 7th, 1999.  Alderman Schrader questioned the clerk’s use of the word formatted.  It was decided how to change the sentence and the vote in favor was 6/0/0.

 

The motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of October 21st, 1999.  There were several corrections and Mr. Schrader complained about the clerk’s report on the subject of City Property Insurance.  The Clerk was asked to condense the report by Alderman Jeffrey.  The motion was made and seconded to postpone the approval of these minutes until the November 18th, 1999, council meeting.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, AND AUTHORITY REPORTS AND VACANCIES:

Planning Commission-Position 4- Expires July 1, 2000—Pat Matsukis had been nominated.  The     motion was made and seconded to approve Ms. Matsukis.  The vote was 4/2/0, with Alderpersons Jeffrey and Sumpter voting against the appointment.

 

Historic District Commission-Position 7-Expires March 22, 2002---The Mayor nominated Jim Vernon.

 

Parks Commission-Position 2-Expires May 31, 2003---Cynthia Hudson had been nominated.  The motion was made and seconded to approve Ms. Hudson.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

Parks Commission – Position 3- Expires May 31, 2004---Elaine VanNatta had been nominated.  The motion was made and seconded to approve Ms. VanNatta.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

Parks Commission—Position 6- New Position- Expires in the year 2005—Bill Voiers was nominated by the Mayor.

 

Parks Commission—Position 7- New Position –Expires in the year 2006-Karen Brawley was nominated by the Mayor.

 

The Mayor announced that two members of Boy Scout Troop No. 67 had come as part of their Merit Badge for Citizenship qualifications. They were accompanied by their advisors. 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS:

Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman, Bill Earngey represented Parks.  Nikki Cherry was in Little Rock representing Eureka Springs in our application for another Parks and Tourism Recreation Grant.  It is another 80-20 grant for $25,000 for trail enhancement but it is for Basin Park.

Christmas in the Park is a fund-raiser for the Parks and Recreation Commission, which will be held in Basin Park on November 13th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Refreshments will be sold until they run out.  A raffle will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and around $1,000 in gifts will be given away.  There will be music in the park all day.  Also, there will be music on three Saturdays in Basin Park, which are December 4th, 11th and 18th.  Mr. Earngey said the City made the cut for the $100,000 grant for Lake Leatherwood, which is a 50-50 grant.

 

Diane Murphy presented the Council with the Year 2000 Budget.  The Council was complimentary of the work that the Department Heads and Ms. Murphy had done.  She went over a few points to help the Council understand the budget.

Mayor Satori announced that Diane Murphy’s tenure as an interim Finance Director has passed its six months and  she is the Finance Director.

 

Lisa Liggett reported that the City of Eureka Springs hosted the Arkansas Transit Association conference last week.  She said that the City now has lobbyists in Washington speaking on our behalf and working to get all of the words right on the specifications so that we might get some Federal Transit funding to help to buy another tram.  She reminded everyone that the trolleys are running on weekends only; Friday from noon to five, Saturday from nine to five, through the nineteenth of December.  The Christmas Lights Tours will start on November  17th, 1999, at 6 p.m., and will leave from the Tourist Information Center, and it is $6 per person.  The tour will drive around the loop, with refreshments at the Crescent Hotel, and they will use the trams.  The trams will hold 44 people instead of 25.

Mayor Satori announced that Lisa Liggett’s tenure as an interim Transit Director has passed its six months and she is the Transit Director.

 

Kim Dickens read Libby Freeland’s report on things to come at the Auditorium.  The Boston Mountain Chamber Players will hold a concert on November 11th, at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $10, or $5 for seniors and students.  Charles Hammer will perform before the recital.  Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Baldwin Grand Piano.

The Eureka Theatre Company will present “Bell, Book and Candle” on December 2nd through December 5th, 1999.  The Middle School will perform its Holiday Program on December 14th, and the Elementary School will perform its Holiday Show on the 16th of December.

The Auditorium thanked the people who donated funds for much needed additional stage lighting.  These were The Eureka Junior Players, The Association of Bed and Breakfasts, Cabins, and Cottages, and Alexis Pittinger.  The last of the new lighting is in.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Ms. Dickens announced that there were two bids for Municipal Property Insurance. One was from a company in Little Rock, Ramsey, Krug, Farrell and Lensing.  Their bid was $14,515.  The other bid was from a local company, Bare & Swett Agency, Inc.  Their bid was the lowest at $10,321, and they received the bid.

 

The Freeman Waste Management case is scheduled for December 8th, 9th, and 10th, 1999.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Courtesy Shuttle Contract, (Tom Laub):

Mr. Laub said that the contract  that was given to the Council should be sufficient for the time that has already gone by.  Should the Council decide to continue this service, there should be a much more comprehensive contract for services.  He said that when Mr. White and he and Kim met, Mr. White did not have a list of his expenses to present.

Mr. White handed out  information for the Council.  He said his numbers reflect that at times more vehicles and manpower were needed.  He said for the period between now and the end of the year, it is obvious that a lot less manpower would be needed.

 

Mr. Laub reminded the Council that the cost approved by them was considerably less than was spent.

The cost approved was $377.  There was no problem with the $10,000 ceiling at that cost.  Now, the City is talking about in the neighborhood of $17,000.  That is a different situation with different rules.`

 

Mr. Laub said Mr. White has kept good records, so that in the future the City will have a better idea of the costs.  Alderman Schrader proposed that the City pay for the expenses that have been incurred and then make a contract for the future.  They came to the conclusion that two contracts or not, it is the same person providing the same service and the cost through the end of the year would be well over the amount the City can pay without going out for bid.

 

It was suggested that the City pay the $9900, and then ask the CAPC to foot the bill for anything over that. 

Alderman Stoppel made the motion to pay the $9900 for Phase 1 and leave the balance of the money through to January 2nd, 1999 to be paid by the CAPC.  Alderman Freeland seconded.

 

Ms. Dickens said she was very hesitant to commit any more money to Mr. White until she and the Mayor and Ms. Murphy look at where the money will come from for the rest of the year.

 

Alderman Stoppel amended his motion to $9999 and Alderman Freeland seconded.  The vote was 6/0/0, in favor of the amendment.

 

Mr. Ed Leswig commented that at the time that the City agreed to do the pilot, the Chamber committed to subsidize $3500 to spend for signs.  He believed that approximately $1500 of that money was not spent, so that it might help to pay this bill.  He said it would be good for the City to approach the Chamber of Commerce and see if they would pay down some of the City’s debt to Mr. White. 

 

Alderman Sumpter reminded the Council that they had only voted on the amendment of Alderman Stoppel’s motion.  The vote on the original motion was 6/0/0.

Alderwoman Taylor asked that Alderman Freeland contact the Chamber about the unspent funds that Mr. Leswig mentioned.

 

Ordinance No. 1824, an ordinance allowing the Passion Play to collect CAPC tax, (First Reading):

The motion was made and seconded to place Ordinance No. 1824 on its first reading in its entirety.

The vote was 5/1/0, with Alderman Schrader voting no.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance in its entirety.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.

The ordinance was discussed and amendments were suggested.  Alderman Jeffrey made the motion that an amendment adding the enabling act, Act 1313 of 1999 be added to the ordinance under the first whereas.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

The vote on the ordinance was 5/1/0, with Alderman Schrader voting no.

 

Ordinance No. 1822, an ordinance amending the outdoor sales ordinance, (Second reading):

The motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and place Ordinance No. 1822 on its

second reading by title only.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

The motion was made and seconded to further suspend the rules and place ordinance No. 1822 on its third and final reading by title only.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  The vote was 5/1/0, with Alderman Stoppel voting no.

 

The motion was made and seconded to recess, and all were in favor.  The meeting was recessed at 8:45 p.m., and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.

 

Discussion  on speed bumps on Flint, (six month evaluation):

The motion was made and seconded to postpone until the November 18th, 1999 Council meeting.

All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

2000 Transit Budget, (Lisa Liggett):

In discussion of the budget Ms. Liggett explained some of the reasons why revenue is down. The motion was made and seconded to go back to $3.50 for trolley passes.  The vote was 6/0/0.

 

Ms. Liggett reported that she has plans to re-train drivers and ticket sellers.  She has several ideas to enhance the system for the year 2000.

The vote on the Transit Budget for the year 2000 was 6/0/0.

 

Alderman Jeffrey said he still thinks the City should pay off the Transit Bond and save the interest we are paying.  We are paying 10 % interest on that bond, and worrying about getting the most interest on the CD’s which is between 5% and 6%.  The City would be money ahead to pay off that bond.

 

2000city Budget (Council to Set up Workshop Date):

The date for the City Budget Workshop was set for Wednesday, November 17th, 1999 at 1:30 p.m.

 

Ordinance No. 1823, an ordinance levying a tax on real property for the year 2000, (First reading):

The motion was made and seconded to place Ordinance No. 1823 on its first reading.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor by roll call vote, 6/0/0.

 

The motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and place Ordinance No. 1823 on its second reading by title only.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor, 6/0/0. 

 

The motion was made and seconded to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance No. 1823 on its third and final reading by title only. All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

The motion was made and seconded to read the emergency clause.  All were in favor, by roll call, 6/0/0. 

Ms. Dickens read the emergency clause.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

Resolution 465, declaring Martin Luther King’s Birthday a City employee holiday:

The motion was made and seconded to read Resolution No. 465.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the resolution.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  The vote was 5/0/1, with Alderman Stoppel abstaining, since he is a City employee.

 

Resolution No. 466, declaring that November is National Family Caregiver’s Month:

The motion was made and seconded to read Resolution No. 466.  The vote was 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the resolution.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  The vote was unanimous, 6/0/0.

 

Ordinance No. 1825, repealing Ordinance No. 462, Health Officer, (Kim Dickens):

The motion was made and seconded to place Ordinance No. 1825 on its first reading.  All were in favor, 6/0/0. 

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance in its entirety.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

Ordinance No. 1826, repealing Ordinance No. 1256, Sanitary Board, (Kim Dickens):

The motion was made and seconded to place Ordinance No. 1826 on its first reading.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

Ms. Dickens read the ordinance in its entirety.

The motion was made and seconded to approve.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.

 

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS:

There were several comments about both Armstrong and Benton Streets being very slick and dangerous during the winter months.  It was suggested that the State might be prevailed upon to help keep the streets cleaned since they are the only two on that side of town that go back to the highway, and Planer Hill/ Highway 23 is a State Highway.

The Mayor said that the signage to direct people in and out of the downtown was supposed to go up in October, and it still is not up.

 

Kirby Murray was doing a map for residents and visitors to use to avoid the road work on Planer Hill. It was suggested that the map be published in the paper.

 

Alderman Stoppel said that on Monday the City lost one of their most dedicated Police Officers in a traffic accident.  He offered the City’s condolences to the family of Office Bobby Weber.  He said that in lieu of flowers donations to the family can be made at the Eureka Springs Police Department.

 

The Mayor said that the City Offices were closed 9:30 to noon to attend the funeral and the City was well represented.

Mayor Satori also said that he did a proclamation to honor Tommy Thomas of Beaver.  On October 31st they had Tommy Thomas Day, with a celebration, and a hootenanny out at Beaver.

 

The motion was made and seconded to adjourn.  All were in favor, 6/0/0.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      This is the signature page for the City Council Meeting minutes of November 4th, 1999.          

 

                                                                                    APPROVED:

 

 

                                                                                    ____________________________

                                                                                    Beau Satori, Mayor

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

____________________________

Mary Ann Lee, City Clerk