CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS -
510 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 15, 1999
The April 15, 1999 regularly scheduled council meeting was
called to order at 7 p.m. Mayor
Pro Tern David Jeffrey presided over the meeting, which was
held in the Courtroom of the
Western District Courthouse. Mayor Pro Tem David Jeffrey was
voted in at the Special City
Council Mtg. that preceded the regular meeting.
PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tern Jeffrey, and Alderpersons Taylor,
Schrader, Sumpter, Stoppel and Freeland.
ALSO PRESENT: Kirby Murray, Ed Leswig, Robert McVey, Lisa
Liggett, David Beauchamp, Enid and Carl Swartz, David White, Kim Dickens, Tom
Laub, and Clerk Mary Ann Lee.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Ms. Dickens in led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tern said the Council had just had a special
meeting about purchasing the property at the top of Planer Hill. They did not
take any action and he wanted to put that on the agenda, number one under
Unfinished Business. Alderman Stoppel mentioned that two things had not been
put on the agenda; one the vehicle purchase ordinance, and the other, the
shut-off policy for the water.
The Clerk passed out the buying of a vehicle for the Fire
Department, ordinance #1809, to the Council. It was placed as item no. 4 under
Unfinished Business.
The motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as it
was amended. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
March 22, 1999 minutes which was the special meeting about
wastewater rates. Alderman Schrader took exception to the word inhumane that
the clerk used and she said she would listen to the tape again and amend the
minutes. Alderman Schrader made the motion to postpone the approval to the May 6th
meeting.
Alderman Stoppel seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
The April 1st, April 2nd April15th and
March 22nd minutes will be on the agenda for May 6th;
Mayor Pro Tern Jeffrey announced an executive session. The
session began at 7:05 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey announced that the City Council voted
unanirnously to terminate the
employment of Marvin Hawkins as Building Inspector.
COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, AND AUTHORITY REPORTS AND VACANCIES:
Ms. Dickens said that Frank Green would like to be
considered for the Cemetery Commission,
Position 4, that would expire February 15, 2002. He will
keep his seat on the HOC
Commission also.
Alderman Stoppel reported that he missed the Solid Wastes
meeting. He wrote the date down
on the wrong day and apologized for not being there.
DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS:
Kirby Murray reported that the striping of the parking lot
should take place either Monday or
Tuesday. Also, work is continuing on the old police
building.
Alderman Sumpter asked about the new curbs for the parking
lots around the Courthouse. Most of the design was the Mayor’s. Mr. Murray said
that the handicapped ramps serve two purposes. They are for wheel chairs and
also they keep the water from rushing down Benton Street, across and around the
courthouse to the Auditorium, which has always been a problem in a heavy rain.
Police Chief Hyatt was asked by the Taste of Eureka People
to close Center Street between Spring Street and Mountain, again this year. The
hours would be from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., on Saturday, May 8th,
1999.
Alderman Schrader made the motion to allow Center Street to
be closed between Spring Street and Mountain on May 8th, 1999 from
10 a.m. through 4p.m. Alderman Stoppel seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Chief Hyatt said our new pay stations were giving them fits.
He reported that a technician came recently and babysat our new parking pay
stations for a few days and they are doing well.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT COMMENTS:
A grant has been completed today for the sidewalk from the
Auditorium to the Trolley Depot. It was over night expressed. The City is
hoping for some grant money to put in a sidewalk, and hopefully, it will be
limestone.
Ms. Dickens then called Don Matt up to the front. On April 11, 1999 Mr. Matt completed 20
years ~of service with the City. He was presented with a plaque commemorating
“20 years of loyal and cheerful service”.
Those present expressed their gratitude and appreciation with warm
applause and Mr. Matt thanked them for the privilege and opportunity to live
and serve in such a beautiful community.
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS 511
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 15, 1999
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Runge Property: Mayor Pro Tern Jeffrey explained that before the
meeting, the Council held a special meeting and walked over the Runge property
because it has been suggested that the City buy the property. Alderman Freeland
made the motion
to consider the purchase of the Runge property. Schrader seconded.
Alderman Jeffrey described the property as being approximately one third
of an acre, at the top of Planer Hill. At this time there is a used car lot and
a moped rental place there. Mr. Runge wants $99,000, and the use of the
property for one year from the date of closing.
After more discussion, Alderman Freeland and Alderman Schrader withdrew
their motions. Alderman Freeland made a motion to make an offer to purchase for
$99,000 and provide usage of the property until the end of the year, December
31, 1999. Mayor Pro Tern Jeffrey seconded. The money would come from Genera!
Fund Capital Reserves. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Increasing Wastewater Rates (Ordinance No. 1808):
Alderman Freeland made the motion to suspend the rules and place the
ordinance on its third and final reading by title only. Alderman Stoppel
seconded. It was mentioned that there were
a couple of changes. Ms. Dickens said she could read the ordinance with
the changes as they will read. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only and added the changes in
their proper places. Alderman Stoppel made the motion to approve. Alderman
Sumpter seconded. Discussion followed. The vote was 6/0/0, in favor.
Discussion of traffic and parking problems (Alderpersons Taylor
& Shrader:
Alderwoman Taylor then said that the police were doing nothing about the
speeding problem and mentioned a great many calls that she was getting. Chief
Hyatt said the machine that she had suggested in a earlier meeting had been set
up and the problem was that people would see how fast they were going and slow
down and as soon as they were beyond the machine, they would speed up again. He
said there are two officers on duty each day. There is not enough man power to
provide the kind of coverage that the public expects. They do the best they
can. He said he is very concerned about the speeding problem and he has seen
the results of speeding when he has had to work accidents. He just doesn’t know
how to cover a town this size without more help. He said the City could
approach the judges and ask them to raise the fines for second and third
offenders. He said if the fines are higher, and the court costs are $75, and
the insurance goes up because of it, people have a tendency to slow down.
Alderman Schrader brought up the illegal parking in loading zones
downtown at DeVito’s. The main offenders are two vehicles from the Basin Park
Hotel. Chief Hyatt said increasing the fines would help the situation. He knows
that this is an area where there are constant parking problems. He said the
loading zone could be shortened there and that might help the problem.
Alderman Schrader also mentioned that people going to church at St.
James Episcopal Church have been given tickets. Chief Hyatt said they park too
close to a fire hydrant, and those must be kept clear.
|
Ordinance |
No. #1809, Purchasing Used
Vehicle for Fire Department:
Alderman Sumpter made the motion to place Ordinance No. 1809 on its
first reading in its entirety. Alderman Freeland seconded. All were in favor,
6/0/0.
Ms. Dickens read the ordinance in its entirety.
Alderman Sumpter made the motion to approve. Alderman Freeland seconded.
Alderman Freeland said he would feel more comfortable if a yin number were
included. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey made the motion to suspend the rules and place
Ordinance No. 1808 on its second reading by title only. Alderman Sumpter
seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0. Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title
only.
Alderman Sumpter made the motion to approve. Alderman Schrader seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/U.
Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey made the motion to further suspend the rules and
place Ordinance No. 1808 on its third and final reading by title only. Alderman
Sumpter seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only.
Alderman Sumpter made the motion to approve. Alderman Stoppel seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Alderman Freeland made the motion to read the Emergency Clause. Alderman
Schrader seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms. Dickens read the Emergency Clause.
Alderman Sumpter made to motion to approve. Alderman Freeland seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Alderman Sumpter made to motion to recess ~missing portion~~
512
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 15, 1999
NEW BUSINESS:
Blues Festival (Sally
Riker):
Ms. Riker’s request for
this year was for the Council to allow beer to be sold in the Auditorium. The
Blues Festival will pay the Auditorium 10 % of selling price on everything that
is sold, including beer, tapes and CD’s, and t-shirts. She said they have hired
security from Tulsa and people will not be able to take alcoholic beverages out
into the street. They will have insurance again this year.
Ms. Dickens asked that a
time be set with Earl Hyatt, Sally Riker and herself to co-ordinate the
festival. Alderwoman Taylor made the motion to allow beer and wine to be sold
in the Auditorium during Blues Festival which is June 3rd through the 5th, 1999. Alderman Schrader
seconded. The question was asked from the audience if she collected CAPC tax.
She said that it would be redundant for a City Festival to pay the tax to the
City. The vote was
6/0/0.
Vehicle Location
Program for Transit, (Lisa Liggett):
Lisa Liggett came before
the Council asking for a new communication system.
The one she would like for
them to consider would be a great help in monitoring the vehicles and keeping
in touch with them. She will get cost comparisons and check into whether
Transit would be eligible for an 80 % grant.
The motion was made and
seconded to recess for 10 minutes. All were in favor, 6/0/0. The meeting was
recessed at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:25 p.m.
A motion was made and
seconded to amend the agenda again to place item number 8 to be next on the
agenda. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Proclamation for
National Crime Victim’s Week, May
9-15. 1999:
Ms. Dickens then read the
Proclamation for National Crime Victim’s Week, May 9-15, 1999.
Policy on local venders
and services. (Kim Dickens):
Ms. Dickens said that
several business people and several council members have raised the question
are we using local venders for our services. She asked for discussion. Mayor
Pro Tem Jeffrey said he has heard the same thing. People are hired outside the
City to do services when there are businesses available here in the City that
can do them. Alderman Stoppel said our policy should be to use City venders
first. The intent was questioned as to what exactly is the problem?
Generally speaking, the
Administrative Department does do this. Alderman Freeland said the trickle down
effect of buying here in the City is tremendous.
Towing was mentioned, and
the City only has only one towing service. Chief Hyatt said that the City
should be careful about banning out of town towing services. If a tourist gets
in an accident, and needs a car towed back to their home, or more than one
accident happens within a short time span, a wrecker or towing service needs to
be available.
Deaton’s from Holiday
Island would like to be on a rotation towing list. There is nothing in the
records to say no, as long as they comply with our laws. They bought a business
license, and they are paying city tax.
Chief Hyatt said that we
have two towing services here now, Johnson’s J & J, and Deaton’s. The Chief
went on to say that there are many reasons for towing. Sometimes the police
call wreckers from other cities to come and tow a car back to where it
originated.
Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey said
it would be nice to have an impound yard within the City limits. It is a
hardship, especially for the tourists, to have to drive clear to Holiday Island
to pick up an impounded car.
Ms. Dickens said the City
would put together a short policy at the Department Head level that whenever
possible or feasible the City use city vendors and services within
the city limits.
Personnel Policy
Handbook Revisions, (Kim Dickens):
Ms. Dickens had passed out
a list of revisions, whether spelling, or change.
She talked about page five
and six, where it talks about the Introductory period. It is redundant and has
been removed, since the City is an at will employer.
The education policy was
added. They added a policy for health insurance benefits at certain stages.
There was some dialog added to the political activity section.
A computor, Email, and
internet usage policy was introduced at the Four County Solid Wastes meeting.
An employee cannot use the intemet for personal gain, use colorful or explicit
language; in other words these tools are to be used for City business only.
Ms. Dickens said she
wanted to explain some of the Employee Assistance Program. She said it can be
added to the personnel policy. It has been presented to the Department Heads.
On the alcohol and drug, it is zero tolerance. If you are caught, on the job,
using alcohol or drugs, you are terminated immediately. The employee assistance
program involves counseling for almost any kind of problem as related to drugs
and alcohol. This service can be available for each city Employee for $2100
annually. It is Ozark Guidance and they
have a new office in Berrryville.
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS 513
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 15, 1999
Alderman Freeland said he was
against zero tolerance.
Alderman Sumpter made the motion
to approve the revisions and additions to the Personnel
Policy Handbook.
Alderman Stoppel seconded. The
vote was 5/1/0, with Alderman Freeland voting no.
March for Jesus
Parade. May 22. 1999 at 10a.m.:
The March for Jesus Parade will
begin at the Crescent Hotel, and end at Basin Park. People will begin to gather
at the Crescent at 9 a.m.
Alderman Freeland made the motion
to approve. Alderwoman Taylor seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Proclamation—National Historic
Preservation Week-May 9-15, 1999:
Ms. Dickens read the Proclamation
for National Historic Preservation Week.
The motion was made and seconded
to approve, and all were in favor, 6/0/0.
Classical Music Festival Banner,
April 16-25:
Alderwoman Taylor made the motion
to allow the Classical Music Festival Banner to be put up from April 16, 1999,
to April 25, 1999. Alderman Sumpter seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Alderman Freeland mentioned the
letter left in his box from Stanley Shaw wanting information on liquor licenses
and who is allowed to buy one either annually or temporarily.
Mayor Pro Tern, David Jeffrey
mentioned the Community Blood Drive on April 26th, 1999, from 12 to
6p.m.
Alderman Freelarid made the motion
to adjourn. Alderman Sumpter seconded and all were in favor, 610/0. The meeting
was adjourned at 10 p.m.
APPROVE:
ATTEST: