514
COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, May
6, 1999
7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL, ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: March 22, 1999 April 1, 1999 April 2, 1999 April
15, 1999
COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, AND AUTHORITY REPORTS AND
VACANCIES:
Parks Commission- Position 3L Expires May 31, 1999
Plan Commission- Position 4- Expires July 1, 2000
Cemetery Commission- Position 4-Expires February 15, 2002—Frank Green
CAPC Commission- Position 3-Expires June 30, 1999
Hospital Commission- Position 2-Expires June 1, 1999
DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS
CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of purchase contract for Runge
property.
2. Vehicle location program for Transit (Lisa
Liggett)
3. City Policy on Water Shut-off (Diane Murphy)
4. Discussion on installation of speed bumps
(Kirby Murray)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Council to set permit fee for Noise Ordinance (Kim Dickens)
2. Informational/sales carts (Pat Fitzsimmons)
3. Presentation on Parking (Ed Leswig and Bruce
Knapp)
4. Ordinance No. 1810. To waive bidding for a used
truck cab and chassie (Kirby Murray)
5. Ordinance No. 1811. To waive bidding for
purchasing materials for installation of imprinted concrete.(Kirby Murray)
6. Approval of three reserve officers and one new
officer (Earl Hyatt)
7. Proclamation for National Tourism Week May 2-8,
1999
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS:
MAYOR’S COMMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 6, 1999
Mayor Beau Satori called
the May 6th, 1999, meeting of the Eureka Springs City Council
to order at 7 p.m. in the
Courtroom of the Carroll County Courthouse.
PRESENT: Mayor Beau Satori
and Alderpersons Freeland, Taylor, Schrader, Jeffrey, Stoppel, and Sumpter.
ALSO PRESENT: Royal Alcott, Ed Leswig, Robert McVey, Nikki Salazar, Lisa Liggett, Denise McVey, Robert Miller, Libby Freeland, Bruce Knapp, David Beauchamp, Earl Hyatt, Pat Matsukis, Butch Berry, and a few more who did not sign in.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ms.
Dickens led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: The numbering on Ordinance #!610 and #1811 is turned around. Alderman Jeffrey made a motion to approve the agenda and Alderman Stoppel seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 22, 1999, City Council Meeting, Postponed by
Alderman Schrader from the April l5th Meeting:
Alderman Freeland made the
motion to approve. Alderman Schrader seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
515
CITY OF EUREKA
SPRINGS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 6, 1999
April 1, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting:
Alderman Jeffrey made the motion to approve. Alderman Schrader seconded.
On Page 6, Alderman Jeffrey pointed out that it was $90,000, and not
$80,000 for the
Runge property, and then on the last page when he asked the Mayor about
the Transit
study, the Clerk left out a sentence, that the Mayor would cover that
answer under
Mayor’s Comments.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
April 2, 1999, Special Council Meeting:
Alderman Stoppel made the motion to approve and Alderwoman Taylor
seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
April 15, 1999, Special Council Meeting:
Alderman Jeffrey made the motion to approve. Alderman Stoppel seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
April 15, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting:
Alderman Schrader made the motion to approve. Alderman Jeffrey seconded.
Alderman
Freeland suggested that the Chief Hyatt quote about an ordinance being written be taken
out completely. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
COMMISSION, COMMITTEE AND
AUTHORITY REPORTS AND VACANCIES:
Parks Commission-Position
3-Expires May 31, 1999: Mayor Satori recommended that
Glen Strange fill that position.
Planning Commission-Position
4-Expires July 1, 2000. The Mayor had nobody in mind at that time. David
Fithian resigned.
Cemetery Commission-Position 4_
Expires February 15, 2002, Frank Green:
Alderwoman Thompson made the
motion to approve Frank Green. Alderman Schrader seconded. All were in favor,
6/0/0. Alderman Jeffrey said it was highly unusual to have a citizen on two
commissions. Mayor Satori said that both have Historical significance. Ms.
Dickens said that the Cemetery Commission has taken on the huge job of trying
to get on the Historic Register. A lot of work will be required. Mr. Green has
lived here for most of his life, and is very excited and enthusiastic about
being involved in the process.
CAPC Commission-Position 3-Expires
June 30th, 1999: Sue Ely’s
position expires.
Hospital Commission-Position
2-Expires June 1, 1999. The Mayor had nobody in mind at that time.
DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS:
Libby Freeland gave a report on
what is going on at the Auditorium. She announced that
the Eureka Junior Players gave the
Auditorium a donation of $314.83 which they would
like to go toward some lighting.
The Bed and Breakfast Cabins and Cottages donated
$225 for something to benefit the
Auditorium. She combined those and purchased lights.
Now you can see the front of the
stage and it is wonderful! She announced that the Lane
House has another production
called Chronic Youth. Cajun Festival is coming along.
Chubby Carrier is on Saturday
night. He has been here before and sold out. The Cajun
Connection will be here on Friday
night. The dates of the Cajun Festival are the 16th and
17th of July.
Lisa Liggett of Transit reported
that fare revenue is up about $1200 from March of last year. Expenses are up a
bit from last year, due to the transition period. Operating expenses are up due
to the insurance on the two new vehicles, which was about $9,000. April did
seem a little bit down, probably because of the cold weather.
She filled the position of book
keeper. Ms. Julie Fredrick started May 6th, 1999. May 18th through the 20th is a mandatory Drug and
Alcohol training session. Ms. Liggett and Ms. Fredrick are going. The State is
wants to develop a mandatory State drug and alcohol policy. The man from Chance
is here showing the mechanics any changes on the new trolley and checking it
out.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS REPORT:
Ms. Dickens reported that the City
received a letter from Reck Wallis, Superintendent of Schools, asking everyone
to attend a Crisis Management Team meeting on Monday May 10th 1999 at7 p.m. The meeting will be held in the
Eureka Springs Elementary School cafeteria. Mr. Wallis said it takes all
of the community’s effort to ensure a positive, healthy environment for our
students.
She said that Monday May 10 was
the deadline for applications for Building ~~~missing~~
516
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 6, 1999
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
Approval
of the Purchase Contract for the Runpe Property:
The clerk had passed out copies of the purchase contract. The contract
calls for a copy of the most recent survey. Alderman Jeffrey said the City may
want to have our own survey done. The rental sign will give the City some
income.
Pat Matsukis asked why the City is buying this property.
Mayor Satori said that the plans have changed for the top of Planer
Hill. The State Highway Department is going to re-design the top. The City has
a grant to do a fountain there in the middle on the island, and now, there may
not be an island. This is the entrance to our downtown Historic District. The
property will be beautified and the fountain feature can be put there. It is at
the top of the hill where the new sidewalk will end.
Ms. Matsukis said she didn’t see any continuity in the progression.
First we considered Sandy Bass’ property and now we are buying this piece.
Alderman Jeffrey said the Vision Plan envisions gateways to the City.
This is the main gateway to the City.
Mayor Satori said anything that is done to enhance the ridge top
enhances the downtown. Alderman Schrader said he was all for the idea but was
worried about spending the money. He said this Council has got to sit down at
the table and make some long range Capitol plans for spending. He said not just
a couple of years, but five years down the line. The City needs to think and
plan ahead.
Alderman Jeffrey said that he agreed, and that they could extend Capital
Expenditures two years and then three and so on, when the budget meetings are
held. Mayor Satori said the date of possession of the Runge property was moved
to January 31, 2000 and when he contacted Mr. Runge, to find out why, he said
it was because of his licenses. The Mayor also spoke with Mr. Sanders, who is
flexible about whether the signboard can be moved in case it is necessary.
Alderman Freeland made the motion to read Resolution 456. Alderman
Stoppel Seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms. Dickens read the resolution.
Alderman Stoppel made the motion to approve and Alderman Jeffrey
seconded. Alderman Jeffrey said that “Section 15” had been left out of the
description and needed to be in there.
Alderman Stoppel made the motion to approve the correction. Alderman
Schrader seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
The vote on the Resolution was 6/0/0.
Vehicle Location Program for Transit. (Lisa Liggett):
Ms. Liggett said five vehicles need radio systems. The old radios can no
longer be repaired. The system Ms. Liggett has been looking at is $35,000. It
enables her office to be aware of any problems on the road. It can show her
where each driver is and how far away he is. It can pin point any problems in
scheduling, and how to keep the trolleys running more efficiently. It would
keep her in constant contact with the drivers. The computor software is
specially built for the City.
If the City could wait until the new budget cycle, the State could help
with a grant. Ms. Liggett said the radios are needed now. They would be
compatible with the system, so that if the Council wants to wait until next
year, and go for the whole system, the State would help us. The State grants
are generally 80%/20%, with the State paying the 80%. She also said there is a
payment plan that the City could use.
Alderman Freeland said that when we have $2,000,000 in rolling stock, it
seems reasonable to spend the added funds to make the system more efficient. He
made the motion to approve a $2200 amendment to the Transit Budget to go
towards radio systems for the trolleys. Alderwoman Taylor seconded. Alderman Freeland
withdrew his motion. Alderman Sumpter made the motion to amend the motion to
change it to 20% of the overall cost of the system. Alderman Jeffrey seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0. Alderman Sumpter asked what the City wanted to do
about the rest of the system. The general consensus was to wait until next
year, and get a grant to help us buy the rest of the system.
City Policy on Water Shut-Off: (Diane Murphy):
Diane
Murphy was unable to attend, so David Beauchamp was there to answer any
questions. Alderman Stoppel said he didn’t want to see any shut-offs on Friday
for the weekend. Mr. Beauchamp said that traditionally the City does not shut
off water on the weekends. Alderman Stoppel said he would like to see it
written into the policy so that a City employee is not left to make the
decision. Alderman Freeland wants to make sure that everyone is treated the
same.
There was
discussion about what to do if you do find yourself without water for the
weekend. The answer was to call the
Police Department and they will locate whoever is on call, and then that person
will call the citizen. The person on call cannot collect the $45. It has to be paid to the water department
Ms.
Dickens took the proposed policy back to be revised to say that nobody will have
their water cut off on Friday.
CITY OF
EUREKA SPRINGS
COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 6, 1999
Discussion on the installation of speed bumps, (Kirby Murray):.
Mr. Murray passed out hand-outs to the Council earlier in the week to
explain the cost of speed bumps.
Mr. Murray stated that he is against speed bumps because it punishes
everyone for what the offenders are doing. He thought approaching the judge to
raise the fines was a good idea. Speed bumps are noisy in the middle of the
night. It is $413 per installation. Alderman Schrader questioned the cost. Mr.
Murray said that they must be installed properly in order to be legal. After
more discussion Alderwoman Taylor made the motion to install two speed bumps on
Flint Street on a trial basis, to be re-evaluated in 6 months. Alderman
Schrader seconded. The vote was 5/1/0, with Alderman Sumpter voting no.
NEW BUSINESS:
Informational/Sales Carts-(Pat Fitzsimmons):
Ms. Fitzsimmons and business owners there by the Eureka Live building
think there should be carts parked there by the parking lot or across the
street and people should be allowed to sell their crafts there.
The Mayor said that the peddlar’s license ordinance would have to be
re-written.
Alderman Jeffrey made the motion to refer this to the Planning
Commission. Alderman Schrader seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Presentation on Parking (Ed Leswig and Bruce Knapp):
Mr. Leswig said the City needs to utilize existing lots, such as the
Sandy Bass property on Planer Hill, the lot at the High School, and the lot at
the Railroad Station. He said it was just an idea so far. He said the Planer
Hill lot is impossible to identify. It has no signage to say park here, it does
not indicate to a stranger in town that it is okay to park there and there is
nothing to attract people there.
Some of the ideas that were put forth were discussed. Perhaps a surplus
trolley could run from these lots all day long for free rides to people parking
there. The Trolley would run from the High School lot to the Planer Hill Lot,
to the Railroad Station lot all day long and drop people at the Trolley Depot
downtown as it goes by. It would be a short, free trolley ride for everyone
wanting to use those lots. All pick-ups and drop-offs would be inside the parking
lots. The trolley would run 10a.m. to 10p.m.
The idea also was presented to utilize the upper part of Benton Street
for parking and it would be one-way up the hill. It would not be done, of
course, on the part of the street that has residences and businesses on it.
The idea of hiring high school people to dress in Eureka Springs
t-shirts and be parking attendants in the different lots was brought up. They
would be available as good will ambassadors, and could give directions.
Mr. Leswig also touched on the idea of having metal trolley tokens
struck annually for riding the trolleys, and businesses could pass them out to
encourage people to use the trolleys.
Chairman Bruce Knapp from the Parking Authority said these are some of
the best ideas that have evolved in a long time. Everyone has the perception
that Eureka Springs has no where to park. The problem often is that they don’t
want to park far from where they shop. The shop owners park in the parking
meant for their customers. The transit needs to be efficient and is an integral
part of how the parking lots will work
Mr. Leswig said he does not want to denigrate what is already being
done, but he does think transit could be more effective.
Alderman Schrader said the upper lot at the train station is very rough.
He said the traffic patterns at the High School are difficult, and he does not
believe anyone will accept the parking on the upper part of Benton.
Alderman Freeland said that this town has what other places build fakes
to emulate. You just can’t go out and find this anywhere else.
Ms. Dickens said she will meet with property owners and Mr. Leswig and
Mr. Knapp if they want to meet.
Mr. Knapp said not to kill ideas before they ever start. At least do
some research, and do things in stages until we are sure they won’t work. He
said if the transit system is looking to make a profit, they are losing the
point. The point is to move people to where they need or want to go. Alderman Jeffrey said the ideas are worth
investigating.
(note: 518 of the minute book Q is a duplicate page)
CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 519
MAY 6, 1999
The motion
was made and seconded to have a ten minute recess. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
The
meeting was recessed at 9:25 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:35 p.m.
It was
discovered that the ordinance numbers on Ordinance No. 1810, and 1611 were
turned around. This will be corrected.
Ordinance
No. 1810, To waive bidding for a used truck cab and chassis Kirby
Murray): Mr.
Murray explained that he is looking for a used vehicle to mount the sewer
jetting machine on. It weighs 10,000 pounds. The vehicle it is mounted on now
is breaking down often.
Alderman
Freeland made the motion to place Ordinance No. 1810 on its first reading.
Alderwoman Taylor seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms.
Dickens read the ordinance in its entirety.
Alderman
Jeffrey made the motion to approve. Alderman Stoppel seconded. Alderman
Schrader objected to the emergency clause.
Alderman
Schrader made the motion to amend the ordinance to exclude the emergency
clause. Alderwoman Taylor seconded. Alderpersons Schrader, Taylor and Sumpter
voted yes, and Alderpersons Freeland, Jeffrey and Stoppel voted no. Mayor
Satori voted yes, so the vote was 4/3/0.
The vote
on the first reading was 6/0/0.
Alderman
Jeffrey made the motion to suspend the rules and place Ordinance No. 1810 on
its second reading by title only. Alderman Stoppel seconded. All were in favor,
6/0/0. Ms. Dickens read the ordinance by title only.
Alderman
Freeland made the motion to approve. Alderman Jeffrey seconded. All were in
favor, 6/0/0.
Alderwoman
Taylor made the motion to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance No.
1810 on its third and final reading by title only. Alderman Stoppel seconded.
All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms.
Dickens read the ordinance by title only.
Alderman
Freeland made the motion to approve. Alderman Sumpter seconded. All were in
favor, 6/0/0.
Someone
said that Kirby Murray can buy his truck by June 5th.
Ordinance
No. 1811, To waive bidding for purchasing materials for installation of
imprinted concrete, (Kirby Murray): Mr. Murray explained that he and
James Clark and Eric Torgersen went to school to learn the technique for
Increte, the imprinted concrete. He would like permission to buy the package
that goes with the classes. The package is $14,900. The company would waive the
cost of the classes, which is $600, and the City could buy the package for
$14,300. It is not a budgeted item, and that is why Mr. Murray has come before
the council. Also, it is the only package they can buy. If they buy from
another company, they have to go through their school to learn their technique.
Alderman Freeland made the motion to place Ordinance No. 1811 on its first
reading. Alderman Sumpter seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Ms.
Dickens read the ordinance in its entirety.
Alderman
Jeffrey made the motion to approve. Alderman Stoppel seconded. Remarks were
made again about the emergency clause. Mr. Murray said that all sidewalk work
stopped about 7 months ago. He said they had to wait for the sidewalk ordinance
and all the time that it involved. Then they had to wait until school was open
to them. Alderman Jeffrey said for public input, they should leave the
emergency clause in and read the ordinance for two meetings.
Alderwoman
Taylor made the motion to remove the emergency clause. Alderman Schrader
seconded. Alderman Taylor thought about Alderman Jeffrey’s idea and withdrew
her motion. She said it really could be called an emergency situation. Alderman
Schrader withdrew his second. The vote on the first reading was 6/0/0.
Approval
of three reserve officers and one new officer, (Chief Hyatt):
Chief
Hyatt explained that Officer Sam Dunham had resigned and taken a position in
Huntsville. He also has three people who would like to be reserve officers.
Nick Samac and Jessica Newberry are already trained. Thomas Achord is currently
in school, and will be getting out at the end of May, 1999.They each volunteer
their time for 16 hours per month. The City purchases uniforms, footwear, vests
and sometimes firearms, and pays for their exams. These officers have the same
responsibilities as regular police. They are carefully screened before their
applications are considered.
Chief
Hyatt said he would like the Council to approve Chris Wages to fill Officer
Dunham’s position as a full time officer. He has excellent qualifications.
The Chief
also asked the Council for approval of Dale Grunwald for a part time position
as an officer downtown. His position is
covered in the Budget. He will work
Friday, Saturday~
is
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520 CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY
6, 1999
Alderman Stoppel made the motion to approve all of
the names. Alderman Sumpter I seconded. All were in favor, 6/0/0.
Proclamation
for National Tourism Week, May 2-8,1999:
Mayor Satori read the Proclamation for National Tourism
week, May 2nd through May 8th, 1999.
Waiving permits for the May Fine Arts Festival:
The City Clerk said that the Parks Commission does not
charge a fee for people to be in the parks now. The only questionable booth was
a tie die booth. The clerk cited the peddling ordinance. No other action was
taken.
Council to set permit fee for Noise Ordinance, (Kim Dicken):
The Council discussed at length the fees for Permits. Two permits will be needed.
One will be for businesses who have outdoor seating and live music. The other
will be for any organization who wants amplified music or an MC on a microphone
for a car show or any event that would call for this. Several amounts were
discussed and a straw vote was taken. Alderman Jeffrey had suggested to charge
$50.00 for an annual fee and $25.00 for the temporary permits. The straw vote
was 4/2/0, with Alderman Stoppel and Sumpter voting no. A resolution will be
prepared for the next regularly scheduled Council meeting.
Mayor Satori said he appreciated everyone’s concern and
support during a hard time.
.
The motion was made and seconded to adjourn. All were in
favor, 6/0/0. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m
ATTEST: