CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Kathy Harrison called the special meeting of the Eureka Springs City Council to order at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, June 23, in the jury room of the Western District Carroll County Courthouse.
PRESENT: Mayor Kathy Harrison, Aldermen Robert “Butch” Berry, Beverly Blankenship, Aaron Falotico, Terry McClung, Rick Rojek, Lori Weaver, City Attorney Tim Weaver and City Clerk Mary Jean Sell.
Mayor Harrison said the purpose of the meeting is to authorize her to negotiate a contract to purchase the property known as the Planer Hill Parking Lot, at the intersection of Highway 23/Main Street and Highway 62/Van Buren, from Jimmy Jones.
The Council has voted to set aside $100,000 in capital improvement funds as the city’s portion of the purchase price. Transit Director Lamont Richie has applied for grants from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) and the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) for $400,000, to total $500,000.
Although the state and federal funds have not yet been awarded, Mayor Harrison and Richie are “reasonably sure” the funds will be available.
Ms. Blankenship moved to allow the mayor to enter into a contract for the purchase of the property contingent upon the state’s final approval of the funds. Mr. Falotico seconded.
Mr. McClung and Mr. Berry were concerned about the timing of the request from the Mayor. They thought the contract had been signed several weeks ago, after the capital funds were approved.
Mayor Harrison said she did not have authority to negotiate a contract at that time.
Mr. Berry moved to call the question to halt discussion. Mr. Falotico seconded. All voted aye. Motion passed 6/0/0
Mr. Berry moved to amend the motion to include the purchase price of $500,000. Mr. Falotico seconded. All voted aye. Motion passed 6/0/0
On the motion to allow the mayor to enter into a contract to purchase the property for $500,000 contingent upon the state’s final approval of the funds, all voted aye. Motion passed 6/0/0.
Mr. McClung moved to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Mr. Rojek seconded. All voted aye. Motion passed 6/0/0
This is the signature page for the special City Council meeting Thursday, June 23.
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City Clerk Mary Jean Sell Mayor Kathy Harrison
City
Council 6/23/05 1