Dover City Council
Minutes December 16, 2025
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session December 16, 2025, 6 p.m. at the Dover City Hall. The following were present: Mayor Roger Lee presiding and the following Council Members: Russell Warhurst, Carl Wetzel, Brent Hottinger, Connie Ragsdale, Jonathan Isaac, and Attorney Jacob Phillips.
Absent: Fred Standridge.
Prayer: Russ Warhurst.
Pledge of Allegiance: Jonathan Isaac.
Roll Call: Recorder Renee Nelson
Minutes of November 18, 2025, meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council Member Hottinger made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Minutes of November 25, 2025, 2026 Budget Workshop were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council Member Ragsdale made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yea:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Monthly bills were received and signed. Council Member Warhurst made a motion to approve payment of bills. Council Member Hottinger 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Reviewed balance sheet and monthly financials. The sewer construction had final walk through, and final bill will be out soon, approximately $96,000. Funds will be transferred from Sewer Reserves fund to Sewer Construction fund to make final payments for construction and engineering. The city may transfer more funds from Reserves to Savings for a better interest rate.
Grants update. Dover Baseball Park was not picked as a recipient for the Fun park Grant again this year. No news from the Trails Grant or Community Assistance Grant for the Dover park bathroom.
Ordinance 2025-5
Council Member Hottinger made a motion to put Ordinance 2025-5, An Ordinance fixing the rates and setting connection fees for the water and sewer system of the city of Dover, Arkansas, revoking Ordinances No. 2022-2 and No. 2022-3 and for other purposes, on second reading by title only. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried. Attorney Phillips read Ordinance by title only. Council Member Ragsdale made a motion to accept Ordinance 2025-5 as read. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried. Third and final reading will be next month.
Melissa Sanders presented the library report.
The library had 1196 visitors last month. They have issued 13 new library cards. They have many kids and adult programs. They have bingo once a month and it is a popular game with everyone. Santa will be at the library on Friday December 19 from 3-5pm. for crafts, cookies, and more. Mrs. Sanders said drop by for a meet and greet and have your picture taken with him.
Ron Walker presented the planning commission report.
Mr. Walker stated nothing new at this time. The next planning commission meeting will be on January 8, 2026, at 6 pm. at Dover City Hall.
Billy Anderson presented the utilities report.
Water Depart.
- Removed RP and shut off water at ballpark
- Replaced relay and adjusted clearance
- Reinstalled raw water Turbity meter
- Repaired one leak
- Replaced flange high service pump #2
Sewer Depart.
- Manhole inspections
- Manhole cleaning
- Change floats and relay on waste tank pump
- Sewer project: had final walkthrough. December 5, 2025.
Street Depart.
- Removed leaves in city park
- Repaired ditch washout on Hankins Drive
- Graveled entrance to city park
- Replaced street signs
- No parking signs installed on S. Elizabeth
- Repaired fence and north gate at city park
- Removed limbs at city park
- Repaired Christmas lights at city park
- Cut tree on E. Walker Dr.
- Patched potholes
Chief Charles Duvall presented the fire report.
The Chief reported they responded to a sparking utility pole on Ozarka St, 2 cooking fires, to a possible structure fire near Russellville District but cancelled before arrived, 3 LZ’s one cancel because of weather. Chief Duvall said they have partnered with the Dover School SROs for faster times to set up LZ’s. They have acquired lights to help the volunteer firefighters and the police with set of LZs. Chief Duvall has ordered the air-packs for the fire department and thanked the council for their continued support this past year.
Chief Josh Titsworth presented the police report.
The Police had 72 call last month consisting of traffic citations, warnings, accidents, road obstructions, burglary and criminal trespass, shots fired, welfare checks, and domestic disturbances. The police department has hired Chris Pearson as a full-time officer. Chief Titsworth asked the council if they had any questions about the new police policy, which he had sent them to review. After some discussion Council Member Hottinger made a motion to put the new police personnel policy in effect January 1, 2026. Council Member Issac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried. The Chief thanked the Mayor and Council Members who made it possible for the Christmas dinner on Monday night.
Resolution 2025-11
Th 2026 General/Street Budget was ready for approval after the workshop meeting in November. Council Member Ragsdale made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-11, 2026 General/Street Budget. Council Member Hottinger 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
The recorder presented the Cybersecurity Policy that will be added to the other policy the city has. This will make the city in compliance with the Arkansas Cyber Response Board (ACRB) minimum standards for entities in the self-funded Cyber Response program. After some discussion, Council Member Hottinger made a motion to approve the Dover Cyber Security Policy. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Mayor Lee went over the LEG Audit Regulatory Basis Financial Statements and other reports. He also discussed the Resolution authorizing and approving an Interlocal agreement with the cities of Atkins, Dover, Pottsville, London, and Russellville, providing a manner for disbursement of District Court, court costs and filing fees. Mayor Lee is still inquiring about camaras for certain areas in Dover. He asked the council for recommendations on companies to contact.
The recorder reminded everyone that SFI are due by January 31.
Mayor Lee asks to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Council Member Isaac made a motion to go into executive session. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Council went into executive session at 6:36 pm.
Council came out of executive session at 6:45pm.
Council Member Ragsdale made a motion to go back to regular session. Council Member Hottinger 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Council Member Warhurst made a motion to authorize the mayor to give up to a 4% pay increase to city employees beginning in January 2026. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Council Member Warhurst made a motion to authorize the mayor to give employees of the city a bonus. Council Member Hottinger 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Council Member Hottinger made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Meeting adjourned.
