Dover City Council
Minutes February 17, 2026
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session February 17, 2026, 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, Fred Standridge, Jonathan Isaac, and Attorney Jacob Phillips.
Absent: None.
Prayer: Chief Josh Titsworth.
Pledge of Allegiance: Fred Standridge.
Roll Call: Recorder Renee Nelson
Minutes of January 20, 2025, meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council Member Standridge made a motion to approve the minutes. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Monthly bills were received and signed. Council Member Ragsdale made a motion to approve payment of bills. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Mayor Lee reviewed the financials and the balance sheet. Last payment for the sewer construction was made; this reduced the sewer reserves account. The sewer construction grant account has been closed.
Bridge Grant update: The bridge grant feasibilities study came out. A representative from AR Dot spoke with the mayor. The study concluded that the N. Elizabeth Street bridge replacement would not be considered cost effective or feasible due to the size of the structure required to meet the hydraulic requirements of the increased flows. If replaced the new bridge would be a low water bridge also. The Bridge on Peaceful Valley Road could be extended to two lanes at the same level it is now. This would not alleviate flooding in the area past the bridge.
Replacement Cost: N. Elizabeth $1,547,000 Dover Cost share: $154,745
Peaceful Valley $1,433,000 $143,000
Both bridges are in good condition. After further discussion, the city does not believe allocation of funds for replacement would provide sufficient benefit to justify the cost. Instead, the bridge on Maple Street would better be served by allocating funds for repairs.
Melissa Sanders presented the library report.
Mrs. Sanders reported the library had 1145 visitor last month, 6 new cards issued. Due to the snow in January attendance was lower than December. On February 13th, they had 42 visitors for the Valentine’s party. Mrs. Sanders informed the council that Assistant manager Maggie Oliver was doing a great job planning events for the library. They have several events in the planning for Spring Break.
Ron Walker presented the planning commission report.
Mr. Walker discussed the new Act 313, that has gone into effect this year concerning ADU’s. He has contacted the municipal league for clarification of the Act and the city’s rights. Any covenants that are in effect will supersede the new Act. The planning commission’s next meeting will be on April 2, 2026, at 6 pm. at Dover City Hall.
J.J White presented the utilities report.
Water Dept.
- Repaired one leak
- Austin and Brandon attended intermediate distribution course
- Installed black flow preventer at ballpark, can return porta john.
Sewer Depart.
- Repaired one manhole
- Repaired one sewer service
- Repaired kitchens drain at city hall
Street Depart.
- Cleared snow and ice from city hall
- Cleared snow and ice from streets
- Removed conduit from city park pavilion
- Disassembled and removed city park pavilion
- Cleaned out storage container at city hall
- Disassembled and removed ballpark pavilion
The current meter-reading hand-held devices have become obsolete. If any issues arise with them, the software program that operates them will no longer provide support. New units start at $2999 for first one and $1999 for ones purchased after. The council previously discussed this matter and agreed that the purchase would be approved if it became necessary. The council reaffirmed their position to proceed with the purchase of new handheld meter readers. The council commended the utilities personnel on their work during the snowstorm.
Mayor Lee reported after the Water/Sewer Audit review an issue arose. The auditor recommended that all supporting documentation be provided in electronic format for future audits. No deficiencies or compliance issues were identified; this was strictly a procedural recommendation.
Chief Charles Duvall was absent. Council Member Issac commented that it had been a lite month for the fire department. There were only a few calls: unauthorized burning, vehicle accident, 2 motor vehicle /pedestrian accident, grass fire, 2 dispatched and canceled calls.
Chief Josh Titsworth presented the police report.
January was an active month with 128 calls for service. Traffic enforcement was a major part of the calls along with accidents, welfare checks, criminal investigations, disturbances, and inter-agency assists.
Park Repairs.
During the snowstorm two structures collapsed: one at the city park and one at the baseball field. The city had four quotes ranging from $22860 to $52062. After some discussion the council decided to go with Van Horn Welding. Council Member Hottinger made a motion to employee Van Hor Welding for $15212.60 in repairs to the ballpark pavilion and $7648.00 in repairs to the city park pavilion. Council Member Standridge 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried.
Trauma Assistance Program
The Arkansas Municipal League is offering Trauma Assistance Program (TAP), a voluntary program to support first responders. Arkansas cities can sign an agreement with AML to help fulfill obligations enacted by Act 398 of 2025. The council discussed the program and decided to proceed with the Resolution to join the program. Council Member Wetzel made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-2, a resolution approving an agreement for participation in the Arkansas Municipal League’s Trauma Assistance Program. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion Carried.
Ordinance 2026-1
Mayor Lee presented Ordinance 2026-1, an ordinance authorizing the city of Dover to contract with specific employees and elected officials for business purposes. Council Member Standridge made a motion to put Ordinance 2026-1 on 1st reading by title only. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Attorney Phillips read Ordinance 2026-1 by title only. Council Member Standridge made a motion to accept 1st reading of Ordinance 2026-1 as read. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Council Member Standridge made a motion to place Ordinance 2026-1 on 2nd reading by title only. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Attorney Phillips read Ordinance 2026-1 by title only. Council Member Standridge made a motion to accept 2nd reading of Ordinance 2026-1 as read. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Council Member Standridge made a motion to place Ordinance 2026-1 on 3rd and final reading by title only. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Attorney Phillips read Ordinance 2026-1 by title only. Council Member Standridge made a motion to accept the 3rd and final reading. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Council Member Standridge made a motion to evoke an emergency clause to put Ordinance 2026-1 in full force and effect upon passage. Council member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried. Ordinance passed.
Recorder Renee Nelson updated the council members on who were up for reelection this year. Mrs. Nelson informed the members that the election packets should come out in May. Independent candidates will have between noon July 29 and noon August 5 to turn in packets for election in November.
Mayor Lee reported that Treasurer Walker and he are working on an organizational chart for the city and job descriptions. The mayor is still waiting on quotes for camera systems for the city. The city is looking into applying for more grant opportunities this year for the park, water tank restoration and the baseball park.
Mayor Lee asked the council to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Council Member Standridge made a motion to go into executive session. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Council went into executive session at 6:49 pm. Council returned at 6:58 pm. Council Member Hottinger made a motion to go back into regular session. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion Carried. No action was taken.
Council Member Standridge made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Isaac 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Meeting adjourned.
