Minutes January 17, 2023
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session January 17, 2023 at the Dover City Hall. The following were present: Mayor Lee presiding and the following council members: Chris Walker, Russell Warhurst, Pat McAlister, Connie Ragsdale, Carl Wetzel, Fred Standridge and Attorney Luker.
Prayer: Fred Standridge.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Lee.
Mayor Lee welcomed new council member Russell Warhurst.
The minutes of the December 20, 2022 meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council Member Walker made motion to approve the minutes. Council Member McAlister 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
The monthly bills were received and signed. Council Member McAlister made motion to approve payment of the bills. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
East Lab Students from Dover High School that were present: Olivia Mercier and Owen Hill. They presented a list of sidewalks that need improvement. They showed pictures and discussed the stairs on Market Street and erosion areas of sidewalks in the city. The Mayor stated he agreed that sidewalks we do have need repaired before new ones are added. There is a possible grant that will become available later this year and Mayor Lee is going to research this.
Mayor Lee stated the Statements of Financial Interest have to be completed and turned into the City Treasurer by the end of this month.
Mayor Lee gave an update on the Street Aid Grant. He stated he had received a letter that the prices have gone up. The City of Dover will have to pay approximately $113,000 for the cities part of the grant. Council Member Standridge made motion to approve up to $114,000 for the city to pay. Council Member Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor Lee stated he has received the 2021 Audit. There was one matter that was noted and discussed. The City did not solicit bids for the vehicle costing $42,363. The mayor stated to the auditors there were no vehicles and certainly no trucks available at that time. Attorney Luker stated the city would wave competitive bidding.
Mayor Lee stated the city needs to transfer $5,000 from General to Water this month. Council Member Standridge made motion to make the transfer. Council Member Ragsdale 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Melissa Sanders was absent. There was no library report.
Ron Walker stated the Planning Commission will meet April 6th. He stated Huie Construction is building 2 more duplexes on Sequoia. He stated the legal process needs to be started on the house that burned on Highview.
Mayor Lee stated we have a water truck that is no longer in use, a 2008 Ford F-250 crew cab. After some discussion, Council Member Standridge made motion to sell the truck at the Ragsdale Auction. Council Member Warhurst 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried. Council Member Ragsdale abstained from voting.
Yancy Poynter gave the Utility Report:
Water dept.
- repaired 2 leaks
- replaced acutuator on rinse valve
- moved 1 service
- deleted 1 service
- high service pump motor in for repairs
Sewer Dept.
- pulled grinder pump and unclogged
- installed 1 service
Street Dept.
- patched streets
- 4 backhoe cylinders rebuilt
After a discussion about 2 trailers the city needs to purchase (a 20 ft bumper pull equipment trailer with a tilt bed and a smaller utility trailer), Council Member Standridge made a motion to purchase both trailers out of the street fund. Council Member Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Fire Chief was absent. There was no fire report.
Police Chief Dalrymple gave the police report. There were 991 total calls, 153 contacts, 350 property checks and 775 extra patrols. Dalrymple ask if it is ok to start removing the police stuff off the police car in the back that is not in use. Mayor Lee said yes.
Mayor Lee stated he is going to a meeting Monday in Lonoke about the ARPA wastewater grant. He mentioned for the council to be thinking that if the city of Dover gets its part and Russellville’s part of the grant money, the City might consider hiring a CPA to help with this grant.
Mayor Lee stated the Chamber of Commerce has 3 ribbon cuttings coming up soon.
He also mentioned that anytime the majority of the council wants to discuss the overpass coming thru Dover, he can contact the Hwy Dept and they can revisit the plan.
Mayor Lee stated the water guys did an excellent job working and repairing after the freezing temperatures.
Mayor mentioned the new judge for our district is Judge McCall.
Council Member McAlister made motion to adjourn. Council Member Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Meeting Adjourned.
