Dover City Council
Minutes March 18, 2025
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session March 18, 2025, 6 p.m. at the Dover City Hall. The following were present: Mayor Roger Lee presiding and the following Council members: Russell Warhurst, Chris Walker, Carl Wetzel, Brent Hottinger, Connie Ragsdale, and Attorney Jacob Phillips.
Absent: Fred Standridge.
Prayer: Russ Warhurst.
Pledge of Allegiance: Chris Walker.
Roll Call: Recorder Renee Nelson.
Minutes of February 18, 2025, meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council member Hottinger made a motion to approve the minutes. Council member Walker 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Monthly bills were received and signed. Council member Walker made a motion to approve payment of bills. Council member Warhurst 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Reviewed balance sheet and monthly financials.
Melissa Sanders presented the library report.
The library had 1292 visitors in February. 15 new library cards were issued. They had 42 present at the Valentines party. They had 10 at adult game club on Wednesday from 1:30-3 pm.
Ron Walker presented the planning commission report.
They had a special-called meeting on March 6, to discuss Mr. Roach’s proposal. The commission will have a public hearing on March 27, 2025, at 6pm, at Dover City Hall to address the rezoning of George Roach Place from C-3 to Agriculture. They have posted notices at city hall and Mr. Roach’s property on George Roach Place. Kyle Lynch has asked about rezoning his area from R-2 to Agriculture for housing his show hogs. Mr. Lynch’s property is on Water St. in Dover. The next quarterly meeting is April 3,2025.
J.J. White presented the utilities report.
Water Dept.
- Repaired shop heater
- Replaced sump pump at booster
- Installed anchor bolts at raw water pump#1
- Replaced packing raw water pump #2
- Replaced vent tube at raw water pump#2
- Serviced Gen. Sets at raw water and plant
- Billy passed the Distribution test
Sewer Dept.
- Sewer project update-Duncan is working on lift station#2 Russellville side.
- Broken down dry well
- Started on wet well
Street Dept.
- Cleared city hall and roads of snow
- Replaced dump trailer controller
- Cleaned culverts
- Patched potholes
- Repaired stop sign
- Installed mirrors in lobby of city hall
- Cleaned up tree trimming at park
- Repairer grill at park
- Repaired legs on pavilion 1 at park
- Burned and buried brush pile at ballpark
Chief Duvall was absent. Mayor Lee presented the fire report.
The fire department responded to a fire on Oakwood Dr., house fire on JP lane, unauthorized burn on Market St. and grass fire on Quicker Lane.
Chief Josh Titsworth presented the police report.
The police department had 94 calls for February. Billy Koyt Kidd was taken into custody for violating terms of pre-trial release and currently resides in Pope County Jail. Justin McHenry was convicted of disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental operations in Pope Co. District Court-Dover Division. Mr. McHenry is planning an appeal with Pope County Circuit Court.
Chief Titsworth showed the new laptops he received this week. The City of Dover and the Dover Police Department would like to express their sincere gratitude to Arvest Bank for its generous grant which aided in the purchase of new laptops for the department. This support plays a crucial role in the department’s ability to work more efficiently.
The Chief discussed the purchase of a new police vehicle. He would like to purchase a truck. The council had asked for reasons why a truck. The Chief stated that a truck has a better resale value, will hold up better than car or SUV when assisting the county in rural areas. The 4-door truck would be fitted with a police package, bedcover and lock. They would be able to haul evidence and traffic barriers if needed. Price ranges were 48k to 52k, Truck-SUV, respectively. After some discussion on feasibility, usage and bidding laws, the council approved the purchase of a new vehicle.
Council member Wetzel made a motion to pay up to $20,000 from the general fund toward a new truck for the police department, $30,000 from the Jail Fees Account after trade-in and sum of sale of vehicles to Dover School District. Council member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:4. Council member Hottinger voted Nay:1. Motion Carried.
Mayor lee updated the council on the Bridge grant proposals. The paperwork has been signed, and we are waiting for the next step, which will be the feasibility study.
The city will be applying for Fun Park Grant again this year, we will ask for improvements for the parking and handicap accessible areas for the ball field. There is a Great Strides/Trail for Life Grant that the city would like to apply for this year. It is for walking trails and the city is proposing a trail at the city park. A public meeting will be held on April 15, 2025, at Dover City Hall, 6pm. Public is encouraged to attend the meeting to help with ideas on design.
Update on cleanup at 66 Walker Street: one of the trailers has been sold and will be moved. This will help clean up the area. The city will contact the others in this area to see what can be done to clean up the others.
Mayor Lee reported that the weather sirens owned by Entergy will be turned over to the city to use/maintained or will be decommissioned at the end of the year. Entergy is going to a phone alert system. Mayor lee recommended keeping it working until it can no longer be maintained. The yearly Municipal Audit has started. The mayor reported that the repairs/upgrades on the Dover Ball Park have been completed. These upgrades on the restrooms and roof were a collaborative effort by the City of Dover, Summer Recreation, and Dover School District.
Council member Hottinger made a motion to adjourn. Council member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
