May 2023 Minutes

May 16, 2023

The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session at the Dover City Hall.  The following were present:  Mayor Lee presiding and the following alderpersons:  Chris Walker, Connie Ragsdale, Fred Standridge, Carl Wetzel, Russ Warhurst, and Attorney Luker.Absent: Pat McAlister

Prayer:  Russell Warhurst

Pledge of Allegiance led by Roger Lee.

The minutes of the April 18, 2023, meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Alderman Standridge made motion to accept the minutes.  Alderman Warhurst 2^nd.  A Voice Vote:  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.

The monthly bills were received and signed.  Alderman Standridge made motion to approve payment of the bills.  Alderman Walker 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.

Mayor Lee introduced the new water & wastewater clerk, Rebekka Standridge.

Alderman Standridge made a motion to declare the Recorder/Treasurer position vacant. Alderman Warhurst 2^nd. A voice vote Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 Motion Carried.

Mayor Lee presented Ordinance 2023-2, an ordinance separating the Recorder and Treasurer position to the council.  Alderman Standridge made motion to place the Ordinance on 1^st Reading.  Alderman Warhurst 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.  Attorney Luker read the ordinance.  Alderman Standridge made motion to accept the ordinance as read.  Alderman Walker 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.  Alderman Standridge made motion to suspend rules and have the second reading of the ordinance read by title only.  Alderman Walker 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.  Attorney Luker read the ordinance by title only.  Alderman Standridge made motion to accept the ordinance as read.  Alderman Walker 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.  Alderman Standridge made motion to suspend rules and have the third and final reading of the ordinance read by title only.  Alderwoman Ragsdale 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.  Attorney Luker read the ordinance by title only.  Alderman Standridge made motion to accept the ordinance as read.  Alderwoman Ragsdale 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried. Alderman Standridge made motion to invoke the emergency clause and place the ordinance in full effect. Alderwoman Ragsdale 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.

The Treasurer will now be appointed; the Recorder will be elected. It was discussed what the salary will be for the new Recorder, no amount decided.

Mayor Lee presented Resolution 2023-2 To allow applying for a FUN PARK grant through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. Plans include new play equipment at the City Park and improvements at the Ball Park (seal and stripe parking lots, replace shingle roof on restrooms and make handicap accessible entrance from East parking lot). Alderman Wetzel made motion to approve the Resolution.  Alderman Warhurst 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Motion Carried.

Funds from the ARPA grant is delayed, the meeting postponed to July.

Mayor stated that he and other mayors met with the county Judge to discuss improving broadband for our area. The County Judge will be forming a local advisory committee to secure funds and plan on how best to utilize funds acquired.

Yancy Poynter gave the Utility Report: He has hired Zachary Myers to work part-time.

Water dept.

• repaired 2 meter boxes
• concreted valve box

sewer dept.

• manhole repair completed
• raised and repaired manhole behind family dollar
• plugged 2 services
• installed 1 service

sTREET DEPT.

• patched streets
• trimmed limbs
• replaced street sign stolen or DAMAGED (hill, ozarka)

 

Fire Report.  There were 8 calls and 6 extra activities (truck checks, fire drill at Dover schools, Chapter 10 search and rescue, pump training, and office work).

Police report.  There were 814 total calls, 205 contacts, 638 property checks and 507 extra patrols.  SRO had 157 calls.

Alderman Warhurst made motion to adjourn.  Alderman Standridge 2^nd.  A Voice Vote.  Yeas:  5.  Nays:  0.  Meeting Adjourned.

Roger Lee

Recorder/Treasurer                                                            Mayor

The undersigned certification of the City of Dover, Arkansas, hereby certifies the foregoing pages 1 and 2 are true and correct copies of the meeting of the City Council at Dover City Hall, 6 pm, May 16, 2023.