Dover City Council
Minutes October 15, 2024
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session October 15, 2024,
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 Fred Standridge.
Absent: Attorney Luker.
Prayer: Russ Warhurst.
Pledge of Allegiance: Fred Standridge.
Roll Call: Recorder Renee Nelson.
Minutes of September 17, 2024, meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council member Walker made a motion to approve the minutes. Council member Warhurst 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 Hottinger 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Reviewed balance sheet and monthly financials.
Melissa Sanders presented the library report. They had 1558 visitors in September and 33 new cards issued. Tony Johnson has resigned from her position. The library will be hiring someone soon.
East-Lab student Gabe Berge spoke to the council about putting a pet water fountain in the Dover City Park. The design he was looking at also had a fountain for people on the top as well as one for pets at the bottom of the fountain. The council has asked for more information on the fountains and placement. Gabe said he would talk to the water department and come up with some ideas for placement and styles to present at the next meeting.
Ron Walker presented the planning commission report.
Ron reported their last meeting was October 3, 2024. Sam Jamell contacted them on 14 acres on Hwy.164, he wants to subdivide. More information is needed on the location of the water and sewer and if it is within the city limits before anything can be decided. Derek Tereza is wanting to build a triplex on 561 East Camp St. He will need a variance, changing the property from an R-2 to an R-3. On Hwy 7, the sports complex started working on the pad for their building. The city has been trying to contact the owners of 66 East Walker Drive, the property needs to be cleaned up. The city will be working in a small area in the Dover heights by the old sign that needs to be cleaned up.
After some discussion, Council member Wetzel made a motion to grant a variance for address 561 East Camp Street from R-2 to R-3. Council member Warhurst 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried.
J.J. White presented the utilities report.
Water Department:
- Repaired one leak
- Retired 2’ steel main
- Replaced one meter shut off
- Replaced one setter
- Replaced two valve boxes
- Rebuild the chlorine head
- Installed the submersible pump in the creek
Sewer Department:
- Terminated one sewer service
- Humbard has completed the line work
- Duncan has poured one manhole
Street Department:
- Painted handrails and guard rails
- Edged sidewalks at the city hall
- Removed the limbs from the tanks
- Poured concrete for the street patch and driveway patch.
Sidewalks are complete with just some cleanup to be finished.
Chief Josh Titsworth presented the fire report.
They had 3 false alarms; one canceled in route; 3 grass fires and one unlawful burn; one car fire on Pine Hill Road.
Chief Josh Titsworth presented the police report.
The chief reported on routine traffic stops, property crimes, welfare checks, vehicle collisions, multiple thefts and road closure. They had a report of shots fired in Dover City Park, a suicidal incident, rape report and protection order violations. Collaboration with other agencies has remained vital for handling some of the more severe cases.
A 2013 Dodge Charger has been decommissioned and will be sold when possible. The council asked if the Ragsdale Auction could sell the Charger. If or when Ragsdale’s has another auction the council has approved for the Charger to be sold. Council member Hottinger made a motion to send the 2013 Dodge Charger to an auction to be sold. Council member Standridge 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Council member Ragsdale abstained. Motion Carried.
Mayor Roger Lee presented the mayor report.
The Fun Park Grant the city had applied for was not selected. It was to help repair the baseball field restroom roof, mini split, flooring and other items. The Dover School District, Dover Summer Recreation, and Dover Mayor discussed maybe a partnership in paying for the repairs and updates. Superintendent of the school is inquiring about quotes for these items. The council said they would need more information and prices on the repairs before they can decide. Also, the council had concerns about the upkeep of the facilities after repairs. Mayor Lee reported he had been contacted by the Arkansas Department of Transportation about State Federal Aid funding for bridge replacement. The city has 2 bridges on the map that could qualify: Peaceful Valley and N. Elizabeth. If one or both are picked the state will have to do a study for a fee for each. Mayor Lee presented quotes for holiday lights on the city hall. After some discussion, the council approved River Valley Exterior Co. to install the lights
Council member Hottinger made a motion to approve $1764.71 for holiday light installation on the city hall by River Valey Exterior. Council member Ragsdale 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas: 5. Council member Standridge: Nay. Motion carried.
Council member Ragsdale made a motion to adjourn. Council member Standridge 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:6. Nays:0. Motion carried.
