October 18, 2022
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session October 18, 2022 at the Dover City Hall. The following were present: Mayor Lee presiding and the following alderpersons: Pat McAlister, Chris Loper, Carl Wetzel, Chris Walker, Connie Ragsdale and Attorney Luker.
Absent: Fred Standridge. He arrived at 6:05
Prayer: Chris Loper.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Attorney Luker.
The minutes of the September 20, 2022 meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Alderman Loper made motion to accept the minutes. Alderman Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
The monthly bills were received and signed. Alderwoman McAlister made motion to approve payment of the bills. Alderman Loper 2nd . A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Attorney Luker left due to a prior engagement.
Mayor Lee gave a sewer update. Last month the council approved the mayor to negotiate with Russellville on a sewer agreement, getting a 20 to 25% discount on the sewer bill, selling ownership south of Dover Sonic, which would take about 32 customers away from Dover. Russellville agreed to pay $245,000, which would pay off the part of the bond Dover holds that is tied to the Sewer. The flow meter will eventually be moved by Russellville closer to Dover Sonic at the Dover City Limits. Dover will get the residential rate per gallon from here on less 25%. ANRC is accepting applications for the grant money. Dover does not qualify for 100% funding due to medium house hold income. Dover would have to match grant money by 25%. The Engineers are working on the application and applying for 3.5 million which part of that will go to Russellville for sewer repairs. Dover will only be responsible for matching 25% of the money that is for Dover repairs.
City Corp approved the agreement to purchase the system from Dover today. Russellville City Council is set to approve the agreement later this week.
Mayor Lee presented Resolution 2022-4 to the council. A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk/Treasurer to enter into a sewer line acquisition agreement with the City of Russellville and City Corporation. Alderwoman McAlister made motion to approve the Resolution. Alderman Wetzel 2nd. A Voice Vote: Wetzel – yes, Loper – yes, McAlister – yes, Ragsdale – yes, Walker – yes, Standridge – yes.
Motion approved.
Mayor Lee reminded the council some have to take the Act 605 Water Class.
Marion Helton approached the council with a problem of trucks using Jake Brakes in the city limits. The City has an ordinance and signs up against Jake Braking. After discussion, the police department will start talking with drivers discouraging this and will write tickets if needed.
Mr. Helton did thank the Police Department for the jobs they do and their devoted time.
Melissa Sanders gave the library report.
Joyce Helton approached the council concerning wild cats in the city and the nuisance they cause. After discussion, it was decided cats on Water Street are probably coming from Roy Meadows house. The Mayor stated he will go and talk to Mr. Meadows and try to get a solution.
Ron Walker gave the Planning Commission report. They met on October 6th. He stated a Real Estate Company is opening at the small building on the square.
There was discussion about properties in town that are beyond repair and it was decided the ordinance against this is going to be looked into.
Mayor Lee stated the ARPA checking Account needs to be closed. All the ARPA monies have been transferred to General Checking. Alderwoman McAlister made motion to close the account. Alderman Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Mayor Lee stated the Reserve Account has a balance of $174,886. To have enough in the account for the 25% of the sewer grant we have applied for we need to increase the amount each month from General to Reserve from $10,000 to $16,700. Alderman Wetzel made motion to increase the amount. Alderwoman McAlister 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Yancy Poynter was absent but left a Utility Report.
Water dept.
- terminated main on valley street that fed houses south of dollar general. temporary service in place now until bore can be completed.
- repaired 3 leaks
- installed fire hydrant on corner of tree and hale
- replaced battery on plant genset
- j.j. and i attended a backflow re-certification class to keep our licenses current
sewer dept.
- filmed in various locations
- force main re-located by family dollar
STREET DEPT.
- patched streets
- genset at city hall still not on line
Mayor Lee stated the lawn mower is having issues. Yancy has gotten a bid on a new Ferris Mower for $11,200. The Mayor stated this could be purchased out of street funds. Alderwoman Ragsdale made motion we allow up to $11,500 for the purchase out of street funds. Alderwoman McAlister 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor Lee stated he still has not received any bids to finish the sidewalk.
Fire Chief Duvall gave the fire report. There was 1 alarm call, 1 outside rubbish fire, 1 gas leak and 2 motor vehicle accidents.
There was some discussion about the city hall storage in the back. It was tabled with choices of painting it or replacing it.
Police Chief Dalrymple gave the police report. He stated the school is showing some interest in two more School Resource Officers. He stated the 2013 Charger has a bad engine and is not usable right now. He has found a used 2015 Ford Explorer that is almost totally equipped for the police. The vehicle is in very good condition and asking price is $10,000. The police have $3,500 in donations to go toward the purchase. After discussion it was stated there will be about $2,000 left in the ARPA funds that could go toward the purchase and the balance could be paid out of General. Alderman Loper made motion to purchase the vehicle with funds that were stated. Alderman Wetzel 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor Lee said Thank You to City of Russellville for the use of flashing signs for OMD.
Alderwoman Ragsdale stated the Chamber wants city to think about repairs to the City Park before Christmas in the Park. The stage needs some repair. The entrance sign needs painting and more outlets are needed.
Mayor Lee said he will get with Yancy about this and see what the city can help with.
Alderwoman McAlister made motion to adjourn. Alderman Wetzel 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 6. Nays: 0. Meeting Adjourned.
