Dover City Council
Minutes September 17, 2024
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session September 17, 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 Attorney Diedre Luker.
Absent: Fred Standridge.
Prayer: Mayor Lee.
Pledge of Allegiance: Carl Wetzel.
Roll Call: Recorder Renee Nelson
Minutes of August 20, 2024, meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council member Walker made a motion to approve the minutes. Council member Ragsdale 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Minutes of September 3, 2024, Special Call meeting were reviewed and there being no corrections, Council member Ragsdale made a motion to approve the minutes. Council member Warhurst 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Monthly bills were received and signed. Council member Hottinger made a motion to approve payment of bills. Council member Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Reviewed balance sheet and monthly financials.
Melissa Sanders presented a library report. They had 1518 visitors in August and 10 new cards issued. The ladies craft club is continuing to meet on Thursday’s at 10 am. They have after school teen programs on Tuesdays at 4 pm; 2nd Tuesday, Origami; 3rd Tuesday, Game Club; 4th Tuesday, Craft Club. The after-school kid’s programs are on Thursdays at 4 pm; 2nd Thursday, Lego Club; 3rd Thursday, Robotics Club; 4th Thursday; STEM Club.
Ron Walker presented the planning commission report. Reported on the construction to begin on Pine Street. Next Planning commission meeting on October 3, 2024, at 6 pm., at Dover City Hall.
J.J. White presented the utilities report.
Water Department.
- Repaired 4 leaks
- Retired one service
- Zack attended basic treatment class
Sewer Department.
- Replaced 3 L.S. floats
- Replaced L.S. filter housing
- Replaced L.S. mechanical seal
- Cleared 1 check valve
Street Department.
- Replaced light switch at park
- Replaced toilet shims at park
- Patched potholes
- Removed a limb on west walker street
- Removed fallen tree from tanks
- Repaired fence at tanks
- Installed 1 culvert
No fire Report.
Chief Josh Titsworth presented the police report.
The police had 109 total calls in August. One officer was let go. Another officer is moving to another county. Streetlights have been tagged and Entergy has been repairing them. One local resident has requested a streetlight near their house. Officers are ready for OMD at the end of the month.
Mayor Lee discussed the Arkansas Legislative Finding DFD-001 with the council. The finding is on rules for donating to the Dover Chamber of Commerce. Any donations made to the chamber or other organizations will need to be made to the venders for services or a contractual agreement drawn up stating what the money was donated for.
Mayor Lee informed the council that the Highway 7 bypass is still an option with the highway department. Council members discussed different options on the subject. Some members were opposed to the bypass with concerns about the effect it will have on the downtown community. While others said they would need more information on the subject to make an informed decision.
Mayor Lee informed the council about the upcoming Winter Municipal Conference in Little Rock scheduled for January 2025, inviting those interested to attend. He also reported that the buyer of the house on 42 Crest Ridge is still waiting for paperwork, and cleanup will commence as soon as it’s finalized. The council then turned its attention to other unsightly properties in the city, discussing potential actions to address these issues effectively.
Council member Ragsdale made a motion to adjourn. Council member Hottinger 2nd. A voice vote. Yeas:5. Nays:0. Motion carried.
