September 20, 2022
The City of Dover in Pope County, State of Arkansas, met in regular session September 20, 2022 at the Dover City Hall. The following were present: Mayor Lee presiding and the following alderpersons: Chris Loper, Chris Walker, Connie Ragsdale, Carl Wetzel, Fred Standridge and Attorney Luker.
Absent: Pat McAlister
Prayer: Fred Standridge
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Lee.
Melissa Sanders gave the Library Report. She announced the Library has a new assistant manager, Kim Witt.
The Minutes of the August 16, 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. Alderman Loper made motion to approve payment of the bills. Alderwoman Ragsdale 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Christina Walker gave a presentation to the council concerning Act 605. This act provides oversight of retail water providers to promote efficiency in service and stability in fiscal management and also provides training and education to the governing bodies. Christina informed the council that some of them will be required to go to trainings and/or web, zoom meetings concerning the act.
Ron Walker gave the Planning Commission Report. He stated the commission had recently gotten a call concerning short term rentals and bed and breakfasts. The City currently has no regulations for this. After discussion, it was decided to table the matter at this time.
Mayor Lee gave an update on transferring the sewer lines that are in the Russellville city limits to Russellville. He is still in discussion with Mayor Harris and Steve Mallot. They are proposing for Russellville to pay $249,000 for these lines and also pay to move the meter and give Dover a 20% discount on the bill. Mayor Lee stated he is ok with 20% but would like to negotiate even more of a discount. Alderman Wetzel made motion for Mayor to continue negotiations and try to get more than 20% discount. Alderwoman Ragsdale 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Mayor Lee asks the councils opinion on his pay after he retires from his full time job. Alderman Standridge made motion to pay Mayor $1200 per month. Alderman Wetzel recommended to pay Mayor $1500 per month. Alderman Standridge withdrew his motion. Then Alderman Standridge made motion to pay Mayor $1500 per month beginning October 2022. Alderman Loper 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 4. Nays: 0. Alderman Wetzel abstained from vote.
Mayor Lee presented Resolution 2022-3, authorizing the city to accept grant from USDA for partial payment of the purchase of a street department truck.
Alderman Loper made motion to accept the Ordinance. Alderman Standridge 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried. Alderman Standridge made motion to open a new checking account for this grant monies. He stated the signers on the account should be Regina Kilgore, Mayor Roger Lee, Christina Walker. Alderman Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Yancy Poynter gave the Utility Report:
Water dept.
- removed 4 trees at water tanks
- replaced solenoid valve c on filter effluent
sewer dept.
- repaired sump pump on waste tank
- replaced circuit board l. s. # 1 telemetry
- parshall flume calibrated
sTREET DEPT.
- backhoe cylinder rebuilt
- lights and radio installed on side x side
- mark waldo resigned
- city hall genset installed, waiting on plumber to connect gas
Mayor Lee stated he had asks Yancy to get a bid on a new lawn mower. The bid Yancy received was for $11,211.00. After some discussion it was decided to table this matter.
Fire Chief Charles Duvall gave the fire report. He stated there was 4 trainings and 3 fires. He also stated it has been noted the department does not have enough hose the reach the fire hydrant closest to the Baptist Church. He presented a bid for a new hydrant $5,578.34. In discussion with Yancy Poynter, they have decided the best location for this new hydrant would be on Tree Street. Alderman Standridge made motion to approve purchase of the hydrant out of the General Fund. Alderman Walker 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
Assistance Police Chief Titsworth gave the Police Report. He stated there were 1010 total calls, 152 contacts, 404 property checks and 797 extra patrols.
Alderman Standridge made motion to adjourn. Alderman Loper 2nd. A Voice Vote. Yeas: 5. Nays: 0. Meeting Adjourned.