December 2021 Council Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
December 13, 2021
Ozark City Council Meeting Room
The Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Roxie Hall and upon roll call, a quorum was declared to exist for the meeting. Present were Alderpersons Rex Anderson, Rusty Cagle, Brandy Flanary, William Heffmgton, Charlie Meeker, and Randy Melton. Also in attendance were Mayor Roxie Hall, City Attorney Kevin Barham, and Deputy City Clerk/City Treasurer Marla Ward. City Clerk Susan Stevens was not present due to illness. The Invocation was given by Grant Nicely, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tonya Talkington.
A motion was made by Randy Melton to approve the November Minutes, seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call vote, all alderpersons voted aye and the minutes were approved. A motion was made by Rex Anderson to approve the Financial Reports and seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all alderpersons voted aye and the Financial Reports were approved.
Mayor Hall introduced our new Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Dugan and expressed that he knows his job is to enforce city ordinances and to be fair and consistent. The Mayor also asked the Council to give him their full support.
Planning Commission Chairman David Mahon requested that all approvals for new construction come through the Planning Commission first. City Attorney Kevin Barham stated that the Planning Commission is part of the legislative branch and not the administrative brand and to give a Commission power to approve or disapprove all new buildings, etc. would be crossing a line in the balance of power. Mayor Hall is going to speak with the ARML in January and report back to the Council.
New fence construction at the Cemetery will begin the Monday after Christmas at the West end and at the Front Gate. There was a question regarding the Crepe Myrtle shrubs currently lining the fence row. The Fencing Company may have to remove them during construction. Street Department Supervisor Michael Brasseaux stated they are a traffic hazard in the spring and summer since they block the line of sight when exiting the cemetery. He is to look at their possible removal or relocation.
Randy Melton made a motion to add updated on available life insurance policies to the Agenda, seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the item was added to the Agenda. A motion to discuss was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Charlie Meeker. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the information was presented. The changes include a $12. 50 payroll deduction per employee for a $50, 000. 00 policy. A motion to approve this change was made by Charlie Meeker and seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the motion was approved.
New Business:
Charlie Meeker asked to reappropriate 2021 Budget money as follows: Community Center 5K from CO2/ Furniture Fund, l OK from the Street Department paving and stop light projects and the Police Department Vehicle Fund and SRT Fund. A motion to approve was made by Charlie Meeker and seconded by Rex Anderson. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the motion was approved.
An ARPA update was given in regards to Covid Bonus Pay. The time frame will be from February 1St, 2021, to October 31, 2021. $2, 500. 00 for full-time employees and up to $200. 00 for part-time employees. SS and FICA will be taken out. This was presented as Resolution 2021- 10. A motion to read the Resolution was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Rusty Cagle. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and City Attorney Kevin Barham read the Resolution. A motion to approve was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Rusty Cagle. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons vote aye and Resolution 2021- 10 was approved.
Planning Commission Chairman David Mahon stated that member Scott Gage has asked to step down from the Commission, Angela Harris was recommended and asked to fill this
vacancy on the Commission. A motion to approve was made by Charlie Meeker, seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the motion passed.
Regarding property at 1328 W. Commercial: According to State Police guidelines, if a business is showing, selling, doing upkeep, and has possession of vehicle keys, they must have a license. If the owner of the vehicle retains possession of the keys, no license is required. As long as the property is being mowed and the trash is kept up he is abiding by City clean- up Ordinance 2020-8. City Attorney Kevin Barham stated that Ordinance 2020-8 is geared more towards residential upkeep than business. Police Chief Devin Bramlett told the Council that the State Police had been here twice and are keeping an eye on the situation. Mayor Hall stated that she has had several calls from citizens who are unhappy with the looks and general cleanliness of the lot and wanted them to know we are trying to enact improvements.
Regarding property at 205 W. River Street: Mayor Hall stated that she had been asked to sell this property. There was concern from several Council members that the current renters be given plenty of time to relocate. They have been paying rent and taxes, performing upkeep and supporting the City and deserve adequate relocation time. A motion was made by Charlie Meeker to table this issue until the January meeting for more discussion and seconded by Rex Anderson. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye, with the exception of Randy Melton who abstained.
Public Input: Fire Chief Nick Trotter stated that we just need to take down the old swimming pool building. No Trespassing signs have been posted numerous times but vandalism is an ongoing problem. The pool is full of stagnant water and use for training is not working out.
The Council asked him to get bids for demolition to present at the January meeting so we can move forward.
A motion to adjourn was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Rusty Cagle. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.
The Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday December 13, 2021, were approved and passed this 10th day of January, 2022.
Mayor Roxie Hall
City Clerk Susan Stevens