April 2021 Council Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
April 12, 2021
Ozark City Council Meeting Room
The Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Roxie Hall and upon a roll call, a quorum as declared to exist for the meeting. Present were Alderpersons Rex Anderson, Rusty Cagle, Brandy Flanary, Susan Holman, Charlie Meeker, and Randy Melton. Rex Anderson led the Invocation and Susan Holman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Randy Melton made a motion to approve the Minutes of the March meeting, seconded by Rusty Cagle. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the Minutes were approved. Charlie Meeker then made a motion to approve the Financial Reports, seconded by Rex Anderson. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye, and the Financial Reports were approved. It was noted that a Letter of Appreciation had been received from the Fort Smith Police Department thanking the Ozark Police Department for the use of our training facilities for their SWAT team. Police Chief Devin Bramlett stated that there have been several problems with the new cruisers, but the repair costs have been covered under warranty. The Police Department has also bee trying to reduce the number of outstanding warrants and so reduce the outstanding fines which total approximately $ 189,000.00. Rusty Cagle gave the report for the Parks& Recreation Committee. They are working on disciplinary steps for the Community Center so that the Director can keep order in the Center. These steps include a verbal warning, suspension for I day, then for 1 week, leading up to expulsion from the facility. More vandalism has taken place at the Overlook Park, and lighting is being installed at the city tennis courts. Rex Anderson then gave the report for the Street& Water Committee. The bridge on Yates & 2nd Street is in need of repair. Repair options and costs are being looked into. There are several roads to be paved this summer. A citizen came before their committee with a problem over the cost of a water leak. The issue was satisfactorily resolved and the customer allowed to make payments. Brett Peters from Hawkins- Weir Engineers, Inc. was in attendance. Water Superintendent Tonya Talkington presented a hand out for a Water Department Master Plan. She stated that the immediate cost is high but will be invaluable for a future span of 20+ years.
City Attorney Kevin Barham presented an update on the property at 2307 W. Commercial. A title search has been completed. The property was deeded by owner to two sons, one of whom is deceased. A probate case has been opened with a Special Service Administrator who will be Chris Brockett. Paperwork has been filed to declare the property a nuisance through the court against the estate of Roger Dale Mixon and any unknown heirs and the surviving son has been notified. Mr. Barham stated that it is imperative that Court supervision be obtained and all actions taken be in order. Regarding the Kimbrough property. Tommy Watson from the Abstract Office is helping to locate deeds/ interests in the building.
Julie Stec from Mercy Hospital gave a presentation on services provided by the Hospital. This included a list of doctors on staff, patient numbers, outpatient therapy services, and the Sleep Center. Altogether Mercy Hospital has a capital investment of$ 10, 232, 148. 00 going towards improvements and expansions. They also support a 6. 5 million dollar employee payroll/ benefit package. Measures taken during the Covid- 19 Pandemic include the purchase of an AIRVO machine which provides high pressure oxygen, cutting down on the need to intubate patients. They have also made certain that adequate PPE equipment is being provided for staff. There will be a Walk- In vaccination clinic on Wednesday, April 14th. They have received 300 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that is good for ages 16 and up. They will then return at the appropriate time for the second dose. In closing, Ms. Stec stated that the overall goal for Mercy Hospital is Excellent Care for the Hometown Family.
Because of the loss of revenue (over$ 95, 000.00) from the Healthcare Tax funds until
July, the City Budget Committee, led by Alderman Charlie Meeker will be reviewing the current city budget. Alderman Randy Melton stated that 2020 was an unprecedented series of events in
every instance and it seems we are being penalized unfairly by the state offices. Our County Judge and Lawyers have researched and appealed with no success.
Mayor Hall then shared a Volunteer of the Year Award Certificate from the State of Arkansas for Civic Engagement in the handling of Covid- 19.
There were close to 40 citizens who attended the City Spring Clean held Saturday, April Yd, with ages 3 and up participating. They were able to fill up 2 %2 dump trucks with bagged trash. A thank you to Sarah Capp for the 3 Community Service workers who were also in attendance. The Spring Clean held the following week was a success. There were 160 participants bringing garbage to the transfer station( up from 57 during the Fall C1eanUp). There were 8 call-ins for help in transporting items.
Employees of the Quarter are:
Water Dept. Josh Rosson
Street Dept. Kenneth Rosson
Fire Dept. Austin Day
Police Dept. Hayley Russell
Comm. Ctr. Logan Hardin
They were presented with a$ 50 gift certificate to Workman’ s Travel Center. No Through Trucks” signage has been posted on Puddin’ Ridge Road.
A new metal sign has been installed on the City Hall exterior. It is the city name Ozark along with a cut out of the river bridge. Our thanks and appreciation to Ozark High School students.
It was noted that controlled burns need to be reported to 479- 667- 4176 and are allowed during daylight hours only.
Yard Sale signs are being required again. There is no cost to the citizens. These may be obtained at the City Hall.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Randy Melton and seconded by Rex Anderson. All Alderpersons voted aye and the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday, April 12 were approved and passed this 10′ day of May. 2021
Mayor Roxie Hall, City of Ozark
City Clerk Susan Stevens, City Of Ozark