August 2021 Council Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL
August 9, 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, Susan Holman, Charlie Meeker, and Randy Melton. The Invocation was given by Rex Anderson and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brandy Flanary.
Charlie Meeker made a motion to approve the Minutes of the July meeting, seconded by Randy Melton. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the Minutes were approved. Rex Anderson then made a motion to approve the Financial Reports, seconded by Susan Holman. Upon a roll call vote, all Alderpersons voted aye and the Financial Reports were approved. There was some discussion regarding the Community Center being over their projected income for this time of year. This is thanks to an upswing in party rentals and daily turnout. The Street Department is still working on repairing damage caused by last month’s flooding. We are able to use Grant money toward the repairs to the City Parks.
Mitzi Reano spoke on behalf of the newly formed” Ozark Pride& Beautification Committee. Their motto is” Build a Better Home Town” and they will be meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. She reported a good turn-out for their first workday of picking up trash. The September project is going to include some empty storefronts downtown. Susan Holman asked if the Street Sweeper could not be used in this endeavor. Mayor Hall responded that parts have been received, repairs are being made, and a route is being set up within the Street Department,
Under Old Business the City of Ozark has received our ARPA( Arkansas Relief Plan Act) funding. Mayor Hall and City Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Marla Ward met with ARML Attorney John Wilkerson for guidance. The guidelines are very strict as even though it is not a grant, it is treated like one. The recommended usage is to open up a new interest-bearing account, and have separate checks printed. The approved check- signers for the city’ s general fund would also be on this account. A committee of Mayor Hall, Police Chief Devin Bramlett, Josh Rosson, Randy Melton, and Marla Ward are to meet with Tracy McKenna this week to obtain further information. The ARPA can be researched on the ARML. com website. A motion was made be Susan Holman to open a new account with the ARPA funds, seconded by Rex Anderson. All Alderpersons voted aye and the motion passed.
Under New Business, City Attorney Kevin Barham gave an update on the property at 2307 W. Commercial. He has been able to make contact with the heirs of the property and they have no interest in doing anything to improve it. A Quit Claim Deed was obtained from the estate representative and has been filed. The property now belongs to the City of Ozark. Several options for the property were discussed. Street Department Head Michael Brasseaux doesn’ t think we have adequate equipment to properly demo the house and clear the property. Citizen Richard Yarbrough asked if the Fire Department could help in clearing, but this question had already been answered no by the Alma Fire Chief. After discussion, a motion was then made by Susan Holman to sell as is and take bids for one month. A public bidding advertisement will be placed in the newspaper by Mayor Hall with the stipulations that the City has the right to refuse all bids, and the lot must be cleaned and cleared within 30 days of purchase. Charlie Meeker seconded this motion. All Alderpersons voted aye and the motion was passed.
Public input was presented by Richard Yarbrough. He would like to have a culvert put in on property on Kris Drive to aid in drainage problems. Right now, when there is a heavy rain, the water runs across property and washes away landscaping, He also spoke of the lack of upkeep of rental properties on Gordon Drive. Trash is piling up on several, and small businesses are being operated out of homes. He would also like to have clarified who is responsible for the ditches. Elderly citizens who are unable to mow and/or weed-eat are being cited for tall grass. He questioned that if the City owns the ditches, shouldn’ t they be mowing them?
Mayor Hall then presented her announcements. A thank you to Jessie Taylor, Casey Ford and the 4-H kids for the flowers and sprinkler system. The kids worked hard and did a great job! Meetings are being held with the Corps ofEngineers to address the flooding issues. Funding is also being sought. There will be a Back-to School Bash at the Community Center on Thursday, August 12 from noon until 4:00 p.m. A reminder was given that Officers are giving out warnings and citations on clean up. We have received our permit for the protected turn signal going south at 23/ 64 to the river bridge. Asphalt will be laid over the new culvert on Puddin’ Ridge as soon as the gravel has settled. Drivers are urged to watch their speed. Signs have be received and posted concerning the use ofJake brakes.” Also, in 2016 the City of Ozark was designated as a Purple Heart City. These signs were ordered and are now posted in honor of our Veterans.
Mayor Hall then read a letter of resignation from Alderperson Susan Holman, effective Tuesday, August 10, 2021. She has received a promotion at work which will make her unable to fulfill her duties as a Council Member for Ward 2, Position 1. City Attorney Kevin Barham stated that as a 1St Class City we can appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of the term. We will be taking applications/resumes for the next month. These must be turned in at City Hall by Friday, September 3rd for consideration by the Council and the applicant must be present at the City Council Meeting to be held on Monday, September 13, 2021.
A motion to adjourn was made by Susan Holman and seconded by Charlie Meeker. All Alderpersons voted aye, and the meeting was adjourned.
The Minutes for the Ozark City Council Meeting held Monday, August 8, 2021 were approved and passed this 13th day of September 2021.