City Council Minutes
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Call to Order
Mayor Chase called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called the roll.
Attendees
Council members Clarissa Pace, Cedric Leonard, Michael James, Al Peer, Craig McRae, Mark Tiner, Mike Wigley, and Claudia Hartness were present.
Approval of Minutes
Mark Tiner moved to approve both the March and April minutes. Clarissa Pace seconded, an aye/nay vote was called, the ayes were unanimous, and the minutes were approved.
Reports and Presentations
No Report
Last month they had 74 home delivery clients and sent out 1312 meals. Including the meals served at the center, they served a total of 2676 meals. The Cake Walk fundraiser earned about $400, and Cindy has been talking to the seniors about the one cent sales tax and its importance to the city. Mark Tiner asked how much a meal is—right now it is $4. Clarissa Pace asked about increased costs with the rise of the cost of gas—the vans do okay with gas, but they are looking for donations from local growers, and putting back food for the winter. Mark Tiner pointed out that the center is operating within its budget.
Last month they fixed 22 leaks, installed six new taps and sprinkler meters, worked at the lake—on the roads, set poles for the swimming area, graded the levy, and dug out culverts. While they still are getting articles in the sewer lines from the jail, they hope to limit those in future with a grate. Clarissa Pace asked about trash pick up. The truck had a flat, which caused a delay. Mark Tiner noticed how late the crew was working to get caught back up. Mayor Chase took a minute to explain that the trucks do not pick up loose trash. They only pick up bagged trash to keep it from blowing out of the trucks and making the city ugly. Al Peer asked about a pothole on N. Cumberland Street, and while it had been fixed before, it was likely that it had washed out with the recent weather.
In April, the city had an 18% water loss. 9 million gallons lost due to bad meters/clearing hydrants/etc. 18.4% is the state average, so the city in not in bad shape, but he thinks it can be better. He wants to start tracking the loss. Thursday, Mission will be at the warehouse for additional training, and they will be opening bids for the work needed on Well #4. Clarissa Pace asked about the chlorine taste in the water, and Wayne repeated that the water is tested daily. All of the levels are in good shape. They plan on flushing the lines on June 2nd and 3rd and look forward to watching kids play in the hydrant water. Mark Tiner asked for the cost of the loss of 9 million gallons of water, Ms. Vickie said she would look it up for him. Clarissa Pace asked if the tanks needed to be flushed before they could be serviced—and they do.
They’ve had one 630 ordinance violation with six more in process and 22 756 violations. There has been one SNAP application approved, and Brian still working on three more.
They are trying to create posts that let the public know what the MEDC does. Asked people to follow their social media accounts. Since 2007, MEDC has created 160 jobs. They are going through their data to form a recruiting study. There hasn’t been much movement on their current projects, but they are still working with the intermodal project—Stroker’s Diesel is designing in the park, and they are working with an existing business to expand their facility. Scoggin Drive has been bumped back to August because the building grant is sitting on a desk in DC. Burkes Outlet is planning a grand opening on June 16th, and they are continuing to push properties for retailers. Lauren is polling small businesses in order to see what they need/want and how MEDC can better serve them.
The police building was struck by lightening this weekend. So they had some outages. They are working with the MLK Jr Foundation for a project. Next Monday on Memorial Day, there will be a ceremony at for the local veterans at the courthouse at 10 am.
There were 54 calls over the last two months—55% of them were in the county. They billed $6,730 and have received $4,005. For the year, they’ve collected a total of $13,330. The department has been working on its own building project, and it’s going quite well.
Baseball and softball are going well. Swim team has also started, and they will host two meets here this year. Entergy is installing new lights Monday. Mayor Chase updated everyone that the lights will not work on timers—they will come on at dusk and go off at dawn. She expressed the need to relocate lights so that the neighborhood surrounding the park would be bothered. Burlington field has been repaired and they have installed a new AC unit. Ross Field is getting lights installed. Mark Tiner asked if there is a fee to use the fields and if so how much it is. There is. $30 without lights; $40 with. They have also been working on repairing the locker rooms at the pool. Clarissa Pace asked about the bleacher project. It is on hold.
They are waiting on an electrician for lights on the signs, and they are working with the MEDC for a July 4th event.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
Diana Shelton spoke and stated that on July 1 they will be hosting a Unity in the Community event that will have free food, admission, vendors, and workshops about financial planning. The event will be at McCloy Park. Sandra Lanehart at the school district has offered the use of the high school in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. They will have horses, bounce houses, arts and crafts, and even a beat box competition. The event will be from 12-4:30. Craig McRae asked about the street closures. They do want a couple to make sure traffic won’t interfere with the kids playing.
Mark Tiner moved to proceed with advertising, Craig McRae seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Craig McRae introduced the motion, and Michael James seconded. Mark Tiner asked where well #9 is. It’s at the college. Cedric Leonard asked if the entire meter had to be replaced or if they could get parts. They cannot get parts due to the meter’s age. Craig McRae moved to approve, Mark Tiner seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Craig McRae moved to introduce, Claudia Hartness seconded, Craig McRae moved to approve, Mike Wigley seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Clarissa Pace moved for the resolution to be introduced and to be read by title only, Al Peer seconded, an aye/nay vote was called. The ayes had it. Mark Tiner asked if the owners had 30 days to clean it up. They will. Brian Rogers stated there has been no contact with the owner. Craig McRae moved in support, Clarissa Pace seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed.
Claudia Hartness moved for the resolution to be introduced and to be read by title only, Al Peer seconded, an aye/nay vote was called. The ayes had it. Mark Tiner confirmed that this is just to apply for funds. It is. Craig McRae moved in support, Michael James seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed.
Clarissa Pace moved for the resolution to be introduced and to be read by title only, Michael James seconded, an aye/nay vote was called. The ayes had it. Mark Tiner recommended not spending any more money on the building until there is a clear plan for its future. Craig McRae moved in support of the resolution, Claudia Hartness seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed.
Mark Tiner introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Al Peer seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Craig McRae moved to approve, Mike Wigley seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Craig McRae introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Mark Tiner seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Craig McRae moved to approve, Al Peer seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mark Tiner introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Clarissa Pace seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Clarissa Pace moved to approve, Craig McRae seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mark Tiner introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Clarissa Pace seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Mark Tiner moved to approve, Cedric Leonard seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mark Tiner introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Mike Wigley seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Mark Tiner asked if this is annual. It is. Craig McRae moved to approve, Michael James seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Craig McRae introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Cedric Leonard seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Mark Tiner asked if we had already done this? It is for another case for Officer Ben Michel. Craig McRae moved to approve, Claudia Hartness seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Chase asked to amend the agenda to add three more items. Mark Tiner motioned to approve, Michael James seconded, and aye/nay vote was called and the motion passed unanimously.
Mike Wigley introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Clarissa Pace seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. Mark Tiner asked if this is annual. It is not. Every 4-5 years. Craig McRae moved to approve, Michael James seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Craig McRae introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Michael James seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. This is for nine radios and two Ford Explorers. Michael James moved to approve, Claudia Hartness seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Al Peer introduced the motion and that it be read by title only, Michael James seconded, and City Attorney Whit Barton read. It is. Michael James moved to approve, Craig McRae seconded, City Clerk Jessica Hylton called roll, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Chase took a moment to remind everyone about the importance of the one cent sales tax.
A citizen asked if there are no timers on the park lights if there is a switch so they can be turned on and off?—No they will be on at sunset and off at sunrise.
Adjournment
Mark Tiner moved to adjourn the meeting, Claudia Hartness seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.
