City of Anna City Council met June 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Anna City Council met in regular session at Anna City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on May 7, 2022. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Hartline. The roll call went as follows: Present were Commissioner Michael Bigler, Commissioner Kathy Bryan, Commissioner Martha Ann Webb and Mayor Steve Hartline. Commissioner Bryan Miller was absent.
Discussion was held regarding the minutes of the May 3, 2022 Anna City Council Meeting. Commissioner Bryan asked if there was anything to change. At the previous Anna City Council Meeting, Commissioner Bigler asked that a correction be made to the minutes of May 3, 2022 to include Gary Dahmer’s recommendation. Administrator Dori Bigler stated that the comments made at around the 28-minute mark of the video recording of the meeting, regarding the recommendation were included in the revised minutes. Gary Dahmer agreed with the recommendation that Commissioner Webb stated. Commissioner Bigler stated the decision to put in a recommendation was rushed. He stated that he wanted to make it clear that Gary Dahmer did say Busby and Chamness, along with Ashley Guined, along with Commissioner Webb, so 3 of the 4 interviewers. Commissioner Bigler also stated that the interview processes appeared to have favoritism in the decision making. Mayor Hartline asked Administrator Bigler if it was in the minutes that way, and she stated that yes, the minutes repeat Commissioner Webb’s comments, which were ‘the three of us’ referring to Ashley, Gary and Martha. Mayor Hartline asked Commissioner Bigler if the favoritism comment was against the vote of the council or against himself. Commissioner Bigler stated the favoritism had to do with the people involved in the interview process. He states the favoritism is the fact that 3 of the 4 made a recommendation but the Mayor only cared about Commissioner Bryan’s recommendation. Commissioner Bryan states that Mayor Hartline typically consults with her about the city employees, and this is the first time that it has not been total agreement. Commissioner Bigler states that the recommendation from the department head, Gary Dahmer, is the recommendation the City should be taking. Mayor Hartline states that he disagrees and he asked the City Councilperson over that department. Commissioner Bigler stated that actually, he is over that department. Mayor Hartline points out that Commissioner Webb and Commissioner Bryan were in on the interview process. Commissioner Bigler then stated that the hiring process has too much inconsistency. Commissioner Bryan stated that in the hiring process there was discussion about promoting one person over another based upon the how likely they are to leave the job. Commissioner Bryan then stated that this is not a hiring practice that the city should be participating in. Commissioner Bigler stated that the city manager should have her hand in the hiring process, and that this hiring process takes it out of her hands. Commissioner Bigler again states that the hiring process needs to be consistent and the city needs to revise its current process. Commissioner Bryan agreed with that statement and stated that the city should hire based on ability to do the job and not whether or not the city will lose them. Mayor Hartline stated that he has always gone to the city council, as far as over that department, to make a recommendation or have a say in the hiring process. Mayor Hartline stated that he did have concerns with the recommendation because the recommendation that Commissioner Bryan made was not one that had been previously discussed and it was bypassed in a favoritism way. Commissioner Bryan again stated that revising the interview process could be beneficial to the city. Commissioner Bigler stated he was uncomfortable with the process based upon the recommendations. Mayor Hartline stated that his vote was totally irrelevant in that hire due to the fact that 3 out of the 5 council members had already voted yea. Administrator Bigler stated that in the past the agenda stated who was recommended by management, however recently they were told that names are not able to go on the agenda for public works but are still on the agenda for police department. Administrator Bigler asked if other corrections need to be made to these minutes or if there is a motion to approve the minutes as presented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 3, 2022 ANNA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MINUTES. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan Miller was absent.
Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 17, 2022 ANNA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MINUTES. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Bryan Miller was absent.
Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Mayor Hartline addressed the CEO from the Union County Hospital, Harry Brockus. Mr. Brockus has been in the CEO position since 12/6/21 and has been a resident of Anna since 3/6/22. Mr. Brockus stated that the hospital was overwhelmed, both financially and physically, during the pandemic. The staff of the hospital stepped up and handled the situation very well. He gave thanks to both the City of Anna and the Union County Ambulance Service. As of summer, the Hospital has stabilized financially. The hospital is now looking at how it can grow in order to better support the needs and play a more key role in the community. It has invested in new beds, a new ultra sound machine for the ER, looking to improved outpatient treatment rooms, and a new nurse call system for later this year. Mr. Brockus praised the hospital by recognizing its stature as a quality hospital. The hospital has increased the number of services the offer which allows them to accept more patients instead of sending them to other hospitals. The hospital has hired an architect so that it can begin to plan for the next 15 years. The hospital is looking to transform into a health campus that meets the entire spectrum of needs for the communities that it serves. Mr. Brockus expressed that the hospital has not been the present in the community and that is going to change. The hospital is looking to partner with the city on any projects in the future.
Mayor Hartline addressed Shane Osman and Nathen Guined who are volunteers that work with the high school baseball team. They are looking to partner up with the city in order to make upgrades to Kiwanis field. They stated that this field is an important aspect of this community as it is used by the high school baseball team, some of the SIBSA teams, and also the Anna Jr. High Baseball team. The high school baseball team has already put $52,000 into the field to make upgrades which has come entirely from internal fundraising. They brought up several concerns that they still have with the field that is causing issues for teams using it. There are several spots on the field that are uneven causing it to have a rough playing surface. They would like to work with the city in order to use equipment to smooth it out. The second concern they voiced had to do with the lack of proper drainage for the field. Mr. Osman forwarded a bid to Commissioner Bigler for drain tiles on Kiwanis Field that was $8,050. This would be a corrugated pipe that would allow the water that falls onto the field to drain properly out beyond the right field fence. The final concern that they brought up had to do with the amount of dirt on the field. They are looking to cut that down by planting grass along the foul territory. Administrator Bigler asked at what point in the year the work should be done. Mr. Osman stated the best time to have it done is immediately after the summer league season before the Junior High season begins. Mr. Osman stated that this work will take two weeks. Both Commissioner Bigler and Mr. Osman express concerns about the fair causing damage to Kiwanis Field, Denny Field, and E Field. There was discussion about solving this by moving the fence to the dirt in order to keep people off of it. Mayor Hartline asked if the Junior Varsity team plays on E field. Mr. Osman responded by saying no they play in Jonesboro but if field conditions were to improve then they would possibly be able to again. Commissioner Bigler extended an invitation to Mr. Osman for a meeting on 6/15/22 to discuss further.
Administrator Dori Bigler reported on the following projects: (1) Summer Intern Conner Jerolds is on his fourth day. (2) The city has given the EPA a 60-day extension regarding the landfill. Our conference call about our permit modification was moved back until after a landfill visit by the local office to observe the seasonal leachate. (3) Republic submitted their May statistics and they only received 2 calls to the call center (4) We have received our draft copy of the codification project. Administrator Bigler will do one final review before allowing each commissioner one week to review. (5) Reminder that the Annabelle Festival is Saturday. The council paid the UCCCED $500 for marketing, and Administrator Bigler wanted to report out some statistics on these ads. Facebook and Instagram ads were targeted within a 30-mile radius and reached 21,864 and made 44,002 impressions. These ads run through Saturday. Good Ads were used for residents of Williamson, Jackson and Saline and so far had delivered 8,964 impressions. (6) Administrator Bigler inquired of the council about surplusing vacant lots owned by the city. At the next meeting she will present a property update so a decision can be made in the near future. (7) Administrator Bigler was able to secure a DCEO grant with Senator Fowler for the Hadley’s Haven project. The grant is for $100,000. With this, the Hadley’s Haven project is 55% funded. (8) The downed light at Main & Davie has an updated ship date of June 10, 2022. (9) Tom Caldwell has coordinated a group of local volunteers to help with a tree survey through the Trees Forever program. This will take place the week of July 5th. (10) Just a reminder that the AJWC is putting on a fish fry on Friday at noon as a thank you to Anna, Jonesboro and the County of Union for the ARPA project. (11) We received our 2021 tax levy information. The TIF fund will receive $13,111.52. (11) The Active
Transportation Alliance has provided us with materials so we can set up tables at businesses. We are trying to reach the population who walk/bike instead of drive, as most of our online survey results were from those who drive. Our intern Conner will be taking the lead on this project this summer. (12) Just a reminder that there will be an annexation public hearing before the next council meeting at 4:45.
Mayor Hartline tabled the promotion of Brent Sims to Investigator.
Administrator Bigler explained that Jack and Susan Stokes have purchased the lot next to SI Builder and are asking for it to be rezoned. If the council votes for it to move forward, a notice will go out and a public hearing will be scheduled.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE REQUEST TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PARCELS OWNED BY SI BUILDER SUPPLY FROM R-2 TO B-2 . A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2022-11; APPROVING A GAS MAIN EXTENSIONTO THE CLYDE L. CHOATE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2022-12; DECLARING AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS; PERSONAL PROPERTY A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2022-11; APPROVING A CONCERT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT WITH STEVE HORNBEAK. A vote was taken upon the
motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE – STARVIEW VINYARDS, JULY 4, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE – PEACHBARN WINERY, JULY 4, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Bigler that it be RESOLVED TO WAIVE THE LIQUOR LICENSE FEE FOR STARVIEW VINEYARDS, JULY 4, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mayor Hartline and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO WAIVE THE LIQUOR LICENSE FEE FOR PEACHBARN, JULY 4, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Commissioner Bryan abstained. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE OUTSIDE WATER TAP AT 2105 BOYD ROAD. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler,
Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Administrator Bigler reported that a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The board made the recommendation to move forward with Mike Baker’s zoning permit and it was placed on the agenda for approval by the council.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ZONING PERMITS; MIKE BAKER – 205 DOUGLAS STREET A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bigler and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ZONING PERMITS; CLYDE FOX – 118 EAST AVE A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE ZONING PERMITS; MILRED STEWART – 102 E HIGH. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bryan and seconded by Commissioner Webb that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE CITY USAGE REQUESTS; CLOSURE; SANDLOT LEGENDS – JOSH ROACH, JUNE 6-9, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED TO APPROVE CITY USAGE REQUESTS; KELTECH OLYMPICS – JULY 1 , 2022 RAIN DATE JULY 8, 2022. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay - none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
Commissioner Webb stated she had been receiving calls expressing concern about the volunteers for the fire department and not having a full time employee. Administrator Bigler stated that we do have an issue because a great deal of the volunteers are working during the day. A suggestion was made by Chief Watkins to look for volunteers from full time public works staff so that they could respond to fire calls during the day. Administrator Bigler is consulting the union to see if this is a possibility. Commissioner Bryan asked if the fire department does recruiting. Chief Dammerman stated they have it on Facebook and the website. Administrator Bigler brought up the Junior Program that Cobden participates in as a possibility. Commissioner Webb stated that she believe the city needs a full time fire department 24 hours a day. Mayor Hartline stated the first step is to work out intergovernmental agreements between the cities in the county to help one another. Administrator Bigler stated the city will look into ways to alleviate and improve the fire department.
A motion was made by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Bryan that it be RESOLVED THAT THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE ANNA CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 7, 2022 BE ADJOURNED AT 6:23 PM. A vote was taken upon the motion with the following results. Commissioner Bigler, Commissioner Bryan, Commissioner Webb and Mayor Hartline voted yea. Nay – none. Commissioner Miller was absent. Mayor Hartline declared the motion carried.
https://cityofanna.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MINUTES-OF-THE-REGULAR-SESSION-JUNE-7-2022.pdf
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