The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, August 17. All members of the council were present including Sheri Hopkins, Glen Hurt, Beverly Lyons, Julie Thomas, James Steele, and Boyd Farmer. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the July meeting minutes and financials, the council heard the city services reports.
Mansfield Fire Chief Michael Smith was not present at the meeting, and Mayor Black read his report noting there were eight fire and 39 EMS calls. The report reflected that the new tornado sirens had been ordered. Smith included in his report that the E-One was still in Texas being repaired, and that the new tank on the tanker truck was also undergoing repairs. Smith attended the IAFC Fire-Rescue Conference in Kansas City, MO on August 16-18.
Next, Police Chief Wayne Robb gave his department report which noted (Scott County) four citations and 12 violations; (Sebastian County) five citations and nine violations. Robb also noted 39 department calls, 19 agency assists (five in Scott County and 16 in Sebastian County); 12 medical calls; two total incident/arrest reports; three accident reports; 64 traffic stops; 44 warnings issued; one DWI arrest; one adult arrest; and one animal call. Chief Robb also stated his department has had a total of five total training hours.
Public Works Director Derek Pollard presented his report to the council noting they had completed 118 service orders, 21 one call requests, storm damage cleanup, and a water leak repair. Pollard also noted that they are continuing a chlorine residual testing schedule to keep the disinfection levels monitored and that a water flushing plan is still in effect.
In matters of unfinished business, the council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2023-2, a water rate increase ordinance. Black stated the new rate will go into effect on October 1. In sum, the estimated rate increase will be anywhere from $8-$10 per bill. “If someone’s water bill was $60, it will go up to about $70,” shared Black. “The rate increase is not as severe as I first thought it would be.”
In matters of new business, the motion was made to enter into executive session. The purpose of executive session was to discuss a personnel matter.
The next item on the agenda, considering pay increases for Cody Hensley and Mark Walls. Both have exceeded the 90-day probationary period. The council voted to approve those raises.
In the last item of unfinished business, the consideration of two rural, non-voting members of water advisory committee. This is a newly formed advisory committee comprised of members of the council and two rural, non-voting members. The two non-resident customers from the area are to be outside the municipal boundaries and in an unincorporated area. Black asked the council members to submit recommended names for members to serve on the committee.
Before adjourning the meeting it was announced that the fishing derby would be held on September 9 at the Mansfield City Lake, and that the Citywide cleanup would be held on September 23 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Works Department.
With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council was adjourned.
