The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, January 21 at 6 p.m. Council members present were Julie Thomas, James Steele, Sheri Hopkins, Rick McDaniel, and Beverly Lyons. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Stephanie Morgan. City Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker and Councilwoman Jan Carlton were absent.
After the reading and approval of the December meeting minutes and financial statements, the council heard the city services reports.
Public Works Director Joe Manes presented his departmental report, stating the need for a new dual axle trash truck and another department vehicle. The public works department has performed 59 work orders for the month.
Next, Chief Michael Smith gave the fire report. Smith presented a fee proposal of charges for land/home owners who do not pay their fire dues. Under the proposal, the department could bill the property/home owner $250 – $500 for being dispatched to grass and structure fires. Smith reported a total of 48 calls for the month, eight fire and 44 EMS. Smith also informed the council of issues with some of the trucks, and the lack of gear for firefighters. “We need some way to come up with the funds to start upgrading our trucks and equipment,” stated Smith. “…We are working on grants for new turn outs and tornado sires. We have several people wanting to get on the department, but at this time we cannot put anyone on due to the lack of turnout gear.” Smith went on to add that the condition of the department could prove costly to the city and surrounding communities. Smith reported working over 200 hours for the month.
Police Chief Wayne Robb gave his departmental report which included 19 citations and four misdemeanor warrants served in Scott County, and 14 citations, four felony and five misdemeanor warrants served in Sebastian County. There were a total of 33 calls for the month, along with 22 agency assists, seven for Scott and 15 for Sebastian. Robb also reported three school calls, 17 incident/arrest reports, four accident reports, 159 total traffic stops, one DWI arrest, and 19 animal calls. The department had a total of 14 training hours.
City Attorney Matt Ketcham presented the city council with his proposed contract to be on file for audit purposes. After reviewing that proposal, the council voted to go into executive session at 6:51 p.m. Upon reconvening at 7:01 p.m., Mayor Black stated the reason for the executive session was to go over Ketcham’s proposal and to discuss a personnel matter. Ketcham then addressed the council stating “It has been an honor and a privilege for over two decades to serve the City of Mansfield as the city attorney. I think we have come a long way in that time…I think it is probably time for me to retire and let somebody take over. So, I would like to resign and retire as of the 31st of this month.“
In matters of unfinished business, the council voted to pass resolution 2021-1, amending the 2020 budget. The council also approved a policy on reading rural water meters for the elderly or disabled. That service for current customers will continue, and they will be “grandfathered in.” Any customers going forward will be charged a $25 service fee for the city to read their meters.
In matters of new business, the council decided to change the amount of money transfered into the retirement account, decreasing it from $3,000 to $2,000. Council members discussed allotting the $1,000 difference to the fire department. Subsequently, the council voted to adopt the 2021 budget with Resolution 2021-2 in a vote of 4-1, with Steele voting against. Lastly, the council voted to accept Resolution 2021-3, establishing and adopting procedural rules.
The council voted to amend the agenda to include a discussion regarding a proxy for the mayor. Mayor Black recommended Councilman McDaniel be appointed to preside over the council meetings in the event of his absence. Additionally, Black proposed McDaniel be authorized to provide a second signature on checks in the event that either the recorder/treasurer or mayor were not available. The council consented to Black’s proposal.
Mayor Black addressed Fire Chief Michael Smith. “We hear your cry, and we are going to get something done for the fire department…We need to find out where the tax money is going and we will try to make progress.” The council echoed Black’s sentiment, commending Smith for his work and dedication to the city.
Before adjourning, Mayor Black updated the council on the new city sign, stating that he had six commitments to help with the purchase. Black projects work to begin soon on the pillars. “We will have a sign by the end of the first quarter,” concluded Black.
With no other items of business, the meeting of the Mansfield City Council adjourned.
