Blytheville public meetings in 2021

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss several ordinances regarding exit lighting, a pothole patching truck, and mosquito control services. The agenda also includes resolutions for the 2022 budget, employee bonus payments, and appointments to local commissions.

• Amending Ordinance No. 1915 regarding Exit Lighting Project
• Amending Ordinance No. 1919 regarding Pothole Patching Truck
• Amending Ordinance No. 1926 regarding Mosquito Control Services
• Resolution approving the 2022 budget
• Resolution authorizing employee bonus payments

City Council

The Blytheville City Council met in regular session and voted unanimously to adopt the 2022 city budget, approve several ordinances and resolutions, and authorize the Ritz Foundation to apply for a private club liquor license. A resolution to authorize employee bonus payments failed on a 2-4 vote.

• Adopted Ordinance 1932 amending Ordinance 1915 (Exit Lighting Project)
• Adopted Ordinance 1933 amending Ordinance 1919 (Pothole Patching Truck)
• Adopted Ordinance 1934 amending Ordinance 1926 (Mosquito Control Services) with emergency clause
• Adopted Resolution 2021:61 authorizing lease agreement with Blytheville Ritz Foundation
• Adopted Resolution 2021:66 adopting 2022 city budget; Resolution 2021:67 for employee bonus payments failed (2-4)

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee met and voted on several items to recommend to the full City Council. These include additional funding for the Exit 63 lighting project, a cost increase for the M2 Pro-Patch Pothole truck, a new mosquito control fee, and the 2022 budget. The committee also received a monthly report from John Callens and approved a budget adjustment for attorney fees.

• Additional lighting equipment for Exit 63: $64,000, bringing total to $85,085.00 including taxes
• Additional $3,050.00 for M2 Pro-Patch Pothole truck, new total $177,925.00
• Vector Disease Control mosquito control fee: $3.14 per month for residential and commercial customers
• 2022 Budget approved and sent to full Council
• Budget adjustment for attorney fee of $14,000

Public Works Committee

The committee will receive updates on streets, sidewalks, drainage, and speed bump applications. Members will also discuss winter weather preparation and 2022 budget questions for streets and sanitation.

• Project updates for streets, sidewalks, and drainage
• Review of speed bump applications
• Winter weather preparation discussion
• 2022 Budget questions for Streets/Sanitation

The Public Works Committee met and received updates on street, sidewalk, drainage, and speed bump projects from Director Mark Key. They discussed recommendations for winter weather preparation. No questions or concerns were raised regarding the 2022 budget for Streets/Sanitation. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational.

• Received project updates on streets, sidewalks, drainage, and speed bumps
• Discussed winter weather preparation recommendations
• No questions or concerns on 2022 Streets/Sanitation budget

City Council

The Blytheville City Council is holding a special meeting with one item of new business: a resolution to direct and authorize renaming a section of East Main/Highway 18 to Martin Luther King, Jr. Bypass. The section runs between East Main at Division and East Main at Holland. The council will vote on this resolution after routine call to order and roll call.

• Resolution to rename East Main/Highway 18 to Martin Luther King, Jr. Bypass for the section between East Main at Division and East Main at Holland

The City Council held a special meeting by Zoom and voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2021:60, directing and authorizing the highway name change of East Main/Highway 18 to Martin Luther King, Jr. Bypass for the section between East Main at Division and East Main at Holland. The council also voted 5-0 to suspend approval of the previous meeting's minutes to the next regular meeting. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2021:60 (5-0) to rename East Main/Highway 18 to Martin Luther King, Jr. Bypass for the specified section
• Suspended approval of previous meeting minutes to the next regular meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned the special meeting unanimously

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will hold public hearings and consider ordinances authorizing industrial development revenue bonds for Nucor Corp. They will also vote on resolutions for a tax-back program, demolishing condemned structures, placing municipal liens, and amending the 2021 budget. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and committee reports.

• Public hearings on industrial development revenue bonds for Nucor Corp
• Ordinance authorizing industrial development revenue and refunding bonds (Nucor Corp)
• Resolution endorsing business participation in the Tax Back program
• Resolution condemning structures and directing demolition
• Resolution amending the 2021 budget

Public Works Committee

The committee will receive updates on striping, Elm Street, and speed bump applications. Members will also discuss pothole mapping solutions and Entergy light installations.

• Striper and Elm St project updates
• Speed bump applications
• Light installation on Henderson & Mitchell, east of Division
• Entergy tree trimming for winter outage prevention
• Ditch maintenance

The committee received the director's report on completed work orders, sidewalk and road repairs, and leaf season reminders. No formal votes were taken; ditch maintenance was discussed and deferred to the next meeting. The meeting was informational and procedural.

• Reviewed 27 completed code enforcement work orders
• Noted sidewalk repairs at 608 E Cherry and 301 Scott St
• Noted road repair at Moultrie/Ruddle
• Noted storm drain cleanout on S 10th
• Noted Cypress Park leak repairs by Farrow Plumbing
• Noted speed bump completion on W McHaney, E Rose, and Golf Links/Putting Green
• Deferred ditch maintenance discussion to next meeting

City Council

The Blytheville City Council held a special meeting to adopt Resolution No. 2021:55, which fixes the city's tax rate for 2021, payable in 2022. The resolution was passed unanimously. The meeting was conducted via Zoom, and the minutes from the previous meeting were waived to the next regular meeting.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2021:55 fixing the 2021 tax rate, payable in 2022
• Unanimous vote (5-0) to adopt the resolution
• Meeting held via Zoom with Mayor James Sanders and five council members present
• Minutes from previous meeting waived to next regular meeting

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met in a special session to keep the property tax rate at 4.0 mills for the General Fund. The committee voted to send a $354,000,000 industrial development revenue bond issuance to the full council for approval, which would help finance certain industrial facilities. The committee also voted to amend the budget, increasing computer software expenses by $6,000 and the use of general fund surplus by the same amount.

• Special meeting held October 25, 2021 to keep tax rate at 4.0 mills for General Fund
• Committee voted to send $354,000,000 industrial development revenue bond issuance to full council
• Budget amendment: increase computer software expense by $6,000
• Budget amendment: increase use of general fund surplus by $6,000
• Monthly report received from John Callens

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will hold a public hearing and consider ordinances and resolutions, including issuing industrial development revenue bonds for Atlas Tube, Inc., waiving competitive bidding for a fire hydrant service program, setting the 2021 tax rate, condemning structures for demolition, vacating some condemnations, and amending the 2021 budget.

• Public hearing on proposed bond issuance for Atlas Tube, Inc. industrial project
• Ordinance authorizing industrial development revenue bonds (Atlas Tube, Inc.)
• Ordinance waiving competitive bid process for fire hydrant service program (Waterworks)
• Resolution fixing 2021 city tax rate, payable in 2022
• Resolution condemning structures for demolition and vacating condemnations

The Blytheville City Council approved seven resolutions, including authorizing bonds for an industrial facility near the city (Majestic Steel USA, Inc.), vacating condemnations of properties no longer meeting statutory requirements, condemning unsafe structures for demolition, amending the 2021 budget, applying for an ACEDP grant for Mississippi County Union Mission, adopting a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan, and establishing a policy prohibiting excessive force by law enforcement against non-violent civil rights demonstrators. The council also approved a $25,000 budget change for increased Police Department fuel costs, with a 4-1 vote. No public comments were made, and the 2020 Legislative Audit found no findings.

• Adopted Resolution 2021:44 authorizing bond agreement for Majestic Steel USA facility (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:45 to vacate condemnations of properties no longer meeting statutory requirements (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:46 condemning unsafe structures for demolition (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:47 amending the 2021 budget (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:48 authorizing ACEDP grant application for Mississippi County Union Mission (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:49 residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:50 policy prohibiting excessive force by law enforcement against non-violent civil rights demonstrators (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:51 authorizing contract with Great River Economic Development Foundation for homeless shelter renovations (5-0)

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee discussed an industrial development bond to finance land and building for Atlas Tube's existing facility, potentially adding at least 50 jobs. They also heard a request for a 5% increase in mosquito control services and voted to accept a hydrant maintenance contract with Rogers Hydrant Service, Inc., waiving the competitive bid process. The committee approved a budget amendment for the Park & Rec Department/Museum, shifting $5,000 from professional services to building maintenance. These items will be voted on by the full council at the October 19 meeting.

• Industrial development bond of $230,000,000 over 20 years for Atlas Tube facility expansion
• Atlas Tube added 45 hourly and 2 salary positions since 2019; potential 50 more jobs if mill runs around the clock
• Vector Disease Control International requests 5% increase ($9,785) for mosquito control
• 3-year contract with Rogers Hydrant Service, Inc. at $42.50 per hydrant for maintenance and $50.00 for painting, waiving competitive bid
• Budget amendment for Park & Rec/Museum: decrease professional services by $5,000, increase building maintenance by $5,000

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss project updates, including striping for school crosswalks and Main Street, and an Elm Street update. They will also plan the October 8 community clean-up and review key performance indicators for public works. The agenda includes remarks on damaged trashcans and cell service, but no formal votes or ordinances are listed.

• Striping update for school crosswalks and Main St
• Elm St project update
• October 8 community clean-up planning
• Public Works key performance indicators review
• Discussion of damaged trashcans and cell service

The Public Works Committee approved three funding requests for Finance: $4,000 for street department tires, $10,000 for sanitation department tires, and $10,000 for speed bumps to cap 2021 spending. The committee also discussed project updates, including striping work starting with school zones and Main Street, and an Elm Street grant still pending. A community clean-up is scheduled for October 8, with trash to be brought to the PW yard or Chamber for removal. No votes were recorded on the clean-up or other discussion items.

• Approved $4,000 for street department tires (Motion Jones, 2nd Mayberry)
• Approved $10,000 for sanitation department tires (Motion Perrin, 2nd Jones)
• Approved $10,000 for speed bumps to cap 2021 (Motion Perrin, 2nd Jones)

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will consider a business license and authorize Tropical Storm Private Club, Inc. to apply for a private club liquor license. The body will also amend the 2021 budget and authorize the Mayor to execute agreements with the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Ritz Foundation, and Municode. Additionally, the Council will provide for an appointment to the Blytheville Ritz Commission.

• Ordinance authorizing Tropical Storm Private Club, Inc. to apply for a private club liquor license permit
• Resolution amending the 2021 budget
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an easement agreement to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Ritz Foundation
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Municode

Public Works Committee

The committee will receive updates on flooding and Elm Street projects. The agenda also includes discussions regarding Ruddle Road street signs, Municode Services, and downtown walk audit recommendations.

• Flooding and Elm St project updates
• Ruddle Rd street signs
• Downtown Walk Audit Recommendations
• Share the Road Bike Signs

The committee received project updates on storm drains, street signs, and downtown restriping, but made no formal decisions. It discussed installing Ruddle Rd street signs, with state approval confirmed, and agreed to gather pricing for bike signs. The next meeting is set for September 13, 2021.

• Discussed storm drain work at Dogwood (6 culverts) and 14th & Ash (quote pending)
• Confirmed state approval for Ruddle Rd street signs
• Noted paint truck arriving for downtown restriping
• Agreed to get pricing for Share the Road bike signs by September

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee met on July 13, 2021, and voted on several items to recommend to the full City Council on July 20, 2021. These include purchasing new water meters, accepting a bid for sludge pond cleaning, and increasing sanitation fees. The committee also discussed an Outdoor Recreation Matching Grant application and reviewed budget adjustments for the Ritz Civic Center.

• Purchase of water meters from Henard Utility Products for $287,067.95, saving $28 per meter
• Accept bid from Roberts-McNutt for sludge pond cleaning at $26,597.00
• Increase sanitation fees by $5.00, first increase in over 12 years, effective January 2020
• Grant agreement with Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for Ritz Civic Center: $114,470 grant with $57,235 city match
• Budget adjustments for Ritz Civic Center maintenance and repair, including $171,605 increase and $13,000 increase

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss project updates, including flooding issues, pricing for work near 14th & Ash, and an update on Elm Street. They will also address Ruddle Road street signs, Municode Services, and recommendations from a downtown walk audit. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented with no formal votes listed.

• Flooding updates
• Pricing received for work near 14th & Ash
• Elm Street update
• Ruddle Road street signs discussion
• Downtown Walk Audit Recommendations

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee is meeting to receive project updates, discuss flooding on the southeast side of the city near 14th & Ash, and hear an update on Elm Street. The agenda is brief and contains no specific proposals or dollar amounts.

• Flooding updates: southeast side of city, near 14th & Ash
• Elm St update

The committee approved a speed bump on Adams St just east of Division, with a motion by Perrin and second by Mayberry. Storm drain work at 1105 Golf Links and Stuart at 16th St is approved and awaiting contractor start, while the West Ash drain is awaiting pricing. Vegetation clearing in the Dogwood Community area has begun to help with flooding, and a work order for 16 lots to clean and cut was noted.

• Approved speed bump placement on Adams St east of Division (motion by Perrin, second by Mayberry)
• Approved storm drain work at 1105 Golf Links and Stuart at 16th St (awaiting contractor start)
• Noted work order for 16 lots to clean and cut from Code Enforcement

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will consider several ordinances and resolutions at its May 18, 2021 meeting. Key items include a zoning amendment for planned residential development, waiving the bid process for purchasing or leasing public works equipment (garbage trucks, trash trucks, street sweeper, and an asphalt pothole patcher), and resolutions to condemn and demolish structures, accept property donations, amend the 2021 budget, and make appointments to boards.

• Ordinance amending zoning regulations/map for planned residential development
• Ordinance waiving bid process for lease/purchase of 3 Freightliner garbage trucks and 3 Freightliner trash trucks
• Ordinance waiving bid process for lease/purchase of street sweeper
• Ordinance waiving bid process for purchase of 2022 Freightliner with asphalt pothole patcher
• Resolution condemning structures and directing demolition

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee voted to waive the bid process for several equipment purchases and leases, totaling over $1.5 million, to be sent to the City Council for final approval on May 18, 2021. The committee also received a $35,000 request from the Municipal Airport for repairs and improvements, and made budget adjustments to several departments.

• Lease finance for 3 Freightliner garbage trucks at $615,280.80 and 3 knuckleboom trash trucks at $471,467.05 from River City Hydraulics, financed by BancorpSouth
• Lease of a 2020 Freightliner TYMCO 600 street sweeper at $247,500.00 from River City Hydraulics, financed by BancorpSouth
• Purchase of a 2022 Freightliner asphalt pothole patcher truck for $174,875.00 for Public Works
• Request for $35,000 from Municipal Airport for repairs and improvements
• Budget adjustments: Street Dept. +$174,875 equipment replacement; Pool & Park +$10,000 building maintenance; Airport +$20,000 repairs and +$15,000 grants

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee is meeting to receive project updates, discuss increased lease agreements on Public Works trucks, and take remarks and questions. The agenda is brief and contains no detailed proposals or decisions.

• Project updates
• Increased lease agreements on Public Works trucks

The Public Works Committee approved new lease agreements for Public Works trucks, which were then sent to the Finance Committee. Director Key reported on routine maintenance activities, including pothole repairs and storm drain work. Flooding issues on the southeast side of the city are being addressed by cleaning out a major ditch.

• Approved new lease agreements for Public Works trucks, sent to Finance Committee

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed the Director's report, which included a $6,070 quote to repair the pool's electrical panel after a fire. The committee approved sending this to the Finance Committee. They also discussed vandalism prevention at the Sportsplex and approved three reappointments to the Baseball Facilities Board.

• Approved $6,070 quote from Avery Electric for pool electrical panel repair
• Discussed vandalism prevention at Sportsplex, including SkyCop installation
• Approved reappointments of David Hixson, Trey Speight, and Jeremy Deaver to Baseball Facilities Board
• Noted golf course won Best of Northeast Arkansas and plans summer tournaments and fall renovation
• Upcoming events include Fishing Rodeo, pool opening, and Second Saturday on June 12th

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will consider several items at its regular meeting, including an ordinance to waive the bidding process for repairing lights at the I-55 Blytheville exits, a resolution to place municipal liens on certain properties, a resolution to use federal transportation funds, a resolution amending the 2021 budget, and a resolution appointing Mike Smith to the Golf Course Facilities Board. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and committee reports.

• Ordinance waiving bid process for repair of lights at I-55 Blytheville exits
• Resolution placing municipal liens on certain properties
• Resolution expressing willingness to use Federal-Aid Transportation Alternatives Program funds
• Resolution amending the 2021 budget
• Resolution appointing Mike Smith to the Golf Course Facilities Board

The Blytheville City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1915, waiving the competitive bid process and authorizing an agreement with Shelby Electric Company to repair lights at I-55 exits 63 and 67. The council also adopted four resolutions: placing municipal liens on properties, expressing willingness to use federal transportation funds, amending the FY2021 budget, and appointing a member to the Golf Course Facilities Commission. All votes were 6-0.

• Approved Ordinance 1915 waiving competitive bid for I-55 exit light repairs with Shelby Electric (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:17 to place municipal liens on properties (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:18 expressing willingness to use federal transportation funds (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:19 amending FY2021 budget (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:20 appointing to Golf Course Facilities Commission (6-0)

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee is forwarding several items to the full City Council for a vote, including a contract with Shelby Electric Company for conduit and wiring repairs on I-55 exits, a budget amendment to fund it, and a federal aid project for Elm Street. The committee also discussed but tabled a Pro Pack truck purchase for Public Works until more estimates arrive. A prior special meeting corrected the Ally IT bill to include shipping and tax.

• Shelby Electric Company contract for I-55 exit repairs, not to exceed $167,438.33
• Budget amendment increasing lighting expense and infrastructure fund balance by $167,438.33
• Elm Street project with 80% federal and 20% local match
• Ally IT bill corrected to $73,438.23 including shipping and tax
• Pro Pack truck for Public Works tabled until May

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss project updates, the I-55 exit ramp lights, and any outstanding remarks or questions. The agenda is brief and contains no specific decisions or dollar amounts.

• Project updates
• I-55 exit ramp lights

The Public Works Committee accepted a bid from Shelby Electric Co. for $167,438 to repair I-55 exit ramp lights, noting the cost increased by $15,221 due to the mayor's earlier inability to perform the work. The committee also moved to send a $190,000 request for a Pro-Patch pothole-fixing truck to the Finance Committee. Two speed bump applications were received and will be reviewed in May, with the process clarified that applications must first go to Director Key.

• Accepted Shelby Electric Co. bid of $167,438 for I-55 exit ramp lights (motion by Jones, second by Mayberry)
• Moved to send $190,000 Pro-Patch pothole truck request to Finance Committee (motion by Jones, second by Mayberry)
• Clarified speed bump application process: applications must go to Director Key before council approval

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on March 16, 2021, to consider several ordinances and resolutions. These include waiving bid requirements for a farmland lease with Dixon Farms, an agreement with CWB Engineers, and purchases for the Justice Center, as well as resolutions on a highway utility agreement, roof replacement, concession stand lease, budget amendment, and a housing authority reappointment.

• Ordinance waiving bid requirements and authorizing farmland lease with Dixon Farms
• Ordinance waiving bid requirements and authorizing agreement with CWB Engineers, Inc.
• Ordinance waiving bid requirements for computer equipment and IT services for the Justice Center
• Ordinance waiving bid requirements for desks for the Justice Center
• Resolution authorizing Arkansas State Highway Commission utility construction/relocation agreement

The Blytheville City Council approved four ordinances waiving competitive bidding for a farmland lease with Dixon, engineering services with CWB Engineers, and computer equipment and desks for the Justice Center. It also adopted six resolutions, including a utility relocation agreement, roof replacement bid, Sportsplex concession lease, budget amendment, housing authority reappointment, and a lease with Cellular South. All votes were 6-0 except for the desks ordinance and budget amendment, which passed 5-1 with Council Member Perrin voting no.

• Approved Ordinance 1910 waiving competitive bid for farmland lease with Dixon (6-0).
• Approved Ordinance 1911 waiving competitive bid for engineering services with CWB Engineers (6-0).
• Approved Ordinance 1912 waiving competitive bid for computer equipment and IT services for Justice Center (6-0).
• Approved Ordinance 1913 waiving competitive bid for new desks for Justice Center (5-1, Perrin no).
• Adopted Resolution 2021:011 approving Arkansas State Highway Commission utility relocation agreement (6-0).
• Adopted Resolution 2021:12 approving bid for roof replacement on Public Works building (6-0).
• Adopted Resolution 2021:13 authorizing mayor to lease Sportsplex concession stand (6-0).
• Adopted Resolution 2021:14 amending FY2021 budget (5-1, Perrin no).

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee voted on several items to recommend to the City Council for approval on March 16, 2021. These include an IT services contract, office furniture purchases, a farm lease, a bridge repair cost-sharing agreement, and a building repair bid. The committee also made several budget adjustments.

• IT contract with Ally IT 24/7 for $67,500 after 20% law enforcement discount
• Purchase of desks for the new Justice Center at $34,301.52
• Farm lease with Bart Dixon: $75/acre, total $22,500, Jan 1 2021–Dec 31 2023
• North 61 bridge repair: total $283,443.54, city share $16,553.10
• Shop building roof repair bid to Richardson Construction for $33,188

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee is meeting to receive project updates and discuss several infrastructure items, including an update on Elm Street from CWB, lighting for the I-55 exit ramp, and a roof for the Public Works building. The agenda is mostly discussion-oriented with no formal votes or contracts listed.

• Elm St update from CWB
• I-55 Exit ramp lights
• Roof for Public Works building

The Public Works Committee approved sending the Elm Street project contract to the Finance Committee, pending city approval, and accepted a $33,188 bid from Richardson Construction for the Public Works building roof. The I-55 exit ramp lights remain under discussion with the county, and the airport mower light issue is being addressed.

• Approved motion to send Elm St contract to Finance Committee (Jones, 2nd Mayberry)
• Approved $33,188 roof bid from Richardson Construction, sent to Finance Committee (Perrin, 2nd Jones)

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee discussed updates on park projects, including tennis court lighting at Walker Park, restroom options at Williams Park, and the Ritz renovation. They also approved a revised Sportsplex concession stand contract for 2021, which will be sent to the full City Council for approval. The committee considered grant opportunities for various park improvements and planned future public meetings.

• Approved revised Sportsplex concession stand contract with $50/week rent during activity
• Estimated $5,000 to open north side of concession stand for public restrooms at Williams Park
• Arkansas Historic Preservation Grant submitted for Ritz roof, asbestos removal, ADA bathrooms
• Monument sponsorship opportunities at golf course, deadline April 1, 2021
• Arkansas Outdoors 50/50 matching grant ideas discussed for park improvements

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will consider several items, including an ordinance amending privilege license regulations, a resolution to accept donated properties, a resolution to authorize CWB Engineers as general engineer for 2021, and a resolution to amend the 2021 budget. The meeting also includes committee reports and a State of the City address.

• Ordinance amending Ordinances 1642 and 1537 regarding privilege license
• Resolution accepting donation of properties
• Resolution authorizing CWB Engineers, Inc as general engineer for 2021
• Resolution amending the 2021 budget

The Blytheville City Council approved four items: Ordinance 1909 amending privilege license rules, Resolution 2021:08 accepting donated properties, Resolution 2021:09 authorizing CWB Engineers for 2021 services, and Resolution 2021:10 amending the 2021 budget. All votes were 6-0. The mayor also delivered a State of the City address reviewing 2020 accomplishments and outlining 2021 priorities.

• Adopted Ordinance 1909 amending privilege license ordinances (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:08 accepting donation of properties (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:09 authorizing CWB Engineers for 2021 services (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2021:10 amending 2021 budget (6-0)
• Approved minutes of Jan 19 and Jan 21 meetings (6-0)

Finance Committee

The Blytheville Finance Committee is meeting to review a report from Mr. Callens, which includes no purchases but a budget adjustment. The adjustment increases equipment replacement and use of Park & Recs surplus by $7,500 each. The City Council will meet later via Zoom.

• Budget adjustment: Increase Equipment Replacement $7,500
• Budget adjustment: Increase Use of Park & Recs Surplus $7,500

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss project updates, select an engineer for the Elm Street project, address I-55 exit ramp lighting, and plan waste disposal logistics. The agenda lists these items for discussion, but no decisions are recorded in the agenda text.

• Elm St engineer selection
• I-55 Exit ramp lights
• Waste Disposal (what/when/where/how)
• Project Updates

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Blytheville Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed ongoing projects, including tennis court lighting at Walker Park, golf course monument sponsorships, and the Ritz Theater's upcoming Black Panther screening. They discussed a proposal to update bathroom facilities at Williams and Cyprus Parks and approved a motion to move $7,500 from the 2020 budget reserve for new slides at Walker Park.

• Approved $7,500 transfer for 3 new slides at Walker Park
• Tennis court lighting awaiting electrical fix by Chief Jefferson
• Golf course monument sponsorships due April 1, 2021
• Black Panther showing Feb 19 at Ritz Theater
• Bathroom upgrades proposed for Williams and Cyprus Parks

City Council

The Blytheville City Council will vote on several ordinances waiving the bid process for equipment purchases in the Wastewater, Code Enforcement, and Animal Control departments. The agenda includes a resolution to amend the 2021 budget and authorize the Mayor to negotiate a building purchase. Additionally, the Council will approve employee bonus payments and make appointments to the Planning Commission.

• Ordinances waiving bid process for equipment purchases in Wastewater, Code Enforcement, and Animal Control departments
• Resolution amending the 2021 budget
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to negotiate a building purchase
• Resolution authorizing employee bonus payments
• Resolutions for appointment and re-appointment to the Planning Commission

The council approved four ordinances and five resolutions, including waiving competitive bidding to replace River Oaks lift station equipment ($44,703), purchase a 2021 Nissan Rogue for Code Enforcement ($30,056), and a 2021 Dodge Ram for Animal Control ($24,316). It also approved $1,000 bonuses for all employees, authorized negotiations to buy a building for up to $80,000, and adopted budget amendments. Mayberry was re-elected president pro tempore.

• Approved Ordinance 1905 for River Oaks lift station equipment replacement ($44,703) (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1906 for Code Enforcement Nissan Rogue purchase ($30,056) (5-0, Perrin abstained)
• Approved Ordinance 1907 for Animal Control Dodge Ram purchase ($24,316) (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1908 amending council rules of order (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021:02 amending FY2021 budget (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021:03 authorizing negotiations to purchase building from Charles J. Gardner (5-1, Perrin no)
• Approved Resolution 2021:04 authorizing $1,000 bonuses for all employees (6-0)
• Re-elected Mayberry as president pro tempore (4-2)

Finance Committee

The City Council will vote on several items recommended by the Finance Committee, including purchasing equipment for the River Oaks Subdivision, two vehicles for Code Enforcement and Animal Control, employee bonuses, and authorizing the Mayor to negotiate a building purchase. The meeting will also consider budget adjustments for the Municipal Airport and General Administration.

• Purchase equipment from Power & Pumps (El Dorado, AR) for $44,703.00 for River Oaks Subdivision workstation
• Purchase Code Enforcement vehicle at state bid cost of $30,056.00
• Purchase 2021 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 for Animal Control at state bid cost of $24,316.00
• Employee bonuses: $1,000 full-time, $500 part-time
• Authorize Mayor to negotiate building purchase: $55,000 real estate, $25,000 maintenance, total $80,000

Public Works Committee

The Blytheville Public Works Committee will receive a report from Director Mark Key and discuss project updates, including the status of Elm Street and a flooding issue in the 2300 block of Peabody. Councilman Jones previously raised concerns about flooding into residents' yards, and Director Key requested addresses to meet with affected residents and determine the best course of action.

• Report from Director Mark Key
• Project update on Elm Street
• Flooding issue at 2300 block of Peabody
• Councilman Jones' concern about flooding into yards
• Director Key to meet with residents

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Blytheville Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed ongoing projects, including tennis court lighting, golf course sponsorships, and the Ritz theater. They approved a motion to transfer $7,500 for new slides at Walker Park and discussed updating bathrooms at Williams and Cyprus Parks.

• Motion to move $7,500 from 2020 budget reserve to equipment replacement for Walker Park slides
• Tennis court lighting at Walker Park awaiting electrical fixes
• Golf course monument sponsorship deadline April 1, 2021
• Ritz showing 'Black Panther' on February 19 at 7 PM
• Bathroom facility updates proposed for Williams and Cyprus Parks