August 15, 2011

MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MAUMELLE
AUGUST 15, 2011
6:00 PM
CITY HALL

Mayor Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with seven members present.  Alderman Brainerd was absent. 
Alderman Stell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.     

SPECIAL GUESTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nathan Ragsdill, of Curtis Stout AV, made a presentation to the Council regarding upgrading the audio visual equipment in the Council room and being able to video Council meetings and post them online.  

Alderman Hogue asked if we had money for this in the current budget.  Alderman Witonski stated that he would be coming back to the Council with a budget resolution.  

Alderman Ladner suggested taking time to investigate this proposal and to seek citizen input.  Alderman Stell concurred stating that we should take our time and do this right.  Aldermen Saunders and Anderson agreed as well.  

Scott Owen, of Wetland Consultants, gave the Council a presentation on the progress being made on the wetlands management plan.  

MINUTES—August 1, 2011
Alderman Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the August 1, 2011 meeting.  Alderman Stell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT REVIEW
Alderman Stell moved to approve the financials.  Alderman Hogue seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.  

PROCEDURAL MOTION
Alderman Anderson moved to have all ordinances and resolutions read by title only.  Alderman Stell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.  

PUBLIC FACILITIES BOARD APPOINTMENT 
Mayor Watson asked the Council to confirm his appointment of John David Hodges.  Alderman Witonski moved to confirm the appointment.  Alderman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.  

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION
Alderman Hogue stated that she was bringing this forward to start the discussion on banning fireworks in Maumelle.  She stated that she would like to see them banned but that she wanted to hear from citizens.  She also stated that she would like to have input from the police and fire chiefs.  

Alderman Ladner applauded Alderman Hogue and stated that this was long overdue.  He also stated that he looked forward to hearing from the residents.  

Alderman Witonski stated that most of the responses he was already receiving were against this ordinance.  

Alderman Saunders stated that he’d like to see us keep the ability to shoot fireworks but that he had some real problems with them.  He challenged everyone to think of a suitable solution for all involved.  

Alderman Anderson stated that the responses he was getting on this were adamantly opposed to the ordinance.   He wondered if an ordinance would even be effective in solving the issues we were dealing with.   

Alderman Johnson suggested banning in commercial parking lots and public parks.   

Alderman Hogue stated that she was disturbed by the number of people coming into Maumelle to shoot fireworks.  

Mayor Watson stated that he would like to see the manufacturers take steps to eliminate the oversized fireworks going to the general public.  

Alderman Saunders stated that parents as well as kids were the problem.  

Alderman Ladner stated that some people would be hurt by this due to the people who were causing the problems not caring.  Alderman Anderson stated that he did not believe we could control those people and should not punish the rest of the citizens because of them.  Alderman Ladner stated that he would not be part of a Council that did nothing and someone died or we had a fire.  

RESOLUTION 2011-36 AMENDING THE 2011 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution amending the 2011 General Fund Budget allocating CIP escrowed funds to enhance the appearance of a bunker at Lake Willastein.  The City Clerk gave the reading.  

Alderman Ladner moved to approve the resolutions.  Alderman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance. 

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Watson stated that Tyler Winningham had taken a job with another city.  He stated that this was a good opportunity for him and wished him well.  He noted that City Clerk/Treasurer would be helping to fill his role while a replacement was sought.

Mayor Watson stated that the Back to School Expo was a great event and that over 600 students had participated.  He complimented Tina Timmons and Timmons for their work on the event. 

Mayor Watson stated that there had been a few traffic issues with the first day of school but that it had gone well overall.  He noted that this was an exciting time for Maumelle.  

ALDERMEN’S COMMENTS 
Alderman Stell stated that there would be a presentation made to the City Council on August 29^th in the blue room at City Hall at 6:00 pm.  

Alderman Ladner stated there was a problem with motorized vehicles on the pathways.  

CITY CLERK’S COMMENTS
Mr. Clausen announced an emergency preparedness fair sponsored by the City and three local congregations scheduled for September 10^th from 10-2 at the Community Center.  

ADJOURNMENT 
Alderman Ladner moved to adjourn the meeting.  Alderman Stell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m.

____________________________________
MAYOR MICHAEL WATSON

_____________________________________
CITY CLERK JOSHUA CLAUSEN

APPROVED
September 6, 2011.