HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-28 MINUTES OF COUNCIL
JANUARY 28, 2003
The Batesville City Council met in regular session on January 28, at 5:30 PM at the
Municipal Building. Mayor Joe Biard presided over the meeting. Councilmember Watkins gave
the invocation. Upon roll call the following Councilmembers answered present: Jim Cargill,
R.L. Carpenter, Robert Ford, Gerald Gaither, Jim Mitchum, Jerry Pectol, Paula Terrell and Jim
Watkins. Also present were the City Clerk Denise Johnston City Attorney Scott Stalker was
absent.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the minutes from the last meeting.
Councilmember Cargill seconded and all voted for.
Councilmember Ford moved to approve the prepared agenda as amended.
Councilmember Gaither seconded and all voted for.
WORK UPDATE BY BATESVILLE UTILITY
Utility Commissioner Jim Reid, Manager Larry Tharnish and Nick Baxter gave a power
point presentation showing several different areas within the City where utility improvements
were being made.
RESOLUTION TO CONVEY PROPERTY
Councilmember Cargill introduced and Mayor Biard read a resolution that gives the
Mayor authorization to execute any contracts or conveyances necessary to convey certain real
property to White River Petroleum Company. The property is the old water plant property
located on lower River Street and was appraised for $25,600.00. Councilmember Watkins
moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Cargill seconded. All voted for.
DRAFT MATERIALS FOR SIGN ORDINANCE
The council was given a copy of the draft materials for a sign ordinance that was being
considered by the Planning Commission. The Mayor asked the council to take the material home
and be ready to discuss it at a later meeting.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The council was given a copy of the December 2002 financial statement.
CONSIDER 2002 BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE
Councilmember Cargill introduced an ordinance that would amend the 2002 budget.
Mayor Biard read the ordinance in full and Councilmember Cargill moved to suspend the rules
and place in on the second reading. Councilmember Gaither seconded and the roll call count
was 8 for and 0 against. The Mayor read the ordinance for the second reading and
Councilmember Terrell moved to further suspend the rules and place in on the second reading.
Councilmember Gaither seconded and the roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. The Mayor
read the ordinance for the final reading and Councilmember Cargill moved to adopt the
ordinance. Councilmember Terrell seconded and the roll call count was 8 for and 0 against. The
ordinance was given 42003-1-3.
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO SET CABLE FRANCHISE FEES
Mayor Biard said 2 ordinances had been prepared for them to consider regarding cable
franchise fees. One included a 3% franchise fee and the second was for a 4.25% franchise fee.
Local Cox Communications Dwaine Millikin was present and said that he opposed any kind of a
franchise fee increase. Currently there is a $1.00 per subscriber per year franchise fee which is
absorbed by the Cable Company. Mr. Millikin said that any increase would be passed along to
the subscriber. Councilmember Carpenter introduced the ordinance which would impose a 3%
franchise fee on revenues collected within the city limits of Batesville. The Mayor read the
ordinance in full. No motion was made to suspend the rules, therefore the ordinance will be
placed on the February 11 agenda for the second reading.
CEMETERY RESOLUTION
The council considered a cemetery resolution for Jay and Cathy Shell, resolution 42003-
28-1 for $200.00. Councilmember Cargill moved to accept the resolution and Councilmember
Watkins seconded. All voted for.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Biard asked the council if they had looked at the intersection of 17th and Porter to
consider a 4-way stop. After a discussion, Councilmember Cargill moved not make a 4-way stop
at the intersection and Councilmember Carpenter seconded. All voted for.
Mayor Baird said he received a letter from the Highway Department giving the city
approval for placing a crosswalk across St. Louis Street at the intersection of St. Louis and
College Streets. After a discussion, the council decided to wait to make a decision on placing the
crosswalk.
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
As required by law, Mayor Biard gave his annual State of the City Address.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Cargill said he had been contacted about placing a 4-way stop at the
intersection of Slater and Bates Streets. After a discussion, Councilmember Carpenter moved
not to make a 4-way stop at the intersection and Councilmember Watkins seconded. All voted
for.
There being no further business, Councilmember Mitchum moved that the meeting be
adjourned. Councilmember Gaither seconded and all voted for.
JOE M. BIARD, MAYOR
DENISE M. JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK