The Dumas City Council voted to adopt a resolution to credit water customers accounts when an error occurs December 13, 2022.
Resolution No. 1477 is a resolution authorizing the water department to issue water bill credit to customers. The resolution will authorize waters clerks as designated by the department supervisor to credit water customers accounts due to incorrect readings, water leaks when fixed, and to provide other acceptable adjustments with the approval of the water department supervisor. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
A Special Call meeting will be held to approve the budget and the mayor will give a final briefing of projects Thursday, December 29, 2022.
The Council voted 10 resolutions total including:
Resolution No. 1472 is a resolution authorizing the mayor and clerk to sign documents related to the watershed project for the City of Dumas under the watershed flood prevention operations program. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution No. 1473 is a resolution to provide a fifty feet easement located on the south boundary of the tract commonly known as the Dumas Community Center to EJS & Associates, Inc. doing business under the name of the Oasis of Dumas Assisted Living Facility. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution No. 1474 is a resolution to invest a part of the Peterson Trust Funds in the City of Dumas Agency Account at Merchant and Farmers Bank in CD's. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution 1475 is a resolution to approve the payment of $5562.00 to ESO Solutions, Inc. of Dallas, Texas for Emergency Medical Services for Emergency Medical Services Computer Software. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution No. 1476 is resolution to pay ACE signs for a 3x4 ft Double sided illuminated letter track system with a 1x4 ft double sided illuminated topper with applied graphics on the pole. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution No. 1478 is a resolution to allow the water department clerks with the assistance of the auditor to restructure the water department Charts of accounts. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution No. 1479 is a resolution to provide a 2023 percentage increase for full time and part time employees. The board voted to adopt the resolution with one opposing vote.
Resolution No. 1480 is a resolution to earmark the remainder of the Dumas 2022 American Rescue funds (ARPA) to purchase a new high school pump station in the 2023 budget. The board voted to adopt the resolution.
Resolution No. 1481 is resolution to pay Game Time for Memorial Park renovations. Once paid, the 50/50 grant will reimburse all payments up to 50% of the cost. The board voted to adopt the resolution. Resolution 1482 has been tabled until a later meeting.
The Council also adopted Ordinance 975 amending the Dumas Health Insurance Premium. The board voted to adopt the Ordinance.
Councilmember Kenneth Daniels reported an inner office is being built in the structure. They are currently working on blueprint to help the plumber know where to install plumbing.
Councilmember Roy Dalton that the manholes and main pipes have been laid. The force mains have been installed except for the railroad. The pumps are in and they will be working on the housing to be put into place.
Street Superintendent Shelby Slater gave a report on Belmont and Robinwood Drive with work completed on Belmont with issues reported on Meador Drive. The Arkansas Department of Correction worked on Main Street and will be back in January. They are not charging for picking up bagged leaves, but have seen problems with bags breaking due to weight. He said there is an issue with leaves and yard debris being blown into the street. The department will also install speed bumps on Jack Dante Drive.
Councilmember Amber Madison gave a report for the Magnolia Park shed for the playground and a seesaw for Amory Park. They are currently waiting on an estimate from the company that installed the equipment. The shed structure is needed for Magnolia due to lack of shade in the area. The remaining money should cover a shed and a saw for Amory Park.
Mayor's Report: Mayor Flora Simon gave her report on the Sludge Removal Grant as a part of the America Rescue Program for Water and Wastewater. It will cost $400,000 to remove the sludge out of the wastewater treatment plant. The city received a $10,000 grant for Innovation from Winrock International. The Dumas School District is working to upgrade the district's softball, baseball and football fields. The renovation will ensure each field will live up to varsity standards and provide a venue for multiple level sports. The DSD is asking for donations if anyone is interested.
Code Enforcer Helen Castaneda reported that Family dollar purchased a building permit for expansion and they will start the add on sometime in December. Pollution Management Inc. will demolish both Matthew buildings. They plan to build a travel center sometime next year. They have purchased all necessary permits for demolition. 3. Bright speed has requested information on permits to install fiber optic through out town. They are still waiting on approval from Entergy.
Steven Stevens, gave a report on the airport project and asked the city for permission to help pay some of the expenses out of the city's General Fund account and help pay future expenses until they can get a grant. They will repay the account when the money is available. The council voted to advance the balance of the Smith Steel concrete work at the airport.
Final 2022 Community Service Reports:
Chamber of Commerce: Director Judy Day reported their December meeting was held at the Walnut Lake Country Club. The Economic Development Committee held their meeting on December 2 and voted to give $1,000 to SEARK Concerts. Day announced the Parade, held December 5, was a big success with 15 floats along with other entries.
Department Reports:
EMS Paramedic Jonathan Whipple reported 106 ambulance calls in November. They hope to have the new ambulance in the first of the year. They have received the other equipment needed for the new ambulance. Dumas Volunteer Fire Department Chief Doug Weatherford reported a few runs since the last meeting. The department will be starting classes for CPR and medical care in January and an officer 1 class lined up. Lynn Weatherford reported 27 events with a revenue of $4,760. Weather reported that hand dryers for the bathrooms will cost $206.43 a piece and will need to purchase eight of them. Dumas Police Chief Keith Finch reported one officer who completed training, Officer Rashad Nalls will be going to complete training in January. They will have one officer leave to join the Desha County Sheriff and another officer will start in January who will be training as a Student Resource Officer. The department received a $100,000 equipment grant that will purchase bullet proof vest, car and body cameras, TASERS, and update the cameras at the department. The new units purchased under community unlimited will soon go into service. The county is working to update their 911 system, and asked for a second conduit to be installed at the police departments.
