The Dumas City Council approved Resolution 1404 that will be adding Premium Pay funds to certain municipal employees paychecks starting the next pay period during the Dumas City Council meeting held November 9, 2021.
Resolution 1404 is a resolution adopting Premium Pay for certain municipal employees from the American Rescue Plan. The council voted to approve the resolution. The approval of the resolution was met with enthusiasm after city employees learned they would be getting additional pay added to their checks in the next pay period.
The Dumas City Council voted to approve the minutes from the October 12 public meeting and regular monthly meeting.
John Owens presented the budget for November 2021 and the council voted to approve the budget report and pay the bills. The Water and Sewer Revenues and Expenditures is at 90% with a year to date revenue of $1,389,958.77 with expenses at 89% with year to date expenses of $1,103,458.27. The General Fund Revenue and Expenditures is at 102% with a year to date revenue of $4,464,538.60 and 78% year to date expenses of $3,728,477.12. The General Fund was ahead due to funds from the American Rescue Plan and distribution from the Peterson Estate. The Street Fund Revenue and Expenditures are at 95% with year to date revenue of $387,526.73 with year to date expenses at $357,028.03 at 68%.
Steve Stephen with the Dumas Airport Insurance spoke about the insurance and cost of replacement for hangers and equipment, fencing, runway lights at the Dumas Municipal Airport.
Sherri Jackson, Human Resources, presented information on AFLAC and how it could condense a variety of insurance benefits without having to have multiple insurance companies. They decided to set up a time with an AFLAC Representative to speak with employees. The City also tested the new alert system Tuesday.
Committee Reports:Amber Madison-Brown provided information on a proposal to purchase equipment for Magnolia Park including swing sets, see-saws, tables, and trash receptacles along with equipment for the park at the armory.
Shelby Slater talked about future street improvement for .6 miles for Choctaw Street to Adcock Street and Pistachio Street.
Mayor Simon reported on Winchester Project Progress and the opening of the construction bids starting at $4 million with 6 bids total sent to the ARNC. The city has been signed up for the National Opioid Settlement. She gave updates on the Mitchellville sewer project, the Dumas Maintenance Building Bid has been published; the Drainage Project Bid has been awarded to GarNet Eng. and AT&T requested a tower use permit for Industrial Drive.
The council heard Community Service Reports from the Dumas Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, MainStreet Dumas, Food Pantry, and Community Center. Departments reports included the Dumas Volunteer Fire Department, Water and Sewer, Police Department, Street and Sanitation, and Code Enforcement.
The Dumas City Council also voted on Ordinance 969 and Resolutions 1403, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, and 1409.
Ordinance 969 is for the rules of Enforcement of Park Rules and Regulations. Councilmember John Owen made a motion to approve the ordinance and it was seconded by Council member Brown and Diane Fisher. A motion was also made to approve the emergency clause and the motion was approved.
Resolution 1403 is a resolution to give authorization to Mayor Simon and City Clerk Norma Eldridge to continue coverage and submit the Municipal League official accidental death and dismemberment plan for each elected official and department head interested in Dumas to the Arkansas Municipal League. The expense will be charged to the General Fund account. The council made a motion to table the resolution to the next meeting. It was seconded and approved.
Resolution 1405 is a resolution to re-establish an agreement and to certify annually the amount to be paid to the state. The City of Dumas's share for the salary of the state district Court judge is $7,331.25 for the Administration of Justice Fund. A motion was made, seconded and all approved.
Resolution 1406 is a resolution to designate the use of the American Rescue Funds that Dumas received in July 2021 and October 2021. A motion was made, seconded and all approved.
Resolution 1407 is a resolution to designate a portion of the American Rescue Funds to replace the Bowles Street Pump Station and lift above ground. A motion was made, seconded and all approved.
Resolution 1408 is a resolution to accept the bid from Lamars Davis Landscaping to remove the house and clean property located at 606 East Waterman Street in Dumas. A motion was made, seconded and all approved.
Resolution 1409 Resolution to fund bonuses for city employees and officials not eligible for rescue funds. A motion was made, seconded and all approved.
