City Council

MINUTES CITY OF CHEROKEE VILLAGE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6: 00 P.M., CHEROKEE VILLAGE CITY HALL meeting is recorded, videoed, and posted on Cherokeevillage. gov) CALL TO ORDER- Mayor Rose call the meeting to order at 6: 01 PM. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE— Mayor Rose lead the pledge of allegiance. MOMENT OF SILENCE— A moment of silence was observed. ROLL CALL, ESTABLISH QUORUM—Roll was called by City Clerk Penny Trumpy. Harrison yes, R Tatum yes, Thompson yes, Martin yes, Lowe yes, Ishmael yes, Rowland yes, Mayor, Clerk and City Attorneys( Jody and John) in attendance. Absent: J Tatum. Quorum established. APPROVAL OF AGENDA— Council Member Martin motioned to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Council Member Lowe. passed( 7 yes— 0 no' s) Motion PUBLIC COMMENTS/ QUESTIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS( limit 3 minutes per person) NONE Council Member Rowland expressed Thanks to the Penny and the front administration for posting the working meeting video and all the work they do. Council Member Rowland could not attend the working meeting and was able to watch the meeting video on the website and be prepared for tonight' s meeting. This also is great for transparency between Council and the Citizens of Cherokee Village. Mayor Rose agreed with Council Member Rowland. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 16, 2025— Council Member Martin motioned to approve the October 16, 2025 minutes as printed. Seconded by Council Member Thompson. Motion passed( 7 yes' s— 0 no' s) CORRESPONDENCE: NONE FINANCIAL REPORT: Discussion Sales& Use Tax Street Dept Revenue Mayor noted that the property taxes are a little short but the rest is on target. BUDGET UPDATE: Heather Harrison— They are working on a few more numbers. The budget committee is Mayor Rose, Council Member Harrison, and Administration Assistant Misty Casey. To balance the budget the big- ticket items are not being included in the 2026 budget. The big-ticket items must come before Council to be approved so it can be considered at that time as money allows. They are still working with department heads to fine tune the figures of the proposed budget. This way we can hone in on a better idea of what our budget is. If you have any question please contact Heather. There are a few departments that need to increase employees/ salaries and the 3% increase in wages across the board for the city employees and elected officials. The hope is to have a proposed budget for the December meeting. Mayor Rose state that the committee and department heads have went line by line through the budget to get a better understanding where, and why. Council Member Harrison asked where Council was comfortable with a balanced budget or a deficit of$ 50, 000 to$ 200, 000. Departments will not get their wish list depending on the deficit. That overage does not include any capital improvements or big- ticket items. This is why the working meetings are important so topics can be discussed and worked out and time to research topics. Council Member Rowland asked a question after listening to Mondays working meeting video, and with several people talking at one time made it hard to determine what was being discussed. Council Member Rowland asked" When you were talking about the front offices and having 1 becoming part time or full time. Were you talking about Skyler' s position or the treasurer becoming full time?" What was the reason for the treasurer becoming full time? Council Member Harrison explained that the treasurer' s position is part time and Misty get thrown into the position when the treasurer is not here or when Misty is out of the office it leaves them short staffed. Mayor Rose stated the goal is to have 2 full time people to complete the office duties. Council Member Rowland asked if there would be just 2 full time people. Mayor Rose state that 2 full time and a part time as needed. Council Member Rowland asked for clarification on statements made during the working meeting, but suggested to go into executive meeting since it concerned an employee. Mayor Rose said" Contact him at any time with questions and concerns. Council Member Thompson ask if Council Member Rowlands question would affect the budget and would like to go into executive session? Cherokee Village City Council Meeting, November 20, 2025 Page 1 Council Member Rowland states Yes it does. Council Member Lowe motioned to move to executive session to discuss the topic concerning personal budget, seconded by Council Member Martin. Roll call vote: R Tatum yes, Thompson yes, Martin yes, Lowe yes, Ishmael yes, Rowland yes, Harrison yes, passed( 7 yes— 0 no' s). Council went into executive session at 6: 16 PM and returned to Council Chambers at 630 PM. No action was taken at this time. Next Budget Committee Meeting will be Tuesday or Wednesday after the Holiday. It will be posted on the city' s web- site and face book page MAYOR' S REPORT: Hospital update. State Representee Trey Stiemel reported that the ADEQ waved all the restrictions to allow this property to go to public auction. The AR Land Commissioners are working on the rules and regulations on selling this type of property as there are several in Arkansas. Hoping to have more definite information mid-year 2026. The Highway/ bridge in front of City Hall is open. They are currently working on the areas at the edge/ beside the roads and should be completed by March. City Hall will be closed: Wednesday at 2: 00 pm( 10/ 26/25) and all-day Thursday( 10/27/ 25) and Friday( 10/ 28/ 25) so employees can spend time with family. Happy Thanksgiving too all. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: PLEASE SPEAK INTO THE MICROPHONE ANIMAL CONTROL: Megan Mansfield— ON WEB SITE— Megan asked if Council had any questions for her. None were asked. Mayor Rose said he would let Megan know when the next budget meeting was so she could attend. COMMUNITY SERVICE: SGT. Jim Griffin— ON WEB SITE DISTRICT COURT: Court Clerk— Amanda Brewer— ON WEB SITE FIRE DEPARTMENT: Chief Kal Dienst— ON WEB SITE PLANNING& ZONING: ON WEB SITE CITY INSPECTOR- Charlie Acker CODE ENFORCEMENT— Robert Otts ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT— Angela Hendon POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Monte Lane— ON WEB SITE OTHER REPORTS: PLEASE SPEAK INTO THE MICROPHONE ANIMAL CONTROL COMMITTEE MINUTES— ON WEB SITE A& P MINUTES: ON FILE— ON WEB SITE— September 25, 2025 AIRPORT MINUTES: ON FILE— ON WEB SITE— October 1, 2025 P& Z COMMISSION MINUTES: NO REPORT ECONOMIC EXPLORATION COMMITTEE— NO REPORT TRI- COUNTY SOLID WASTE: ON WEB SITE— October 15, 2025 OLD BUSINESS: 1. Landscaping Bid—( tabled from October)— All bids that were received were rejected. Charlie will handle the landscaping for 2027. 2. A& P Vacancy— 2 vacancies— Lynn Phelps— long time residence of Cherokee Village, retired and looking for something to do. Eddie Ishmael— Council Member, owns construction company, Licensed Real Estate Broker in Cherokee Village. His goal is to work toward not over restricting properties. Peter Martin- Council Member for 10+ years, back ground of family being in government, father, and brother. Noticed P& Z is not doing what the law states and he wants to work with P& Z to correct this. We need to look down the road as to what needs to be done and not just now. There are no long- term plans since 2010. Mayor Rose wanted to add a Council Member to be a liaison from P& Z to Council. Mayor Rose motioned to appoint Eddie Ishmael to the position. Roll Call vote: Thompson yes, Martin yes, Lowe yes, Rowland yes, Harrison yes, R Tatum yes. Ishmael abstained. Motion passed( 6 yes, 0 no' s 1 abstained) Council Member Rowland informed Lynn Phelps could keep his resume on file. After discussion of procedure and Mr. Phelps comments of why a council was on this committee. Council Member Harrison explained the liaison. Council Member Thompson asked Mr. Phelps if he was not appointed tonight and in December in a Council Member had been appointed would he have left. This was posted on the web site to let others know to get others involved. Council Member Martin voiced his discerned with being asked and not being appointed. Cherokee Village City Council Meeting, November 20, 2025 Page 2  After much discussion it was decided to appoint Lynn Phelps tonight and remove the add from the web site. Mayor Rose called for roll call vote to appoint Lynn Phelps to P& Z Commission. Martin yes, Lowe yes, Ishmael yes, Rowland yes, Harrison yes, R Tatum yes, Thompson yes. Motion passed( 7 yes 0 no' s) 3. Asphalt Zipper—( tabled from October) Before this equipment is purchased there are a few other pieces of equipment that are needed. Mayor Rose would like to revisit this in the future. Council Member Rowland asked about an oil burner that was needed. Mayor Rose explained what the oil burner was used for and that a tracker, dump truck and other equipment is needed before purchasing an Asphalt Zipper. Thank you Mr. Hunstad for the information you provided. 4. Election term for City Clerk— Next term 2 years—( 2027— 2028) then a 4- year term.( 2029- 2932) Ordinance in process of being completed. Mayor Rose asked Clerk Penny about process. Clerk replied do to the several FOIA' s this has been at the bottom of the list. This will be ready for Decembers council meeting. 5. Street Department Superintendent Joe Sheets attended the working meeting to discuss upgrading the tractor. The Street department is looking for a new to us tractor($ 30, 000 to$ 40, 000) and frontend loader. 6. Waste Connections Contract— Updated Addendum Council Member Rowland asked about the CV residence getting a discount and that the contract matches the City Ordinance. The question was asked if we use the old contract and addendum or a new contract. Council Member Ishmael has talked to other companies but they require the city to collect payments. Council Member Rowland would be comfortable with a 2- year contract until we iron out a few more points. Mayor Rose will talk to his contact on the issues raised. Council Member Thompson stated there are multi concerns and contract, and ordinance need to match. 7. Fire Station update. Mayor Rose asked Clerk where we stand on this. Email and phone calls are not being returned by Sharp County Title Company. Mayor Rose stopped in and no one was available to discuss this topic. The paper work was promised twice in October before the Council Meeting. Once the City receives the paperwork it goes to SID and their attorneys for approval, then Commissioners sign, then back to City Council for signatures and then it can be filed. Council Member Lowe reminded everyone that the city is paying insurance and we do not own the properties. City Clerk Penny explained that the AML knows that these properties have not transferred yet and they are ok with it. It still needs to happen quickly as the names of the SID commissioners will be changing so contracts need to be updated. City Clerk Penny talked to City Attorneys Jody and John to see if they would contact the Title company to hurry things along. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Recycling Grant— Mayor Rose White River Planning in Batesville has a yearly recycling grant( reimbursement grant). The City asked for$ 16, 000 and was awarded$ 12, 000 for 2025. CV is part of the Tri County Recycling which needs a new box truck. Mayor Rose, suggest we take the$ 6000 of the grant and give it to the Tri County Recycling to pay our share of the truck and the rest of this year' s fee. Council Member Martin asked if this needed to be a resolution? Attorney Jody Shackleford said it could be a vote if that is what the Mayor wants. Mayor Rose said he was told a vote is all that is required. Council Member Martin motioned to approve the$ 6000 from the grant to be given to the Tri County Recycling, seconded by Council Member Rowland. Roll Call vote: Lowe yes, Ishmael yes, Rowland yes, Harrison yes, R Tatum yes, Thompson yes, Martin yes. Motion passed( 7 yes 0 no' s) 2. Fire Department Vehicle Purchase— Chief Kal Dienst— With new candidates going to academy it makes Chief without a vehicle for several weeks( 10 weeks) during their training. Candidates are paid millage coming home on weekends. The new truck would be for the Chief to utilize( administrative truck) and the older truck for running from station to station and around town. Financing was discussed vs taking money for savings. The truck is roughly$ 48, 000. The equipment required is not as much as the police cars. Council Member Martin motions to approve taking$ 49, 000 from General Fund to purchase a pickup truck for the Fire Department administration, seconded by Council Member Thompson. Concerns on cash vs financing by Council Member Lowe. Council Member Thompson stated the trend is going down on interest rates vs account interest. Roll Call vote: Ishmael yes, Rowland yes, Harrison yes, R Tatum yes, Thompson yes, Martin yes, Lowe no, Motion passed( 6 yes, 1 no) Clerk Penny asked Council if they did not receive business cards in front of them it is because they did not return the cards with corrects. Make sure your. gov email is set us because in checking Council Member Rowland I noticed there were 20+ emails in and some of importance. Also check the website as I am missing several bio' s and contact information to complete that page. Council Member Rowland asked where we are at with P& Z and the New Ordinance on ADU' s that are due January 2026. Mayor asked for clarification on what Council passed on no building permits under 1000 sq ft. Santa Fe addition is a trailer park and has no restrictions. Angela and Charlie went to a meeting in Jonesboro about the subject of AUD' s. Council Member Lowe asked that Council and P& Z to work together to get this ordinance done. Council Member Martin suggest that Council Member Lowe put the paperwork together and talk to the attorney. It does not have to go through P& Z. Council Member Lowe said he would rather the 2 work together and everyone involved knows what is going on. The was raised as to when the next P& question Z meeting is. January 2026— no meeting in December. Council Member Ishmael stated there needed to be a meeting in December and will get it set up. Cherokee Village City Council Meeting, November 20, 2025 Page 3 COMMENTS/ QUESTIONS ON CITY RELATED BUSINESS( limit 3 minutes per person) Tim Sample spoke concerns of a structure he calls a shed 12 x 20 across from his home being lived in. P& Z when asked about this said as long as it has a bath room, bed room and kitchen it was permitted. An RV was not allowed but the building had to be 40 feet. Code office said it was rezoned and this gentleman was not aware of any rezoning. He gave the steps of rezone that he was not aware off. Council Member Thompson suggest that a special meeting be call for P& Z to address this complaint. Council Member Rowland agreed. Council Member Thompson and Council Member Rowland do not remember any rezoning. Tom Trumpy stated that he has been on P& Z Commission for 5 years and has never discussed rezoning of Santa Fe. Larry Gorski stated the same as Trumpy. Council Member Thompson motioned for P& Z to have a Emergency meeting in December to address this complaint and ADU' s, seconded by Council member Rowland. Roll call Vote: Rowland yes, Harrison yes, R Tatum yes, Thompson yes, Martin yes, Lowe yes, Ishmael yes. Motion Passed( 7 yes, 0 no' s) Council Member Rowland wanted clarification on as to when the new P& Z Commissions Ishmael and Phelps take positions tonight. Yes, they were voted on. There may be a third position opening. ADJOURNMENT— Council Member Martin motioned to adjourn, seconded by Council Member Ishmael. Meeting adjourned at 7: 43 PM. DATE / I, G9 5 I ler MAYOR STEVEN R. ROSE ATTESTEC CITY CL PENNY TRUMPY CHECK OUT CHEROKEEVILLAGE. GOV & CITY OF CHEROKEE VILLAGE ON FACE BOOK) INFORMATION BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL Okee %\ Grel p. CITycic- CLERK t e° fAtka'Ab Cherokee Village City Council Meeting, November 20, 2025 Page 4