Board of Directors

MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING JANUARY 20, 2004, AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center, Wheeler Room, with Mayor Mike Bush presiding. The invocation was given by Ms. Janet Porter, and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Bush. Mayor Bush called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1. Roll Call Roll call was as follows: Present: Directors Peggy Brunner-Maruthur, Elaine Jones, Burt Newell, Carroll Weatherford, Bill Edwards, Bob Wheeler, and Mike Bush, total 7. 2. Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that the agen- da be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3. Approval of Minutes for January 5, 2004, August 13 and August 14, 2003 Board Meetings A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that the min- utes for the January 5, 2004, August 13 and August 14, 2003 Board Meetings be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 4. Recognition of Guests City Manager Kent Myers presented a retirement plaque to Finance Director Linda Baker and announced a retirement party is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Transportation Depot. He spoke of her accomplishments and dedication, professionalism, integrity to the City and her various positions with the City. Ms. Baker expressed appreciation to the City, her staff, her family, City Manager Kent Myers, Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell, and the Board of Directors. City Manager Kent stated that the Employee Training Program is coordinated by Ms. Minnie Lenox, Training Coordinator, who has recently been promoted to Human Resources Director. Ms. Lenox then presented certificates to the graduates of the Adult Education Program. He stated that in order to posi- tion employees to be promoted, they needed some education skills that would assist them achieve a higher level of positions with the City. Ms. Lenox coordinated a program with the National Park Community College. A total of 38 employees were originally tested for the Adult Basic Education test, and ten employees had previous college credits. Thirteen employees received a scholarship from Student Affairs at the Community College. All of the 13 employees have received A’s on their test and received one hour of college credit as students at National Park Community College. He recognized Ms. Lenox for her leadership in developing the program and the employees who received a certificate. Ms. Lenox then presented Success Seminar Certificates to the following: John Lewis, Phillip Acevedo, Connie Tedford, Robin Wise, Dorothy Garner, Karen McKinney, Margie Perkins, and Faith Smith. She stated there are five other employees who will receive their certificates at a later date. Director Edwards acknowledged that Mr. Jack McMahan was present in the audience.  CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consisted of the following: 5. Public Safety Report (January 7, 2004). 6. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-11 Approving Certain Bid Awards (a) Body Armor - Police Department [annual supply contract awarded to Arkansas Police Supply]; (b) Polymer - Utilities [annual supply con- tract awarded to Polydyne, Inc.]; and (c) Grinder Pump Replacements - Utilities [annual supply contract awarded to Environmental One]. 7. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-12 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Contract Addendum No. 2 with Grimes Consulting Engineers (Taxiway “D” Improvement Project). 8. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-13 Accepting Certain Water and Wastewater Projects into the Hot Springs Municipal Water and Wastewater System. 9. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-14 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Amendment to the Contract with NRS Engineering for the Design of the Utilities Relocations Related to the Widening of Highway 70 West. 10. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-15 Authorizing the City Manager to Implement a Sick Leave Incentive Program and Repealing Resolution No. 5152. 11. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-16 Appointing Kathy McFarland to the Central Business Improvement District No. 2 Board of Commissioners. 12. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-17 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Site Lease Assignment Certificate for a Cellular Tower Location off Cedar Street. 13. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-18 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Addendum No. 01 to Lease Agreement No. 19 with Gregory and Sharon D. King, d.b.a. G&S Sandwich Shop (Transportation Depot). A motion was made by Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Upon discussion, City Manager Kent Myers advised that earlier today, the City received a memo from Mr. Gregory King asking that his request be retracted to sublease the G&S Sandwich Shop to Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby. The Board will need to consider removing that from the agenda. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that Item No. 13 (Proposed Resolution No. R-04-18 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Addendum No. 01 to Lease Agreement No. 19 with Gregory and Sharon King, d.b.a. G&S Sandwich Shop [Transportation Depot]) be removed from the Consent Agenda; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried.  NEW BUSINESS 14. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-19 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM THE DOWNTOWN MER- CHANTS’ ASSOCIATION AND APPROPRIATING SAID DONATIONS,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, City Manager Kent Myers advised this is for the coordination between the Parks Department and the downtown merchants for the Christmas holiday lighting program and lighting dis- play at Arlington Park. The downtown merchants raised the funds to replace a number of lights in that area. Therefore, this item accepts the donation check in the amount of $7,664.96 from the downtown merchants. He said there are plans to expand the Christmas lighting program over the next few years and an effort to raise additional funds. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 15. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-20 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION ADDING THE SUFFIX “DRIVE” TO McMAHAN STREET,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the resolution be adopt- ed as read. Upon discussion, Director Edwards advised that McMahan Street is approximately 3,000 feet long; and he received a petition with about 30 names of residents on the street and asked for the Board’s support in adding the suffix “Drive” to McMahan. Director Jones said she has known Ms. McMahan for many years, and she had donated that to the City with the intention to always have “Drive” on the street name. However, when it was changed during 9- 1-1, “Drive” was dropped and “Street” added. She urged the Board to support the resolution. City Manager Kent Myers advised that no one has signed to speak against this resolution. Director Brunner-Maruthur stated the resolution is worded to reflect McMahan Street Drive, and Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell clarified the official name will be McMahan Drive. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 16. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-21 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CEN- TRAL AVENUE WATER IMPROVEMENTS (PHASED III) TO DIAMOND CONSTRUCTION,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that the resolu- tion be adopted as read. 16. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-21 Continued Upon discussion, Mr. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, advised that on January 9, 2004, bids were received for the Central Avenue Water Improvement, Phase III, which consists of replacing an existing 12-inch and 10-inch water main on Central Avenue north of Fountain Street to Whittington Avenue and installing a new 16-inch water main. The existing 12-inch and 10-inch water mains were installed in the 1890's and are in need of replacement. He explained this project will be in conjunction with Centerpoint Energy Arkla, which will be replacing their gas lines in the same trench where the water lines will be replaced. He stated that Diamond Construction was the lowest bid in the amount of $315,750. Mayor Bush questioned when he anticipated they would begin and end construction, and Mr. Cochran advised they should be able to start around February 1 and be out of Central Avenue by April 1 but con- tinue to work on Whittington Avenue and up Park Avenue between April and June. Director Brunner-Maruthur questioned what this will provide for District 1 and the City, and Mr. Cochran advised that the 16-inch water line will allow the City to provide water to the north end of the City if it is necessary to take down the Lakeside Water Plant for maintenance or there is a malfunction at the water plant. At the present time, the north end of the City is supplied with water from the Lakeside Plant only. This water main will allow the City to complete the length between the water line on Ouachita Avenue up to the north end of the City on Park Avenue. Director Jones questioned how this will affect traffic on Central Avenue, and Mr. Cochran replied that a pre-bid meeting has been held with all of the contractors and explained the traffic controls. Also, they were advised they will have to take some extra precautions to accommodate the business owners. He stated there will be one lane going north and one lane coming south with a parking lane so the con- tractor will have two inside lanes in which to work. He has also informed the contractors they will have to be out of the street on the weekends and will have to backfill and pave the street as they go, there- by minimizing the construction zone that was blocked on the weekends to accommodate the extra traf- fic during the racing season. Director Brunner-Maruthur asked that he explain the fliers that will be distributed, and Mr. Cochran advised that his department will go to each of the businesses with a list of all the contact numbers, including himself, staff’s office numbers and cell phone numbers so business owners can reach any util- ity staff member involved in the project 24 hours a day. Director Edwards asked if he has met with the downtown businesses, and Mr. Cochran advised that he has and will meet with them again next week and continue to meet with them at their regular meetings. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 17. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-22 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CITY OF HOT SPRINGS FACILITIES LIST,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, City Manager Kent Myers explained this is the City’s facilities listing of various build- ings and facilities owned and operated by the City and will be used for all references in the future to eliminate inconsistencies and misunderstandings. 17. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-22 Continued Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 18. Proposed Resolution No. R-04-23 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN APPLICATION FROM DAVID AND COLEEN HYDE, D.B.A. MAJESTIC LIMO SERVICE, LLC., FOR A LIMOUSINE SERVICE OPERATING PER- MIT,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that the resolu- tion be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Director Edwards questioned where the company is located; and Deputy City Manager Lance Hudnell advised that they are headquartered at Hot Springs Village; but since they will be making trips where both the origin and destination are within the Hot Springs city limits, they will need a permit from the City. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 19. Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-5 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE GARLAND COUNTY DISTRICT COURT AS THE AGENCY PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES ASSESSED IN SAID COURT,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the rules be suspend- ed and the ordinance be read for the first time by title only; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. The ordinance was then read for the first time by title only; and upon the question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Wheeler, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, Mr. Jason Lawrence, Court Administrator, advised that according to A.C.A '16-13-709, the City is required to designate the collector of fines for District Court revenues; and Garland County District Court has been designated as the agency responsible for the collection of fines assessed in the District Court. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 20. Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-6 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH SUN TRUST LEASING CORPORATION FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SEWER GRINDER PUMP REPLACEMENTS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the rules be sus- pended and the ordinance be read for the first time by title only; and upon voice vote, the motion unan- imously carried. The ordinance was then read for the first time by title only; and upon the question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the ordinance be passed as read. 20. Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-6 Continued Upon discussion, Mr. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, advised that staff recommends a five-year financ- ing program for the lease/purchase of sewer grinder pump replacements with Sun Trust Leasing Corporation in an effort to accelerate the grinder pump replacement program and reduce operating costs related to overtime, maintenance, and emergency call-outs. Staff is recommending replacing approximately 600 pumps in the worst, high-maintenance areas in the low-pressure sewer system. The total cost of the 600 pumps, including installation, is $958,764. On January 5, 2004, bids were received for this lease/purchase agreement; and Sun Trust had the lowest interest at 2.59 percent. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-Maruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, Wheeler, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 21. Discussion Regarding Method of Providing Sewer Service to an Unsewered Area on McClendon Road A motion was made by Director Wheeler, duly seconded by Director Brunner-Maruthur, that this item be considered by the Board. Mr. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, stated that as requested by Director Brunner-Maruthur, staff was asked to bring this item back to the Board and reconsider the method of providing sewer service to an unsewered area on McClendon Road. On December 1, 2003, the Board approved providing sewer to this area within the 600 and 700 block of McClendon Road; and at that time, staff’s recommendation was to construct the low-pressure sewer system due to the fact that it was the most cost-effective option. The intention was to do this with in-house crews, which would cost approximately $1,070 to install the sewer force main (a two-inch pipe). Staff’s recommendation was Option 1, which was approved by the Board on December 1, 2003 (install a two-inch sewer force main, low pressure sewer system for $1,070, with the customers purchasing their own grinder pumps. Some of these pumps may be shared by two customers, and this could be completed within two to three weeks). He stated that Director Brunner- Maruthur requested staff return with two other options for the Board to consider. Option 2 (construct a gravity sewer system, which would include 1,150 feet of 8-inch sewer main, 5 manholes, and pave- ment/driveway restoration. Estimated cost is $32,410 and will take approximately 90 days to complete); and Option 3 (install the two-inch sewer force main for the low-pressure sewer system for $1,070 and have the City pay for the customer’s grinder pumps and connection fees. Total cost would be $20,870 and would take approximately 60 days to complete). He said that staff is standing by the original rec- ommendation due to fact that this is the only one the City can afford at this time. To fund the other two projects, the City will have to review the budget and return to the Board with a recommendation of delet- ing another project and spending funds on this project. He explained they were on site ready to begin excavation when they received the call to stop the work and return to the Board with some other options. Director Brunner-Maruthur stated she requested this be placed back on the agenda due to calls received from the construction that was to begin. She said her concern has always been growth from within the City pointing out that people have been moving out of the City; and as the City expanded, it increased the numbers. However, the people who live in the City are carrying the burden for the growth to expand the City. She stated many people are unaware that the City has areas that have no sewer, and the City needs to start with people who assume they have sewered areas. She mentioned that her recommendation is Option No. 3 and to have a payment plan, although Option 1 would be the most cost-effective for the City. She said that she realized the City cannot afford to provide sewer to the entire city; but when someone expresses a desire to build in their neighborhood and another person’s septic tank is going out and is a hardship to have it repaired, then the next generation is interested, there will be a problem. She noted that Option No. 3 would provide that incentive if the City has in the crite- ria the desire to build and/or the need. She commented she would like the Board to consider Option 21. Discussion Continued No. 3 as a policy change and does not believe this would open the floodgates for the entire City. Director Edwards commented with Option 1, they will have a sewer and will be able to use it; and the City will be able to afford it. Director Brunner-Maruthur said she is looking at the future and the next generation. She noted there are people who are having no problems with their septic tanks; but when someone wants to become part of the sewer system of the City, the City will not work with them. She stressed that the City needs to work with these areas but is not referring to the entire city. She mentioned that the City will find $20,000 when it wants to do a certain project. She said when they were brought into the City, this area did not want to be part of the City but was outvoted and forcibly annexed into the City; and these resi- dents want City services. She stated she understood the residents were told when this came up for a vote, they would have a sewered area; and they assumed that it would be just a connection fee. Director Jones said that she agreed with Director Brunner-Maruthur, and there are residents in District 2 who do not have sewer. She stated that the residents are on septic tanks, and half of them do not work. Director Weatherford questioned why Director Brunner-Maruthur does not think this will open the flood- gates. He added that he has received two phone calls from citizens inquiring about the outcome of this vote because they have property that does not have sewer. He added those individuals are living in the City and want to stay in the City. He stated that he would like for everyone to have it, but the City does not have the funds. Director Brunner-Maruthur mentioned that the City has programs it funds on a regular basis; and if there is very specific criteria and the City wants to work with people, the word will get out. She emphasized that she is referring to people in need. She noted that residents a block from her home do not have sewer. She stressed that the City should work with citizens who want to stay in the City. She stated that her recommendation is to adopt Option No. 3 and also that Mr. Cochran draw up a specific criteria for need and for new building. She commented that she is not looking at people abusing the funds for the City and will not support that. Director Edwards stated there are citizens who live in the City and in the same place for 50 years who are on a septic tank and live on a fixed income. However, they do not want someone to give them some- thing that is working for them. Director Brunner-Maruthur said she is not referring to individuals whose septic tanks are working, but she and Director Jones are talking about citizens in need and who would like to build on property they own within the City limits; but they cannot afford everything. City Manager Kent Myers explained that Director Brunner-Maruthur is referring to the Board directing staff to return with a new policy that would allow the City to cover the cost for the grinder pump and connection fee ($2,500 for grinder pump and $800 for connection fee, total $3,300) that is currently covered by the resident. He noted it has been the City’s policy in the past to require developer or homeowners to pay those costs, and many people have paid those costs without complaint. Also, the City went through a tight budget process several months ago; and the sewer funds are in a tight financial condition. He pointed out that this is the first month of the budget, and and this request will add $20,000 in expenses to a budget that will require additional cuts if this is passed. He advised if the Board does not have any action to take tonight, then staff will proceed with the 2-inch sewer force main that was approved in December 2003. He stated there are two options: (1) take no action, and the City will proceed with the 2-inch main; or (2) direct staff to revise the policy and return to the Board at the next meeting. 21. Discussion Continued Mr. Cochran stated that this previous year, there were two similar utility extensions that came to the Board where it was a needy family; and the Board came to their aid. He said the City required them to have a payment plan over five years. He questioned if the criteria the Board is referring to includes that type of arrangement. Director Brunner-Maruthur emphasized that she is referring to a very specific need and a desire to build and come back into the City. She stated that during 2004, the City will fund a project or item for $20,000; and if the City does not start with the infrastructure, it is sending the wrong message. She stressed that the City needs to partner with people who live within the city limits and look at these cases, make pro- visions, and help those citizens. Director Weatherford said that Director Brunner-Maruthur referred to new homes and did not mention old homes. He stated that she is suggesting giving six pumps to houses that are already built and have been there for a long time and questioned her intent. Director Brunner-Maruthur stated that it is both, pointing out there is one lady who has a problem with her septic tank and was told by a resident there are three or four new homes that are being planned in that specific area. She suggested that the Board make an effort in looking for the money as it did for the lighting program and sewer program and start today. Director Wheeler questioned the City’s position when the money is no longer available because it has been given away and places a burden on the Board and the City. Director Newell questioned if this issue was so important why it was not discussed five or six weeks ago. He pointed out the Board approves funding outside agencies but could make it a goal next year to fund only infrastructure and budget that for 2005. He stated this is not the time to fund this project. Director Weatherford said he would like for everyone to have all of the utilities, but if the Board passes this tonight giving away six pumps, the Board will have a request every two weeks; and others will want that same service. He questioned what the Board will do when another citizen makes this same request and the Board denies it. City Manager Kent Myers advised that the City sent out letters to all the residents in this area to inform them of this discussion tonight, and there is only one resident in this area present tonight. He said if the Board were to pass this policy, he is not sure within the next couple of months how many people would connect. Also, Mr. Bates, who is building a home in the area, was prepared to pay for the sewer pump, the grinder pump and connection fee several weeks ago. However, he did not because the City was informed that some of the residents in the area were upset; and Director Brunner-Maruthur requested that the City postpone it. Director Brunner-Maruthur clarified this came from the residents and not from her, and she is only responding to the needs of the residents in this area. City Attorney David White advised that the City cannot loan its money or credit to any individual or cor- poration because it is forbidden by the Constitution. He stated these financing arrangements that the Board is considering are unconstitutional. Director Weatherford pointed out that the City has already done that, and City Attorney David White advised that to a degree the City has; but he hopes that it has ended. Mayor Bush asked if the Board needs to vote on this issue, and City Attorney David White advised that it does not. He added that it was approved December 1, 2003, by Resolution No. 5406. He questioned why this issue was placed back on the agenda. 21. Discussion Continued Director Brunner-Maruthur replied that she requested it be placed on the agenda and the option. She added that she did not design the options and would have appreciated knowing that these were not con- stitutional. However, she would still like to see some action taken by the Board to encourage people to remain in the City and have access to City water and sewer. She added that whatever staff can provide at the next work session, she would like to get that on the agenda. She stressed this was called in by residents to her and is not coming from her. She said that she will make sure the City Attorney is a part of this process because the City does not want to do anything unconstitutional but wants to keep resi- dents in the City and give them water and sewer. Mayor Bush announced that no further action is needed by the Board since Option 1 was passed at the December 1, 2003 Board Meeting and will proceed with that. OTHER BUSINESS 22. Board of Directors Items Director Jones commended the staff and workers who participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and prayer breakfast with speaker, Pastor White from Little Rock, who was raised in Hot Springs. She reported that the sanitation workers were picking up trash on the day of the parade and empha- sized that the purpose of the holiday was that sanitation workers should not have been working since Dr. King was assassinated at a sanitation workers’ strike. She requested there be no sanitation workers working on the next King Holiday. City Manager Kent Myers advised that it is has already been taken care of for next year. Director Brunner-Maruthur announced that the Park Avenue Community Association (P.A.C.A.) has scheduled its meetings for the year (second Tuesday of every other month). The next meeting will be February 10 at the Tower of Strength Ministries, and April, June, August, October and December. Anyone interested in joining the association, may call 321-9495 or 321-2604 (president and vice presi- dent of the organization). Director Wheeler announced that last week, he, Sherry, Mike Stout and his wife, Carol, went to Orlando, Florida, with the Miss Arkansas Pageant; and Arkansas was in the Top Ten in very phase of the schol- arship program. 23. City Manager’s Report City Manager Kent Myers gave the following report: 1. Several items on the Consent Agenda included appointment of Kathy McFarland to the Central Business Improvement District No. 2 Board of Commissioners, and approved an amendment to the engineering contract with NRS Engineers for utility work related to the Highway 70 West expansion. This project will expand Highway 70 West to Lake Hamilton School later this year. NRS was already retained by the City for some sewer line work in the area related to the new sewer treatment plant. Therefore, this will add some additional utility work to their contract to get the utilities out of the way prior to the widening of Highway 70 West. The utilities project will get underway immediately, and the roadway construction should begin this summer. 2. He is compiling the State of the City Report, and the Public Information Department has been in con- tact with the Directors to schedule a time for taping their section of the report, which will include improvements in each Director’s district. The report will be shown following the next Board Meeting on February 2, 2004. 24. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m., to meet again on Monday, February 2, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: _____________________ APPROVED:__________________ Lance Hudnell, City Clerk Mike Bush, Mayor