Board of Directors

MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2004, AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on M onday, November 15, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., Board Chambers, City Hall, with M ayor M ike Bush presiding. The invocation was given by M s. Becky Arguello, and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by M ayor Bush. M ayor Bush called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1 Roll Call Roll call was as follows: Present: Directors Peggy Brunner-M aruthur, Elaine Jones, Burt Newell, Carroll Weatherford, Bill Edwards, and M ike Bush, total 6. Absent: Director Bob Wheeler. 2 Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the agenda be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3 Approval of Minutes of November 1, 2004 Board Meeting A motion was made by Director Edwards, duly seconded by Director Brunner-M aruthur, that the minutes of the November 1, 2004 Board M eeting be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 4 Recognition of Guests City Manager Kent M yer recognized Shift Commander Larry Collier having served 34 years with the Hot Springs Fire Department and retired on September 28, 2004. Fire Chief Ed Davis spoke of M r. Collier’s dedication to the Fire Department. M r. Larry Collier expressed appreciation to the City and for the opportunity to serve the City.  M ayor Bush then presented M r. Collier with a retirement plaque. M ayor Bush recognized members of the M ayor’s Youth Council (president Andrea Kesterson; first vice president Natalie Thibodeaux; treasurer-secretary Brandon Kopp; fund-raising co-chair Katie Shivers and Brittany Weir; president-elect Laura M archese; and second vice president Sara Brian). CONS ENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consisted of the following: 5 Public S afety Report (November 3, 2004). 6 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-277 Approving Certain Bid Awards [a] Insurance 2005 Coverage [Boiler & M achinery] - Utilities, Public Works and Airport (awarded to Roberson and Associates in the amount of $5,950 for Utilities and Public Works and $10,999 for Airport); [b] Tables, Benches, and Table Shelter - Parks (awarded to Pacheco in the amount of $12,044 for tables and benches and to M ikeco in the amount of $6,384 for table shelter; [c] Stator Rewind [Pump Repair] - Utilities (annual supply contract awarded to Lynn’s Electric); and [d] Petroleum Products - Fleet Service (annual supply contract awarded to Quality Petroleum). 7 Propos e d Resolution No. R-04-278 Approving Contract Addendum No. 1 with First Transit, Inc. and Extending the Agreement for an Additional Term (2005). 8 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-279 Authorizing the M ayor to Execute a Lease Agreement Between the City of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Physicians Air Transport, LLC., for Hangar A-12 Office Space at the Airport. 9 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-280 Authorizing the M ayor to Submit a Letter of Support t o t he D epartment of Transportation Regarding the Retention of M esa Air Group/Air M idwest Airlines. Board of Directors M eeting 2 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . 10 Propos e d Resolution No. R-04-281 Awarding a Contract to B&F Engineering for Engineering Services for an Airport Service Road Project. (Removed from Consent Agenda for S eparate Consideration) 11 ProposedResolution No. R-04-282 Authorizing the Filing of a Grant Application with the A rkans as Aeronautics Department for the Development of a Service Road Around the Security Fence Line at the Airport. (Removed from Consent Agenda for S eparate Consideration) 12 Propos e d Resolution No. R-04-283 Requesting a Study of Rockfall Hazards in the Downtown Area by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Removed from Consent Agenda for S eparate Consideration) 13 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-284 Approving a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) “FY2005 Annual Action Plan” Application in the Amount of $492,000 to the U.S. D ep art ment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Various Comprehensive Revitalization Projects. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Brunner-M aruthur, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Upon discussion, Director Edwards requested that Item No. 10 (Proposed Resolution No. R- 04-281 Awarding a Contract to B&F Engineering to Provide Engineering Services for an Airport Service Road Project and Item No. 11 (Proposed Resolution No. R-04-282 Authorizing the Filing of a Grant Application with the Arkansas Aeronautics Department for the Development of a Service Road Around the Security Fence Line) be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Director Brunner-M aruthur requested that Item No. 12 (Proposed Resolution No. R-04-283 Reques t ing a Study of Rockfall Hazards in the Downtown Area by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers) be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. M ay or Bus h 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-M aruthur, Jones, Newell, Weat herford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion unanimously carried. Board of Directors M eeting 3 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  NEW BUS INES S 10 Proposed Resolution No. R-04- 281 A res olution entitled, “A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO B&F ENGINEERING FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AN AIRPORT SERVICE ROAD PROJECT,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. Board of Directors M eeting 4 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . 5. Vot ing “no”: Director Edwards. Absent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 11 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-282 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A GRANT A P P LICATION WITH THE ARKANSAS AERONAUTICS DEPARTM ENT FOR THE DEVELOPM ENT OF A SERVICE ROAD AROUND THE SECURITY FENCE LINE AT THE AIRPORT,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Newell, that the resolution be adopted as read. U p on discussion, Director Edwards stated he would like to get a commitment from the Engineering and Street Departments to perform this work. City Manager Kent M yers pointed out if the Street Department takes on this project, it will decrease their involvement in each district. Also, there are two less employees in the Street Department; therefore, the Board needs to consider those factors. Director Edwards commented that the Street and Engineering Departments have been used on other projects in past years and questioned if they can do it and how long it will take. City Manager Kent M yers suggested since the Board approved the engineering contract, the engineers can proceed with designing the project and staff return with the information that Director Edwards requested, as well as projects the Public Works Department has scheduled for the next six months and whether or not they can fit this project into their schedule. M ayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-M aruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, and Bush, total 5. Voting “no”: Director Edwards. Absent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 12 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-283 Board of Directors M eeting 5 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION REQUESTING A STUDY OF ROCKFALL HAZARDSIN THE DOWNTOWN AREA BY THE U. S. ARM Y CORPS OF ENGINEERS,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Brunner-M aruthur, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Director Brunner-M aruthur stated it has been recommended that the Board formally request the U. S. Corps of Engineers conduct a study of rock hazards existing in the downtown area. Over the past 20 to 30 years, the City has experienced several rockfalls in the downtown area. In April 1997, FEM A completed a report which detailed rockfall hazards and suggested that several mitigation measures be taken; however, due to the unavailability of federal, state and local funding, none of the measures have been implemented to-date. A rockfall hazard study was done in M ississippi, and this resolution requests that the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers conduct this study for the City. M ayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-M aruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. A bs ent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 14 Proposed Resolution No. R-04-285 A res olution entitled, “A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO B&F ENGINEERING FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO WASTEWATER LINE RELOCATIONS ON LAKESHORE DRIVE AND CENTRAL AVENUE/HIGDON FERRY ROAD,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Edwards, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, M r. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, advised the Lakeshore Drive line is between Zimmerman Place and Southview Terrace and is to relocate a line across this property where there is no easement. The property owner is planning a development at that location, and the wastewater line is in the same location where he plans on building a structure. The approximate cost for this line relocation is $4,000. The Higdon Ferry Road and Central Avenue line is a force main that is leaking and in need of repair. The force main is positioned near the state highway and is approximately 15 feet deep making it difficult to excavate. Staff recommends relocating the force Board of Directors M eeting 6 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . main away from the highway bringing it up to a reasonable depth. The design for this project will cost approximately $2,200; and the engineers also estimated preparing easements not to exceed $3,000. Therefore, the total cost of this engineering contract is $17,200. M ayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-M aruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. A bs ent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 15 Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-62 An ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE REQUIREM ENTS OF CO M PETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A CRANE FOR THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Brunner-M aruthur, that the rules be suspended 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 up on t he question “Shall the ordinance be passed as read?” and upon motion of Director Weatherford, duly seconded by Director Brunner-M aruthur, that the ordinance be passed as read. U p on dis cussion, M r. Don Cochran, Utilities Director, advised that staff recommends approvingthe purchase of a crane from the federal government surplus. The total cost of the crane is $10,500. He stated on occasions, the Utilities Department is in need of a crane and has to rent one to lift large pumps, etc. The cost of renting a crane is close to what this crane will cost. He had budgeted in next year’s capital budget to purchase a crane for approximately $100,000 and found this one at federal surplus site with around 80 hours on it. The original cost of this crane was $160,000. H e reported that M r. Greg Speas and M r. Craig Stevens operated the crane and recommend that it is a good deal for the City. M ayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-M aruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 16 Proposed Ordinance No. O-04-63 Board of Directors M eeting 7 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  A n ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH SUNTRUST LEASING CORPORATION FOR THE PROCUREM ENT OF A PRE-FABRICATED RESTROOM FOR ENTERGY PARK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” was taken from the agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Director Brunner-M aruthur, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the rules be suspended 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 Brunner-M aruthur, that the ordinance be passed as read. Upon discussion, M ayor Bush questioned if this was vandal-proof; and M s. Jean Wallace, Parks and Recreation Director, advised that it is vandal-resistant and is solid concrete with stainless steel fixtures and security lighting. M ayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Brunner-M aruthur, Jones, Newell, Weatherford, Edwards, and Bush, total 6. Absent and not voting: Director Wheeler; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the ordinance was declared passed. 17 2005 Budget Funding Requests from Outside Agencies City Manager Kent M yers stated that the outside agencies will make a presentation on their 2005 budget funding; and on November 29, if there are any changes to be made to the allotments to these agencies, it can be indicated at that meeting. M r. Jay Chesshir, representing the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Garland County Economic Development Corporation, reported that in regard to GCEDC, the new industry marketingplan includes the marketing for the new Hot Springs Office and Technology Plaza, which is located at the Hot Springs Office and Technology Park at the Airport and is the major marketing focus for 2004 and 2005. The 37,800 square foot office building is expandable to 64,000 square feet. There is currently a little over $1.1 million invested in that building, and to finish it out will take $2.8 million. He stated since 2000, the labor force has grown by not quite 3,000 people, which represents an 8 percent increase in the labor force. In the last year, 2,275 jobs were added to this economy, which is 6.4 percent. Regardingthe retirement relocation program, M r. Chesshir advised that total relocation since t his p rogram was instituted in 1989 represents 4,699 families and over $386 million in home Board of Directors M eeting 8 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . purchases. In the last several years, they have averaged over $39 million in home purchases per year. He pointed out the No. 2 reason people are moving to Hot Springs the last four years is job relocation, and the No. 1 reason is the lakes. M r. Chesshir stated that another contract with the City is for the gathering of demographics and publications for use in economic development. M s . Ros alind Hudson, Director of the Volunteer Center, reported that she works as a resource person with the schools in the City and County and is responsible for over 125 volunteers. The next project is Art Blast, which is the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The next event will be Santa’s Train. M s. Natalie Caldwell, Director of the Hot Springs Boys and Girls Club, said she is requesting the same amount as last year. She added they have increased their baseball program in spring 2003, and there were 35 teams; in 2004, there were 40 teams. They started a fall baseball program, which does not come under the same guidelines as spring baseball. In the 2003 fall baseball program, there were 18 teams; and in 2004, there were 22 teams. They have decreased several of their line items in order to increase others. They have cut back on contract labor by purchasing a new lawn mower. M s. Julie Dickson, Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission, reported they made over 180 presentations to youth groups, schools and other groups and reached 5,500 youth. They planted 1,400 trees, which was partly through the Arbor Day Program. She said she is not requestingadditional funds but has made cuts because there was a decrease by the County last year. For every dollar that came into the Beautification Commission, they put back into the community $5.37, which is in volunteer time and donations. She said the Commission is requesting $32,000. 18 2005 Budget Presentation City M anager Kent M yers presented the proposed 2005 budget and stated that the budget w ork session is scheduled for November 29 at 6 p.m. He added that approval of the budget is scheduled for December 20. He stated that in 2005, the City will be facing some major financial obligations; and the increased revenues will allow the City to fulfill these obligations, while still meeting the community’s needs and addressing most of the Board’s priorities. The financial position has improved in virtually every City fund; and the key revenue sources have increased from the prior year, such as sales taxes, business license fees, breakage fees, and fuel sales revenue at the Airport. These revenue sources are projected for continued increases in 2005. Board of Directors M eeting 9 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  He reported that all funds are now balanced without any proposed tax or fee increases. The total proposed 2005 budget is $79.7 million, which includes all operating and capital funds and represents a $13 million increase over the amended 2004 budget. This is mainly attributable to the new Wastewater Construction Fund that appropriated $8 million for improvements in the wastewater system. The largest expenditure is in salary and benefits, and the budget includes a cost-of-living increase for all nonuniformed employees (2.7 percent) effective January 1, 2005. He had hoped to fund a merit bonus for nonuniformed employees, but that is not included at this time. However, the Board may want to consider it at this time or at mid-year. Other salary increases include a cost-of- living adjustment and step pay increases for uniformed police officers according to the pay plan adopted by the Board last year. Step increases have been included for uniformed firefighters and salary adjustments of $800 per year for each firefighter. Step increases of 2½ percent for qualified secretarial and clerk positions are included as determined by the job audit study, which is currently underway and is included in the budget at a total cost of $15,000. All other fringe benefits remain t he s ame, including retirement and health insurance programs. The City is currently accepting proposals for the Third Party Administrator and also for Pharmacy Benefit M anager, and these contracts will be available for the Board to consider next month. He does not anticipate this will change the budget for health insurance since the insurance fund is in good shape and may be able to enhance the insurance benefits within the next 30 days. In terms of overall staffing levels, there are currently 570 full-time employees, which is nine employees less than last year. In the proposed 2005 budget, there are nine full-time positions and one part-time position included in the Police Fund, Airport Fund, Water Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Community Development Block Grant Fund. The General Fund includes only one part-time position and upgrading one part-time position to a full-time position. He advised that most of the Board’s priorities have been met in the proposed budget and include (1) employees salary increases; (2) building improvements at the Arkansas School for M at hemat ics, Sciences and the Arts to begin the major HVAC improvements ($225,000); (3) Higdon Ferry Road improvements. The funding for the right-of-way agent and appraisal services were included in this year’s budget, and this funding will be reallocated in 2005; (4) Parks capital improvements. A total of $150,000 has been budgeted for capital improvements at three city parks; (5) audio/video system - $136,000; (6) expansion of nuisance abatement program, which will be handled with available staff; therefore, no additional funding has been added for this program; (7) s t reet paving program expansion, which includes an increase in street paving from $450,000 to $525,000; (8) GIS mapping and orthophotography. There was a request for $65,000; but only $15,000 has been included for this project; (9) expansion of Community Development staff. Staff is proposing a second community development position funded by CDBG, which will focus on property and building inspections; and (10) adding three to four cameras at major intersections. The Police Chief has researched that and indicated the City cannot enforce traffic signals with cameras Board of Directors M eeting 10 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . at this time unless the State law is changed. If the Board is interested in pursuing that in the future, the City will need to approach the legislative delegation. The General Fund budget is proposed at $18.2 million. This is a slight increase over the current budget of $17.9 million. The General Fund is in good shape, and staff is projecting about $3½ million in fund balance at the end of this year. It is recommended that at least $3 million be maintained in this fund to provide cash flow and to handle any major emergencies. The proposed budget includes use of $287,000 in fund balance and should still have more than $3.2 million at the end of next year. The one percent General Fund Sales Tax funds over ½ of the General Fund expenses; and next year, staff is trying to be conservative in projecting that at about $9.9 million, which represents a 3 percent increase over this year’s actual collection. Total expenditures are budgeted for less than a two percent increase in 2005, and some of the major expenses include (1) remodel the restrooms in the M unicipal Building ($10,000); (2) add security cameras and other security improvements at the Finance offices ($5,000); (3) audio/visual equipment for the Board Chambers ($136,000); (4) building improvements at ASM S will cost about $1 million but are p roposing $225,000 to improve the buildings this summer; (5) improvements to Entergy Park, including engineering services for a total cost of $100,000; (6) improvements at Hill Wheatley Park and Hollywood Park costing $30,000; (7) continued publication and distribution of the quarterly newsletter, which costs $12,000 per issue ($48,000 for proposed budget); and (8) contract labor for hiring a trails coordinator under a contract at a cost of $10,400. In terms of staffing, there were requests from different departments for about 10 to 12 new positions but financially cannot add any new positions in the General Fund other than a part-time animal service worker that will help reduce overtime costs and allow the animal shelter to open on Sat urdays. The only other change in staffing in the General Fund is upgrading the engineering secretary from a part-time to a full-time position. Funding for the acquisition of public art has been reduced from $25,000 to $15,000. Board Reserve is budgeted at $70,000 but normally budgeted around $75,000 to $100,000. The District Court Fund is being proposed at $789,000 compared to the current budget of $716,000. This includes operational costs for the new courts building, including building security. A large increase in retirement costs has been included ($75,000). The judges and clerks will be under a new retirement fund this year; and over the next several years, the City will have to increase its level of funding to support that new fund. Salary increases for the judges and the clerk have not been added. However, they may want to approach the Board seeking a salary increase at the work session. Board of Directors M eeting 11 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . Board of Directors M eeting 12 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M . overlay and lighting improvements. Staff is also proposing improvements to the Airport entrance sign on Airport Road and capital equipment and vehicles. The Sanitation Fund is budgeted at $5.4 million, which is higher than the current budget of $4.9 million. No staffing changes are proposed in the Sanitation Fund. However, capital is budgeted for commercial and residential trucks, a transport trailer and dumpsters. If the upcoming trial period on the new cart system is successful, a number of changes will be made in the Sanitation Fund budget for 2006. The Water Fund is budgeted at $9,314,000, which compares to the current budget of $6,615,000. This budget includes one new Water Production employee at Lakeside Water Plant and continues capital upgrades at the Lakeside Water Plant and Ouachita Water Plant. A number of improvements are being made in the water system, including adding a $1 million water tank serving the Highway 7 South area and proposing $300,000 for Park Avenue water line improvements. The Wastewater Fund is proposed at $8,378,000, which represents approximately the same amount as the current budget. The current budget is $8,375,000; however, staff is proposing the addition of two new employees to set up a new grinder pump repair crew. This crew would work evenings to handle the calls in the evenings and catch up on the work that is not done during the day. Staff is also proposing the addition of a full-time operations worker at the compost site and a part- time clerk position at the Sewer Treatment Plant. The proposed Wastewater budget includes about $1.2 million in capital expenses, including odor control equipment and the replacement of the sewer pump at the Hot Springs pump station. Wastewater Construction Fund is the new fund that has been added in this year’s budget and will account for the $8 million from the State’s Revolving Loan Fund. The largest project in that $8 million fund is the new wastewater plant, which is $5 million but also includes the pump replacement ($947,000), new wastewater line project at Highway 7 and Gulpha Gorge ($1 million), and relining the wastewater line up to the Highway 7 South bridge ($260,000). The Fleet Service Fund is proposed at $803,645 compared to the current budget of $762,000. The current staffing is proposed to stay at 14 full-time employees; and capital includes $25,000 in building improvements (setting up a small paint and body shop). The shop would be fully operational in 2006 and project it will save the City $50,000 to $100,000 a year. The Utility Administration Fund is proposed at $3,460,000 compared to the current budget of $3,071,000. The budget includes several new vehicles, security cameras in vehicles for a total of $182,500 in capital expenses. It also includes one new meter maintenance employee to help with service and repairs. Board of Directors M eeting 13 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  The City recently initiated several new programs which have been successful, such as the Community Development Program and Nuisance Abatement Program; and these will be continued during 2005. In the case of community development, there will be an expansion of that program. Downtown development should continue to be a high priority with CBID No. 3 scheduled to get underway and other projects that are currently being discussed by the downtown merchants and property owners. The City will be involved in many infrastructure improvements in 2005 (water system, wastewater system, roadway improvements, as well as infrastructure capital improvements at the Airport and City parks). He reported from a financial perspective, things are looking better than what the City faced 12 months ago and can continue to address most of the community’s critical needs. The proposed budget provides a comprehensive level of programs and services that will meet the community’s needs and will allow the City to continue to grow and progress. He expressed appreciation to the Finance Director, Human Resources Director and their staff for assisting in the development of the budget. He also commended the department heads for their work and their willingness to make difficult budget decisions in order to provide the Board with a balanced budget. He noted there will be a budget work session on M onday, November 29, at 6:00 p.m., to make any changes or additions. Director M aruthur questioned the location of the $1 million water tank, and City M anager Kent Myers advised that it is located on Highway 7 South but an exact site has not been chosen. The first step in the process will be selecting a site, which needs to be at a high elevation. OTHER BUS INES S 19 Board of Directors Items Director Edwards commended M r. Dennis Woolridge and his crew at the Traffic Department on their presentation on street lights and other new equipment they have purchased in order to reduce the price of running a street light. Director Maruthur announced that on Wednesday, at the Police Department, 1:30 p.m., there will be a LEPC M eeting (Local Emergency Planning Commission). The presentation will be on flood control and flood mitigation and what the downtown merchants can do to better secure their buildings and employees. Also, they have begun the fire plug painting program; and there are several in District No. 3 and District No. 1. She stressed this is very important for the firefighters, and every one should be aware of the location of the fire plugs. She expressed appreciation to everyone for supporting the program. Board of Directors M eeting 14 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  Director Jones announced that on Friday, November 26, at 6:00 p.m., Dreams of the Heartland will have an Apollo theater gospel at the Convention Center, and the tickets are $15. 20 City Manager’s Report City M anager Kent M yers gave the following report: 1. It ap p ears by the end of next year, the landfill could be running Board of Directors M eeting 15 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .  There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m., to meet again on M onday, December 6, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: _____________________ APPROVED:__________________ Lance Hudnell, City Clerk M ike Bush, M ayor Board of Directors M eeting 16 November 15, 2004 at 7:00 P.M .