Board of Directors

MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OCTOBER 6, 2009, AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., Board Chambers, City Hall, with Mayor Mike Bush presiding. The invocation was given by Mr. Steve Trusty, 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 Maruthur, Elaine Jones, Cynthia Keheley, Pat McCabe, Rick Ramick, Tom Daniel, and Mike Bush, total 7. 2 Approval of Agenda A motion was made by Director Daniel, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the agenda be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3 Approval of Minutes of September 15, 2009 Board Meeting A motion was made by Director Maruthur, duly seconded by Director Jones, that the minutes of the September 15, 2009 Board Meeting be approved; and upon voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 4 Recognition of Guests Mayor Bush recognized Mr. Steve Trusty, with the Garland County Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, who stated that on October 13, they will celebrate the 20th Annual Garland County Leadership Prayer Breakfast at Horner Hall, beginning at 6:20 a.m.; and the doors will open at 6:00 a.m. He mentioned an invitation has been sent to each of the Directors; and the guest speaker will be Herman “Thunderfoot” Weaver, who is an 11-year veteran of the NFL. He spent the last 15 years speaking to youth groups, schools and businesses over the country and challenging them with a message of hope. Ms. Bea Arline, Recreation Director, recognized the members of the Mayor’s Youth Council. Haley Kesterson, president, senior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is recycling; Haden Dunn, vice president, senior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is student’s getting involved in schools and activities; Camron Brewer, junior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is reducing teen drug use; Will Harris, junior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is to eliminate public graffiti; Tyler Faught, junior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is to reduce teen drinking; Alex Gregory, junior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is to have bike lanes put in the roads; Chris Jones, sophomore at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is a better system for recycling in the school systems; Kambri Burton, junior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is animal rights; Kristin Miller, sophomore at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is to reduce bullying in school; Haley Eastburn, sophomore at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is pollution in the city; Taylor Allison, junior at Lakeside, whose issue is recycling; Chandler Tillery, junior at Fountain Lake, whose issue is recovery program for homeless people; Ethan Erwin, sophomore at Lakeside, whose issue is to provide homeless shelters; Charles Tillery, senior at Fountain Lake, whose issue is less littering around the lakes and water areas; Carrington Tillery, senior at Fountain Lake, whose issue is recycling; Terry Collins, senior at Hot Springs, whose issue is honesty and transparency in government; Merissa Kelly, junior at Lakeside, whose issue is environment/littering; Kelsey Bean, senior at Hot Springs, whose issue is to help police and create positive atmospheres in places where teens in the community gather and interact; Cheyenne Payne, senior at Hot Springs, whose issue is to add bike lanes to the streets in the City; Andrew Love, senior at Hot Springs, whose issue is to find a place for teens to meet; Jerryon Akins, junior at Lake Hamilton, whose issue is to help the development of the environment by using youth; Madeline Maness, Cutter Morning Star, whose issue is pollution; Kyle Ashmore, senior at Lakeside, whose issue is regarding increase in traffic in city limits; and Neva Randal, senior at Lakeside, whose issue is putting in a bike lane. Mr. Dan Glidden, chairman of the Green Initiatives Advisory Committee, said their committee has two openings; and if anyone is interested, they may contact the City Manager’s Office. He explained the mission of the committee is to identify opportunities and make recommendations to the Board, City Manager, and citizens to improve the sustainability of activities of the City, its businesses, and all of its citizens. Also, to provide focused attention on sustainability and citizen-based input into the City’s activities. He said a focus on sustainability will reduce waste, which leads to reduced cost for the City and its citizens. By reducing waste, they also happen to do some Board of Directors Meeting 2 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. good things for the environment. He commented that Mr. Byerly, chairman of the GCEDC (Garland County Economic Development Corporation) and Chamber of Commerce, is convinced this would be a positive thing for the City in its economic development efforts because more and more companies are attracted to cities that are focused on sustainability. He added their initial focus has been to learn what is already happening within the City and to study what other comparable cities are doing in regard to sustainability. He stated that based on what the committee has learned, it has developed some initial recommendations. He noted there is a good base of activities already occurring within the City, which will allow the committee to build a much broader and more focused effort on sustainability within the City. He pointed out the committee’s initial recommendations are (1) the City needs a full-time sustainability coordinator who would report to the City Manager. He said every successful city they studied had one; and in looking at some others that did not, they were really struggling. He stated without this focus, it would be difficult to effectively take advantage of all the opportunities that are available and obtain the kind of savings that other cities are achieving. He noted the cost of this position would be paid back many times for the waste and cost reductions they can achieve; (2) join an organization called ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives), which is a global association of local governments that are focused on sustainability. He stated they can provide a great deal of assistance in implementing a program like this at a very low cost. He mentioned he has included information about each of the cities they studied in the Appendix. He said if a coordinator is in place, he has to understand where the committee is on all of the issues and based on what the committee learned from that specific objective and create an action plan. He then monitors and reports the results, which is the primary focus of the sustainability coordinator. Also, the coordinator stresses that the focus on sustainability will help the City reduce waste and costs, not only for the City, but also for its citizens, and will make Hot Springs a better place to live on improving the lives of its citizens. He noted it will make Hot Springs more attractive to new and existing businesses and will reduce the negative impact on the environment. He pointed out in the Appendix, there is information on the cities that the committee studied and also added some interesting facts about Arkansas Green Energy Economy. He said the committee is excited about the possibility of helping make Hot Springs a better place to live through a focus on reducing waste and creating more sustainable practices throughout the City. He then mentioned that Mr. Carl McChesney, a member of the committee, was also present. Director Keheley asked if the Directors would be able to get a copy of his presentation, and Mr. Glidden replied that they would. Board of Directors Meeting 3 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. 5 Consider Acknowledgment of Financial Statements for May, June, July and August 2009 Mayor Bush announced that the Financial Statements for May, June, July and August 2009 are available in the Finance Department for review by the Board and the public. 6 Board of Directors Announcements Director Ramick stated that he was scheduled to attend the National League of Cities Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in November. However, due to a work conflict, he is unable to attend. Therefore, he had to cancel his reservations; and there was a charge for cancellation in the amount of $75. He said that he is reimbursing the City for that $75 and gave the check to the clerk at the meeting. Director Maruthur stated this is the flu season, as well as the H1N1 flu, and reminded everyone to take the recommended precautions. She pointed out this is the first meeting for the newly appointed Director for District 4, Pat McCabe. Director Maruthur then read an article to the Board Members and to all present and listening. She stressed that everyone is here to help the community and come together. She said she thought the message was apropos in light of the new and welcomed addition to the Board (Director McCabe). She mentioned everyone is from different backgrounds, and the article she read really said it all. She also read the words to TAPS. CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consisted of the following: 7 Public Safety Report (September 15, 2009). 8 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-216 Approving Certain Bid Awards (a) Commercial Front Load Containers - Sanitation Department [awarded to Roll Offs USA, in the amount of $59,430]; (b) Aluminum Sulfate - Utility Administration [annual supply contract awarded to General Chemical]; (c) Construction Personnel and Equipment - Public Works [annual supply contract awarded to Board of Directors Meeting 4 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  BB&B Construction as primary and S&S Plumbing as secondary]; (d) Pavement Marking - Public Works [annual supply contract awarded to Time Striping]; (e) Fernco Pipe Couplings - Utility Administration [annual supply contract awarded to Arkansas Water Products]; (f) Chart Recorders - Utility Administration [reject and rebid]; (g) Seals and Bearings - Utility Administration [awarded to Triplex]; (h) Hot Mix Asphalt - Public Works [annual supply contract awarded to Martin Marietta]; (I) Cold Mix Asphalt - Public Works [annual supply contract awarded to Redstone Construction as primary and Martin Marietta as secondary]. 9 Proposed Resolution No. R–09-217 Waiving the Facility Use Fees for the Operation of the Santa Train to be Held at the Transportation Plaza on December 5, 2009. 10 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-218 Awarding a Contract to Coakley Company for Water Pipeline Reinforcement to a Portion of 24" Concrete Main Adjacent to Mountain Pine Road West of Highway 270. 11 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-219 Designating the Voting Delegate for the National League of Cities 2009 Annual Business Meeting. 12 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-220 Approving a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY2010 - 2014 Consolidated Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 13 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-221 Approving a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY2010 Annual Action Plan and Authorizing Submission of a Grant Application to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Projects Listed in the Action Plan. 14 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-222 Approving Certain Legal Services (Bond Counsel) with Friday, Eldredge and Clark. 15 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-223 Accepting a Grant from the U. S. Department of Justice Pursuant to the Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant Program for Certain Technological Equipment. Board of Directors Meeting 5 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. 16 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-224 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Hot Springs for Assignment of Police Officer. 17 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-225 Accepting a Grant from the State of Arkansas (D.W.I. and Other Drug Countermeasures and Occupant Protection Program). 18 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-226 Accepting a Grant from the State of Arkansas (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Subgrant Agreement. A motion was made by Director Daniel, duly seconded by Director Ramick, that the Consent Agenda be approved. Upon discussion, Director Maruthur requested that Item No. 14 (Proposed Resolution No. R-09-222 Approving Certain Legal Services [Bond Counsel] with Friday, Eldredge and Clark) be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Director McCabe stated that in the resolution providing police officers to the Housing Authority, when he looked at the salaries that were historically paid, they appeared low. He said that he spoke with City Manager Lance Hudnell, who informed him those were not for two full-term officers but were only two officers at a certain number of hours. He mentioned that he had asked earlier in the week, and the Directors had received the e-mail on the cost of the new officer; and over one-third of the cost is retirement. He cautioned when the City enters into arrangements with private entities, the full cost be charged. He pointed out the agreement sets out that it is not to exceed $36,000. However, the City needs to insure that the hours are appropriate for that $36,000 and is not subsidizing a private enterprise. City Manager Lance Hudnell clarified that the Housing Authority is technically not a private enterprise and is a creation of the City. 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 Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Board of Directors Meeting 6 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  NEW BUSINESS 19 Presentation by Studio Cascade, Inc. Regarding Comprehensive Plan Update Ms. Kathy Sellman, Planning and Development Director, introduced Mr. Bill Grimes, certified planner with Studio Cascade, Inc., which was the successful firm selected for helping the City with the Comprehensive Plan Update that will define the City’s vision for the future. Mr. Bill Grimes said when Studio Cascade responded to the Request for Proposals, there were four needs that emerged as critical; and one of them is to make sure they had a good vision that was on target. Also, they tried to involve the public at every level of developing the plan and want to make sure they work with the City in order to get adequate and effective public participation throughout the planning process. He noted they need to make sure the plan that comes out of this process is internally consistent and make sure that the plan is focused on implementation. He added they want to make sure the plan can identify specific “bite-sized” budgetable tasks that the City and community can execute on and actually program in each budget cycle. He mentioned he and senior planner Rick Hastings will be involved in this project, as well as Ms. Kathy Sellman and her staff. He pointed out the three goals: (1) they meet statutory and legal requirements; (2) make sure that the vision that comes out of the plan is integrated; and (3) want to make sure this is a plan that not only educates the public about what planning can be and involves the public in the plans preparation but also empowers the public to support the Board of Directors to execute the plan and carry it forward. He commented that Hot Springs is a 24-hour environment; and even if people are not necessarily on the street for 24 hours, they need to make sure the policies reflect the fact that this place does exist in more than just the daylight hours and making sure that they have a plan that is sensitive to the different dynamics. He mentioned Hot Springs has a population of about 37,000 people but serves a much larger area. He commented there is a job base, shopping base, and residential base that really emphasizes the fact that Hot Springs is a central place; and there is a much larger service area than what is just in the community. He included in his images of Hot Springs sensitivity to the change of characters when moving to the community’s periphery. He added the Lake Hamilton shoreline is different than Central Hot Springs and has its own charm and reflects a different development style. He also showed images of the history and current use of what is an important historical concept of Hot Board of Directors Meeting 7 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. Springs. He said that is more of the social and physical context, but there is also a policy context. He stated they have met with several people today and have looked through existing policy documents, and there are several issues that seem to be rising to the surface. One of those is annexation; and while they are prepared to hear a great deal of controversy over the issue of annexation and maybe blanket opposition to the concept of annexation, it is not necessarily playing out that way in discussions with people they have talked to. He stated there generally seems to be a level of support for annexation to make sure they can maintain a level of efficient services provision for the City. He said they want to make sure that Hot Springs is developing a culture of leadership. He commented there is the issue of downtown and the thoughts that the community has an amazing asset in its downtown; and they need to find ways to help it thrive and prosper. Also, there is a lot of neighborhood character and should find ways to reinvest in some of those neighborhoods to at least rebuild the infrastructure in some of these areas. He pointed out that some of the issues that have come out of this is that they need to put a priority on reinvesting in the core areas of the community before they put too much investment out toward the periphery. He commented Hot Springs is an education powerhouse that has educational facilities and educational infrastructure that is turning into a powerful element that this Comprehensive Plan should recognize. He noted there is an emerging strength in city/county partnership. He said they are looking at instituting the outreach program, and it will get a massive kickstart after the Board has an opportunity to speak with Ms. Sellman tonight about the citizen committee. He said the plan is to deliver a draft in June 2010. Director Maruthur said he mentioned some of the neighborhoods, and she would like to change that to all of the neighborhoods. She noted she sat on the 1997 Comprehensive Committee, and one of the concerns was the execution of it. She stressed they are very concerned that they had prepared a document and that it would be shelved. She said she wondered how much it really was used, and the City does need to provide and budget accordingly. She commended him on his presentation. There being no further comments, Mayor Bush called for the next item of business. 20 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-227 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CREATION OF A STEERING COMMITTEE AS WELL AS OTHER MEANS TO ENSURE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN IN THE UPDATING OF THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. Board of Directors Meeting 8 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  A motion was made by Director Jones, duly seconded by Director Maruthur, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Ms. Kathy Sellman, Planning and Development Director, said that one of the things they have tried to emphasize is citizen participation. She stated there will be formal and informal methods for people to become involved at whatever level they would like. She advised that the Planning Commission identified three goals they should have for the Plan: (1) building support and awareness of planning, what it is, and why it might have value; (2) how to coordinate this new Comprehensive Plan Update with existing adopted plans that they had made a part of the 1997 Plan; and (3) credibility. Looking at those three goals, the Planning Commission wanted to be sure that they looked at it from every direction; and they have come up with a three-pronged approach. She said the first prong would be an advisory committee and would be composed of stakeholder interests, such as banking, downtown, the arts, Planning Commission, economic development, development, real estate, Garland County, fire districts, education, Oaklawn, National Park Service, utilities, medical services, neighborhood, environment and open space, and housing. She explained when a plan such as this is done, there is often a need for a work group to get together on a specific topic; and in many cases, a group is named; and they try to get up to speed, work on the issue, and then disband. She said that one of the ideas is to use existing subcommittees, noting there are many talented people with expertise and background in specific areas, such as transportation. There is also the Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Airport Advisory Committee, etc. She stated in this model, everyone on those advisory committees not only will be able to contribute their expertise but will be exposed to this plan as it comes together. She mentioned a technical advisory body is often appointed for a plan such as this; and she is suggesting using the Staff Development Review Committee, which is an existing committee that is familiar with those aspects of development. She asked that the Board consider approving this resolution. Mayor Bush questioned what an individual needs to do to volunteer for this committee, and Ms. Sellman replied they can contact her or the Planning Department at 321-6850 or the Board Members. She said they are interested in having a very broad group of people who would be able to stay with them through this project, which will probably take approximately nine months. Board of Directors Meeting 9 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  Mayor Bush said he has been asked if the public would know when this advisory committee will be meeting on this specific subject, and Ms. Sellman replied that they will. She added these meetings will be highly publicized. Regarding the steering committee, Director Keheley asked if there is a small, core committee that will gather all of this information; and Ms. Sellman advised that the group that will bring the information together at the end will probably be the Planning Commission. She said they will take what has been recommended by these other groups, sort through it, and help to put together a final draft that will then be presented to the Board for its consideration and approval. Director Keheley questioned when she refers to a steering committee, if she is talking about all of the different arms of the City; and Ms. Sellman replied that she is. Director Maruthur said that she designed a concept called “The City is a Subdivision,” and she and Director Jones have discussed it. She stated that she came up with it about 13 years ago and is in a rough draft. She noted it would really dovetail with bringing the neighborhoods up to what would emulate a subdivision. She said the older neighborhoods were designed for one vehicle or no vehicle and pedestrian traffic. She pointed out there is a different lifestyle, and she would like to introduce that to the Comprehensive Committee. City Manager Lance Hudnell advised there will be other opportunities for the citizens to be involved through the website and through community charettes in addition to these formal ways with regard to the various committees. Mr. Bob Driggers, #3 Stonegate, spoke in favor of the resolution noting this is something all cities need to do; and proper, prior planning prevents poor performance. He said he has served on three of these similar committees; and there are three things that will make it or break it: (1) there needs to be a good cross-section of public involvement and take advantage of the expertise in the community; (2) the first one he worked on was in 1979/1980; and there were thousands of man-hours that went into the development of that strategic plan; but it was placed on the shelf. He pointed out if the City is not committed to not allowing that to happen, it will fail; and (3) he mentioned the “bottleneck” downtown by making five lanes out of four lanes. He said the City is getting more traffic and needs more lanes. He urged the City to get the public involved and commit to it; commit not to put it on the shelf; and commit to abide by it. He commended the City for doing this project. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, Board of Directors Meeting 10 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. 14 Proposed Resolution No. R-09-222 A resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTAIN LEGAL SERVICES (BOND COUNSEL) WITH FRIDAY, ELDREDGE AND CLARK,” was taken from the agenda and read by title only. A motion was made by Director Daniel, duly seconded by Director Ramick, that the resolution be adopted as read. Upon discussion, Director Maruthur said on the Board Action Request Form, it reads “recently Requests for Qualifications were solicited for bond counsel for upcoming water and wastewater bond projects.” She questioned if upcoming water and wastewater bond projects can be specified. City Manager Lance Hudnell advised this is for all of the projects with regard to water and wastewater projects that the Board has considered during the rate increase discussion. City Attorney Brian Albright explained as the projects are developed and as the funding is identified, all of those issues will come back to the Board. He said this is just retaining counsel to give the City the legal expertise on how to facilitate this. Director Maruthur said she understands the need for funding; but she thought the City was undecided so far about whether it would need a water project. City Manager Lance Hudnell replied with regard to the water treatment plant that is correct; but in regard to wastewater, there will be a bond issue coming to the Board very shortly. City Attorney Brian added there will still be water projects, but there may not be a water plant. However, the City still has the I&I issues, the leak detection, and usually the replacement of pipes. He commented these various projects and a series of bond issues will be coming to the Board over the course of the next five years. Director Maruthur said that she wanted that clarified and in the record. Director McCabe said he wanted to disclose that through his employer, he has a business relationship with both of these law firms that were eligible for this project. He asked the City Attorney if he had any comment as far as a conflict. City Attorney Brian Board of Directors Meeting 11 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. Albright asked if his employer uses them in the course of their normal business, and Director McCabe replied that they did. City Attorney Brian Albright asked if it had anything to do with bond issues, and Director McCabe replied that it did not. City Attorney Brian Albright asked if it had anything to do with business of the City, and Director McCabe replied that it did not. Mayor Bush then called for a vote on the motion to adopt; and upon roll call, the following voted “aye”: Directors Maruthur, Jones, Keheley, McCabe, Ramick, Daniel, and Bush, total 7; motion unanimously carried. Whereupon the resolution was declared adopted. OTHER BUSINESS 21 Board of Directors Items for Discussion Director Jones announced that she received a phone call Sunday morning from an individual who had compliments on downtown Hot Springs, as well as positive comments from patrons at her work on Monday morning regarding how beautiful the City looked with the pumpkins. She commended the downtown merchants on their work. Director Daniel announced that the maze, which is in front of the Exchange Street Parking Lot, will open this Saturday and is made out of bales of hay. He said the admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. He stated the Downtown Association of Hot Springs hopes this will take the place of the ice skating rink, which will not be returning. He mentioned this was one of the events they adopted to do this year with their fund-raising money and will still have the Christmas lighting. He noted the decorations started at Market Street and have gone to the fountain. He said there are 1,975 bales of straw, as well as mums, cornhusks and shucks that have lined the streets. He mentioned there was a theft of 40 pumpkins and bales of hay, but the Police Department has already caught those responsible. He mentioned this will take them into the Holiday Season and go through October and part of November. They will then have their chili cookoff on Tuesday before Thanksgiving and then turn on the lights downtown for Christmas. He said the downtown merchants appreciated the help from Parks and Recreation Director Jean Wallace and the Parks Department, which loaned them a piece of equipment used to water the flowers. He mentioned that the Downtown Association would appreciate any volunteers. Board of Directors Meeting 12 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  Director Ramick said he had heard on the radio that the free flu shots will be given on October 30 at the Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center and wanted clarification, and City Manager Lance Hudnell advised the Health Department started receiving the vaccine today. He stated the City will announce it as soon as he hears something definite from the Health Department. Director Maruthur announced that people who want to sign up for the CodeREd Program may call Paula Brown at 321-6861. Also, there is an account set up at Regions Bank for the family of deceased firefighter Gene Yarbrough. She advised there is a balloon event this Friday night and Saturday at the Airport. Director Daniel stated there will be a film company from Japan that will be here filming and another film group from the Travel Channel that will also be filming. He said the Advertising and Promotion Commission is doing a great job with this event and providing some free concerts Friday night and Saturday. Mayor Bush questioned what happened to the ice skating rink, and Director Daniel advised that it is now in Marshall, Texas. He explained they have a courthouse next to the skating rink and have prisoners who are out everyday maintaining the rink. 22 City Manager’s Report City Manager Lance Hudnell gave the following report: 1. The Directors will shortly be receiving a notebook with several items and passed out an example that will be a cover page to the new reporting system. 2. The household hazardous waste collection day is Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Garland County Fairgrounds and is free of charge for disposal. 3. The Christmas Parade will be on Monday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. 4. Saturday, October 10, is the annual employee picnic at Entergy Park. 5. Saturday, October 10, at 8 a.m., there will be a city equipment Roadeo at the Public Works Complex; and the idea is that bus drivers will drive fire trucks; and the firemen will drive buses, etc. 6. The budget work session will be held on Monday, October 12, at 3:00 p.m., Board Chambers. Board of Directors Meeting 13 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  7. The annual department head retreat will be held on Wednesday, October 14. 8. The Farmers’ Market Pavilion dedication is scheduled for October 24, at 11:30; and SeaPort grand opening will be held on October 27. Also, there is a Day at the Farm event on October 31. 9. The City now has two hybrid vehicles in its city fleet. This is one of the green initiatives the Board had included in the budget this year, and one vehicle is in Planning and one in Intracity Transit. 10. The Directors need to let him know if they will be attending the Prayer Breakfast. 11. The names of the Advisory Committee applicants have been submitted to the Board; and according to the new procedure, staff is to distribute the applications at this meeting. At the next agenda meeting, the Directors are to turn in their preferential sheets. 12. He wished his secretary, Margaret Parris, a speedy recovery, noting she will be out for about a month, and also welcomed Jeff Fields, Public Information Assistant, back tonight. 13. Mr. Nathan Neighbors, Recreation Supervisor, reported there was $6,000 raised in a recent adult kickball league at Kimery Park for the breast cancer research for a softball tournament that was held in conjunction with that. 14. A thank-you to Carnell “Spanky” Lemons was received from a satisfied citizen for miscellaneous pick-up at John Owens Road. A letter of appreciation was also received from Ms. Jane Messer commending Don Ashley, Scotty Ashley, and Michael Parker regarding lift station repairs on Vanadium Circle. A thank-you was received from Bruce and Jane Collier commending Max Sestili on a stormwater issue they had. National Park Superintendent Josie Fernandez expressed appreciation to the Police Department for assistance she received. 15. Ms. Dianne Morrison, MPO Study Director, has received a certificate from the American Institute of Certified Planners. He said this is a significant achievement and is a very difficult exam to pass. 23 ADJOURNMENT Board of Directors Meeting 14 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.  There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m., to meet again on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: _____________________ APPROVED:__________________ Lance Hudnell, City Clerk Mike Bush, Mayor Board of Directors Meeting 15 October 6, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.