City Council

CITY OF LONOKE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES May 1, 2020 The Lonoke City Council held a special city council meeting through internet livestream video via Zoom application on May 1, 2020. Mayor Trae Reed called the meeting to order with the invocation given by Efrem Jones. Mayor Reed asked City Clerk, Jeribeth Edwards to call the roll. City Clerk Jeribeth Edwards called the roll and declared a quorum. Mayor Trae Reed City Clerk Jeribeth Edwards Treasurer Phillip Howell (absent) Deputy Clerk Regina Ibbotson (absent) Council Members Efrem Jones, Matt Cordell, Raymond Hatton (absent), Alice Bridges, Suzette Elmore, Michael Florence, Koy Butler, and Ryan Biles City Attorney Ginger Stuart Police Chief Matt Edwards (absent) W/S/S Supt. Jim Kelley C.C. Director Mike Brown (absent) Fire Dept. Justin Whittenburg (absent) Parks Director Roy Don Lewis (absent) News Media Rick Kron, The Leader Mayor Reed opened the meeting to let everyone know that there has been an ordinance prepared to cover a 60-day period of any late fees or disconnection due to Covid-19. Mayor mentioned he does believe that the council has the authority to allow this to happen. Mayor mentioned that in March there were 399 delinquent bills, total of $2,665.15 late fees. In April there were 337 delinquent bills with a total of $2,383.03 late fees. The grand total is $5,048.18 of late fees that would be forgiven. There were comments regarding the bond issue. Ginger Stuart did mention that the city does have to make certain bond covenants. She does not feel that this will be a negative impact. After some discussion, everyone was in favor to allow the forgiveness during this crazy time in our lives. A. Ordinance #764- “Temporary suspension of late fees, disconnections, and reconnection fees of water, sewer and other services.”- Matt Cordell made a motion to put Ord. #764 on the floor. Efrem Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried. Ginger Stuart read Ordinance No. 764 in its entirety. Efrem Jones made the motion to accept the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 764. Alice Bridges seconded the motion. Motion carried with (7) aye hand votes. Michael Florence made the motion to suspend the rules- 2nd reading- title only. Efrem Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried with (7) aye voice votes. Ginger Stuart read Ordinance No. 764- title only- 2nd reading. Efrem Jones made the motion to accept the 2nd reading-title only- of Ordinance No. 764. Alice Bridges seconded the motion. Motion carried with (7) hand votes. Michael Florence made the motion to suspend the rules-3rd reading-title only. Efrem Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried with (7) aye voice votes. Ginger Stuart read Ordinance No. 764- title only – 3rd reading. Efrem Jones made the motion to accept the 3rd reading- title only Ordinance No. 764. Alice Bridges seconded the motion. Motion carried with (7) aye hand votes. Michael Florence made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Suzette Elmore seconded the motion. Michael Florence made a motion to adopt the emergency clause. Efrem Jones made a motion. Motion carried. ADJOURN: Suzette Elmore made a motion to adjourn. Koy Butler seconded the motion. Motion carried. _____________________________________ Mayor Trae Reed Attest: _________________________________ City Clerk