City Council

CITY OF LONOKE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING ND 2 QUARTER CONDEMNATION MEETING JULY 16, 2020 The Lonoke City Council held a special meeting via ZOOM at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday July 16, 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 Council Members Efrem Jones, Alice Bridges, Raymond Hatton, Ryan Biles, Matt Cordell, Michael Florence, Koy Butler (absent), and Suzette Elmore City Attorney Ginger Stuart Police Chief Matt Edwards (absent) W/S/S Supt. Jim Kelley (absent) C.C. Director Mike Brown (absent) Fire Dept. Justin Wittenberg (absent) Parks Director Roy Don (absent) Community Dev. Dan Sallinger News Media Rick Kron, The Leader (absent) Visitors Vonda Evans, Karen Dill 1. Resolution 7-6-2020- “Condemn property at 317 Harrison Street.” Vonda Evans mentioned this property has been on the radar for many years. Many officials have spoke with the property owner. Mrs. Vonda mentioned the structure is very close to other homes. She feels this location is very close to the road, it is a very unsafe structure. Mrs. Vonda mentioned that we should move forward on this property as soon as possible. Mr. Dan Sallinger agreed with Vonda Evans. Vonda Evans mentioned that she or Mr. Dan Sallinger would notify the resident owner. Mrs. Ginger Stuart mentioned the city would file a lien on the property, however it is unlikely to collect money on. Michael Florence made a motion to put Res. 7- 6-2020 on the floor. Efrem Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried. Efrem Jones excused himself from the meeting. Ginger Stuart read the resolution in its entirety. Michael Florence Made a motion to accept 1st reading. Alice Bridges Seconded the motion. Motion carried. 2. Resolution 7-7-2020- “Condemn property at 719 S. Center St.”- Mrs. Vonda mentioned that this property has three dwellings on this property. She also mentioned the roof is falling in multiple places on this home, the floor is falling in. She has spoken with the property owner and they are in agreement that the property needs to be condemned. Mr. Dan Sallinger echoed the report that Mrs. Vonda Evans gave. 1 Alice Bridges made a motion to put Res. 7-7-2020 on the floor. Suzette Elmore seconded the motion. Motion carried. Jeribeth Edwards read the resolution in its entirety. Matt Cordell made a motion to accept 1st reading. Alice Bridges seconded the motion. Motion carried. 3. Resolution 7-8-2020- “Condemn property at 318 England St.” - Mr. Dan Sallinger met with the owners and reported that the structure was burned several years ago. The owners have spoken with Mr. Sallinger and would like the city to give them more time to take care of this property on their own. Mr. Sallinger mentioned that the owners have been responsive and in touch with the city. It was decided by the council to give the owners time to work on the property on their own. Suzette Elmore made a motion to put Res. 7-8-2020 on the floor. Alice Bridges seconded the motion. Motion carried. Jeribeth Edwards read the resolution and its entirety. Ryan Biles made a motion to accept 1st reading, pending that the owners work on this property and report to the council no later than September 30, 2020 and no earlier than October 2020. Alice Bridges seconded the motion. Motion carried. 4. Present Properties for Consideration at next condemnation meeting for 4th Quarter: A. 420 E. Academy: Mrs. Vonda mentioned this property is a huge nuisance and a major eye sore for the neighborhood. The structure has major issues and in complete disrepair. This property is a five (5) acre tract property within the city limits. Mr. Dan Sallinger is actively working on this property. He mentioned this property is one of the worse properties in the city limits. He has found out the old owner, Mr. Westmoreland, planned to do work, in turn he sold the property and has no interest in the property. The new owner is unknown. After some discussion with the council, this property is a long-term project that possibly be worked on for the 2021 budget. B. 221 Vassar Lane: Mrs. Vonda mentioned this property is in complete disrepair. She mentioned that there have been many complaints regarding varmints. The structure needs much needed attention. Mr. Dan Sallinger mentioned this property is in a nice neighborhood and this property is bringing down property value for the neighborhood. C. 202 Adams Street: Mrs. Vonda mentioned the property has been vacated and the owner is nowhere to be found. She did mention the property will need a good title search. Mrs. Vonda mentioned once a search is done, the city can put out notifications regarding the home. Adjourn: Suzette Elmore made a motion to adjourn. Michael Florence seconded the motion. Motion carried. _____________________________ Mayor Attest: ________________________ Clerk 2