Board of Directors

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page I 3 November 2, 2021 stated there should be no rate increase. Jan McGuirk, 412 W. University, said the spending was asinine; stated she didn't understand the Consent Agenda; rate increases are out of control; and that the Board doesn't care about being good stewards for our city; that she believes no one cares about the environment or saving money. Joseph Blanks, 506 Pittsfield, thanked the Board for allowing him to speak earlier; and asked what programs were being funded for the benefit of the entire community with overages from city utilities; stated solar investors shouldn't be required to buy the power they produce or produce 300% of their household usage to break even. Patterson addressed Blanks questions and asked him to call with further questions. Each Board member spoke on the item, including giving comments encouraging CNG/hybrid electric vehicles; that the Board just approved spending $3.8MM from reserves to subsidize citizens high usage during the year's winter weather event; that no increases were implemented for 5 or 6 years and when the increase was necessary, it was quite high and that smaller annual increases were designed to be easier; that the city needed to pull up its boot straps and cut our spending and because inflation wasn't going away and look to the necessities of the citizens; that it appears we have become a reactive instead of proactive city; that were would be accountability as to where hearts were with decisions made; as well as other comments, and thanks to the audience for voicing their concerns; and a request to provide how the budget would be impacted if there was no increase. A motion to place Ordinance 21-23 on its first reading, suspending the rules and reading title only, was made by Smiley and seconded by Bums. Motion passed 5/1 with Allen voting no. An ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Adjusting Scheduled Utility Rate Increases for the Years 2022-2027; was read on its first reading. Item M: September financials. Patterson pointed out that the financials had been provided and any questions should be directed to him or Christina Petriches. Item J: Administrator's Report: Patterson reviewed the items on the attached Administrator's Report. Directors Reports: Carroll said he was able to dispel a myth that men can't do 2 things at once; he said he was moving his youngest son to Texas and got his first deer of the season without firing a shot; he said he believed Hillcrest Addition is important as part of the gateway to Siloam; that we needed to look at the best way to make it the best and safest; asked staff to request ARDoT to review the area every 6 months to see if criteria has been met to install a traffic signal or lower the speed limit into town sooner; acknowledged staff for the work that was done on the detention pond on Lavonna and the Hico sidewalk expansion, both look great; that the city has been accused of being frivolous but we are trying to be proactive; and that Siloam was a wonderful city with a tremendous future. Smiley thanked the audience again for their input; pointed out flags were at half staff in honor of State Representative Carolyn Pollan, Senator Bobby Glover, and Asst. Fire Chief, Lucas Stephenson, fallen firefighter; reminded Planning Commission was still accepting applications; and that the museum was asking for volunteer docents. Allen commented on the Update Memo that was received and how informative it was; pointed out SSFD hosted the Arkansas