City Council - Regular Meeting

I didn't say that I wasn't paying attention when I was driving, but I looked up like this. So when I was looking for something, I had messed around. Look, I was on the other side of the street. I was down there like this. And I looked up, and it made me wonder where I was. I'm like, where am I going?

Oh, man. Oh, man.

Yeah, I'm glad you're joining. Make the roll call.

Stop sign.

Yes.

That's a radar sign.

Okay. Stop sign. 530. Why do you want to join him?

That's what I'm saying. No, no, no. What she's saying is two different intersections.

One in the four-way stop sign.

And the other one's right there in the main aisle.

See, come on 530. Come on over to the four-way stop. That's 46.

But she's going one right about time. That's 46. And west of 46, country club lane.

Right. Well, they don't run that far. They just ask you to try to get a head so they can see a whole bunch of bushes. Okay, maybe a pair of bushes. See, that's the thing. And I'm actually trying to figure out how. I'm trying to figure out how. I'm trying to figure out how. I'm trying to figure out how. I'm trying to figure out how. I'm trying to figure out how. So you can see me. Yeah. Yeah.

No, but I'm okay. Yes, but no, but yes.

There are five pieces to add to the agenda.

You think she's coming?

She don't think she's going to be here.

Well, she ain't. I'll get the others. She ain't going to be here by now. I'll keep her right here just in case. OK. Look, I can get some more water. I have some machine over there in the kitchen.

Hey, how you doing?

i feel the water it's not flirting

The volume don't come out of here.

Yeah, I won't be able to make it without six pounds for me tonight.

All right. Okay, ma'am.

just let the group know please okay thank you yes sir Yes, sir. Appreciate it.

Great job, great job.

You will participate in the keynote on the 3rd of October.

I probably won't be in town.

I dare you.

I'll be in Houston or somewhere.

Okay, because we're going to meet at Rose Hill.

That's the first weekend in October. I'll be out of town. Okay, you're going to meet at Rose Hill. You ain't going to be here.

I ain't going to be here. I'll tell some of you already, you know, people in that area.

Okay. Yeah.

Excuse me, everyone. It is 530, but we're going to give just a few more minutes to ensure we have a quorum. Thank you.

Poplar is closed down, so the only one that's left is the... Sherry Park. When do they meet? The week after the Poplar Street, so that would have been the third Thursday.

This Thursday, isn't it? No, it would be the next Thursday. Hey, how are you? Hey, hey.

Why hasn't Miss Pope been here? I haven't talked to her.

Hey, what up? Oh, okay. No, it's just four.

Hey, okay, we're good.

Me and I can't complain. All right.

We will go ahead and get started. As always, welcome to this evening's Pine Bluff City Council meeting today, Tuesday, September 8th. And we have no public comments this evening, so we will go ahead and call the meeting to order.

Reporting in progress.

And begin with the- Father Herman Brown of Trinity Episcopal Church is with us. Everyone please stand.

Good evening everyone.

Good evening.

It is good to be here. Hopefully we will not be too long with this. But let's observe a moment of silence on behalf of all those we have lost since the last time we met. Let us pray. O gracious and holy God, look with mercy and delight upon the city of your choosing, its neighborhoods and families, its schools and streets, its businesses, churches, and all who labor for her good. We give thanks today for those who serve in city leadership, for our mayor, our councilmen and women, and every public servant entrusted with the work of governance. Grant them clarity of mind and steadiness of purpose, a deep commitment to the flourishing of all who call this city home. And bless these deliberations with wisdom, that is larger than any one voice. Guard them from discouragement, strengthen them in patience, and anchor them in the hope that renewal is possible even in places long acquainted with struggle. We pray for the priorities set before this Council, for the well-being of our youth, for economic development that honors dignity, for public safety rooted in justice and compassion, and let every effort toward beauty, opportunity, and accountability bear fruit for the common good. Stand up in us, O Lord. The citizens and faith communities of Pine Bluff, a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility. Teach us to listen well, to speak truth with kindness, and to work together for the promise you hold for this city. And now make this meeting and every meeting a small sign of your kingdom, where wisdom is sought, where neighbors are valued, and where hope is tended with care. Establish the work of our hands, O Lord, and bless Pine Bluff with your peace. We ask all this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Amen.

Thank you, Father Brown. And now we will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by the UAPP Golden Lion Battalion Army, ROTC.

March time, march. Cobar, halt. Left face. Seat.

Please join us.

Present arms.

to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Order. Arms. Unseat. Colors. Right face. Forward march. Left face. Left. Left. Right. Right. Left. Left. Left. Left. Right. Right. Left. All right. Thank you.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Mayes? Yes, we're here. Council Member Holcomb?

Here.

Council Member Brown?

Here.

Council Member Lockett?

Here.

Council Member Frazier? Council Member Brunson?

Here.

Council Member Denton? Here. Council Member Fails? Here.

I got this, sir.

Okay. Thank you.

You all should have a copy of the April 17 and September 1, 2026 meeting minutes in your packets. I will entertain a motion.

So moved. Second.

And moved and seconded that the council will approve the minutes from April, I'm sorry, from August 17th and September 1, 2026. Any discussion? There's no discussion. All of those who wish to vote for the approval of minutes indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. And now we will go into our committee reporting, beginning with Ways and Means. Council Member Brown, will you please deliver your report?

No report, Mayor.

Council Member Holcomb, will you please deliver your report on ordinances and resolutions?

Thank you, Mayor. 13 agenda items. Number one is up for the third and final reading. Number two and three are up for the first reading. Four is up for the fourth through 13 are all resolutions that will be completed on tonight. All of you should have one, two, three, four possible agenda added items. I'll go to them right now. An ordinance providing for the rezoning of certain territory in the city of Times of Arkansas. If added to the agenda. This would be agenda item. 3A. An ordinance. Adopting. New Orleans adopted pursuing at 1112 or 2017, approving the application of. Is that written? Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee for private club to be located at 3055 West 28th Avenue, time of Arkansas for later purpose and declared emergency. This is this is agenda item 3D. The next one is a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Next Step Innovation to provide technology services and equipment. If added to the agenda, this would be agenda item number 14. And the next one is a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Watson Chapel School District to form a partnership to support youth recreational opportunities in the city of Pine Bush. If added to the agenda, this would be agenda item number 15. Are we all on one accord?

Yes, thank you. Does that conclude your report? Thank you. And we do have a special recognition, which we will engage following committee reporting. Yeah.

So.

We need to, now is when we would vote on adding them. But if I could, because I think we're all moving fast, and I need to go ahead and recognize some very special heroes. So if I could take a break, and then we'll come back to the ordinances and resolutions to add.

If we could do that.

Okay. So we'll take a quick break from the agenda. And it is my pleasure to recognize, as I mentioned, five very special heroes with our fire and emergency services department. And if you all indulge me, I will... ask each of our public servants to stand as I read the proclamation. I will begin with Engineer Kevin Lightsey. So this proclamation is read in recognition of Engineer Kevin Lightsey for a heroic act. Whereas on August 14, 2026, Engineer Kevin Leitze of Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services responded with engine number two to a residential structure fire on Dancing Rabbit Drive, where a citizen remained inside in a burning residence and required immediate assistance. And whereas upon arriving at the scene, Engineer Leitze demonstrated exceptional courage by entering the burning residence to assist in the rescue effort, knowingly placing himself in a hazardous environment in order to help locate and protect a fellow citizen. And whereas, Engineer Lisey joined Captain Juan Ventres and Firefighter Curris Standoe as they conducted their search of the residence, working as part of a coordinated team dedicated to locating the citizen, excuse me, and bringing the individual safely out of the burning structure and whereas Engineer Lightsey's courage, teamwork, professionalism, determination, and willingness to enter a dangerous structure in service to another person demonstrate the highest ideals of Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services and reflect the selfless spirit of those who dedicate their lives to protecting our community. Be it resolved that the city of Pine Bluff recognizes and commends engineer Kevin Lightsey for his heroic actions and courageous service and dedication to saving the life of a fellow citizen during the August 14, 2026 residential structure fire on Dancing Rabbit Drive. Now therefore, I, Vivian L. Flowers, Mayor of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, do hereby proclaim September 7th, 2026 as Engineer Kevin Lightsey Recognition Day. So I would also like to recognize firefighter Curtis Standoke for a heroic act. And this is also in recognition for being a part of the team that I just read. So I will read from Be It Resolved. Be it resolved that the City of Pine Bluff recognizes and commends firefighter Curtis Stand Oak for his heroic actions, extraordinary courage, and selfless service during the August 14, 2026 residential structure fire on Dancing Rabbit Drive. Now, therefore, I, Vivian L. Flowers, Mayor of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, do hereby proclaim September 7, 2026 as Firefighter Curtis Stand Oak Recognition Day. And this one also is for that same heroic act and a part of the team that saved our resident and citizen on August 14th. This proclamation is in recognition of Captain Juan Ventress for a heroic act. And Captain Ventress, I will also read this from the Be It Resolved, since you're a part of the same team. Be it resolved that the city of Pine Bluff recognizes and commends Captain Juan Ventress for his heroic actions, courageous leadership, and selfless commitment to protecting and preserving the life of a federal... Why do I keep saying federal? Of a fellow citizen during the August 14th, 2026 residential structure fire on Dancing Rabbit Drive. Now, therefore, I, Vivian L. Flowers, Mayor of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, do hereby proclaim September 7th, 2026 as Captain Juan Ventress Recognition Day. And this one, this proclamation is being read in recognition of firefighter Tristan Gaither for a lifesaving act. Whereas on August 19, 2026, firefighter Tristan Gaither of Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services responded to West 11th Avenue where a citizen was experiencing respiratory distress and bystanders had begun CPR requiring immediate and coordinated life saving action. And whereas Firefighter Gaither immediately applied the AED, confirmed a code blue status with MECA, and responded without hesitation when defibrillation was indicated, demonstrating the preparedness, professionalism, and decisive action required during a critical medical emergency, and Whereas following defibrillation, firefighter Gaither continued providing critical care by delivering positive pressure ventilations while engineer Kevin Lightsey continued chest compressions. And he remained involved in the citizens care when Emergency Ambulance Services Inc arrived and transported the citizen to Jefferson Regional Medical Center. And whereas firefighter Gaither accompanied the citizen during transport to continue providing ventilatory support. And while en route, the citizen began breathing independently and regained the ability to speak, reflecting the importance of the immediate and sustained life saving efforts provided by the responding first responders. Be it resolved that the city of Pine Bluff recognizes and commends firefighter Tristan Gaither for his extraordinary life-saving actions, quick response, professionalism, compassion, and dedicated and dedication during the August 19, 2026 medical emergency on West 11th Avenue. Now, therefore, I, Vivian Flowers, Mayor of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, do hereby proclaim September 7, 2026 as Firefighter Tristan Gaither Life Saving Service Recognition Day. Now we have a double hero, engineer Kevin Lightsey. So engineer Kevin Lightsey was also part of the team that day on West 11th. And so I will read, as I did the others, from Be It Resolved. Be it resolved that the city of Pine Bluff recognizes and commends engineer Kevin Lightsey for his extraordinary life-saving courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication during the medical emergency on West 11th Avenue on August 19, 2026. Now therefore, I, Vivian L. Flowers, Mayor of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, do hereby again proclaim September 7, 2026 as Engineer Kevin Lightsey Life Saving Recognition Day. And gentlemen, if you could all join us here, up here, and with any council members who may wish to join us for a photo, and I'd be happy and honored to present you with these proclamations.

Congratulations. Congratulations. No, no, you get in the middle. I'll shut the door. All right, ready, two, three.

Thank you.

All right. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. One, two, three.

I wasn't told that. I think they were family members of the honorees. Yeah, I wasn't told that. Okay.

And so now we will continue with committee reporting and go back to ordinances and resolutions. Okay.

Okay. Okay. An ordinance providing for the rezoning of certain territory in the city of Arkansas. I move that this ordinance be added to the agenda. Second. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 12 be added to the agenda. Any discussion? With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Holcomb. Aye. Councilmember Brown. Aye. Councilmember Lockett.

Aye.

Councilmember Frazier. Council Member Brunson. Aye. Council Member Denton.

Aye.

Council Member Fails. Aye. Council Member Mays is on Zoom and will not be able to cast a vote. Okay.

Okay, now this is agenda item 3A. 3A. We're going to keep the O in this.

That was 3A? Yes, ma'am. Oh, I missed. Okay, so that was 3A. Yes, ma'am. Okay.

The next one is an ordinance adopted pursuant to Act 1112 of 2017, approving the application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee for a private club to be located at 3055 West 28th Avenue, Pound of Arkansas for related purposes and declaring an emergency. I move that this ordinance be added to the agenda. Second.

3B. Okay, so it's been moved and seconded that item number 3B be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Mazes on Zoom will not be able to cast a vote. Council Member Brown.

Aye.

Council Member Holcomb.

Aye.

Council Member Lockett.

Aye.

Council Member Frazier. Aye. Council Member Brunson. Aye. Council Member Denton. Aye. Council Member Fayol. Aye. Motion passed.

And the motion passes.

May you want to speak on this?

Yes. So on the next resolution, if you all will indulge me, and I'll just quickly point out since I know that there have been individual presentations to council members. It is a resolution authorizing me to execute a contract with Next Step Innovation to provide technology services and associated equipment. What I will do is pull this so that in order to give council members an opportunity to review the actual contract and ask any questions specific to the contract. And if you also have any lingering questions with regard to the presentation that you heard, then we will afford that time over the next couple of days and hold a special call meeting on Thursday. Before I pull it, I would ask if you would allow for Trent to join us. Trent is a founder of Next Step, and he was one of the presenters you met with. And so he'll give a very brief overview, if you can join us at the podium. And of course, we'll be available, he and Shelly, to answer any specific questions prior to Thursday. And if you so request, we'll be available online for Thursday as well.

Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Flowers. Good evening, Mayor and members of the City Council. Good evening. We appreciate the opportunity to come and speak with you and provide as much information as we can. Pine Bluff is not unlike any city, especially one given its size. It is not immune to IT problems and it needs a functioning IT environment to not only provide services to its citizens, excuse me, support employees. protect information. As technology becomes more central to the operations of the city, a more reliable, secure environment is going to be required. The partnership we're proposing is simply that, a partnership between NSI and the city. Our intent is not to replace your IT team, but whether we would like to come along beside them and behind them and help them. We're proposing a model of transparency and shared responsibility. Our goal is to help assess what you have, stabilize that, maintain that, but then also help you plan for what you're going to need in the future. The internal IT department of the city will remain the primary point of contact for your users and for their problems. It will still remain the face of IT for the city. Our intent is to strengthen, not replace, that team. We're going to provide escalation support, backup coverage if they are sick or out of office or just need additional assistance. We're going to maintain the infrastructure, monitor proactively 24-7, and provide access to our engineering team of more than 40 people to be able to assist when problems come up. We're going to also come in and document what you have. We're going to help develop policies and procedures. We want to strengthen your staff. We're going to help train them and encourage them to not only do what they have been prescribed to do by the city, but also enhance their skill sets so they can also take on more responsibility as time passes and therefore become a more valuable member of the team. What we're going to do is also share our tools. So our knowledge base, our help desk ticking systems, our monitoring systems, our software, those types of things, that's going to give your staff a different level of access as we anticipate, but also give the city an enhanced visibility into what's going on within the IT environment. So we'll be able to provide you reports with the types of problems that you have, the number of problems that you have, how long it took to fix them, who fixed them. It's going to help give you a better handle on your budget, on your planning, and just in general on your peace of mind when it comes to IT. We want to make sure that your investments in IT are prioritized, budgeted, and aligned with operational needs, in addition to just simply guaranteeing cybersecurity and general operational capability. We will provide technology subscriptions and tools, as I said, to support the monitoring, the security, the standardization, the efficiency. That should also help by reducing unexpected failures, improving the decision making when it comes to making purchases, addressing issues proactively, and providing savings over time to the city. Most importantly, the proposal gives the city additional capability, capacity and expertise while preserving local knowledge and control. It's a practical path forward to security, better reliability, better continuity and responsible long-term planning. This truly is a partnership. We truly want to work with your team to help enhance their skills and to provide the backstop that they need. We want to make sure that they succeed and that your technology continues to support your staff, your residents, and the public services effectively. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Mr. Townsend. Ma'am, I have a question for Mr. Townsend. No, ma'am. Is it? No, ma'am.

This is- Ma'am. Will we have an opportunity to ask questions?

So the council will have an opportunity to ask questions on Thursday, but I want to stay in keeping with how we conduct this meeting. And the appropriate thing is that the council members have questions, and if other elected officials or directors have questions, then those questions should be asked offline.

And when would that opportunity present itself offline?

I'd be happy to share their information with you today, or Thale will be here after the meeting.

I mean, I'm a constitutional officer. I know that. And you standing, and he has stated that there's going to be training. Madam Clerk. Within the department. Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk, this is a council meeting. Council members ask questions. Council members cast votes.

This is a public meeting.

And you didn't sign up to speak.

This is a public meeting.

I'm not arguing with you.

A Biden officer.

Council member Holcomb, you can continue, please. I will be pulling this item, and we can move on to the next item. Thank you.

This appears to be duplication of service.

And maybe if you were a council member or the mayor, then you could do something about it. But you are the clerk, the keeper of records. You staff our meetings, and it's inappropriate. This is all inappropriate, and I will not engage it. Council Member Holcomb, please continue. Thank you.

I am a constitutional officer elected by the citizens of Pine Bluff to protect their transparency and honesty and integrity.

Madam Clerk. So, therefore- Madam Clerk, you're out of order.

No, sir, you're out of order. No, you are out of order. Council member, you are not the senior council member, and you are out of order.

But you're not a council member. You're not a council member, and what you're doing is inappropriate, and it will no longer be tolerated. So, Council Member Holkin, will you please continue?

What can you do?

The last agenda item is-

A resolution of the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding with Washington Chapel School District to form a partnership to support youth recreational opportunities in the city of Pine Bluff. I move that this resolution be added to the agenda. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 15 be added to the agenda. Any discussion? With no discussion, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Mayes is on Zoom and will not be casting a vote. Council Member Holcomb? Aye. Council Member Brown? Aye. Council Member Lockett? Aye. Council Member Frazier is absent. Council Member Brunton? Council Member Denton? Aye. Council Member Fayol? Aye.

And since we don't have the last agenda, this will be 14 now.

Okay. So does that mean I will vote? Okay.

Thank you.

And that concludes the ordinance and resolution.

That's a correction. That's item number 14. Thank you. And thank you, Council Member Holcomb. Council Member Frazier is absent. So Council Member Denton, please deliver your report on public health and welfare. Okay, thank you, Mayor.

Public health and welfare were scheduled to meet on September 3rd at 10. There were two members present, but we did not have a quorum, so therefore we did not meet. And the meeting will be rescheduled.

Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Lockett, will you please deliver your report on Public Works?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. The Public Works meeting met on August the 25th at 1 o'clock in the Old City Council Chambers. The participants that were there were Ms. Holloman representing the Park and Rec Department, Mr. Dockett representing the Street Department, and Ms. Kelly Kennedy representing the Clean and Beautiful Commission. Ms. Holloman reported that they had a very successful baseball season. Well, some more than 200 young people participated in baseball, and we thought that was a great achievement. She says that the Park and Rec Department is currently working to do the same with football to consolidate them under the umbrella of the city and give more youth the ability to participate. She also talked about the Aquatic Center where they were working diligently to keep the equipment going and keep the employees trained in safety matters. She also talked about maintaining the parks in Pine Bluff in the context of this heat that she's working very hard to maintain the beauty of these parks without the employees overheating and such. Mr. Dockett reported about the overgrown vegetation in the ditches and the department's ability to combat this. And he was saying he was looking for some funding to acquire equipment that would better get around sidewalks and things of that nature. Currently, we have limited capacity with our ditch equipment. Needing some more equipment to adequately service the whole town. I talked with him about working with the code enforcement department and maybe some clean teams that as they do edge ditches that we kind of do a collective effort. that if code enforcement is doing lot clearance and the clean teams are doing the debris pickup, that they would work in tandem. So if you had the lot cleared and the ditch cut and the young people and clean teams picking up the debris, it would have a greater effect. And he said that we would work on that. Ms. Kennedy, she talked about the ongoing efforts of the Clean and Beautiful Commission to cut the assigned areas that they are cut. She did express that there was some financial challenges and she would like to work with the city council to try to address supplementing her budget to complete the year. She also talked about they had planned to do a great project at the Coleman School during the October cleanup event, but she said she may have to put that back due to the weather and some other conditions. And that completes my report, Madam Mayor.

Thank you so much. Council Member Fails, please deliver your report on development and planning.

Yes, ma'am. So development and planning, we met recently and we forwarded, it looks like, three agenda items to the council for their review and approval. One of these is a land conveyance. Place the bid on several properties, but the committee submitted a counter offer and she came back to just place a bid on 1 property. And we reviewed that and approved it. And we are still reviewing some land acquisition requests for property out by our university. We're working with community development and the property owners. So we'll keep you the full council updated when that comes to fruition. That concludes my report for now. We'll be announcing our next meeting date and time pretty soon.

Thank you, Council Member Fells. Council Member Brunson had to leave. And Council Member Holcomb, please deliver your report on administration.

Thank you, Mayor. The Administration Committee met Tuesday, September 1st before the special call meeting with the due pass on all the agenda items. On the special call meeting, I won't read all those in the argument. That's what I mean to cover. It was long. That concludes my report.

Thank you. And Council Member Brown, please deliver your report on public safety.

Thank you, Mayor. Public safety has not met since our last council meeting. But we will, if possible. I think I see Chief, Chief, and I'm going to see how I'm controlled. But tomorrow, is that okay? Because typically we do the Wednesday after the council meeting, but that meeting is... It would have been yesterday, but now it's today. So I just want to make sure if that's going to be. I know a short notice. Is tomorrow okay?

Yes. Okay.

Are you okay? All right. And so, Madam Clerk, tomorrow I'll say okay for the calendar.

We'll check.

Okay. So we'll do tomorrow, 1.30, Old Council Chambers. And hopefully we'll have the Zoom option available as well. And that concludes my report.

Thank you, Councilmember. And now we will go into the proposed ordinances and resolutions. Councilmember Holcomb.

Agenda item number one in the ordinance, amending section 1.2 of the Non-uniform employees handbook and for other purposes up for the third and final reading.

An ordinance amending section 1.2 of the non-uniform employees handbook and for related purposes.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 1 be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number one indicate by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number two, an ordinance amending section 2-183 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas concerning boards and commission notice period before an available position is filled and for related purposes up for the first reading.

Whereas it is desired to amend the provisions of Section 2-183 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, regarding notice requirements for commission vacancies. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Section 1, Section 2-83C of the Pine Bluff Code of Ordinances is amended to read as follows. An available position on any of the city's boards or commissions shall be advertised on the city's website and on the city's Thought that to the city's local access television channel for at least 30 days before an appointment to the position is made or confirmed on the city's social media accounts, whether as a website or social media account, which may be maintained by the particular board or commission with the vacancy. No appointment shall be made or confirmed before passage of 30 days after the date the notice of the vacancy is first posted. Additionally, the mayor shall be responsible for ensuring that a notice of of the available position is published in a newspaper with local circulation on at least one occasion, at least 10 calendar days before the appointment to the position is made or confirmed by the City Council. For our media, for all media, the notice shall, I'm not sure what I did there, okay. Section 2. Section 2-183D of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is amended to move language from subsection D to insert a newly created section E. Section 3, the language in Pine Bluff Code of Ordinances 2-183 shall be replaced with the following. Responsibility for advertising vacancies and available positions shall be assigned according to the authority empowered by law to make The appointment. Responsibility for complying with subsection C shall be assigned as follows. Number one, a vacancy or available position to be filled by the members of a board or commission subject to approval of the governing body of the city shall be advertised by that board or commission. Number two, a vacancy or available position to be filled by appointment of the mayor subject to approval by the governing body of the city shall be advertised by the mayor. Section four, Ordinances or parts thereof conflicting with this ordinance are repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section 5, this ordinance being of a general permanent nature, it shall cause its publication in accordance with Arkansas law.

Place it on the calendar. Agenda item number 3, an ordinance establishing a commission To buy you the thought of the project and many time the code ordinance chapter 2 article 6 and for related purposes up for the first reading.

Whereas, pursuant to resolution number 5062, the mayor has been authorized to make application to the Arkansas Department of Parks, heritage and tourism outdoor matching grant program to develop and. or improve the Bayou Bartholomew Recreation Area. Whereas, in anticipation of being awarded the grant, a commission should be established to oversee operations, set policy, manage budgets, and act as a bridge between the principals and the public. Whereas, the Pine Bluff Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article 6 should be amended to add a new Division 14 to establish the Bayou Bartholomew Commission. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Section 1, Chapter 2, Article 6 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, are amended to add the following. Division 14, Bayou Bartholomew Commission, Section 2-378, established and purposed. The Bayou Bartholomew Commission is hereby established for the purpose to oversee operations, set policy, manage budgets, and act as a bridge between principals and the public to facilitate the improvements and development of the Bayou Bartholomew Project. Section 2-379, composition. A, the Bayou Bartholomew Project shall consist of nine members, including the mayor and county judge, who shall serve as ex-officio members, an appointee by the mayor, an appointee by the county judge, and five at-large appointments made by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. B, appointments shall be for a term of five years. The commissioners initially appointed hereafter shall serve staggered terms determined by the drawing of lots. three for a term of two years, four for a term of three years, with their successors to serve full terms. When a vacancy occurs, the remaining commissioners shall designate a successor to fill the vacancy subject to approval and confirmation by the city council. Section 2-380, organization and meetings. A, the members of the Bayou Bartholomew Commission shall promptly after their appointment shall meet and elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary. The chair shall preside at all meetings. The vice chair shall preside in the absence of the chair. The secretary shall ensure all meetings are recorded and minutes of the meetings are created and maintained. A copy of the minutes shall be filed with the clerk. B, the commission shall adopt such rules or procedures such as Robert's Rules of Order as conducive to the conduct of its meeting. C, The commission shall establish a regular time and date for its meetings and vary the locations to meet in the various wars of the neighborhoods of the city to maximize public attendance and participation, including providing for public comment. Commission shall meet at least once every quarter of the year and more frequently as necessary with the being preferred, at least initially, the commission meet monthly. Section 2, that all ordinances of parts thereof in conflict with this ordinance are repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section 3, this ordinance being of the general permanent nature, the clerk will cause it to be published in accordance with Arkansas law. Section 4, this ordinance takes effect on the 31st day after its adoption.

Place it on the calendar. Agenda item 3A, an ordinance providing for the re-zoning of certain territories in the city of Pinewood, Arkansas, 104 North Bryan Street.

Whereas the City of Pine Bluff Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 25th, 2026, as provided for in Section 6, Act 186 of the Statutes of the State of Arkansas, the purposes of which was to hear any and all persons interested in amending the zoning ordinance of the City of Pine Bluff by providing for the rezoning of certain property. There was no opposition to the proposed request. The Planning Commission approved the request and forwarded the request to the City Council. And whereas it has been expressly stated by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff that the zoning ordinance should be amended to provide for the rezoning of said property. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Section 1, that the following described property be, and the same is hereby established and defined before general commercial for all purposes as set forth and defined in the zoning ordinance. Section 2, all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Just one question.

Go ahead. I don't want to ask how we're trying to finish this decision.

Is it a registered conflict?

It's not. Yeah, I'm going to ask who the sponsor is.

Are we trying to finish this?

On this one, there's no rush on it.

Okay. Place it on the calendar. Are you responsible for this? It doesn't have a signature on it.

Yeah, that was the copy, but the original does. They just didn't get it out.

Oh, okay. All right. Place it on the calendar. Agenda item 3B, an ordinance adopted pursuant to Act 1112 of 2017 approving the application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee for a private club to be located at 3055 West 28th Avenue, Pamela, Arkansas for related purposes and declaring emergency.

Whereas Act 1112 of 2017 requires applicants for a private club license obtain approval of the governing body of the city or county where the private club is to be located. And whereas Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee have made proper application with the Pine Bluff Planning Commission for a private club at 3055 West 28th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Whereas the Pine Bluff Planning Commission has granted the UPOR application of Anderson and McGee and finds that it meets the legal requirements. Whereas the premises is appropriate for the contemplated use. Whereas the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas finds that the application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee will promote the public convenience and advantage through providing community hospitality and increasing sales tax revenue. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Section 1, that the application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee for issuance of a private club license for the location with the address of 3055 West 28th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, be and is hereby approved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff. Section 2, that pursuant to Act 1112 of 2017, Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee are hereby authorized to file a private club application with the Department of Finance and Administration Alcohol Beverage Control Division for the location at 3055 West 28th Avenue, Pamela, Jefferson County, Arkansas. A copy of this ordinance shall be provided to the Alcohol Beverage Control Division along with the ABC private club application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee. Section 3, emergency declared as this ordinance concerns a matter affecting the lives and property of people, specifically the right of community hospitality among the people of Palm Bluff. An emergency is declared to exist and this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.

Move we suspend the rules and place this ordinance on the second reading. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we suspend the rules and place this order on the calendar for second reading. Any discussion? With no discussion, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Mayes? On Zoom. Casting no vote. Council Member Hochum?

Aye.

Council Member Brown?

Aye.

Council Member Lockett?

Aye.

Council Member Frazier is absent. Council Member Brunson absent. And Council Member Denton? Aye. Council Member Fayles?

Aye.

Does that need six votes? Yes, it needs six. Aye. An ordinance adopted pursuant to Act 1112 of 2017 approving the application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee for a private club to be located at 3055 West 28th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas for related purposes and declaring an emergency.

Move we suspend the rules and place this ordinance on its third and final reading. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we suspend the rules to place this item on the calendar for its third and final reading. Any discussion? With no discussion, Madame Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Mayes on Zoom, casting no vote. Council Member Hochum. Aye. Council Member Brown. Aye. Council Member Lockett. Aye. Council Member Frazier is absent. Council Member Brunson absent. Council Member Denton. Aye. Council Member Fales.

Aye.

Mayor.

Aye. An ordinance adopted pursuant to Act 1112 of 2017 approving the application of Ricky Anderson and Jacqueline McGee for a private club to be located at 3055 West 28th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas for related purposes and declaring an emergency.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 14 be adopted. Any discussion?

Item 3B.

I'm sorry, that item 3B be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item 3B indicate by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes.

Move to receive the emergency clause for this ordinance. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we accept the emergency clause for item 3B. Any discussion? With no discussion, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council Member Mayes on Zoom, casting no vote. Council Member Holcomb.

Aye.

Council Member Brown.

Aye.

Council Member Lockett. Aye. Frazier and Brunson absent. Council Member Denton. Aye. Council Member Fails. Aye. Mayor. Aye.

Agenda item number four, a resolution calling for an election to be held during the next general election on November 3rd, 2026, on the question of authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in Palmer, Arkansas.

Whereas a proposed local option election to authorize Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in Pine Bluff, Arkansas was initiated by a citizen petition. And whereas the Pine Bluff City Clerk, Janice L. Roberts, has verified that the number of signatures 1581 on proper petitions were filed with the city clerk exceeds the required 15% of the number of qualified electors who cast a vote in the Pine Bluff Office for the Office of Governor in the last general election to successfully call the election. And whereas the Pine Bluff City Clerk, Janice L. Roberts, is authorized to file her verification of sufficient Pine Bluff electoral signatures on proper petitions filed in her office to call this election with the Jefferson County Clerk. And whereas the city clerk is requested to file a certified copy of this resolution calling for an election to be held during the next general election on November 3rd, 2026 on the question of authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off premises consumption in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, with the Jefferson County clerk. And whereas the city of Palm Bluff requests that the Jefferson County Quorum Court order that this election be called and included within the next general election pursuant to ACA section 3-3, 210B and 3-9. 206 B. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Section 1, that the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff hereby confirms the City Clerk, Janice L. Roberts, verification of sufficiency of the citizen's position to call an election for the next general election to authorize the Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Section 2, that the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas hereby calls that election on the question of authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in Pine Bluff be included within the general election of November 3rd, 2026. Section 3, that the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas hereby determines that in accordance with ACA sections 7-11, 204, 3-3, 210B, and 3-9, 206, the ballot for this election shall be printed substantially as follows. For the off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday in Pine Bluff, Arkansas as authorized by law or against the off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday in Pine Bluff, Arkansas as authorized by law. Section 4, that the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas hereby determines that the ballot title shall be whether or not to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption on Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 midnight within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number four be adopted. Any discussion?

I have a question.

Council Member Lockett.

Now, what premises does this apply to? Private clubs or- Actually, so- Could you give me a definition of the off premises?

No, and let me tell you why. It's not my legislation. I had to sign it because the signatures were gathered. And we have to therefore propose the resolution to put it on the agenda according to law. So it's not my piece of legislation, but it came to my office so that we could put it on there. I don't know anything about it. It's not mine, so I'm sorry.

Madam City Attorney, could you give me the definition of off premises?

I don't have any additional information as well. The only purpose for this legislation is to basically check off the boxes that the clerk did receive the signatures and the appropriate number of signatures that are needed for it to get onto the ballot. I don't have any additional information.

So, that's it. Okay.

Oh, councilman Brown. Sorry.

So this, so so you say, you don't know as far as. Are we talking about, I guess liquor stores or I mean, so who exactly would be who we authorize in a sale? We said, like, our bigger stores or gas stations or.

Actually, no more than what's in here. I don't have any additional information.

They would already have to be licensed by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission to sell alcohol. You couldn't get a license? Just for that purpose? No. You must already have a license to be able to sell alcohol. I mean, off-premises means off-premises, so it wouldn't have to be within the confines of the club or any particular place. So that basically purchase something and take it home? Take it home, any place, consume it any place that you would otherwise be legal to consume it.

Right, but this is just to put it on the ballot. This is just a box we have to check so it can be placed on the ballot so the people can make that determination.

Yeah, we just want to be able to tell the people if we vote on it, what it is. We can table it until we find out what is the definition of off-premises.

It needs to be, well, you know, the election is coming up and it needs to be placed on the ballot.

So what is our last date that we could approve it to?

Today.

Today is the last day?

Yes.

I see. Let me see.

I've had questions too and what I had in front of me was the MOU and I signed it because the people of this city put their signatures On the collective forms to put it on the ballot, but I don't know any more than what those promoting this and who gathered the signatures would tell us during the election. So the reason I signed it is for the purpose of respecting the signatures and the citizens who would put forth this initiative. But it wasn't indicative of my support for it, if that helps. What we have is what's in the MOU.

I guess I have another question. Council Member Brown. Do we know of any other cities that have done this measure or that are considering this measure?

Yeah, there are several and I don't have the list of them, but apparently this group that's submitted this initiative is in Monticello, is it? Up north somewhere?

Yeah. Fayetteville was the last city they did it in. Right.

And they petitioned Redfield.

We've been in Redfield, too.

Redfield as well. Redfield has passed one? They did the same thing we're doing. It's just to place it on the ballot. That's it.

The state statute says if they get the signatures, it has to be put on the ballot. It has to be put on the ballot. It's an administrative act by the council. It's not legislative, really. The statute just says if they get the number of requisite signatures, then it shall be. Put on the ballot. Okay. All right. Well, that makes it a little bit more.

Okay. Point of information. Madam City Attorney, so it doesn't matter whether we vote up or down, this will be placed on the ballot. Yes. Is that a fact?

That's correct. Well, it needs to be passed.

If it doesn't pass, what they need?

They'll sue us.

Huh? They'll sue us. How are they going to sue us?

It's a writ of mandamus because it's not a discretionary act for a council. It's mandated by state law so they can go into court tomorrow and get a court order for it to be put on the ballot. And then we wind up paying their attorney's fees.

That's interesting. And I'm still trying to get understanding on what it is we're voting on.

Is the initiative for the council to place on the ballot before the body, respective of the state's stature?

Well, it's pursuant to the state statute.

Pursuant to the state statute.

I mean, the council is simply reflecting the fact that the requisite number of signatures were obtained. That triggers the law that says then it must go on balance. What we'll do if you pass this is to send it to the court and they're under the same requirement.

City Clerk. Yes, sir. It's number six, right? Number four.

I guess we can go and vote on it since it ultimately will be decided by the citizens, whatever they're trying to do. And we'll figure out what off-premises, what that definition will be between now and November.

Any council members have any further discussion? With no further discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number four, indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number five, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with North America Fire Equipment Incorporated for acquisition of firefighting items.

Whereas the Fire and Emergency Services Department is in great need of the items listed in the attached quote submitted by North America Fire Equipment Incorporated in Decatur, Alabama, and whereas North America Fire Equipment Incorporated is the sole source for the items listed and consequently competitive bidding to purchase the items is not required per section 2-160 number 20 of the code of ordinances of the city of pine glove now therefore be it resolved by the city council city of pine love arkansas section one that the city council finds that it has been adequately demonstrated that the north america fire equipment incorporated is the sole source for the items listed in the attached quote document which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth section two that pursuant to section 2-160 number 20 Competitive bidding is not required for the purchase of the listed items from North America Equipment Incorporated. Section 3, the mayor is authorized to execute an agreement with North America Equipment Incorporated to purchase the items listed in the quote document for use by the Fire and Emergency Services Department for the total price of $136,292.20. The purchase is funded from within the department's budget.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number five be adopted. Any discussion? Council Member Lockett.

Yeah, Madam, so I just want to be clear on this sole sourcing piece. Madam City Attorney, what's that section one more time that we have listed?

160, number 2-160. Number 20. Number 20, okay, and that's a city- That's a city ordinance that basically mirrors the state statute as it relates to sole source.

And the sole source means they are the only manufacturer of this particular item?

Yes, sir, within, yeah, yes, sir.

Okay, that's all I have.

Any further discussion? With no further discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number five indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number six, a resolution appointing the members of the Bayou Bartholomew Commission.

Whereas the city has created the Bayou Bartholomew Commission to facilitate improvement and development along Bayou Bartholomew. And whereas the commission will consist of nine members, the mayor's designee, the county judge's designee, five at large appointments, the mayor as ex officio and the county judge as ex officio. And whereas the mayor has appointed the following persons as the I'm sorry, as the at-large members subject to council approval and named the mayoral designate. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Section 1, the mayor's appointment of the following persons to the at-large positions on the Bayou Bartholomew Commission to serve staggered terms to be determined consistent with the city code will be Bill Jones, Carlton Saffa, John Lawson, Lebo Smart, And Jason Smith, section 2, that the mayor has appointed Larry Matthews as the mayoral designate to the commission.

Move by doctor. Second.

Did we make a change in there adding the county judge's designate?

I was not provided that. Because I think that was something. We added that in committee.

We added that in committee.

So I just wanted to make sure that that's added to the- It's in the ordinance that we just read as it relates to the county judge having an appointee. We don't have the name.

Okay, yes.

Okay, got it.

Thank you. I just didn't hear that. Thank you so much, Madam City Attorney. Okay, so any further discussion on item number six? With no further discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number six indicate by saying aye.

Aye. Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number seven, a resolution authorizing the convenience of real property, 6100 block of West 4th.

Okay. Whereas an offer in the amount of $2,400 has been submitted by Ms. Rachel Ledzima. That's the month to purchase the real property described below. And whereas the offer is fair and reasonable as a purchase price when taking into account the cost of maintenance by the city and the benefits of returning the property to private ownership. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Pamela, Arkansas, section 1, that the offer in the amount of 2400 dollars submitted by Rachel. La Desma, to purchase the real property described below is accepted subject to the conditions set forth herein. Section 2, the purchase price must be paid in full to the city collector's office within 30 days of the date of this resolution. Payment must be a form acceptable to the collector. Section 3, once payment has been made to the collector, the purchaser is responsible for providing the city attorney's office with a copy of the receipt for it to prepare the quitclaim deed. If the purchaser desires the deed to be made out to an additional grantee, she must notify the city attorney's office of the name of the person to be added. Section 4 of the deed will be forwarded to the mayor's office for signature and the city clerk's attestation and forwarded to the director of the inspection department who will purchase, who will notify that the quitclaim deed is ready to be picked up. Section 5, the real property to be conveyed is described below. Section 6, should the purchaser fail to complete payment within the deadline for- deadline for to do so, the authorization to convey the described real property will be revoked and void and the property returned to inventory.

Move for adoption? Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number seven be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number seven indicate by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion passes.

Then item number eight, a resolution amending the 2026 municipal budget to allocate funds within the executive department.

Whereas city ordinance requires that an adjustment to the municipal budget be memorialized by ordinance or resolution depending upon which form was used to approve the annual budget. And whereas the 2026 municipal budget was adopted by resolution. Whereas it is necessary to make amendment to the 2026 municipal budget to reallocate funds within the executive department for regional park grounds maintenance and improvements as referenced in the attached budget adjustment. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas section one. that the attached budget adjustment has been reviewed by the City Council and is approved. The particulars thereof as detailed are incorporated herein as they're fully set forth word for word and number for number. The funds to cover the adjustments are identified by source and the amount in the document. Section 2 that the 2026 municipal budget adopted is amended to incorporate the adjustment and change set out in the attachment. Section 3, the finance department will ensure that the budget is implemented as amended.

Move for adoption.

Did we pass this at the last, at the special call meeting? Y'all can check your minutes. Can we take just a quick second, because I don't want to duplicate. It would have been the meeting on the 1st.

It's the same one? Same amount?

It's similar. I don't know if it's the exact same.

So it's a different amount?

That would have been September 1st.

I think we did Regional Park Grounds Maintenance, but it had a .

Madam Mayor. Yes. While we look for that, is this resolution saying that the Regional Park Grounds Maintenance, that that line item is under the Executive Department, or are we moving it from the Executive Department to Parks?

from the Executive Department of Parks.

Is that on here?

It doesn't have the details. I'm looking at this, what we did on the first.

The previous one was for the ball fields for regional park in Townsend Park, I think.

Right.

So they did visit two separate.

I don't know. The last budget just was for the ball fields as I understood it.

Right.

I'll go ahead and pass it. All those who wish to vote for item number eight indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.

Protocol need to be established. The motion, there was not a second to it. We move for the adoption, there is not a second to the adoption.

Council Member Brown seconded.

I second.

So, I'm sorry, Madam Mayor, so we're clear this isn't duplicating what we did last week? Did we get that confirmation?

We didn't. I don't know that we can. Hold on just a second.

It's not on here.

I was just going to suggest, if we're not able to get the confirmation, could we just push this to our special call meeting on Thursday? We could do that.

If you look at the minutes. Agenda item 3 was a resolution amending the 2026 municipal budget to allocate funds to the parks and recreation department. Just move back.

The only thing that gives me pause is there's not specificity in the minutes and I'm not sure if this was done in two separate resolutions because it was supposed to be upgrades to Townsend and to Regional Park. So I'm thinking that's the difference. We can pull it and address this to your recommendation, Council Member Fells. Address it on Thursday. Have a special call.

I withdraw my second.

I withdraw my motion. Thank you.

Record number eight has been withdrawn. Pull it from the agenda. Agenda item number nine, a resolution amending the 2026 municipal budget to allocate funds within the fire and emergency service department.

City ordinance requires that an adjustment to the municipal budget be memorialized by ordinance or resolution, depending upon which form was used to approve the annual budget. And whereas the 2026 municipal budget was adopted by resolution and whereas it is necessary to make amendment to the 2026 municipal budget to reallocate funds within the fire and emergency services department is detailed in the attached budget adjustment. now therefore be resolved by the city council of the city of pablo of arkansas section one the attached budget adjustment has been reviewed by the council and is approved the particulars thereof as details are incorporated herein as a fully set forth word for word and number for number the funds to cover the adjustments are identified by source and amount in the in the document Section 2, that the 2026 municipal budget is adopted as amended to incorporate the adjustment and change set out in the attachment. Section 3, the finance department will ensure that the budget is amended, implemented as amended.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 9 be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number nine indicate by saying aye.

Aye. Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number ten, a resolution setting the millage for the operation and maintenance of the Pine Bluff Public Library.

Whereas it is now desired to fix and levy the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for the purpose of creating a fund to be used for the operation and maintenance of the Pine Bluff, Arkansas Public Library. And whereas it is further desired that the same be certified to the County Clerk of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Now, therefore, be resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, that the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, for the year 2026, for the purpose of creating a fund to be used for the operation and maintenance of the Pine Bluff Public Library, authorized by the City Council on March 2, 1942, and is provided for in the City General Elections of April 7, 1942, April 3, 1945, and November 8th, 1988 and as provided in the special election of august 17th 27th 1996 and as for and as provided for in the general election of november 8 2016 b and the same is hereby fixed and levied at four and 6 tenths mills on the dollar of the assessed value of said property with said tax to be a special tax and to be in addition to all other taxes. Be it further resolved that the rate of levy taxation herein provided and levied be forthwith certified to the county clerk of Jefferson County Arkansas provided by law to the end that the amount so certified shall be placed upon the tax books and collected in the same manner as state and county taxes are collected.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 10 be adopted.

Any discussion?

With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for item number 10 indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number 11, a resolution setting the millage for general purposes as authorized and prescribed by law for the city and family of Arkansas.

Whereas it is now desired to fix and levy the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for general purposes as authorized and prescribed by law. And whereas it is further desired that the same be certified to the County Clerk of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Now therefore be resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas that the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for general purposes as authorized by the statutes of the State of Arkansas are so provided by Arkansas Code Section 2673202 is hereby fixed and levied at 5 mils on the dollar of the assessed value of said property in addition to all other taxes. be it further resolved that the rate of levy taxation herein provided and levy be forthwith certified to the county clerk of Jefferson County, Arkansas as provided by law to the end that the amount so certified shall be placed upon the tax books and collected in the same manner as state and county taxes are collected.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 11 be adopted. Any discussion? No discussion. All of those who wish to vote for the adoption of item number 11 indicate by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number 12, a resolution setting the millage for the policeman's relief and pension fund for the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Whereas it is now desired to fix and levy the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for the purpose of creating and maintaining a policeman's relief and pension fund for the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. And whereas it is further desired that the same be certified to the County Clerk of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas that the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for the purpose of creating and maintaining a policeman's relief and pension fund for the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas as provided for in Act 16 of 1941 and the same is hereby fixed and levied at one mill on the dollar of the assessed value of said property with said tax to be a special tax and to be in addition to all other taxes. Be it further resolved that if the rate of levy of taxation herein provided and levy be forcefully certified to the County Clerk of Jefferson County, Arkansas as provided by law to the end that the amount so certified shall be placed upon the tax books and collected in the same manner as state and county taxes are collected.

Move for adoption.

Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 12 be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all of those who wish to vote for the adoption of item number 12 indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.

Agenda item number 13, a resolution setting the millage for the filing relief and pension fund for the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Whereas it is now desired to fix and levy the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for the purpose of creating and maintaining a fireman's relief and pension fund for the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. And whereas it is further desired that the same be certified to the County Clerk of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas that the rate of taxation of all real and personal property within the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the year 2026 for the purpose of creating and maintaining a fireman's relief and pension fund for the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas as provided for in Act 16 of 1941B and the same is hereby fixed and levied at one meal on the dollar of the assessed value of said property with the said tax to be a special tax and to be in addition to all other taxes. be it further resolved that the rate of levy of taxation here provided and levied be forthwith certified to the county clerk of Jefferson County Arkansas as provided by law to the end that the amount so certified shall be placed upon the tax books and collected in the same manner as state and county taxes are collected.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 13 be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all those who wish to vote for item number 13 indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.

Then item number 14, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Watson Chapel School District to form a partnership to support youth recreational opportunities in the city of Feinberg.

Whereas the City of Pine Bluff and the Watson Chapel School District desire to partner for the purpose of supporting youth procreational opportunities in the community. And whereas the parties have negotiated the attached four-page memorandum of understanding to memorialize their agreement as to the undertakings, obligations, and consideration each assumes to accomplish the purpose of this agreement. And whereas the City Council has vetted the document and is in accord with the purpose and the terms of the agreement. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, that the Mayor is authorized to execute the attached four-page memorandum of understanding with the Watson Chapel School District, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. The Mayor shall ensure that the City fully fulfills the undertakings and obligations it assumes by virtue of the agreement.

Move for adoption. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that item number 14 be adopted. Any discussion? With no discussion, all those who wish to vote for item number 14 indicate by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion passes. And that concludes the proposed ordinances and resolutions action. for this evening and next we will have the announcements and I'll entertain a motion for adjournment thereafter as there are no public comments for non-agenda items. And those, oh, here we go. So the announcements for this evening are as follows. Number one, the 37th Southern Heritage Classic will take place. On this Saturday, September 12th at 6 p.m., the 37th Southern Heritage Classic will take place at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, located at 335 South Hollywood Street in Memphis, Tennessee. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. will participate in this annual football tradition, bringing together alumni, students, fans, and supporters for a celebration of HBCU culture, athletics, and community. Item number two, Tour de Bluff. Will take place this on Saturday, the following Saturday, September 19th, 2026. Beginning at 07 a.m. Twitter Bluff will take place at the Pine Bluff Civic Center located at 200 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff. The annual bike themed community event produced and managed by novelties through partnerships and sponsorships welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels. The event promotes safe bicycling, recreation, and community engagement through organized routes and activities. Registration packets will be available for pick up on Friday, September 18th, 2026. For registration and additional information, please visit www.tourdebluff.com. And then third, Pine Bluff Glow Up will take place on Saturday, October 3rd. It is a city-wide cleanup. The city of Pine Bluff, through the office of Mayor Vivian L. Flowers, is partnering with Sea Arc College. And clean and beautiful for Pine Bluff Glow Up, a city wide clean up initiative taking place in every ward. Residents, businesses, churches, civic groups, organizations, and community leaders are encouraged to participate as we beautify our neighborhoods and prepare for UAPB homecoming and beyond. The day will conclude with a community celebration at Regional Park. To participate or organize a team, call the Office of the Mayor at 870-730-2000, extension 7, or visit www.pinebluffglowup.com. Fourth item is the Taste of Southeast Arkansas. which will take place on Thursday, September 17th between 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. The Taste of Southeast Arkansas will be held at Saracen Resort Casino, located at 1 Saracen Resort Drive in Pine Bluff. Guests can enjoy... an evening of food tasting and live entertainment by the Rodney Block Collective. Cocktail hour begins at 5.30 p.m. followed by food tasting at 6.30 p.m. Tickets are $55 for chamber members and $65 for non-members with reserved tables available at $600. For tickets or additional information, contact the chamber At 870-535-0110. I believe we have some flyers available highlighting glow up. And in conjunction with the glow up effort, starting September 9th through October 9th, residents can voluntarily have inoperable and or abandoned cars picked up for free. By calling 870-329-1681 or the mayor's office, 870-730-2000, extension 7. Our office is partnering with local towing companies to help remove inoperable cars for free as a part of the Clean Up Pine Bluff campaign. The city is sponsoring a free towing and removal at no cost to residents. So if you have a car that you need removed, please call to get started. And then finally, we would like to share that Chief Sean Davis invites you to the Pine Bluff Police Department's awards and promotion ceremony, honoring the deserving men and women who serve this community. Your presence will make this special occasion even more meaningful. Please join us on September 11th at 12 noon p.m. at the Pine Bluff City Council Chambers here, 200 East 8th, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 71601.