The Benton Community Services/Animal Control Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room at the Benton Municipal Complex. The agenda follows:
Committee Members:
- Evelyn Reed, Chair; Judd Hart; Jeff Hamm; Frank Baptist; Steve Brown; Brad Jordan-Staff; Terry Parsons-Staff
I. Establish a Quorum / Call to Order
II. Recognition of Attendees
III. Approval of December 3, 2019 Minutes
IV. Community Services
- A. Revision of Resolution 1 of 2020
- B. Permit Fees
- C. Entertainment District – The Palace Theater
- D. Amending Controlled Beverage Permit
V. Animal Services
- A. Return Fees for Pets
VI. Adjournment
MINUTES FROM JANUARY 16, 2020 MEETING:
- In Attendance:
Committee Members:
Council Member Evelyn Reed, Council Member Judd Hart, Council Member Jeff Hamm, Council Member Frank Baptist, Council Member Steve Brown, Brad Jordan, Staff Representative, Terry Parsons, Staff Representative
Other Council Members present:
Bill Donnor, James Herzfeld, Jocelyn Cash
Guests:
Mayor Tom Farmer, City Attorney Brent Houston, Tavia Douthard, Cindy Stracener, Mandy Spicer, Gary Morehead, Jason Carter, David Vondran, John Bethel, Patricia Ashley
Council Member Evelyn Reed declared a quorum and called the meeting to order. Introductions were made around the room.
Council Member Reed made a revision to the agenda. Item D was moved to second item on the list. Council Member Frank Baptist made a motion to approve the revision. Council Member Jocelyn Cash second. Motion carried. Council Member Reed then asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the December 3, 2019 meeting. Council Member Baptist made a motion to approve. Council Member Jeff Morrow second. Motion carried.
Community Services Agenda:
Brent Houston – Legal Update
City Attorney Brent Houston presented the committee with an update on the legal proceedings with Entergy for the territory along Exit 114. Representatives from both parties were present (Jason Carter and John Bethel). Mr. Houston presented the committee with a draft of the settlement agreement. If the agreement is accepted, a new franchise agreement with Entergy will be adopted with the amount of 5.2% and 1.75% of all revenues collected from the provision of electric utility over the period of 10 years. Council Member Steve Brown made a motion to accept the settlement to go before the next city council meeting. Council Member James Herzfeld second. Motion carried.
Amending Controlled Beverage Permit (Ordinance 3 of 2015) – City Clerk Cindy Stracener
City Clerk Cindy Stracener presented the committee with possibly adding a Temporary Permit for the selling of alcoholic beverages at festivals within the city. She proposed that we add the Temporary Permit to our ordinance. The fees for each station will be as listed:
Beer: $50.00
Wine: $50.00
Liquor: $50.00
We also have vendors provide their ABC License along with the fees. Council Member Judd Hart made the motion to accept the Temporary Permit fees. Council Member Baptist second. Motion carried. Mrs. Stracener also presented the committee with the possibility of changing the hours of allowing an establishment to serve alcoholic beverages due the crime actives during the hours of 12:00AM – 2:00AM. The committee would like to table this topic.
Brad Jordan – Sign Ordinance (Billboards)
Brad Jordan and Brent Houston presented to the committee with more information about the Interstate Billboard Moratorium. There was not a moratorium in place during the last meeting due to the previous moratorium being expired. Mr. Houston suggested that the new moratorium be for 6 months and there will have to be at least one public hearing required. Council Member Baptist made a motion to accept the new moratorium. Council Member Cash second. Motion carried.
James Helton – Living in Camper Penalty (Update to Ordinance 14 of 2017)
James Helton presented to the committee that there not a penalty stated in the ordinance for citizens living in RVs as a permanent living situation. Mr. Helton suggested that the penalties be stated in the ordinance. The penalty fees would be determined by a judge. Council Member Brown made a motion to amend Ordinance 14 of 2017 to include the penalties for living inside of an RV. Council Member Cash second. Motion carried.
Other Business
Ms. Patricia Ashley stated there could be a possible health issue during the Martin Luther King Jr Day Clean-Up Event due to the exposure of needles. The committee assured her that the youth will be using gloves and under adult supervision to prevent this issue.
Council Member Baptist asked for an update on the 2019 demolitions throughout the city. Mr. Houston will provide him with an updated list of demolitions.
Mr. Gary Morehead shared his concern for panhandlers in the roadway and cars stopping to give them money. He suggested that driver, who interferes with traffic to give money to the panhandler, will receive a fine or penalty. Mr. Houston stated that he will look into it.
Meeting adjourned.
XII. Adjournment