City of Dardanelle

The session commenced with a public hearing concerning a petition to close an alley in Block 12 between Lots 7 and 9. Key discussions during the meeting included updates from the Mayor regarding local events such as the football semi-finals rescheduling the Christmas parade, the successful contract signing for new hotel land acquisition, and upcoming Christmas festivities. Department reports featured the Police Department's monthly activity, including calls for service, citations issued, and successful audit compliance. Public Works reported on essential well maintenance and preparations for upcoming water line construction. New Business involved approving several agreements, including funding for the Arkansas River Valley Library, an in-kind agreement with the Boys and Girls Club, an in-kind agreement concerning the Senior Activity Center Van, the 2026 Land Lease Contract with Sammie McDowell, the 911 Services Agreement with Yell County, and the 2026 Leachate Contract. Additionally, Ordinance 2025-15 regarding the alley closure received its first reading and approval, Ordinance 2025-16 was passed after suspension of reading rules, and the elected Fire Department officers for 2026-2027 were approved. The proposed 2026 Budget, which includes allocations for a new bathroom/concession facility at the soccer complex and a new fire bay, was presented for review without formal action. An executive session was held, but no action resulted from it.

The meeting included a Mayor's Monthly Update covering the completion of Christmas activities, the upcoming start of the Second Street Waterline project, and the anticipated hotel construction. Key legislative actions included the second reading and approval of Ordinance 2026- to close an alley, the approval of Resolution R2026-01 regarding Council Procedural Rules (with significant discussion regarding packet distribution timing), and the approval of Ordinance 2026-01 to amend the regular city council meeting ordinance. The council also approved Ordinance 2026-02 allowing certain city officials to conduct business with the city, and Ordinance 2026-03 for the 2026 Budget. Additionally, expenditures for Court Automated Funds were approved, and a request for the Chamber of Commerce to act as a clearing house for a tourism grant was authorized. The council approved the 2026 lease for ARVAC, removed Police Policy 107.1 concerning overtime, and adopted the stricter Police Policy 510.1 regarding registered sex offender notification. Finally, Resolution R2026-02 in support of reviving the State-Run Federal Surplus Property Program was approved, and Council Member Spears was elected as President Pro Tempore for 2026.

The Mayor provided an update highlighting the efforts of city employees and community partners in managing significant winter weather challenges, including clearing roads and addressing a major sewer line issue caused by a tree root. Key discussions included the third reading and approval of Ordinance 2026-04 regarding closing an alley in Block 12. The Council also approved expenditure requests from Court Automated Funds totaling $5,962.06. The Police Department reported 512 calls for service in January, alongside metrics for warnings, citations, training hours, and grant usage for traffic enforcement. The Public Works Director reported on resolving the sewer line flow issue and the commencement of the 2nd Street water line project.

The special called council meeting included a public hearing where the final pricing for the selling of bonds and important points regarding Ordinance 2025-09 were discussed. The council considered and adopted Ordinance 2025-09, authorizing the issuance of water and sewer revenue and sales and use tax refunding and improvement bonds for financing and refinancing the cost of capital improvements.

The council discussed and approved Ordinance 2025-07, which amends sewer rates ordinances. The ordinance underwent three readings, with the rule requiring full readings on separate days being suspended for the second and third readings. An emergency clause was also approved, making the ordinance effective immediately.