Regina Ibbotson

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The council accepted the minutes from the previous regular meeting and public hearing. The Lonoke Beautification committee budget for 2025 and the proposed budget for 2026 were accepted with guidance. Approval was granted for crosswalk drawings related to the Lonoke Middle School East program. Regarding finance, the council approved the 2026 preliminary budget. Ordinance 830, relating to waiving competitive bidding for mosquito spraying chemicals, was read and adopted. For the Community Center, repairs for the bathroom and the purchase of Olympic Rubber plates were approved, along with allowing an application for the Fit Court Grant. In Public Works, Action Electrical Services, LLC was approved for corrective action work at the wastewater plant. The police department received approval to upgrade VR software for the taser 10 package, and Ordinance 831, authorizing the purchase of the Axon taser 10 bundle and VR upgrade, was adopted. New business included the adoption of a resolution establishing an artificial intelligence policy for the City of Lonoke and a resolution supporting the revival of the state-run federal surplus property program. Finally, the council approved payment for bills due in December 2025.

The meeting addressed various departmental reports, including updates from the Community Center regarding upcoming events like Baptist Health Checks and Basketball. A proposal for overhauling the men's and women's showers at the Community Center was noted for inclusion in the next fiscal year's budget. In Public Works, the council moved to reject a single bid received for the Certified Bid Tabulation for the Corrective Action Plan required at the wastewater plant and opted to rebid the project. A proposal from the Police Department to allow the Captain and Investigator to take home their vehicles failed after a vote. Significant action was taken under Old Business concerning the passage of Ordinance 828, which implements a marriage provision for members of the Local Fire Pension Fund, and the adoption of Ordinance 829, which modifies established rates for water and sewer services. New business included the approval of the 2026 ARML AD&D Policy for Elected Officials and Supervisors, followed by the approval of bills for payment.

Key discussions included a public comment requesting police take-home vehicles for all officers to improve response times. The council approved the third-quarter budget numbers. For Public Works, a quote from Bill's Fence was approved for well fence repair at the ballpark. The police department proposed a policy to allow officers to take service vehicles home, which was tabled. Community Center business involved approving a quote from Lonoke Service Co. to replace two condenser fan motors on the pool pak, and the Mayor announced plans to seek a grant for a pickleball court. Under old business, bids for the demolition of two condemned properties were refused, and the council authorized the city to proceed with demolition up to $12,000.00, and the final draft of the Mallard Point Water Line Easement was approved. New business saw the successful passage of Ordinance 827 regarding the "Local Fireman's Plan consolidation with agreement for services" through three readings and adoption, approval of legal services for a water aerator grant project, and approval of the current millage certification for Lonoke County. A discussion on proposed Water/Sewer rate increases necessary for grant compliance occurred without immediate action.

A public hearing was conducted to receive public comments concerning mandated water and sewer rate increases, as required by Act 605 and Act 925. The proposed rate increases are scheduled to take effect in the billing period covering January 2026 usage. No members of the public presented any questions or comments during the scheduled time.

The meeting included public comments regarding hospice home care and salary discussions from the previous month. Key agenda items involved approving a monthly salary increase for the fire chief. Public Works reported on a quote to repair the grapple truck, which was subsequently approved. The Police Department received approval to enter into a 5-year contract for Axon Tasers and related equipment. The Parks Director received approval for field maintenance services for baseball fields. During Old Business, Ordinance 826, granting an exclusive franchise to Natural State Tree Service, Inc., was read and adopted through all three required readings, and approval was granted for the Mayor to execute an easement for a water line upgrade at Mallard Point. New Business involved tabling the decision on bids received for the demolition of two condemned properties until the following meeting. Finally, the council approved the payment of September 2025 bills.