Vilonia council considers changes

VILONIA The Vilonia City Council left the June meeting Tuesday night with several subjects to ponder and decisions left to be made in the near future.

Requests at the meeting included one for them to dip into the city's coffers to help with the hiring of a part time "point person," to consider a wellness package for city employees and to think about changing to a four-day work week for economical purposes.

On behalf of the Vilonia Chamber of Commerce, board member Debbie Townsend asked the council to consider helping them "one-time" in the form of financial assistance to hire a part-time "point person." The executive officer, she said, would assist with recruitment as well as economic development and serve as a liaison between the chamber and the city. She talked about Greenbrier's success following the hiring of such a person.

"All our chamber members are volunteers," she said. "We all have jobs."

The chamber hopes to begin funding the 10-hour-per-week position in October. Chamber officials are asking for a commitment from the city in a monetary amount of $3,750. The chamber plans to match the amount to fund the position through 2009.

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Mayor Ken Belote informed the council they could not take any formal action on the matter since it was not an official agenda item. Further discussion was tabled until the July meeting.

A second subject that was brought up for discussion and set aside regarding action until the July meeting was the prospect of a city-backed, employee program with Pace Fitness Zone. Presenting the information to the council, Belote talked about the benefits of such a "wellness" package for the employees. While it appeared that most council members approved, the council authorized Belote to poll the employees as to their participation and to explore the additional load it would place on a billing clerk should they opt to participate.

On another note, the council discussed briefly that contract negotiations are underway with both Pepsi and Coke concerning products. Pepsi's contract, Belote said, expires this week. He said he will continue negotiations and present information on the matter at the next meeting.

There was also a brief discussion on the city renewing a contract with Charter Communications. Belote asked for a recommendation. The discussion ended with the mayor saying he would come back to the board with additional information including the number of customers currently in the city.

Asked to repeat himself twice, it appeared there was a bit of surprise when Belote announced that all five members of the Parks and Recreation Committee have resigned.

"They are all worn out," Belote said.

When asked who was handling business, Belote said, "Ultimately, the buck stops here."

However, he referred to a part-time employee who has been taking care of maintenance at the park and also a second employee, who serves as a part-time administrative assistant and who handles the financial end. Belote said he anticipates some other volunteers may step forth to help with the fall sports program.

A short executive session, the mayor announced they had been discussing more than one personnel matter and that he would be obtaining some additional information.

"There was no final action," he said.

The meeting concluded with Belote encouraging the council to "stay abreast of the news."

He suggested the city may be leaning toward a four-day work week, closing on Fridays, as an economic move. The four-day week, he said, would save several dollars in utilities as well as save employees gasoline.

"Other cities are doing this," he said.

He concluded by saying that he just wanted the council to be mindful that the change may be inevitable.

"It's a new day, y'all," he said.

Other business

The council authorized the reappointment of Steve Simon to the water board. Belote touted his praises saying, "He is doing a very good job, and he would be delighted to serve."

The council authorized bids be taken on some city vehicles to be retired including two police cruisers, a brush truck and a street truck. The bids are to be opened at the July city council meeting.

Reports

Fire department According to John Hancock, assistant fire chief, there were no fire runs in May. However, there were 12 EMS runs, he said, all medically related.

"No motor vehicle accidents," he said.

The department did remove a tree that had blown down on a city street. They also participated in Vilonia Fest collecting for the Fallen Firefighters Memorial and selling bottled water as a fundraiser for the department. Hancock said they raised $180 for the department during the festival.

Currently, there are 23 fire department members including three new volunteers added in May. It is possible, according to Hancock, that 18 could be Firefighter 1 and 2 qualified by the end of the year. As of now, he said, there are five.

Sewer department It was said construction at the new water treatment facility is "going well." City council members were urged to go to the site and observe the progress. It was said due to the rain, the project is about two weeks behind schedule.

Announcements

It was said that June 4 was declared, by proclamation, James Hutchens Day in the city. Reading the proclamation, Belote said Hutchins is a "fine man" with 31 years of service to Vilonia School District.