Mar 28, 2023 Quorum Court

[00:00:02]

IF EVERYONE WILL PLEASE TAKE THEIR SEATS.

[1. CALL TO ORDER]

CALL THE PULASKI COUNTY QUORUM COURT MONTHLY MEETING FOR MARCH TO ORDER.

AND AS IS OUR TRADITION, WE'LL HAVE INVOCATION MR. MCCOY IS ASKED TO DO IT TONIGHT.

AND IF YOU CAN STAND, WILL YOU PLEASE DO SO? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL WEATHER.

WE REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.

WE ASKED YOU TO BE WITH THOSE NEIGHBORS OF ALL OF MISSISSIPPI AND THE TRAGIC WEATHER THEY'VE HAD RECENTLY, DEAR LORD, AND ALSO THE TRAGIC DEATHS.

WE JUST ASK THAT YOU WOULD, AS ALWAYS, PRAY, GRANT US SAFETY WHILE WE'RE HERE AND AS WE LEAVE BACK TO OUR HOMES, WHEREVER WE MAY TRAVEL.

I ASK THAT YOU BLESS THIS TIME TOGETHER AND THE EFFORTS THAT WE'RE LOOKING INTO, THE INTERESTS WE HAVE AND SO FORTH.

WE JUST ASK YOU TO BE WITH US DURING THAT TIME AND BLESS IT.

IN YOUR SON'S NAME. AMEN. AMEN.

JUSTICE BLACKWOOD IF YOU LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE 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.

THANK YOU. I WANT TO WELCOME ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS AND DIRECTORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES THAT ARE HERE TONIGHT AND WELCOME OUR GUESTS. MADAM CLERK, WHEN YOU'RE READY, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? . 12 PRESENT 2 ABSENT.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND MEMBERS, I'M GOING TO REMIND EVERYONE TO PULL THE MICROPHONE DOWN TO YOUR FACE.

I'VE HAD CALLS RECENTLY TO GO BACK TO SOME PAST RECORDINGS, AND PORTION OF YOUR VOTES ARE INAUDIBLE, SO PLEASE REMEMBER TO DO THAT.

IN YOUR PACKAGE THIS WEEK YOU RECEIVED THE MINUTES FROM OUR LAST QUORUM COURT MEETING.

[5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES]

MOVED, SECOND.

MEMBERS THERE'S A MOTION TO ADOPT AND A SECOND.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE MINUTES FROM OUR LAST MEETING? THERE BEING NONE.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF ADOPTING LAST MONTH'S MEETING INDICATE SO BY SAYING AYE, AYE.

ANY OPPOSED SAME SIGN.

MADAM CLERK. LET IT REFLECT THAT IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.

CERTAINLY. WE'LL DO IT.

MR. HUTCHENS YOU'RE GOING TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR MOST RECENT AUDIT REPORT.

[6. LEGISLATIVE AUDIT REPORT]

LEGISLATIVE AUDIT MAILS THOSE OUT IF YOU DIDN'T RECEIVE ONE OR IF THE NEW PEOPLE MAY NOT HAVE GOTTEN ONE, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT OFF THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT WEBSITE, BUT WE HAD NO FINDINGS FOR AUDIT YEAR 2021 AND WE JUST BEGAN AUDIT FOR 2022.

VERY GOOD. WELL, THANK YOU AND LET ALL THE FOLKS HANDLING OUR FINANCES ON ALL THREE FLOORS HERE AND IN OUR OTHER BUILDINGS KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE IT.

I KNOW THAT THE MEMBERS DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT AUDITS WITH PROBLEMS AND AND HAVE TO ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD JOB.

THERE'S NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

WE'LL MOVE ON TO NEW BUSINESS.

[00:05:02]

EXCUSE ME, JUDGE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ FOR THE COMMITTEE REPORT BEFORE WE GET THERE?

[7. COMMITTEE REPORT]

YES, PLEASE. WOULD YOU READ THE AGENDA REPORT INTO THE RECORD.

MARCH 28TH, 2023 TO THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE PULASKI COUNTY QUORUM COURT [INAUDIBLE] YOUR COMMITTEE OF THE AGENDA TO WHOM WAS REFERRED ITEMS 23-I-17, 23-I-18, 23-I-19 BEG LEAVE TO REPORT WE HAVE HAD THE SAME UNDER CONSIDERATION AND HEREWITH RETURN THE SAME WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF DO PASS, RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED CURTIS A.

KEITH, CHAIR. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK, AND APPRECIATE YOU KEEPING ME ON TIME ONLINE.

NOW WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE READ FOR US RESOLUTION 23-I-16.

[23-I-16 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY CERTIFYING LOCAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT OF NATURAL STATE CONCRETE SUPPLY CO. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE (TAX BACK) ACT OF 2003]

JUSTICE CURRY, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

MOVE TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION.

SECOND.

MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD A MOTION YOU'VE HEARD A SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON RESOLUTION 23-I-16? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23-I-16.

. TWO ABSENT, 1 NO, AND 11 AYES.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND JUSTICE CURRY YOU PASSED YOUR RESOLUTION.

CONGRATULATIONS. THAT'S YOUR FIRST.

YES. LEGISLATION.

GOOD JOB. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE READ FOR US NOW RESOLUTION 23-I-20.

[23-I-20 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY CERTIFYING LOCAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT OF THE FEDERAL METAL COMPANY TO PARTICD7ATE IN THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE (TAX BACK) ACT OF 2003.]

JUSTICE GREEN YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND.

MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING RESOLUTION 23-I-20? MADAM CLERK, WILL YOU PLEASE READ FOR US? I'M SORRY. WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23-I-20? 11 AYES, 1 NO, 2 ABSENT.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND JUSTICE GREEN YOU PASSED YOUR RESOLUTION, AND THAT'S NOT THE FIRST OF YOUR CAREER OR YOUR FIRST ORDINANCE, I SHOULD SAY RESOLUTION.

MADAM CLERK, PLEASE READ FOR ME NOW ORDINANCE NUMBER 23-I-17.

[23-I-17 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE YOUTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE CHAMPIONS FOR ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM.]

JUSTICE LEWISON YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

MOVE TO ADOPT. SECOND.

MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD A MOTION YOU'VE HEARD A SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR ORDINANCE 23-I-17? THERE BEING NONE MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL TO ADOPT OR APPROVE ORDINANCE 23-I-17.

CALL].

12 AYES, 2 ABSENT.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

JUSTICE LEWISON, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 23-I-17.

[00:10:04]

NOW, PLEASE READ FOR US ORDINANCE 23-I-18.

[23-I-18 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS FOR THE CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT.]

JUSTICE BLACKWOOD YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND. MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION YOU'VE HEARD A SECOND.

ARE THERE QUESTIONS COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 23-I-18? THERE BEING NONE MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 23-I-18.

. 12 AYES, 2 ABSENT.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

MEMBERS, YOU PASSED 23-I-18.

CONGRATULATIONS JUSTIN BLAGG, JUSTICE BLACKWOOD AND MADAM CLERK READ FOR US NOW ORDINANCE 23-I-19.

[23-I-19 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSES OF PURCHASING AN INTEGRATED RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR THE SHERHT'S DEPARTMENT]

JUSTICE BLACKWOOD YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND. MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR ORDINANCE 23-I-19? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 23-I-19.

12 AYES, 2 ABSENT.

JUSTICE BLACKWOOD, CONGRATULATIONS, YOU PASSED 23-I-19.

MEMBERS, THAT CONCLUDES THE BUSINESS PORTION OF OUR THE ADJOURNMENT OF OUR BUSINESS PORTION OF OUR MEETING.

DO WE HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS AMONG THE MEMBERS? I HAVE THAT MOVES US ON TO PUBLIC COMMENT.

I HAVE ONE REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

MR. ANDREW BOLTON.

AND IF YOU'LL INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL THESE FOLKS WHAT YOUR TITLE IS SO THAT YOU CAN SPEAK TO THEM.

. I JUST WANTED TO BRING SOME UPDATED GREETINGS FROM THE EXTENSION OFFICE JUST TO BRING AN UPDATE OF KIND OF WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON LATELY.

WE HAVE OUR NEW HORTICULTURE AGENT.

HE WASN'T ABLE TO JOIN ME TONIGHT, BUT HE HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

DERRICK REED IS HIS NAME.

HE'S A WEST TEXAS NATIVE AND BY WAY OF CALIFORNIA TO HERE.

BUT HE HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH ALL OF OUR MANY MASTER GARDENERS AND THEIR PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTY.

AND SO WE'RE THANKFUL AND GLAD TO HAVE HIM ON BOARD WITH US NOW.

UM, IT'S A BUSY TIME OF YEAR BETWEEN AGRICULTURE 4H AND OUR FCS AGENTS ARE ALL GOING IN DIFFERENT WAYS, DOING LOTS OF GREAT THINGS.

OUR 4H AGENT MARTY SHADDIX HAD A REALLY SUCCESSFUL KIDS COOKING CAMP OVER SPRING BREAK.

KIDS GOT TO LEARN SOME HOW TO SOME HEALTHY COOKING RECIPES, WORK ON THEIR SAFE, KNIFE CUTTING SKILLS IN THE KITCHEN, SOME THINGS LIKE THAT.

WE'RE REALLY PLEASED WITH HOW THAT WENT.

ON THE AGRICULTURE SIDE, WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOME DRY WEATHER AND SOME DRY GROUND THAT'S FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.

BUT GETTING READY TO GET PLANTING SEASON GOING AND GET OUR RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION TRIALS SET OUT FOR PEOPLE TO SEE IN THE COUNTY.

AND OUR FCS AGENTS ARE DOING A LOT OF GREAT WORK IN OUR SCHOOLS AND WORKING WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT GROUPS AND ADULTS AND KIDS.

SO I JUST WANTED TO BRING A QUICK UPDATE ON THAT AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

ANDREW, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO GET A CHANCE TO PERSONALLY MEET THE YOUR NEW DIRECTOR.

[00:15:04]

SO WE'RE STILL WITHOUT A DIRECTOR.

WE'RE SUPPOSEDLY MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION.

BUT I DON'T HAVE AN UPDATE ON THAT YET.

WELL, IN THE MEANTIME, IF YOU'LL KEEP US ADVISED, WE SURE APPRECIATE IT.

ABSOLUTELY. YES, SIR.

THANK YOU ALL. THANK YOU.

MOTION TO ADJOURN.

I'LL MOVE. ANY OBJECTION? WE'RE ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.