May 23, 2023 Quorum Court

[1. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:06]

EVERYBODY WILL TAKE THEIR SEATS, PLEASE.

WE'LL CONVENE THE MAY MEETING OF THE PULASKI COUNTY QUORUM COURT.

WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS THAT ARE HERE WITH US TONIGHT, AND WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS.

SURE APPRECIATE THAT.

AS IS OUR TRADITION HERE IN PULASKI COUNTY, WE WILL HAVE OUR INVOCATION.

ALL THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO STAND, PLEASE STAND.

JUSTICE MCCOY IS GOING TO LEAD US IN THAT INVOCATION.

AND WE'LL FOLLOW THAT BY A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE THAT JUSTICE ROBINSON WILL LEAD.

DEARLY, FATHER, WE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS DAY.

WE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYONE WHO'S GATHERED TOGETHER AND APPRECIATE THIS BODY.

WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS ARE IN MOTION BECAUSE OF YOU.

WE ASK YOU TO BE WITH US THIS EVENING AND GUIDE US.

LEAD OUR STEPS, DEAR LORD.

KEEP US SAFE AND HELP US TO GET DONE WHAT WE NEED TO GET COMPLETED.

IN YOUR NAME. AMEN.

PLEDGE OF 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.

GOOD EVENING, MADAM CLERK.

WHEN YOU'RE READY, WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? ONLY IF I TURNED IT ON.

HUH? EXACTLY.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

MEMBERS, IN YOUR PACKAGE THIS WEEK OR LAST WEEK, YOU RECEIVED THE MINUTES OF OUR APRIL MEETING.

[5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES]

SO MOVED. SECOND.

YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION TO ADOPT.

AND A SECOND, ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE MINUTES FROM LAST MONTH'S MEETING? THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL AND WE'LL ADOPT THE MINUTES FROM LAST MONTH.

CERTAINLY.

. 14 AYES.

ZERO NAYS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

THE MINUTES ARE ADOPTED WHEN YOU'RE READY, IF YOU WILL PLEASE.

[6. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Agenda Committee and Budget Committee]

MAY 23RD, 2023 TO THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE PULASKI COUNTY QUORUM COURT WE YOUR COMMITTEE OF THE BUDGET TO WHOM WAS REFERRED ITEMS 23I-27, 23I-33,23I 3423 I 38 BEG LEAVE TO REPORT WE HAVE HAD THE SAME UNDER CONSIDERATION AND HEREWITH RETURN THE SAME WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF DUE PASS.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED.

DONNY MASSEY DONNA MASSEY CHAIR TO THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE PULASKI COUNTY QUORUM COURT.

WE ARE YOUR COMMITTEE OF THE AGENDA TO WHOM WAS REFERRED ITEMS 23I-30,23I-31, 23I-32, 23I-37 BEG LEAVE TO REPORT WE HAVE HAD THE SAME UNDER CONSIDERATION AND HEREWITH RETURN THE SAME WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF DUE PASS.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED.

[00:05:01]

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

MEMBERS. THERE'S NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

[23-1-35 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS, TO PROVDDE FOR THE INTERIM FILLING OF A VACANCY FOR THE OFFICE OF PULASKI COUNTY JUDGE DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCY.]

MADAM CLERK, READ FOR US WHEN YOU HAVE IT UP THERE.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 23I-35 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTERIM FILING OF A VACANCY FOR THE OFFICE OF PULASKI COUNTY JUDGE DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCY.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. JUSTICE ELLIOTT.

YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

MOVE FOR ADOPTION. SECOND MEMBERS.

YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.

ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR RESOLUTION 23I-35? THERE BEING NONE AT A CLERK CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 23I-35.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

JUSTICE ELLIOTT YOU PASSED YOUR RESOLUTION 23I-35 I'M GOING TO REMIND THE MEMBERS THAT THIS IS LIVE STREAMED AND IT'S ALSO THE RECORD OF THIS MEETING.

PLEASE USE YOUR MICROPHONE SO THAT YOUR EYE OR NAY IS AUDIBLE IN THE RECORDS.

[23-1-36 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS, TO APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTAL LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS AND ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.]

RESOLUTION 23I-36.

A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS, TO APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTAL LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS, AND THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

JUSTICE MASSEY RECOGNIZED FOR THAT MOTION.

YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND MEMBERS YOU HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION OR QUESTIONS REGARDING RESOLUTION 23I-36? THERE BEING NONE.

MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 23I-036.

JUST AS MASSEY YOU PASSED YOUR RESOLUTION 23I-36 AND THANKS FOLKS FROM CHILDREN'S AND THEIR LEGAL REPRESENTATIONS HERE TONIGHT.

YOU'RE FREE TO STEP AWAY IF YOU'D LIKE, AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE WORK YOU DO IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK, READ FOR US WHEN YOU'RE READY.

[23-1-39 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY EXPRESSING THE WILLINGNESS OF PULASKI COUNTY TO UTILIZE FEDERAL-AID TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM FUNDS.]

A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY EXPRESSING THE WILLINGNESS OF PULASKI COUNTY TO UTILIZE FEDERAL AID, TRANSPORTATION, ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM FUNDS, OR RECREATION AND TRAILS PROGRAM FUNDS.

JUSTICE CURRIER RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

YES, I MOVE FOR ADOPTION OF THIS 23I-39.

SECOND MEMBERS YOU HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 23I-39.

IS THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 23I-39.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND JUSTICE CURRY.

YOU PASSED A RESOLUTION 23I-39.

THANK YOU. THAT MOVES US ON TO THE ORDINANCES.

AS FAR AS TONIGHT'S BUSINESS GOES, AND I AM GOING TO WITHOUT OBJECTION, I'M GOING TO MOVE 23I-37 TO THE TOP OF THE LIST.

WE'VE GOT OUR DIRECTOR FOR THAT DEPARTMENT HERE.

IT WON'T BE ANY TESTIMONY ANYWAYS, BUT I NORMALLY REQUIRE DIRECTORS TO BE HERE IF THEY HAVE SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA AND WE HAVE A YOUTH

[00:10:03]

SO, MADAM CLERK, WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE READ FOR US.

[23-1-37 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL COUNTY YOUTH PROGRAMS AND ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUNDS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.]

YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND. MEMBERS YOU HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU HEARD THE SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON ORDINANCE 23I-37 BEING NONE.

MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23I-37 CALL]. 14 AYES, ZERO NAYS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. JUSTICE MEDLOCK.

YOU AND YOUR CREW HAVE PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE AND DIRECTOR SCOTT, YOU MAY GO FORTH AND DO GOOD WORK IN THE COMMUNITY FOR US.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

[23-1-22* AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 89-OR-52 (ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF PULASKI COUNTY CIVIL ATTORNEY) TO ALLOW THE COUNTY CIVIL ATTORNEY OR THEIR STAFF TO PERFORM PRO BONO SERVICES OUTSIDE OF WORK HOURS.]

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 89OR-52 ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF PULASKI COUNTY CIVIL ATTORNEY TO ALLOW THE COUNTY CIVIL ATTORNEY OR THEIR STAFF TO PERFORM PRO BONO SERVICES OUTSIDE OF WORK HOURS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

[23-1-27 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL GENERAL FUNDS FOR THE DETENTION FACILITY-MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.]

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22OR-45, 2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL GENERAL FUNDS FOR THE DETENTION FACILITY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

JUSTICE BLACKWOOD. YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND, THE MEMBERS.

YOU'VE HEARD A MOTION TO ADOPT AND A MOTION TO SECOND.

ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING 23I-27.

YOU, MADAM CLERK. THERE BEING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23I-27.

CALL]. EIGHT NAYS, FIVE AYES AND ONE ABSTENTION.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

JUSTICE BLACKWOOD. YOU FAILED TO PASS YOUR ORDINANCE.

AND NOW, MADAM CLERK, IF YOU WILL PLEASE READ FOR US.

[23-1-30 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS FOR THE CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT.]

EXCUSE ME. JUSTICE LEWISON.

YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND MEMBERS REFERRED THE MOTION.

THE SECOND FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONCERNING ORDINANCE 23I-30.

THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23I-30.

[00:15:07]

JUSTICE LEWISON. YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 23I-30 NOW, MADAM CLERK, WHEN YOU'RE READY, READ FOR US 23I-31 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE

[23-1-31 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO TRANSFER GRANT FUNDS WITHIN THE SHERIFF'S COMPREHENSIVE OPIOID, STIMULANT & SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM (COSSAP).]

JUSTICE MCCOY YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THAT MOTION.

MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONCERNING ORDINANCE 23I-31.

THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE.

WHO HAS A QUESTION? DAVIS. OH, I'M SORRY.

IT'S OKAY. YOU'RE USUALLY SO QUIET, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR QUESTION, JUSTICE DAVIS.

I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE THERE WAS A MISTAKE ON THE PAYROLL.

CORRECT. OKAY.

SEEING NO OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS.

MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23I-31.

14 AYES, ZERO NAYS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. JUSTICE MCCOY, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE.

2331. NOW, WHEN YOU'RE READY, MADAM, PLEASE READ FOR US.

[23-1-32 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT-IN-AID FUNDS FOR THE JUVENILE DETENTION DEPARTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 (JULY 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2023).]

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. JUSTICE ELLIOTT.

YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

MOTION TO ADOPT.

SECOND.

MEMBERS, YOU HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONCERNING ORDINANCE 23I-32.

THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23I-32.

14 AYES, ZERO NAYS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

JUSTICE ELLIOTT.

YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 23I-32.

AND NOW, MADAM CLERK, WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE READ FORCE ORDINANCE 23I-33 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22OR-45 2023

[23-1-33 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO UPGRADE CERTAIN POSITIONS AND DOWNGRADE CERTAIN OTHER POSITIONS FOR VARIOUS NON-GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENTS AND GRANT-FUNDED DEPARTMENTS, TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THOSE UPGRADES, AND TO ADOPT BUDGET CONTROL AMENDMENTS.]

JUSTICE MASSEY YOU RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.

I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND.

MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23I-33.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? MADAM CLERK, THERE BEING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23 I-33.

. 14 AYES, ZERO NAYS.

BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN MASSEY AND THE MEMBERS OF YOUR COMMITTEE.

YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 23I-33.

[23-1-34 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE CERTAIN POSITIONS, AND TO CREATE CERTAIN OTHER POSITIONS FOR VARIOUS GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENTS.]

NOW, ORDINANCE 23I-34 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22OR-45.

2023 ANNUAL BUDGET.

PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS.

TO UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE CERTAIN POSITIONS AND TO CREATE CERTAIN OTHER POSITIONS FOR VARIOUS GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENTS.

[00:20:08]

YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND.

MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.

ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 23I-34.

THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23I-34.

. 14 AYES, ZERO NAYS.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

AND ONCE AGAIN, BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN MASSEY.

YOU AND ALL YOUR MEMBERS HAVE PASSED, I GUESS THE LAST OF YOUR WORK UNTIL THE FALL.

AND THANK YOU.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WORK.

MEMBERS WE'VE ALREADY DISPOSED WITH ORDINANCE 23I-37 SO, MADAM CLERK, WILL YOU PLEASE READ FOR US NOW?

[23-1-38 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22-OR-45 (2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS TO EXTEND ONE-TIME SIGNING BONUSES FOR THE SHERIFF'S ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT AND SHERIFF'S DETENTION DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYEES HIRED BETWEEN MAY 21, 2022 AND JULY 1, 2023.]

2023 ANNUAL BUDGET.

PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS TO APPROPRIATE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS TO EXTEND ONE TIME SIGNING BONUSES FOR THE SHERIFF'S ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE SHERIFF'S DETENTION DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYEES HIRED BETWEEN MAY 21ST, 2022 AND JULY 1ST, 2023.

WELL, CHAIRWOMAN MASSEY, I FAILED TO RECOGNIZE YOU HAD THREE, NOT TWO.

SO YOU RECOGNIZE FOR THE MOTION I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND MEMBERS YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION.

AND SECOND, ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS REGARDING ORDINANCE 23I-38.

I HIT MY BUTTON, BUT IT'S NOT WORKING BECAUSE I'VE GOT I'VE GOT YOU ON A LOT, MIKE.

SO. SO I'M NOT MANAGING THEM TONIGHT.

JUSTICE DAVIS, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR QUESTIONING.

YES. SO IN READING THE ORDINANCE, IT SAYS IT IS FOR THE INTENT OF THIS ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT SIGNING BONUSES ARE RESERVED ONLY FOR POSITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO FILL.

BUT I SAID IN A BUDGET MEETING LAST WEEK AND SHERIFF HAGAN SAID THAT THERE WERE ZERO VACANCIES.

SO I'M CONFUSED AS TO WHY WE NEED TO OFFER A SIGNING BONUS WHEN WE HAVE NO VACANCIES TO FILL.

IF I REMEMBER HOW THE ORDINANCE IS ACTUALLY WRITTEN, IT'S HARD TO FILL.

SO ON THE PATROL SIDE, I THINK OR ENFORCEMENT SIDE, THERE ARE NO VACANCIES.

WELL, THAT ALSO MEANS THAT THERE'S NO APPLICATIONS COMING IN, SO THERE'S NO NEED FOR BONUSES.

IF THE SITUATION ARISES DOWN THE ROAD IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR THAT THEY HAVE MULTIPLE VACANCIES AND THEY ARE STILL HARD TO FILL, THEN I THINK THE ORDINANCE WOULD KICK IN AND AND BE AVAILABLE TO FILL THOSE POSITIONS.

OKAY. THAT'S BETWEEN MAY AND JULY.

THAT'S THERE'S SOME MANAGEMENT INVOLVED THERE.

I UNDERSTAND. IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE WHY WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS.

I CAN'T HEAR YOU. I'M SORRY.

IT JUST DIDN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME WHY WE NEEDED TO HAVE THIS WHEN THERE IS ZERO VACANCIES.

THAT WAS MY ONLY POINT IN QUESTION.

POINT WELL TAKEN. THANK YOU.

JUDGE. JUSTICE STOWERS YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION, I GUESS.

YES, SIR. SO IN READING THE ORDINANCE, IT'S APPLICABLE TO THE ENFORCEMENT BRANCH AS WELL AS THE DETENTION BRANCH, AND WE ARE STILL VERY SHORT IN THE ON THE DETENTION SIDE AS IT RELATES TO VACANCIES.

PEOPLE WOULD RATHER WORK IN ENFORCEMENT THAN IN THE JAIL.

AND SO THIS I GUESS TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, JUSTICE DAVIS, THIS IS ALSO APPLICABLE TO HELPING FILL THOSE MUCH NEEDED VACANCIES IN THE IN THE JAIL.

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? WELL, HE SAID. AND THAT IS A SO TYPICALLY IT'S ABOUT A 40% VACANCY RATE OF JAILERS. HE SAID THERE WERE ZERO.

AND SO USUALLY WE DON'T HAVE CHATTER BACK AND FORTH IN THE QUORUM COURT MEETINGS.

SO SAID ZERO ON ENFORCEMENT, NOT ZERO IN DETENTION.

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? SO ARE THERE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

[00:25:07]

SO YOU'RE RECOGNIZED? I DON'T KNOW, JUDGE. IF YOU WANT TO ANSWER THIS OR SOMEONE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OR HR, BUT ALSO IN THERE IT TALKS ABOUT IF THE EMPLOYEE LEAVES BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR, THEIR EMPLOYMENT HIRE DATE THAT SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY BACK THE FIRST INSTALLMENT.

LOOKS LIKE THE INSTALLMENT WILL BE PAID OUT IN TWO EQUAL INSTALLMENTS.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO RECOUP THAT MONEY IF SUCH POSITION DOESN'T STAY THAT LONG? UM, SO LET ME GET THE MONEY MAN, TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWER THAT I THINK WE'VE ALREADY HAD THAT OCCUR A FEW TIMES AND IT'S BEEN RESOLVED PRETTY TAKE THEIR PAYCHECK.

WELL, I FIGURED THAT, BUT I DON'T KNOW TOO MANY.

I HOPE THERE ARE DETENTION OFFICERS MAKING $2,500 MORE PAYCHECK.

BUT I DON'T THINK ALL THE OVERTIME THEY'VE BEEN DOING WE'VE BEEN TAKING THEIR PAYCHECKS.

OH, OKAY. WELL, THAT'S A GOOD POINT.

YEAH. OKAY.

THEY'VE BEEN MAKING SOME PRETTY DECENT.

SO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T FULFILL THE CONTRACT ARE OCCURRING.

THERE HADN'T BEEN THAT MANY, BUT WE'VE GOTTEN THE MONEY BACK.

THANK YOU. FURTHER QUESTIONS ON 23.

38. THERE BEING NONE.

MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23I-38 WHEN YOU'RE READY.

. TWO NAYS, 13 AYES.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND CHAIRWOMAN MASSEY.

NOW, THAT IS YOUR LAST ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

THANK YOU TO YOU AND YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR THE WORK AND CERTAINLY FOR PASSING THIS ITEM AS WELL.

WE HAVE A LATE FILING.

[Additional Item]

AND SO IN ORDER TO HEAR A LATE FILING, YOU KNOW, OF COURSE, THAT FIRST THING WE'RE GOING TO NEED A MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES.

SO I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION.

IF ONE ONE'S OUT THERE, ONE OUT.

I WILL. MISS MCMULLEN, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.

YES. SO MOVED.

THAT WE GO FORWARD WITH THIS, THAT WE SUSPEND THE RULES.

SECOND, THAT WE GO FORWARD AND SUSPEND THE RULES.

THANK YOU, JUSTICE MCMULLEN.

WE HAVE A SECOND.

SECOND. JUSTICE CURRY HAS MADE THE SECOND.

BACK IN THE CAR. YOU'RE VOTING ON SUSPENDING THE RULES SO THAT YOU CAN HEAR A LATE FILING.

OKAY. IS EVERYBODY CLEAR ON WHAT THEY'RE VOTING FOR? IT'S NON-DEBATABLE.

SO, MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR SUSPENSION OF THE RULES.

13 AYES MEMBERS YOU'VE PASSED THE MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES SO WE CAN HEAR A LATE FILED ITEM.

SO, MADAM CLERK, WHEN YOU'RE READY, WILL YOU READ FOR US? ORDINANCE 23I-40.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 22OR-45, 2023 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS TO RECOGNIZE AN APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM.

THANK YOU, MEMBERS. IT'S SIMPLY A GRANT THAT IS NEEDED IN HOUSING, AND THE STATE DOESN'T ALWAYS RESPECT WHAT OUR TIMELINE IS.

AND SO WE GET, GET, GET KIND OF TIED UP ON THESE PRETTY OFTEN.

ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 23I-40.

[00:30:06]

YOU SHOULD. IT'S IN THE PACKET.

IT'S RIGHT. IT WASN'T IN OUR PACKET.

LET'S SEE IT. IT IS NOT SO THERE BEING NO QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS.

MADAM CLERK, WILL YOU CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 23I-40.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

YEAH, I GOT IT.

DID WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THAT? NO, ON THE ORDINANCE.

MADAM CLERK. NO, SIR.

SO WE STEPPED OUT OF ORDER THERE.

SO THAT'S A VOTE ON NOTHING.

SO NOW WE'LL TAKE UP THE LATE FILED ITEM.

JUSTICE LEWISON.

WHEN I GOT READY TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK, JUSTICE LEWISON, I REALIZED THAT I HADN'T HEARD FROM YOU ON A MOTION.

SO YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23I-40.

I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION.

SECOND MEMBERS.

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

AND SO FOR THE SECOND TIME, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 23 I-40.

THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK, IF YOU DON'T MIND, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL A SECOND TIME.

I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND THE THE THE BRAIN BUBBLE THERE FOR A SECOND.

NO WORRIES.

THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK, AND THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

QUORUM COURT WITH ME ON THAT FUMBLE.

JUSTICE LEWISON.

CONGRATULATIONS. YOU'VE PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 23I-40 THAT ADJOURNS THE BUSINESS PORTION OF OUR AGENDA.

[Announcements]

DO ANY OF THE MEMBERS HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS? JUSTICE STOWERS HAS THE ANNOUNCEMENT? YEAH. SEEM TO BE SOME CONFUSION WITH MY PRESENT VOTE.

SO IF YOU'VE EVER BEEN TO THE LEGISLATURE, JUSTIN, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT A PRESENT VOTE IS AS OPPOSED TO AN ABSTENTION? I RECOGNIZE ITS PRESENT MEANS I'M PRESENT NON-VOTING.

SO THAT'S ALL PRESENT MEANS.

OKAY. WE'RE GOOD. ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE COURT? DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO VOTE. THAT COMPLETES OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS.

MEMBERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK TODAY.

AND THAT WILL MOVE THE BODY INTO PUBLIC COMMENT.

THERE ARE A FEW.

THANK YOU. OKAY.

AND THE THE JUDGES.

LET ME DO THIS. OKAY.

YEAH. SO I AM TAKING OVER FOR THE JUDGE AND THE PUBLIC COMMENTS.

MISS KATHY WELLS AND JUST TO REMIND YOU THAT IT'S A THREE MINUTE, THREE MINUTE TIME LIMIT AND JUSTIN WILL BE RUNNING THE TIMER.

AND PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I'M KATHY WELLS.

I'M PRESIDENT OF THE COALITION OF LITTLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOODS.

WE VISITED BEFORE, OFTEN ON PLANNING THE FUTURE.

I'M HERE TONIGHT BECAUSE IT'S VERY TROUBLING TO ME THAT THE LAND USE PLAN THAT'S NOW COMMENCED IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS, WHICH IS A TURNING POINT, I THINK, IN THE WHOLE COUNTY AND ITS FUTURE LIVING AND LIFESTYLE, INCLUDES CONTRACTOR GARVER AND GARVER, WHICH IS A WELL KNOWN NAME. OPERATED FOR DECADES.

BUT IN THIS COMMUNITY AND WHEN I RAISED THE QUESTION ABOUT CONFLICT OF INTEREST, I GOT BACK, WELL, WE DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT.

WE THINK WE HAVE SETTLED THE QUESTION.

[00:35:03]

THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT.

AND KEEP IN MIND, YOU'VE GOT.

A SEWER PLANT SITTING AT THE FOOT OF PINNACLE.

THAT'S ON TREATMENT PLANT NUMBER ONE OF FOUR.

WHEN THIS COUNTY'S DONE GROWING THE SAME VALLEY THAT WE HAVE, RUNNING SEWER DOWNHILL TO TREATMENT AROUND US TODAY IS JUST GOING TO BE DUPLICATED TO THE WEST.

THEY'VE GOT A BRAND NEW VALLEY RUNNING GRAND NEW GRAVITY LINES DOWN TO PINNACLE.

SO WE'RE JUST AT THE START OF THE BEGINNING OF DOUBLING THIS METROPOLIS.

SO THERE'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF GROWTH COMING AND HOW WELL WE PLAN THAT AND HOW WELL WE PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THE RURAL FOLKS AND THE AGRICULTURAL FOLKS IS VERY MUCH A CONCERN TODAY.

SO I HOPE THAT WE WILL FOLLOW THIS CLOSELY.

LOOK AT EXAMPLES LIKE PORTLAND, OREGON, WHICH GRAPPLED IN VERY SUCCESSFULLY WITH THIS, AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR COMING.

THANK YOU. NOW, MISTER ANDREW BOLTON.

GOOD EVENING.

ANDREW BOLTON FROM THE COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE.

JUDGE, YOU LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU.

KNOW, I JUST WANTED TO BRING SOME UPDATES FROM OUR OFFICE.

UM, I LIKE TO KEEP YOU ALL INFORMED.

YOU ALL MAY GET TIRED OF HEARING ME EVERY SO OFTEN, BUT UNTIL YOU ALL TELL ME TO, DON'T COME ANYMORE.

I'M GOING TO. I'M GOING TO KEEP KEEPING YOU ALL INFORMED.

UM. BUSY TIME OF YEAR FOR US.

SUMMER IS IS KIND OF OUR MAIN TIME FRAME AS FAR AS PROGRAMS WE'VE GOT GOING ON.

OUR FOR AGENT HAS TONS OF PLANS FOR OUR YOUTH THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER, INCLUDING ROBOTICS CAMPS, VET SCIENCE CAMPS, EVEN SOME INTERIOR DESIGN CAMPS.

SO A LITTLE OFF THE OR A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN OUR TRADITIONAL 4H PROGRAM IN THERE.

BUT WE'RE ALL EXCITED ABOUT THAT AND LOOKING FORWARD TO ENGAGING OUR YOUTH THIS SUMMER.

ON MY SIDE AND OUR AGRICULTURE SIDE, WORKING WITH OUR CATTLE PRODUCERS AND ROW CROPPERS, SEVERAL DIFFERENT FIELDS, WE'RE HELPING TO, TO WALK THROUGH THE GROWING PROCESS AND HAVING DIFFERENT VARIETY TRIALS, DIFFERENT GROWING TECHNIQUES.

SO REALLY EXCITED TO WORK WITH PRODUCERS THROUGHOUT OUR COUNTY, OUR OUR FAMILY, CONSUMER SCIENCE AND SNAP-ED AGENTS ARE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY CONDUCTING THEIR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS. AND SO WE'RE EXCITED TO TO CONTINUE TO SEE THEIR OUTREACH AND THEIR GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

THE EXTENSION ALSO HAS STARTED A NEW PROGRAM IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ON THE STATE LEVEL.

AND SO THIS SUMMER, PULASKI COUNTY WAS SELECTED AS A SITE TO HOST ONE OF OUR EXTENSION INTERNS.

SHE ACTUALLY STARTED MONDAY, HAS BEEN OUT AT THE 4H CENTER OUT AT FERNDALE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS OF, I GUESS YOU'D CALL IT ONBOARDING TRAINING.

SO SHE'S GOING TO START IN OUR OFFICE FOR THE NEXT TWO MONTHS ON THURSDAY MORNING.

SO WE'RE EXCITED TO HAVE HER AND SHE'S GOING TO WORK IN ALL AREAS OF OUR OFFICE.

AND SO WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO TO HELP TO HAVE HER ON BOARD FOR THE SUMMER.

LAST THING, WE'RE STILL NOT TO THE POINT OF HAVING A FULL TIME STAFF CHAIR APPOINTED IN OUR OFFICE.

INTERVIEWS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED AND WE'RE HOPING IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE TO HAVE THAT NAMED.

OUR INTERIM STAFF CHAIR APOLOGIZES THAT HE COULDN'T BE HERE TONIGHT.

HE HAD SOME OTHER OBLIGATIONS IN HIS HOME COUNTY.

BUT IF ANYBODY HAS QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THAT, HE ASKED ME TO GIVE HIS CONTACT INFORMATION.

IF ANYBODY HAD THOSE CONCERNS, HE WOULD BE GLAD TO ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS.

SO BUT HOPEFULLY IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE'LL HAVE AN IN HOUSE STAFF CHAIR AND CAN.

AND BE BACK TO.

I MEAN, WE'VE KIND OF BEEN BUSINESS AS USUAL, BUT REALLY IN HOUSE, BUSINESS AS USUAL.

SO THANK YOU, MR. BALDWIN. THAT WAS PERFECT BECAUSE YOUR THREE MINUTES UP.

PERFECT. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, SIR.

AND WE HAVE JUDGE WENDELL GRIFFEN, PLEASE.

[00:40:04]

I'M HERE AS COUNSEL FOR CIRCUIT JUDGE LATANYA HONORABLE AUSTIN.

JUST TO GIVE THE QUORUM COURT AN UPDATE.

AS YOU KNOW, A LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN DECEMBER CONCERNING PROBATION OFFICERS.

TODAY, WE FILED ON BEHALF OF JUDGE HONORABLE A MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF JUDGE TIM FOX'S BENCH RULING ON LAST TUESDAY, SETTING OUT OUR POSITION ON THE LAW.

AS YOU MAY KNOW, AS YOU MAY KNOW, THE COUNTY JUDGE HAS CONTENDED THAT THE LAW THAT ALLOWS FOR CIRCUIT JUDGES TO SUPERVISE IN FIRST, FOURTH AND FIFTH DIVISIONS, PROBATION OFFICERS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

WE FILED OUR MOTION TO SAY THAT'S THE WRONG LAW, THAT THE NOTION OF THE LAW IS WRONG.

AND WE FILED THE MOTION TO SHOW THAT THE COUNTY JUDGE'S DEFENSES ARE OBJECTING TO OUR DEFENSES IS WRONG.

YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT THAT.

SO I GAVE YOU THAT INFORMATION SO YOU WOULD HAVE IT FOR YOUR READING.

PLEASURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU, JUDGE GRIFFIN.

IF THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO CLAIM OUR ATTENTION, WE ARE ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.