The Winfield City Council meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 5:30 pm via video conference.
Present for the meeting was Mayor Randy Price, Councilmember Rusty Barnes, Councilmember Chris Ballard and Councilmember Anthony Hallmark. Councilmember Tim Garrison was unable to attend. City Clerk Angie Oliver recorded the meeting minutes and City Attorney Todd Atkinson was present for legal counsel. Wayne Mays- 49 County News was present for the meeting. The Journal Record was not present.
Mayor Price welcomed everyone and begin by calling the meeting to order. Councilmember Chris Ballard led the meeting in prayer. Mayor Price continued by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Jimmy Hayes joined the meeting.
Mayor Price begin with asking each member to consider what the future meeting plans would be. Councilmember Chris Ballard said he would like to meet in person for the first meeting and then follow with a video meeting for the second one. Councilmember Anthony Hallmark stated he would like to go back to meeting in person. Councilmember Jimmy Hayes stated he would like to meet in a larger area to provide adequate space for distancing, possibly the Pastime Theatre. After a brief discussion, Mayor Price stated he would reach out to each member the Thursday before the next meeting to gather the opinion of how and where to meet.
Mayor Price called for a motion to accept the minutes from May 5, 2020 as written. Motion was made by Councilmember Chris Ballard. Second motion was made by Councilmember Anthony Hallmark. All members voted in favor.
Next Mayor Price called for a motion to approve the accounts payable if no comments or questions. Councilmember Jimmy Hayes had a question on the purchase of items from Staples. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated the items were purchased for office supplies for the City and Police. City Clerk Oliver stated the other departments used Staples also, as the prices seemed to be cheaper. At this time, no one is wanting to shop inside Wal-Mart for a long period of time.
Councilmember Chris Ballard questioned what the Bravo Food Service payment was. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated this check was a replacement check for the original tax abatement check written in September 2019. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated the original check has been placed Stop Payment.
Councilmember Ballard asked what the payment to Guin and Parish for tax/rental research was for. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated Mayor Price would have to explain this charge as she was unaware of this request. Mayor Price stated it might be something Administrator Mike Watkins requested. City Attorney Todd Atkinson stated he thought this was from the Ballard incentive agreement discussion to determine if tax could be collected on equipment rental. Attorney Atkinson continued by stating some agriculture and forestry can not be taxed. With no more comments or questions, Mayor Price continued for a motion to approve the accounts payable. Motion was made by Councilmember Chris Ballard. Second motion was made by Councilmember Rusty Barnes. All members voted in favor to approve.
Mayor Price asked all members to consider how to allow sick time to be used by employees. Mayor Price stated when he began office he raised the sick time accrual from 30 days to 60 days to allow for employees who needed long term recovery from illness. Mayor Price stated a policy needed to be put in to place for the employees if this time could be used for birth of child. City Attorney Todd Atkinson stated a leave could be put in to place just for this purpose. City Attorney Atkinson stated at any time after a certain period a Department Head could request a written excuse. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated the period was three days. City Attorney Atkinson stated a Department Head must approve planned time off if using sick leave. Attorney Atkinson stated sick time is a benefit and can be limited to use. Mayor Price asked Attorney Atkinson to review the City’s current policy and see what changes could or need to be made. City Attorney said a designated leave could be put into place. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated this leave would be similar to Bereavement leave. No action was taken at this time.
Mayor Price called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was made by Councilmember Chris Ballard. Second motion was made by Councilmember Anthony Hallmark. All members voted in favor to adjourn.
Angie Oliver
City Clerk
