COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER, 2025

Date Posted: 01/28/2026

CITY OF GASSVILLE, ARKANSAS
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2025

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gassville, Arkansas was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the Gassville Community Center. Mayor Braim led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and offered a words of prayer, after which the meeting was then called to order at 6:00 PM.

Upon the calling of the roll, those in attendance were Council Member Tim McFarland, Council Member Anita Seaman, Council Member Ernest Adkins, Council Member Ralph Bird, Mayor Jeff Braim, and Recorder-Treasurer Jeff Lewis. Council Member Naomi Lassen was absent. Department Heads in attendance were Police Chief Tim Mayfield, Fire Chief Michael Glotzl, and Water and Street Superintendent Michael Dewey.

The minutes from the October 21, 2025 regular meeting were presented to the City Council for approval. Council Member Bird moved to approve those minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Council Member Seaman. Mayor Braim called for additions or corrections. None were forthcoming, whereupon he called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried.

The minutes from the November 4, 2025 special called meeting were then presented for approval. Council Member Seaman moved to approve those minutes as presented. The motion as seconded by Council Member McFarland. Mayor Braim asked for additions or corrections. None were forthcoming, whereupon he called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried.

The financial report for the month of October, 2025 was presented for approval. Council Member Bird moved to approve the financial report as presented. This motion was seconded by Council Member Seaman. Mayor Braim called the City Council's attention to the fact that the WWTF salary line item on page 34 would be somewhat deficient due to the unanticipated retirement of WWTF Plant Manager Russell Duggins and the associated payout for his accrued benefits. Mayor Braim then called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried.

Police Chief Mayfield gave the police department report for the month of October, 2025. It was accepted into the record without objection.

Fire Chief Glotzl gave the fire department report for the month of October, 2025. It was accepted into the record without objection.

The building inspection report was not yet available.

The Cotter-Gassville Joint Sewer Commission has not met, although the Mayor indicated that the WWTF is operating normally. A minor electrical issue was experienced but has been repaired.

Superintendent Dewey gave a report on the Gassville Cemetery. New custom signage is being obtained to designate the five various sections of the cemetery. Cemetery files and records have also been updated and a new plat map obtained. The city is looking into purchasing some kind of new cemetery software that would be used to create a complete, comprehensive, and searchable database of rows, spaces, plots, and the names of those who are buried there. The roadway through a newer part of the cemetery has also now been paved.

Moving to unfinished business, the City Council took up consideration of Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-10 on its third reading. Council Member Seaman moved to suspend the rules and place the proposed ordinance on its third and final reading by title only. This motion was seconded by Council Member Bird. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried. Thereupon, Recorder-Treasurer Lewis read aloud the title of the proposed ordinance, entitled:

"ORDINANCE NO. 2025-10. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY FEE TO EACH PROPERTY THAT UTILIZES A SEWER LIFT STATION IN THE CITY OF GASSVILLE, REPEALING ANY ORDINANCE THAT CONFLICTS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

Council Member Seaman then moved to adopt the proposed ordinance. This motion was seconded by Council Member McFarland. Mayor Braim called for discussion, then for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the Mayor declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 2025-10 to be adopted.

-2-

Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-11 was next up for consideration on its third reading. Council Member Bird moved to suspend the rules and place the proposed ordinance on its third and final reading by title only. This motion was seconded by Council Member Seaman. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the Mayor declared the motion carried. Thereupon, Recorder-Treasurer Lewis read aloud the title of the proposed ordinance, entitled:

"ORDINANCE NO. 2025-11. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH A.C.A. 14-59-105, PROVIDING INTERNAL ACCOUNTING CONTROLS FOR SAID TRANSFERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

Council Member McFarland then moved to adopt the proposed ordinance as read. This motion was seconded by Council Member Bird. Mayor Braim called for discussion, then for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the Mayor declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 2025-11 to be adopted.

The second reading of Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-12 was next for consideration. It has been modified since the first reading to include implementing provisions of a new AI policy for city employees in the personnel policy handbook, as well as including a signature acknowledgement page. Council Member Bird moved to suspend the rules and place the proposed ordinance, with those changes, on its second reading by title only. This motion was seconded by Council Member Seaman. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried. Thereupon, Recorder-Treasurer Lewis read aloud the title of the proposed ordinance, entitled:

"ORDINANCE NO. 2025-12. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-05 ADDING A CYBERSECURITY POLICY, INTERNET POLICY, AND AI POLICY TO THE PERSONNEL HANDBOOK OF THE CITY OF GASSVILLE, ARKANSAS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

-3-

Continuing under unfinished business, Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-13 was up for its third reading. Council Member McFarland moved to suspend the rules and place the proposed ordinance on its third and final reading by title only. This motion was seconded by Council Member Seaman. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried. Thereupon, Recorder-Treasurer Lewis read aloud the title of the proposed ordinance, entitled:

"ORDINANCE NO. 2025-13. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2025-05 SPECIFICALLY SECTION 6 EXCEPTION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

Council Member Bird then moved to adopt the proposed ordinance as read. This motion was seconded by Council Member McFarland. Mayor Braim called for discussion, then for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the Mayor declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 2025-13 to be adopted.

Under new business, a representative from First Security Bank had been scheduled to speak to the City Council and present an updated banking proposal, but he did not attend. The Mayor stated the matter would be discussed at an upcoming budget meeting.

The next order of business was consideration of Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-14 on its first reading. Council Member Bird moved to place the proposed ordinance on its first reading. This motion was seconded by Council Member McFarland. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion was declared to be carried. Thereupon, Recorder-Treasurer Lewis read aloud in its entirety the proposed ordinance, entitled:

"ORDINANCE NO. 2025-14. AN ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR THE OPERATION OF UTILITY TASK VEHICLES ON CITY STREETS WITHIN THE CITY OF GASSVILLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTHORITY GRANTED UNDER ACT 922 OF 2025 OF THE ARKANSAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

-4-

The matter of filling a vacancy in the Ward 1, Position 2 Council Member seat was then brought up. Mr. Benjamin H. Frost, residing at 5 Sunchase Ct., expressed interest in being appointed to the vacant position to finishe the current term. Mr. Frost addressed the City Council and spoke about his background and work history and why he was interested in the position. Council Member McFarland moved for the City Council to go into executive session to discuss the appointment, which motion was seconded by Council Member Bird. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the motion as declared to be carried. The City Council then went into executive session behind closed doors at 6:49 PM. The City Council returned to the Council Chambers and resumed open public session at 6:55 PM upon motion of Council Member Bird, seconded by Council Member Seaman, with all members voting in favor.

Council Member Seaman then moved to appoint Mr. Benjamin H. Frost to fill the vacancy for the Ward 1, Position 2 City Council seat. This motion was seconded by Council Member Adkins. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the Mayor declared to motion carried.

Mayor Braim then updated the City Council on various issues, to-wit:

1. Most of the street paving work has been completed with the exception of Sherman Drive and the Lancaster Park lot.

2. The Mayor, City Inspector, and City Attorney recently attended training in Jonesboro regarding nuisance properties.

3. A meeting has been scheduled between the Mayor, Attorney Kerry Chism, and property owner Jamie Mann with respect to Mr. Mann's property on Main Street.

4. A travel ball team, not associated with the school, has made a request to use the ball field at the City Park for practices one evening per week from approximately 5pm to 7pm. This would involve use of lights and the associated electricity costs. By consensus and without objection, the City Council agreed to allow this on a trial basis.

5. The owner of the new Salsa's restaurant that will be opening at the site of the previous A & W has applied for an on premises beer and wine permit.

-5-

6. Police Chief Mayfield informed the City Council that a 2015 Dodge Charger police vehicle is no longer operational. Repair costs would be more than the vehicle is worth. Scrap value would be around $300. He hired Mr. Earl Yowell to strip the vehicle of its equipment at an associated cost of around $300. Mr. Yowell proposed to make an even swap of his labor cost in exchange for the vehicle. After discussion, Council Member Bird moved to remove the 2015 Dodge Charger from inventory and to transfer ownership of the vehicle to Mr. Yowell in an even exchange for his labor costs. This motion was seconded by Council Member Seaman. Mayor Braim called for the vote. Council Members McFarland, Seaman, Adkins, and Bird voted for the motion. There were no nays, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

7. A bench for placement at Lancaster Park in memory of deceased Council Member Kenneth Smith was discussed. The City is permitted to pay for the bench itself, however private funds will be needed to pay for a marker. Cost estimates would be $172.00 plus tax for a 3 x 6 bronze marker or $120.00 plus tax for an aluminum marker.

8. Mayor Braim presented the City Council with his proposed budget for calendar year 2026. He set budget meetings for Thursday, November 20th at 5:00 PM and Thursday, December 4th at 5:00 PM.

New Council Member Benjamin Frost then came forward, and the Mayor administered the official oath of office to him.

Mr. Dennis Hughes from the audience brought to the City Council's attention that he recently discovered that his hot water heater had been clogged up by some substance, appearing to be sand. He brought a sample, which was given to Superintendent Dewey to be sent for analysis.

-6-

There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting then adjourned at 7:25 PM upon motion of Council Member Bird, seconded by Council Member McFarland, with all members voting in favor.

Submitted by: /s/ Jeffrey Lewis,
Recorder-Treasurer

Approved by: /s/ Jeff Braim,
Mayor