President of Council Marjorie Harlow called Council to order on September 2, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.

    The governmental body and those in attendance recited the pledge of allegiance.

    Mrs. McNear took roll call. Present were Council members Danbury, Diehl, Galster, Squires, Vanover, Wilson and Harlow.

    The minutes of August 19, 2009 were approved with seven affirmative votes.

    COMMUNICATIONS

    Mrs. McNear read a letter from David and Bonnie Parker,419 Lisbon Lane: “We are writing in regard to tax abatement for the benefit of the condos and the assisted living facility at Crossings at the Park in GEEAA Park. We had the opportunity to discuss this with Mr. Parham, the City Administrator, yesterday. Since we feel that Mr. Parham presented a negative attitude we are writing this letter hoping that others in Springdale offices may not be closed to this matter. Our appeal is to provide support to a Springdale real estate development that is need of help because of a combination of circumstances, most importantly, the present stagnant real estate market. When Crossings at the Park survives this problem we are confident it will be a model and beautiful part of Springdale. We have researched other residence options and we have found none that has a combination of visual and practical appeal, good location and a reasonable, initial and on-going cost that are available at the Crossings at the Park. Can you help assure that this part of Springdale survives to become a healthy, vital, contributing area to our City? Please support full tax abatement for both the residential and assisted living development of Crossings at the Park. We cannot believe that our representatives will let this project fail without trying to help us at no detriment to our City that we can perceive. Thank you in advance for your support.”

    Mr. Danbury made a motion that Council go into an executive session as a meeting of the whole to discuss possible economic development. Mr. Vanover seconded. The motion passed with seven affirmative votes.

    Council went into executive session at 7:08 and reconvened at 7:42.

    COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE    -     none

    ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS        -     none

    OLD BUSINESS                     -     none

    NEW BUSINESS

    Mr. Parham stated usually around August or September we come to you and request legislation to join the MVRMA Workers Comp Group Rating Program. We’re a little behind right now because there have been a lot of changes at the Bureau. Most of us believe they are making an effort to do away with the group rating program. They just can’t afford to do it outright. They have applied a number of assessments and other things that are making it a little more difficult for members to join. I think by the next Council meeting we may have it worked out, so I probably will have legislation at your next meeting. The deadline originally was the end of September; however, I believe they have extended it to an early date in October, but I would prefer to have it finalized by the next meeting. We’re just waiting on responses from the other communities that have an opportunity to decide whether they want to participate in the group or not.
   


    MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Planning Commission                     -     September 8
    Board of Health                     -     September 10
    Board of Zoning Appeals                 -     September 15

    Mr. Squires announced the flu clinic to be held September 24th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are giving it a little early because of the H1N1 vaccine to be given later.

    Mrs. Harlow stated this inoculation is for the seasonal flu, not H1N1.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE    -     none

UPDATE ON LEGISLATION STILL IN DEVELOPMENT    none

RECAP OF LEGISLATIVE ITEMS REQUESTED

Workers Comp

Council adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

                        Respectfully submitted,




                        Kathy McNear
                        Clerk of Council/Finance Director

Minutes Approved:

Marjorie Harlow, President of Council



__________________________, 2009