Baxter County Friends of the Taxpayers

MEETING NOTES

BAXTER COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE TAXPAYERS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2006

Assistant Director Jim Bond called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm (Director Frank Kaye was out of town on American Legion business). He asked visitors to introduce themselves, and a sign-in sheet was passed for those attending.

Treasurer Ken Blade gave the treasurer’s report: as of November 30, 2005, the balance in our account was $274.04. December deposits were 109.50, December withdrawals 17.50, leaving a balance as of December 31, 2005, of $366.04. [Earlier this month] Frank Kaye and Ken and Lorraine Blade discussed the monthly $10 maintenance fee charged by the bank. It was decided to go to the bank and see about getting the fee waived, since we are a club, not a small business. Ken went to the bank and met with an officer, who agreed to waive the fee and credit our account for the Nov-Dec total of $20. Ken mentioned that 2006 dues of $12 should be paid before April 1, and that those wishing to pay today may do so.

OLD BUSINESS

Parks & Recreation:  Ken reported on the January 5 Parks & Rec meeting held at Sammons Youth Center at Cooper Park. In attendance were Ken, Frank & Suzan Kaye, Jackie Leatherman, Youth Center Director Sherri Vavra, and council members Jennifer Baker and Darrell Bennett.  Ken thought the meeting was cordial and informative.  Jackie handed out a chart showing the organizational structure for Parks & Rec and a job description summary of hours for the year 2005.  A slide presentation was shown of various events held for the youth in 2005.  We received a handout for 2006 Youth Center events by month.  The Youth Center is geared toward ages 10-17; the cost is $10 per youth, $20 for seniors.  Ken passed out a few copies of the information packet.

Streets:  Jim asked for a report from Chuck Barnes; he had nothing to report.  Jim said it will be two to three years for the new bypass road between Hwy 178 & Hwy 5 to be finished.  It starts at the intersection of Rodeo Drive & Hwy 178.

Public Safety:  Jim said the repairs were done on the fire truck that had damage to the engine.

Water & Sewer:  Jim said it is feasible to put a sewer line with water/sewer department.  Jim Stevens, good idea!

Shirts:  Jim has shirts, see him after the meeting.

Pool Report:  Marlene Schapiro mentioned at the last meeting that we had met with hospital and ASU-MH and others; nothing new to report at this time.

Truck Pollution:  Ken said we have no truck regulation in Arkansas.  Three people wrote letters about air pollution from trucks.  Ken will try and contact them and invite them to our next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Sunday Liquor Sales: Open discussion – do we want to support this?  Jay Schapiro said it could hurt BCFT.  He made a motion that BCFT should not get involved.  It was seconded by Jo Ann Rodish, and with a show of hands the motion passed.

Payday Lending:  Those attending the meeting did not want to get involved, but John Beach offered to get a copy of a contract from a local payday lender for reference purposes.

County Fair: One member asked about the cost – that information was not available.  Everyone seemed to agree that we need to reserve a booth.  Marlene Schapiro made a motion to reserve a booth.  It was seconded by Carl Graves, and the motion passed with a show of hands.

Smoke Free Coalition:  Jim Sack, from “Coalition for a Smoke-free Baxter County,” is pursuing a referendum to be passed which will make all public buildings smoke-free zones.

The bucket was passed for anyone who might care to donate.  The money collected goes toward hall rental, postage, supplies, etc.  Amount collected:  $29.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 pm.

                                                                                                                                 Minutes taken by Lorraine Blade

                                                                                                                                 (Secretary Suzan Kaye was in Little Rock)