Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes

Monday – January 6, 2020 6:30 P.M. Community Center

Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.

Attending: Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members – Dusty Durst, Thomas Gary, Lamar Watkins, Mike Barfield, City Attorney-Jody Campbell, Mainstreet News – Charles Phelps, City Clerk – Debbie Fontaine

Pledge of Allegiance – All

Minutes: Thomas motioned to approve the December 2, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes; Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion Approved.

Financials: Dusty motioned to approve the December 2019 Financials; Mike seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Jan Webster was sworn in as Mayor for the next 4 years.

Mike Barfield was sworn in as Council Member for the next 4 years.

Lamar Watkins was sworn in as Council Member for the next 4 years.

Mike Barfield was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem for the year 2020. (The position of Mayor Pro Tem is done on a year to year basis in alphabetical order).

Resolution to Adopt the Jackson County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2019-2024 – Mike motioned to adopt the Resolution to accept the Jackson County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2019-2024; Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.

Pyrotecnico contract for 2020 Fireworks – Council members discussed dates to have the Nicholson Independence Day Fireworks… Friday July 3rd will be first choice with a rain date of Friday July 10th, 2020. All were in favor.

OLD BUSINESS: N/A

MAYORS REPORT:

Jan thanked the council members for serving the City of Nicholson over the last four years and mentioned the progress/accomplishments that have taken place, which included Code Enforcement, Municipal Court, and Municipal Court Clerk. She also mentioned the new Benton Building and renovations which have allowed the city to have a great place to host special events.
Jan asked council to think of dates for the retreat and also asked council members to think of items for the Retreat Agenda.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT: (Per Manager Notes)

Santa and Mrs. Claus were a hit. We have booked them for next year.
Cookie program was a success. Kids and parents had so much fun decorating the cookies. Previously we had make a gingerbread house.
The Library bought a TV for the express purpose of running ads for happenings at the library and the city.
Business slows down during the holidays and the winter months.
Our next activity will be Tuesday Jan 21 a century of games. Playing different games with the children from different time periods.
Starting back with visiting the schools.
Passports-great!
The winner of our Book Lovers Basket was patron Karen Hutchinson.

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK – Linda O’Reilly – Citizen and Business Owner of Nicholson requested to speak to council regarding a Code Enforcement violation she received at her current property which is where she resides and also operates a hair salon. Ms. O’Reilly made an appeal to city council, requesting approval to expand her current hair salon business into an additional mobile home (14 x 40) which she has already moved onto her property. She told council she did not know the city had zoning laws. She told council members that she filled out an application today at city hall requesting a variance to permit her to legally add the

trailer/extension of business, to her property. Jody told Ms. O’Reilly that she would have to discuss the Code Violation with him and not the city council because they do not respond to Code Enforcement violations. They agreed to talk after the council meeting was adjourned.

Adjournment: Mike motioned to adjourn; Thomas seconded. Motioned approved.