Kent Marts
GARFIELD -- Tension on the Garfield City Council reached a boiling point Aug. 9 as the meeting came to a close.
During the three-hour meeting, alderman Kathy Shook asked Mayor Gary Blackburn for more information on various topics a number of times.
Each time, Blackburn told her she could come by City Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and he would be happy to show her anything she wanted.
"You know I have a full-time job and can't make it then," she finally said.
Blackburn replied, "Well, you can come by City Hall like I said and I'll be happy to show you."
The boiling point came while aldermen were discussing the financial reports just as the meeting was ending at the ordinance mandated 9 p.m. cutoff.
Shook had questioned a number of other accounts, then the discussion turned to code enforcement, when Blackburn said that the expenses are going up and are over budget because of the North Wimpy Jones Road clean-up project. Earlier in the meeting, aldermen spent considerable time discussing the cost of the project and a proposal to place a lien on one of the properties involved.
"It's poorly managed," Shook said quietly.
"What did you say?" Blackburn asked.
"I said it's poorly managed," she replied.
Blackburn said, "I won't allow you to make that kind of comment to the mayor. Just a few minutes ago when I asked if you went to the Wimpy Jones clean up you said, 'I'm just supposed to legislate.' Then, just a few minutes ago you asked me about the driveway at the North Wimpy Jones road property. So you see, you're just wooling me around, is what you're doing."
Alderman Bill Matthew Jr. tried to defuse the situation, saying: "Don't criticize. We're human beings and we want to be treated like human beings."
"I'm a human being, too," Blackburn said, "and I'm doing the very best I can and then to get criticized is just unnecessary."
Shook replied, saying that when Pea Ridge puts a lien on property the aldermen recieve all the invoices on a regular basis.
"They are kept appraised of it, and included, and then they have all of the adequate information to make a decision that's best for the city," Shook said. "My hands are tied and I've got blinders on and I'm given a deadline that's unrealistic -- (a) decision with insufficient data, that's why I think it was poorly managed."
Blackburn's response was to note that it was 9 p.m. and the council has to vote to continue. With no motion made to continue, the meeting ended.
Earlier in the meeting, the council had been discussing the lien on property owned by Judith Champion of Carrollton, Texas. That property, and a tract adjacent to it, were subject of a city mandated and managed clean up. Work continues on the adjacent parcel; but work is completed on the Champion property. With work complete, Blackburn has been working to have a lien placed on the property. Blackburn said Champion owes 39 percent of the cost.
During the discussion, Shook said that by reviewing the check postings she could not see how $10,661.66 had been spent on the Champion portion of the project. Blackburn assured her that it was correct, but Shook continued to press the matter.
Shook also questioned the need to immediately approve the lien. Blackburn said it was because a deadline could expire, leaving the city no way to recoup the money; however, the mayor did not know the deadline. Slinkard said he would find out and let the city know.
Finally alderman Dale Watkins called for a vote on postponing the decision. Shook seconded, with the vote 3-1, with alderman Bill Mathew voting "No." Newly appointed alderman Terry Warren joined Shook and Watkins in voting 'Yes."
On Thursday, Aug. 11, Slinkard reported that the deadline is 120 days after completion of cleanup.
After the vote, Shook continued to question the cost split between the properties.
Blackburn banged the gavel as Shook spoke, prompting a member of the audience to say "Let her speak. She has the floor."
"I can control the floor with this hammer right here," Blackburn said, holding the gavel up for all to see.
Blackburn then asked Shook if she had visited the job site and if she had called City Hall to express her worry about breaking down the charges.
"My job is to legislate," Shook said. That comment would become a pivotal one a few minutes later during the council meeting.
"You answered my question," Blackburn said.
The meeting proceeded to other agenda items, reaching review of financial reports.
Shook listed a number of concerns on the reports aldermen were provided, including on a check that showed no amount, and a couple of checks to a building supply company, and posting for water bills that swung from $60 one month to $200 the next month.
"Anytime, Monday through Friday, come by City Hall and I'll make copies for you," Blackburn said to Shook.
"I'll ask alderman Mathrew to do that. I have a full-time job," Shook said.
Shook also questioned a payment to Blackburn for $213.19 for July bank trips to Harrison.
"On the financial reports every month we pay (city recorder/treasurer) Teresa (Vining) to go to the bank. You've not questioned that. But since she's been sick you pay men to go to the bank. I went to Harrison for a training session," Blackburn said.
Shook also questioned payments to a trucking company.
"You have the printout -- it is for the FEMA disaster (in which floods washed out a portion of North Wimpy Jones Road). He hauls materials that went into the ditches.
"You're welcome to look at anything," Blackburn said.
One of the bills appeared to be for work on Blueberry Lane, which was not a FEMA project, Shook said.
"Invoices for all of them," Blackburn said.
"Send Leonard up and he can make copies of anything," Blackburn said.
General News on 08/17/2016