DARDANELLE, Ark. — Changes to Police Department policies, insurance bids and preparations for the holiday season are among a dozen items on the Dardanelle City Council’s agenda for Monday night, Nov. 2.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 120 N. Front Street.
Among the most notable items are three proposed changes to Police Department policies that City Attorney Ken Helton is scheduled to present. They include a general policy amendment, a new policy governing Freedom of Information Act requests and another addressing personnel files.
The proposals come as the Police Department continues a leadership transition and faces a lawsuit filed last month by a former detective.
Beck Brown filed suit Oct. 22 against the city, former Police Chief Joe Paterak and former Lt. Steve Wilson, alleging retaliation after she reported an attempt to falsify a police report. The lawsuit also alleges damaging documents were added to her personnel file, including some created after she resigned.
Brian Blevins, who was appointed interim police chief in September following Paterak’s departure, is also scheduled to present the department’s monthly report.
The council will also consider bids for the city’s property and equipment insurance and employee health insurance.
Another item calls for adopting the 2026 National Electrical Code, which sets standards for electrical installations and safety.
Council members will consider a quote for DocAccess, a service previously discussed as a way to improve accessibility on the city’s website.
Two additional items involve participation in the Arkansas Municipal League’s Trauma Assistance Program, including a resolution authorizing participation and a formal participation agreement.
With the holiday season approaching, the council will consider street-closing requests for Dardanelle’s Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony.
Mayor Jimmy Witt is also scheduled to issue a proclamation recognizing November as National Family Literacy Month.
The meeting will include the mayor’s monthly update, committee reports and an update from Public Works Director Scott Moore.
