July 20, 2016

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders paused Tuesday night's regular city council meeting to issue his thanks to Blytheville's citizens for remaining peaceful during the nation's current troubled times: "I would just like to make a quick statement here for the councilmen, a plea and also a thanks for the citizens of this community. ...

Joseph Fondren

Blytheville Mayor James Sanders paused Tuesday night's regular city council meeting to issue his thanks to Blytheville's citizens for remaining peaceful during the nation's current troubled times:

"I would just like to make a quick statement here for the councilmen, a plea and also a thanks for the citizens of this community. With all of the unrest that is going on around the nation, I want to say thanks to the citizens of Blytheville for maintaining a calm composure and working along with our city government, and taking a 'wait and see' attitude with how things are going on in our country. I think our Pastors of our community on how they have came together and how they have worked together in the last weekend with their "Stop the Violence" campaign that have been taking place here in Blytheville, not just for that day. The way I see the city of Blytheville is that there were efforts by citizens and youth councils that have started over the years already campaigning, already making efforts to eliminate and reduce crime.To maintain peace and dignity within our city. That's very commendable. I'd also like to take the opportunity to say there was a tragic death that happened over the weekend here in our city. These people were considered pillars of our community so we are asking for prayer for this city and prayer for this family. But at the same time there was a bit of excitement when we saw people of our community raised up and celebrated a former coach, Coach Wright, here in the community. It just shows me that there are highs and lows that happen in our lifetimes and it shows how this community comes together and we mourn the low times and we work with those times together and come together, and when celebration comes we celebrate the good times...so Councilmen, I say thank you for the jobs you do and the jobs you do for this community, by keeping aware of the things or needs of this community, and by working along with me and my office we certainly approve of that, and to also say we appreciate everything you do for this community."

The council approved an ordinance waiving the competitive bid process and authorizing payment for repairs to a city water system pump. The city of Blytheville will pay Jones Hydro Service, Inc., of Stuttgart, $47,500 to replace a pump on Well No. 10.

Councilman Kevin Snow reported, from the airport and utilities committee, that, the total cost for the full upgrades needed on the water infrastructure, new well and radio read meters would be about $4.1 million.

According to a report issued by city finance director John Callens, the city wishes to refinance an existing bond to obtain $4.1 million for the project, with a 17 year payout at $40,000 per month.

The council also approved the purchase of several new police vehicles. The city will pay Lander Auto Group of Benton $26,170 each for two 2016 Ford Explorers and Baird Dodge of Blytheville $23,091 for one 2016 Dodge Charger.

The city of Blytheville was asked by the Blytheville Community Samaritan Ministry to become applicants for a General Assistance, Community Development Block Grant to the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program. Ordinance language states that the city is committed to helping the BCSM renovate their facility on South 2nd Street. This grant will go towards a new gym floor. Eddie and Doug Echols told the CN that the city will assist the BCSM in applying for the grant.

As of right now no Zika virus has been found in Blytheville, according to Vector Disease Control's Tim Nelson. There have been five cases so far in Missouri and Mississippi.

"We are keeping a close monitoring on that and doing our disease testing." says Tim Nelson of Vector Disease Control International Mosquito Surveillance and Control. "We do not have it transmitting from mosquitos yet. I believe in time it will be transmitting from mosquitos."

jfondren@blythevillecourier.com

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