Monette City Council discussed painting of the old water tower, supplying a Buffalo Island Central resource officer, and upcoming Night Out at the Park during the Aug. 27 council meeting.
Mayor Chub Qualls asked city engineer Wayne Menley to review regulations for painting the old water tower. State regulations for painting the interior of any water tank include sand blasting and cleaning interior, extending overflow, adding a splash pad, and installing a mixing system. The tank is used for back up water supply. The council approved a painting bid of $32,700 from Eagle Sandblasting and Painting, from Pleasant Plains, Ark.
Newell also reported that work on new sewer system is ongoing. The city had incurred problems with the sludge filter. Plans are to look at new screens and install baffles.
The city signed a Police Services Agreement to provide a resource officer for Buffalo Island Central High School in Monette at a cost of $30,000. An officer has been on duty since the first day of school. Plans are to hire a new full time police officer for the City of Monette, so the four police officers can rotate service at the school. The city approved $3,000 for upgrading equipment for a new police officer.
Night Out at the Park is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 6-9 p.m., at the city park on Virginia Avenue. Police Chief Brian Carmichael is in charge of planning for the city-wide event.
In other business the council approved the purchase of a new bench for $1,500 at the Veterans Park when funds are available in the city regulated veteran account. Plans are to place the bench on existing concrete near the flag pole at the north side of the park. The bench will be movable should new additions to the park be necessary later.
Trees and hanging limbs are being cut at the city park by Alderman Kristian Nuckles. The city will be responsible for removal of cuttings and debris.
Cemetery employee Andy Hatch will receive an increase from $7.50 per hour to $10.50. New office trainee Allen Read began work on Aug. 20 at $8.50 per hour.
The Welcome to Monette sign currently located on the BIC campus will be moved to Lots 12 and 13 in the Northview Addition, off Highway 139. Owner Perry Wood has approved the placement of the sign on his property, with agreement that the city mows the lots. He will retain ownership of the property.
The council approved Ordinance 2018-2 which establishes rules and regulations for the energy efficient standards for new construction.
Mowing, spraying and weed eating has been completed on city right-of-ways by contractor Rusty Edmonds at $300 a mile. The next scheduled mowing will be in October. The council expressed future needs for spraying and mowing ditches in the city to eliminate tall grass growth.
Councilmen expressed concerns for heavy equipment usage of city roads and streets. A special working meeting to discuss the matter was set for 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10
Arkansas Legislative Auditors will begin work in Monette on Sept. 4.