The Caraway City Council worked through a short agenda, which included discussion on two state grants, at the regular council meeting held Thursday, Feb. 11.
"We have received a grant of $4,600 from Disaster Relief funds to replace roofs at the wastewater plant and water plant," Mayor Barry Riley said. "These buildings were damaged during the winds from Hurricane Ike in 2008. We will patch holes and make repairs as we go. After that we will repaint both plants and replace the broken windows. The buildings will be a lot more pleasing to the eye."
The council voted to apply for a grant of $81,700 from Arkansas Department of Economic Development for general assistance in renovating and repairing structures in the city hall complex. Plans are to replace the roof, along with ceilings, lighting and flooring. Painting will be done inside and out. Support poles will be replaced throughout the complex, which contains city hall, council chamber, Police Department, city library, Lions Club, and Girls and Boy Scouts meeting hall.
"We have needed work on this building for years," Riley said. "Decisions on the grant will not be made until July, and we are hopeful we can qualify for assistance."
The council discussed moving and maintenance of the cemetery again for the third month.
"Last year we decided to take care of the mowing and upkeep ourselves," Riley said. "Between two workers and trying to take care of all our other buildings, we have decided we need to contract it out again. Plus with the economy the way it is, we need to help people find jobs and work anyway."
A list of stipulations for the sealed bids can be obtained at Caraway city hall. The deadline for receipt of bids is March 11 by 4:30 p.m. Bids will be opened that evening at the regularly scheduled council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
Councilman Roger Williams expressed his appreciation for the Fire Department, Merritt Emery and the Craighead County Road Department for their help in getting snow off the Riverside School parking lot so that school could resume classes.