Leachville Council members were all present for the July 15 meeting. Mayor Rodney Robertson presided over the meeting, discussing sewer expansion right-of-ways, hiring a new police officer, city maintenance, gymnasium project and clean-up.
Robertson informed the council all of the right-of-ways for the sewer expansion project had been signed and filed. Copies will be sent to the engineer and homeowners with the originals going to USDA.
Councilman Paul Wildy said he is ready to see some dirt moved.
Robert Ballard, water and sewer supervisor, said the project will have to go to bid and construction may start within three to six months.
Wildy expressed his appreciation to Mayor Robertson and Ballard for the work on getting the right-of-way permission signatures.
Police Chief Alan Austin updated the council on the hiring of Breck Patrick to serve with the department.
The council met in a special meeting on July 9 to review applicants for officers for the police department. Chief Austin said following the special meeting, he had re-interviewed and hired Patrick.
He is presently undergoing the required background and psychological checks. The new officer will start at $14 an hour.
Chief Austin said vehicles are in the shop for repairs. Bids for new vehicles should be in soon. He went on to say there is a real need for two new vehicles this year.
Ballard informed the council he had received his treatment license and was congratulated by the council.
“It was not easy and I am glad to have it done,” he said.
He also said the city had received a good inspection report with only a couple of minor improvements needed.
Councilwoman Lisa Baldridge said she had received calls about “picking and choosing” who gets water turned off with some getting shut off notices and others getting calls.
She remembers when the council made the decision to start turning off the water for unpaid bills, they all agreed every citizen should be treated the same. She went on to say she had talked to Ballard about seeing a city worker mowing his mother's yard with city equipment on his work time.
Lisa Turner, chairman for the Leachville Gymnasium project, updated the council on the work of restoring the gymnasium for a community center.
BIC School District deeded the gym to the city to be restored and used for the community.
“Our fundraising is going well,” Turner said.
She said there are some expensive needs such as air conditioning.
“We have found out because of a stipulation in the deed saying if the gym is not maintained, it reverts back to the school district, we will not be eligible for grants,” she said. “I was not aware of the consequences of the stipulation and I don't think the board members were. I am here to ask for your support and if any of you can go with us to the next school board meeting to discuss it with the board I would appreciate it. We knew the stipulation was in there but we did not know it would keep us from getting grants. We want to discuss it with them.”
The board meeting this month will be held Thursday, July 25.
Councilman Keith Evans said they might need to talk to the board members so they will know what is going on.
Clerk Ruth Ann Keith said for some grants proof of property ownership has to be submitted.
Keith said there will be a grant writing workshop on July 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If anyone is interested in attending they can let her know.
Councilman Evans commented on properties in the city grown up and in need of mowing.
"I know the city workers are really busy with all of the rain but I have received calls," Evans said.
Mayor Robertson said they are looking at clean-up options.
Councilman Michael Webster said when the grass quits growing in the fall the workers might have more time to work on the clean-up projects.
Mayor Robertson said they need to review the ordinance and make sure everything is done correctly.