Caraway Council voted to discontinue uniform service, reviewed cemetery mowing bids, upgrade the phone and camera systems and continue searching for a full time police officer at the Thursday, April 8, meeting.
Mayor Bo James called the meeting to order with all council members present. Following the approval of the minutes and the financial review, Mayor James pointed out the upward scale one cent sales tax is showing. He said the turnback money is also increasing.
“We are seeing it go up and that shows the progress the city is making,” Mayor James said. “We hope to see it keep moving forward.”
Following a lengthy discussion on the service contract for uniforms, the council voted unanimously to pay out the service contract which will be up in June and provide employees a $500 annual clothing allowance. Mayor James said the company is requiring the city to sign a three year contract to continue the service.
“In the long run, this will save the city money and I think it will work out well for our employees,” Mayor James said. “I have spoken with the employees and they are okay with the change.”
The council opened two bids for mowing the cemetery but decided to advertise for more bids before a decision is made. It was pointed out whoever receives the bid must be licensed and bonded.
Mayor James said the city has had some issues with the camera system and the phone system is also old and they are having problems with the lines.
After discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve upgrading the camera system through Blue Sky Technologies and the telephone system for a total of $8,500 using the one cent sales tax fund.
Councilman Chris Kelems said the change will actually save the city approximately $150 to $170 a month.
Mayor James said he did not think any of the three applicants for the position in the police department meets with the city’s needs. “It is nothing personal,” Mayor James said.
Mayor James said he would get with Chief Shannon Kelems and prepare an ad for the paper and find some part-time help until the position is filled.
In other business:
*The council agreed to have the ballpark’s block fence painted on both sides by Nelson Painting out of Memphis at a cost of $3,500.
*The fishing derby will be held May 1. Mayor James said they will have the pond stocked. Hot dogs will be grilled and served.
*Mayor James updated on the water well project. He said there had been a $40,000 increase on items and a change order had to be submitted to ANRC. As soon as the contract is signed, work will begin.
*The truck for the police department will arrive next week.
*Council voted to take bids on equipment not being used by the city. They will reserve the right to accept or reject any and all bids. Items include FMC sewer machine; Ford bucket truck; Dal Hatsu; Chevrolet tanker truck; two homemade trailer frames; and a 1-1/2 ton A frame hoist.
*Councilman Mitchell Tipton said the Girl Scouts had received a donation and would like to purchase and plant a small, flowering tree in her memory. Mayor and Council had no objections to the Girls Scouts planting the tree any place they choose.
*Mayor James said he had talked to six people about serving on the special event committee.
*Moving the playground equipment from the back of the park to the playground area was discussed.
*Mayor James said they are looking at opening city hall on May 1. He also said the drive through window has been a blessing through the pandemic.