SPRINGTOWN — A new bridge over the Flint Creek on Aubrey Long Road in Springtown is another step closer to reality, according to unapproved minutes of the Sept. 13 Springtown Council meeting.

According to the minutes, the bridge project has gone out to bid and bids were to be opened at 2 p.m. Sept. 27. The council also, by resolution, authorized Springtown Mayor Paul Lemke to enter into a contract on behalf of the town with Don Johnston for engineering work required for the bridge project.

The town applied for grant funding to complete the project through the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, Inc.

The existing low-water bridge is broken down and has been repaired numerous times to make the creek passable in normal weather conditions.

A new bridge would make it possible for localresidents to pass over the creek even after heavy rains and allow emergency vehicles and personnel to better serve residents on the north side of Flint Creek.

The other crossing for town residents, on Old Springtown Road, is also a low-water bridge. Though it was recently repaired by the county after floods washed out portions of the old bridge, it is also impassable during high waters.

In other business, the council discussed options to get the town’s storm warning sirens operational as soon as possible; heard suggestions from the state auditor regarding limits on meal reimbursements and the handling of mileage reimbursements and a requirement for a listing of fixed assets; resolved to post city ordinances and financial statements in front of city hall and in the city park rather than publishing it in the local newspaper; and discussed park committee plans to participate in Gentry’s fall festival on Oct. 9.

News, Pages 8 on 09/28/2011