GENTRY — City Council on Monday passed a zoning ordinance on its third reading and adopted a resolution waiving the yard-sale permit requirement for the weekend of the “Pickin’Time on 59” event this fall.
With rules suspended, council members approved on its third and final reading an ordinance rezoning property belonging to Cam and Jane Klassen, immediately south of the Wooden Spoon Restaurant on Arkansas Highway 59 (Lot 32 of Parks Acreage), from residential to commercial.
At a previous meeting, Cam Klassen told the council he intended to use the property for additional parking for the restaurant and might possibly some day put up a small building for a flower shop there.
With no dissent, the council passed a resolution waiving the permit requirement for yard sales for the “Pickin’ Time on 59” event, with the waiver beginning with sales on Thursday, Oct. 11, and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 14.
The waiver is a one-time waiver, meaning further council action would be required to waive yard sale permit requirements should the event be held again in 2013.
The council was also given updates on a number of matters by Mayor Kevin Johnston and others.
Johnston told the council the two surplus vehicles the city had offered for sale by online auction were sold, with money collected and the vehicles picked up.
Jim Kooistra of Architects, Inc., told council members he had met with a representative of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism regarding a trails grant to complete a sidewalk/trail system planned for the city park. Instead ofapplying for only part of the trails planned, Kooistra said he was applying to complete the remainder of the walking trails in the park because it lowered the cost of cement and would finish the park trail system. Kooistra said the grant representative was impressed with the city’s plan and would be supportive of the city in the grant application and approval process.
Mayor Johnston told council members the city of Siloam Springs was not able to assist Gentry with any mosquito spraying during the night hours at this time. He said the city could purchase a sprayer for $7 to 9 thousand or contract services. With the dry weather, the mosquito problem has become less of an issue. The matter will be referred to committee for further study and a recommendation.
Council member Jim Furgason told council members of an abandoned utility pole which broke off at ground level andfell on a fence and trampoline. He said the abandoned poles were a safety issue and could potentially fall on someone and possibly kill them. Mayor Johnston suggested that the city list abandoned utility poles and contact utility companies about their removal.
Without a vote, the council indicated consent for the mayor to work together with the RobertKrein family to develop a plan for a sign or signs at the Gentry Cemetery. The Krein family is offering to donate materials and services to build a sign or marker at the cemetery with a memorial plaque for Robert Krein.
Mayor Johnston also reported that the Arkansas Highway Department reviewed the issue of “No UTurn” signs on Main Street and will replace a faded sign at the corner of Rust Ave. and add a second sign near Pioneer Pizza, near the corner of Nelson Ave.
News, Pages 1 on 08/15/2012