SPRINGTOWN — ER Assist will be aiding the town of Springtown with its appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an attempt to keep FEMA from requiring the town to return $30,000 given to the city to restore the old low-water Aubrey Long Bridge to its pre-flood state, following floods in 2008.
The town replaced the broken down bridge with a new bridge over Flint Creek which will be passable even in high water. The project included moving Aubrey Long Road several feet to the northwest of the old road to accommodate the new bridge.The town requested to use the money from FEMA for demolition of the old bridge and on work related to the new, but the request was denied and FEMA requested the money be refunded.
According to unapproved minutes, Mayor Paul Lemke reported that a company called ER Assist agreed to help the town with an appeal process to FEMA concerning the request from FEMA for return of $30,000 in disaster relief funds. Lemke said he expected that the ER Assist services would cost no more than $500.
Lemke said that if the company sees that the charge is going to be more than that amount, it will address the town’s councilbefore proceeding, according to the minutes, and the council agreed to use the service.
According to draft minutes, Lemke also reported that the repairs were made to the Old Springtown Road Bridge, in the northwest corner of the town, including 16 yards of concrete being poured and vibrated into the washed out areas. He said the Benton County Road Department will probably pave the approaches to the Aubrey Long Bridge within the next three weeks.
Lemke said he is still following up on the storm siren project and that progress is slow.
Amanda Richardson said the painting has been finished in the town’spark. She also reported that Cassie Elliott, a grant writer, will assist the town in writing a grant request for park improvements.
Kay Taylor said a profit of about $900 was realized from the town’s barbecue on June 9, with the silent auction a good income source.
Present at the June 12 meeting were Mayor Lemke; council members Lisa Lawrence, Amanda Richardson, Kay Taylor, Chuck Guess; and the town’s clerk/treasurer/recorder Jan Cox. Council member Marvin Riley was absent. Also present were Carla Wasson, city attorney; Don Glenn, Terri Glenn and Dixie Law, town residents; and Sharon Wasson, out-of-town guest.
Community, Pages 10 on 06/20/2012