SPRINGTOWN — Council members appointed a new council member to fill a vacant seat and heard information on a number of town projects and a grant application, according to draft minutes of the Nov. 13 meeting.
Mayor Paul Lemke reported that it will probably be after the first of next year before the project to clean out and improve the drainage ditch in front of town hall and the fire station can be accomplished. The Council agreed to wait until that time to transfer the $5,000 needed for this project from the General Fund to the Street Fund. Lemke said the State will assist with part of this project by cleaning out the silt in the ditch at the intersection of Wasson Road and Arkansas Highway 12. He said he had heard differing opinions in regard to the best way to proceed with the project to improve the drainage on Springtown Rd. He suggested waiting for a time after the drainage project is completed before laying downnew asphalt in order to have time to evaluate whether the work has solved the drainage problem.
Lemke said he is still waiting to find out when asphalt to the bridge approaches will be put down.
He said the angle-blade attachment for the town's tractor had been purchased and suggested a spreader attachment for laying salt on icy streets was also needed. According to draft minutes, the council agreed with Lemke’s recommendation and Tim Richardson was to be directed to look for a good used spreader which the town could purchase for a few hundred dollars.
Lemke said he is still waiting for word from Marshall Watson that the county will pay for the installation of the sirens.
In regard to money for park improvements, Lemke said Cassie Elliott, the city’s grant writer, told him 11 grant applications were submitted for the 10 grants which will be available. He said it may be after the holidays before the town receives word on its application.
Lemke said the city is stillwaiting on word from ER Assist concerning whether FEMA money the city received must be repaid.
Lemke presented a proposed budget for 2013 for the General and Street Funds. The council will vote on budget adoption at its December meeting. Lemke said he anticipates applying for one or more grants next year for improving drainage and road surface conditions within the town.
Lemke said the council would have to consider a mandated ordinance at next month's meeting regarding the Arkansas Energy Code. A public notice concerning the consideration of this ordinance is elsewhere in this week’s Eagle Observer.
Lemke said the town’s code books and supplement are available in the city office if anyone wants to look at them.
Lemke asked for recommendations to fill the vacancy in councilman No. 5 position. A motion was made to ask Jo Lynn Earley to fill the position and Earley agreed to serve. The motion was adopted. Earley was to be sworn in after the meeting was adjourned.
Sports, Pages 10 on 11/21/2012