SPRINGTOWN — Springtown’s council, at its regular meeting on Oct. 9, approved the spending of $5,800 for paving the approaches to the Aubrey Long bridge with three inches of asphalt, according to the unapproved minutes of the meeting.

Mayor Paul Lemke said the paving could be done with two inches of asphalt for $3,400 or with three inches of asphalt for $5,800. He said the county recommends three inches. The fee is just for the asphalt, Lemke said. The county will not charge the city for labor.

Lemke said he would be meeting with the Arkansas Highway Department regarding the repair and clean out of the drainage ditch in front of the town hall to come up with some additional ideas as to how to best do this project.

Lemke also told the council a survey had been completed to set pins to mark the edge of the town'sproperty so a "Yield" sign could be repositioned.

Lemke said he met with a state engineer and would meet with an engineer again for further discussion on how to solve the problem of the drainage on Springtown Road and the intersection of Springtown Road and Arkansas Highway 12. Lemke said the engineer estimated the cost to Springtown would be between $3,000 and $5,000 for the repair work and another $3,000 for asphalt for repaving after the work is done. A motion was made and passed to approve spending a total of $8,000 for the project, according to the town’s unapproved minutes.

Lemke asked the council to approve payment to Reams Excavating in the amount of $870 for dozer and backhoe work, and use of a dump truck, to remove excess dirt from bridge construction and to do roadwork on two roads in the town. The expenditure was approved.

Lemke declared the No. 2 council position open asthe result of the resignation of Marvin Riley at the August council meeting. Linda Taylor was suggested and asked to fill out the remaining term if she is willing to do so. Taylor agreed to fill out the term, according to draft minutes, and was appointed to fill the vacant council seat.

Lemke also declared the council position held by Lisa Lawrence vacant because of Lawrence’s recent death. He expressed his appreciation for Lawrence's work on the town council and noted that she will be greatly missed, the unapproved minutes state. He said an effort would be made to fill the position as soon as possible.

Lemke said he is still following up on the storm siren project.

Amanda Richardson said Cassie Elliott would give a presentation on Oct. 19 in support of approval of thetown's grant application for park improvements.

Lemke said he is still working to resolve the issue of money FEMA has asked the city to return.

Lemke said he plans to install lever locks on the entrance doors to town hall to replace the simple locks that are now in place.

A motion was made and passed to keep the same millage rates as last year, 5 mills for general purposes and .07 mills as a voluntary tax for park maintenance.

Lemke asked the council for permission to purchase an angle blade for the town's tractor for $800 or less. The expenditure was approved.

The council approved the transfer of $13,800 from the general fund to the street fund for paving the approaches for the bridge and for the drainage project, according to draft minutes.

News, Pages 9 on 10/24/2012