Springtown gives mayor greater spending limits

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

SPRINGTOWN — Springtown’s council passed an ordinance increasing the mayor’s spending limits and approved paying for meals of those volunteering services in the city and attending town-related workshops, according to draft minutes of the March 12 meeting.

With rules suspended and on three readings with a single vote, the town council approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to spend up to $1,500 for a project without first consulting the council. An emergency clause was also passed, putting the new ordinance into place immediately.

The council also unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the town to pay the cost of meals for those volunteering services for the town or attending workshops relating to town business.

At the council’s request, Springtown’s attorney, Carla Wasson, said it was reasonable to have residents requesting the opening or closing of streets and alleys pay any fees associated with the work. According to draft minutes, Wasson will research a reasonable fee and bring that back to the next council meeting.

Mayor Paul Lemke reported that he expects the telephone company to move the pedestal at the corner of Springtown Road and Arkansas Highway 12 within the next couple of months so that work can proceed with cleaning out the remaining tree and stump. He also said there is still a possibility that the county will chip and seal Springtown Road.

Lemke thanked Chuck Guess for his help in securing the volunteer services of linemen to get the sirens in place and requested that Guess get him the name of the supervisor of the crew so that a letter of thanks can be sent.

Regarding the storm sirens, Lemke also reported that he expected Andy Goddard to be here within the next two weeks to make the connection to the Benton County system.

Lemke also reported that the town was to hold a meeting on March 18 between the engineer, the grant administrator and the town’s park committee to discuss the park improvement projects to be completed with the $45,000 the town is receiving through the Arkansas Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Grant. Plans were to build a pavilion in the park, purchase new playground equipment and make improvements to the basketball court.

According to draft minutes, Lemke is still following up on Springtown’s fire protection contract with the Highfill Fire Department.

Lemke also reported he is awaiting a response from FEMA on whether the town will have to return a portion of money awarded to the town for the Aubrey Long bridge project.

Councilwoman Jo Lynn Early said she had made arrangements for the contribution of chicken, beans and the use of a grill for the town’s annual barbecue, set for June 8. Planning for the event is being carried out by the town’s park committee.

Lemke also reminded council members of the upcoming annual cleanup at the Springtown Cemetery, scheduled to be gin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 23.