A special hearing was held during Highfill’s Nov. 12 council meeting regarding the application for an Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program grant to add on to Highfi ll’s fi re station. The grant, if received, would be used to add a training room and an additional truck bay to the station. Plans would also include restroom improvements.

The project, projected to cost just over $122,000, would be paid for with the grant funds - up to $75,000 - and money the fire department has in savings from specialfunds. The grant is a 90/10 percent grant, requiring the city to match 10 percent of the money granted, though in-kind services can be counted toward that percentage, according to Cassie Elliott, grant writer for the city, who spoke during the hearing.

Jeff Parks, Highfi ll fi refighter, showed council members preliminary plans for the project and told the council the training room would also be available for other community functions as well. He said having a training facility at the station would make it possible for the department to conduct its trainings there rather than bringingtrucks and equipment to the city hall.

Following the hearing, the council passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for the grant through the Rural Services Block Grant Program. And, because funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, required resolutions were also passed by the council establishing a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan, a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement in dealing with those engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations, and establishing a Highfi ll housing plan.

In other business, the council passed resolutions appointing Mike Reynolds to the Highfi ll Water and Sewer Committees. James “Butch” Wiand was reappointed to Position 4 on the city’s planning commission.

Mayor Stacy Digby announced that Highfi ll Community Christmas Dinner is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Community Building. Turkey is being donated by Cassie Elliott, and those attending are asked to bring a side dish. Donations are being taken for the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, and bringing a new pair of children’s pajamas for the shelter is suggested.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 11/20/2013