SPRINGTOWN -- Springtown's council met on April 11 and Mayor Paul Lemke presented a resolution to the council renewing the town's contract with Empire District Electric for the next 10 years. The resolution passed by unanimous vote.
Lemke said Dan Douglass, state representative, had expressed an interest in assisting the town in resolving issues with FEMA in regard to grant money awarded to the town for the Aubrey Long Bridge Project which was completed several years ago. He also reported that the review of the town's financial records for 2012 and of all of the Aubrey Long Road Bridge records has been completed and was found to be in compliance with state regulations.
The park committee reported that it is moving forward with necessary arrangements for the Springtown Barbecue, to be held in June.
Lemke said the Benton County Sheriff's Office agreed to help with animal control in the town. Carla Wasson, Springtown's attorney, said she would speak with the county's attorney, George Spence, to work out a written agreement.
Lemke said he is still following up on the possibility of creating a water garden in the city park adjacent to the Aubrey Long Bridge.
Lemke said most of the stakes marking the city's proposed walking trail have now been set. After all of the stakes have been set, Lemke said he would have Tim Richardson start brush hogging the trail. Reams Construction will be used if there is any heavy work to be done, like trees to be taken down. The council discussed various funding sources to allow for the completion of the project.
Chuck Guess, of the street department, pointed out that there is one tree in particular that is causing a problem with travel on Springtown Road because of its proximity to the right of way. Lemke said he would talk with the property owner to see what can be done to correct the problem.
Lemke said he would like to see some more improvements in the town's park and requested that the park committee look into getting a play structure for the park. He also said he would like to have the tallest of the basketball goals in the town's park moved so that the tether ball pole can be mounted in that spot to make it more accessible to people in wheelchairs. He said he would find out about getting a flag for the park.
Lemke said the storm sirens were supposed to have been sounded for testing earlier this month but it did not happen. Upon inspection, it was found that lightening apparently had damaged the battery charger. It was replaced. The sirens will probably be tested this week.
Compiled from draft minutes of the April 11 Springtown Council Meeting.
General News on 04/23/2014