Town council gives go- ahead to paving projects

SPRINGTOWN -- The council gave the mayor the go-ahead for three paving projects within the town, according to draft minutes of the town's Aug. 8 meeting.

Paul Lemke, Springtown's mayor, told the council he had received correspondence from the Benton County road coordinator, Trevor Messbarger, listing the estimated cost of asphalt for the three Springtown paving projects: approximately 300 feet of approaches to the Aubrey Long Road Bridge at $6,750; the corner of Springtown Main Street and Readings Road up to Arkansas Highway 12 at $3,078; and a portion of Springtown Road at $4,000; for a total of $13,828. The mayor anticipates that some funds will need to be transferred from the town's general fund to the street fund to help pay for the asphalt. Lemke will need to sign a letter of consent, which Messbarger was to send, before the work can be done.

Lemke said he and the town's attorney, Carla Wasson, are still following up on formulating the town's second appeal to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding a grant for the repair of the former Aubrey Long Road Bridge.

Lemke said he passed out flyers inviting town residents and neighbors to an open meeting on August 14, at 6 p.m., at the town hall in regard to the proposed walking trail. He has arranged to have guest presenters, people who are familiar with and had experience with walking trails, to address the group. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and present their views.

Lemke reported that the dumpster located by Town Hall was put there for use by town residents who pay Deffenbaugh for trash pickup. He said it is being used by people for whom it was not intended and said he will continue to monitor the use of the dumpster and may decide to have the dumpster removed.

Council members asked if Deffenbaugh could provide recycle service. Lemke said he would find out.

Lemke reported that Springtown now has a signed agreement with the Benton County Sheriff's Office for the purpose of enforcing the town's animal control ordinance. Lemke said any complaints from town residents concerning non-compliance with the ordinance should be directed to him.