Springtown has first meeting of year

SPRINGTOWN -- The town council met for its first meeting of the new year Jan. 9, with its new mayor and new council members.

Preston Barrett, Springtown's newly-elected mayor, called the meeting to order and told council members Chuck Guess, Linda Taylor, Terri Glenn, Karee Barrett and Don Jech he was grateful to have the opportunity to represent the community, according to draft minutes.

A motion was passed to appoint George Rhoades as interim attorney for the town. Carla Wasson resigned at the close of 2014.

Shane Bauman, Springtown resident with a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Arkansas and employed by Info Resources, was appointed clerk, treasurer and recorder for the city, replacing Jan Cox, who resigned at the close of 2014.

Question was raised as to whether the town's code inspector had resigned, with Linda Taylor saying she thought he had become sick and resigned and Chuck Guess saying he thought he was still active, draft minutes say. Mayor Barrett said he would find out.

According to draft minutes, the council voted unanimously to change meeting times for the council back to 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Also approved was a resolution authorizing Preston Barrett, Shane Bauman and Don Jech to have signature cards on file for the town's bank account. Signatures of Lisa Lawrence (deceased), Paul Lemke, Jan Cox and Amanda Richardson were removed.

Draft minutes also state the council is still waiting for a response to the town's appeal of a FEMA request that the town return money from a grant related to the repair of the old Aubrey Long Rd. (low-water) Bridge. The minutes report no update available on the proposed walking trail, the 2015 budget or a possible request for voluntary annexation into the town.

Other concerns discussed included the emptying and removal of the dumpster and upgrades and drainage improvement on Springtown Road.