Council updated on FEMA funds

Members of the Piggott City Council were informed in a meeting Monday night that the first payment from FEMA on ice storm expenditures has been received. Mayor Gerald Morris told aldermen a check for over $483,000 was received by the city, and added the short term note at Piggott State Bank was immediately retired.

"We've got a lot more to go. This is just a drop in the bucket," Morris assured council members. "We've still got a long way to go..but it's a start." He also noted the initial payment included $2,200 for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Council members approved a resolution allowing the Parks and Recreation Department to apply for a $100,000 50/50 grant to be used for maintaining and upgrading facilities. Commission chair Allan Morris told council members that, if the grant is approved, the majority of the funding will go toward the municipal swimming pool.

"We have asked for $3,000 for fall zone material that will be used around all the playground equipment in our parks," Morris said. "The remaining $97,000 will be used to update and upgrade the filtration system at the pool and to add a splash pad with a canopy."

He added the splash pad area would include many water features and the canopy would allow younger children to enjoy the pool without being exposed to the harsh summer sun. The grant is being offered by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism through its Outdoor Grant Program.

Council members approved the resolution, and added the stipulation that the city would cover the local portion of the grant on the short term should the need arise.

Morris, in his first year as chairman of the commission, also offered his thanks to those who came before. "I just want to commend all of those who had the vision to help our parks become what they are today."

In other business council members:

* Held the second reading of the trash container ordinance and set the fines at a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $200. Once approved, the ordinance will require residents to remove their trash containers from the curb no longer than 12 hours after pickup in their neighborhood. The matter will be up for the third reading at the regular July meeting.

* Adopted the ordinance that increases local fees on fines in District Court from $5 to $20 in accordance with Act 209 of 2009.

* Raised the limit on assets requirements from $1,000 to $3,500 for auditing purposes.

* Discussed the pole attachment fee currently being paid by NewWave Communications and CenturyTel for using the city's power poles and discussed a possible increase in the fee.

* Decided not to pursue a USDA grant for water and sewer repairs and improvements, choosing instead to do the work as needed over the course of the coming months as funds become available.

* Approved payment of the monthly attorney bills.

* Tabled the discussion on hiring an electrical inspector.

* Received a detailed update from Brian Haley on the Plum Point Power Plant and an overview of the electric department's continuing efforts to manage the sources that are available.

Mayor Morris also informed the council the 2007 legislative audit report was "spotless" and noted that city hall will be closed Friday, July 3, for the Fourth of July holiday.