City Council discusses future of old Armory

The future of the Piggott Armory was discussed at great length at Monday's meeting of the Piggott City Council. The armory, which was deeded to the city after the National Guard pulled out several years ago, has been a matter of much discussion in recent months as the building continues to deteriorate.

"We've had some people express an interest in buying the building and we discussed taking bids on the sale of the armory," mayor Gerald Morris said of the situation, "but alderman Tommy Risinger mentioned that a member of the school board had shown an interest in the building, perhaps as a site of a vo-tech or training center. So we have invited school officials to discuss the matter at our next regular meeting."

It was also noted that input from the public should be sought before finalizing any plan. "We want to hear from the public on what they feel should be done with the building," Morris added, "but we need to move forward. It's just not feasible to let it just sit there and fall into disrepair."

The matter was tabled until the next regular meeting, when council members will be reviewing input from the public and further discussing the matter with local school officials.

Morris also reported that a new power contract is being finalized for 2010 with the city of Jonesboro, which will allow the city to purchase power at the same rate as 2009. "The new contract also gives us the right to cancel by giving them 24-hours notice, which will free us up when the new Plum Point Power Plant comes on line next year...it's a good deal for us and we appreciate their cooperation and attitude."

Electric supervisor Bruce Swan also told council the SPA has mandated the removal of some old transformers from the switch yard, but will allow the old units to remain until upgrades can be made to the local switching system. "If we have to do the change-out of the switches after the transformers have been removed we would have to generate power for the city 24/7 for several days," Morris explained. "This way we do have to pay about $150,000 to make the changes, but it would cost a lot more for us to make those upgrades and have to generate our own power in the meantime...but we have no choice, it must be done."

In other business the council:

* Tabled the ordinance that regulates bicycles, skateboards and other such vehicles on the downtown area sidewalks and will consider that matter at the next meeting.

* Approved the Parks and Recreation Department's application for an Urban Forestry Grant in the amount of $20,000. The plan calls for $15,000 to be used for the purchase of new trees, with the remainder used for training and the services of a certified arborist.

* Heard an update from water superintendent Bradley Scheffler on the water line project from West Jackson to West Orr Streets. Scheffler indicated the first half of the project was complete, but added the second phase is much more involved. That portion of the job calls for the replacement of lines along the alley adjacent to Piggott State Bank, an area that contains not only water and sewer lines but also electric and fiber optic phone lines.

* Approved the city attorney's bill for the month.

* Voted to cancel the regularly-scheduled December meeting due to the holidays, but agreed to have a special called meeting that month if necessary.

Prior to adjourning, council members were also informed about this week's mass flu vaccination clinic at the community center.