Arbyrd Council meets for November

The November session of the Arbyrd City Council started with a discussion of old business.

Mayor Jeff Wilson provided updates on several topics from previous meetings.

“The money from the sale of the old City Hall has been invested in a CD at First National Bank in Paragould,” informed Wilson. “The first investment CD will mature in February.”

“At that time action should be taken to reinvest,” he added.

The infrastructure grant for paving the streets is progressing. Wilson recently signed the engineering agreement with Horner and Shifrin to proceed.

Terracon Consultants has been awarded the bid for the Brownfields Assessment on the old police department building. The company will do onsite testing for lead and asbestos.

The Lead Service Line Inventory project is also progressing.

“Nearly all the water meters have been located, including vacant properties,” Wilson stated. “The first invoice for $3,800 has been submitted for payment.”

The nonprofit grant has been received and is being set aside for street lights.

Councilman Brandy George reported the recent Halloween event was a success.

“There were more than 200 people in attendance and lasted about three hours,” said George. “We are looking to make it bigger and better next year.”

City Clerk Flora Smith then presented ordinance 6-23 establishing the election of one mayor for a two year term, one north ward alderman for a two year term, and one south ward alderman for a two year term.

George made a motion to accept the election ordinance followed by a second from Councilman Tad Sessums. The motion passed with all in favor.

Smith then presented Resolution 3-23 that recognizes Arbyrd is participating in the Dunklin County Mitigation Plan to prepare for natural hazards.

Councilman Derrick Higgins made a motion to accept the Resolution with a second from Councilman Greg Hulett. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Mayor Wilson provided the water and sewer report, sharing a new sewer tap is being installed for the new construction on Annie Street and the homeowners will be billed.

“Also, one meter has been installed on South Main Street, and another is to be repaired on White Street,” added Wilson.

Hulett suggested the bathrooms at the ball park need to be winterized. The Board agreed and a work order was made to ensure it would be completed.

Fire Chief Derrick Higgins stated there have been no fires since the last meeting.

There are several upcoming Christmas parades the department will be participating in.

The old fire truck is being repaired in preparation for the parades.

The next meeting of the Arbyrd City Council will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.