Blevins City Council

The Blevins City Council met in City Hall on Tuesday (3-4). The meeting started with a call to order and a prayer. The minutes were read and approved. The Treasurer’s report was approved as well. Water adjustments were a total of $166.70.  The amount included the adding back in of the $50 deposits that are held in security in the event the account holder moves away and owes on the account. The current deposit amount has since gone up to $100.

An ordinance was discussed about illegal parking with the decision to charge $50 for each offense for a 24-hour period. Where the money will go was also discussed.

A check of $55 for a water bill bounced and will need to be addressed.

Joe Lane resigned for health reasons. He left in excellent standing with his diligent service. His son Donny Lane will take over his position with the municipal water.

The filling of two vacant council seats was addressed with Donny Lane to be sworn in and Kimberly Torres interviewed for the other position.

The council heard a request from two ladies wanting to stage a parade. The council needs to know more details about the proposed parade.

The council discussed the area behind the Dollar General that floods badly. Donny Lane said he would work on it. The line is 22 feet from the road. The ditch that drains the city ends up in his pasture. Linking up the culvert and putting in a wider one would cause the water to flow more smoothly. An 8″ pipe was put in one the turns when one double that size is needed. Too much water is currently said to be not draining.

Water shutoffs were discussed. A house recently burned and water is still being used there.  It was noted the water department will have to charge for that usage.

It was noted terms for the mayor and city council members will end in 2026.

Vice Mayor John Myrick said he wanted to give the council an American flag. Mayor John Moore said there should be two flag stands, one for the US flag and one for the Arkansas flag.

Lane asked about the two motion-sensor lights that previous Mayor Bobby Steed had wanted installed at the well. Lane asked if there was still a desire to install them and received an affirmative answer. Cameras were said to also be a good idea, but the lights would be a start.

A desire to be on a maintenance schedule for the compressor was mentioned.

Lane talked about attending a state water conference in Hot Springs where he can earn credit. The conference lasts for three days and costs $160 to register. Possible payment for a motel was also discussed.

The road down to the sewer pond needs to be maintained. When the question came up about the road that JP Keith Steed built, it was clarified that Steed’s road is access to the sewer line.  The pond road is a separate road. County Judge Jerry Crane will need to be consulted in this matter.

Kenny Hill said he would like Blevins to be on AR1 so it is known where the water is.

The idea of getting a credit card for the city was brought up. After discussing how it would work to have one, the final consensus seemed to be to simply get one for Hill as he does a lot of travel and it would simplify the payment for gas.

The idea was brought up how the city can make money such as holding festivals, shooting matches, barbecues and cook-offs.  Discussion ensued.

The meeting adjourned.

In the group picture standing are Barbara Patterson, Vickie Gray, Donny Lane and Nancy Floyd. Seated are John Myrick Vice Mayor and John Moore Mayor. With the exception of Lane who is waiting to be sworn in those standing are current council members.