Blevins City Council
The Blevins City Council was called to order by the Mayor on December 2nd at 7:00
PM. The board members present were Barbara Patterson, Kim Torres, Jon Howell and
Eric Smith. Councilman Cassidy was absent for reasons of health. An opening prayer
was offered by Barbara Patterson. The previous meeting minutes were read by acting
Clerk, Kimberly Torres, and accepted. The financial report was presented and there was
a brief discussion of the electricity usage and its payments from the various
departments. The Mayor and the (new)Treasurer will work to clarify the disbursements
from the multiple accounts. The council approved the report. There were no water
adjustments.
A new water meter was installed for the school but without the riser due to some
extensive re-piping needed that was not foreseen during the planning stage. It was also
discovered that the valve that shuts off the school also shuts off the Hornet Hut and
College Street.
There was a brief discussion of the completion of the Water System Sanitary Survey.
The City was found to be in compliance but with some action items needed.
The City water system is now officially removed from the fiscal distress list and is in full
compliance with Act 605. A new rate study will be required in 2029.
There was a very brief discussion about the awarding of funds for the wastewater
treatment facility upgrades. Other than the 75% debt forgiveness and 25% loan
structure, there are no other specifics at this time. Updates should be forthcoming in the
first quarter of 2026.
A brief mention was made about the Arkansas State Aid Street Fund. The final decision
will be made by ARDOT on December 10th, to know whether or not Blevins street
improvement project has been approved.
A motion was made by Jon Howell and a 2nd by Eric Smith to rescind the decision to
utilize the concrete chunks from the slab demolition at the corner of 1st St and Hwy. 29.
The motion carried. The Mayor will let the property owner know that the city will not be using
the material.
There is a very good used, Kawasaki Mule, side by side ATV for sale by Keith Steed for
$8500. The council discussed this versus the use of the Dodge truck. The decision to
purchase the mule was tabled for now.
Per USDA requirement, the Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency
Response Plan (ERP) needs review and updating to provide the USDA with a one page
certificate, no later than December 18th. The mayor and water operator will be working
on this.
Another item discussed was emergency expenditures by the Mayor without having to convene a special meeting dk the Council. An ordinance was passed giving the Mayor a $1,000 limit.
The question was raised about alleyways within the City limits. The policy of this is alleyways are closed and not maintained by the city.
The city has searched for a recorder/treasurer. Lisa Arbor accepted the position and was sworn in. Others had a expressed an interest but didn’t live within City limits as is required.
There was a brief discussion about the budget for the next year and the need to retain an experienced, skilled and licensed water operator. The same ordinance also includes the billing clerk. The final numbers will be put into the budget for 2026 which will be passed in January.
The next regular scheduled meeting will be on January 6th, 2026.