Blevins City Council

The Blevins City Council was called to order by the Mayor on March 3rd at 7:00 PM. Board members present included Barbara Patterson, Jon Howell, Eric Smith and Kimberly Torres, arriving late. Councilman Cassidy was absent due to health issues. Lisa Arbour, Recorder/Treasurer was present.  An opening prayer was offered by Barbara Patterson. The previous meeting minutes were read and accepted. The financial report was presented and approved. There were no water adjustments.

Two OWN Engineering representatives were there to present the contract for the sewer project and answer questions. The contract will be reviewed by the city attorney and voted on at the April council meeting. There was also a brief discussion of the ARDOT, RTP Grant program and an OWN engineer and the mayor will be meeting with the school superintendent to look at the possibilities of improving the walking path at the school.

The council approved three additional city streetlights and the cost of the required wiring. It has been confirmed that the ARDOT city street overlay project will be completed by November of this year. The start date has not been set yet.

The city is undergoing two audits, one for the USDA, water system which is required every year and the Arkansas Legislative Audit which is required every two years. A water system Security Survey will be due by the end of the month.

The process of reconciling the water meter route book with the billing database and the delinquent payment list is ongoing and was discussed.

A detailed bid was presented for the grass/weed control spraying around the city manholes and sewer right of way to take a more proactive approach this year to reduce overall cost. it was discussed and the council approve by vote.

Several culvert crossings on city streets are cracking. A bid was reviewed and discussed. The matter was tabled for now to look at alternative methods.

City stop signs were discussed and three more were approved for purchase.

The recorder/treasurer will have training in the near future. This is required training, starting this year.

River Valley Technology is in the final phase of implementing the city’s I.T. infrastructure and cyber security requirements. All work should be completed by the end of the month, for a job well done!

The meeting was adjourned. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th.