Blevins City Council

The August 5th meeting at Blevins City Hall was called to order by Mayor John Moore. Barbara Patterson offered up a prayer. Council members; John Myrick, Barbara Patterson; Jon Howell and Dan Cassidy were in attendance as well as Treasurer/Recorder Vickie Gray.

The previous meeting minutes were read and accepted. The financial report was reviewed and accepted. Jon Howell had a question regarding the electrical expenses and it was explained it was for city streetlights. There was one water adjustment made and approved for an error in meter reading.

 The Water and Sewer System financial review was finalized and no deficiencies were found as to the required processes. Thank you, Vickie Gray.

 The final results were in for the Arkansas State required Water Rate Study. This is to ensure fiscal sustainability and solvency for the Water System. It was determined that to maintain financial solvency of the Water System a five percent increase to the base rate, per year for the next three years, will be required. This will be put in effect beginning with the last quarter of 2025 and the remaining five percent incremental increases taking effect in the last quarters of 2026 and 2027. This is per Arkansas ACT 605 of 2021. This is not something the council took lightly but is required by the State to have Blevins Water System removed from the “Fiscal Distress” rating for the water system.

The Wastewater retention pond remediation project grant is in process and is being processed through OWN Engineering.

There was a brief discussion for finding a replacement Water Operator for Blevins. Kenny Hill is planning on retiring and his valuable knowledge and expertise needs to be passed on. Any interested, qualified/certified Water Operators may send their contact information to: blevinstreasurer@gmail.com,

Street repairs were discussed briefly and some much needed repairs to: E Second St, N East Street and Main St, and some other areas were performed by the City of Blevins (not the County). Thanks to the efforts of Donny Lane and Keith Steed.

 Oak Street’s much needed drainage ditches clean up and improvement will begin sometime this month. While the work is being performed, there will be No through traffic from Hwy. 29 to Hwy. 371. It will be open to local residents only from the Hwy. 371 or First Street side. Updates to follow.

The mayor has applied for state aid for street overlays, through the State Aid Street Committee. This is pending approval. The mayor will meet with an ARDOT state engineer on Tuesday the 12th to assess the streets improvements requested. City street sign project is tabled for now with one exception.

 The Sewer Line Right of Way was discussed. It will be cleared and bush hogged before hunting season begins. Other improvements are needed but the council decided they will be performed at a later date.

Other mowing and trimming of city right of ways was discussed to improve visibility at intersections.

The mayor applied for and got approval for a .GOV Domain. This is a first step in improving security and compliance with city business communications and is a work in progress.

The meeting was adjourned.

John Moore

Mayor of Blevins