Council approves funding requests for projects

El Dorado city officials have approved two requests that previously received the OK from the El Dorado Works Board, which administers the city’s 1-cent economic development tax.

One of the requests was for nearly $2 million in funds, and it aligns with a third request that pertains to upcoming projects by the state to improve and expand U.S. 82 and U.S. 82-B/Hillsboro, which runs through town.

The EWB administers the El Dorado Works tax and the city council has final approval on funding requests.

Acting in the stead of EWB chairman Robert Reynolds, Mayor Frank Hash presented the EWB-approved requests to the El Dorado City Council last week.

The first was for $1.9 million to relocate a water line in preparation of ongoing plans by the Arkansas Department of Transportation to widen U.S. 82 across the state.

The El Dorado-Union County leg of the project will focus on the six-mile stretch between Airport Drive (South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field) and Wrights Lane, just west of Stars Cinema.

Robert Edmonds, director of public works, said the existing 6-inch water line must be removed from the state’s right of way, and it will be replaced with a 10-inch water line.

The larger line help to improve water pressure for houses, businesses and industries in the area, add fire protection and accommodate the continuing westward expansion of the city, Edmonds said.

The $1.9 million engineering estimate includes $1.1 million for pipe installation, $488,000 for boring fees and $248,000 in consultant’s fees.

Hash and Edmonds said the funds will not likely be needed until next spring.

With their votes, the city council and EWB gave the El Dorado Water Utilities the go-ahead to pursue bids for the project.

The council also gave the OK on a request pertaining to a separate highway improvement project for US 82-B/ Hillsboro.

ARDoT has asked the city to abandon a portion of South Jackson to make way for demolition of the Hillsboro viaduct and the construction of a new bridge.

The request covers the 400 block of South Jackson, which runs underneath the existing viaduct.

Hash said a city ordinance is not required for the request, noting that ARDoT asked for documentation in the city council minutes that aldermen approved a motion to that effect.

Spencer Iron Works is the only business that still operates in the area, Hash said, adding that the business will have to relocate in advance of the highway work.

Hash explained that the street will become a part of the state’s right of way, but citizens will still be able to use it once construction of the new bridge is completed.

In other business, Hash asked for the council’s approval to obtain bids for a pavilion to be placed in the area of Fifth Street and Arkansas Avenue across from Memorial Stadium.

He said the pavilion could be used for tailgating activities during events that are held in the stadium, including El Dorado School District games and the Murphy USA Classic, the annual college football game that was held Oct. 27.

“People (who) are already tailgating gather underneath the oak trees on that parking lot. They do it even when it’s raining,” Hash said previously, adding that the pavilion would provide cover in the event of inclement weather.

Though Hash has not yet quoted a price, he said the pavilion is affordable.

Hash told aldermen on Nov. 8 that the L-shaped pavilion will be erected on the southeast corner of the TAC House property. It will come with fans and selfdraining farmhouse sinks.

The EWB gave its approval on the request on Oct. 16, as with the $1.9 million request for the U.S. 82 water line project. Hash said he will return to the EWB later with bids.

During the Nov. 8 council meeting, Council Member George Calloway abstained from the vote, noting that he is also a member of the EWB. He also abstained during the EWB’s last regular meeting in October.

In September, Calloway was appointed to a fill a an open seat on the council until Dec. 31.

Vacancies

The council is also looking to fill vacancies on the El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission and the Water Advisory Board, which works with the city to oversee operations of the El Dorado Water Utilities.

A position is also open on the El Dorado Planning and Zoning Commission.

One spot is available on each body.

The slot on EAPC is open to owners and/or managers of restaurants or hotels/motels.

The commission administers the city’s 3 percent lodging tax revenues, which are partially doled out each year to groups and organizations who submit funding requests to help advertise and promote events that are being hosted in the city.

The planning and zoning commission is charged with several duties, including reviewing and approving any major development within city limits that will affect traffic flow and property values of properties that are adjacent to the development area.

Commissioners also make recommendations about the city’s zoning code.

Anyone who is interested in serving on a city board or commission may call City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 to request an application.