Council votes to waive bidding for playground equipment

During their regular monthly meeting Monday, the Malvern City Council approved several items of old and new business via teleconference through the Teamup Microsoft web app online.

During the meeting, the council agreed to adopt an ordinance abolishing planning commission and an ordinance reestablishing planning commission following its third reading by title only.

Also an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 944 regulating service entrances was introduced by the council and read by title only for its second reading by City Attorney Cecilia Ashcraft. The council will vote to have the third reading of the ordinance during their regular upcoming finance/ agenda meeting in May.

For other items of new business, the council agreed to adopt four resolutions pertaining to amending Res # 08- 2020 and the 2020 City Budget and Res # 01- 2020 and the 2021 City Budget; also a condemnation resolution pertaining to a special eradication project and a state aid city street program project resolution.

The council agreed to suspend the rules by title only for the second and third reading to declare the emergency clause to adopt an ordinance waiving competitive bidding for purchase of city vehicle, property and health insurance— and an ordinance waiving competitive bidding pertaining to playground equipment at Malvern City Park.

Also the council approved to authorize the mayor to sign agreement with Midland Railroad.

Prior to conducting business, Mayor Brenda J. Weldon called the meeting to order at approximately 6: 30 p. m., with the invocation, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Following roll call for the council, the council approved the minutes of the previous regular meeting— March 8, 2021 and all departmental reports were accepted by the council— Finance, Street, Police, Fire/ Code Enforcement, Animal Control, LifeNet and Water Works.

While following safety guidelines and protocol procedures enforced by Gov. Asa Hutchinson of social distancing to prevent the coronavirus, Monday's meeting was live streamed with council members able to communicate with mayor Weldon, City Treasurer/ Clerk Phyllis Dial, City Attorney Ashcraft including all city department heads.

The Malvern City Council will have its next scheduled finance/ agenda meeting at 6: 30 p. m. in May.

Until further notice, council meetings will be held via teleconference due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

The Malvern City Council meets every first and second Monday of each month. The public can visit the city of Malvern website at www. malvernar.gov and Facebook page for updates and to find the link to tune in online while meetings are streamed live.