Rogers police receive federal grant for virus-related expenses

ROGERS — The Police Department will receive a federal grant for coronavirus-related expenses.

The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to accept a $75,500 from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The money will mostly go to personal protective equipment for police officers and cleaning equipment to disinfect police vehicles, Police Chief Hayes Minor said.

The council also voted to annex about 1.3 acres on Old Wire Road into the city. The land has a house on it and was annexed in with the singlefamily residential zoning, which means the land may only be used for single-family homes unless the council later approves a rezone.

City facilities such as the library, Adult Wellness Center and Historical Museum remain closed to the public to help prevent the spread of covid-19. Mayor Greg Hines said during Tuesday’s meeting he has made no decision concerning when that will change and he’ll be cautious and slow to open facilities to the public.

Hines has praised Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s and Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith’s handling of covid-19.

Hutchinson announced Friday swimming pools and similar facilities may open May 22. The facilities will be limited to 50% capacity and will be required to enforce physical distancing between visitors.

“I know an announcement was made regarding public pools and aquatic centers and, in the most respectful way possible, I’m just going to tell you that ain’t gonna happen,” Hines said.

The Rogers Aquatic Center is normally open each year from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

“I’m just not convinced yet there is anywhere close to a safe way to open our aquatics park at this time,” Hines said.

Hines said members of the public will be required to wear masks inside city buildings when they open. The city doesn’t plan to provide masks to the public but will provide masks and any other necessary personal protective equipment to city employees, he said.

Alex Golden can be reached by email at agolden@nwadg.com or on Twitter @NWAalexgolden.

“I’m just not convinced yet there is anywhere close to a safe way to open our aquatics park at this time.” — Rogers Mayor Greg Hines