Offer made on old City Hall

Easley questions water line

Alderman Ray Easley brought an ongoing issue before the Pea Ridge City Council during their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Easley said there is an “agreement” circulating — unknown to the council — that claims Gateway’s water service is encroaching on Pea Ridge’s water territory.

Water superintendent Ken Hayes said that, when he began the job 20 years ago, there was an agreement between the two districts that Gateway could service the Pea Ridge area so long as no water mains were extended. Despite this, Hayes said one particular main was recently extended 1.5 miles into foreign territory.

“I don’t want to offend anyone, they’re all good people. They’re neighbors, family, friends,” said Easley.

Hayes said he believes the issue to be resolved. City attorney Michael Bearden recommended the city memorialize the issue in writing and move forward without further action.

City Clerk Sandy Button notified the council of an offer that has been made on the former City Hall building. She said that Roy Cotton has offered $135,000 for the building. In keeping with the council’s wishes, he plans to keep the lot commercial.

The council voted to counter his offer with $145,000 and granted Mayor Jackie Crabtree to accept an offer between $135,000 and $145,000.

Button also presented the council with the appraisal of the former Library building. The council voted to list the building

at the appraisal rate of $39,000.

The council voted to hold two consecutive public hearings at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The first in regards to the annexation of “islands” within the city’s incorporated limits and the second in regards to the proposed sewer rate increase.

Departmental Reports

Hayes informed the council that additional errors were discovered in the sewer rate study. The numbers have been corrected and rates will remain the same as proposed but revenue will decrease significantly as a result.

Jeff Hatley, a representative from Ozark Regional Transit, addressed the council in regards to a fire at the company’s bus lot on Jan. 10.

First, Hatley noted that reports indicate that local routes experienced another record year — with number of rides increasing from 317,000 to 319,000. He believes that the rise in rides directly correlates to six new routes that were added in 2016.

“We’re slowly limping along and returning to normal,” Hatley said. “Luckily, the emergency response van escaped the fire unscathed.”

He reported that some routes are being consolidated for the time being but ORT has received an outpouring of support from nearly 20 different states.

ORT is currently speaking with State Representatives Steve Womack and Jeff Williams in an attempt to have the governor declare a state of emergency in their situation.

Hatley said that, while the fire is still under investigation, it is believed to have started with a clogged catalytic converter and grew with help from a strong, southwest wind. In other business: • The council voted to approve Resolution 393, prohibiting conflicts of interest between municipal employees and city entities.