City purchases bulldozer, dump truck

GENTRY — City council on Feb. 5 authorized the purchase of a used dump truck and a new Caterpillar track-type tractor with money included in the city’s budgets for the purchase.

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a purchase contract for a Caterpillar Model D3K2 HRC track-type tractor for use by the city’s street and water, and sewer departments. The purchase price for the bulldozer was not to exceed $97,336.69.

The purchase is being made through Riggs Equipment under a National Joint Powers Alliance purchasing contract, making it possible to waive the normal bidding process.

An ordinance was passed on three readings with a single vote by the council authorizing the mayor to execute a purchase agreement with Mark Lynch for the purchase of one 1994 Mack CH6 dump truck. The purchase price for the used dump truck was not to exceed $23,300 (excluding sales tax, if any), according to the ordinance.

Also approved on three readings with a single vote was an ordinance authorizing a 2018 agreement with Main Street Gentry (also known as the Gentry Chamber of Commerce) for services to the city related to economic development and promotion of the city at a cost to the city of $30,000 (to be paid in two payments).

Passed on its third and final reading was an ordinance which regulates cell phone towers within Gentry’s city limits. The ordinance also spells out the procedures and regulations related to applying to the city’s planning commission for a permit to place a cellular tower within the city.

Kevin Johnston, Gentry’s mayor, reported to the council that it was the recommendation of the city’s safety committee not to increase speed limits on roads within the city which are in agricultural areas. The decision was based in part on a state statute which set maximum speed limits on all roads in urban areas at 30 mph (Arkansas 27-51-201). Johnston said all of Gentry is classified as an urban area even though there are agricultural areas within the city.

Johnston indicated the safety committee would continue studying speed limits on a number of streets and roads within the city but said increasing the speed limit to more than 30 mph could put the city in jeopardy of losing highway funds, a risk he did not wish to take.

Johnston reported that work was progressing on developing a parks master plan, with a sketch soon to come showing where amenities could be located within the park properties. Then a plan will be prepared for the public, Johnston said, so the public can see what the city is hoping to do. Johnston and city officials have discussed having a parks plan to show the public before asking for any increase in sales and use taxes to complete the work.