Council to consider alcohol amendment

The Benton City Council will consider an ordinance amending parks and recreation regulations pertaining to the use and possession of alcoholic beverages.

Ordinance 42 of 2003 banned the use and possession of alcoholic beverages within any facility owned or operated by the city.

The amendment to the ordinance, if passed by the aldermen, will exempt C.W. Lewis Stadium and the City of Benton Farmers Market during activities authorized by city administration from the ban. Proper permits from the Arkansas Beverage Control Board will also be required.

The agenda for Monday also includes the presentation of service awards for Patrick Baker and Jackie Wood. Both will be honored for 20 years of service.

Five new officers for the Benton Police Department will also be present for a swearing-in ceremony by Saline County Circuit Court Judge Gary Arnold. They include Charles Anderson, Jesus Feliberty-casiano, Stacy Jones, Joseph Mckinely and Tierra Coffey.

Mayor Tom Farmer will also issue three proclamations for the city. They include Go Pink for the Cure Day, the 100th birthday of Syble Womack and African American Community Recognition.

Other items on the agenda include:

• An ordinance authorizing the purchase of a voiceover IP phone system for the city of Benton.

• An ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds within the Benton Fire Department.

• An ordinance authorizing the monetary transfer of funds within the Benton Fire Department.

• An ordinance authorizing the purchase of a new speaker system for city events.

• An ordinance rezoning land located at 504 Oak Hill from R2 to C1.

• An ordinance providing for a conditional use permit for Midtowne Church located at the corner of Alcoa Road and Boone Road.

• An ordinance accepting grant funds from the historic preservation program and authorizing the expenditure of those funds.

• A resolution adopting an amendment to the Benton Utilities Employee Pension Plan and Trust.

• A resolution recognizing the services of Battalion Chief Greg Ford to the citizens of Benton and awarding him his badge and helmet in recognition of his service with the Benton Fire Department.

• A resolution authorizing the city to contract with Arkansas Hoops Academy for providing recreational services to the youth of Benton.

• A resolution accepting the lowest acceptable bid for the replacement of fencing at Tyndall Park.

• A resolution authorizing the city to enter into a contract with R&S Landscaping for providing lawn care services to the city of Benton.

The pre-council agenda meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the mayor’s conference room with the council meeting set at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. The meetings will be held at the Benton Municipal Complex, located at 114 S. East St.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is encouraged.