Residents share concerns about Center fitness program

During the Bryant City Council meeting Tuesday, members of the public shared concerns about the possible change to Bryant's fitness program at the Center at Bishop Park.

At the start of the meeting, Bryant Mayor Allen Scott said he knew many were there to voice concerns over the situation with Tab Fitness. He told the audience and council he met with the owner recently regarding her work at the Center. He said during a previous meeting there was a misunderstanding on both sides.

"We have worked through that misunderstanding and continue to work through that process," he said.

During public comments, three members of the public spoke about the arrangement with Tab Fitness.

Jamie Reynolds, of Bryant, opposed the idea of reducing the hours available for Tab Fitness, removing childcare and charging more for the program.

As a working mother, she said the option to have the programs different times throughout the day and the childcare being available are what make her able to do her exercise through the classes. She also spoke of extra free things

Tab Fitness offers, such as meal preparation classes.

"I only keep my membership at Bishop for Tab Fitness classes," she sad, adding that if Tab Fitness leaves the Center, many of the members would follow.

Bryant resident Sandra Curtis said Tab Fitness offers a professional approach where members feel like they are getting personal fitness training.

"This is the best program I have ever encountered," Curtis said.

Becky Hasselbring, who lives in Benton, but chooses to have a membership at the Center, said she goes specifically for Tab because it is a "better quality class at an affordable price."

After months of reviews and discussions, the council passed two ordinances that will raise the water and wastewater rates over the course of five years to cover operating expenses and infrastructure projects.

Member Lisa Meyer requested regular updates on projects for the consent agreement the city is under with the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality to see where the money from the increases are going. The council decided to have quarterly written reports.

Member RJ Hawk asked if they were still going to have a workshop to discuss longterm water and wastewater plans. Scott said they are still working to set a date

for the meeting.

The board voted to approve entering into an interlocal agreement with the county and other municipalities to negotiate a contract for emergency medical services. Scott said the city's current agreement ends this year.

Even with this ordinance, the city can still make its own agreement if it chooses.

Scott pointed out that the new Arkansas Heart Hospital in Bryant is planning to set up its own ambulance service. He added the current service in the city does not have great response times.

The council also:

• approved the year to date financial report.

• approved the 2020 city reports to be published in the newspaper.

• approved the final version of the 2021 Budget book to be submitted for an award.

• approved item four on the Tristem Utility Audit Report.

• approved the destruction of certain city records.

• were presented the quarterly review of general funds and decided to continue having that review going forward.

• approved an updated position description and salary range for the wastewater treatment plant manager.

Scott reminded the audience Coffee with the Mayor will be April 10. It will be the first back live at Bishop Park, but it will also be available to watch through Youtube.

Council Member Brenda Miller wanted people to remember the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce Airshow is coming up in June.

The city heard reports from the IT department and the Parks Department, including from the Bryant Boys & Girls Clubs and the Bryant Senior Wellness and Activity Center. A story on those reports will be in an upcoming edition of The Saline Courier.