Lincoln Contracts With Building Inspector

Lincoln has entered into a contract for services with Jeff Hutcheson of Bethel Heights to provide building inspections on a part-time basis.

Lincoln City Council approved the agreement at its May 19 meeting.

The city will pay Hutcheson $ 80 per inspection. He is required to complete any inspections within 72 hours of receiving a request for services from the city. If multiple inspections are performed during a single trip, the city agreed to pay an additional $30 per inspection.

The contract also states the city will pay Hutcheson $25 per hour in one-half incre- ments and 47 cents per mile for additional time or travel that is required for non-inspection purposes.

According to the agreement, Hutcheson is qualified and certified to conduct building inspections in Arkansas on plumbing, electrical, mechanical, footings/ slabs, insulation, drywall, final and all other building systems requiring permits and inspections for the state.

Council members also approved a new rate structure for city inspections. Mayor Rob Hulse said the rates were increased to offset the costs of contracting with an outside inspector for services.

The new fees are $ 100 for plumbing, electrical and mechanical for each building system unit and $100 for demolition, remodel, repair, service drops and all other building systems. For multiple inspections at one location, the first inspection will be $100 and subsequent inspections will be $40 each.

The Council adopted a resolution to approve a city safety policy. Hulse said city officials have been working with Arkansas Municipal League on a Safety and Health Plan. The policy calls for monthly safety meetings and Hulse said it is primarily in place to prevent problems.

“We’ve had injuries throughout the years but we want to be proactive versus reactive when it comes to safety,” Hulse said. “We want to spend a lot of time focusing on safety. This is for our employees as well as saving costs.”

Jay Norton, Lincoln fire administrator, will serve as the city’s safety manager.

Rhonda Hulse, city grants administrator, reported that Lincoln Public Library has received a $2,500 grant that will offset a loss of state revenue this year due to budget cuts. The grant, from Western Planning and Development District, comes through the state’s General Improvement Fund program.

In addition, Rob Hulse said the community garden is proceeding, and vegetables are being planted between rain showers. Volunteers are always needed for planting and harvesting crops. Anyone interested in volunteering can call City Hall at 824-3321.