Springtown’s council hears updates
SPRINGTOWN — According to unapproved minutes of the July 9 meeting of the Springtown Council, the declaratory judgment appeal has been filed. The appellant’s brief has been prepared and filed by George Rhoads and Associates for the town.
There was no update on the Bredehoeft Street Project, according to the minutes. Town resident Paul Lemke expressed concerns about the placement of the road being only 12 feet from his daughter’s home. Jim McClellan inquired as to why there was a need to decrease traffic on Aubrey Long Road.
The current town position, according to the unapproved minutes, is that the decrease in traffic is essential to the preservation of the big spring and fragile karst system that surrounds the spring.
Both Lemke and McClellan inquired about a smaller spring near the Bredehoeft Project, but, according to the town’s position, that spring does not appear on any geologic maps, and the big spring is a significant contributor to the Illinois River Watershed; its demise would have a detrimental impact on the environment.
Bredehoeft Low-water Bridge replacement is underway, according to the minutes, and an additional resolution was passed expressing the willingness of the town of Springtown to utilize federal aid funds for the replacement of the low-water bridge over North Flint Creek on Bredehoeft Road.
The legislative audit review of finances is complete and waiting for final approval of the committee, the minutes state. Mayor Glenn spoke with the auditor to provide clarification and the final approval is imminent.
Flagpoles and street signs are being purchased for the town and the mayor is in the process of locating vendors, according to the unapproved minutes.
It was reported that excess money from the community grant (the remainder of storm siren money) must be spent or returned. It was suggested to purchase security cameras but the grant administration prefers something for the community building, such as appliances. Alderman Chuck Bostwick suggested additional tables and chairs. The council agreed that those items would be a good use of the money. Mayor Terri Glenn will get this approved and oversee the purchase, according to the minutes.
Recycling Grants are available if the town wants to implement a recycling program. Alderman Chuck Bostwick attended an informational meeting held June 6 and provided a report of his findings. The program offers a variety of tools to support a community recycling program. The council will follow up with the next round of applications.
Mayor Glenn reported that Tim Richardson, street maintenance employee, has resigned, effective July 1. This poses a problem for the town because Richardson used his personal equipment to mow the town property. The town discussed the issues associated with purchasing a mower and seeking another contractor, such as insurance liability, maintenance costs and locating an affordable contractor willing to perform additional tasks (tree trimming, park maintenance, etc). According to the unapproved minutes, town residents Paul Lemke and Jim McClellan provided helpful insights on the subject and Mayor Glenn will explore the options.
Town resident Jim McClellan inquired about closing unmaintained alleys and streets in the portion of town south of Highway 12, specifically those which lie between his and Paul Lemke’s properties. The town has done this in the past on streets and roads that had not been maintained, the council agreed that this could be done at no expense to the property owners. Mayor Glenn will begin the process with the goal of completing it at the August council meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the town hall.
Additional information on the declaratory judgment appeal can be found at https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov.
Additional information about the Big Spring can be found at:
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/uv/?site_no=07195800&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
http://irwp.org/aboutirwp/
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/springtown-bentoncounty-7255/