PRAIRIE GROVE -- The city of Prairie Grove would like to purchase a strip of vacant land next door to the Police Department, if the area and price can be agreed upon between both parties.
The property is owned by Five Star Group, a limited liability company, and the city approached the company about purchasing land to provide a place for the police department to park its vehicles. Mayor Sonny Hudson said the company's agent came back with an offer to sell .34 acre for $40,000.
"We don't need that much," Hudson said.
The city countered, asking for only .04 acre, and is waiting for a response.
"This would benefit us greatly," Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works, told the City Council at its July 21 meeting. "This would allow the police to pull in their vehicles lengthwise."
The city already has received a strip of land across Stills Road from City Hall. The city purchased the land from Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department for $1,050 and it is large enough to park 12 cars, Oelrich said. The city eventually will gravel and pave the parking area.
The city also would be interested in another vacant parcel across from City Hall and next to U.S. 62, except the owner is asking $33,000 and is not willing to negotiate, Hudson said.
"None of us are probably interested in spending $33,000," Hudson said, though he noted the land could provide future parking and would make a good site for a sign to promote Prairie Grove. "If we had the money, I think it's something that would be worth developing."
Council member Dale Reed agreed, telling aldermen, "I say we pass."
In other business, the council amended its ordinance on impounding vicious animals to include one section. If the court rules an animal is vicious or dangerous, the owner is responsible for the costs of impoundment, in addition to any fines, fees or other costs. If the court rules that an animal is not vicious or dangerous, then the animal will be released to the owner without charge.
The council also placed two ordinances on third and final reading. One loosens the restrictions for open burning and discharging fireworks for Agriculture zones with property in excess of five acres. The second ordinance deals with storm-water prevention, grading and erosion control.
Under committee reports, Reed said the Planning Commission approved a large-scale development plan for Bill's Auto Sales, 10800 W. Highway 170, the former site of the concrete plant off U.S. 62.
The Commission also approved a request to allow a home at 209 Rogers St., to be used as vacation rental property. Reed said city zoning ordinances do not address houses being used as vacation rental property and for this one address, the Commission decided the house would be considered the same as a bed and breakfast inn, which is allowed in the zone. The request was made by Rick and Kara Ault of Prairie Grove.
Police Chief Chris Workman announced to the Council that he terminated an officer, Chasity Mahan, on July 16 for numerous departmental policy violations. Mahan had been with Prairie Grove since Feb. 16, 2013, and was still on her two-year probationary period. Workman said he already is receiving applications to fill the vacancy.
The council also approved a five-year lease for a new color, digital copier for District Court for $157.69 per month with Triple A Business Machines. The court's current copier will go to the Police Department.
General News on 07/30/2014