PRAIRIE GROVE -- Prairie Grove City Council last week gave Mayor Sonny Hudson the authority to negotiate to purchase 3.5 acres near the sewer plant that could be part of a new city park.
The land runs along the Muddy Fork of the Illinois River and is adjacent to city property near the sewer plant and Belle Meade subdivision. The city is proposing to use all the land, about 6 acres, for a city park.
Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works, said the 3.5 acres is not suitable for residential development, is very scenic and has lots of wildlife.
"I don't propose we spend a lot of money for it but if we could get what connects to what we already have, it would be a big asset to Prairie Grove to have the riverfront property," said Oelrich.
The city has contracted with McClelland Consulting Engineers to conduct a topographic survey of the land to determine potential uses of the property. City officials have discussed several possibilities, including a picnic area, walking trail, fishing spots along the river, multi-sport field, parking and restrooms.
The only other action the Council took was to vote to close a bank account for Friends of Prairie Grove Pound, at the request of the city's auditor. The Friends now has its own bank account and the city one is not used.
Two ordinances on the agenda were tabled until July. Three aldermen were absent from the June 20 meeting, which meant the Council had a quorum but not enough to suspend the rules on any ordinances. Aldermen Doug Bartholomew, Rick Clayton and Casey Copeland were absent.
The rest of the meeting dealt with reports from various city committees.
For the street committee, Oelrich reported the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department would open bids June 22 to overlay parts of Mock and Jenkins streets. Estimated cost is $200,000. The money for this is coming from state aid, not local dollars.
The city is continuing to build sidewalks. The next section will be on Mock Street around the middle school.
The city is still waiting to receive final reimbursements from the Parks Street bridge project. Oelrich said about $200,000 is still owed from the highway department and engineering firm.
The city is renovating the water plant and is ready to move forward and advertise for bids. The city will open bids on aerators for Lake Prairie Grove, an estimated cost of $125,000-$150,000 and will rebuild the plant's four pumps for about $150,000.
Attendance at Prairie Grove Aquatic Park has increased this year due to hot summer temperatures. The pool set a one-day attendance record of 647 on June 11.
For the first time, the city will have a free movie night at the pool. The movie, Zootopia, will be shown July 22. Oelrich said it cost the city $375 to get a license to show the movie. Admission fees will be food donations for Life Ministries' food pantry or $2 per person.
General News on 06/29/2016