Sept. 7th, 2010 City Council Meeting

Tonight’s meeting hosted a full agenda. Tom Osborne (Spring River Car Club) was first up and presented the City a plaque of honor and appreciation for the cities support in hosting the Car Cruise, which was held earlier in the year. The SRCC is looking forward to the next one which will include many more aspects of Hardy, including the merchants. The merchants look forward to this too.  *View city council AGENDA by clicking HERE

Chief Rose spoke in regards to the need for a new breathalyzer. It seems that the shared unit between the quad Cities is becoming obsolete. The Sheriff is desiring our communities share in the expense of a new unit. It seems like a great idea and all present appeared to be in favor of it. The one hold up seems to be is funding.  More on this later…

Air Evac was a guest tonight also. Kevin Gorskey spoke about a proposal that would allow CityWater customers an option to purchase membership in the Air Evac program. There would a $5.00 line item charge on the monthly City Water Bill. No contracts, no time limits. Many cities are allowing this for their residents and this too is a good idea. The city stands to gain $.50 per customer per month which also is a good idea…. There are still some details to be considered.

Margaret Harness made a report regarding the research she is conducting in conjunction with Alcohol in Hardy. More to come on this issue since its not pressing anything at the moment but being proactive will set some rules for the future…if the people are ever allowed to decide the wet issue for themselves.

Cd renewal was discussed. One of the cities cd”s coming due and the council was asked to approve its relocation to another bank.

Since the barn stage thingy was removed from Johnson Street 2 weeks ago, it has remained idle waiting for its next assignment. Superintendent Gilbreath has made it known that the Water Dept could use it for storage or a work shed. This is a good idea as the dept really could put this asset to good use. He will approach A&P with this suggestion and see what that group has to say. Since it is used, maybe A&P will let him have it at a reduced price, but A&P will need to be reimbursed something.

ACCRTA – Carolyn Groves gave an overly comprehensive report of the event (which sounded like a great event). The guests and visitors came from all over the state and were treated like royaltyby the City office. The entire event cost the city only $65.00. It was mainly funded by donations from various groups. The ACCRTA participants were driven all over the area. I think that a few of the 70+ visitors may have even visited the historic downtown district of Hardy. Thanks to Carolyn for bringing them to town…and by the way …its nice to see our recorder treasurer back in her seat again…healthy and smiling after her surgery.

Ray Hicks gave a report regarding Easement issues…seems that when the city annexes property the officially registered easements go along with the properties. There are some property owners who don’t agree and have created a bit of a stink in that respect. Shame on those property owners. They agreed to the easement in the first place. The city needs to have access to certain things and for the public good, they should not be made to beg or jump through hoops in order to do so.

There was discussed the issue of condemning run down and (seemingly) abandoned property. Notifications have been sent to one property owner (Kay Nolan) in regards to her unfinished construction of a home on Johnson St. Nolan started the removal of the structure, but has failed to complete it in a reasonable time. The city will send another letter and try to get her to finish the job. If she does not comply, then the city had the right to seize the land and charge her for clean up.

The Mayor made a report that stated that she has acquired grant monies for the expansion of the library. This is a good thing. The library has become a focal point of knowledge for Hardy. Many people use it for Internet access. It has grown in stature since  receiving a new director.

Under New Business the words “In God We Trust” will be created to be displayed in City Hall. This is a nation wide movement to bring our countries motto back into usage. Its a good idea. The Ozark Classic Crafts Mall will be happy to donate this to the City.

John Norburg from Avenues has asked the city to allow corners to be adopted for beautification and maintenance. This a good idea and FOHA (Friends of Hardy Arkansas…the sponsors of this website) would be honored to receive the opportunity to advance the cause. We just need to know some details.  Anyone interested in adoptions can contact the mayor at mayorofhardy@yahoo.com

The Planning and Zoning Commission is reforming. In an attempt to come under proper guidelines, the Mayor is re-establishing the Commission. Proposed for the commission are: Dennis Welte, Kenneth and Carolyn Groves, Carey Evans Ray Hicks. They would sit for various time frames so as to allow proper rotation per the rules and regs. Prior to the vote 2 council members  brought up the fact that 2 of the proposed members are husband and wife and the possibility of  a ‘conflict of interest which could present the appearance of impropriety’. The mayor retorted that it was “perfectly legal” and the candidates were approved with four votes ‘yes’ and two  ’no’ votes. You can watch that portion of the city council meeting below.

This article has been submitted by:

FOHA (Friends of Hardy Arkansas)

For video copies of the session, please contact info@mainstreethardy.com

Cost for copies on DVD is only $5.00 + shipping