Darrell Spells – Hackett Community Reporter, and Contributor
The Hackett city council held its monthly meeting on November 17, 2016 at 6:00pm at Hackett City Hall.
The meeting began with reports from individual department heads. The police report noted the update on the new police vehicle that has arrived at the dealership in Little Rock. Chief Spells also gave an update on the progress of the Hackett Helping Hands campaign. Fire Chief James McCutcheon gave a report of the fire department. The fire department had responded to three fires and thirteen medical calls for the month. The fire chief also mentioned to the council that the tanker truck was in need of repairs to the tank. The council approved a motion to look into offers for a new Poly tank for the truck. In other council news, the council welcomed new council member Jodie Been. Been sat in during the meeting and will be sworn in soon.
Trini Harper representing the planning commission made mention of areas of clean up in the city that needs to be addressed as well as promoting the upcoming Christmas Parade on December 3rd at 6:00pm.
Lee Webb advised the city of several legislative matters that might have an effect on the city in the upcoming session. Webb also brought the council up to date on the future of GIF funding for the next quarter that will be used to purchase a new city sign for City Hall.
In old business, the council continued discussions on purchasing new parking structure to be placed behind city hall. After discussing the matter in depth, the council agreed unanimously on a 24×55 building that will have three closed bays and two open bays. The council also approved the purchase of gravel to be laid at the site of the parking structure.
The council also approved the motion to have mulch delivered in the area of the new playground equipment at the park.
In new business the council approved a $40.00 Christmas bonus for the volunteer firefighters.
In closing, Mayor Stevens proposed a study session for salaries to be held the next week.
