The Mansfield City Council convened a special meeting Thursday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. at City Hall to address an urgent infrastructure issue at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Members present included Aldermen Julie Thomas, James Steele, Glen Hurt, Sheri Hopkins, and Beverly Lyons, along with Mayor Buddy Black, Recorder/Treasurer Joy Maly, and City Attorney Travis Plummer. Alderman Boyd Farmer was absent with cause.
The council discussed a serious problem with the cyclone grit chamber—a component that removes debris such as sand and rocks before wastewater treatment. The chamber, currently made of fiberglass, has deteriorated from years of wear and exposure to grit and debris.
Mayor Black emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that raw sewage had begun surfacing before reaching the treatment process. “We have to act now,” he stated, noting the potential for EPA violations if immediate repairs are not made.
Civil Engineer James Dreher of OWN Engineering (Dardanelle, AR) addressed the council, explaining that the replacement unit will be constructed from stainless steel for greater durability. He estimated a lead time of 18–24 weeks for parts and installation, with project costs projected between $165,000 and $275,000.
The project will be financed initially through emergency funding from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, including a $100,000 emergency loan, followed by additional funding mechanisms to cover the remaining balance.
If approved, OWN Engineering will move forward with equipment ordering, NRC representation, and required paperwork.
City Attorney Travis Plummer read the resolutions, which were passed unanimously:
- Emergency Declaration Resolution – Motion by Beverly Lyons, second by Sheri Hopkins. Approved unanimously.
- Signatory Resolution – Motion by Glen Hurt, second by James Steele. Approved unanimously.
- Opening of New Checking Account – Motion by James Steele, second by Julie Thomas. Approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned following the approvals.
