City Council Talks Park Improvements

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, May 16. After approving the minutes and financial statements from the April meeting, the council moved on to items of new business.

Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker reported on the success of the recent fundraiser for the Dixie Theater and shared the upcoming event on May 18 with Southern Reign.

Public Works Director Charlie Little reported on progress at the Connie McConnell Memorial Park. He revealed plans for a new slide to be added in the near future. That slide has been selected and purchased by Darlene Boyd. Mayor Buddy Black said that a plaque honoring Boyd will be placed near the slide to honor her. “She spent a significant amount of money on this slide, and we want to thank her,” stated Black.

Little also shared the improvements that have taken place in renovating the benches at that park. Lastly, Little commended the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for donating gravel to be spread around the City Lake park and those who volunteered their time for the United Way Day of Caring.

Next, Mayor Black reported that the Fire Chief, Stephen Haysmer had resigned on Saturday. – See related story Additionally, Black reported the results of the pump tests done on all three fire trucks. Those trucks all passed, but have issues that need to be addressed. The city is waiting on an estimate for those repairs.

Next, Chief Wayne Robb reported on the police department. He shared that several members of the department are undergoing online training, and that Officer Kelly Perez is in her third week at the Police Academy.

The City Attorney, Matt Ketcham, is continuing to work on several new city ordinances. He discussed the need for the city to address the new medical marijuana laws and that there needs to be an ordinance in place. “I don’t recommend that you over regulate it, but I think there needs to be some boundaries set on where you can and cannot be smoking it,” said Ketcham.

In matters of unfinished business, Black shared that ARDOT would be delivering and placing new signs to direct traffic onto the main highway. Also, the council voted to accept the planning commission’s recommendation to close the alley on Gipson Lane and revert it back to private property.

Members of the council also approved the motion to service the Hartford area for trash pickup. Black noted they added 240 customers and will net $27,260.00 with the addition.

Black shared the results of a recent smoke and dye test done by Landmark Engineering. The test was done to evaluate the necessary upgrades needed to accept liquid waste from the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center. “We will be getting some much needed upgrades,” stated Black. The upgrades will come at no costs to the city.

Next, a representative from WOW, World of Wireless, sought the council’s approval to install a wireless internet transmitter. The motion was made and passed unanimously.

The city’s grant writer, Shelby Allen, updated the council on the status of grant applications. Allen has applied for a Firehouse Sub grant in the amount of $14,500. The council approved resolution 2019-4 to “bring the fire department up to standards.”

Lastly, the council voted to approve the purchase of a new police vehicle and an ordinance to deposit all pension checks on the first business day of the month.

Alderman Beverly Lyons made the motion to amend the agenda to go into executive session to discuss the appointment of a new fire chief. After reconvening, the council was unable to reach a consensus. Black stated “we will continue to work towards finding a replacement.”