Mansfield City Council Meeting, August

The Mansfield City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting, Thursday, August 18th at Mansfield City Hall. In attendance were the City Council members – Georganna Mabry, Dave Johnson, Nathan Sterling, Beverly Lyons, Rick McDaniel, and Sheri Hopkins, Mansfield Recorder / Treasurer – Becky Walker, Mansfield Mayor – Larry Austin, Mansfield Police Chief – Boyd Farmer, Mansfield Police Sergeant – Stephen Westbrook, Mansfield Public Works Director – Arnold Elmore, and Mansfield Fire Chief – Stephen Haysmer, as well as a many citizens, and business owners of our area.
Mansfield Recorder / Treasurer, Becky Walker, was happy to announce that for the 4^th year in a row that she has received a $500 scholarship to attend the 44^th Annual Municipal Clerks Institute at the University of Arkansas in September. Cost of the Institute is $495.
Walker asked the council members if they would consider paying each of the seven bluegrass bands $100 to cover their fuel costs for coming and playing at the 5^th Annual Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, September 24^th. Over the past few years these bands have donated their time and talent to help raise money for the restoration of the Dixie Theatre.
Walker reported to the council that she currently serves as the fundraising chairperson for ACCRTA (Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association) and that their next fundraiser consists of raffling off two handguns. One being a Glock 42 – Caliber 380 which will be raffled off on December 15, 2016 and the second is a Glock 43 TALO Edition with TruGlo Night Sights Caliber 9mm. The drawing for the 9mm will be held on June 16, 2017 at the AML (Arkansas Municipal League) Summer Convention. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Proceeds go the ACCRTA to fund scholarships the clerks that attend the district workshops and Institute.
Mansfield Police Department Chief, Boyd Farmer reported that charges of “Commercial Burglary and Obstruction” have been filed on a 17-year old male who broke into the school, along with an unidentified accomplice.
Addressing the attendees, and the Council, Boyd thanked the Mansfield community for their hospitality, and in general, saying THANK YOU with multiple elements of gratitude. “For our citizens, we will continue to keep everyone safe, and do our job to support our citizens, and fellow officers, in a professional and peaceful manner.”
Council member, Mabry asked Chief Boyd “Why would Mansfield police be seen driving around Huntington?”
Boyd replied, “we have mutual support for back-up in all situations. We’re dispatched to the calls independently, and not through personal communication.”
Mansfield Public Works Department Director, Arnold Elmore reported, with the addition of extra bodies, things are looking good. Fixing water leaks, slowly and surely we’re catching up and making progress.
Mansfield Fire Chief, Stephen Haysmer reported that they have responded to (3) fires, (1) hay field, (2) structures.
With the council meeting focusing on the “Taylor House” which currently houses the Mansfield Police Department, multiple perspectives were given as to what to do, and when to do it, in reference to the current situation of both it’s sale and Real Estate Listing. The following items were discussed, but tabled until September.
– No appraisal yet
– Septic system needs to be addressed in regards to the sale of the building,and property. City water/sewer is not available and poses questions about potential business, or purchase
– Council passed a motion to obtain quotes on installing water/sewer to Taylor House.
Lyons, “we as a City, need to provide commercial services to ALL potential businesses”
– 1 – 1-1/2 months to move Mansfield police to new building
– Property will be sold as a “commercial business”

In regards to the new Police Department being moved to the vacated Mercy building in the heart of Downtown Mansfield:
– Mold specialists are waiting to go to work
– Plumbing, Electrical, and carpentry are in the progress, and painting to come.
– Project Engineer with engineering firm left and slowed progress on the schematics. Hope to have open house during Christmas parade.
The City Council will meet again, at their regularly scheduled meeting in August.