City may disband Parks Commission

Due to lack of interest, city officials are considering disbanding the Pea Ridge Parks Commission.

By the February City Council meeting, the council members had heard two readings of the ordinance dissolving the commission. If the third reading, slated for the March council meeting, is approved, the Parks Commission will be disbanded.

The third reading, and the vote, on the ordinance is scheduled for the Tuesday, March 18, City Council meeting. That is the only item currently on the agenda.

During the February meeting, council member Nadine Telgemeier said she may know of people interested in serving. Mayor Jackie Crabtree said anyone interested may contact City Hall.

The mayor told council members that security cameras have been purchased and various security options are being considered following the break-in and theft at the city's Street Department property

"We replaced the truck that we only paid $14,000 for with a brand new 2014," Nathan See, Street Department superintendent, said. "The Police Department was very good about getting right on it, getting the evidence. They were very good. We really appreciate them."

Two trucks were stolen from Pea Ridge Street Department on Jan. 18 and one was found crashed into the pillar supporting the arch at Gateway City Park. At the time, Gateway did not have insurance on the park.

Gateway Mayor Frank Hackler and Gateway Street and Parks superintendent James Appleton were both at the council meeting, but were not publicly recognized nor did they speak.

The other truck was found abandoned inside the Pea Ridge city limits. It was not damaged. By Monday, Jan. 27, police had arrested four youths for the crimes.

In other business, the council:

• Approved rezoning land owned by Clarence Guinn from Residential to Agricultural; the rezoning had been approved by the Planning Commission.

• Approved the dates of April 8-12 for the city's spring clean-up.

• Received an update from See about the Street Department budget for snow and ice removal; See also told council members his department is prepared for the next snow fall.

• Heard an update from Fire Chief Jamie Baggett about the ambulance being upgraded to advanced life support service. He said Dr. Johnson will be the medical director and the department had received the new cot.

Council member Bob Cottingham was absent.

General News on 03/12/2014