Despite fervent objections of one council member, Pea Ridge City Council members approved a five-year contract with Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Gary France for animal control services at the regular council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18. The meeting was chaired by city clerk Sandy Button in the absence of Mayor Jackie Crabtree.
Council member Bob Cottingham said he adamantly opposed the contract which increases the city's costs significantly. He also said the city did not adequately advertise for bids to allow other parties to bid on the contract.
Button said she had advertised for bids for two months in the newspaper, but didn't remember which paper, other than The TIMES.
Council members and former council member Nadine Telgemeier discussed the issue at length. France spoke in favor of tabling the issue until an agreement could be reached. Cottingham's motion to table the contract died for lack of a second.
The city initially contracted with France April 10, 1977. Over the years, the length of the contract has varied.
"Nobody wanted this when it was $5 a dog," France said, adding that now that he's asked for a $1,000 per month retainer, others are showing interest.
Police Chief Ryan Walker said he and Police Capt. Chris Olson delivered letters to both Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic and Oak View Animal Clinic telling that bids were being accepted.
In other business, the council:
• Approved vacating an alley and
• Approved a lien for $679.59 for clean-up costs for property owned by Matthew L. Bedwell.
General News on 08/26/2015