GARFIELD -- Filling a vacancy in City Hall is the primary business occupying city officials and City Council members agreed to continue taking applications until Feb. 15. They said they will review applications Feb. 16 during a special City Council meeting, then interview selected applicants at a special Council meeting Feb. 19. More than a dozen applications had been received as of the meeting time.
Council members also agreed to change the regular meeting dates from the first Tuesday of each month to the second Tuesday of each month.
"It is important to this council to be as transparent as we possibly can," Mayor Gary Blackburn said. "We want to consider making our meetings more available to the press... now, starting next month, meet on second Tuesday of each month."
The motion was made by councilman Dale Watkins and seconded by council member Kathrine Shook.
The mayor said he receives at least one call a day concerning the city's trash service with Deffenbaugh.
"I've had a lot of calls from people who didn't get the new receptacles... it's an ongoing process. As time goes by, it'll smooth out. I have at least a phone call a day."
A program to "prevent animal overpopulation" is being offered in town, according to city officials. City residents may sign up at City Hall to have a cat or dog spayed or neutered through the Spay Arkansas program. The animals will be transported from Garfield to the location of the surgery and returned to Garfield City Hall. He said someone will be available to help with applications from 3-5 p.m. until Feb. 12. Interested persons were advised to call 640-5485 for information and to reserve a spot. Blackburn said the cost has not been determined, but that some of the funding will be picked up by a grant.
In other business, council members:
• Approved Resolution 109 providing for the yearly organization of the council;
• Approved Resolution 110 providing for the per meter assessment of the Benton/Washington County Water Association;
• Heard a report about water rates and refinancing water loans; and
• Discussed whether the city needs a city attorney.
General News on 02/11/2015