After extensive discussion, the Pea Ridge City Council approved liens to be levied on property the city cleaned up in early fall. The city work happened after repeated efforts by city building official Tony Townsend failed to get the property owners to take care of the problems -- unmowed grass and, in one case, a dead tree.
The liens were:
• 1101 Sugar Creek Road, Big Sugar Golf Club, $6,437;
• 556 N. Curtis Ave., $1,307; and
• Parcel No. 13-00052-000, a lot on North Davis Street, $857.
The lengthy discussion centered on the amount for Big Sugar Golf Club. The golf course has not been open for more than a year, and this summer some areas were baled for hay.
After the discussion, council members agreed to proceed as recommended by the city staff, but also give the mayor the ability to negotiate payment.
City crews mowed the land after repeated efforts -- including sending registered letters to the owners -- failed to get the properties up to standards set by city code.
Council member Bob Cottingham was concerned that the city had not given the golf course's owner, a doctor who lives in Jonesboro, sufficient notice to get it mowed by contractors.
City Building official Tony Townsend outlined his efforts to contact the owner, including emails, phone calls and talking to a real estate agent who represents the owner.
City Clerk Sandy Button said residents had been complaining all summer, and later in the meeting she noted that the city had gone through the same process with the owner, so he knows what the city requires.
In other action, council members:
• Reappointed Howard Slinkard and his firm as city attorney, at an hourly rate of $175. This year -- 2015 -- marks Slinkard's 40th year as city attorney for Pea Ridge;
• Appointed Rick Hardwick as city prosecutor at a monthly rate of $750;
• Amended the 2014 budget;
• Reviewed the state audit of the city's financial forms and budget. Button noted that the audit did not find a single problem area;
• Adopted the 2014 Arkansas Energy Code;
• Transferred $40,000 from the Impact Fees Fund to the Street Fund; and
• Approved a 2 percent cost of living increase for all city employees.
General News on 01/14/2015