by KENNETH FRY, Press Argus-Courier Editor Wednesday, October 21, 2009 12:06 PM CDT
Members of the Van Buren City Council on Monday night approved a rezone and set public hearings on two requests for the construction of the new King Elementary School along North 20th Street.
Van Buren School District officials have said the new $10 million school is needed because the current 300-student school at 401 N. 19th St. does not meet state standards and cannot be made compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Aldermen voted 6-0 to rezone the 400 block North 19th and 20th streets from Residential 2 to government.
The council also set public hearings for 7 p.m. on Nov. 16 on requests to close the portion of North 19th Street between Poplar and Baldwin streets and part of the alley adjoining Lots 1-20.
Also on Monday, the council approved on 6-0 votes:
Permitting Connie Gregory, wife of Van Buren firefighter Larry Gregory, to cut grass and remove trash from 3502 Hollis Drive at a cost of $130. The cleanup was ordered by code enforcement.
Levying 2-mill tax on real and personal property for general municipal purposes and $1.4-mill tax for Van Buren Public Library maintenance.
Providing access to health benefits for retired municipal employees, who agree to pay both the employer and employee contribution to the health care plan.
Rezoning 2803 Oak Lane from Commercial 2 and Residential 2 and 3 to Residential 3.
Establishing regulations for the discharge of wastewater into the city's wastewater treatment system as required by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency.
Establishing administrative penalties and providing for surcharges for significant industrial discharges in addition to normal sewer service charges.
Purchasing police car video upgrade equipment for $16,264.80 from Watch Guard Video of Dallas.
Applying for a $50,000 grant for a four-wheel drive firefighting attack vehicle for the fire department.
Placing liens on five properties which the city had to clean, including 2008 Darla Lane, $181.08; 2210 Baldwin St., $816.62; 111 Henry St., $167.17; 2002 N. 29th St., $181.08; and 1609 Poplar, $161.62.
Accepting bids of $5,770 for a camper trailer; $1,275 for a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria; $2,000 for a 2000 Ford Mustang; $901 for a street sweeper; $2,770 for a mower deck; and $881 for a mower.
