Early voting in Vilonia at city hall

VILONIA Vilonia voters need to go to the city hall to cast their ballot.

"We want everyone to know the polling place is no longer in the fire department," Mayor James Firestone said Tuesday night at the city council meeting.

"We need to put up some signs and try to remind everyone."

The change was made at the request of fire chief Keith Hillman. Hillman expressed his concerns in a previous council meeting. Should an emergency occur, Hillman said, he feared there could be a conflict.

In other action, the council retired into executive session to discuss the hiring of an employee for the street department. As well it was said they would be discussing the hiring and salary for a building inspector and code enforcement employee.

Reconvening in less than an hour, Firestone said the only action taken was to move current employee Albert Willis from city maintenance to the street department maintenance.

Other council action included:

Approved a resolution for a pre-disaster mitigation plan for the city in compliance with FEMA.

Approved the renewal of the Municipal League Defense program. It was discussed the fee is up about $200 over last year.

Approved a resolution to amend the 2008 budget. Firestone said the amendment reflects about $11,000 in additional income as well as a few extra expenditures including the purchase of a truck and insurance for the street department and a couple of expenditures in the fire department budget.

Reports:

Fire dept. New turnouts should be arriving for the volunteers by mid November, according to Hillman. Also, he said the department has been notified that the city has been accepted as a FireWise city and funds are forthcoming from the Arkansas Forestry Department. He anticipates hanging signs at both ends of town designating the city as such a community.

On another note, the rescue truck, he said, is out of the paint shop and "ready to roll."

Also, Hillman was given approval to purchase a new awning for the outside of the fire department. Instructed to accept the lowest bid, Hillman anticipates it to cost about $650.

Police dept. Chief Brad McNew reported on a safety checkpoint that was in force last week resulting in 13 criminal arrests and 36 different violations.

Parks and recreation. Marcy McCroskey, president of the Vilonia Sports Association said the fall sports will finish the season Nov. 3.

Gearing up for the spring season, she said work is being done on Field 4 as well as the refurbishment of the bathrooms. She touted the praises of several businesses who have donated services including Rusty's Woodworks and ICC Builders.

Mike Johnson has been named as a new soccer commissioner, according to McCroskey. She anticipates he will be an asset to the soccer program.

Members of the association, she said, have met with some opposition when reminding those attending sporting functions at the park that smoking is prohibited on city property.

"Some people are really nice," McCroskey said. "Some--aren't."

There are plans to mount metal signs as a reminder to the law. She also talked about replacing the current city park sign with a newer model.

On another matter, she reported, the playground at the park being closed for about five months, following vandalism, is an issue with some residents. Firestone said the wood fiber ground cover should be arriving soon allowing the playground to be fixed and reopened. Also, it was said a playground horse is ready to be installed.

"The material was on backorder," Firestone explained. "It's paid for and it should be on its way now."

In conclusion, Firestone praised the VSA for their efforts.

"The park looks better that it has in a long time."

Building committee. Firestone reported a new city complex sign is ready to be set.

Code enforcement. Two building permits and 10 building inspections have been completed in October.

Senior citizens. Art Pischke, a center volunteer, told the council the center has passed an inspection with "flying colors." He also announced the annual Thanksgiving dinner, sponsored by the Lion's Club, will be held November 20.

Sewer dept. Committee member Don Smith told the council "things are progressing well," at the new waste water treatment facility. Depending on weather, he said, the new facility should be completed by the end of December. He also reported that refurbishment efforts are underway at the old facility. As well, he said, efforts are being made to sell an extra clarifier. He referred to the piece of equipment as a "45-ft. monster."

Announcements:

Air Evac, located next door to the fire department, will hold an open house Nov. 8.

The staff of the city Waste Water System has received a plaque of recognition from the city of Fifty-Six for their assistance during a weather related incident