The fate of the rodeo grounds, the rates on a new taxi service in town and an extension of a five-eighths cent sales tax are just a few items on the agenda for what figures to be an entertaining Siloam Springs Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday.
The possible relocation of the rodeo grounds will be addressed during two separate agenda items. The first is the third reading of an ordinance amendment to city code that would rezone 20.4 acres at 2251 South Lincoln Street, which is the location the city purchased to move the rodeo grounds from its current home along Cheri Whitlock Drive.
That reading was tabled at the board's Feb. 6 meeting to give city staff time to collect more information and find ways, including possible grants, to fund the higher estimated cost of moving the rodeo grounds to the new location. The city budgeted $800,000 for the project, but issues such as more fill dirt needed at the new site than planned and the inability to move bleachers from Glenn Black Stadium contributed to the estimated cost being closer to $1.4 million.
Directors vote on ordinances after a third reading of a proposal, which is why the item was tabled at the last meeting. Rezoning the property would not be needed if city staff cannot figure out how to fund the project's higher cost. An item under the "Staff Reports" portion of the meeting includes an update on the rodeo grounds. Senior city planner Don Clark has worked in concert with the Siloam Springs Riding Club throughout the process.
There also will be the third reading of an ordinance related to asking voters to extend an existing five-eighths cent tax to fund $31 million in improvements to the city's water treatment facility. Many components at the water plant and the six-mile water line that pumps water from the Illinois River are between 40-60 years old.
If approved, the item will go before voters during a special election on May 22. If it's not passed by voters, the city contends it will have to increase electrical rates by 50 percent to fund the improvements and upgrades needed at the water plant and to build a new line from the Illinois River.
The only item under the "Resolutions" portion of the meeting is to establish rates for Ambassador Transport Services to operate a taxi service in Siloam Springs. There hasn't been a privately-owned taxi service in the city since 2013, but Ambassador owner Billy Deatherage said he's fielded several requests from hotels and other businesses to provide services around town. The proposed rates, which includes a minimum of $15 for basic four-mile ride, are the same as he has quoted for his taxi services in other cities along the I-49 corridor.
Other items on the agenda that are up for board consideration:
• A Cox Pole Attachment Agreement, which is a five-year extension to an agreement that has gone through two extensions since it began in 2002. It will charge Cox Communications $12.10 each on 2,428 poles within the city, which will bring in a total of $29,378.80 per year through 2018-19. The remaining three years of the contract will be adjusted based on the Consumer Pricing Index.
• A Case Backhoe purchase by the Public Works Department's Street Division for $122,215 from Scott Equipment.
• Phase 2 of a sewer collection system study by RJN Group for $227,665.74. Phase 1 of the project is nearing completion and consisted of the evaluation of 18 sewer pumping stations, surveying 300 manholes and building a hydraulic model. Phase 2 will primarily focus on flow monitoring of the sewer system.
• Second reading of a proposed ordinance to rezone property at 2300 East Tahlequah Street where Ability Tree Inc. plans to build an institutional facility.
• First reading of an ordinance to amend a municipal code to increase and simplify Electrical Inspection Fees. The city generated about $22,000 through the issuance of 229 electric permits last year. The proposed rates will generate an additional $4,000 per year.
General News on 02/18/2018