Paragould council approves street request, hears from committee on fire truck

Council members approved the plan to add Maple Ridge Drive to the city’s street list. City officials said the Villas at Maple Ridge, LLC posted a two-year After Completion Street Performance Bond in Aug. 2020.

The Paragould Public Works Department also reviewed the street and officials said it passed inspection.

The city council’s fire committee discussed the plan for the truck, a 2023 Pierce Enforcer.

Officials said the $1,464,476 truck will be bought from Emergency Vehicle Specialists.

On the rezoning request, the plan called for the area along West Kingshighway and Tracy Lane to be rezoned from C-2 to C-3.

According to an online feed of the meeting, council members at the meeting said there have been some concerns over the rezoning being near residences, as well as some opposition from neighbors.

The Paragould Planning Commission approved the proposal, according to the ordinance.

Officials with McPherson Investments, LLC said at the meeting they may be interested in getting a conditional use permit from the city and will speak to legal counsel on the issue, according to the online feed.

Also during the meeting, council members voted to authorize the mayor and city clerk to sell and convey real estate in the city.

It involves the executing and recording of a plat of Southpointe Development Subdivision to the city, with the land being within a median on Southpointe Drive. Officials said the land was appraised for $1,950.

Council members also approved the transfer of a pumper truck to the city of Walnut Ridge for $350,000. The truck, a 2015 Pierce Kenworth Conventional (4-door) CAFS, is a pumper with related equipment including an 800-foot, 5-inch supply line, a 600-foot, 1 3/4 inch attack hoseline and ladders.

Council members also approved the 2023 Northeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste Board budget. The $3.8 million budget will take effect Jan. 1.

Council members voted to condemn properties in the 400 block of East Main Street and 600 block of South 4th Street, but tabled discussion on a property in the 700 block of North 2nd Street.

Council members also approved a series of property liens in the city.