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Fire Chief Linc Cothren received praise from the council members on his forward thinking during the monthly council meeting held January 19. Cothren had proposed staffing the main firehouse to the council members last year in an effort to reduce response times in serving over 11,000 residents. Council members approved hiring eight part time firemen. Two firemen will be housed at the main station working 12 hours shifts day and night starting at six. The firemen’s pay will come out of the fire equipment fund. Cothren said ISO ratings should be lowered, response time cut by 2/3 when minutes really count. Cothren went on to say having 2 firemen responding immediately will help us assess the situation and page the rest of the force if needed. On every call either the Chief or Captain Doug Perry will be on the scene.
Martha Garrett was hired as a part time Human Resource Manager for the City of Heber Springs. Mayor Jackie McPherson expressed concerned about not filling the part time position because it was part time. The mayor asked Martha to step up to the podium and meet the council. Garrett said the situation was perfect for her. She had worked for Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs for 29 years when the position was abolished.
A public awareness program was suggested by Councilman Lay over a series of documented dog bites in the city. Lay told other council members when pet owners’ cannot provide proof of rabies the animals must be quarantined for two weeks at the owners’ expense. “It’s a whole lot cheaper to get the shots then paying for two weeks of quarantine” commented Lay. Mayor McPherson agreed on the seriousness of the situation. No further action was taken.
Council members approved the purchase of a new tornado siren for the west side of Heber Springs. Councilmen Muse told Cothren and Perry to have the sign put up as soon as possible in the motion he made to purchase the VortexR3 siren. The current siren is not operational.
Mayor McPherson informed council members about Police Chief Bobby Walker looking into purchasing an animal control vehicle. No further discussion followed.
Council members asked for a Front Street construction update from the mayor. Mayor McPherson told the members the contractor was very optimistic about the project and projection for completion could be less than two months. The mayor also said there is a lot of interest from within and outside of the state for development along that street.
A show of county dispatchers, NorthStar paramedics and off duty policemen were in attendance for the January meeting to thank the council and mayor for all they do to help them do a better job. During the open mike session when Police Chief Walker thanked the council, he also bragged on the dispatchers for receiving a 100% ASIC audit.
All council members were in attendance except Sharon Williams. Heber Springs City Council meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in city hall.
Fire Chief Linc Cothren received praise from the council members on his forward thinking during the monthly council meeting held January 19. Cothren had proposed staffing the main firehouse to the council members last year in an effort to reduce response times in serving over 11,000 residents. Council members approved hiring eight part time firemen. Two firemen will be housed at the main station working 12 hours shifts day and night starting at six. The firemen’s pay will come out of the fire equipment fund. Cothren said ISO ratings should be lowered, response time cut by 2/3 when minutes really count. Cothren went on to say having 2 firemen responding immediately will help us assess the situation and page the rest of the force if needed. On every call either the Chief or Captain Doug Perry will be on the scene.
Martha Garrett was hired as a part time Human Resource Manager for the City of Heber Springs. Mayor Jackie McPherson expressed concerned about not filling the part time position because it was part time. The mayor asked Martha to step up to the podium and meet the council. Garrett said the situation was perfect for her. She had worked for Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs for 29 years when the position was abolished.
A public awareness program was suggested by Councilman Lay over a series of documented dog bites in the city. Lay told other council members when pet owners’ cannot provide proof of rabies the animals must be quarantined for two weeks at the owners’ expense. “It’s a whole lot cheaper to get the shots then paying for two weeks of quarantine” commented Lay. Mayor McPherson agreed on the seriousness of the situation. No further action was taken.
Council members approved the purchase of a new tornado siren for the west side of Heber Springs. Councilmen Muse told Cothren and Perry to have the sign put up as soon as possible in the motion he made to purchase the VortexR3 siren. The current siren is not operational.
Mayor McPherson informed council members about Police Chief Bobby Walker looking into purchasing an animal control vehicle. No further discussion followed.
Council members asked for a Front Street construction update from the mayor. Mayor McPherson told the members the contractor was very optimistic about the project and projection for completion could be less than two months. The mayor also said there is a lot of interest from within and outside of the state for development along that street.
A show of county dispatchers, NorthStar paramedics and off duty policemen were in attendance for the January meeting to thank the council and mayor for all they do to help them do a better job. During the open mike session when Police Chief Walker thanked the council, he also bragged on the dispatchers for receiving a 100% ASIC audit.
All council members were in attendance except Sharon Williams. Heber Springs City Council meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in city hall.
