March 16, 2011 Edition

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Hoxie to purchase truck

Leslie Ginn
Staff Writer

At its meeting on March 8, the Hoxie City Council approved the purchase of a truck for the water and sewer department and discussed plans to help relieve drainage problems in the city.

"Hoxie is short on reliable equipment, especially in the water and sewer department. We have bitten the bullet as long as we can," said Mayor Lanny Tinker. "It is necessary to buy newer equipment. We are also working to improve the maintenance program on all city equipment to prolong the life of the equipment."

Tinker suggested buying a truck through the state contract system. The state contract system gathers bids on vehicles, computers and other equipment. This assures the lowest price, although delivery may take longer. According to new legislation, however, going through local vendors is approved as long as the prices and specifications are met.

The proposed truck will be paid for out of existing funds from the sewer department totaling $15,207. Adam Pratt was the only dissenting vote.

Tinker also outlined an approach for dealing with the major flood areas in Hoxie. The steps outlined included: making a map of how water should drain from each area of the city, removing mud and debris from clogged drainage tiles and addressing specific locations where drainage is not occurring.

"In February Hoxie experienced excessive rain in a relatively short period of time," Tinker said. "During the same time we also experienced sewer system failures in some parts of the city for a period of time.

"We appreciate the water and sewer department employees who kept sewer pumps running 24 hours per day. They also repaired a pump within a few hours of going down due to lightning during the rain storm of Feb. 24."

The council also passed an ordinance agreeing to membership in the Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority.

Tinker also informed the council:

James C. Houston has been hired as the new director of the Hoxie Water and Sewer department.
The city is currently functioning on two of three wells. One well has had multiple problems over the last few months and is currently not being used. The plan is to connect to the Northeast Arkansas Regional Water Authority when it is operational. The projected date for completion is in September. Should a problem with another well develop, the city of Walnut Ridge has agreed to provide temporary help until the problem is resolved.
Hoxie spring cleanup is slated for April 11-23. Volunteers are requested to participate in cleanup crews for all four quadrants. The city park will also be included in this effort.

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