Ash Flat city council passes ordinances

The Ash Flat City Council had a full agenda on their Feb. 16 regular monthly meeting. Other than passing several resolutions and an ordinance by an emergency clause, Mayor Danny Traw had on display for the public a perspective drawing for the new library to be housed in the Ash Flat Fire Department if grants are obtained for financing.

Following roll call and the determination of a quorum, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the group got down to business. After minutes from the prior meeting were approved, department reports were considered and the council agreed to move the unfinished business segment of the agenda, which was opening bids for items listed in the paper, to the end of the meeting.

First on the new business were representatives of FEMA which aided the officials in passing and enacting an emergency clause for Resolution 2010-2-1, this resolution was for the city to obtain flood insurance. The ordinance/resolution was read by Ash Flat Clerk Charlotte Goodwin and was later passed by a unanimous vote via an emergency clause. This ordinance is outlined in full in the Villager Journal.

Second on the agenda for new business was the Resolution 2010- B. This resolution authorized Traw to apply for and submit a grant application to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for a community development project, namely the library. The library will be dependant on the outcome of the decision of the department funding the grant. Council also voted unanimously to allow Traw to apply for the grant on behalf of the City of Ash Flat.

Finally in the last agenda item under new business, council voted to enact an ordinance which established the procedure for calling a special meeting. The ordinance detailed manners in which the mayor may call the special meetings, established the chain of command in which the alderman were to be notified and further detailed ways in which special meetings can be called by three alderman. The ordinance also outlined that no business other than the item the meeting was called for can be conducted and further specified the manner in which the local media must be contacted at least two hours prior to the meeting. This ordinance was also enacted stating the recorder would take minutes at special called meeting in the same fashion as regular city council meetings.

The ordinance was also enacted by an emergency clause, which puts it into effect immediately. With all new business discussed, council then opened sealed bids for property listed for sale in the newspaper and winning bidders were announced.

Ash Flat City Council meets at regularly on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ash Flat City Hall. The public is always welcome to attend these meetings.