Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Work almost done on museum, easements needed

Work on the Depot Museum will soon be done, according to Jon Chadwell.

Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, told the Prescott City Council, at its regular monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 16, there is some good news concerning the museum project  money left over.

He said it was surprising, but the project came in under budget leaving the city with $3,000 to $4,000 extra. However, these funds can only be spent on the museum.

Chadwell suggested the city look into the price of a security system for the facility.

When the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department was informed of the leftover funds, Chadwell was told to "spend them" or the money would be returned to the federal government and be spent elsewhere.

In fact, more was done on the project than originally planned. Commercial tile was installed, and other floors will be stained in back of the building. The air conditioning unit was also fenced in.

Meanwhile, Chadwell will be checking into the price of security systems to see if the remaining funds will cover the cost of a system.

In the next few weeks, he said, a "VIP" tour will be scheduled to let people see what the structure looks like.

Following the tour, boxes will be moved back in and the displays set back up so the museum can be reopened to the general public.

The pocket parks, he said, are mostly done, though some painting still needs to be done. The work should be completed in time for the First Annual Pumpkin Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26.

The parks, he said, will be available for community use, with one having a stage where monthly events can be held.

Chadwell updated the council on the rural water project, saying, "it's coming along."

The problem remains getting easements signed and turned in. A group of seven volunteers will be given information and go door-to-door to talk with their neighbors about signing the easements so the project can get underway.

Letters will be mailed informing people if they haven't signed up their area may be removed from the project.

At this time, Chadwell said, there are two people who have signed up for water who may not get it because others in their area haven't signed up for the project, and the costs can't be justified.

"I hope they'll go to their neighbors and can get them to do what the city and EDO couldn't do," he said.

This is all to be done in a three-week period, with the letters sent by registered mail.

"We've given people every chance possible to sign on to the project," he said.

Once the easements have been signed, or those areas which will have to be removed are cut from the project and the plans are updated, bids will be solicited and the contract let.

Chadwell said the leadership program is going well, with the current crop visiting businesses and industries to see what they have to offer.

Applications are being taken for next year's program, with applications being accepted through the middle of October. The classes will start in January, 2003.

In other business, Sandra Tatum spoke on behalf of Newtown residents, telling the panel the citizens of the area are still working and planning to improve their neighborhood.

Newtown, she said, was involved in the recent Nevada County Fair and is making plans for Halloween.

Requests were made to have streets in the area repaired, as well as getting the ditches mowed.

Residents asked the city to put up a guard rail on Third Street to help prevent people running into the ditch.

The council also passed the annual millage of 5 mill.

As Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said, "it's nothing new, just a housekeeping matter."