Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council takes first step toward walking trail

Mayor Clayton Franklin told City Council members Monday the walking trail grant money is on the way and our first step toward getting this thing done is to form a committee from those who make up the walkers.

The walking trail, located behind Gurdon Primary School, will get a $35,000 grant face lift from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Franklin said the city will work closely with the school system on the redoing of the trail, as both will use it in the long run.

Some of those pine trees by the trail might could be removed and sold, but we would have to weigh the clean up cost against what we might make, the mayor said.

In other business, Franklin updated the Council on improvements at City Park. He mentioned the recent painting of the slide by Ricky Skelton and some board repairs.

Franklin said plans continue to relocate a railroad caboose to the park as a playhouse for children.

Tambra Childres, recorder and treasurer, said most of the caboose project will be accomplished on a donation basis.

Weve got Debbie Whites art class, from GHS, interested in doing some painting on it, Childres said. International Paper said they will donate some lumber to redo the caboose. The railroad said they will put down new tracks so we dont have to redo them. We are having good luck so far with cooperation.

Jim Caldwell, Street superintendent, said Ricketts Wrecker Service of Gurdon has agreed to move the caboose at a reduced rate.

Marshal Don Childres said additional lighting is needed out at the park, by the boat dock and next to where the caboose will set  up at the front.

Mayor Franklin said, We are also looking into stocking the pond out by the park with Tolapia, which is something like a perch.

These fish hang out where you put them and are pretty good to eat. It would make the experience of fishing out there a lot more fun.

In other business, the mayor said approximately 17 percent of this years budget has been spent.

The Council approved the finances for January and February, and then approved the minutes for January as February went by without a meeting.

Council reappointed David Buck to serve as alderman for Ward 5. He is reactivated to serve another two years. Buck took a leave of absence to attend police academy.

Council approved a wellhead protection ordinance, O5-003. This puts the city in compliance with health and safety standards as to water being delivered to citizens.

They also passed a National Incident Management Systems resolution (05-001) to put Gurdon on the same page as other cities in regard to any possible terrorism incidents, as seen by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Mayor Franklin said, We had to pass that if we except governmental assistance in the future. It is pretty much required.