Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Shakertown water project progressing

The City of Wheelen Springs is one step closer to completing the Shakertown water extension after city officials signed off on the project just before the Wheelen Springs City Council met on Monday, March 19.

About 15 members of the Shakertown community were present for the meeting. One of those present said the group attended because they were have been unhappy with the pace of the project to date.

Wheelen Springs Mayor Terry LeMay told those present that he, along with the citys engineer for the project, executed the agreements for the work just prior to the meeting. Although there are several legalities which must still be completed, he said workers should begin digging the lines within three months.

Residents in attendance appeared very happy to receive this news. Im waiting to wash a vehicle at home, one man exclaimed.

LeMay said one thing which has sped up the process in recent days is the granting of the citys request to lay water lines along the right-of-ways of county roads. Clark County Judge Ron Daniell informed LeMay of this decision by letter the week before the council meeting.

The lines will go down quicker in areas where private property owners have granted easements. Where these easements have not been granted, LeMay said they will simply go along county roads.

I dont care if they run it up in the trees as long as they get it down there, Shakertown resident Don Cagle said.

LeMay said Shakertown residents should have water sometime this summer.

Landowners in the area are encouraged to have a water meter put in, even if they do not currently live on their property. LeMay said adding a meter at a later date will cost much more.

The Shakertown water extension is a carry over from the Kansas Road project which was completed a few years ago, LeMay said. The city was approved for a grant to fund the $300,000 project in August.

The city still has to gain approval from the Arkansas Department of Health, advertise for bids from contractors for 30 days and award the bid before work can begin.

In other business during the meeting, the council approved the purchase of materials to complete a new bay for the citys volunteer fire department. Duct work for the air conditioner will be purchased in Hot Springs, and city workers will install it to save money. A slab will also be poured and an overhead door will be hung.

City workers also plan to complete a bathroom and closet in the building.

The council agreed to check on grants from the Cabe Foundation, Alcoa, Clark County Community Foundation and Firestone to fund the projects.

Also during the meeting the council:

- agreed to purchase a DVD player for the fire department to use for training purposes;

- agreed to allow city workers to take the city tractor for repairs; and

- approved the minutes and financial statements from the previous month.