Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Sides Square Off In Gurdon Annexation (cont)

consider selling subscriptions to the GFD. However, because of legal problems with 911, the council voted to rescind its previous vote until all legal problems can be resolved.

In other business, the council agreed to sell a 22-foot by 150-foot strip of land to a resident buying a house near the city park walking trail. This property was valued at $100 by the council.

Apparently, when a house was constructed on the site 18 years ago, it encroached on city property, but no one knew this at the time.

It was asked why the city couldn't just give this land to the people buying and selling the home.

Smith said if the city gave this property away, it would have to do the same for any other properties owned by the city which were being encroached upon by residents.

He said this situation is no different than if a neighbor had built onto another's property. Clear title to the land couldn't be given.

The mayor, Smith continued, does not have the authority to convey title without an ordinance approved by the council.

This was done by the council, with the $100 to be used to cover city expenses involved in the transaction.

The newest police car will soon be getting a new engine, which will have a three-year, 36,000 mile warranty.

The money will come from the city fines 2 account, which can only be used for GPD needs. At this time, there is about $9,000 in the account, with the engine to cost $3,600.

Smith said this will be a 350-P engine, specially designed for police use.

The council also agreed to buy 20 radios with pagers for the GFD, at a cost of $9,170. There is about $8,900 left in the budget for capital improvements, which means the council will have to amend the city's budget accordingly.

Smith said the city will seek a grant to help pay for the radios, but there is no guarantee it will be successful in its efforts.

The mayor will also be meeting with the Clark County Quorum Court Aug. 27 at 4:30 p.m. to ask for funding for a rescue unit in Gurdon for South Clark County.

He said the northern end of the county is well protected with rescue units as Arkadelphia and Caddo Valley each have one.

Should the court agree to the $20,000 request, Smith said GFD firemen will be trained in the use of rescue equipment, including the jaws of life.

Whether or not Gurdon initiates a rescue unit will depend on the court's decision, he said.

At this time, any accidents in the southern part of the county requiring rescue equipment have to wait until the Arkadelphia unit arrives.

The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish a drug control fund.

Under the proposed ordinance, $100 will be maintained by the GPD for drug buys at all times, with an account to be established at a local bank requiring the signatures of the mayor and city marshal to get any other monies out, or replenish the "buy money."