Editor’s note: The author of this story, Lisa Mills, is a contributor to The Grand Prairie Herald.

The Hazen City Council passed a resolution Thursday (March 19) authorizing the mayor and recorder to apply for a grant for the construction of a new hangar at the Hazen Municipal Airport.

The total estimated cost of the 3,600 square foot hangar, presented from Grimes Consulting Engineers, is $430,250. The grant application is for $387,225 for 80% of the cost with the city’s share being $43,025, or 20%. The hangar will be leased to James Chambliss for a crop dusting and aircraft mechanic business.

Hazen Mayor David Hardke gave an update on the property located at 105 N. Livermore. He said that he and Public Works Director Chad Swaim met with the owners and informed them that they had to repair the roof and get rid of the trash or tear it down by April 10, and if not, the matter would be filed in court.

Hardke also reported that repairs at the airport pilots’ lounge will cost $35,782,94. Insurance will cover the cost after the $2,500 deductible.

The council approved an ordinance to rezone vacant property at 203 S, Livermore (the former Baptist Clinic) from R-3 to C-2. Abby Richardson has requested building a beauty salon at the property. Hardke said Richardson was told she will have to present a sketch of the building and show that it meets all state building and fire codes.

After discussion of an ongoing stray cat problem, the council approved a motion that all cats must have collars with their owner’s contact information. Any cats not having a collar will be relocated after 30 days.

Council member Larry Anthony stated that the city’s ordinance concerning keeping properties clean needs to be enforced. He said he is constantly receiving complaints about unkept property.

“We have to start enforcing the ordinance, collecting the fines for non-compliance, and follow up,” said Council member Steve Chlapecka.

Hardke said he would meet with the new Code Enforcement Officer and Hazen Police Chief Bradley Taylor and let them know the ordinance has to start being enforced. Hardke also announced that a resolution to declare 108 W. Crowley as a nuisance property would be presented at the April meeting.

Swaim reported that they have been spraying grass in the city since the weather has been dry and warm. He said there have been a lot of problems with the sewer behind the Dollar General and ARCare buildings. He said he believes the problem is with the tap but could be tree roots. The city does not have equipment capable of reaching far enough down, so checking and repairing the problem will have to be contracted out. He said they are keeping an eye on it every day and he will have more info at the April meeting.

The city of Hazen will host a citywide cleanup day on April 2. Lastly, Mayor Hardke announced that Entergy will shut off electricity on Thursday, March 26, from Hazen Ave. to Crowley St and Front St. to Leslie St. Shut off will begin at 1:00pm until repairs are completed.