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

Mayor Roger Scott announced that Clark McCarty wants to buy the city-owned property in the river area. He asked McClarty to explain his plans for the property. McClarty said his plans are to make a short-term RV park and build three or four rental cabins.

He said he has talked to Architect Martin Smith who has drawn up plans for the River Park and plans to work with him so his plans will compliment those plans. An audience member said that he likes McClarty’s plans, but wants the city to have the plans in writing so he doesn’t come in and do something else. 

Attorney Rufus Buie said the property would have to be checked to see if there were any restrictions in that zone. Council member Keith Knupp suggested halting the bidding process and having the property surveyed which needs to be done, regardless of who buys it. Knupp said he likes McClarty’s idea and it will be an asset to bring in visitors who will be spending money here. A motion was approved to have the land surveyed before proceeding any further.

Loretta Underwood addressed the council concerning her family’s cemetery plots at Lakeside Cemetery. She said that when they wanted to bury her brother in the plot purchased for him, no deeds could be found for all the plots that were purchased in 1957, including the one they needed. She thanked Mayor Scott and Cemetery Sexton Craig Treadwell for their help in searching the cemetery and city’s records. 

Since no deeds could be found, even though headstones had been allowed to be placed on three, the family had to pay $300 for the plot currently needed because apparently the cemetery and city’s records were not correct. Treadwell stated that he can only go by the records he was given and he was told that any plots already purchased would have a deed and the deed had to be shown before any burials. 

Council member Virgil Moore apologized for what her family had endured and asked what she suggested could be done to make it right. Underwood said she would like to be given deeds to the two other plots since she had paid the $300 for this plot. A motion was approved to provide deeds for the two plots.

The council approved a resolution certifying their endorsement for White River Energetics to participate in the state’s tax back program. The resolution authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to refund local sales and use taxes paid by White River Energetics.

Fire Chief Don Harvey announced his retirement after 45 years of service with the Fire Department. His official retirement will be effective April 2nd. Harvey said when started on the Fire Department on April 2, 1981, they had one 1965 truck and a van for rescues. He said he is very proud of the department’s growth over the years. He said he greatly appreciates all the dedicated firemen currently serving and also appreciates the city’s support.  

Mayor Scott presented Harvey with a “key to the city” and thanked him for his four-and-a-half. decades of service. Harvey received a standing ovation from the council members and audience.