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

Sealed bids were opened for property the city of Des Arc had for sale with one bid being modified and approved for new rental cabins and RV sites.

Clark McCarty, owner of Delta Rentals LLC, offered $30,000 for Lot 8, Block 7 and Lot 9, Block 7. The appraisal for the property was $32,000, according to Mayor Roger Scott, so McCarty upped his bid to $35,000 and it was accepted by the board.

The mayor, council members, and several in the audience welcomed McCarty to Des Arc and told him they looked forward to his project and the positive effect it will have for the town. McCarty was asked to consider supporting local businesses as much as possible in pursuing his plans and McCarty agreed that he would.

Another bid for the property – a combined $5,000 bid for the two parcels by Kelly Sanner – was rejected by the Des Arc city council. A third bid, from Jason Jones, for $869 for the south ½ of Lot 12, Block 13, was accepted.

In other council business, Mayor Scott reported that a gas leak at ARCare was repaired, and progress was being made on the issues with gas, water, and fire hydrants. He said one new well is needed and would be discussed at a future work meeting.

Scott asked Water Superintendent Cecil Winsett to explain the issue at well #5.  Winsett said that in 2016 the Health Department shut it down due to the presence of carcinogens, and the distance from the river. In the spring, fall, and winter the well can be used for emergencies only, but never in the summer.

City Attorney Rufus Buie reported he had spoken to Bond Engineering and recommended the city go ahead and pay them, except for the $22,000 they owe for the $1,000 per day fine for the 222 days over the project end date. He said that Bond is disputing the fine and he will be talking to their attorney. Buie also said he checked with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, who issued the grant, and they said the $22,000 can be used by the city any way they wish.