This story was reported by Lisa Mills. Photo caption: Downtown DeValls Bluff on March 16, 2013. Photo: Brandon Rush/Wikimedia Commons

The DeValls Bluff City Council will hold two special meetings this month to consider bids for three water and wastewater improvement projects.

Bids for the city’s water tank and lift station rehabilitation projects are due by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, when they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The project engineer will then tabulate the bids and make a recommendation to the council during a special meeting at 6 p.m.

Bids for improvements to the wastewater treatment facility are due by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, when they also will be publicly opened and read aloud. The engineer will review the bids and make a recommendation during another special council meeting that evening at 6 p.m.

The projects are intended to address long-running water quality and infrastructure problems. Assessments determined the city’s water source contains high levels of iron and manganese, which has resulted in tap water not appearing clear. The city also has experienced system failures, including malfunctioning storage tanks and failing wastewater lift stations.

At a meeting Thursday, Sept. 10, the council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Darlene Connor to sign documents applying for a grant through the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program. A separate resolution appointed the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District as grant administrator. If awarded, the grant would be used for digital water meters.

OTHER BUSINESS

Alice Dunlap spoke at the meeting about renting a building at the old school to open a community Hope Chest that would accept donations of clothing, household goods, children’s items and other necessities for families in need. Dunlap said she also is considering operating a business to help cover the cost of rent and utilities.

“We will have to get an appraisal to determine fair market rent, then let you know,” Council member Alice Metcalf said.

Police Chief Joey Foster reported he issued 14 traffic citations and served one warrant. He said much of the drug activity police are encountering appears to be associated with the vacant Cedar Knoll apartments on Walnut Street. Foster also said he is still looking for a relief officer.

The DeValls Bluff Fire Department reported responding to four medical calls and assisting Brinkley on an interstate call. Members also held two meetings. The department thanked Biscoe firefighters who have volunteered to assist and said more volunteers are still needed.

The council also accepted the only bid received for two old, nonworking pickup trucks. Harrison Gladish submitted the winning bid of $400.