By Ray King
An ordinance establishing a definition for “drag racing” and setting out fines for people caught drag racing will be read for the final time when the Pine Bluff City Council meets on April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
The ordinance, sponsored by Council Member Steven Mays, was read for a second time during the council meeting on Monday.
Mays told Deltaplex News why he sponsored the legislation.
The ordinance defines “drag racing” as “operating a motor vehicle racing against one or more other motor vehicles on public streets, highways or right-of-way, whether or not the posted speed limit is exceeded while racing.”
If convicted the first time, the person convicted will be fined $300. A second conviction within 12 months will result in a fine of $500 and a third or subsequent conviction will result in a fine of $1,000. A charge under this section of the ordinance does not preclude a charge to any other offense committed by the driver of the vehicle.
Also on Monday, a resolution waiving competitive bidding and allowing the city to sign an agreement with Natural State Asphalt Repair to fill in potholes on city streets was approved despite opposition from Council Member William Fells, who opposed waiving the competitive bidding and said he believed other companies should have had an opportunity to apply to do the work.
According to the resolution, the company “utilizes a unique approach to street repairs that is not available through other vendors in the area at a competitive price.”
Natural State Asphalt Repair is owned by former City Council Member Steven Shaner and according to a pricing schedule included with the contract, the price for repair is $225 per burn which is approximately 48 square feet.
