By Ray King
The Pine Bluff City Council voted to take care of some equipment needs for the Street Department during their second meeting of the month Monday night.
With no dissent, the council voted to approve a lease agreement to finance the purchase of two Elgin Street Sweepers at total cost of $539,999 which will be paid out in five installments of $128,944.42 beginning in January
2025 and ending in January 2029.
Council member Steven Shaner, who co-sponsored the legislation was asked about it after the meeting.
The council also approved a resolution allowing the Mayor to negotiate with J.A. Riggs Tractor Co., to acquire one 420 backhoe loader and one M314 Wheeled Excavator, subject to financing terms. Once a price is negotiated, that price will be presented to the council for approval at the first meeting in August.
Also approved was a resolution authorizing an agreement with Wagner General Contractors inc., for construction work on the first phase of the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District.
Council member Bruce Lockett was asked about that resolution and said this.
The company submitted the lowest bid to do the work and will be paid $993,000 from funds that are already set aside.
A resolution authorizing the mayor to complete an agreement with Ritter Communications of Jonesboro to provide internet and phone service for the city for a five-year period was approved 7-1 with Council Member Steven Mays casting the only no vote.
Installation of the new phone and internet system in all the city offices and locations is expected to take three to four months.
