The White Hall Public Works Department, currently busy with streets, water distribution, sewer maintenance and the mowing of public right of way and city parks, will have a few chores added to their agenda in coming months.
City employees will pour the foundation for a new fire station that will be constructed south of the intersection of Sheridan and Robin roads, Mayor Noel Foster said.
Jim Lord LCS has been awarded a $101,000 contract to erect the metal and brick station, Foster added, after city crews complete the preliminary work. Work on the project is expected to start in two weeks, weather permitting.
City officials said the new station will house equipment that has filled the existing station on Anderson Avenue. Fire Chief Sandy Castleberry noted a large room planned for the new facility can be used for a training classroom for both fire and police personnel.
By utilizing city employees on projects the municipality can save money on construction costs, the mayor noted.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Matt Webb Construction has a $43,500 contract to clean off the 30 acres south and east of the intersection of Dollarway and Hoadley roads for the planned community center, Foster said.
The company has 30-45 days to dig out stumps and haul off debris from the timber that was cut from the site, Foster told The Progress, adding that it may be necessary to burn some of the debris.
The Advertising and Promotion Commission authorized the cutting of the timber so architects and engineers would have a better view of the city-owned tract for planning the center.
Foster told the commission several months ago that once cleared it may be necessary to fill some depressions and level areas of the community center site, adding that while public works employees have the expertise for the work, they probably will need some assistance from the Jefferson County Road Department with heavy dirt-moving equipment.
No date has been set for work to start on the community center facility.
City officials in the past planned to pay for the center with proceeds from the municipality’s sales tax on motel rentals and the sale of prepared food, with more than $3 million in the bank to start the work. However, Foster was authorized several months ago to investigate the possibility of utilizing revenue bonds to complete the project with any work done in phases.
The city could pledge revenues from the sales tax to retire any bonds that might be issued.
Residents were asked earlier this year in a community-wide survey to identify facilities they want to see incorporated in a community center. Survey results will be incorporated in the building plans, according to Foster.
Aldermen and commissioners must make some decisions before ground is broken on the center’s construction, Foster said, including water programs and operational costs and/or fees in some areas.