The Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Commission, meeting in regular session on Thursday, received a report on some work projects at the Chester Hynes Community Center.
The BIC (Brothers In Christ) and Baxter Construction and Painting companies are applying new paint in some areas and providing “touch-ups” on several recent Keith Ross painting efforts that were deemed by parks and recreation department administrators as incomplete or improperly done.
Department Director Angela Parker had listed 100 complaints on the work by Ross, a local contractor.
Ross had been slated to make corrections, but Parker said it was decided to obtain new contractors for the additional work. She said Ross couldn’t be paid more than an adjusted $20,000 fee which he had already received. The current painting is to be completed by Sept. 14.
Parker said that Matthews Construction Co. is doing separate work in the facility’s kitchen.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In her July activities report, Parker told commissioners that McClelland Engineering has been hired by the city for design oversight on the Brumps Bayou Fishing Pier project, which is being funded with a $100,000 grant.
Commission Chair Kami Hunt said the city’s fall softball program’s game schedule will be Sept. 10-Oct. 17. Games will be played at Regional Park.
Hunt also led a discussion on employee evaluations, suggesting that new guidance should be considered so that employees determined to be performing at an unsatisfactory level would not receive annual cost-of-living salary increases. Parker said the department is required to follow procedures as authorized by the city council.
Commissioners unanimously decided to deny a request from Pine Bluff Bowhunters Inc. for a 15-year extension on a lease agreement on 100 acres at Boyd Point, and to expand the acreage to encompass the remainder of city-owned timberland at the site. The organization is looking at adding additional archery ranges, hosting more and larger archery events and establishing educational partnerships with the Boy Scouts of America and similar groups.
Commissioners determined the current lease, which covers 15 years and expires in less than two, will be continued. Any changes would be considered when a new agreement is prepared.
The panel also gave unanimous support for sale of beer at the Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14, Smoke on the Water barbecue event at Regional Park, contingent on law enforcement officers being there to provide “ample security.”