The Pine Bluff City Council is set to convene on Monday at 5:30 p.m. for a meeting with a packed agenda featuring several significant proposed ordinances and resolutions. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the public comment period to voice their opinions on these matters.
Among the proposed ordinances, one stands out for its potential impact on local traffic enforcement. The first ordinance on the agenda seeks to amend Subsection (b) of Section 26-113 in Article IV of Chapter 26 of the city’s Code of Ordinances. This amendment aims to specifically address “drag racing” on city streets, defining it as operating a motor vehicle racing against one or more other vehicles on public roads.
The ordinance proposes escalating fines for repeat offenders, starting at $300 for a first conviction and increasing to $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within 12 months. This ordinance is up for its third and final reading.
Another ordinance focuses on modernizing the city’s payment methods. It proposes amending Section 2-141 of the Code of Ordinances to authorize municipal government to make electronic payments to vendors and other entities. This change aims to adapt to the growing preference for electronic transactions and is currently up for its first reading.
Another ordinance, also on its first reading, proposes the closure of a portion of the east-west alley located in the 1300 block of E. Harding between Pennsylvania and Ohio Streets. The ordinance specifies the closure of the east 120 feet of this alley and retains the city’s right to use the alley as a utility easement.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In addition to the ordinances, the council will also consider several resolutions. The first resolution proposes amending Resolution No. 4817 to correct the name and location for a property listed as “BURNETT, VERONICA MANLEY ET AL” at 120 E. 42ND AVE. The amendment seeks to change the name to “GW COFFER” and the location to “East of 915 E. Harding.”
Another resolution authorizes the Mayor and Fire Chief to execute a “Software as a Service End User License Agreement” with Alpine Software, Inc., waiving the requirement of three telephone quotations. A resolution appointing Travis Mosler to the Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will also be addressed.
A resolution expressing the city’s willingness to use Federal Aid Transportation Alternatives Program funds for the Downtown Pine Bluff/Delta Rhythm & Bayous District Pedestrian Connections Phase I project will be voted on. The last resolution proposes waiving competitive bidding and authorizing an agreement with FORVIS, LLP for auditing services.
The meeting will also include committee reporting, announcements and opportunities for public comments on both agenda and non-agenda items.