The go-kart track on East Harding Avenue is moving forward, Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency Executive Director Chandra Griffin told the board during a Tuesday meeting.
The contractor has installed the shop building, and work on the mini-golf course has begun. A recent change required a ramp for the shop building due to the ground being higher than expected. Utility progress was also confirmed, with gas meter installation scheduled for the following day.
A major administrative hurdle was resolved earlier this month when the Pine Bluff City Council voted not to dissolve the Urban Renewal Agency.
“Now we have the clarity that we need to move forward,” said Griffin, adding funds can now be spent on moving projects forward, including those at Simmons Bank Park.
The board also received updates on the Simmons Bank Park development known as The Magnolia while also addressing significant challenges posed by an ongoing forensic audit and operational disputes with other city departments.
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Griffin also took time to address a public statement made by Mayor Vivian Flowers. During a February City Council meeting, a dispute arose between Griffin and Flowers regarding the agency’s available funds. Griffin had previously claimed to have only “$14,000 to pay her bills,” a statement Flowers called “at least disingenuous,” pointing to conflicting financial reports and an existing $290,000 reserve from an insurance claim.
During the PBURA meeting, Griffin confirmed concerns about the contractor leaving the go-kart track site were real.
“There’s no reason for me to exaggerate,” she said, referring to a text message from the contractor who was considering pulling the job and seeking an attorney due to lack of payment.
She said this nearly resulted in a work stoppage at the go-kart site, as the contractor has been owed money since January.
According to Griffin, the contractor has recently received one check and is expected to receive another this week. She also stated she received a new invoice from the contractor on Thursday afternoon, which will be processed for approval.
The forensic audit, which is currently focused on the 2017 sales tax, continues to create tensions. Griffin described a persistent line of questioning from the auditors regarding the validity of the agency’s legal standing.
A major concern raised by Griffin was the auditors’ direct, unannounced contact with agency vendors at The Magnolia, which reportedly caused distress and confusion among new businesses.
“The problem is when you go ahead and talk to the vendors, you cause some chaos because they are new entrepreneurs stepping out on faith, basically,” she said.
She expressed concern after a vendor called to report that auditors were making inquiries about their lease agreement and deposit.
Griffin said she informed the auditors that such actions were causing “chaos” among the new entrepreneurs and requested that the audit team establish a standard process for vendor interactions.
Griffin noted that efforts to install new signage are underway to assist delivery drivers who frequently struggle to find the site. To address this urgent need, she is seeking a donation of decorative lettering comparable to the style used at the Main Library.
Furthermore, Griffin mentioned the location is attracting more visitors due to recent activities, including a live performance and watch party held this past Monday by Pine Bluff native Makiyah Mustiful, a contestant on “American Idol”.
Board members discussed two significant issues involving other city departments’ use of Urban Renewal resources, which the members say is unauthorized.
Griffin said the Pine Bluff Street Department is using agency equipment without a formal agreement or check-in system. She acknowledged an existing, informal verbal agreement but stressed the need for accountability.
Board members insisted that a formal, written policy is necessary to protect the agency from liability.
The most pressing operational issue was a $3,000-plus bill received from Waste Management. Griffin discovered that, after the city’s contract with the company ended, some departments continued to use the Urban Renewal account for dumping.
“I received a bill from Waste Management this week. Three thousand-plus dollars … The city no longer has a contract with Waste Management, so they can’t dump at the Waste Management site,” she said.
The board agreed on the need for a fiscal agreement that requires an entity using WM’s services to foot the bill.
The board agreed to draft a formal letter to the mayor and city departments to resolve the equipment and trash collection issues promptly.
Griffin said plans are in place for a radio advertisement campaign to promote the businesses at The Magnolia. Urban Renewal is also setting up a dedicated social media account for Simmons Bank Park.