Mayor Butch Berry said at a previous meeting he would see about transferring a Public Works truck to the Parks Department and giving an old Parks truck to the Eureka Springs Cemetery, but the Cemetery Commission said no to the Parks vehicle because of its condition. Alderman Bob Thomas, who also serves on the Cemetery Commission, said at the March 27 council meeting that the way things unfolded pitted Parks and Cemetery commissions against each other, and it should never have come to that. He insisted Berry should be considering the needs of all city departments and commissions when items or equipment become available.
“Point taken,” Berry noted. He added, however, the vehicle went from Public Works to Parks because they need it more. Alderman Terry McClung commented he had been at the cemetery recently and saw the need for a pickup out there to help with cleaning up fallen branches and debris. He asked Berry if the city could not find some money to buy a used vehicle for the cemetery.
Thomas said if the issue of the Public Works truck came to a vote, he would vote for it going to Parks and rely on Berry’s commitment to get one for the cemetery. He said he didn’t want divisiveness between commissions.
Berry stated it was his fault for not considering the cemetery more. He named the members of his family resting at the cemetery, and appreciated the advocacy of Adamson and Thomas. He said he and Finance Director Lonnie Clark agreed they would find money for a truck for the cemetery.
Mitchell stated he would officially redirect his stipend for serving on council toward the cemetery to help the commission buy a pickup.