City council had asked for an update on what was happening with the $80,000 Transportation Alternative Program grant funds originally intended for building a trail from Harmon Park to Clear Spring School along Dairy Hollow Road. The grant had been written by the Parks Department, so Chair Bill Featherstone of the Parks Commission explained to council Monday night the scope written into the grant greatly exceeded what they had intended.
Parks asked the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department if the funds could be redirected, and ATHD agreed they could be redirected toward a sidewalk or fitness trail, and Featherstone said the commission voted to devote the funds toward a fitness trail around the Community Center property. He added the original trail between Harmon Park and Clear Spring School would be constructed this summer, but more according to the original expectations.
He said aspects of the fitness trail project are still under review by the Community Center Foundation Board but should be resolved soon and presented to the state. He also pointed out Parks will still need to come to council to get easements for the trail.
Kendrick stated the resolution passed by council supporting the application for the grant specifically referred to Dairy Hollow, not anywhere else. She claimed the intent of the grant was diverted without council approval or knowledge, but Featherstone replied he was not aware that Parks did anything improper.
Kendrick looked at other aldermen and repeated the resolution had specifically mentioned Dairy Hollow, and Parks now intended to spend the grant funds elsewhere. “Can they do that?” she asked, and added she wanted to take that authority away if it indeed existed. She insisted it was imperative the funds be used according to the approved resolution.
Featherstone answered it was Parks that applied for the grant, it had been a Parks initiative, and commissioners felt it was in the best interest of the city to make best use of the grant. He also mentioned no money had been spent yet, but Parks has been approved to spend the money on either a city sidewalk or a fitness trail.
Schneider was of the opinion council had already discussed all this, and their time would be better spent planning to guarantee the city would get what it intended from future grants. Regarding Parks, she commented, “Let’s don’t yell at them; let’s work with them.”
City Attorney Tim Weaver stated the money had not been spent yet, so council could get more involved if it wanted. However, he did not see that what Parks did was improper because the funds were for sidewalks and Parks is directing the funds toward something that was approved. Council will have a say when Parks asks for an easement for the trail.
Alderman Terry McClung said what he was hearing was a rehashing of their previous discussion. He said Parks told council what they planned to do, they would not do anything until all the pieces are in place, and they still intend to build the original trail, so council will have a voice in due time.
Kendrick was not to be denied, and moved that an ordinance be drafted stating when council approves an application for a grant and it is awarded but the funds are to be diverted, the matter comes back to council to approve the diversion.
McClung reiterated council had been through this discussion already. “It’s Groundhog Day,” he commented. He had been in favor of the original trail, and Featherstone said it was going to be built.
Alderman Bob Thomas queried Featherstone as to which other entities in town were considered as possible recipients of the trail funds. He noted Featherstone is chair of Parks and also sits on the Community Center Foundation board. Thomas posited no one else had a chance for the grant funds.
Kendrick redirected everyone to her motion, and it passed unanimously.