At its Oct. 25 meeting, Supt. Bryan Pruitt read a letter from Parks Commission chair Bill Featherstone regarding his intention to apply for a $35,000 grant from the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission for installing an exercise trail around the perimeter of the Community Center property. Featherstone needed to send his application in the following afternoon, but was unable to attend the meeting to answer questions.
A requirement was if the grant were awarded and the trail installed, but went out of use within the first 15 years after receiving the grant funds, the funds would have to be repaid. A circumstance for the trail going out of use would be if the Community Center Foundation defaulted on its lease and the district sold the property. Eureka Springs city council had voted to support Featherstone’s application for the grant, but not to ensure repayment of the $35,000.
Board member Chris McClung said he might support the grant subject to learning more details, but was not prepared to approve Featherstone’s request. Board member Jason Morris agreed he did not want to rush a decision without more information. Gayla Wolfinbarger added she did not want the board to commit any more money to the former high school property.
McClung stated even though the concept was a great idea, there were too many unanswered questions. The board decided not to approve the request.
Bid approved for demolition
Pruitt told the board Cromwell Architects, advisors on the Community Center project, had recommended the bid of Rockin’ W Excavating of Berryville for demolition of B-100. Their bid for the job was $78,680.
The district had agreed to pay for the demolition as part of its lease arrangement with the Community Center Foundation. Vote to approve the recommendation was unanimous.
Officers and meeting date
The board voted to reinstate the same slate of officers for the upcoming year. Chris McClung will remain as president; Al Larson, vice-president; and Gayla Wolfinbarger, secretary. The board, however, voted to change its meeting date to the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings will still begin at 5:30 p.m.
This was also the first regular meeting for newly-elected board members Tina Johnson and Joe Hill.
Other items
- The board approved the Parent Involvement Policy and voted to add Wolfinbarger as a check signer.
- After an Executive Session, the board voted to approve the hiring of paraprofessional Cyndy Calbat and accept the resignation of paraprofessional Lexi Pyatt.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 p.m.