Hillery discussed the changes that have been taking place over the last few months at local businesses. She stated that the Chamber has been keeping an updated list of new hours and procedures of each business on their website, as well as on social media. She updated the council on the farmers market, saying that some farmers are having trouble with produce due to the rain, but as soon as they are ready to sell, the market will be open. There should be a grand opening the first Friday in June and will be guidelines in place for social distancing. Hillery notified the council that they have cancelled the annual crawfish boil for this year and instead will encourage the community to go to local restaurants on that date. The Chamber Banquet that was scheduled for April has been postponed, a new date has not been set as of right now as they are waiting to see when they may be able to schedule a large event. Hillery also notified the board that the Chamber has been assisting businesses and individuals that are in need of information on funding, small business loans or how to receive unemployment benefits due to COVID-19. She stated that anyone is welcome to call the Chamber and they will help to point people in the right direction.
Kiron Browning, with A.L. Franks Engineers in Texarkana spoke to the council on the bids for Prescott, AR water and sewer improvements. He recommended the council award the bid to TWOPO Inc, DBA Bobo and Bain, from Hope, AR in the amount of $210,156.21. This will cover costs for replacing the water and sewer around 1st street, O Street, Pine Street and install a 6” water main on Walnut Street. A grant from Arkansas Economic Development will cover $170,717 of the cost, leaving $39,439.21 as the city’s portion to pay. The council voted to accept the bid and award it to Bobo and Bain in the amount of $210,156.21.
The council voted to participate in a class action lawsuit, which would allow them to join other cities and counties to sue online travel companies that have failed to collect taxes from individuals and/or failed to remit the funds to the cities.
Jamie Hillery stated that the CADC will be at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on May 29 to distribute emergency food boxes to individuals in need. This will set up as a drive-thru and the boxes will consist of meats, vegetables, toilet tissue and other items. Certain guidelines must be met and the public should call 870-724-5080 to see if they meet the criteria.
The Prescott City Council will hold their next meeting on June 20, 2020.