Council to rehash condemnation issue

News-Times
News-Times

El Dorado City Council members are expected to redress a condemnation issue when they convene for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. today in the Council Chamber of City Hall.

During the council’s last regular meeting on April, the condemnation of a house belonging to Brian and Ralph Smith was part of larger, contentious discussion about the city’s condemnation process.

The Smith brothers are looking to save and repair family property they own at 710 Ouachita Avenue.

The brothers had submitted a city compliment/suggestion/grievance form regarding the matter, but on April 8, a disagreement unfolded between them and several city officials — including their Ward 4 aldermen Dianne Hammond and Mary McAdams — about how the issue was handled.

Alderman Vance Williamson previously took a look at the property; he and Alderman Mike Rice revisited the house with the Smiths earlier this week.

Williamson recommended that the council grant the Smiths an extension to develop a plan to rehabilitate the property and bring it up to code.

Other council members, including McAdams and Billy Blann, said they plan to tour the property with Director of Public Works Robert Edmonds prior to the start of the council meeting today.

Hash said he would add the item to the council’s agenda.

Under new business, the council will consider a resolution to use the federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP), a matching grant program that is earmarked for transportation projects.

The council will consider reappointing Jeremy Hurst to the El Dorado Planning and Zoning Commission.

Aldermen are also expected to hear a report from Dr. Barbara Jones, president of South Arkansas Community College, regarding the El Dorado Conference Center Bistro Cafè and Barbara Hogg about National Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.

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