City of Crossett

Key discussions included revisions to fishing regulations for Lucas Pond, specifically concerning harvest size limits and quantity, following a presentation by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regarding overcrowding and recommendations for stocking. The council approved a resolution to apply for a FunPark Grant to install a basketball court at the EC Crossett Youth Center and add bleacher covers at the Crossett Sports Complex. An ordinance was adopted to allow the City to contract with Pioneer Civil Construction, LLC for Airport Apron Pavement Rehabilitation, necessitated by a conflict of interest involving an officer of the company and a member of the Airport Commission. The 2023 audit report from the State Legislative Auditor, showing no findings, was accepted. The council approved the appointment of Leroy Higginbotham to Director of Public Works, which included adjusting the salary range, and the subsequent search process for a new Fire Chief was outlined. The council also accepted the appointment of Tammy Carter to the Crossett Advertising & Promotion Commission.

Key discussions included an update on the Community Cybersecurity Workshop. In new business, the Council received updates on the Trendsetter Award recognitions, including the Infrastructure and Water Award for the wastewater project and an Honorable Mention for the UAM-CTC Sustainable Trade Alliance Program. An update was provided regarding the EPA Brownfield Grant Application for the Crossett Municipal Building, involving cleanup and assessment steps. The Council approved the 2023-2024 water audits and adopted two required annual property tax resolutions, Resolution 2025-10 and Resolution 2025-11. A Tax Back Resolution concerning sales and use tax was presented for consideration. The Mayors Youth Council Members were accepted by the Council. Reports were given by the Police Chief and the new Fire Chief. A proposal for a Veterans Honor Walk brick trail at Veterans Park was presented for future review. Audience members raised concerns regarding property line tree cutting, a large pothole on Georgia and 6th Ave, yard sales, the ownership status of Price School, updates on duck boxes for Lucas Pond, alleged unanswered calls from council members, inappropriate relations within the city, and vehicle washing at police/fire stations. Requests were also made for increased police patrol near Cedar and 9th due to running stop signs, and for the installation of a 'NO LEFT TURN' sign at Cedar and 82 due to traffic congestion.

Key discussions included recognizing the successful Christmas in Crossett and Parade events. The council approved the annual agreement with Ashley County for court clerk salaries and benefits. A proposed resolution to adopt the 2026 city budget was read and subsequently adopted (Resolution R-2025-15). The council also adopted a proposed resolution in support of the Federal Surplus Program (Resolution R-2025-16). Department updates were provided by the Fire Chief regarding outstanding billing pursuits and by the Police Chief concerning new training, the recognition of an SRO Officer as Ashley County Officer of the Year, and the expected receipt of the AR Opioid Recovery Partnership Grant. Concerns were raised regarding dogs at large and the capacity of the city pound. A motion was passed to postpone the following month's regular council meeting from the date of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to January 22nd. Other items involved reminding council members about the upcoming AML Conference cancellation deadline and discussion about repairing lights on Main Street decorations and the potential installation of a new streetlight at Hwy 82/Wellfield Road.

The meeting included approval of the September and October financial reports. Key discussions involved an update on the AR Opioid Recovery Program grant, which will fund a drug investigator and a peer recovery specialist for the Crossett Police Department, with applications opening soon. The Council adopted Resolution 2025-14, endorsing Pinnacle Benefits Management Trust to participate in the Tax Back Program to support the expansion of Southeast Insurance, expected to create 35-50 jobs. The annual agreement between the City of Crossett and the Crossett Economic Development Foundation was approved. A proposed ordinance updating fishing restrictions for Lucas Pond was tabled to address concerns regarding motor noise limits. The Council also addressed an ongoing investigation into trees cut on city property. Resolution 2025-13 was approved, executing a 2-year lease agreement for a sidearm garbage truck. Ordinance 2025-7, reaffirming the city's at-large election process, was adopted. The Mayor's Youth Council presented updates on a planned Scavenger Hunt for Civics classes. Updates from the Fire Chief included the activation of a live weather camera, and the Police Chief reported on an officer's graduation and another receiving an award. A citizen raised a concern regarding a water bill.

The primary purpose of the special session was to consider a resolution to allow for an application for an ACEDP grant targeted at the demolition of Price Elementary School. The City Attorney read the proposed Resolution 2025-12, which was subsequently adopted by the Council.