A proposed apartment complex gained a resolution of approval from the Pineville City Council on Tuesday night.
Aldermen heard from Mike Williams Sr., development manager with Gardner Capital. He asked for a resolution of support for a proposed apartment complex that will consist of 42 to 48 apartment units. It will be located on Jesse James Road, about a block from the Burger Time restaurant.
Williams provided the council with information about the proposed complex, which Williams said is not subsidized housing.
Williams said the proposed rent for the units will range from $450 for a one-bedroom to $575 for a three-bedroom.
If approved, construction will begin in May 2017.
Mayor Gregg Sweeten noted that the city commissioners are on board regarding this proposal. The council adopted a resolution to support the proposed apartment complex.
Al Chapman, chairman of the McDonald County Historical Society Events Committee, addressed the council expressing Historical Society concerns about the grounds surrounding the historical museum and what people's impression is of the downtown square area when approaching.
Chapman said beautification is needed in the downtown area near the history museum. He said this should increase tourism. Museum board members believe this is a critical issue that requires a plan to improve the area.
Chapman asked for input from the council regarding the need for beautification of the downtown area.
Alderman Scott Dennis responded that the Planning Commission is currently discussing and doing a lot of things to include a walking trail along the river and a Pineville sign and noted that new playground equipment was recently purchased for the city park.
Dennis said the Planning Commission is establishing a plan for improvement and invited the Historical Society board members to attend the Planning Commission meetings to further discuss plans and improvements needed.
Sweeten noted that the council wants to support the Historical Society any way they can.
Lynn Tatum, chairwoman of the McDonald County Historical Society, addressed the council, noting:
• There are many structural defects in the museum building. She said the roof leaks, areas need re-shingling, the chimney is falling apart, the stucco has a lot of cracks in it and internal beams are bowing.
• The Historical Society is launching a $100,000 campaign to raise money to repair the museum.
• The museum, which is the old courthouse of Pineville, is on the National Register of Historic Places and it needs to be preserved.
• The need for beautification in the downtown area surrounding the history museum and noted to the council that the Historical Society wants to cooperate with the city to move forward on improvements.
Tatum said a 30-year plan is needed to preserve the history museum. Dennis said the council is on the same path as the Historical Society and there is no reason that long-term planning cannot begin.
Tatum said she would like to thank the city for their work regarding the bandstand.
Tatum noted that one of the huge strengths of Pineville is that it is family-oriented.
Sweeten announced the resignation of city tax collector Amanda Crawford, and the appointment of her replacement, Cathy Underwood. Underwood was sworn in by Sweeten.
Sweeten received bids for paving some streets in Pineville. The council voted to further discuss and compare the bids at a future meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Nuisance and animal ordinance issues were discussed. These issues were tabled for further consideration at a future meeting.
Overtime and holiday pay regarding city employees was discussed and tabled for further discussion at a future meeting.
DEPARTMENTS
Sweeten announced there will be a movie on the square Saturday night, July 16, which will begin when it starts getting dark.
Pineville Marshal Chris Owens said there will be a Black Lives Matter gathering at Neosho Thursday, July 14. Owens said his law enforcement officers will try to keep everyone as safe as they can.
Owens noted that the Pineville officers did a great job over the July 4 holiday.
BILLS
The council approved bills, which includes the new playground equipment, in the amount of $70,808.33.
Community on 07/14/2016