Roddy Lett wants to de-annex part of his farm from the city of Pineville. Lett said he believes de-annexing the back 400 acres of his farm to the east and south means he could have more freedom to hunt on his own land and use his own water sources.
Lett was recently criticized by his neighbors in the Mountain High subdivision who said the fertilizer he spread was very smelly for at least three months. The front part of his acreage borders that subdivision.
Neighbors openly criticized him again and asked questions during his comments in Tuesday night's Pineville City Council meeting.
Lett said he is trying to get some open communication going and approached the city council about the possibility of de-annexing.
Lett said he has fertilized the land for the past two years. The first year, the fertilizer was obtained from Allen's Canning.
This year, Lett utilized fertilizer that came from the Simmons' lagoon. The state-certified fertilizer is free. Lett said that he doesn't want to spend $30,000 to $50,000 to purchase chemical fertilizer.
Utilizing the free fertilizer from Simmons means that he "can't pick and choose" when he can fertilize. Lett said he fertilizes to reduce weeds.
"You can't run that many cows on unfertilized hills in McDonald County," he said.
Neighbors on Tuesday night said they don't mind some weeds -- or how the land looks -- but that the fertilizer stench was simply awful.
Lett said de-annexing the back 400 acres means he could hunt on his own land. He and his son always carry a gun with them, he said, because they shoot coyotes that prey on their cattle.
He's also required to buy water from the city but has access to other cheaper water sources.
Alderman Scott Dennis, who served as mayor pro-tem in Gregg Sweeten's absence, said the issue would be put under further discussion.
In other business, several residents were named winners in the recent Christmas Light Contest.
The Pineville License Office took first place in the business category. David and Tonya Groves were named first-place winners in the residential category. They received a $100 check. Angela Caywood and Randall Pate earned $50 for second place, and David Harris earned $25 for third place.
Council members also approved the 2018 budget on its first reading. The second reading will take place at the next city council meeting.
A short public hearing was held regarding the annexation of 1298 Big Sugar Creek Road. No comments were made during the public hearing which preceded the city council meeting.
General News on 12/14/2017