The Pineville City Council has taken the first step in raising water and sewer rates by 15 cents.
Aldermen approved two ordinances on their first reading that would increase the water and sewer rates.
The ordinances, which require two readings, are expected to be reviewed at the Feb. 28 City Council meeting. If approved, the increases will take effect March 31.
The action came during the regular council meeting, which was rescheduled from Tuesday, Feb. 14 to Thursday, Feb. 9.
Alderman approved Ordinance 17-01, which says the minimum charge per month for residential/commercial water customers within the city limits will be $12.85, up from $12.70. The gallons usage will change from $4.50 per 1,000 gallons to $4.65.
Outside the city limits, the minimum charge for residential/commercial customers will be $30.15. The gallons usage will change from $4.50 per 1,000 gallons to $4.65 per 1,000 gallons.
Ordinance 17-02 calls for an increase in sewer rates from $14.70 as the minimum charge to $14.85. The gallons usage rate shall change from $5.40 per 1,000 gallons to $5.55 per 1,000 gallons per month.
In other business, the council continues to support bringing the community together through exercise and fun events. Aldermen approved a new race -- "Redneck 5K" -- set for April 8 on the Pineville Square.
In addition to the run, the event will feature vendor booths and games. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities. Online registration will be available soon.
The council also approved:
• The purchase of a bicycle repair station to help children air up their tires and more. Aldermen discussed the location for the repair station, and discussed purchasing a second when the bike trail is finished.
• Resolution 17-4, asking for federal assistance from the Recreational Trails Program for the purpose of expanding the city's trail system. If approved, federal aid would pay for 80 percent of the costs. The council has targeted help with the Jesse James Trail Road, which would be the first step in building a trail system connecting Pineville with Anderson.
• Resolution 17-3, adopting the McDonald County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
During the meeting, aldermen also learned more about two new body cameras the city recently purchased. Mayor Gregg Sweeten explained that every full-time officer has a body camera, but that the city wanted all reserve officers to have one as well.
City Marshall Chris Owens displayed one of two new body cameras and said they feature a built-in microphone, are waterproof, shock-resistant and have great video quality.
The council is reviewing a policy for officers when wearing the body cameras.
Other business included the announcement that the first and last movies in this year's movie series will now take place at the new safe room/gym at Eighth and W streets at the Pineville Elementary School. All other movies in the line-up will be shown at the Pineville Square.
Movie nights, which are free, will kick off in March and conclude in October. Movie nights will not take place in July and August, due to the heat.
The first movie scheduled is "Finding Dory," which will be shown at 6 p.m. March 18. Concessions will be sold.
General News on 02/16/2017