The Dumas Community Development Committee presented the 2021 Dumas Community Development Survey finding at the Dumas City Council February 8, 2022.
Linda Weatherford, Community Development Committee Chair, presented the information collected in the areas of Citizen Demographics, Quality of Life Perceptions, Employment, Growth and Development, planning for the future and community interest and involvement. The survey received 231 responses. Weatherford talked about the critical issues submitted in the surveys and steps the committee will be taking to find solutions for those issues. To view the full survey, go to https://bit.ly/DumasAn2021.
Rev. Arthur Hunt presented a proposal to the council to give $100,000 for the REDI project to induce economic development in Dumas from the Peterson Trust Allocation or other resources. The Council did not vote on the proposal at the February 8 meeting.
Sylvestor Spinks asked for use of the fenced area of the Old Dollar General Warehouse lot to use for 2022 Hoodnic to be held March 19, 2022. Spinks said the area will have better traffic flow and that they will be following CDC guidelines. The council voted to approve the request.
Councilmember Amber Madison-Brown reported information on their Outdoor Recreation Grant Workshop on January 30. The $175,000 matching grant will pay for new walking trails, equipment, and restrooms for the park. The meeting helped determine how the grant money could be used. The park will be planned by Garnett Engineers.
Clinton Hawkins, Jr., Zoning Chair. Requested the council revise the ordinance to extend the height of commercial use up to 200 feet. The council voted to make a revision for ordinance to extend tower height in commercial locations to 200 feet and 150 for residential areas.
The council voted to approve minutes for meetings held January 11, January 20, January 25 and January 31, 2022. The council met in a special session to discuss Option 1 and Option 2 redistricting maps. After a short discussion, the council voted to choose Option 1 redistricting map.
Councilmember John Owen gave the budget report. The council voted to approve the budget and payment of Monthly Bills.
Mayor Flora Simon gave her reports in American Fund and that the funds can now be used for any government service including police, ambulance, addressing drainage and upgrading parks. The proposed name for the former D-Tech to be renamed the Dumas Opportunity Zone with the new sign to include shingles for occupants of the building. The council voted to approve the new name. The city will be handing out a rapid test next week.
Monthly Community Service reports:
Dumas Chamber of Commerce-Judy Day reported that January is a slow month, sending out of New membership statements, and lack of funding for Arkansas Scholars Donations. Students will receive certificates to show their eligibility.
Dumas Economic Development Committee: Day said they have the possibility of connecting with Google to change connections for big trucks to remain on the highway and not travel through downtown. They are still working to get industrial signs ordered and placed and working to host an industry luncheon.
Delta Memorial Hospital: Leah Osbahr said they are working on getting a phone number for their new Medicare Enrollment Specialist. She reported on new programs such as Wound care, Pulmonary Rehab program, speech therapy, and new occupational therapy program. She talked about seeing children with Covid, but also a downward trend in the people contracting Covid. The clinic renovation project was completed and cost $1.7 million to renovate. Most of the funds were raised by the community.
Main Street Dumas: Sammye Owen reported around 30 people attending the Historic Meeting and that people will be coming to look at the conditions of the buildings on Dumas' Main Street. Grants could be available to repair buildings with individual owners participation. An artist has been selected for the Meador Pharmacy Mural with a $5,000 grant for public arts.Department Reports:
Dumas Police Department: Chief Keith Finch reported 873 contacts for the month. The SkyCop Cameras were installed around Dumas Thursday, February 10. Insurance will be paying off on a police car wreck during the week it sleeted. The department is still working on setting a day for its TASER class.
EMS: The Dumas EMS reported 101 transports in January. Ambulance 4403 is back in Dumas and they will redo the graphics. The EMT refresher course finished Monday, February 7. The phone lines were still not operational at the time of the meeting.
Dumas Volunteer Fire Department- the DVFD reported 2 structure fires, 53 man hours of training, and performed maintenance on their trucks. They will be working with the Arkansas Forest Commission for new trucks.
The Water and Sewer Department and Street and Sanitation Departments also gave their reports.
Resolution No 1429 authorizes the mayor and city clerk to enter into a garbage truck lease purchase agreement for $189,000 at 24 months between the City of Dumas and Banscorpsouth Equipment Finance. The council voted to approve the resolution.
Resolution No1430 is a resolution to award a bid contract to Richard Pambianchi Construction Company, LLC of McGehee, Ar for the clearing of the City of Dumas Property on Hwy 54 West. The council voted to approve the resolution.
Resolution No 1431 authorizes the mayor to enter into a rental lease agreement with Southeast Arkansas Economic District, Inc for Space at the DTECH Center. The council voted to approve the resolution.
Resolution No. 1432 is to authorize the signature for Agent for the Dumas-Picken Water project. The council voted to approve the resolution.
Resolution No. 1433 designates and authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute certain documents in connection with the Union Pacific Railroad Company and the city of Dumas for the Pipeline Crossing Agreement. The council voted to approve the resolution.
Resolution No. 1433 is the designation of environmental review compliance liaison. The council voted to approve the resolution.
