– City of Osceola – Council puts brakes on license plate readers

Osceola Police Chief William Foster asked the city council last week for money to purchase eight license plate readers (LPRs) from Flock Safety.

The chief explained that the LPRs will enhance safety in the town as the police department will be able to monitor, respond and investigate criminal activity in a more timely manner.

The LPRs, which will have an initial cost of $26,300 and a recur-ring annual maintenance fee of$24,000, would be installed at all points of entry/exit into Osceola. Additionally, the system would be linked to a network which includes Blytheville, West Memphis, Jonesboro and Pemiscot County, Missouri systems.

Council members were hesitant to approve the dollars considering that the city had just completed a purchase of the Sky-Cops, plus councilman Tyler Dunegan mentioned that they are already equipped with LPRs.

However, Chief Foster said the current LPRs are outdated and not linked to a network. He added that the upgrade would be more expensive than the purchase of a new system.

Still, the council chose to table the request until councilmen Dunegan and Joe Guy can review the benefits of the proposed safety equipment with the towns already employing the Flock Safety system.

The chief did get approval from the council to reinstate the Arkansas Refund Offset Program in order to improve collection of delinquent fines.

The program will allow the city to collect fines from an individual’s state tax refund if they are in delinquency. According to Foster, 1,870 people owe the city delinquent fines totaling $2.5 million.

Following the police chief’s presentation, the council approved a resolution to support the city’s effort in applying for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Planning Grant. This would be earmarked for creation of a Transportation Master Plan for the city.

The master plan is necessary for the city to pursue grant funding to improve Osceola’s infrastructure system including safety, signage and traffic directionality. As Ray Fulmer explained the grant could entail $1-2 million in funding and with approval could lead to additional funding in excess of $10 million.

Those dollars could be used to upgrade and install streets, side-walks and bicycle trails as well as a potentially provide public transportation to those who most need it.

In other business, the council:

•Adopted an ordinance authorizing Fiesta Charra to move forward with an application for a liquor license. The Mexican restaurant will be located in the previous McDonald’s location on West Keiser. The restaurant has the same ownership group as Cielito Lindo.

•Unanimously approved a resolution placing liens on 12 properties in order to recoup fees incurred from demolition of the houses. The total of the liens is $64,100.

•Adopted an ordinance approving the council meeting rules and procedures which is an annual requirement.

•Learned that the city  completed the calendar year with a$2.1 million surplus. Councilman Gary Cooper did have questions regarding three line items in the latest financial report, including a $375 charge from the University of Arkansas and tire purchases from a vendor in Blytheville. He also asked for confirmation regarding office space for city attorney David Burnett. Cooper inquired as to why Burnett was allotted money for office rental if the attorney has space in city hall. Cooper did learn that King Tire, of Blytheville, was the only local tire retailer that is an approved vendor for the state.

•Agreed to the rescheduling of the their next meeting to Tuesday, Feb. 18 in lieu of President’s Day falling on Monday the 17th. Mayor Joe Harris will deliver his state of the city address and it will also mark the beginning of Osceola’s 150th anniversary celebration. The mayor encouraged citizens to volunteer for one of the anniversary committees.