By Ray King
With only five items on the agenda, the Pine Bluff City Council on Monday finished their meeting in less than 45 minutes, allowing council members to get out while the sun was still shining,
One of the items approved was the transfer of $227,000 that had been budgeted for salaries by the Police Department to other uses, including $100,000 of that devoted to jail fees.
Council member Glen Brown Jr., who is chairman of the Public Safety Committee and the sponsor or the resolution, explained its purpose.
Another $100,000 will be used for overtime, $25,000 for public relations and the remaining $2,000 for postage.
Also on Monday, an ordinance setting out protocols for processing payment of confidential funds to the Police Department when the Police Department asked for funds to pay rewards for information was read for a second time.
The ordinance provides that the Chief of Police must request the payment of funds in writing which will also identify the name of the police officer who is authorized to receive the funds. The clerk’s office will also work with a designated financial institution to facilitate the ability of the officer to either deposit or cash the check for the funds
Interim Police Chief Shirley Warrior designated Lt. Derric Neal, Capt. Marcus Smith, and Deputy Chief Billy Elliott as the officers who can pick up and cash the checks.
An ordinance rezoning the west side of the 2900 block of Ohio Street so that duplex housing can be constructed was also approved. That property is owned by the New St. Hurricane Church which is located five blocks away from the site.
Council Member LaTisha Brunson represents that area and was asked about the ordinance.
The ordinance rezones the area to R-3 which allows multiple housing units to be constructed.
Council Member Lloyd Holcomb Jr. also represents the area and said this.
