By Ray King
With no dissent, the Pine Bluff City Council on Monday approved a resolution adopting a safety plan for the Transit Department to comply with federal regulations.
Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Steven Shaner, whose committee recommended the legislation be approved, was asked about it after the meeting.
The Federal Transit Administration created an initial plan In 2018 and required agencies to adopt it within one year. That plan has now been updated to include minimizing exposure to infectious diseases and those updates must be added to the city’s plan.
Also approved without dissent was a resolution authorizing Mayor Shirley Washington to sign a contract with Failla Contracting to demolish the old Southeast School at 2001 S. Ohio St. The company will be paid $664,100 with the money coming from the American Rescue Plan
Council member Bruce Lockett, whose committee first discussed the plan, was asked what’s next.
By identical 5-3 votes, the council approved resolutions increasing the pay of part-time police officers from $15 per hour to $22.50 per hour and approved bonuses for city employees. Full time employees will receive $1,000 and part time employees will receive $500 and it was suggested that the bonuses be paid no later than Dec. 23.
Both resolutions were sponsored by Council Member Ivan Whitfield and drew yes votes from Council Members Steven Mays, Lloyd Holcomb Jr., Glen Brown Sr., and Joni Alexander. Voting no on both resolutions were council members Glen Brown Jr., Bruce Lockett and Steven Shaner.
