By Ray King

A resolution allowing the City to take advantage of a Federal-aid Transportation Fund to improve a section of downtown Pine Bluff was approved without dissent by the City Council during a brief meeting Monday night.

According to the resolution, 80 percent of the work done to improve pedestrian infrastructure along Second and Third Avenues will be paid for with federal dollars while the City will be required to match the remaining 20 percent with money or in-kind services.

Council member Glen Brown Sr., chairman of the Economic and Community Development Committee, which recommended the resolution be approved, was asked about it.

That committee also recommended that a resolution authorizing the Mayor to contract with three architectural firms to provide “on call” services be approved and it was 8-0.

The three firms were the Nelson Architectural Group, Inc., WER Architects and Woods Group Architects and were among five firms submitting their qualifications for consideration.

Mayor Shirley Washington said one of the projects that requires architectural work is the pro shop at the Harbor Oaks Golf Course on the north end of the existing building. The golf course itself is scheduled to begin operation Memorial Day weekend.

Also approved was a resolution appointing Tavante Calhoun to the Board of Trustees of the Southeast Arkansas Arts and Science Center to replace Barbara Warren, who has resigned. Calhoun will complete Warren’s term which will expire Dec. 31, 2024.