By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
Two issues were resolved during a special meeting Monday afternoon between several Forrest City City Councilmen and Civic Center caterer Jim Hitchcock regarding services at the Civic Center; however, some contract questions are still unanswered.
The issues of access to water in the kitchen and the use of warming cabinets at the civic center were negotiated during the meeting that at times appeared heated between Hitchcock and members of the city's civic center commission.
It was finally agreed that Hitchcock would allow access to the sinks in the kitchen and also allow outside caterers to use his warming tables as well as the city's warming table for civic center events.
"I've said all along that I'm willing to work out a solution here. I've got four portable warming tables that I would be happy for them (outside caterers) to use, but I don't think that's what they really want," said Hitchcock. "We can work out a solution on the water and warming tables, but next month after the next commission meeting I'll still be reading my name in the paper the next day. It's beginning to affect my business. I've had people asking me if I'm even going to be at the civic center to cater an event that they're having in six months, and that's what I'm tired of."
Civic Center Commissioner Shirley Harvell questioned whether solving the problems with the water and tables was a solution or just putting the issues on the back burner.
"Number one, the commission has asked Mr. Hitchcock for an inventory of his items at the civic center, which we have not received. He has also been asked to itemize the differences between his business and the business that he does with the civic center.
We haven't received that either," Harvell said.
"Even if he agreed to something today we still wouldn't be dealing with the contract problems. We're looking for what would be in the best interest of the city and the citizens of the city, and his contract as it stands is not in everyones best interest," said Harvell.
Forrest City Mayor Larry Bryant intervened and proposed a meeting between City Attorney Knox Kinney, the civic center commission, Hitchcock and his attorney so that all of the contract issues could be discussed and worked through.
"The issues on the water and the warming table can be worked out, and the issues with the personalities can also be worked out. What you all need to do is sit down and go through the contract and clarify it. There are some things in that contract that will protect you (Hitchcock) and there are some things in that contract that the commission may question. That's what needs to happen," Bryant said.
The mayor continued, "Everyone needs to sit there and actually get the guidelines to put this baby to rest. It won't be Ms. Harvells, it won't be Mr. Parker's and it won't be mine. It will be the contract. And if the contract is binding, it's binding. I just want to come to a resolution where every taxpayer has access to water and if they need to warm something up. Most caterers will bring their food hot. But we have a lot of family reunions, and those folks bring a lot of money to Forrest City, and they should have a means of warming up food if they need to."
The next regular meeting of the commission is at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, at the civic center.
By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
The City of Widener wants to crack down on junk cars sitting in people's yards, but the city council wants to give the public a chance to respond.
The City Council held a special meeting Monday night to discuss a proposed ordinance regarding the vehicles. Although requiring vehicles to have a city license had been mentioned, that was not in the ordinance, drawn up by Police Chief Shelly Bieber.
If the ordinance passes, it would make it unlawful "to store, keep or maintain an (unoperable vehicle) upon any premises used for residential purpose (or) any other premises... not duly licensed as a salvage yard."
The key to the ordinance is whether a vehicle is "road worthy," meaning whether it can be operated. A car that will not run is one example. A trailer which cannot be pulled is another.
Under the ordinance vehicles considered inoperable must be kept out of public view.
A warning period, along with fines, have been left blank in the ordinance for now.
City Attorney Bill Snowden said according to the ordinance, it might leave people open to "building a fence around their entire yard and filling it full of junk cars. And then you've got a problem. You're right back where you were. Just the fact that you can't see it doesn't mean that it's not there...The rats and snakes and mosquitoes and that kind of stuff, if there's a bunch of them. If there's just one of them it might not be a problem. Again, it's a question of degree. The question is, how do you regulate something like that? And I can't give you an answer."
Bieber said the ordinance he drew up was not set in stone, but was meant as a starting place.
"I did this to give us something to shoot at," he said. The sample ordinance, he said, was taken from part of the City of Forrest City's law.
Snowden said the city still had more than one way to go."If you don't like this ordinance, we can step up to the plate and have one like Forrest City," he said. "It has a lot more detail. But that detail might make you feel better."
He said Forrest City's law is several pages long, while the proposal presented Monday took up only one page.
Council member Nathaniel Curne said, "I'm curious about the reaction (of the public) if it was put in there the way it stands now." He said he expected there to be some complaints.
After more discussion, it was decided to wait until the next meeting, and in the meantime encourage citizens of Widener to contact their council members to express their opinions.
"There might be some people that would be more than happy for you to come get their cars," said Halford.
The next regular meeting will be Feb. 12