The Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors will vote at its meeting Monday whether to let police charge the public $10 for copies of certain reports.
The new fee would apply to motor vehicle accident reports, records of traffic violations and traffic accident investigating officers' reports. It is allowed by state law in order to partially reimburse municipal law enforcement agencies for the cost of making copies.
The board also will consider an emergency clause to let Texarkana, Ark., Police Department begin charging the fee immediately. A two-thirds vote is required to approve an emergency clause.
A measure authorizing spending to replace a Sanderson Lane bridge is also on the agenda with an emergency clause attached.
An August inspection by the Arkansas Department of Transportation found the Sanderson bridge over McKinney Bayou to be in serious need of repair. It has been closed to traffic since Oct. 4 to ensure drivers' safety.
The board will vote whether to suspend competitive bidding and award a $54,200 contract to Cleve Batte Construction Inc. to replace the bridge. The city would cover 75 percent of the cost, up to $40,650, with Miller County paying the rest.
Also on the agenda is a public hearing on eight substandard buildings, followed by a vote on whether to condemn them.
The buildings in question are at 1416 Ash St., 1108 Beech St., 925 County Ave., 1413 County Ave., 1020 Laurel St., 1305 Laurel St., 1314 Laurel St. and 1315 Laurel St.
Once the city condemns the buildings, their owners have 30 days to obtain permits to repair or demolish them. If the owners do not do so, the city will give them notice at least 10 days beforehand and then demolish the buildings itself.
The board also will consider a resolution of support for restructuring Texarkana, Ark., School District bonds to fund building a new middle school.
Residents will vote on the bond issue in November. If they approve it, the proposed restructuring will not require any new or increased taxes and will be repaid through the existing 13.90 mills voted for debt service.
The agenda includes a citizen communication time during which members of the public may address the board on any subject for up to five minutes each.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.
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