The Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors approved an ordinance authorizing a street-lighting contract at its regular meeting Tuesday.
The board meeting was held Tuesday instead of its usual day Monday because of the Labor Day holiday.
The contract means the city will hire Artex Electric Co. to install lights on the U.S. Highway 71/East Street bridge at a cost not to exceed $34,816.
The job will go into effect immediately since the board voted to approve the attached emergency clause.Ward 6 Director Terri Peavy abstained from discussing or voting on the contract because she is co-owner of Artex Electric.
The board also approved an application for a federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $21,225. If the grant is awarded, $13,796 would go to Texarkana, Ark., Police Department and $7,429 would go to Miller County Sheriff's Office.
The grant is applied for once a year.
The board voted down an ordinance added at the request of Ward 2 Director Laney Harris to create a Citizens Park and Recreation Advisory Board.
Harris voted for the ordinance but the other board members voted against it.
"Ross Cowling has been with the parks department since 2009 and he does a great job. I see no need for a committee," Ward 4 Director Travis Odom said before the vote.
During the presentation portion of the meeting, Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell presented a proclamation to members of the local "Dusty Rose Band" for its help through the years playing benefits for local citizens and organizations.