Arkansas-side Board of Directors says goodbye to Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell

Texarkana, Ark., Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell hugs Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman after he presented her with a bouquet of yellow roses Monday at Penney-Bell's last city board meeting. Penney-Bell served one term as the Arkansas-side's first female chief executive.
Texarkana, Ark., Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell hugs Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman after he presented her with a bouquet of yellow roses Monday at Penney-Bell's last city board meeting. Penney-Bell served one term as the Arkansas-side's first female chief executive.

The Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors and other well-wishers said goodbye to outgoing Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell on Monday at her final board meeting in office.

The board surprised Penney-Bell with a video presentation extolling her achievements in office and a resolution praising her service. Former Arkansas-side Mayor Wayne Smith and current Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman offered their compliments, as well.

Penney-Bell returned the goodwill, saying the worst part of ending her term was giving up the relationships she has enjoyed with the board and city staff. The job has been both rewarding and difficult, she said.

"I have never enjoyed anything more, nor has there been a time when I prayed so hard," she said.

Penney-Bell's four-year term as the city's first female mayor ends Dec. 31. Smith said he thought she could go down as the city's best mayor ever. Bruggeman spoke about his friendship with her, recounting some humorous joint appearances and saying that the pair's camaraderie was good for both cities.

"Our citizens don't ask that we get along with each other. They expect it," Bruggeman said. "I thank you for your service, and I thank you for your friendship." He presented Penney-Bell with a bouquet of yellow roses.

Pastor Ellen Holmes rose during the citizen communication portion of the meeting to add her compliments.

"Thank you for your service to Texarkana, Ark.," she said.

Ward 2 Director Laney Harris refused to rise or applaud during a standing ovation Penney-Bell received, and he voted "present" on the resolution.

In other business, the board fast-tracked and voted 5-2 in favor of an ordinance approving an application for a private club.

Owner Jamie Reynolds is in the process of applying for the permit for Outlaws at 6115 E. Ninth St. She hopes to create an entertainment venue tailored to a middle-aged demographic, she said.

Ward 6 Director Terry Peavey and Harris voted no. Both expressed concern that the board was moving too fast, without sufficient input from the establishment's neighbors.

Ward 4 Director Travis Odom moved to enact an emergency clause attached to the measure, but the motion failed for lack of a second. The ordinance will take effect in 30 days, at which point Reynolds may apply to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for the private club permit, which would allow hard liquor sales.

The board also voted to approve a contract for repairs at Texarkana Water Utilities' Millwood Water Treatment Plant in Ashdown, Ark.

Bazan Painting Co. of St. Louis, Mo., was the low bidder for the project, which will repair deteriorated concrete and cracks and install a liner in the settling basin at the plant.

Total cost of the project is more than $297,000, with the Arkansas side's portion not to exceed $110,545.79. TWU has planned for the project in its current budget and has the funds available.

The board renewed a contract with the Texarkana Housing Authority to assign two Texarkana, Ark., Police Department officers to conduct special patrols and enforcement operations at THA-owned properties. THA pays the city $130,000 a year for the officers' salaries and benefits.

Ward 3 Director Tim Johnson, who did not win re-election in November, moved to adjourn the meeting.

"My favorite motions to make," he said. "This will be my last one."

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