Council adopts long-debated livestock ordinance

After months of debate, the city of Piggott now has a livestock ordinance, and landowners who wish to be included in the grandfather clause have 90 days to file their paperwork at city hall. The ordinance was passed by unanimous vote at the council's regular meeting Monday night.

Along with passing the livestock ordinance, aldermen voted to re-name a section of East Court Street, accepted bids on material for the street department, made two new appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission and accepted the mayor's annual "State of the City" address.

The livestock ordinance, which was originally brought before the council last year, was approved following one minor change from the previous reading. The ordinance now reads that landowners who want to be included in the "grandfather clause" will now have 90 days to make application to the city. That was increased from 30 days in the original legislation, and the period officially began Monday with passage of the ordinance.

Homeowners and landowners are encouraged to contact Brian Haley at the city hall as soon as possible if they qualify for the grandfather clause.

Council members also voted, at the request of the local American Legion and VFW posts, to re-name a section of East Court Street in honor of the country's veterans. As a result of the action, the block of East Court Street that runs between South Garfield and South Moore will now be known as Veteran's Memorial Drive. Mayor Morris also indicated that the War Memorial Building, which is located at the west end of the street, will assume the address of #1 Veteran's Memorial Drive.

In other business, the council heard from Jim and Susie Bowman concerning the steps in front of their building on the southeast corner of the square. The Bowmans expressed an interest in constructing an additional step, but were encouraged by the council to try to find another solution. Aldermen said they were concerned the flow of pedestrians on the sidewalk would be affected.

Council also voted to accept the low bids on material for the street department. Hedger Brothers had the low bid on concrete, Delta Asphalt was low bidder on asphalt and Threet Gravel had the low bid on gravel and chat.

The alderman also voted to accept the resignation of Brock Swann from the Parks and Recreation Commission and approved the appointment of Billy Joe Seal to fill the unexpired term. The council then approved the re-appointment of Brett McMillon to another five-year term on the commission.

In other action, the council approved the sale of two trucks by the electric department, approved the monthly city attorney fees and approved a resolution that waives yard sale fees on April 5. This is the date that has been set aside for this year's city-wide yard sale.

Aldermen also approved the transfer of an old compressor from the Piggott Fire Department to the Pollard Fire Department. The compressor had been replaced several years ago and has not been used since.