Cable update heard by council members

Members of the Piggott City Council heard an update on NewWave Communications in a meeting Monday night. The aldermen also reviewed the ongoing costs from the late-January ice storm and heard that bids had been let for the cleanup of Sugar Creek.

After dispensing with usual matters, council members heard from Ed Gargas with NewWave Communication on proposed upgrades to the company's internet service. Gargas also told those in attendance the company has other improvements in the works.

Mayor Gerald Morris and the council members noted they felt the company had made great strides in improving local service. Morris added he felt it was the best it had been in years.

The council also was updated on the mounting costs of recovery from the ice storm, and aldermen were informed the total cost to the city is expected to climb to around $2.4 million. Morris also noted there are two crews still working in the city, with the approval of FEMA, and that staff is continuing to complete the necessary paperwork.

"All our paperwork is not in, although we do have everything in on the debris site," Morris said. "We're still filing our paperwork with FEMA, but we hope to see the first (reimbursement) check in about five weeks."

Morris also reported that Friday, May 29, is the final day city residents will be able to dump debris at the site near the sewer lagoon.

Council members also heard that the NRCS had let the bid for cleanup of Sugar Creek through Piggott and that work is expected to begin as soon as possible. He indicated the bid went to J&K Construction and said the company has 30 days to complete the project.

In other action the council:

* authorized the mayor to attempt to secure wastewater grants for the city, as several problems areas have been identified and scheduled for repair.

* discussed creating the position of electrical inspector in light of problems that arose during the ice storm. That matter was tabled for the time being.

* held a joint discussion on a meeting with officials from Malden concerning electric acquisition and transmission and future needs of both cities. Council members also discussed future transmission needs of the city and possible upgrades that may be required by SPA.

* approved the destruction of several old city files, some that were damaged during the ice storm.

* discussed the retirement and re-hiring of Dave Finley.

* heard that problems with garbage pickup service has been resolved and that a new truck and seasoned driver have been assigned to the city.

* discussed re-roofing city hall, with a portion of the job expected to be paid for by FEMA due to ice storm damage.

The council also voted to move the regular May meeting to Tuesday, May 26, due to a conflict with the Memorial Day holiday.