The Beggs City Council and Public Works Authority met last Tuesday for their regular meetings, addressing firearm ordinances, changes in governmental structure and potential water and sewer rate hikes.
The council considered a resolution to increase the water rate by $5 per 1,000 gallons and sewer rates by an additional $10 after 20,000 gallons. Councilwoman Cindy Hubbell expressed concerns that the proposed increase might not adequately address the city’s needs. She emphasized the need for a professional rate study to assess the true financial requirements of the water and sewer systems before making any decisions.
After some debate, the council voted to table the motion with the understanding that they would seek professionals to conduct a rate study. The motion passed 3-2.
— Discharge of Firearms Within City Limits Public safety was another key focus area. The council discussed amending the city’s 1972 ordinance banning the discharge of firearms within city limits.
The council discussed various aspects of the ordinance, including the dangers of stray bullets in densely populated areas and specific wording related to BB guns and air rifles. This led to a lengthy discussion, with some council members concerned that the ordinance was too restrictive.
Ward 2 Councilman Richard Roberts asked about exceptions for rabid animals, while Ward 3 Councilwoman Cindy Hubbell expressed concern that the ordinance language did not include an exception for self-defense.
However, Mayor Branson clarified that the ordinance being considered was simply an amendment to the 1972 ordinance, which did include language allowing for lawful self-defense. Despite this clarification, Hubbell argued the new ordinance should retain that provision. The motion ultimately failed to pass after the council could not reach a consensus.
— City Manager Town Hall Discussed
Perhaps the most contentious topic was regarding the upcoming vote to potentially change Beggs from a mayor-led to a city manager form of government.
Ward 1 Councilman Chris Gore had arranged a town hall meeting for Oct. 22 to allow city managers from nearby communities to provide information to residents. However, the mayor expressed concerns about the legality of council members participating in such a meeting without a properly posted agenda.
Ward 4 Councilman Kenneth Lyons added that the meeting appeared one-sided, favoring those in support of the city-manager form of government.
The council agreed to schedule a separate, properly noticed meeting to discuss the pros and cons of changing the city’s governance structure. The town hall proposed by Gore was held last night.
— Other Approvals
Earlier in the meeting, the council approved the minutes from their Sept. 12 meeting, purchase orders, and appropriations of $24,550.10 from the Beggs Public Works Authority (BPWA) to the general fund.
They also approved purchase orders, including repair costs for pumps at the city’s lift station, which Mayor Branson noted were funded through an EOB grant.
The council approved a $9,310 payment to Myers Engineering for consulting work on the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Funds for the payment will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which previously allocated $230,000 to the wastewater project.
Council members also received a report from WB Smith regarding the DEQ consent order on the city’s emergency repair of an eight-inch waterline. Smith updated the council on the submission of required documentation, including record drawings and hydraulic studies, and anticipated that the remaining tasks to close out the order would be completed soon.
