Knoxville Council Discusses City Truck Repairs
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by Stephanie Baker
The Knoxville City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 10, and discussed needed repairs to the city’s Dodge pickup truck following an accident.
Mayor John Tyson said city staff was not at fault in the accident, and the city’s vehicle was struck by another driver who slid on an icy road.
Damages from the other driver’s insurance company were estimated at $3,900.
The Council reviewed three bids to repair the truck and agreed it preferred to use a local company with a quick turnaround to get the truck back in service. The council voted to use LA Customs and Collision for the repair.
Other Matters
-Alderman Terry Sanderson asked about the status of the widening of the truck route junction of Cherry Street and Highway 64. Tyson explained there is a delay with the project due to issues regarding property ownership. Tyson said he will be contacting ARDOT to assist with the matter.
-The Knoxville Fire Department will purchase a specialty washing machine for turnouts for approximately $8,000 using funding from the Arkansas Act 833 Fire Grant Program. The industrial machine will be able to wash two to three sets of turnouts at a time and remove smoke and other contaminants, including fentanyl, from the firefighting protective clothing, according to a written report from Fire Chief Allen Brown that was presented by Tyson.
-Street Superintendent Damien Danver moved the city park sign for better road visibility. The department also worked to remove snow and ice and cleared side roads as much as possible following the winter storm, he said.
-Railroad ties are being replaced, leading to temporary closures at railroad crossings, Tyson said.
-Water Superintendent Richard Perez reported water loss was at 28%, or 1.5 million gallons. Three leaks had been found and repaired. The department also changed out 19 meters and had 13 locates.
-Office Manager James Raburn reported the street department had received its new computer, and it is working well.
Read this story and others in the Feb. 18 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
