Ozark Council Honors Police Officer
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by Robbi Roberts
Ozark Police Department Patrolman Brody Bowles was presented with a lifesaving award during the April 13 meeting of the City Council, for actions while off-duty on March 6.
Bowles was attending an event with his family at Kay Rogers Park in Fort Smith, when he observed an elderly female collapse. The woman was unresponsive when Bowles began CPR, and he continued until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene.
Ozark Police Chief Devin Bramlett and Mayor Roxie Hall presented the award to Bowles.
Other Matters
–Theresa White, from the pride and beautification committee, gave a report on the April 11 cleanup held in conjunction with the city’s annual spring cleanup. A total of 44 bags of trash were collected during the event, which is in its fourth year. White also stated the roads did not seem to be as littered this year. Volunteer Carla Chapman won the $250 door prize. White thanked the volunteers and coordinators who helped make the cleanup successful.
It was also reported 30 tons of discarded items were picked up in the city during the annual cleanup, with about 50 drop-offs at the transfer station.
–The Council approved an ordinance rezoning 305 Prothroe Drive from R-1 to R-3. The construction of duplexes is planned for the property.
–Council members approved a contract with the Ozark Area Youth Organization (OAYO).
–Grant funding for bridge lights is being sought.
–Hall reported she attended a meeting at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality on April 2 regarding new permits for the transfer station. Hall will organize a meeting at the transfer station with representatives of the city, CARDS and the ADEQ inspector. The city has a Dec. 2 permit deadline and, according to one board member, the transfer station is already taking steps to meet requirements.
–Discussion was held regarding landscaping in front of city hall and the community center. Council Member Angela Harris commented the current landscaping does not look inviting. As of the meeting date, only one bid, from Freddy Ree, had been received.
–An ordinance was approved authorizing the closure of South 19th Street. There are no residences on the street, which ends at the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation.
–A resolution amending the 2026 budget was approved, reflecting a $6,914.54 increase to the general fund for cemetery fencing; a $15,000 increase for police department vehicle maintenance; a $6,500 increase for street department shop operations; and an $18,000 increase for tennis/pickleball courts at East Side Park.
–The city is seeking sponsors for a back-to-school event in August. Anyone interested in assisting should contact the mayor’s office.
Fees To Increase
It was reported water and sewer tap fees will increase.
Currently, fees for inside the city limits are $597 for 3/4-inch; $919 for one-inch; and $2,378 for two-inch. Fees for outside the city limits are $703 for 3/4-inch; $1,027 for one-inch; and $2,487 for two-inch.
Current costs to the city for lines are $772.34 for 3/4-inch, $1,205.19 for one-inch, and $2,811.11 for two-inch.
Street cut charges will increase from $270 to $500. Four-inch sewer lines will increase from $324 to $400, and six-inch sewer lines will increase from $649 to $700.
Water Department
It was reported the water department did 48 locates for Arkansas One Call and responded to one main break last month.
The department is also working on sewer service line repairs on Third Street and plans to complete the line repairs before the asphalt is overlaid. Several sewer lines were jetted and several small leaks were repaired.
The Helberg and Butterball Vaults Project was awarded to M. Phillips Construction, and the process of procuring materials, which will take several months, has been initiated.
Radio read meters are continuing to be non-functional and are starting to be replaced as quickly as possible. One quote was received for a partial rebuild of the clarifier at the sewer plant, and work is being done to obtain additional quotes.
The rate study should be completed soon.
Police Department
The Ozark Police Department made 14 arrests, filed 58 reports, and investigated nine accidents in March. A total of 29 ordinance warnings were issued, along with four city ordinance tickets.
Two animals were impounded, and three motorist assists were conducted. Personnel served 23 warrants and 51 subpoenas, and issued 57 traffic citations and 366 traffic warnings.
The OPD hosted a 40-hour basic SWAT course. The Conway Police Department SWAT team also utilized the training facility.
Community Center
Free space at the community center is still being offered for food trucks.
Various spring break events at the community center provided activities for youth of all ages, and numerous prizes were awarded at the underwater Easter egg event.
It was reported the reconstruction of the putt-putt golf area was scheduled to begin the week of April 13-17. The parking will be re-striped and the fire/emergency services zones updated.
The community center will be closed April 25 for prom and May 15 for graduation.
Street Department
Michael Brasseaux, street department supervisor, reported mowing and weed trimming have started for the year, along with re-striping at the community center parking lot and repair of potholes.
A lift has been installed in the city shop.
Items to be deleted from inventory to sell at auction include a wood chipper and a 2008 truck.
Fire Department
The Ozark Fire Department recently purchased eight new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) with eight masks and 12 4500 PSI tanks. The department will receive eight extra tanks for free, bringing the total to 20 tanks at a total cost of $91,600.08. The funds for the SCBAs will be taken from the ACT 833 balance.
The department donated its Air Recharge system to the Cecil Fire Department. A Ford truck will be sold via online auction.
The OFD ran 57 calls in March and completed an introductory class for three new members.
Read this story and others in the April 22 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
Patrolman Brody Bowles (center) was presented a Lifesaving Award and Medal by Chief of Police Devin Bramlett (left) and Mayor Roxie Hall on Monday, April 13.
