Ozark Council Discusses Bridge Lighting, Entertainment District

by Vernon McDaniel

Digital lighting of the Arkansas River Bridge at a cost of over $1 million, along with a downtown entertainment district, were discussed during a lengthy Ozark City Council meeting Nov. 12.

Council members Randy Melton and Charles Meeker said most citizens talking to them were opposed to the bridge lighting project because of the high cost. They both mentioned they liked the idea but pointed out lighting the bridge arch would be difficult.

The matter, including financing options, will be further discussed at an Ozark Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting set for Thursday, Dec. 5.

Crystal Wright, a Main Street Ozark board member, addressed the Council regarding possible economic benefits of an entertainment district in the downtown area. Wright also suggested an economic committee, along with an economic developer. Two public meetings for discussion have been scheduled, one held on Nov. 18 and the other set for noon on Monday, Dec. 2.

Speaking against the entertainment district were Joanna Perea, Pat Bonds, Michelle Brown and Steven Keller, all of whom live in or near the proposed district. Nearly all mentioned open consumption of alcohol as the main reason for the opposition.

Trash Service

A representative of CARDS, which has the trash service contract for Ozark, said trash pickup cost will increase three percent Dec. 1 as per contract. While the rate increase was approved, a second request for substantial increases at the transfer station was tabled, and Meeker agreed to discuss the item at the street and water committee meeting on Nov. 21. Some items would increase more than 300 percent under the proposal…To read the full story see the Nov. 20 edition of The Graphic, found online and in businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.