The Hot Springs Board of Directors adopted an ordinance Tuesday night to hire Strategic Government Resources Inc. to conduct a search for a new city manager.
The board waived requirements for competitive procurement in a special called meeting Aug. 25, following an executive session that lasted about an hour. The board said it "is not feasible or practicable to require competitive procurement."
Strategic Government Resources Inc. was hired by the city in 2011 to search for a new city manager to replace Lance Hudnell who retired in 2012.
"Based upon the board's stated desire to again engage Strategic Government Resources Inc. for executive services for the purpose of conducting a search for a city manager, the board is to consider the proposal at a cost not to exceed $27,000," Albright said in the board action request form.
City Manager David Watkins died unexpectedly Aug. 17 after being severely injured in a fall from the back steps of his home on Aug. 15.
Before his death, believing he would be away from his office for two to three months as he recovered from a broken pelvis, cracked ribs and punctured lung, Watkins appointed Deputy City Manager Bill Burrough as acting city manager.
Burrough was named interim city manager by the board following an executive session that was held after its regular meeting on Aug. 18.
Burrough told The Sentinel-Record on Aug. 19 that he had asked the board to consider hiring a search firm quickly to fill the position.
The directors also approved the following business items:
Consent agenda
• A resolution awarding a contract to Superior General Contractors Inc. for roof repairs on Hangar A-12 at Hot Springs Memorial Field.
• A resolution approving the city's financial statements for July.
• A resolution authorizing amendments to the city budget.
• A resolution fixing a time and date for a public hearing to vacate a portion of a street right of way along Alamo Trail.
• A resolution fixing a time and date for a public hearing to vacate a portion of a street right of way along Romer Alley.
• A resolution fixing a time and date for a public hearing to annex land known as the Enclave Study Area into the city.
• A resolution approving a bid to Truck Centers of Arkansas for a CAPS knuckleboom collection vehicle for the Sanitation Department.
• A resolution waiving the Public Parkand and Park Facilities naming policy to name 811 Park Ave., as the David F. Watkins Memorial Tunnel Park.
New business
• A resolution approving a bid to Jack Tyler Engineering Inc. for a Godwin backup pump for the Stokes Pump Station.
• A resolution awarding a contract to Brown Engineers for professional services for the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant HMI project.
• A resolution authorizing the donation of a surplus pumper fire engine to the Lake Hamilton Fire Department.
• An ordinance accepting Whispering Hills Place as a public street.
Local on 09/03/2015