05/12/15  Bearden City Council Buys New Handgun and Tables Decision Concerning New Police Vehicle

The Bearden City Council met in regular session last night with all members present.  It was a very active council meeting with much discussion about the job of the city marshal.  The first item that created quite a bit of discussion was on the new police vehicle.  It was understood at the time of purchase that all the equipment that would be required was included in the purchase price.  That is not the case, the deal did not include the bar lights and other accessories needed.  City Marshall John Ainsworth presented the council with a bid of 6 thousand dollars for the accessories needed.  The council tabled the matter until more study can be done on the purchase.The council balked when presented with a bill for 477 dollars for the purchase of a handgun for the Deputy City Marshall.  There was talk of using the money the city gets from the school for security during football games, which amounted to 600 dollars.  Former city marshal Mitch Pate jumped into the discussion.

Alderwoman Paula Bounds voiced her opinion.

The council did vote to pay for the handgun which was purchased at a discounted price from a pawn shop. In other business, the city will be sending a letter to Gladys Kitchens asking her to clean up her property across the tracks where two mobile homes sit.  A resident read from a city ordinance stating what the city's options are and what enforcement procedures are available by law. The council then decided to send a letter to Mrs. Kitchens who owns the property. We'll have more from Bearden City Council in our news tomorrow.