Here are a few highlights from the June 11 Bentonville City Council meeting.
🌳 Debris Removal Contract
The council entered into a contract with a debris removal company following the approval of an expedited bid process at the June 3 City Council emergency meeting.
The $7,096,600 agreement with Looks Great Services of MS Inc. will go toward removing debris from the May 26 storms. Thompson Consulting Inc. will manage the debris removal process.
🛣️ Memorializing Detective Paul Newell
Highway 71 from Medical Center Parkway to Interstate 49 will be named Detective Paul Newell Memorial Highway.
Newell, who worked for the Benton County Sheriff’s Department for 24 years, died on December 17, 2022 in a motorcycle accident while leading the Wreaths Across America processional in Bentonville.
👫 Community Development Block Grant Recipients
The council awarded several grants as part of the Community Development Block Grant program.
$10,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County for tuition assistance for low-to-moderate income families.
$12,500 to The Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care to provide homelessness services and outreach throughout the city.
$25,000 agreement to Habitat for Humanity of Benton County for housing rehabilitation for low-to-moderate income families.
$10,000 to Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center for tuition assistance for low-to-moderate income families.
🏞️ New Public Art Installation Approved
The council officially approved ខ្លែងឯក – Singing Kites, a public art installation by NWA artists Shelby Fleming and Simone Cottrell that will be built in the roundabout at Water Tower Rd and SE 8th St.
The installation will include three 15-foot kite sculptures that will “sing” as wind blows through holes placed in the sculptures.
🪑Recycling Wood for Sculptures and Benches
At the end of the meeting, council members shared updates from various city committees.
Beckie Seba, speaking on behalf of the Public Art Advisory Committee, mentioned potential plans to have chainsaw artists make sculptures out of trees that fell during the May 26 storms.
There have also been early discussions about creating wooden bench art using fallen trees.
For the complete meeting and agenda, click here.
