Auxvasse council discusses options to address vandalism, neglected property

The city council discussed different strategies to address several different public nuisances during Tuesday night's regular meeting, including vandalism at the city park and the possibility of a burn ordinance.

There have been problems recently with vandalism in the city park - particularly at the restrooms.

Councilman Terry Walker asked how often the doors on the restrooms are damaged.

City Supervisor Justin Feger said the doors get kicked in as often as twice a week, with other acts of vandalism - such as dumping gravel and clogging sinks - also occurring on a regular basis.

The council plans to review images captured by cameras set up at the park for the purpose of identifying the individual or individuals responsible for the damage, but Councilman Mike Bickel had another suggestion.

"I was thinking about the bathroom issue at the park, and I wonder if we should just build some barred doors," Bickel said. "Maybe that would be a way to stop a problem that seems to keep happening."

City Clerk Missy Hooks said she also had a lock and chain put on the park dumpster to discourage unauthorized use.

Also during Tuesday night's meeting, the council debated what to do about the property at 407 Maple St.

Assistant Police Chief Charles Anderson said a summons had been issued to the property owner, who is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 28.

"It's definitely one of those houses that should be torn down. It's definitely a hazard," Anderson said.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.