Auxvasse closer to RV ordinance

With some input from new member Tom Henage, the Auxvasse Board of Aldermen now has a clear plan of where it wants to go with its ordinance regarding RVs inside city limits.

Henage worked up some suggestions for discussion on the topic prior to his first meeting, including:

•No travel trailers or recreational vehicles (RVs) may be used as a residence within city limits.

•Travel trailers and RVs cannot be parked in the street, blocking the flow of traffic.

•Auxvasse residents owning travel trailers or RVs must park them on private property.

•Anyone desiring to stay temporarily in the city in a travel trailer or RV is required to obtain a permit at city hall, to be displayed in the vehicle.

•Cost of the permit will be determined by the board.

•Anyone not obtaining a permit or parking to obstruct the flow of traffic will be issued a summons. The fine to be assessed shall be set by the board.

•There shall be no dumping of sewage, gray water or trash except in legal dump sites.

The other board members were favorable toward most of Henage's suggestions, although a few objections were raised to a couple points.

Alderman Terry Walker said he didn't think the city should charge for a permit.

Alderman Mike Bickel said he felt requiring a permit would be a "waste of time."

"Why make a law you know we're not going to enforce?" Bickel asked. "I just think it's a mistake to get into a permit process."

Bickel said he did agree with the first three suggestions, as did Alderwoman Stephanie Leverett.

Leverett did note that if the city approves an ordinance featuring the first three points, "you almost have to have a repercussion."

"We would want to enforce it," Leverett 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.