Auxvasse resident request prompts discussion on new sidewalk ordinance

A resident concerned with the state of the sidewalk in front of her East Harrison Street home led the city council to discuss creating a new ordinance that would regulate sidewalk repairs made there.

An item to discuss sidewalk replacement was added to the agenda when the resident visited Auxvasse City Hall and told City Clerk Missy Hook the sidewalk was cracked and uneven because of tree roots, and wanted to know if she needed the city's permission to replace damaged squares so they were easier to mow around.

After some deliberation, the council agreed to look into an ordinance that would regulate any sidewalk replacements undertaken by residents would be paid by the resident and must adhere to certain width, depth, base and concrete mix requirements.

Alderwoman Stephanie Leverett said she had no problem with residents repairing their own sidewalks, but worried it would create a liability issue for the city if they were not done properly.

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.