[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6339909,"mediaKeyId","2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d","parentId",2260590,"title","City previews multiple equipment purchases and a solid‑waste financial assurance plan ahead of Feb. 18 vote","audioSeconds",109,"startMs",571000,"endMs",680000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d&start=571&end=680","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d/thumbnail_571000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6339909/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/City-previews-multiple-equipment-purchases-and-a-solidwaste-financial-assurance-plan-ahead-of-Feb-18-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339909-c5599f315213934acc095acf31166dbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403720&Signature=YXE54k1vC3AtR6SIJzuhGlTB9klIM1VFrT7iCatfEUX-A4XR~DAHRUAqOz6Sjcdbsk3nWg3EUuunLhihFZo17iac571E7vtzTA73pdaB-c2RQnLSod~rPibywLCoI6EQtyYsu1qschj-8NbpeG~27H1nau3pBU65IaRR0HSTPHdQj7OpNunp7~Sgqr4A2ZqFDCwTwrF9gRKG4MO23ExHbAOCfuWWoc4FLJ92TIOZW4cZWpixiWg3fZvy2mqW3FJN3H9xepQZCuPUfiECc6HAXmBy7-QbBhyPzhK5R5ErBMRdn13U~VjBUOoxNoH~XJP7t~aI9mlj-XdWzoIxj8OFbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hot Springs, AR","date","2025-02-11T19:18:55Z","article","Several procurement and solid‑waste items were presented for the board’s upcoming agenda meeting, including a financial assurance mechanism for the Hot Springs Transfer Station and multiple vehicle and equipment purchases across departments.

Solid waste: Solid Waste Director Samantha Jones said Arkansas regulations require the city to demonstrate financial ability to pay closure costs for the Hot Springs Transfer Station; staff reported an estimated closure cost of $60,750 and recommended a contract of obligation mechanism with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality that would allow DEQ to deduct closure costs from state disbursements to the city. This item is Resolution R25‑27 on the Feb. 18 agenda.

Commercial collection and roll‑off trucks: Jones requested board approval to purchase a commercial front‑load collection vehicle from River City Hydraulics through Sourcewell for $389,507.87 to replace Unit 9428 (10 years old). She also requested approval to buy a roll‑off truck through Sourcewell from River City Hydraulics for $265,400 to replace Unit 9483 (10 years old). Both purchases use the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program.

Utilities equipment and heavy equipment: Utilities Director Monty Ledbetter presented R25‑30 to replace a 25‑horsepower Hydromatic pump at the Molly Creek sewer pump station; the failed unit was originally purchased in February 2008 and the replacement price from Instrument Supply is $90,835 plus tax (total with tax presented as $99,465); Instrument Supply was described as the sole distributor for Hydromatic pumps in the area. Ledbetter also presented R25‑31 to purchase a Caterpillar compact excavator and accessories from Riggs Cat through Sourcewell for $66,945 (plus sales tax) to replace a 2007 mini excavator.

Generator replacement: Fire Chief Ed Davis presented R25‑32 recommending award to Wellco Electric Service Company LLC for replacement of the Central Fire Station generator (1996 Caterpillar 100 kW) at $86,252.88; the low bid was reported at that price, with a second bid at $179,500. Chief Davis said the Wellco package includes demolition and replacement work, HVAC and plumbing adjustments and crane set‑down.

Surplus and timing: Directors asked whether replaced vehicles and equipment would be sold as surplus; staff said they are typically sold through online auction platforms. Several items are replacements for equipment about 10–18 years old; some lead times were discussed (the pump estimated 4–8 weeks delivery).

Ending: Each procurement and the financial assurance agreement will be presented as resolutions/ordinances for the board to consider at the Feb. 18 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2-11-25 Board of Directors Agenda Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City staff reviewed a set of procurement and solid‑waste items to be voted Feb. 18: transfer station financial assurance ($60,750), two commercial collection vehicles totaling $654,907.87, pump and excavator replacements, and a generator replacement bid award.","taxTitle","Hot Springs City, Garland County, Arkansas","taxId",52830,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339914,"Board to consider reserving up to 25 residential short‑term rental licenses for permanently disabled veterans",288,5312000,5600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d&start=5312&end=5600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d/thumbnail_5312000.jpg","/articles/6339914/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/Board-to-consider-reserving-up-to-25-residential-shortterm-rental-licenses-for-permanently-disabled-veterans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339914-204a21222541a71f61a9e971d3c72367/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403720&Signature=Qi4UVIR30YoGNCTVdF7ufdnzdyNROb4Z5pHUknSrUlJO1LKyDFazODOHq~y5vsEnpNdZvkjrdobda0S~ND5k7DYRh4YfsWcDwBZBbEODLmN3muId1kZtUDx2WQO7w-l9V5T~EG4Q~BFo0~TYbb-UxKsx9OU~OTkfBZFaIQxL61wRuJy5WEBh9t2u8Ypt4biv0XMQN1XbfuAj1AmYB8kUctFRtazPmIpsG3SWVIJey1lzlta9e4l8nMMG8KNjazlQv77qp1OnrSdbUo7G~27GOeaceX0SqE6hAyES3FTZYs5iZoDGqKyT0wsGBCujuGisbi0lpWEOSVn4mYFXrgbiGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Attorney Bridal (Brian Albrecht) presented an ordinance amendment to Hot Springs Code (amending Ordinance 64‑54 / Hot Springs Code Section 16‑10‑2(e)) that would preserve the current aggregate cap of 400 short‑term residential rental business licenses in residential zoning districts and create a separate allotment of up to 25 licenses reserved for U.S. veterans with a service‑connected permanent and total disability rating.

Key provisions: the reserved licenses would be for properties titled in the disabled veteran’s name, limited to one license per immediate family, and subject to the same application, renewal and compliance rules as other STR licenses. Applicants must provide a Department of Veterans Affairs letter confirming a service‑connected permanent and total disability rating. Staff said renewals of existing licenses receive priority, and the portal for new veteran‑reserved licenses would open only if fewer than 25 such licenses remain after the annual May 1 renewal process.

Why it matters: proponents said operating an STR can provide steady income for permanently disabled veterans who have difficulty maintaining full‑time employment. Board members asked clarifying questions about title requirements, renewals if a veteran dies and how the one‑per‑family rule works.

Next steps: the ordinance will be included in the board packet and is scheduled for formal consideration at the Feb. 18 meeting. Board members discussed the possibility of a pending state bill that could remove local STR regulation; staff and directors said they would still put the local ordinance before the board rather than waiting for the state outcome.

Ending: If adopted, the policy would create a limited, annual veteran‑reserved allocation (up to 25) in addition to the existing capped inventory of residential STR licenses.","City attorney presented an ordinance amendment to keep the existing 400 cap on residential short‑term rental (STR) licenses while reserving up to 25 additional residential STR licenses each year for U.S. veterans with a service‑connected permanent and total disability rating.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339919,"Airport director proposes CPI rent and fee adjustments, seeks FAA discretionary funds and $263,000 design work order",310,1876000,2186000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d&start=1876&end=2186","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d/thumbnail_1876000.jpg","/articles/6339919/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/Airport-director-proposes-CPI-rent-and-fee-adjustments-seeks-FAA-discretionary-funds-and-263000-design-work-order","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339919-911fc2c600530f42c969ed665f5aa2a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403720&Signature=JaP74FZ~4ToakJQacblL1152Ys7Uz1r43-XJDo7T4uaPM1r3Um8Ttj8zzh3Xflg0H~~CJY9qpYS1VIw7A5lxfENTjJ~OaFTPhPi5mBUeDR7ELPFx-u-7w5qPwwxFnhZB0BG-rxjHXLMwZUeB-TcXF0YUiHj5hIVTPv1v4vhHUG0Imin8prpo4EW936JIRZuqCPSPFiMYOc1BrWh~iLI-nWhfXREnl2zgxt7Q1r3INheVM17jHNS-UOrL2ZusiIv5kL6OTN9~84NPeJ5-STdNmDtXoFnXDY0jMiY3k6Qr35qnrAT4EESMfKoHQSjDP3ADK5RSoFceOesEMbXoXRer5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Don Rowlett, Airport Director, told the board the airport’s Appendix K property rates are being updated under the annual CPI process and that the evaluation produced a 2.2% increase in hangar and terminal rents. Proposed changes include raising outside‑fence ground lease rates from $660 to $700 per acre and inside‑fence rates from $330 to $365 per acre; service fees would generally increase between $5 and $15 depending on the line item, Rowlett said.

Grant and construction items: Rowlett also requested authorization to apply for and accept a $140,220 discretionary FAA grant to help pay site preparation costs for a south‑ramp hangar project; the airport previously received Arkansas Division of Aeronautics (ADA) grants for the hangar structure and site prep with 90/10 and 80/20 cost shares described in his presentation. Separately, Rowlett presented Work Order No. 19A10993‑1 to Garver LLC for design and administration of an exterior terminal renovation in the amount of $263,000; the work order payment was described as contingent on federal grant timing and a temporary FAA grant freeze status.

Occupancy and process: Rowlett reported near full occupancy of hangar space with a waiting list and said he will provide a highlighted version of Appendix K showing changes for the board packet. He asked the board to approve the resolution updates and the grant/contract applications at the Feb. 18 meeting.

Ending: The board was told these items would come back for formal action at the upcoming business meeting; the Garver work order is contingent on grant availability and federal procedures.","Airport Director Don Rowlett presented a 2.2% CPI rent increase, proposed ground lease adjustments, a $140,220 FAA discretionary grant application for hangar site preparation, and a $263,000 Garver work order for terminal exterior renovation tied to a pending $1.4M FAA grant.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339924,"City outlines 2025 paving plan: 15.9 miles across 73 streets, $5.5 million estimate",64,1255000,1319000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d&start=1255&end=1319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d/thumbnail_1255000.jpg","/articles/6339924/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/City-outlines-2025-paving-plan-159-miles-across-73-streets-55-million-estimate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339924-631d08e60166164a41d49ab9d19633d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403720&Signature=GQ533rLg9-anBV2YBymUJck8eS8tlTcmN4IZEulpSn06eTagIeIXtf9ZL8uSST1le7bBwHkvCpJuhJ~nQIXtzkwUvtg-ibYPYyhZjlOkgYrKVWHvcHGHEMZD7-ME-anLcwpO7odT6BwHMRD-EIHTdPuWEJVVN1xpz2MPqVRxy6QuVIp8BzGaz2OqjoeidnWjvPc3AkPQrOeB5X4AuJAd-Y75tagB0Gv7P1Yfn2RHm0KTBnhfn~r-1h-Y1mBM6W3c28~2ZABuBc3n4YBFQuPLVo-qQtNxBjbWHzbeKQexXXl~Nm48tn-gpG3Qtdq0DwpjceVmFXKSPZXbDjCUFrfZ9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Engineer Mike (presenter) reviewed the draft 2025 street paving and preservation program and told the board the plan includes 15.9 miles of paving across sections of 73 streets plus 6.2 miles of alternate streets that could be paved if funding allows or if primary streets are delayed. The estimate to complete the work is $5,500,000 and staff proposed extending the city's existing term contract with Cranford Construction to deliver the work.

Selection and review: Mike said the list was compiled from resident input, Public Works recommendations and a pavement rating spreadsheet based on the First Step street inventory study. Staff evaluated potential conflicts with upcoming utility work before finalizing the list; the 2023 drive‑through inventory remains a reference point and staff plans to update the inventory after this year’s work.

Costs and scope: In response to questions, staff said a per‑mile cost for milling and paving in the city is materially higher than simple overlay work because the city mills curbed streets and restores stormwater infrastructure. Board members were told typical cost per mile is on the order of a few hundred thousand dollars — the presentation referenced roughly $250,000–$300,000 per mile as an approximate yardstick, noting curb and gutter and milling add cost.

Next steps: The list and a three‑year comparison by mileage and cost will be sent to directors before the formal packet; board members can propose amendments at the meeting if they want to add streets. The resolution approving the program (R25‑33) will be on the Feb. 18 consent/agenda for formal action.

Ending: Staff said additional detail — the full street list and a comparison of past years — will be provided in the board packet prior to next Tuesday’s meeting.","Public works presented the 2025 annual paving and preservation list that would cover about 15.9 miles of primary streets (plus 6.2 miles of alternates) with an estimated construction cost of $5.5 million and a plan to extend a term contract with Cranford Construction.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339929,"Hot Springs officials outline $72.5 million wastewater bond plan, note credit downgrade and pricing implications",1034,2494000,3528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d&start=2494&end=3528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260590-6010367e6b5fc33990042c828ea5c65d/thumbnail_2494000.jpg","/articles/6339929/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/Hot-Springs-officials-outline-725-million-wastewater-bond-plan-note-credit-downgrade-and-pricing-implications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339929-1c9f31659d083dd0ecd6bc1b42657336/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403720&Signature=YL~O4JuqlFSaQTUC4MhiBFi~gz8Ql4NxTZDTubeVxOC4I6GMKZ5pPlWRv83fveKYgzrjrH7NctDoLe3g5gbytM~v8R00PMLVwOxUb4rUNZXa-cqGwgP11FzENw-Bu9hMa5Bwx3XJQBBtqp57yMGpHtbzLU85bJ~-tc4iAnnaoaN8a6OZWv-fOKuHYmwLIT33-f-GLuj1dtdjvmsKGNJAEnVvmCLWwd0ceyNiAV48ecHqkAMia~yaR79n5aYglulEro5XfB7XiOYpJFsl-mi2GQT9WEpybhgtjyInECO~miz9EAb95mYBAK0xd6PrrNFQq67gdcQguMsDMzYYeo14iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Hot Springs finance staff and bond advisors told the board at an agenda meeting that the city plans to ask the Board of Directors to consider Ordinance O25‑07 next Tuesday, authorizing up to $72,500,000 in wastewater revenue bonds to finance improvements to the city's wastewater system.

Finance Director Karen Scott and bond advisor Robert (Bob) Wright reviewed the proposal, saying the bonds would fund treatment‑plant work, gravity mains, force mains and pump station upgrades. The draft offering allows for a debt service reserve in a maximum principal amount of $7,250,000 in the form of a surety bond or similar instrument. The board was told a pricing session is planned for the following Tuesday and that a March 27 closing date is targeted.

Why it matters: the measure would supply the construction funds the city says are needed to comply with a consent administrative order and to complete a suite of wastewater capital projects. Officials said structuring decisions were influenced by a recent Standard & Poor’s review and by federal insurance/wrap pricing that affect borrowing costs.

City and bond advisers explained the credit context. Standard & Poor’s recently downgraded the city’s sewer rating two notches (to single‑B or triple‑B+ level in the presentation) and lowered the water rating one notch; the advisers said that reflected national sector caution about extreme weather and the city’s projected regulatory‑driven debt. Wright and staff said the sewer downgrade raised the cost of a bond insurance wrap and changed some sizing decisions for the transaction, though the bond insurance (reported as AA‑rated) would still support lower effective interest rates for investors.

Officials described two transaction choices that raised the par amount: (1) adding a capitalized interest deposit of $1,830,000 to the uses to cover interest while construction proceeds, and (2) an increased insurance premium tied to the lower rating. Staff said keeping capitalized interest in the deal preserves roughly $17 million of construction funds that otherwise would be lost from the construction account.

Advisers also discussed debt‑service structure and optional redemption language. The preliminary offering document was revised so that new bonds would be callable in June 2030 (rather than later dates originally printed), preserving flexibility to refinance if market rates decline. Wright said if long‑term rates fall by roughly 1 percentage point he would return to discuss refinancing opportunities.

Next steps: staff said they will bring final pricing figures and the ordinance to the Board of Directors’ meeting Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. The board was not asked to vote at the agenda meeting; the ordinance will be presented for formal action at the public meeting.

Quotes from the meeting: “We plan to price these bonds next Tuesday morning and be down here,” Bob Wright said. Karen Scott summarized the public hearing and the bond proposal and noted staff will provide final numbers at the next meeting.

Ending: The board will consider the ordinance and hold the required public hearing at the Feb. 18 business meeting; staff said the proposed structure aims to deliver the full construction program while monitoring the market for refinancing opportunities.","City staff presented a proposed ordinance to issue up to $72.5 million in wastewater revenue bonds to fund sewer system improvements, discussed a two‑notch downgrade of the sewer credit rating and said pricing will be set next week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City previews multiple equipment purchases and a solid‑waste financial assurance plan ahead of Feb. 18 vote

Board to consider reserving up to 25 residential short‑term rental licenses for permanently disabled veterans

Airport director proposes CPI rent and fee adjustments, seeks FAA discretionary funds and $263,000 design work order

City outlines 2025 paving plan: 15.9 miles across 73 streets, $5.5 million estimate

Hot Springs officials outline $72.5 million wastewater bond plan, note credit downgrade and pricing implications