Keiser wins $29,425.88 fire-protection grant; council reviews easements, subdivision and lift-station timetable

The City of Keiser reported it has received $29,425.88 in Fire Protection Grant funds to buy three SCBA units and two AWIN radios for the fire department, and it also received a $200 Harbor Freight gift card to purchase tools for the department.

Mayor Rick Creecy told the council the city has applied for a Lowe's Hometown Grant to build a pickleball court and has applied separately to Harbor Freight for tools. The mayor said he is working with Delta Regional on a separate grant for a water aerator and is asking the community for letters of support to strengthen that application.

On property and infrastructure matters, Creecy said he has had multiple conversations with Cotton to Steel and was introduced to Guy Pardew of Olympus Construction to discuss the city's vision for a West Main subdivision. He reported Bobby and Linda Kirk have agreed to sign an easement for Cypress Street, but noted the city would have to pursue eminent domain if the owners later withdraw consent. Creecy said he is still negotiating a Main Street easement with the University of Arkansas and would ask Senator Dave Wallace for assistance if necessary.

Creecy also reported the lift station for Main Street is scheduled for delivery in late April with installation anticipated by the end of May. The council did not vote on easements or subdivision approvals at the meeting; several items will return with additional documentation and negotiation results.

The council's next steps include following up on grant applications, collecting community letters for the water-aerator application, and finalizing easement documentation before any property acquisitions or construction proceed.