Web posted
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
City gives McFarland's pond a name
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
news@arkcity.net
The pond off Radio Lane was officially given the name "Phil McFarland Pond" at the City Commission meeting Tuesday night.
The pond has never had a formal name, though it was referred to as "North Pond" on some city maps and publications. The pond belonged to the McFarland family before the bypass was put in, and was used as a gravel pit.
The pond was known locally as McFarland's Pond already, Bob Mathews said. He and three others approached the commission earlier with the request to rename the pond. They would also like to see it opened for fishing, which is currently prohibited.
"This means a lot to me," said McFarland's wife Sharon. "He dug this himself. I would love to see people enjoying it and fishing there."
McFarland passed away two years ago.
City commissioners did not address the fishing issue, but they may at a future meeting.
There is some concern about steep banks that could be a hazard for young children and people who do not swim.
If it were opened, the area would also have to become ADA compliant, which would make the endeavor more expensive.
Mayor Dotty Smith said the renaming of the pond was the first step in opening the area for more recreation.
A trail around the pond is also being considered.
Public access in the future is a concern though, as Radio Lane will be closed in that area as part of the Kansas Avenue overpass project. People would still be able to walk to the pond, but other public access will have to be worked out.
In other matters the commission:
* Made assessments of $18,050 for mowing weeds and removal of debris and junked cars. These are cases where the city has removed a nuisance and billed the property owner and the bill as not been paid. Those charges are then put on the tax assessments.
Booker Jennings asked the commission, during the public input time, if there could be a basic standard set for mowing weeds. He said sometimes the mowing does not look good and seems to just knock the grass down instead of cutting it. In a few days it looks as bad as it did before, he said.
Commissioners said they try to mow areas when they have to, but are not trying to make yards look like they are manicured.
* Approved the de-annexation of property north of Skyline Drive. This property was annexed on the condition that a Tax Increment Finance district being set up, which would have led to the development of a Lowe's and a shopping center. The de-annexation was called for in the event that the deal did not go through.
* Took no action on a request to purchase property near the intersection of Summit and Birch. This is currently a vacant lot that has been used by the hospital in the past. City commissioners said the land might still be part of plans for the hospital so they were not interested in negotiating for a sale.
* Asked for financial records from the Spring Hill Golf Association. They want to make the organization more accountable, but are not making any accusations. Commissioner Mel Kuhn said he wants to see the course do well and that this could be the first step in that direction.
* Mayor Smith appointed Nick Rogers to the hospital board.
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