Southside City Council approves streetlights, discusses new businesses and storm alerts

By Emily Wang, White River Now

The Southside City Council approved several infrastructure and financial measures at its regular meeting Tuesday night, including the installation of new streetlights and the potential addition of speed bumps in several neighborhoods. The council also received updates on city development and public safety efforts.

City Treasurer Byron Sutherland reported a recent sales tax deposit of $94,488, adding that the city “must be doing pretty well in the community.”

A $2,500 tree-trimming expense was recorded under the streets and roads budget, along with routine maintenance and a payment for surveying work near the Exxon station. The expenses were paid from the city’s general fund.

Mayor Ray Bowman reported the installation of three new stop signs, noting that some existing signs had either been stolen or had faded. The council discussed installing a rubberized, removable speed bump near Citizens Bank in response to community requests for similar devices in areas such as Dennison Heights. Each speed bump is estimated to cost about $1,500.

Bowman acknowledged mixed opinions regarding existing speed bumps on Chamblee Drive but said that after going door to door to survey residents, 80% were in favor.

“It’s been a learning experience for 10 years,” Bowman said. “People have kids walking, and it’s not a good thing when people drive 45 to 50 miles an hour.”

The council received updates on several business developments. A Taco Bell currently under construction is expected to open by the end of August. Bowman said the restaurant will have a unique design due to height limitations and ongoing discussions regarding compliance.

Other new businesses include Siloe, a local boutique scheduled to open next week. The council also discussed early plans for a large family entertainment center that could include a bowling alley, skating rink, trampoline park and laser tag arena.

In financial matters, two city certificates of deposit are set to mature on July 23. The council voted to renew them at $100,000 each, at a 4% interest rate for three years through the Bank of Cave City.

The city is also exploring a new storm warning system in coordination with local fire departments. Bowman said the city could purchase tornado sirens, which the fire departments would maintain and activate in affected areas. The system would feature localized alerts—an improvement over older systems that often triggered false alarms. The council discussed the advantage of newer systems, with technology more advanced than 25 years ago. Bowman said he would research prices and options and report back next month.

“You only get one chance to be wrong,” he said, referencing recent deadly floods in Texas as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness.

Street lighting was another key topic. The council approved the installation of 15 new security lights—12 along Highway 167 and one on Carousel Road. Entergy will cover installation costs, while the city will pay a monthly fee of about $6 to  $7 per light. A new bookkeeping account was created for Entergy billing, and the wholesale tax fund was amended to reflect the additional lighting expenses.

The lights are expected to be more luminous without creating glare that could impair drivers’ vision. Council members said they are open to adding more lights throughout the city based on public feedback and need.

Bowman also informed the council he has been invited to serve a three-year term on a state workforce committee. He said he would consult the city auditor to confirm whether he could use a city vehicle for related travel.

“If you see that truck going down to Camden, it’s city business,” he said. “It will be good. It will be interesting to find out all they do.”

The next city council meeting is scheduled for next month.

Image: White River Now