[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,75,86,98],{"_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",6194005,"mediaKeyId","3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc","parentId",3864995,"title","Leslie schedules May 15 community potluck, plans community garden and homecoming events","audioSeconds",1833,"startMs",809000,"endMs",2642000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc&start=809&end=2642","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc/thumbnail_809000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6194005/Leslie/Searcy-County/Arkansas/Leslie-schedules-May-15-community-potluck-plans-community-garden-and-homecoming-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194005-2ed95721a5f4eb2e7741bc2dedaeb856/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185292&Signature=Nr6WX0~lSz1THMiuC7HL0N6dLTsRi6Jz9aHSjzYpC-01bot2oJOr1LoFKrp3rSFlnkci5ZOOxSc6JHJWRGcn8Oho0f42zEvF8rOsGIVc55QWvy-SeMGyswMCbbCYYwxXOaYUXOEWV3xoPU25M-GdIRS5HxvpzjVqpo20O9jCPekPNl93fEQiQFjeuUDAob3iBAMT60RwJpLmfUqztzS~9YCt5~d64lToCS4WLjXO~G8R0-cSZiWKB7stO~CFH6~WgELb4qjiooUBWfRLY3wnO0ImAHF0arGUWt2p43RS2dT~4sgBvMJQkbrw3MM7n-lf7sb013Qb-u6DXAQJZz937w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leslie Arkansas City Council Meeting","date","2025-06-08T00:00:00Z","article","Council members and community organizers promoted a city potluck picnic set for May 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the city park and bandstand; the mayor will provide grilled meat and volunteers will supply sides. Organizers said flyers and laminated posters are available for distribution and that the event will be publicized on Facebook and in municipal offices.

The council also discussed a donated lot intended for a community garden near Cypress Street, describing existing structures on the lot (including a smokehouse and trails through bamboo) and volunteers pursuing a grant through T‑Mobile to develop the space. Organizers called the lot ‘‘full of character’’ and said volunteers see it as a promising site for raised beds and community use.

Council members previewed the town’s upcoming homecoming, described as the 70th event this year (one year was canceled during the COVID pandemic), and other local activities including an RC car race down Oak Street. Volunteers and staff also reported planting su pertunias on Main Street and cleanup work at park facilities.

The council encouraged broad community participation and noted the city will provide assistance with publicity, signage and logistics for the events.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 2025 pt 2 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Officials and volunteers promoted a community potluck picnic on May 15, discussed a donated lot for a community garden with volunteers pursuing a T‑Mobile grant, and previewed the town’s 70th homecoming celebration this summer.","taxTitle","Leslie, Searcy County, Arkansas","taxId",61939,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194010,"Leslie updates on sidewalks, parks, charging and sewer repairs; grants and utility relocations underway",0,1743000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc&start=1743&end=1743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc/thumbnail_1743000.jpg","/articles/6194010/Leslie/Searcy-County/Arkansas/Leslie-updates-on-sidewalks-parks-charging-and-sewer-repairs-grants-and-utility-relocations-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194010-6b06ee1ba1ffd59b8cbd30569c66dff5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185292&Signature=DEb2YLIepx0X5q0AiTvv4YYBJsEgaH~mzzAudPcAklhUa1sFMScMXVrP7UuujiDyPRIn~0s4uUbyCjhod1SAWGpl1bjwaD9kqjqCY48rAE1bxZeZBM2S-MTjLejgJM6DOm0qoD8~4cFhYeHRLr5RiTS7TXOPC2uK6GdcbK5DODJzgPisjKiKzi~jQYGQXfGEAZN3TJpWxnytiZq4y6wGZ8RHbGCnDOlolk2WOFFSsDYcgX7GRhQA30zQJ6qCwqurepiJfcJpvz1z2J-OKJO6iqH5acqTOyoPeP0RjCiCZFpLM4dj7j0zgx6AqMOOJR6UvkGOp26cH1pE3VF1HuqkTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City leaders updated residents on several infrastructure and parks items, including a submitted Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for roughly 1,000 feet of sidewalk, ongoing utility relocations tied to a relocation project, a new but partially faulty electric‑vehicle charger installation, and sewer plant repairs.

The TAP sidewalk application was submitted as an 80/20 grant (80 percent grant, 20 percent local match) that requires the city to pay costs up front and seek reimbursement. Council noted the sidewalk would start across from Toby’s and proceed downhill and that the city must ensure correct pitch and compliance for reimbursement. The council is working with Courtney at Northwest Arkansas Economic Development on the grant application, which has an upcoming deadline in late August; members emphasized care in planning because acceptance would make the city ineligible for another grant cycle for five years.

Council also reported that drilling for core samples on a relocation project is complete and that the project lead, Jesse Jones, expects the ARDOT letting process to occur later in the year; utility relocations (including fiber moved by Klaus Meyer) remain a dependency. The council discussed maintaining a disc golf area and coordinating bush‑hogging to keep park space usable.

The council announced a grant‑funded electric vehicle charging station ribbon cutting; the chargers were installed via grant and remain under vendor contract, and staff are working with the vendor to repair one unit that is not yet functioning. The town noted it did not purchase chargers outright; they were installed as part of a grant agreement.

Separately, the council reported the larger motor for the sewer plant has been ordered and will replace sheared gears that are not working properly. Council members also discussed pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) request to add a tornado storm shelter to the community center or an attached structure and considered playground upgrades, including potential accessible play equipment; members noted those items are expensive and may rely on donations or grant funding.

No formal votes were recorded on the grants or the relocation project at the meeting; staff were directed to continue grant coordination and to report back on required right‑of‑way and utility relocation progress.","Council reported the submission of a Transportation Alternatives Program sidewalk grant, work on a relocation project with ARDOT, a malfunctioning Tesla charger under grant contract, and a sewer plant motor on order; members also discussed playground and storm‑shelter plans and maintenance of a disc golf area.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194015,"Council reviews draft mayor and council job descriptions; residency and term language clarified",211,65000,276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc&start=65&end=276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc/thumbnail_65000.jpg","/articles/6194015/Leslie/Searcy-County/Arkansas/Council-reviews-draft-mayor-and-council-job-descriptions-residency-and-term-language-clarified","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194015-f470febec5ed96c8f0b6d77179058750/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185292&Signature=Llq~Xo6KHyxEVD7qbmoJnj-CuWD7XZ1ymGxLcckujyox6ug5WCjeQMO6eLPdYWJPWSeVOpWm13fDIhf2KtkDhgHleiXeZQmCuLNEtoCuCA5EzVkrYx9tFBcVfead5y6xD3U-aOKopV7ia7~aOB1lMilvIfcI3odVloTBByqe4fL9FzgD1H2CjxruWl-1-C0jvL22eDt35A-oVRB7Wn2m2KGvAXNg5IWJOR015jOyecbOD2YjGGN3uk7dYgtL5YyQcslMzeq9~JKG3nMFaGdvvbXUzYZrOuKR1YhUpwDimzlEOF1OekmOuG05QAileSftKoNgWObGinRAzcEA2T5adQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leslie council members reviewed draft job descriptions for the mayor and city council and provided edits and clarifications for the handbook.

Council discussion clarified that residency for both the mayor and council members must be within the Leslie city limits, and that eligibility to vote in municipal elections is required. Members debated whether mayoral and council terms should be two or four years and noted the town’s existing practice of two‑year terms. The draft lists responsibilities for the mayor such as presiding over council meetings, serving as liaison to county and state agencies, and collaborating with local businesses and residents; council duties include voting on ordinances, budgets and representing resident concerns.

Council asked staff to refine the language on duties (including \"other duties as assigned\") and to align technical titles used elsewhere in town handbooks and permits. Members agreed to finalize the job descriptions at the next meeting and to compare the draft to an existing handbook job description the clerk will provide.","Council members reviewed proposed job descriptions for the mayor and council members, clarified residency requirements (must live within city limits), and discussed term lengths and duties; staff will finalize drafts for next month.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194020,"Leslie council approves hiring part‑time street worker; budget questions remain",184,1394000,1578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc&start=1394&end=1578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864995-2cdb932aecb7efd714916511b046b9bc/thumbnail_1394000.jpg","/articles/6194020/Leslie/Searcy-County/Arkansas/Leslie-council-approves-hiring-parttime-street-worker-budget-questions-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194020-25a72e5f0333ffa8d673bb14ca8d8ef7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185292&Signature=Z56Rg6eunaBDeUX5QiSZSLvIah-l1PGis0chCWyNaL6au304Y7kZCFkWzaptywqPC4e8ojUbGCHjB9M8ymn5liDBewf3R7ZKwMk~hxaCV9Y4Yr282CbcjfI9RNoOi4fUi9RypXevS5E00W~RbM37KPLWyAh4dVXkQLjd3wW65Ia-t8tx9-PxlrT3FvlFVBV~XkLdr2nz0jMadySod2tbgvuq6QLsMkDzdAs7ycnQbU-ehilDa59JWMEFwrRymgAd~cSmSMQP0xYZZzmTC3HFf3vZO-o-Zvu7DeRAVi0~WZPpzTJP-bo9Fusqod-jvellGP56i8OK8fJxwUadcsM~fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leslie City Council voted to hire a part‑time street worker to mow the community center and park, maintain signs and clear culverts, the council discussed at its meeting.

Council members said the position is intended as part time to avoid benefit obligations and recommended starting at roughly 20 hours per week; council members discussed wages ranging from the state minimum up to $15 per hour during debate. The council acknowledged the city has no line item for the position in this year’s budget and may need to amend the budget or cover initial pay through overages or contingency funds approved earlier this year.

A motion to move forward with hiring a part‑time street worker was made and seconded; council discussion included whether the town should provide a wage above minimum and whether the role should be expanded later. Council members agreed the hire should initially be part time and advertised publicly. The motion was seconded by Richard and taken to a vote; the transcript records the motion, a second, and a majority vote to proceed.

Council members stressed they do not currently have a specific candidate and that the position will be advertised. They also reserved the right to revisit hours, wage and whether a budget amendment is required if actual hiring costs exceed current appropriations.

The council did not set a final hourly rate at the meeting and directed staff to post the job and return with cost estimates and a recommended wage and hours for final approval.","The Leslie City Council voted to hire a part‑time street worker to handle mowing, culvert clearing and sign maintenance but noted the position is not currently budgeted and may require an amendment or use of contingency funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leslie schedules May 15 community potluck, plans community garden and homecoming events

Leslie updates on sidewalks, parks, charging and sewer repairs; grants and utility relocations underway

Council reviews draft mayor and council job descriptions; residency and term language clarified

Leslie council approves hiring part‑time street worker; budget questions remain