Council supports new emergency helicopter landing pad in Russellville

RUSSELLVILLE — Following a recent medical emergency that required transport by helicopter, town leaders have signaled support for a new landing zone in Russellville.

Councilman Bill Spiegel, who is also captain of the Russellville Volunteer Fire Department, spoke to the issue during the council’s regular meeting Wednesday evening as a need for an “actual landing spot.”

While the ballpark there is used now, Spiegel noted that from dialogue he has had with St. Vincent StatFlight, this area is not safe due to inadequate lighting and not being solid ground.

“It doesn’t happen often,” Spiegel said. “But in talking with StatFlight, they would not honor that if it was inclement weather.”

Spiegel provided that the fire department discussed the town donating a piece of land, with Council President Cary McGaughey adding that one south of the ballpark was suggested to him by Russellville Fire Asst. Chief Darrick Wiatt. While donations could be raised, Cash Concrete and volunteers could set the pad itself.

“I think it’s a win-win,” Clerk-Treasurer Martha Mandleco said about this as a collaboration.

As a suggestion by Town Attorney Stu Weliever, Cathy Jones and Spiegel motioned and seconded, respectively, for the town to partner with the fire department and StatFlight on the landing pad.

In other business:

• With a cap set at $3,000, the council approved to purchase new stop signs to replace ones which are worn out. After looking them up for the council, resident Kevin McIntire found 30-by-30-inch signs at about $40 apiece for what would be considered conventional roadways.

McIntire said the signs could be shipped in shorter order, while Mandleco noted that they would be covered by the Local Street and Road Fund.

As a related issue, Weliever recommended that the council look at specifying local stop sign penalties, in which Mandleco suggested that an ordinance outlining such is not on the books. At the council’s behest, Weliever said he would draw up one to consider.

• The council approved a bond contingency on the town’s new water tower which, in turn, is dependent on the State Revolving Fund’s consideration. McGaughey said a project award was not given for the tower’s water tank within an allotted timeframe, and thus there could be additional labor and material costs of $1,066.

• Troy Elless of Utility Management & Construction (UMAC) told the council that an issue with a pump was suspected after the town’s wells were flood-tested recently. With it being okay to “let it ride,” he said the pump could be replaced when they are tested again next year.

Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Catherine Engle joined Mandleco, Weliever and the council for the meeting, while Town Marshal Matt Biggs and Street Superintendent John Boller were absent.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville Town Council is set for Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Russellville Community Center.