Thanks in part to an Arkansas Forestry Commission grant, each member of the Redfield Volunteer Fire Department now has an emergency radio, Fire Chief Dennis McFatridge announced at a Sept. 8 regular session of the Redfield City Council.
    McFatridge also disclosed that the cost of a new fire truck would be between $260,000 and $270,000.
    The fire department has been busy this month with programs in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 4-10. Department personnel recently presented a fire safety class at Hardin Elementary School and will man a booth at Redfield Junior High School’s upcoming Halloween carnival.
    Additionally, the department has been conducting hose testing.
    Concerning a proposed burning of some condemned houses, McFatridge said it is illegal to burn finished wood and the houses would have to be tested for asbestos. McFatridge said officials decided it would be better to “haul off” the condemned properties instead of burn them.
    Condemned properties not removed by next month’s council meeting would need to be considered separately in a resolution.
    McFatridge told the council that during August, the fire department responded to 20 rescue unit calls and extinguished a structure fire and a vehicle fire.
    Also during August, the police department made 13 arrests and responded to 34 criminal and traffic complaints. The department responded to 22 requests for assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
    Park Commission Chairperson Diann Smith announced that a Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism trail grant might be obtained for the area around the soccer field when the field is completed.
     During a session focusing on old business, City Clerk Rita Jackson announced that Alderman Tony Lawhon was to arrange another meeting on the city’s employee handbook.
    Mayor George Sanders announced that the Annie Fabric building has been sold and netted $59,702.38, which was placed in the city’s general savings fund.
    Sanders said he intends to establish a building committee that will determine availability of grant monies and possibly seek an architect in the proposed construction of a new city hall building.