The Pine Bluff Public Works Committee met earlier this week to discuss a range of city projects and initiatives, including the work of the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County, street department updates and city maintenance efforts.

Jefferson County Boys and Girls Club CEO Trevante Calhoun presented a detailed report on the organization’s activities, particularly at the Pine Bluff Community Center.

“We’re just excited about moving forward with the effort and energy that we have,” Calhoun stated, highlighting the club’s commitment to improving education and creating a safe, empowering space for youth.

He noted a 70% improvement in literacy among participants and emphasized programs aimed at building self-esteem, teaching life skills, and empowering youth with digital skills.

Calhoun discussed the “Passport Days” summer program, designed to help children explore their community and region, including potential college tours.

He reported a growth in active members, citing increased engagement with junior high and high school students.

He also touched on partnerships with organizations like United Way, the city of Pine Bluff and the West Foundation, which is leading a renovation project at the Town Park site.

Concerns about funding were raised, with Calhoun noting the loss of federal grants affecting the club’s budget.

“We were (a) half a million dollar organization with the grants that we were receiving from the federal government, with losing those grants has tremendously affected us,” he said, adding they are seeking new grants and donations.

Council members’ remarks were supportive. “I don’t have anything but good things to say about what you all are doing and just to say to keep up the good work,” said council member Steven Mays.

Council member Lanette Frazier said she attended a statewide meeting and learned about collaborations with other clubs, hoping to bring successful initiatives back to Pine Bluff.

Updates from the Pine Bluff Street Department included street assessments and paving plans. It was noted that the cost of addressing all street issues, estimated at $62 million for the entire 380-square-mile area of the city, is high.

Rising asphalt prices and budget constraints have been a challenge for the street department.

Council members requested a list of street assessments, culvert issues and a special request for a striping machine to be prioritized.

Mays raised concerns about road conditions, particularly around the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. “All those roads around UAPB really need to be fixed,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining roads near the university for visiting students.

Kelli Kennedy, director of Pine Bluff Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful, reported on activities related to city maintenance and the Clean and Beautiful initiative. She highlighted the successful spring shredding event with over 120 participants and reported that mowing has begun at various city locations.

Kennedy also mentioned a meeting with United Way and Keep Arkansas Beautiful to plan for a large-scale September cleanup event. “We’re hoping to make it a tradition and happen in every ward,” she stated, adding they are seeking grants to expand the project and involve over 200 volunteers.

Concerns about landscaping beds on the Martha Mitchell Expressway were raised. Discussions about contracting for maintenance or using the Parks and Recreation budget to address the issue followed. Parks and Recreation was not present for the meeting; therefore, the meeting was adjourned.

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