It’s been 15 months since flooding washed out Hal Kirby Jr. Park. Ten months since the City of Russellville received Community Development Block Grant of $250,000 to rehabilitate the ballpark so precious to the community. Three months since the city regretfully rejected all bids for the work, which came in much higher than anticipated. But last week, the city council accepted a bid, setting in motion the necessary renovations to Hal Kirby park at last.

The city council awarded the construction contract to Hovater Metal Works, which submitted the lowest responsible bid of $299,943 for the project, which does not include signage (Gault Signs, $6,750) or fencing (Eagle Fence Co., $40,000), which bids were also accepted.

Prior to accepting Hovater Metal Works’ bid, the council entertained comments from Joey Rushing about modifications to fence height to make the fields regulation for softball play and to consider those upgrades.

Mayor David Grissom said the hope is for work to be completed by the end of February.

“We’re excited about it. I’m glad the bid came in better,” Grissom said.

The council also:

• Held public hearings and approved ordinances to zone residential properties located at 26 Magnolia Lane, 82 Twin Lake Drive, 3171 Waterloo Road and 28 Twin Lake Drive.
• Held public hearing and approved ordinance to zone the property located on Walnut Gate Road (formerly Vulcan Materials).
• Amended the City of Russellville Downtown Business (B-3) Zoning Ordinance. This amendment is a crucial cornerstone of downtown revitalization in downtown Russellville; in part, it opens the possibility for loft living in the downtown area.