Pineville City Council continued discussion on possible annexation of the Pine Mountain State Park and Resort during the regular meeting on Monday.

The item appearing to hold up the process is delegation of responsibilities involving emergency personnel.

The city is seeking a formal agreement with the state involving the responsibility of patrolling the state park.

Mayor Sherwin Rader has contacted the governor’s office about the situation. She also spoke with Elaine Walker, commissioner of the Department of Parks, which prompted Walker to send a letter to Rader.

The letter stated the park agrees to continue to maintain the road system in the park. Park rangers will continue to patrol the park. Park officials will contact city agencies for assistance during emergencies.

Walker said the park does not believe a formal agreement is necessary because there will be no change, according to the letter.

However, Walker did agree, according to Pineville City Attorney John Gambrel, to write a formal letter if needed. A formal letter is not binding.

“It makes me wonder as an attorney why they won’t enter into a simple agreement to delegate some responsibility,” said Gambrel.

According to Rader, the city wants to protect itself in case of future changes.

Without an agreement, the responsibility of patrolling the park could shift back to the city.

Rader and Gambrel plan to speak with the governor’s office later in the week to continue to discussion toward an agreement.

Also, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was discussed during the meeting. The corps has scheduled the annual inspection for the week of April 8.

It was also announced April has been declared PRIDE cleanup month.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com