With minutes from two previous meetings missing from their meeting
packets and the absence of two department heads and the mayor; members of the
Alexander City Council decided to reschedule the regular meeting for next
Monday, July 27.
City Recorder Sharon Bankhead filled-in as acting mayor during the July
20 regular meeting. Mayor Paul Mitchell became ill earlier in the day due to
the heat and did not attend the meeting. According to The Weather Channel
website the high in Little Rock Monday was 98-degrees.
Also absent were Police Chief John Fenton, Fire Chief Mark Ridgeway and
Alderman Louis Hobbs.
Seems Mayor Mitchell is continuing the same behavior of missing meetings as he did back in 2010-12. Some things never change!!
ReplyDeleteWendy L, is this a 'funny?' Is it natural? Or did you have to go to school to make a discipline out of STUPID?
ReplyDeleteIf you don't think the hazy view through the lens of alcohol doesn't change things, read certain Facebook (not this one.)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex N Der, this is the ONLY unbiased reporting of events in Alexander there is in the state, not to mention completely thorough.
I don't drink, but you seem to be an expert on drinking!! But if memory serves us back in 2010-12 Mayor Mitchell missed meetings and seems to be doing the same here. Yes or no? Answer is yes. Then why does the Mayor park his white Cady on the side on city hall? To make it appear he's not there? Don't you have water meters to look after.
DeleteWendy, I am going to step in here for Bob, because I know he isn’t a local.
ReplyDeleteNumber 1 – he didn’t mention names, why would you think you are the subject?
Now for the benefit of those of you who truly care, and might not know:
Number 2 – if you are a local, you are very aware of Mayor Mitchell’s Crones disease, and the battle he fought to stabilize his condition. Are you one of the ‘arm-chair’ physicians that knew without benefit of fact that it was the subject of your fabricated accusations he was suffering from instead? Actually, your character assignation probably had a negative effect on the disease.
As for this year, he has missed three (3) meetings in 6 months. Meeting number 1, was the result of a death in the family. The funeral was that same Monday and took place in the far southeast corner of the state. He didn’t make it back in time. The second ‘miss’ he and the fire chief were in Mississippi in court because of the repossessed fire truck, case happened that same Monday. Number 3 was the last meeting, he suffered from what is likely a near heat stroke, having worked out in the weather for 8 hours in temperatures nearing 100 and heat index according to local television weather reports of between 105 and 110 for central Arkansas.
Number 3 - Water meters??? You lost me there.
JoAn Churchill, City Bookkeeper and acting Office Manager
By the way all employees park at the side of the building. It is part of office policy. However due to employees having their cars vandalized while they are working, the police are asking them to park in front during the investigation. - JoAn
ReplyDeleteJoAn, you outed me about not being a local. I'm sorry you did that. I may not be a local, but I am an insider. You probably should have left the water meters alone too.
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like we have a working Mayor, who draws no salary from the community. Can that be changed?
Has anyone noticed an increase in police patrol? They were very visible this weekend. Thank you for protecting our neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteright whatever
DeleteTaxpayer Bill, you’re right. The Mayor, the Treasurer, the department heads (chief’s) are doing a great job. So much is getting done (and more coming); that’s why he faces all the “mayor-staff” bashing from his opposition.
ReplyDeleteI wish I truly had all the power some people like to spread around that I have. I work for and with good people, and it is a pleasant place to work. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
JoAn Churchill
I am not only seeing more police patrol but I am seeing some other changes for the better that I am thankful for. Keep up the good work it is much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI believe that once we vote in officials to run our city, be it who we wanted in office or not...we should respect and encourage them if they are doing their job as they should be. It is okay to disagree but there are ways to settle disagreements without being disrespectful or mean to those we don't agree with.
If we are one who prays then I believe it is our duty to pray for all of our elected officials while they are in office if we like them or not and if we agree with them or not. Anger and bashing does not get done what needs to be done and there is always the next election.
You are all in my prayers and I still hope to see before I leave this earth our city officials all working together without anger and bashing and getting done what needs to be done. Progress would happen much quicker and easier that way.
This is my opinion and you may not agree but I challenge all our leaders to try working together with no disrespect or bashing and see what happens.
Again I thank all of you who are working so hard to make our city a better place to live and be proud of.
Maggie Miller
Mrs. Miller, very well said. Thank you for your positive input and for being part of the Alexandrian, where truth in local news is truth in local news.
ReplyDeleteSince this weekend was a tax free holiday, can any Mayor Mitchell supporters tell why the back to school backpack give away wasn't continued under Mayor Mitchell?
ReplyDeleteIt is in progress. Ladies in the community who are truly concerned are busily working on it.
ReplyDeleteMan! I love what is going on around town these days. Progress galore. Mayor is ON THE BALL!
ReplyDeleteReally, name it. Mailboxes and paper boxes being taken. Residents living in Mobil homes with no power or water, and our tax money used to take the very people I speak of to the gas station to get fuel in the back of a police department car. I'm a little confused, what progress? I must have missed something.
ReplyDeleteWhat else is new, tell us something we don't know - you do only see the 'dark' side as a rule. Although I can't see where the police helping a distressed citizen as 'dark.'
ReplyDeleteLet me guess "bob mac" you probably gave that order too. How about asking the neighbors of the "distressed" citizen about the rat issues due to the "distressed" citizen throwing trash out the back door. You see Bob mac, you should get your head out of the sand and listen to ALL citizens, even the law abiding / working ones. Since that is the one that made the call for the Police to come out in the first place, since your "distressed citizen" tried to enter a home illegally. Dark side....that now you know is the rest of the story
ReplyDeleteI sure would like to see in your medicine cabinet, or where ever you stow your hallucinogenics.
ReplyDeleteIf you know of property that is being vandalized, why haven't you made a report ANDREA BEARDEN?
ReplyDeleteAre you suggesting they do a background search on anyone who needs assistance?
You take more pleasure in tearing down everyone around you... that's why all you have left are the same people who feel as miserable in their life as you do.
Why don't you get your head out of the sand...
And why don't you let the police do their jobs, while you do your job. Or have you forgotten what your job consists of?
ReplyDeleteHint: You're no investigator, and you're no officer. You are a city council member, and that's all you are.
Tax payer Bill, I know my job when I'm allowed by this (administration) to do it. You see you sling mud off rumors, I call it off of facts. The VERY citizen that reported the attempt of illegal entry IS the very one that called me pissed about our PD's response!! Check your own RX cabinet for hallucinates!
ReplyDeleteYou said mailboxes are being taken. That's a federal crime. Why haven't you reported it?
DeleteIt was reported and is a current investigation. being done by the proper authorities.
DeleteAlso, it isn't mail boxes, it is the yellow plastic newspaper holders. - School is starting next week, the kids will be busy again., no accusation, just suspicion.
Just goes to show that Ms. Bearden doesn't know all she thinks she knows.
DeleteOr maybe JoAn does not know it all, yes there was mail box and Mail involved
DeleteTalking about improvements in Alexander, let's start. When it snowed, did Mayor Mitchell have the street crew spreading sand? No. Snow stayed on the "S" curve for days, after that it took months before any potholes were fixed. Not a Mayor Hobbs fan but she had the street crew spreading sand. Tax free weekend did Mayor Mitchell do a backpack and school supply fund raiser for the kids? No. How many meetings has Mayor Mithchell missed this year. I'm guessing 3. Last but not least, why is there a Mercedes parked where the police chiefs car is? Did Mayor Mitchell give someone that will do as he says a raise. The people of Alexander voted him in and they are getting the same as before, nothing but a used car salesman!!!! Mrs Bearden, I'm not a fan of yours but when your doing your job by asking questions and wanting asnswers, that's all citizens can ask. And from the comments on here it seems you are making them squirm!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteResponding to just the obvious uninformed statements;
Delete1-“ Snow stayed on the "S" curve for days,” If you mean Hwy 111, that’s maintained by the state. Complain to them if you aren’t happy. Not to mention, neither the city nor state has snow plows.
2- “[I]t took months before any potholes were fixed.” “Months” beginning when? He’s only been mayor since January and I can tell you in his first five months more pot holes and wider bad spots were patched in south Alexander than Hobbs’s entire two years as mayor, which was none.
3- “[D]id Mayor Mitchell do a backpack and school supply fund raiser for the kids?” No, and that’s not his job nor the city’s. It’s been learned mixing donated money with tax funds is illegal. Also, there is suppose to be a non-city related group that’s taking care of that this year.
4- “How many meetings has Mayor Mithchell missed this year. I'm guessing 3.” (Left typos as they were.) Three seems to be the consensus; One, was for a legal hearing in Tennessee on meeting day concerning the repossessed fire truck; repossessed thanks to our previous mayor. The last one was because he was brought down by the heat while on-the-job. The other I don’t remember. That’s way less than this time during his first term and, of course, Michelle NEVER, EVER missed a meeting.
5- “[W]hy is there a Mercedes parked where the police chiefs car is? Did Mayor Mitchell give someone that will do as he says a raise.” (Left typos as they were.) Really, a raise on the Alexander budget that allows someone to just run out and buy a Mercedes; what are you smoking? And, what business is it of yours what type of vehicle someone drives? You don’t know who that car belongs to. You don’t know how long it’s been there when you see it. You don’t know if it’s there on official business, or a sales call. You don’t know Jack!
All you have is a suspicious mind that assumes someone must be doing something wrong. What’s suspicious is we get the first white male mayor in 20 years and he can’t do anything right. He’s traded for another mayor who, of course was just the perfect mayor, but she managed to outdo the previous female mayor; and was actually quite successful considering we are one fire truck short among her other accomplishments, mostly meeting related.
As for Ms. Bearden, it would be nice if she would stick to the really important issues and stop nit-picking over every little thing. It’s almost as though she’s looking for anything to play “Gotcha!” with the mayor.
HAD TO CORRECT SOME ERRORS.
Thank you for the facts and not the "gotcha" gossip. THIS IS WHAT US CITIZENS WANT, ANDREA BEARDEN. THIS IS WHAT WE WANT. WE WANT THE FACTS! WE WANT PROGRESS! THIS IS WHAT WE WANT!
DeleteMike,
DeleteWhy do you have to try to make it a race thing? I was lied to by Mitchell and JoAn ( yes it is a lie when you know the truth and go along with a lie), I have always been taught if you will lie about small things (like job offers) what big things will you lie about? I will not apologize for my up bringing.
Do you honestly think the Mayor owes you an explanation of his efforts when he was forming his staff? You asked an impertinent question that was none of your business, you didn't deserve an answer at all; and he certainly didn't owe you one.
DeleteWhen is it that you think I lied to you. There is nothing in this world that I could possibly say to you that would require that much thought.
Can someone explain why Shirley and Michelle could do no wrong and Paul can't do anything right to the pint that Grandpa Mullins started a second recall petition as soon as Paul became mayor. Why are his shorts wadded up?
DeleteHas he ever needed a reason to be like he is? No reasoning, no excuse, no explanation!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMike Huck, I do not consider tax payer money questions or complaints from citizens "nit-picking". Neither should any City employee or elected official. As for Windy L, I have said from the beginning, the $$ is what you have to question and I do. I question the reasoning behind the Mayors decision to purchase a signature stamp and hand it over to the very person the council voted off the signature card at the bank. Not because she is not trustworthy but because it is not good accounting practice. The same thing the State Leg Audit said about the usage of signature stamps. I am not here to be popular, if I wanted that I would set back like several council members have done.
ReplyDeleteNit-Picking Examples
DeleteJan. 12, 2015 - Tried to overturn replacing a bad police chief because he has a family. That’s not the pre-Paul Mitchell Andrea Bearden we all knew and loved.
June 29, 2015 - Stopping FEMA ordinance because we’ve never had a flood and you wanted to see the maps; none of which makes any difference to the issue.
July 27, 2015 - Needing an appointment to see anyone at city hall and not being allowed to operate city hall equipment yourself.
Michael Huck
Wait, wait; I forgot one. You use law for Class-1 cities to get your way in a Class-2 city. Maybe that’s not nit-picking but it’s either not paying attention, or hoping no one will check your “facts.”
DeleteMichael Huck
Thank you, mhck52. Your words are right on point. Especially the part about the pre-Paul Mitchell Andrea Bearden that we all knew and loved. She was positive, she was smart, she was for moving this city forward. Now she's stale. Now she's angry. Now she's difficult to approach and hostile. People of this city voted in the aldermen they chose to represent them, and those citizens should EXPECT a mutual understanding between the aldermen they elected in such a manner that progress and constructive work can be done. When one goes about their business in such a way that makes others uncomfortable, progress goes stale.
DeleteThat's just my two cents on this one.
Mike you really should try showing up to a meeting, where you get your info really shows since most of your info is one sided. If any citizen chooses to ask my why I vote for any thing my contact information is well published. I will not waste my time defending myself here. Joan produce this "petty cash" ordinance you speak of. That's what I thought, you see I do read my packet, at least what you desire to give.
DeleteReally? It is Ordinance 01-05 signed by Michelle Kidd and Shirley Johnson and dated March 8, 2005; Section 1, paragraph B
DeleteOn the signature stamp; I can see where it could be both legal in some cases and illegal in others. Another individual using someone's stamp to sign checks, even with their permission, certainly sounds like something Leg Audit would frown upon. But, it MAY not be illegal for the person who owns the stamp to use it. Providing of course the bank doesn't object and the stamp is on the signature card. Then again, it may be totally illegal on checks but legal on other documents. We'll have to see if the mayor finds out any thing different.
DeleteMayor Mitchell has received full knowledge from Jimmy Garrett, of Arkansas Legislative Audit regarding the use of a signature stamp. He also has received legal advise as well as CPA advise, guess he might know what he's doing! YA THINK!!!
DeleteWhen did we start auditing the city through city council? I don't think that is in their job description. "Controlling funds" results from budgeting, not nit-picking!
This is too good to pass up!
ReplyDelete1. About that snow on 111. You’re right, it is state maintained, and some concerned citizens called several times to get the repairs attended to; Seems workmen had reported to their main office that the repairs were completed, when they weren’t. They finally came out and drove the street and thereafter ordered more complete repair. It would seem Alexander is not high on the states list of priorities, but then after last winter, they did have an overwhelming task to address.
2. On the other hand one of Ms Beerden’s complaints about petty cash that she can’t control, and further in response to her FOI on that very issue. Last winter, in February during the “ice age” all sources the Street Department contacted were out of salt and sand. So Ms Juanita Wilson came down at our request and drove her pick-up truck to Lowes with the two street department employees and bought salt, they made two trips to have sufficient for the need. That is why a few months later instead of writing a check for petty cash, the fund was reimbursed by the street department for monies spent on salt. By-the-way, the bank won’t cash a check made out to “petty cash” ‘He’ doesn’t have proper identification. Since the Police carry all deposits to the bank, they can cash a petty cash check and return the funds to city hall. The paper trail is wide and clear and is approved by all who actually have a ‘say-so.’
3. If Ms Beerden actually read her packet she wouldn’t ask the questions she does. Meaning, Petty cash is ordered by Ordinance, and funded by city council. Some city council at some time set it at a certain amount. What ever it was; IS WHAT IT IS, just as this administration inherited it, and the fact that she (Beerden) didn’t include it in her budget doesn’t negate it, in fact quite the opposite, it must be maintained as is until Council votes via Budget Ordinance to change it. Also, regarding the odd cents from the state’s Sales and Used Tax (SUT), Ms Beerden gets financial reports every month, and they are listed every month, she should already know the majority of the checks are odd cents.
4. She should also know and be warned that behavior unbecoming an elected official - like calling your peers crooks because you disagree, throwing a yelling tantrum during a public meeting is a viable and chargeable offense. Her intimidating and bullying isn’t working with this community. I truly hope she will join the Governing Body in furthering the progress in place for Alexander. It is very encouraging, but may need to be stated again – the Mayor is ½ of that body, the council – of 8 – is the other half.
Next time we might address the ridiculous issue of the Mayor’s Signature stamp.
AND - THE VOTE RECORD BELOW IS VERY REVEALING! Thanks Alex
Chin-dropping response. I applaud you. Very well said, and thank you for putting the facts out there.
DeleteJust for the record,
ReplyDeleteno department in the city
NO DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY!
Has ANY equipment that is owned by the city that is operated by non- city personnel; and further; there is no city anywhere that the Mayor isn't allowed to run his administration, which involves the office without the domineering interference of anyone else. Office policy is not a council issue. It has nothing to do with swearing an oath, or not swearing. You are comparing a banana to a lemon. You can't do that just because they are both yellow.
I noticed somewhere among all of these comments someone was asked to name the progress they are seeing in the city. They most likely were not asking me to do that, but I think it is time for some more positive going on here.
ReplyDeleteFor 43 years I have watched people and things come and go here in Alexander. There is still lots to be done and I have faith that it will be in time but this place looks better now than it has in the whole 43 years I have lived here. I have seen progress slowly being made ever since the annexation. It takes time and what it is going to take the most is all of our city officials working together, being respectful and business like.
We have a Mayor that has only been in office a few months and some newly elected council members and other officials. We can't expect them to make this into the kind of city we want in that short amount of time.
Some of the progress I see...
i am seeing yards cleaned up or in the process of being cleaned.
I am seeing dogs walked on leashes and rarely see one off leash running the streets. I haven't seen what looked like a stray dog in many months. There was one dog running and walking up and down the street for a few days a couple or three weeks ago. It looked well taken care of and I thought it might have been lost. I posted on FB and only saw the dog once after that. Believe me our street used to be active with dumped dogs and cats or dogs that were allowed to run loose.
I have not heard gun fire near my home in quite awhile...was hearing it pretty much on a regular basis for several years. I was on my front porch one evening sometime back and someone shot from a moving vehicle going down HWY111 the bullet zinged across my yard right in front of me I am assuming it made its way into the side of the mountain since I heard of no damage anywhere or anyone being shot.
I have not seen any teenagers drunk or high running the streets in my area. That at one time was a common thing. I have even seen them late at night having sex in the ditch in front of my house in the past.
I have seen and heard meth houses explode and saw one burn. There have been drug houses in my area but none that I know of now. I haven't heard any explosions in awhile either.
As I stated before I see more police patrol in my area and on the streets that I travel. And we should all be thankful that we have local police and firefighters so we don't have to wait for long periods of time if we need them.
No one has damaged our mailbox in quite sometime that used to happen a lot.
No one has turned over our trash buggy or rolled it down the street lately. The last time either of those happened was about a year ago.
There is more but I won't take up any more space.
The whole city right now is quieter and more peaceful than I have ever seen or heard it.
People it takes time to do what we all would like to see in our city so let's please just give our officials some respect and some time to do the work.
Thank you,
Maggie Miller
Hmmmm lets see where do I start ? I haven't posted in a while the last time I did I shut some trash talking ppl up, so now that I have all my ducks in a row and have the facts lets see what happens shall we ?to all you trash talking \ ppl bashing non fact knowing \ blind eyed \ head stuck up ppl rear ends that have to hide behind different alias on and you know who you are improvements let see the road in front of fire dept is worst now than befor we have city Ordinances that can not be enforced or they could but choosen not to be still have dog problems , still have trash problems and yes I personal have filed several times at city hall nothing happened even called the mayor ,and left message no call back , even tried the contacting the chief , and there again no call back , had to track him down and ask him bout the complaints that I filed they came out one time. interesting some more facts tax payer bill or (shall I say well I wont say u know who u r ) I have squatters that live next to me , I have ppl next door that has no water and no elect. and hasn't had any in bout two months they running a generator for a lamp and stelling water from ppl around the Neighborhood one had a stroke and cant function propley and the other one is just down right stupid on the other side they have no water , so now let get some more facts the stupid one tried to come in my house with my wife and kids while im at work scary huh I call the police the said it was his word angist my wifes really ? ok so then I told the chief about the ppl not having any Utilities and was told that there is no law about that they can live how they want and he and his officers would not get involved with that so they are living in a mobile home when its 100 outside and that's ok with the police and I guess with all yall so then chief pull up and carries the man down to get gas in city vehicle don't even look at the trash in back where they just open door and toss it on ground that's ok also ? praise all the ppl you want bash all the ppl you want but till you get out of yalls lil dome and ride around the Neighborhood and see all the trash then tell me about all the improvments I see very little police patrol unless requested by ppl like yall for u r Neighborhood so the way I see it we have city Ordinances that can not or will be inforced so y have them I am embarrassed to tell ppl where I live cause it trashy around here and all u ppl want to do is bash and talk trash bout outher ppl instead of doing something about improving where we live I could keep going but at this time iv said enough
ReplyDeleteWell thank you for clearing it up that the complaints have been made and I'm not trash talking, just stating facts.
DeleteThis looks like some of our minutes; both past and present.
Delete'Originale Yard Dog - voyce of reasun or whut!
DeleteAlex, looks like you might have hit a nerve or 2 here.
Good job!
Maggie & Pooh, can't top her common sense and her ability to bring reason and sanity to the mix. You are an encouraging read! Thanks for being here.
ReplyDeleteLunch is over, gotta get back.