City of Alexander offered Human Development Center

Former Alexander Human Development Center
located on State Hwy-111.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) offered to give the City of Alexander the remaining property and vacant buildings, which once housed the Alexander Human Development Center. Issues concerning the property were detailed in a written report provided to council members. Planning Commission Chairman Bob McKeon was at the council’s July 27 meeting to answer any questions.

DHS has been trying to sell the property and building to developers since it was closed a few years ago as the result of a state-wide lawsuit. Residents were moved to apartment-like settings and the building has been vacant ever since. Similar accommodations are on the south end of the property. They are operated by Pathfinder, Inc., which is leasing a portion of the property from DHS.

The report was written after three commission members were given a tour of the property and facilities by DHS officials. Commission members were John Reeves, Deanna Reeves and Shirley Johnson.

According to the report the areas not being leased by Pathfinder are, “the brown building, main hospital building, greenhouse & the small park behind the main hospital building.”

As to the condition of the structures the report states, “The buildings have been trashed and totally gutted of any and most all electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. of any value. There is graffiti on the walls, windows knocked out, (and) ceiling tiles gone.”

Commission member Deanna Reeves contacted Patricia Blick with the Arkansas Preservation Program in regards to grants. According to the report it has already been determined the hospital building does not qualify to be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places because of its metal roof. If it had it would have qualified for matching grants.

Blick is quoted in the report explaining a second grant option that can be used to replace the roof bringing the building up to National Registry standards. The grant has a $10,000 maximum and the city would have to match it dollar-for-dollar.

Since the roof is only one of the building’s many problems, the council decided it would be too time consuming and too costly of a project for the city. It was agreed to decline the offer from DHS.

In other business during the July 27 meeting;

● Bearden suggested asking officials from Pathfinder if the city can lease the pond to hold a fishing derby. She pointed out Arkansas Game and Fish will stock the pond free for that type of event. Mayor Paul Mitchell agreed that’s something that can be discussed in the future.

● Besides answering questions concerning the Alexander Human Development Center, planning commission chairman Bob McKeon said the commission is still discussing the annexation of Forrest Hills Cemetery with corporate headquarters. He added that Forrest Hills Cemetery and Pine Crest Memorial Park are now owned by the same corporation. He also said Griffin Leggett-Forest Hills Funeral Home will be closing down, moving to Pine Crest and building a new funeral home. He did not specify the location of the new funeral home.

● There also seems to be a disagreement over how much access city officials have to city hall and the copier. Alderwoman and planning commission member Andrea Bearden, along with planning commission chairman Bob McKeon, complained about not being able to use the copier to make copies of documents; having to buy their own supplies; and being mistreated and ignored by city hall staff. McKeon suggested the planning commission could cease to exist if they don’t get more cooperation from city staff and the mayor.

During the “Public Comment” portion of the meeting City Bookkeeper JoAn Churchill explained that it’s city policy that only city hall staff can operate city hall equipment. Bearden said if she needs to make a copy of a document to give to a city official it’s of no concern of “an hourly employee.” She added that unlike city employees elected officials have to take an oath.

● The council had the first reading of an ordinance entitled “CITY of ALEXANDER SOLID WASTE ASSURANCES ORDINANCE.” The ordinance protects the city from contractors who do not dispose of construction waste properly. Two more public readings are required before an actual vote on the ordinance can be taken.

● Bearden told Mitchell she contacted Legislative Audit and was told his use of a signature stamp on checks is illegal. Mitchell said he approves it being used by others for each instance and is given a copy of the item stamped. He added he will check into the legality and stop doing it if it’s not legal.

● Bearden asked Mitchell about the progress of street repairs. He said he’s been working with the Saline County Road Department scheduling those projects too big for the city street department to handle. Three locations are at the top of the list; South Alexander Road, near the fire house, Mountain Drive in the curves and West Azalea west of Valley Drive.

● In response to Bearden’s query as to the whereabouts of the city attorney Mitchell said City Attorney Kevin Lemley has “turned in his stuff” after being hired by the Arkansas Attorney General’s office. An official resignation letter has not been received. The city will be advertising for a new attorney. Mitchell said the city’s prosecuting attorney Pat Marshall has expressed interest in the position.

● The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is scheduled for Monday, August 17. Meetings are held in the courtroom in city hall. The floor show begins at 6 PM and the public is invited to attend.