Honoring high school graduates, Looking for vendors, Forming an activities committee

Council Member Angela Griffin wants to honor Alexander's high school graduates again this year. She wants to repeat what started last year as a way to recognize high school graduates who live in Alexander.

"If anyone has, or knows of anyone that resides in Alexander, that is a graduated senior (should) get their application," Griffin said. "We just want to recognize our Alexander graduates if there's any out there."

The application is available at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Or, Griffin said anyone can E-mail her and she will contact you. Her E-mail address is angela.griffin@cityofalexander.org.

Griffin wants to get an early start on this year's Fall Fest held the first Saturday in October. She's looking for vendors.

"And also, anyone that is a vendor, or know of any vendors, I'm starting to look at those for our fall session," she said. "And we need to get those looked in early."

Griffin also wants to form what she called a Parks and Events Committee.

"So if there's any citizens that are interested in that portion of the city, we'd love to have you and love to have your input," Griffin said. "I don't even think we'd have to do anything monthly. We'd do something a couple of times a year."

To contact Council Member Angela Griffin if you have a high school graduate, you are a vendor interested in setting up at a fall festival, or interested in serving on a parks and events committee; you may contact her at angela.griffin@cityofalexander.org.

Amending 2024 Alexander budget tabled wanting proof of underpayments

A resolution to adjust payments in the 2024 budget to four elected officials, who were allegedly underpaid in 2023, has been tabled. According to the proposed resolution Mayor Crystal Herrmann was paid $37,456.04 in 2023 instead of $42,160.00; a difference of $4,703.96. Council members Tony Staton, Angela Griffin and Gina Thomas-Littlejohn are listed as being paid $1,100.00 in 2023 instead of the annual $1,200.00; a difference of $100.00. Council members are paid $100.00 per month no matter how many meetings are held.

According to City Hall Office Manager Jennifer Hill, because these were the new members starting January 1, 2023 they weren't able to get into the direct deposit system until February.

"So the people that came in new for 2023 are missing a payment," Hill said. "So legislative audits that have been in order to correct this, that we would need to amend the budget to allow for this increase so that we could pay (council members) Tony Staton, Gina Littlejohn, Angela Griffin, and the mayor their underpayments that they were underpaid for."

Council Member Juanita Wilson made the motion to table the resolution until the council can see bank statements from 2023 showing there is a 12th deposit missing.

Hill explained, "I would just say that I got this (dollar amounts) off the W-2s, so these were the W-2s that everybody got this year and everybody got last year that went through your bank."

"Well, still we need to take a look till next month and from your bank to prove," Wilson said. "We need proof, in writing."

In a roll call vote council members voting "Yes" to table until the next regular meeting were Joy Gray, Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Council members voting "No" were Angela Griffin and Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn. Council Member Tony Staton was absent and counted as a "No" vote.

Let's talk

Raising rent

Three other items on the agenda were all items for discussion. Herrmann wanted council members to consider raising rental fees, the removal of the "Duplex (site-built)" housing type from the "Mixed-Use Residential District (R-2. MU)" zoning category and amending a variety of ordinances.

Alexander currently rents three locations; the pavilion and gazebo in the City Park and Community Center #1 (Old City Hall) on Main Street in north Alexander. Under the current fee structure the City either barely breaks even or loses money completely. It's $75.00 to rent the pavilion but $50.00 of that is the deposit, which is refunded. The city keeps $25. Renting the Gazebo is $200.00 but $100.00 of that is the deposit, which again is returned to the renter. The City keeps the remaining $100.00. There's a $50.00 deposit to rent Community Center #1 plus a fee of $8.00 per hour. According to Herrmann after returning that deposit the City has barely nothing left. No matter what Alexander rents to the public there's a cost.

"What's going on is when somebody rents the pavilion for $25, we have our city (employee) and we have to come out on that day and clean it," Herrmann said. "And so then we incur overtime for one of our parks department employees.

Besides having to pay the employee any overtime incurred, there's the cost of refunding the $50.00 deposit. All of which must come from the $25.00 Alexander keeps.

"So this $25 on top of the office work, because now we also have to process a refund check through the whole computer system and print out a check and mail it at that point," she explained. "So what I'm trying to express is it's either we have to raise the rent or don't charge a rent. Because right now it's cost us money to rent it."

While the current $100.00 rental fee for the gazebo leaves the City a little cushion to pay for the cost of returning the refund and pay the City employee, Community Center #1 runs in the negative according to Herrmann when you include the additional utilities of heating and cooling the other two locations don't have.

The Mayor's new proposed rates for the Pavilion, Gazebo and Community Center #1 are $150.00 each; $50.00 of that is the refundable deposit. The City keeps the remaining $100.00.

Herrmann is also proposing opening up Community Center #2 for renting. If approved the upfront fee will be $200.00; $50.00 of that is the refundable deposit. The City keeps the remaining $150.00.

Community Center #2 is the long metal building near Highway 111 on the property of the former Alexander Human Development Center. It has served as the Alexander Voting Center for the past two General Elections and primaries.

It's expected there will be an ordinance establishing these rental fees ready for the May council meeting.

Amending the Zoning Ordinance

With the recent request and approval of building a two-story duplex on the vacant lot at the corner of Alton Drive and South Alexander Road, it was brought to the attention of council members that the "Mixed-Use Residential District (R-2. MU)" zoning category includes duplexes. Under the current description of the zoning district; allowed housing types include "Single-Family (site-built), Duplex (site-built), Manufactured Home, Modular Home," and "Prefabricated Home." Nearly all of the area in south Alexander (formerly known as Woodland Hills) and portions of north Alexander are zoned R-2. MU.

Questioning Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck about the Mixed-Use Residential District (R-2. MU) zoning Herrmann asked, "[A]nybody could put in a duplex at this point?"

"If it's (the lot) at least eight thousand square feet and 60 feet wide in the front," Huck said.

Herrmann expressed concern that too many duplexes in south Alexander will overburden the Saline County Water Works Sanitary Sewer system. Especially the sewer portion. Alexander does not operate its own water and sewer system.

Herrmann said, "[I]f a large portion of that side of the community (south Alexander) ends up pulling off the mobile homes and putting in duplexes it's going to double the services."

"[U]nder our zoning in order to amend the zoning ordinance we have to essentially follow the same process as a rezoning issue," Huck explained.

To rezone property the planning commission sets a date for a public hearing. A legal notice is published in a newspaper and residents/property owners within 300 feet of the property must be notified by mail.

Huck noted the city can't mail notices to everyone but legal notices can be posted at the five usual places in Alexander the same as meeting announcements. He did say the city must send notices to the two school districts (Bryant and Pulaski County Special School District) notifying them of the public hearing.

Huck also suggested that amending the zoning ordinance would require by default rezoning the lot at Alton Dr. and South Alexander Rd. to Single-Family/Duplex Residential District (R-1.SFD) since it's already been approved. Also, he said there's a lot at 13518 3rd Street (Hwy. 111), "[P]assing as a duplex ... built in 1983" that will have to be rezoned as well.

The current zoning ordinance was approved by the Alexander City Council in 2019. It replaced a zoning ordinance in effect since 1980.

Other ordinance issues

The discussion then turned to either amending current ordinances or the need for new ordinances. The three items discussed were amending how to express the difference between manufactured homes built before the Department of Housing and Urban Development established construction standards in the 1970s and after the standards were established, writing an animal control ordinance to replace the current leash ordinance and a new ordinance designating where city announcements will be posted.

In the definition section of the Alexander Zoning Ordinance a mobile home is defined as, "A single-family unit fabricated prior to enactment of the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, June 15, 1976, transported after fabrication on its own wheels and with towing tongue to an approved lot. Traditionally, the wheels and towing tongue could not be removed." A manufactured home is defined as, "A dwelling unit fabricated on or after June 15, 1976, at a site other than the site intended for occupancy and transported to the site for occupancy."

In the zoning ordinance, and other ordinances, "Mobile Homes" are not allowed to be setup in Alexander. Also, "Manufactured Homes" cannot be older than 20 years the year they are setup in the city.

Some sample animal control ordinances were provided for review. It was noted hiring someone for animal control without an ordinance to enforce wouldn't be practical. Council Member Joy Gray was given the task of reviewing the sample ordinance. During the Mayor's report earlier in the meeting Herrmann said one applicant for the code enforcement/animal control officer position has been interviewed with two more scheduled.

In October 2019 the Alexander City Council passed an ordinance establishing locations to post, "[N]otice for meetings, ordinances, and other matters." The locations are Alexander City Hall, Alexander Post Office, Hess Gas Station, Elmo's Grocery, Citgo Flash Market Gas Station (on the I-30 Frontage Road), and the Dollar General Store.

Since the passing of the ordinance the Hess Gas Station was purchased by SQRL and has been closed for renovation about one year, the Citgo is now a Mobil and the corporate office for Dollar General turned down former Mayor Paul Mitchell's request to allow the public postings. The minimum legal requirement is five locations.

Mayor Herrmann says they have been posting at the two Circle K gas stations; one at the Highway 5 and North Alexander Rd. intersection and the second at Highway 111 and Cornerstone Road. The goal is to have a new ordinance by the May meeting that will establish Alexander City Hall, Alexander Post Office, the Mobil Station (on the I-30 Frontage Road), Elmo's Grocery, and the two Circle Ks as posting locations. An attempt will be made to add Dollar General and the Saline County Water Works Sanitary Sewer Public Utilities Board office (E. Azalea and South Alexander Road) to the list of authorized posting locations.

Council Member Angela Griffin suggested installing a weather proof bulletin board somewhere in the city park. This will allow for the posting of various types of public information.

Mayor's Report

Grant application deadline met

Mayor Crystal Herrmann provided an update to the special meeting held Wednesday, April 10. The meeting was needed to approve two resolutions required to allow Alexander to submit applications to Federal block grants. The first resolution establishes the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District as grants administrator for the city. The second is, "A Resolution adopting the policies necessary to apply for block grant funds."

"I don't know the percentage, but we've got a chance of a block grant of $500,000," Herrmann said.

Shot Clinic

A drive-through shot clinic is scheduled for April 28th from 12 to 4 in cooperation with the Saline County Humane Society. More details will be posted on the Alexander Facebook page when available.

"We have a $5 coupon at the office," Herrmann said. "It's $15 (fee) as is, but we do have some $5 coupons at City Hall," reducing the shot fee to $10.00.

Saline County Library in the park

Saline County Library will hold its second annual summer program for children in the City Park. It's May 18th.

Herrmann said, "They'll have the kid day at the park with the petting zoo and bounce houses and everything else coming."

Alexander can apply for Brownfield grant

Alexander has met the qualifications to apply for a Brownfield grant to raze the former tuberculosis hospital. The hospital building is located on the grounds of the former State-run Alexander Human Development Center.

"We got the green light that we can, we do qualify to apply to get a removal grant," Herrmann said.

She said the main holdup was Brownfield officials determining whether or not the City was responsible for the vandalism and fire damage to the building. Ultimately the decision was made that Alexander was not responsible for the damage.

The grant program is funded by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA website, "A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant."

Herrmann said testing of the grounds and hospital still needs to be done. It was scheduled for last year but the Mayor said there were complications with the bid for the testing.

Municipal election petitions available May 9

Mayor Herrmann announced the Saline County Clerk's Office will make petitions for the upcoming municipal elections available beginning May 9. Positions up for election in November are the eight seats on the city council and the positions for recorder and treasurer. Council members serve a two-year term while the recorder and treasurer serve four-year terms.

Next Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is May 20, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Council fills vacancy caused by Governor's appointment; Appointed new planning commission member

The Alexander City Council recently approved two appointments. One filled the vacancy in the prosecuting attorney's position. The other appointed a new member to the planning commission.

R. Margaret Dobson, Esq. has served as Alexander's prosecuting attorney since the summer of 2022. She was recently selected by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve as a judge.

"Effective May 6, 2024, 1 have been appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve as Circuit Judge for the First Division of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, a role I will uphold until December 31, 2027," Dobson said in her resignation letter. "As a result, I will be unable to continue practicing law during this tenure.

"It has been my honor to serve the City of Alexander as its prosecutor," she continued. "In light of the appointment, however, I am required to close my law practice. Please accept this as my resignation, effective April 30, 2024."

Two attorneys submitted resumes; Pamela Perry and Caleb Conrad. While Conrad's resume provides a list of positions as a prosecutor, an adjunct professor and as the owner of a law firm; Perry has the additional benefit of having served as City Prosecutor for the Town of Bauxite since 2012.

Conrad's resume includes Prosecuting Attorney, (11th West District of Arkansas: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, First Division), November 2020 – September 2021; Office of the Arkansas Attorney General, September, (Assistant Attorney General, Civil Litigation), 2021 – January 2023; William H. Bowen School of Law, (Adjunct Professor), Spring 2023; Prosecuting Attorney, (22nd District of Arkansas, Part-Time Deputy Prosecuting Attorney), January 2023 – Present; and owner and Managing Attorney of Conrad Law Firm, PLLC, January 2023 – Present.

Perry's work experience listed in her resume begins working for the Oklahoma Department of Community Corrections, "Assisting inmates with successful re-entry and integration into the local community," from 1979 – 1985; Director, Markham UMC Mother’s Day Out Program 1986 – 1997; Personnel Recruiter, (Child Development Center), 1998 – 2001; In-House Counsel for several transportation companies under common ownership, 2001 – 2008; City Attorney, (Town of Bauxite), January 2013 – August 2014. Attorney, (Solo Practitioner), 2001 – Present; City Prosecutor, (Town of Bauxite), 2012 – Present.

Conrad started with one strike against him. In 2023, prior to hiring current City Attorney Chris Madison, Conrad was Alexander's city attorney for barely a month. He also did not attend the April 15 council meeting.

Perry, on the other hand, not only attended the council meeting but she also sat through the previous week's court session. She told council members it's similar to Bauxite with the same type of local violations making up the court docket. Alexander's court meets the second Thursday of the month.

In a roll call vote all seven council members present voted to appoint Pamela Perry as Alexander's Prosecuting Attorney. Attending the meeting were council members Joy Gray, Angela Griffin, Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Council Member Tony Staton was absent and counted as the lone "No" vote.

This isn't the first time Alexander lost an attorney to a State appointment. In 2015 former City Attorney Kevin Lemley was hired by the Arkansas Attorney General’s office.

The second appointment made during the Monday, April 15 council meeting involved the appointment of Jennifer Plunkett to the Alexander Planning Commission. A new term for one of the five seats on the planning commission began April 6. Rodney Chapman occupied the position but decided not to seek reappointment. A term lasts three years. Plunkett was the only Alexander resident to submit a resume.

"I have many years of management and communication skills along with years of customer service," Plunkett says in her resume. "I pride myself in being creative, imaginative, and professional. I believe in having good work ethics and being dedicated and loyal to my work and employer."

According to her employment history she has been working for the Arkansas Department Agriculture Division of Livestock and Poultry as an Administrative Specialist III since May 30, 2021. Other jobs included in her employment history are Stonemark Management (DBA) Breckenridge Square Apartments, Community Manager, 1999 - 2004; Richards Honda - Yamaha, (Receptionist/Bookkeeping/Cashier), 2004 - 2005; Department of Finance and Administration - Marketing and Redistribution, (Administrative Assistant II), 08/28/2005 to 12/20/2017; Arkansas Department of Health - Saline County Unit Health Service, (Specialist II), 12/03/2017 to 05/02/2019; and Arkansas Department of Health - ERAVE Health Statistics Branch, (Administrative Specialist III), 05/02/2019 to 05/29/2021.

In a roll call vote council members approved the appointment of Plunkett to the planning commission. As before the vote was seven "Yes" and one vote of "No" due to the absence of Council Member Tony Staton.

Plunkett must still be sworn-in. The next regular meeting of the planning commission is July 9.

Alexander Planning Commission approves duplex with slight change

The Alexander Planning Commission has approved the construction of a residential duplex in south Alexander. The duplex will be built on property owned by Jose Perez Arreola, 15404 S. Alexander Rd., at the corner of Alton Dr. and South Alexander Road.

The property is already zoned for both single-family and duplex residences, bypassing the need for a public hearing and approval from the city council. Since rezoning is not needed, the planning commission mainly dealt with whether construction plans meet zoning requirements.

At its April 9 meeting, the planning commission reviewed construction drawings of the two-story rental units. According to the drawings each unit will have a one-car garage, living area, dining area, kitchen, and half-bath on the first floor. The second floor will have a master bedroom with a bathroom, two additional bedrooms with a bathroom in between and a laundry room. The rent is planned for $1,500.00 per month.

The only change requested by the planning commission is the addition of a parking/turn around spot connected to the side of each driveway. Planning Commission Member Tonya Prowse made the suggestion to not only be able to turn around a vehicle when backing out of the garage but to provide a needed third parking spot.

Zoning for duplexes require three off-street parking spots for each duplex unit. The garage and driveway will provide the other two spots.

Unlike many rental properties in Alexander, Arreola will not be a long-distance landlord. He lives next door with his wife Melissa.

Alexander agenda items; Mix of action items and discussion

Monday's meeting of the Alexander City Council will be a mix of voting and discussion according to the agenda. Potentially three items could result in votes, while another three are listed for discussion.

On the voting side, there is a proposed resolution that will adjust payments in the 2024 budget to four elected officials who were allegedly underpaid in 2023. According to the proposed resolution Mayor Crystal Herrmann was paid $37,456.04 in 2023 instead of $42,160.00; a difference of $4,703.96. Council members Tony Staton, Angela Griffin and Gina Thomas-Littlejohn are listed as being paid $1100.00 in 2023 instead of the annual $1,200.00; a difference of $100.00. Council members are paid $100.00 per month no matter how many meetings are held.

Another agenda item that may result in a vote is appointing someone to the planning commission. On April 6, 2024 a new term began for one of the five planning commission seats. That position is currently held by Rodney Chapman. Only one resume has been received. Chapman did not submit a resume.

Council members are expected to vote on a replacement for Alexander's prosecuting attorney. R. Margaret Dobson, Esq. submitted her resignation effective next month, May 6, 2024.

In her resignation letter she states, "I have been appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve as Circuit Judge for the First Division of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, a role I will uphold until December 31, 2027."

The only other agenda items are labeled for discussion. One involves increasing rental fees on the pavilion and gazebo in the city park and Community Center #1 located on Main Street. At one time Community Center #1 served as the post office and later as city hall. Also included in the discussion establishing a rental fee for Community Center #2, which is located at the former Alexander Human Development Center.

Another discussion item involves the removal of the "Duplex (site-built)" housing type from the "Mixed-Use Residential District (R-2. MU)" zoning category. Under the current description of the zoning district allowed housing types include, "Single-Family (site-built), Duplex (site-built), Manufactured Home, Modular Home," and "Prefabricated Home." Nearly all of the area in south Alexander (formerly known as Woodland Hills) and portions of north Alexander are zoned R-2. MU.

The final agenda item is listed as "Ordinance Discussion." There is no documentation provided hinting at the purpose for this item.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, April 15, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Council passes two resolutions with votes of four council members and mayor

During a special meeting of the Alexander City Council two resolutions were approved paving the way for the city to apply for infrastructure and a variety of other grants. The first resolution establishes the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (CAPDD) as grants administrator for the city. The second is, "A Resolution adopting the policies necessary to apply for block grant funds."

The first resolution was simple and straight forward. It authorizes CAPDD to act as Alexander's administrator when applying for Federal block grants.

"[T]hey are certified to apply for grants for ... municipalities," City Attorney Chris Madison said. "And actually, this does let them be our administrative agency through the grant. And I've done this with other cities ... this is what they do."

After a motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution, and without the required public reading of the resolution, there was a voice vote with council members Joy Gray, Angela Griffin, Joe Pollard, and Gina R Littlejohn voting "Yes." Mayor Crystal Herrmann, serving as the fifth member of the quorum, voted "Yes." Absent, and counted as "No" votes, were council members Mitchell W. Smith, Tony Staton, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson.

One of the hoops a government entity must jump through is to meet certain criteria. In Alexander's case it's the high percentage of Hispanics.

"And these are documents that are required as part of the application process for the Community Block grant, okay," Madison said. "Because (a) Community Block Grant is done through a Federal agency, they put these requirements or restrictions on there."

"Well, the city of Alexander from the 2020 census has a 38-percent Hispanic population, which triggers certain rules and requirements under the Community Block Grant rules, as well as presidential executive orders related to language, the English language proficiency," Madison explained. "And because we have this high population of Hispanics, we have to develop and basically say we're going to implement a language plan so that we're able to effectively communicate with our non-English speakers."

According to the policies resolution, two requirements must be addressed to apply for block grant funds. One is to adopt a, "Language Assistance Plan (LAP) for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) residents." The second is to have police department policies in place that prohibit, "[T]he use of excessive force in the apprehension or detention of criminal violators, including those who may be engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations."

The LAP includes translating city forms and other documents used by the public into Spanish. In personal contact situations, Madison notes the police department already has a Hispanic officer. Plus, there's always dial a friend.

"We have a Hispanic officer that we utilize for translation services," Madison said. "I've also done some initial research on using what's called on demand translation or interpretation services, where basically you call a number and get a translator on."

When it comes to having the required police department policies, Alexander is a step ahead. Attached to the second resolution is not only the LAP, but three documents that address the required policies. The three policies are "Response to Resistance" implemented September 15, 2020; "Crowd Control" implemented September 15, 2020; and "Internal Affairs/Citizen Complaints" implemented September 15, 2020.

Again, after a motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution, and without the required public reading, there was a voice vote resulting in five "Yes" and four "No." As explained above, four council members were absent resulting in the "No" votes. Herrmann, serving as the fifth member of the quorum, voted "Yes" resulting in the total of nine votes.

This was a meeting that almost wasn't. The special meeting was called because of an approaching deadline to submit the resolutions. At the 6:00 PM starting time there were only three council members present; Gray, Griffin and Littlejohn. Under council policies there is a 15-minute waiting period to form a quorum. Herrmann, wanting a quorum, drove to Pollard's home, which is walking distance from city hall, and convinced him to attend a council meeting he planned on skipping.

Next Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is April 15, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Special Council Meeting Wednesday, Another step in acquiring grants

A Special Meeting of the Alexander City Council has been scheduled to discuss and approve two resolutions concerning grants. One is listed on the agenda as, "A Resolution designating CAPDD (Central Arkansas Planning and Development District) as grants administrator." The second is, "A Resolution adopting the policies necessary to apply for block grant funds."

According to the policies resolution, two requirements must be addressed to apply for block grant funds. One is to adopt a, "Language Assistance Plan (LAP) for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) residents." The second is to have policies in place that prohibit, "[T]he use of excessive force in the apprehension or detention of criminal violators, including those who may be engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations."

As stated in the resolution, "[T]he City of Alexander, Arkansas, has a Hispanic population of thirty-eight (38%), based on the 2020 Census." To deal with this issue the plan calls for accessing, "[R]esources to assist in translation services with such resources possibly being on-demand translation services, document translation into Spanish by certified translators, or use of electronic and computer-based systems to facilitate communication between City officials or agents and LEP residents." It also states the police department already has a Spanish-speaking officer.

The resolution continues to state, "[T]he City of Alexander Police Department has written policies governing the use of force by its officers, policies governing officers' efforts to manage crowds and preserving the peace during demonstrations, large gatherings, and the handling of civil disturbances, and has policies governing the processing of citizen complaints and internal affairs investigations."

The special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend. Because this is a special meeting, by law, council members are only permitted to discuss and take action on those items listed in the agenda.

Duplex approval on Alexander Planning Commission agenda

Members of the Alexander Planning Commission will review construction plans to build a residential duplex in south Alexander. If approved the duplex will be built on a vacant lot at 15404 S. Alexander Rd. (corner of Alton Dr. and South Alexander Rd.).

The property is already zoned for both single-family and duplex residences. The only issues discussed will be whether construction plans meet zoning requirements.

The planning commission meeting will be held Tuesday, April 9, 6:30 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.

Alexander firefighters recognized for bravery; New firefighter gets shield

Edited with additions and corrections 4/2/2024.

Two Alexander firefighters were recently recognized for actions they took after arriving at a house fire March 5. The ceremony took place during the Alexander City Council's March 18 meeting.

Fire Chief Ryan McCormick told council members how Assistant Chief Matthews and Firefighter Donaldson ran inside without a fire hose, as is customary.

"The house was on fire, full of smoke, fire throughout the house," McCormick said. "They went inside the residence without any protection or water protection, risking their lives to search for two kids that were reported missing."

"The search was completed under extreme conditions and without any hose or water protection as well as no children were found in the home, which was great, but they placed themselves in front of harm's way," McCormick concluded.

McCormick also explained how Engineer Rowland established the "water supply" and performed other tasks while the search was underway.

Chief McCormick also took the opportunity to introduce the department's newest firefighter. Albeit a new firefighter with 14 years experience.

"This gentleman, Firefighter Parker," McCormick began. "He comes with so much experience. He came from Little Rock years ago. He worked a little over 14 years, and then went in a different direction in life for a little while."

"And he's gone through his probationary period, and today he gets the shield as fireman," McCormick concluded.

Arkansas Ethics Commissioners "Dismiss" complaint against Alexander Mayor

After a hearing held March 15 by the Arkansas Ethics Commission, three of the five commissioners present dismissed a three-part complaint submitted in September 2023 against Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann. The complaint was submitted by JoAn Churchill, who was city treasurer at the time, and Council Member Juanita Wilson. Attending the hearing were Wilson, Herrmann and City Attorney Chris Madison. Churchill attended the meeting by phone.

The complaint covered three issues. They were; 1) Overpaying herself beyond the amount budgeted, 2) Hiring an elected official from another municipality to work at city hall allowing "confidential access" to city documents and 3) Paying some department heads beyond the amount budgeted.

Herrmann received a letter from the Ethics Commission shortly after the hearing. A copy of the letter was provided to council members at their March 18 meeting.

"Please be advised that the results of staff's investigation were presented to the Commission at the meeting held on today’s date (March 15)," the letter stated. "At that time, the Commission decided, by a vote of 3-0, with Commissioners Irby and Tolbert not present, to DISMISS the complaint."

In making their decisions on each allegation the commissioners relied on one narrow section of Arkansas Code Annotated § 21-8-304(a). That section states, "No public servant shall use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself or herself or his or her spouse, child, parents, or other persons standing in the first degree of relationship, or for those with whom he or she has a substantial financial relationship that are not available to others except as may be otherwise provided by law."

In the letter the first allegation states, "You have overpaid yourself by thousands of dollars ($7,030.00 so far)." According to the ruling the budget wasn't specific enough.

"With respect to allegation number 1, the Commission determined that your acceptance of the prior Alexander Mayor’s salary did not represent a special privilege," the letter to Herrmann stated. "While the complainant and Alexander City Council member Juanita Wilson gave evidence and sworn statements indicating that the City Council intended to reduce your salary to $21,320 at its December 19, 2022 meeting, there was no specific action mentioned in the minutes for that meeting. The City Council did pass a budget for 2023 that may have reduced the overall budget by the intended amount but there was nothing in the budget that directly tied the reduction to your salary."

The second allegation states, "You hired a Treasurer from Haskell who JoAn Allen-Churchill [the complainant herein] believes is compromised (confidential access)."

"With respect to allegation number 2, there was no evidence available indicating that you are related to Ms. Jennifer Hill," the letter said. Likewise, there was no evidence available reflecting that you have a substantial financial relationship with Ms. Hill. Accordingly, even if Ms. Hill’s hire was determined to be a special privilege, she does not fall within the class of people prohibited from receiving a special privilege or exemption by Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-304(a)."

While the allegation makes no reference to Herrmann having a "financial relationship with Ms. Hill" nor does it mention any potential "special privilege," it does question whether Hill is "compromised" by having "(confidential access)" to records in two municipalities. The Commissioners did not opine as to whether subsection (b) falls under this allegation.

Subsection (b) states, "No public servant shall accept employment or engage in any public or professional activity while serving as a public official which he or she might reasonably expect would require or induce him or her to disclose any information acquired by him or her by reason of his or her official position that is declared by law or rule to be confidential."

Allegation three states, "You have paid many supervisory employees more than the budget allows." Again, when it comes to following a budget, apparently that's not a violation of ethics.

"Moving to allegation number 3, there was no evidence available indicating that you are related to any of the department heads," the letter says. "There was no evidence available reflecting that you had a substantial financial relationship with any of the department heads either. Accordingly, even if a department head was being paid more than the budgeted amount was determined to be a special privilege, none of the department heads fall within the class of people prohibited from receiving a special privilege or exemption by Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-304(a)."

Receipt of this letter was not discussed during the March 18 council meeting.

Alexander Mayor gives State of the City Address

At the end of her monthly report Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann gave a State of the City Address. The Address provided council members with an up-to-date financial status report of all accounts to the end of February, 2024.

"In February, at the end of February, everything reconciled, general funds had a total of $827,845.14," Herrmann began. "The PD (Police Department) has at the end of February, $62,137.26 in this account. Parks was holding at $155,942.45; streets, $59,383.57. The payroll account was sitting with $123,687.01. And the ARPA account (American Recovery Plan Account) was still holding at $298,298.14."

"I feel like the city is in good standing," Herrmann continued. "I'm really encouraged. I do believe we are on the right path. I think all the department heads will agree when we can say we can actually sit down and look at a budget and go, okay, I need this, what do we have, where we headed. I'm just, it's a good start."

"I'm happy with the office staff," Herrmann said. "I appreciate everybody's efforts."

"We're in a good place," she concluded. "Of course, there's never enough money for all of these, but we're doing a lot better than others."

Also at the March 18 council meeting;

Trees planted to slow erosion of Crooked Creek in park

Mayor Crystal Herrmann provided council members with an update on the plan to plant trees along the Crooked Creek bank inside the City Park to help reduce erosion. Herrmann has been working with Aaron Norden, the Region III Stream Habitat Coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

"We had over 100 trees planted on the banks," she said "We had some volunteers that actually come [sic] out and see some really good folks."

Bass Pro said "No"

Last December Herrmann applied for a grant from Bass Pro Shops. The grant was to be used to renovate the bathroom and the pavilion at the pond on the southern end of the former Human Development Center.

"Unfortunately, we were not chosen for that grant," Herrmann said. "So we'll get creative and see what we can come up with for some more funding for that."

Saline County Animal Control, "Not going to happen"

Mayor Herrmann told council members Saline County's smaller municipalities are on their own when it comes to animal control. Currently Benton and Bryant have animal control departments.

"I met with multiple small cities and Tricia over at the Bryant Animal Shelter," Herrmann said. "She (Tricia) was trying to take us under her wing and give suggestions. We also had Anne Sanders from the Humane Society, who was there."

The discussion transitioned into the need for both a code enforcement officer and an animal control officer. Herrmann noted one person can do both because, "animal control is code enforcement."

"So we posted for a code enforcer slash animal control officer position for the city of Alexander," Herrmann said. "Tricia over at Bryant, (said) we can put somebody through school to manage. I mean, the animal control is code enforcement. So I've been told that a lot of small cities do both code and animal control under the same employee. And as small as our city is, I think once there's a good handle on it, I think it's more than doable."

Herrmann isn't waiting for the establishment of an animal control department. She is working with the Saline County Humane Society to hold a vaccination clinic next month.

"And, then we're hoping in April we can host a vaccination day where people drive through and vaccinate for a low fee," she said. "

Saline County Library box won't be activated until after eclipse

The Saline County Library System is installing a kiosk outside the Alexander Municipal Complex that will be used to order, pick up and return library books. Currently only the outer shell has been installed.

"It's going to be after April 8th when it will be up and running," Herrmann said. "I think it's going to get moved in here shortly. And then we have to have the electrician. And then the tech guy has to come and plug it in. And then they've got some graphics and stuff coming into display the box. So, you can actually know what it is. So, I'm excited about that."

City Hall to be closed April 8

Mayor Herrmann announced the Alexander Municipal Complex will be closed April 8, the day of the eclipse.

Reports from other department heads

Fire and Rescue;
Emergency calls with a mix of training

"We're running a little over 60 calls for the month so far," reported Fire Chief Ryan McCormick. "They've run from structured fires, to medical calls, to vehicle accidents, control or uncontrolled burns, people burning in the yard that are not supposed to be burning; those type of incidents."

Then there's training. According to McCormick the department has been training for shootings, hazardous material response and disaster related search and rescue.

"We've been really busy training-wise," McCormick continued. "We're still working on some different types of training that we are involved with and have been asked to be a part of such as the (Saline) county-wide rescue task force."

"That's a pretty big deal to be apart of," he told council members. "It deals with active shooters, incidents for schools and churches. So we'll be starting to get involved with Benton, Bryant in the same county task force to be trained and equipped with that and be prepared for those type of instances for the county."

"Three of our members finished up their hazmat tech class, which is pretty big," McCormick explained. "It's an 80-hour class."

"We have four members, five members on the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team," McCormick said. "That's a room, search and rescue team that gets deployed on natural disasters, tornadoes, those kind of things."

Alexander Fire and Rescue took part in a training session recently in Hot Springs Village.

"We sent two guys that were deployed with the USAR team," McCormick said. "That's the first time in the fire department's history that we've had team members be deployed for the city. They were in Hot Springs Village for several hours checking on homes and trying to take care of people that are injured or just trying to get to places."

Preparations for the upcoming eclipse are underway. McCormick says he's been working with Alexander Police Chief Robert Burnett plus county and state agencies.

"We've been in meetings for the last two years of different eclipse situations and problems in the county and state organizations and I don't think anybody really realizes what's going to happen," McCormick said. "We just got to prepare for the worst and that's kind of what we're looking for right now. Just pre-planning and having some extra staff on hand through a three-day period."

In response to a query on Facebook about the working status of the tornado siren at the Central Firehouse, McCormick said it's still not working. And, it's not the only siren not working in Saline County. It's on the list to be repaired."

"That is a county project," McCormick said. "They (Saline County) have several tornado sirens throughout the county that are not working. Ours is one of them. They are very much aware of that. I have been in contact with the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) director, Mr. Cohn, and they are working on a solution to get that fixed."

Police Department;
Police taking a different type of training

Alexander police officers are getting additional training as a preventative measure. This type of training, however, is an effort to keep the city out of court.

"As you know, a lot of big lawsuits coming down police departments and cities," Police Chief Robert Burnett said. "One of our neighborhood cities just got sued for 32 million.

"So like I said, the police department will double up on training," Burnett continued. "I did 19 classes this past month."

"Everybody has to be a lot more trained," Burnett said. "Just not because we're lacking any of it. We're just trying to get more of it."

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is April 15, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Council Member Joy Gray accused of "Harassment"

After failing to remove Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck in December, 2023; Alexander Council Member Joy Gray has had three re-dos. All of which have failed. This time though she was called-out for it by fellow Council Member Harold Timmerman.

This latest attempt at a do-over started out as the previous two, with Gray admitting she's fighting a lost cause. But it's not harassment.

"So this is just my monthly reassessing y 'all on whether or not you'd like to remove the head of the planning commission," Gray began. "I know the answer will probably be, it's probably a waste of time, but I'm going to keep doing it every month until either something happens or elections happen."

"So I would move that we remove Michael Huck, the head of the planning commission," Gray said.

"Now, would you call this one, fourth month you brought this up," Timmerman asked? "Now, wouldn't that be an act of harassment against Mr. Huck?"

"No," Gray responded.

"Yes, it would," Timmerman replied.

Gray claimed it's not harassment because, "I'm not asking to remove him from the city, I'm asking to remove him from this position."

After receiving a second on her motion Gray continued on her latest reasoning to have Huck removed.

"I've gotten yet another email this month from someone who works in the city asking me to bring it up again because of his harassment via email of people," Gray began. "He harassed some people literally claiming that there was hacking going on with the city now."

Background:

At the December, 2023 council meeting Gray made a motion to remove Huck from the planning commission based on a complaint concerning comments he made towards another planning commission member after the October, 2023 planning meeting. That complaint was investigated by City Attorney Chris Madison with the aid of Assistant Police Chief Jessica Burnett.

At the January, 2024 council meeting Gray produced a second complaint to add to the failed attempt in December at removal. Gray said this one was in the form of a request from an employee with the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA). According to Gray, "The person that represents them has specifically asked if she can speak with anyone besides Michael Huck, because of his way of conducting himself with her and his just sort of general rudeness."

Alexander has been waiting since April, 2023 for LRWRA to approve the city's new master development plan. The LRWRA provides sewer service to the northern end of Alexander, hence the interest in Alexander's future plans. Next month will be one year since sending the proposed plan to it's first stop for approval, the Little Rock Planning Department.

At the February 20 council meeting Gray tried to use an E-mail sent by Huck to a member of Metroplan using the city E-mail system. It's Metroplan that has been aiding Alexander in writing its new master development plan.

In January Huck asked the mayor and city hall office manager to produce a report on the previous year's building/construction permits. This is an annual request by Metroplan as part of the ongoing updating of the city's master development plan. After not receiving any acknowledgment or response, Huck asked his Metroplan contact to make the request and explain its importance. The files were already started by a previous employee.

It was Gray who was now the insulted one.

"So no, that was not sent by a morose teenage girl," Gray said. "That was sent by a grown man who represents the city. So, that's embarrassing."

Since Gray never explained how she acquired an E-mail sent by Huck, using the city E-mail system, he questioned a city employee familiar with the system.

"This is now considered 'Harassment' and the word 'Hack' was never used," Huck said later.

As stated in the original article published March 5 in The Alexandrian, the city employee said, "No one has (administrative) privilege at city hall."

After the publication of the first article, Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann admitted in an E-mail that she has access to everyone's E-mails. In an update article published March 12 she was quoted as writing, "The city email which you conduct the Alexander Planning commission business on belongs to the City of Alexander. As Mayor (chief executive officer), I hold the administrator role on the city's email system. If there is a personnel change and/or a large number of complaints I can and will have the emails forward to my email. Council member Joy Gray received your inappropriate email from my office. The Council is over your position and Joy Gray is the Council member that handles the agenda. As Mayor, if I receive complaints and it falls under Alexander City Councils [sic] respectability it will be sent to Joy Gray by my office staff or myself."

Prior to the council's vote on the motion, the discussion began with Council Member Wayne Smith telling Gray this "sounds personal."

"No, it's not personal Wayne," Gray said.

"It sounds personal to me," Smith replied.

Gray then began the monthly listing of grievances starting with October, 2023.

"But he's done things in meetings where I'm not even there, but he's admitted to doing it and it's in documentation," Gray said. "The person has come and told what he's done. He's done things in these (council) meetings. He's sent emails that are wildly inappropriate, but again we might as well just go ahead and vote because everyone's going to be like oh you're harassing a private citizen and that's rich coming from some people in the council."

Council Member Joe Pollard asked, "Why do you (not) forgive this?"

"This is not, this is not church, this is city council," she replied. "So that's between him or you and whoever you deal with outside of here at church setting."

Voting "No" were Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Council member Tony Staton was absent, which counts as a "No" vote. Voting "Yes" on the motion were council members Joy Gray, Angela Griffin and Gina R. Thomas-Littlejohn, resulting in Five "No" and three "Yes."

Planning Commission reappointment process questioned

There was one other agenda item involving the planning commission. That was the reappointment of Planning Commission Member Rodney Chapman.

Chapman was the final appointment that completed the five-member commission. That seat was vacant for five years. He was appointed in mid-term by the city council in August, 2022. Chapman is a former city employee working for the street and parks departments. His term expires April 6, 2024.

In an interesting turn of events, the normal simple reappointment process became a discussion of whether planning commission seats should be considered open when the term is expiring; even if the current planning member is willing to serve another three-year term.

Gray asked, "I don't have any recollection of, do people on the planning commission just decide they stay? Does the planning commission not advertise that position being opened? So do we just automatically rubber stamp people?"

"We automatically put them back in there because they're learning what needs to be done," said Council Member Juanita Wilson. Wilson is also a member of the planning commission.

Huck pointed out it was just last year planning commission members Tonya Prowes and Stephanie Beck were reappointed. Their new terms expire April 6, 2026.

A history of Planning Commission appointments

and re-appointments

The current Alexander Planning Commission is a reincarnated version of a previous commission. The original planning commission was disbanded by the council in 2017 after two members resigned and the council felt there was a lack of interest, by at least two of the remaining members, to cooperate with city hall.

City Council Member Juanita Wilson and former Council Member Michael Huck were appointed by Mayor Paul Mitchell June 19, 2017. They were appointed to terms open from the original planning commission, which expired April 6, 2019. Because a quorum of five is three Huck and Wilson couldn't hold a meeting until they found a third person.

Former Council Member Stephanie Beck was appointed by Mitchell in March, 2018. Beck's first term expired April 6, 2020.

With three out of five members available they were able to hold their first meeting Tuesday, March 20, 2018. The terms of the two remaining vacancies would expire April 6, 2020 and April 6, 2021.

Tonya Prowse was appointed September, 2018. Her first term expired April 6, 2020. That still left the fifth position vacant and a term to expire April 6, 2021.

The council reappointed Wilson and Huck at the April, 2019 council meeting to their first full three-year terms. Those terms would expire April 6, 2022.

Beck and Prowse were reappointed by the council April, 2020. Their new terms would expire April 6, 2023.

In April, 2022 the city council reappointed Huck and Wilson for a second time. Their current terms will expire April 6, 2025.

The vacant planning commission seat's term expired April 6, 2021 beginning a new term to expire April 6, 2024. In August, 2022 former city employee Rodney Chapman was appointed by the council.

As stated above, Beck and Prowse were reappointed for a second time by the council March, 2023. Their current terms will expire April 6, 2026.

The vote

In a roll call vote Council members Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson voted "Yes." Voting "No" were council members Joy Gray and Gina R. Thomas-Littlejohn. Council Member , Angela Griffin abstained. Council Member Tony Staton was absent, which counts as a "No" vote. The total count was four "Yes," Two "No," one abstain and one absent.

With what amounts to a four, four tie the motion to reappoint failed. Mayor Herrmann declined to exercise her option to break the tie by voting "Yes" as permitted under state law. The council took no decision on advertising the opening.

Under state law anyone whose term has expired is still able to keep that position unless they resign or are replaced.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is April 15, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Pafford EMS now serves north Alexander

The Alexander City Council approved an ordinance that allows Pafford Medical Services, Inc. to serve both the Saline County and Pulaski County portions of the city. In July, 2021 the Saline County EMS Board selected Pafford Medical Services to provide ambulance and emergency medical services in both the rural areas and its municipalities. The contract went into effect January 1, 2022.

This new ordinance was introduced and had its first public reading at the February 20 council meeting. The second and third readings were held at the March 18 meeting with the required two-thirds vote of the council.

Before the vote, Fire Chief Ryan McCormick relayed an incident that occurred since the February 20 council meeting. According to McCormick a mother and father went to city hall to get medical assistance for their baby. Office Manager Jennifer Hill attempted to get MEMS out of Little Rock but was told it would be a 15-minute wait.

"We had a baby that showed up here having a seizure or not breathing before the call," McCormick said. "We had an ambulance sitting at our fire station that could not respond here. That's unacceptable, to my opinion, because we want to wait and read over and over, and we're dealing with life safety."

At the February 20 meeting Council Member Juanita Wilson had questions about how the franchise agreement would affect Alexander and if there was a financial component. To allow for time to have her questions researched by City Attorney Chris Madison the first reading was held at the February meeting. Wilson's concerns were discussed with her between the February and March meetings.

"There's franchises where we have franchise tax, utility bills, things like that," Madison explained at the February meeting. "And then there's a franchise where we allow someone to be within our city. That's what this is. I'm not aware of the monetary requirement."

Pafford has an ambulance stationed in the Alexander Central Firehouse on South Alexander Road. After the February meeting, McCormick explained how not much will change behind the scenes. Aside from MEMS taking on the mutual aid role instead of being the primary responder in north Alexander, everything else remains essentially the same. McCormick said the Pulaski County area of Alexander is already part of the Saline County 911 system. The only change will be that Pafford will be dispatched to north Alexander first.

Also at the March 18 council meeting:

Property For Sale

The Alexander City Council approved an ordinance giving Mayor Crystal Herrmann the authority to sell the parcel at 14805 Kent Drive. The property was voluntarily turned over to the city in 2018 when its owner no longer wanted to deal with the continual issuance of code violations by the city.

The ordinance specifies, "[T]he revenues generated from selling such property shall be used for the purchase of equipment, a vehicle, and other personal property type items necessary for a Code Enforcement and Animal Control Officer."

Mayor can apply for Community Development Block Grants

The Alexander City Council approved a resolution that gives Mayor Crystal Herrmann the authority to apply for grants through the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program. Each grant has a maximum amount of $500,000.00.

The resolution does not specify what project will be used in the grant request. The two projects discussed were flood control and the Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Public Utilities Board's request to acquire a grant through the city to upgrade the sewer lines along Lyndsey Drive. For now the mayor will begin the application process.

Still no applicants for treasurer position

After three months the mayor still has not received any applications for the vacant treasurer's position. Former Treasurer JoAn Churchill submitted her resignation in December effective December 31.

City Attorney Chris Madison gave council members three options.

"One is continue looking to fulfill the vacant position," Madison said. "Two, and I haven't discussed this with Ms. (Sharon) Bankhead, but you can combine the recorder treasurer positions by council. And three is you can actually, by ordinance, have the city treasurer appointed."

This would be an appointed position ending the election process. Since the council won't be filling a vacancy in an elected position they won't be limited to residents of Alexander. And, this being an election year for the positions of recorder and treasurer the ordinance must be passed before election petitions are circulated this summer. Herrmann was given permission to advertise a Request For Qualifications to be submitted by interested individuals.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is April 15, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

E-mail mystery solved

A recent article posted on The Alexandrian questioned how Alexander Council Member Joy Gray gained access to an E-mail sent by Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck. As it turns out Mayor Chrystal Herrmann has the keys to the E-mail system.

In a response to the article, sent in an E-mail, Herrmann said,

"Mr. Huck,

The city email which you conduct the Alexander Planning commission business on belongs to the City of Alexander. As Mayor (chief executive officer), I hold the administrator role on the city's email system. If there is a personnel change and/or a large number of complaints I can and will have the emails forward to my email. Council member Joy Gray received your inappropriate email from my office. The Council is over your position and Joy Gray is the Council member that handles the agenda. As Mayor, if I receive complaints and it falls under Alexander City Councils [sic] respectability it will be sent to Joy Gray by my office staff or myself.

Respectfully,

Crystal Herrmann, Mayor"

Mystery solved.

Pafford ambulance to cover all of Alexander

An ordinance has been introduced that will allow the City of Alexander to enter into, "[A]n exclusive franchise agreement with Pafford Medical Services, Inc." to provide ambulance services in both the Saline and Pulaski county areas of Alexander. The ordinance received only its first reading, instead of being passed in one meeting, when Council Member Juanita Wilson wanted to know, "What is the value" (of the franchise)?

Pafford has an ambulance stationed in the Alexander Central Firehouse on South Alexander Road. Fire Chief Ryan McCormick told council members, at the February 20 council meeting, that Alexander residents in Pulaski County can also benefit from the situation, "[S]ince we have an ambulance already in our city at our fire station." Currently, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) out of Little Rock is the primary ambulance and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider for the Pulaski County area of Alexander.

In July, 2021 the recently established Saline County EMS Board selected Pafford Medical Services to provide ambulance and emergency medical services in both the rural areas and its municipalities. The contract went into effect January 1, 2022. The proposed ordinance will establish a separate contract to provide EMS and ambulance services in both the Saline County and Pulaski County portions of the city.

"There's franchises where we have franchise tax, utility bills, things like that," City Attorney Chris Madison explained. "And then there's a franchise where we allow someone to be within our city. That's what this is. I'm not aware of the monetary requirement, but I'm happy to look into that."

Questioned after the meeting, McCormick explained how not much will change behind the scenes. Aside from MEMS taking on the mutual aid role instead of being the primary responder in North Alexander, everything else remains essentially the same. McCormick said the Pulaski County area of Alexander is already part of the Saline County 911 system. Once the ordinance is approved Pafford will be dispatched to North Alexander first, if available.

Also at the February 20 council meeting:

Amended version of 2023 budget approved

The Alexander Council approved a resolution amending and closing out the 2023 budget. The resolution included both a summary and detailed list of 395 changes in both revenue and expenditures in the six funds. Below is the list of changes in the totals for budgeted and actual dollar amounts of revenue and expenses for each fund.

Summary - 2023 Budget Versus Actual Comparisons

GENERAL FUND REVENUE

ACTUAL - $3,431,735.23

BUDGETED -  $2,899,644.00

Overage -  $532,091.23

GENERAL FUND EXPENSE

ACTUAL - $2,580,066.10

BUDGETED - $2,480,792.00

Overage - $99,274.10

STREET FUND REVENUE

ACTUAL - $398,954.20

BUDGETED - $327,855.00

Overage - $71,099.20

STREET FUND EXPENSE

ACTUAL - $385,787.82

BUDGETED - $319,198.00

Overage - $66,589.82

PARKS FUND REVENUE

ACTUAL - $248,578.77

BUDGETED - $193,891.00

Overage - $54,687.77

PARKS FUND EXPENSE

ACTUAL - $335,501.29

BUDGETED - $158,574.00

Overage - $176,927.29

POLICE FUND REVENUE

ACTUAL - $913,618.64

BUDGETED - $1,037,554.00

Under - $123,935.36

POLICE FUND EXPENSE

ACTUAL - $845,123.41

BUDGETED - $795,442.00

Overage - $49,681.14

FIRE FUND REVENUE

ACTUAL - $1,126,689.40

BUDGETED - $968,909.90

Overage - $157,779.50

FIRE FUND EXPENSE

ACTUAL - $1,023,480.27

BUDGETED - $960,834.00

Overage - $62,646.27

PAYROLL FUND REVENUE

ACTUAL - $1,849,136.66

BUDGETED - $1,703,952.00

Overage - $145,184.66

PAYROLL FUND EXPENSE

ACTUAL - $1,673,648.39

BUDGETED - $1,350,843.00

Overage - $322,805.39

Department Reports:

Same-O, Same-O

Street Department Superintendent David Durham reported to council members there's nothing unusual going on in the street department. Just the usual filling potholes and cleaning up after recent storms.

Durham did give council members a heads-up on a future expenditure. The tractor is in need of a new engine.

"But that's something we're going to have to address pretty soon," Durham said. "We're going to have to probably get you the figures on that. We're looking at about 13 to 14 thousand dollars for the new motor for it."

As Durham is also the superintendent for the Parks and Recreation Department, Mayor Crystal Herrmann interjected a report on the FUN Park grant application. According to Herrmann there were too many applicants.

"We just received the letter that we did miss that opportunity," Herrmann said. "Not that we didn't qualify. They opened it up to cities with 7,000 in population, which made more people applying. We actually scored 37 out of 37. We just wasn't picked."

"Now we're basically scrounging and looking for the stuff to do it ourselves," Durham said. "But we'll get it done."

The FUN Park grant is provided by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. The grant funds 100-percent of a project with no matching funds provided by the city. The grant was to fund replacing the playground equipment in the City Park.

They're not our fire hydrants

Fire Chief Ryan McCormick provided an update in an ongoing difference of opinion between the city and the Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Public Utilities Board (SCWWSS). According to McCormick SCWWSS board members claim maintenance of the fire hydrants connected to their water lines is not the responsibility of the water district.

"We did for the first time in several years fire hydrant testing," McCormick reminded council members. "We came up with at least a dozen fire hydrants that do not work."

"I met with the water department, Saline County Water Works this past Saturday (February 17)," McCormick said. "And so I spent the Saturday and went to visit with them. They had a board meeting. And I brought it to their attention and it was met with resistance and quite a bit of resistance of saying that it's a city responsibility not their responsibility to take care of the hydrants."

"As far as we can come and find out any information and documentation, there is no type of documentation that says the city owns or operates or is responsible for the fire hydrants."

A legal battle could be the next step.

"I'm going to get with the city attorney, Mr. (Chris) Madison," McCormick said. "He's aware of it, and we're going to start bringing in some documentation. And something's going to have to change in order to get those things fixed."

Belated Happy Birthday, Summer Reading Program, grants and more

Mayor Chrystal Herrmann began her report by noting Alexander's recent birthday.

"So, I hate I missed Alexander's birthday," Herrmann said. "Apparently it's January 13th. The city's 145 years old. So, hopefully maybe next year we can catch it and have a birthday cake at City Hall or something fun."

The Saline County Public Library will have a sign-up event at the City Park in May.

"May 18th, Saline County Library is going to host a sign up event for their summer reading program," Herrmann said. "They're going to have a bounce house, a petting zoo, snacks, music, yard games, and a cross field. And we'll host that over at the city park. So, that's exciting."

While Herrmann had already mentioned the city's loss of the FUN Park grant earlier in the meeting, she did take this opportunity to provide a little more detail.

"Only five cities received the FUN Park (grant)," Herrmann said. "So, now we will try to come up with an aggressive plan as far as the playground equipment and see what we can do for our playground."

Mayor Herrmann has been speaking to representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about grants to abate flooding problems in Alexander. While she's spoken about flooding in the Evergreen area in the past, this study appears to be concentrating on North Alexander.

"We are in the process of applying for a FEMA drainage study for this portion in town over here," she said. "That comes along how I want (Hwy.) 111 and then some spots in Kelly (Place). We've been all over this portion of town. With that drainage study, it will give us a good, educated, hey, this is the issues we have."

Another grant Herrmann is looking at would fund a graphic design showing what the former Human Development Center (HDC) could look like when fully developed.

"This would be working with the University of Arkansas for the Community and Design Center," Herrmann said. "There are assistance to give us a visual design of the 63 acres (HDC) and what can be done ... and see how that would be developed with public input."

Herrmann says an engineering study will be done, at the former HDC property, concerning the condition of the various buildings and their demolition. The biggest concern is the removal of the former tuberculosis hospital, the largest building on the property.

"We have Kansas State University actually coming in, Herrmann said. "They do an engineer portion or that as far as the structures and the property and tearing things down."

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is March 18, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.