Ordinance covering used manufactured homes under scrutiny

Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann has proposed a review of an ordinance that sets standards for setting up used manufactured homes within the city. The ordinance, adopted September 21, 2020, establishes standards concerning the physical condition and age of a used manufactured home before it can be set up in Alexander.

Prior to being moved into Alexander, or moved from one location in the city to another, the owner must apply for a permit and the home must be inspected for items such as loose or missing roof shingles and siding, broken windows, damaged flooring, etc.. The ordinance also limits the age of a manufactured home to no more than 20-years in the year it is setup. For example, this year, any used manufactured home set up in Alexander can’t have been built before 2005.

The ordinance also establishes the end of the name “Mobile Home.” When the Department of Housing and Urban Development established standards for mobile homes in the 1970s the term “Manufactured Housing” was coined to differentiate between the old mobile homes, or trailers, and the new standards for factory-built housing.

Before the August 18 meeting began, Herrmann discussed the ordinance with City Attorney Chris Madison. Madison hadn’t been given the time needed to research the legal aspects of establishing requirements for used manufactured homes.

“I think Mr. Madison is going to do some research and see better of what is allowed,” Herrmann explained before the discussion took a turn into a legally questionable proposal.

Council Member Angela Griffin asked about the possibility of, “[L]imiting the number of the same type of businesses. … Like we don't have 50 gas stations, back-up or churches.”

Madison said zoning is only used to establish what can be built and where. Not how many.

“[G]enerally zoning is the authority you use to have that,” Madison said. “You zone space for uses, which includes convenience stores, for example. I'm not aware of any limitations the city can impose on the number of places (types of businesses).”

Council Member Joy Gray questioned the use of the word “Eligible” when describing what can be built based on zoning.

Gray said, “You may be eligible, but if you have three or four businesses wanting to have a spot just because they're eligible, how do you go about choosing which one instead of just one saying eligible.”

“So when I say eligible, what it means is you have a defined geographic area that you say these 15 things are allowed,” Madison said. “I come in with one of those 15 things. And if I can make the setback requirements and all the spacing requirements and all the land, then I have the ability, I meet the zoning requirements and you're applying it non discriminatory. So, because what the whole purpose of this is to prevent the cities from saying, I like you, I don't like you.”

Eventually, Mayor Herrmann brought the discussion back to the ordinance. Apparently, some residents think the 20-year age limit is too old.

Herrmann said, “They thought maybe it should actually be newer.”

Herrmann said there are at least two manufactured homes that have been placed without a permit. And, while most owners may go through the permitting process they move in either at night or on weekends.

“And then also we do run into a challenge with the mobile homes,” she said. “People will come in for their permits. They'll move in mobile homes on the weekend or in the even hours.”

Herrmann considers this a problem, which could be resolved by an annual permitting process.

“And in some places, some city municipal (sic) do require for you to register all mobile homes,” she said. “So there's like a yearly registration for the mobile home. And, that way all mobile homes are identified. What age, what lot that those belong to. That way if people are coming in and just bringing in mobile homes without going through the code. Then it would be an easier identification. Right now it's been kind of a wild.”

This item is expected to be on the September agenda.

Also at the August 18 council meeting;

Spending $29K from sale of drug seizure asset approved

The Alexander Council adopted a resolution allowing Police Chief Timothy Preator to spend $29,000.00 the department received from the sale of an F350 pickup truck. The truck was received by the police department as the result of a drug case prior to Preator being hired. Preator explained the steps followed to sell the truck.

“Once we sent it back into the Asset Forfeiture program, they auctioned it off,” Preator said. “Once they auctioned it off, proceeds from the Asset Forfeiture come back into the PD.”

The $29,000.00 was only Alexander’s share of the selling price.

“The money that was received on our portion of it, because a certain portion goes to the state of Arkansas, to the state crime lab, certain portion goes back to the prosecutors office, the rest of it comes to us,” he said. “The money that is received from Asset Forfeiture can only be spent by the PD for training and or equipment.”

The council approved using the $29,000.00 to buy less lethal bean-bag shotguns and sidearms with laser sites.

Annual property tax adopted

Two ordinances were approved that establish the Alexander property tax rate to be collected in 2026 for the 2025 tax year. One ordinance covers the Pulaski County portion of the city and the other is for Saline County. The tax rate will remain at “one and a half (0.0015) mills.

Contract with Pafford extended another three years

Believe it or not, Pafford Medical Services has been providing ambulance and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) services to the municipal and rural areas of Saline County for three years. Council members approved the resolution that extends the contract another three years. Each municipality and Saline County must approve the new contract.

City can now accept payments from event vendors, sponsors and donations with plastic

Council Member Angela Griffin proposed an ordinance that allows the city to take online payments from vendors, sponsors and donations for events held by the city. The ordinance allows Mayor Herrmann and city hall staff to research Automated Clearing House services and decide whether Alexander or the card user will pay the transaction fee.

Before the ordinance was adopted Griffin said, “No one has checks any more.”

Department reports

Streets and Parks Department

Mayor Herrmann reported pot holes are being repaired. She also addressed the numerous water outages in South Alexander recently caused by boring under the streets. AT&T is installing optic cable in the remaining portions of the city without service.

Herrmann noted an ordinance will be needed to require notification of this type of work before it begins. Contact and insurance information should be provided, “So if there's damages, ... we will have the appropriate information to be able to get our streets and stuff repaired.”

Police Department

Police Chief Timothy Preator reported, “132 calls for service. Did 34 reports on those? We made 212 traffic stops. 88 of those 212 were citations.” Also, ten warrants were served and 124 warnings were issued.

Chief Preator also noted 12 felony drug arrests, “[I]ncluding officer Shaw's traffic stop of 38 grams of fentanyl. So it moves through here.”

School has started; No speeding

With school now in session and busses are adding to traffic woes Chief Preator said there will be, “Zero tolerance on speeding around school bus stops. I made 40 traffic stops in two hours for speeding in a little neighborhood. Off of the 4th Street; 4th Street, 2nd Street, all that.

“People are going through to beat traffic, and they're speeding these neighborhoods and we got kids everywhere,” he continued. “My guys ... they've been instructed to zero tolerance. If you're speeding and your kids are around, you're going to get stopped.”

Fire Department

Since Fire Chief Ryan McCormick was absent Mayor Herrmann read the July fire report.

“They have 38 calls for service,” Herrmann began. “They have one structure fire, one car fire, three illegal firearms, one wild land fire. Two public assist, non-medical assist, seven false alarms, and 10 canceled.”

Herrmann said the firefighters are continuing to train. Also, there are 22 applications for one vacancy.

Code Enforcement and Animal Control

Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer Joshua Dodson reported, “[T]his month we did 14 warnings that was anywhere from dogs at-large, trash in the yard and abandoned vehicles in the yard. It's a big one, and a lot of those.”

Dodson wants to remind anyone who is excavating they must have some type of method to hold back rain water.

“[W]hether it's clay, dirt, sand, gravel, it has to be able to stay,” contained on your lot, “so it does not come into our storm water systems.”

Under animal control Dobson said, “[W]e've also had a few alleged animal cruelty cases that have been brought to me. I'm still working on that one.”

Dobson says he is beginning to research what it will take to have a city-run animal shelter.

“I'm talking with Mayor (Herrmann) and Ms. Jennifer (Hill),” Dobson said. “[W]e're gonna start, I'm gonna start looking into what's gonna (sic) take to have a city-run animal shelter.”

Merry-Go-Round out for renovation

In the Mayor’s Report Mayor Herrmann said the merry-go-round in the city park is being renovated. She said it will be sand blasted and powder coated. At a cost of “$1,000.00” she said it’s cheaper than buying a new one.

Splash pad is legal

Mayor Herrmann provided a letter from the Arkansas Health Department explaining that the splash pad didn’t need a permit because the water system is not designed to clean and recirculate the water.

When construction and completion of the splash pad was announced at the July council meeting Council Member Juanita Wilson asked about needing a permit since the health department’s website says, “The Rules & Regulations Pertaining to Swimming, Spray (Splash Pads), and Wading Pools required that plans be submitted to the Department of Health for review and approval, prior to the initiation of construction, for any new public or semi-public swimming, spray, or wading pool … .” There is no qualifier as to the type of water system being used.

Announcements

American Legion pancake breakfast

The Alexander American Legion Post 28 will have a pancake breakfast on Saturday, September 13 from 8 AM to Noon. The fund raiser will be held at the Alexander First Baptist Church, 15320 Alexander Rd. (Hwy. 111). Donations will be accepted for the breakfast.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, September 15, at 6:00 pm in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

All New Business on Alexander agenda

The agenda for the Alexander City Council’s next meeting contains, under New Business, what could be considered mostly house keeping items. Three of the items are annual votes, two are finance related and the third is amending an existing resolution.

The following agenda items are listed under New Business.

“Resolution allocating asset forfeiture monies to purchase certain equipment for the Police Department.”

According to the resolution the police department has received funds from the sale of real property as a result of, “their criminal investigations and cases.”

“Ordinance levying the millage for Pulaski County for 2026” and “Ordinance levying the millage for Saline County for 2026.”

These two ordinances are adopted annually allowing the two counties to levy property taxes in the next calendar year. The property taxes collected in 2026 are for the 2025 taxing year. The tax rate will remain at “one and a half (0.0015) mills.”

“Resolution to enter into an agreement with Pafford Medical Services.”

The resolution gives Mayor Crystal Herrmann the authority, “[T]o execute the attached Second Amended Ambulance Service Agreement between the municipal and county governments of Saline County and Pafford Medical Services, Inc.” Pafford Medical Services provides ambulance and emergency medical services to all municipalities within Saline County and the rural areas outside the cities. Pafford also provides services to the Pulaski County section of Alexander.

The new agreement was not provided in the meeting information packet, but is 63 pages long. Anyone wanting a copy can request it through city hall.

“Resolution to enter into an agreement with Saline County Detention Center for 2026.”

This is another annual bit of house keeping. The resolution sets the cost Alexander must pay Saline County to hold its inmates whom have either been arrested or found guilty and sentenced to be incarcerated within the county detention center. The cost established for 2026 is a monthly payment of $2,564.18. That’s down from the current monthly payment of $3,011.59.

“Ordinance Authorizing the City to accept online or ACH payments for vendor fees, sponsorships, and donations.”

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, which is a network that facilitates electronic money transfers between banks and credit unions.

There is one discussion item listed. In the reports section of the agenda, under Planning & Zoning, it reads, “Mobile Home Ordinance Discussion.” The ordinance, adopted September 21, 2020, establishes standards for the use of used manufactured homes within Alexander. Besides the standards concerning the physical condition of the home, it limits the age of a manufactured home to no more than 20-years in the year it is setup. For example, any used manufactured home, either brought into Alexander or moved from one location in the city to another this year, can’t have been built before 2005.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 18, at 6:00 pm in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Alexander resident advocates for autistic awareness: Fireworks ordinance remains unchanged

Under New Business Alexander’s July meeting ended with an odd combination of discussion items. One city resident spoke about the societal effects of autism while the other relented on his attempt to amend the fireworks ordinance.

Alexander resident Patty Henn spoke to the Alexander City Council concerning the need to recognize the issues surrounding those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. It affects more than just the families of people with autism.

“I'm here to talk about Autism Spectrum,” Henn began. “In our own community, there are likely hundreds of autistic or special needs kids, or people in our own community. They're students in our schools, workers in our businesses, members of our congregations, our neighbors and neighborhoods.”

No matter how old they may appear, Henn says they are still children inside.

“I know they might be grown, but they’re still kids,” she said. “Mentally, they're on a child's level a lot of times.”

Autistic individuals have employable skills. But, even with a job they can feel isolated.

“Many autistic adults are unemployed, underemployed, or isolated due to systematic barriers, not a lack of ability,” Henn said. “This is where the local government starts to matter the most.”

Henn explained autism and how it affects each person differently.

“It's a neurological developmental condition affecting communication and behavioral and sensory processing,” she said. “It exists on a spectrum. Every autistic person is different. Some may be nonverbal, while others are very highly verbal. Some are very social while others are very closed in.”

“It's called a spectrum because it looks different on everyone,” Henn continued. “But what's consistent in the autism is a lifelong condition, not something that can be or should be cured or think in that you can cure it. But rather understand and accommodate for it. … If you have met one autistic person, you have met one autistic person.”

“The key issues for autistic individuals that they have, (they) face in our community housing, there's a lack of inclusive and supporting housing options for autistic adults, especially those who qualify for full-time care, but still not,” Henn continued. “But they still can't live independently, totally independent.”

“Employment is whether or not how functioning they are, if they can function enough to even have a job,” she said.

Henn is quite familiar with the issues facing autistic individuals. Her son is autistic.

“Public spaces, bright lights, loud sound, chaotic environments can make it hard for an autistic person to use the park, city buildings, or attend public events,” Henn explained. “I know some of you may have seen me and my giant (son) out at some of the things at the park and everything. He loves the Christmas lights especially.”

And, then there are times when he’s had too much stimulation.

“When he starts getting overwhelmed, come on buddy, let's go,” she said. “And I'll get him and I'll put him in the car and then he's fine.”

It’s that possibility that concerns Henn. A misunderstanding when interacting with police or other authority figures might cause an unwanted result. Based only on outward appearances, when out in public, onlookers have accused her of kidnapping her own son.

“And they called the cops on me, said she's kidnapping him,” Henn said. “He can't tell you that he's mine.”

“But, I waited until he was nine years old to say mom,” she continued. “So the only way I could say is, hey, let me get him to the car and I'll show you he'll stop. This will all go away. Sure enough, he stopped.”

It’s these potential interactions with authority figures that concern Henn.

“And finally, the first responder interactions, and this is what my main concern is,” Henn explained. “Without proper training, misunderstandings between autistic people, the police and the authorities, fire department, it can lead to dangerous outcomes.”

“Aggression occurs when there is a breakdown in communication,” Henn continued. “Aggression equals behavior, not an identity. It can look like yelling, hitting, punching, pushing you away, trying to run away. My son has no sense of danger. Resisting touch or just appearing non-compliant. You tell him to stop, he keeps going. There's no in between there.”

Henn wants to organize a training program in an effort to reduce the possibility of a police officer misunderstanding a situation and taking actions that can’t be undone.

“I have talked to the (police) chief and have asked him if we could hold some type of court class,” she explained. “Get first responders together. Teach how to decelerate the situations.”

“I'll bring my son in,” Henn continued. “I will set him off for you. And then I will be able to accelerate him to show you. Because 80% of cops have never been around an aggressive autistic, severe, profound autistic person.”

“I don't want my kid to get shot,” Henn said. “Because he's not going to understand, ‘get on the ground or I'll shoot’. I don't want the cops to have that hanging over their head.”

Scott Chaloner accepts results of fireworks poll

South Alexander resident Scott Chaloner decided to drop his push for changes to the city’s fireworks ordinance. Chaloner wanted to be able to have an Independence Day celebration, with fireworks, on Saturday no matter when July 4^th falls during that week. Currently, fireworks are allowed on July 3 and July 4 from Noon to 10 PM.

“I got your poll,” Chaloner told council members. “It's fine. I accept your poll I appreciate it.”

Chaloner made his request during the June council meeting. Between the June and July meetings Mayor Crystal Herrmann conducted an on-line survey to get public input. Out of 49 responses 30 voted to keep, “Same as always, 3^rd and 4^th of July from Noon to 10 PM.” Ten voted for, “The 4^th and 5^th of July.” Four supported, “The Saturday following the 4^th of July.” And, the choice for “Neither” received five votes.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 18, at 6:00 pm in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Mayor says new splash pad, “The same as an irrigation system;” No permits needed

Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann and Council Member Juanita Wilson had a brief, albeit fiery, exchange as to whether the new splash pad in the city park was installed legally. It began with the mayor describing the splash pad.

“It is a timed unit,” Herrmann said. “It's very small in comparison to a larger city park but I don't think the kids care when it's 100 and something degrees out.”

Wilson asked, “How do we get water to it?”

“It comes from the city meter that is at the park already,” Herrmann responded.

Wilson then wanted to know, “Did we get it approved?”

“There was no need for approval for the freshwater system and it's basically an irrigation system so it has a back-flow and it starts at the spot,” Herrmann responded.

Wilson brought a printout of a page from the Arkansas Department of Health’s website. She tried to give it to Herrmann but the mayor wasn’t interested.

“I don't need your paperwork Miss Wilson,” Herrmann said. “I know what the regulations are. It is a freshwater system.”

“It has to be approved before you do it,” Wilson insisted. “It has to be approved.”

Herrmann says it’s no different than watering your lawn or irrigating crops.

“It is the same as an irrigation system as if you would water your lawn with,” Herrmann began. ... “It has a drain pipe that runs straight to our city ditch. It's called a freshwater system. It does not require any filtration and it does not require any regulations by the health department. It is an irrigation system.”

The Arkansas Department of Health’s website states, “The Rules & Regulations Pertaining to Swimming, Spray, and Wading Pools required (sic) that plans be submitted to the Department of Health for review and approval, prior to the initiation of construction, for any new public or semi-public swimming, spray, or wading pool or modification or equipment & plumbing changes made to any existing system.”

The website specifies project types include, “New public or semi-public swimming, spray, or wading pools or spas. This includes all pools constructed by municipalities, Property Owners Associations (POA’s), condominium or subdivision developments, or businesses for commercial use.”

According to Wikipedia a spray pool is also known as a splash pad.

Also at the July 21 council meeting

Two ordinances receive third reading; Adopted

Two ordinances, originally discussed at the May council meeting, received the required third public reading. They were both adopted and are now law. They both received their first reading in May and their second reading at the June meeting.

One ordinance sets the minimum dollar amount for tracking fixed assets at $1,500.00. The second establishes protocol for purchases above $20,000.00.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 18, at 6:00 pm in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Alexander resident struck by train: Dies at scene

A City of Alexander resident was killed when he was struck by a train early Thursday (July 31) evening. The incident occurred at the Brookwood Road crossing near Shobe Road in South Alexander.

The resident has been identified as Thomas Garrison, 71.

In a statement issued by the Alexander Police Department, “On 07/31/2025 at approximately 5:50 pm, Officers with the Alexander Police Department, along with Pafford EMS, and Alexander Fire Department responded to the report of pedestrian versus train accident in the 17200 block of Brookwood Road in the City of Alexander.”

“Alexander Police Department units arrived on scene at 5:52 pm, and located a white male identified as Thomas Garrison 71 years of age from the City of Alexander, who had been struck by an eastbound train,” the statement continues. “Officers attempted life saving measures until Pafford EMS arrived on scene ... and assumed care of Mr. Garrison. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.”

The statement also says, “Alexander Police Department has no reason to suspect any foul play in this incident.”

This article will be updated as additional information develops.