Alexander council seat declared vacant

The Ward-2 Position-1 spot on the Alexander City Council was declared vacant by council members Monday evening. Alderman Brad Scott submitted his resignation which became effective June 16. The vacancy will be posted around town and resumes must be submitted to city hall by Friday, September 15.

There are at least three Ward-2 residents who may submit resumes; Stephanie Beck, Kenneth D. Miller and Andy Mullins. Beck and Miller have filed election petitions and will appear on the ballot in November for the Ward-2 Position-1 seat on the council. Mullins is running for the Position-2 spot currently held by Juanita Wilson.

Beck, a paraprofessional at the Bryant School District, lost to Scott for the same position in 2012. Miller owned and operated a computer sales and service business but is now retired. Wilson defeated Mullins in 2012 who was seeking re-election.

In other action:

The council approved an ordinance increasing the number of chickens allowed in the city from six to ten "per lot." The need to update the ordinance came to light when a resident was told chickens weren't allowed in the city.

Melissa Ratliff was visited by Mayor Michelle Hobbs and a police officer at her home and was told she couldn't keep her four hens in the city. Ratliff was ordered to either remove the chickens or be fined. After getting rid of the chickens an ordinance was produced showing not only are chickens allowed in Alexander but the maximum is six.

The new ordinance changes the maximum from a straight six to ten per lot. Aside from the vacant seat left by the resignation of Brad Scott the only other "No" vote was from Samuel Gregory.

Council members also approved an ordinance which allows Pulaski and Saline counties to collect the standard 5-mill property tax. This is an annual requirement and does not increase the property tax.

The meeting had to be adjourned after 9:30 PM when too many aldermen had left causing the number present to be less than a quorum. Agenda items remaining for the next meeting include:

• An ordinance giving the council the authority to, "[H]ire, fire and discipline other city employees (full-time or part-time) who are not department heads" and a requirement the mayor appoint department heads when a vacancy occurs; and
• A resolution reducing the mayor's salary from $840 every two weeks to $250 every two weeks and aldermen salaries from $100 per month to $25 per month beginning January 1, 2015.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council will be held Monday, September 15, 2014. Meetings are held the third Monday of the month at 6 PM in city hall. The public is invited to attend.