Ceding land, dissolving planning commission and city hall loan amongst items on Alexander agenda

The agenda for the next meeting of the City of Alexander Council is packed with items for action and discussion. The only topic listed under Unfinished Business is, “Deed on Ceding 4’ to land owner.” Listed under New Business is, “U.S.D.A.” and “Dissolve Planning Commission.”

At the February council meeting aldermen gave Mayor Paul Mitchell and City Attorney Pat Marshall the authority to solve an easement issue. The property at the corner of First and Main streets, behind Hess, was the location of Royal Communications. The business has moved out and the owners are ready to sell the property to Haynes Equipment. When conducting a survey, as part of the sale, it was discovered the wrong survey marker was used when determining where to place the current building. The building is four feet inside the city’s right-of-way. The council must approve transferring ownership of that four feet to the property owners.

Ten years ago the city took out a loan with the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) to purchase and make improvements to what is now city hall. Since then payments to the U.S.D.A have essentially covered the interest on the loan. After settling two lawsuits in 2015, concerning loans on several city vehicles, this is the only loan Alexander has remaining.

The five-member planning commission was established April 6, 2015. Since then two members have resigned and four of the five terms have expired without anyone being appointed to fill those positions. The only position remaining is the planning commission chairman Robert McKeon. His term expires April 6, 2018. The two remaining commission members, who have not resigned, are former Alderwoman Andrea Bearden and former Mayor Shirley Johnson. Johnson’s term expired April 6, 2016 and Bearden’s ended this month (April 6, 2017). Under Arkansas law Johnson and Bearden remain members of the planning commission until they are replaced or reappointed to a new term. As best as can be determined the last planning commission meeting was held sometime during the first half of 2016.

Under the category of Announcements and Discussion the topics listed are; “Sales Tax increase,” “Millage Decrease,” “Business License Reduction,” and “2nd Class city vs 1st Class city.”

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, April 17. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the City of Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.