Alexander’s amended budget good until February

The Alexander City Council approved amending the 2017 budget based on financial numbers available up to the end of November. The amended budget also includes any purchases approved by the council since the last time the budget was amended.

The budget resolution provides for the amended 2017 budget to be in “effect until February 19, 2018.” This allows the city to have a budget that can be used during the first month of 2018.

By law, a new budget must be approved by February 1 each year. Mayor Paul Mitchell said since the January meeting is always the fourth Monday of the month, due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday falling on the regular meeting night, that provides enough time for the end-of-the-year financial statements to come in and finalize a new budget.

City bookkeeper JoAn Churchill told council members the main number they need to know is how much is left in the checking accounts on December 31 so it can be carried over in the 2018 budget. She also said the new one-cent sales tax, approved by voters in November, will be included in the new budget. That tax is expected to be added to local sales beginning April 1.

During the announcement portion of the Dec. 18 meeting;

Mayor Paul Mitchell announced the individual “Tagging” (spray painting) property along Brookwood Road was arrested by the Alexander Police Department. According to the Saline County Sheriff’s Department website Michael Palacios has been charged with five counts of “Criminal Mischief in the First Degree” greater than $500.00, a Misdemeanor. He was booked December 16 and released December 18. Bond was set at $50,000.

Mitchell reported the gazebo for the park has arrived. As soon as the weather lifts the concrete pad will be poured and the gazebo will be assembled.

Beginning sometime in January, 2018 street lights will be mounted on 36 existing power poles in South Alexander. Mitchell said additional poles where lights can be mounted will be identified so the process can continue until the only areas left need poles. The city must bear the cost where poles or transformers are needed. Mitchell added lights will also be installed in the city park and along the trail.

The process of deeding the Human Development Center to Alexander is still ongoing. Mitchell says he was told additional state agencies are required to sign-off on giving up the property than originally expected.

Mitchell announced the street department has purchased a used street sweeper through the Federal Government’s used equipment buying program. The purchase price was $4,000 plus $2,500 to transport it cross-country to Alexander. He said the sweeper, which was used to clean runways at an airport, was valued at $200,000 new and only had 8,000 miles. Mitchell said last year the city rented a street sweeper to remove numerous pine needles so drivers can see the edge of the streets. He said not having to rent will pay for the sweeper.

The two furnaces in the front portion of city hall had to be replaced. Mitchell said they had a manufacture date of 1978, which would have been about the time the building was built for the post office. The heat exchanger had been eaten away in one and the other would eventually light shooting out flame. The cost for two Trane furnaces was $4,400, which included building a new connector box for the bottom of one of the furnaces.

Finally, Mitchell announced he will be running for mayor in 2018. The position of mayor is a four-year term while council members have a two-year term. The positions of treasurer and recorder are also four-year terms but those elections are held halfway through the mayor’s term.

Due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is on the third Monday of January, the next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, January 22. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the City of Alexander City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

Monday's Alexander council meeting should be quick

With only two items on the City of Alexander agenda, Monday night’s meeting should go quickly. Council members will be asked to approve amendments to the 2017 budget, up to the end of November. They will also be asked to approve using the 2017 budget into January 2018. By the January meeting council members will be presented with a final amended budget for 2017 and a budget for 2018.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, December 18. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the City of Alexander City Hall on Highway 111, across from the post office. The public is invited to attend.

Santa came to town

Santa Clause took a break from preparing for his annual Christmas Eve run to visit some children in Alexander. Saturday’s visit was arranged by the City of Alexander Fire Department.

After meeting the children Santa read them the Christmas classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Afterwards the children told Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Alexander officials, employees have Christmas luncheon

  City of Alexander officials and employees held a 
  Christmas pot-luck luncheon for themselves and 
  family members Friday, December 15. There was 
  plenty of food to go around and, of course, a good 
  time was had by all.

Former Alexander officer cleared of liability in 2012 shooting

In U.S. District Court Thursday, December 7, a jury cleared former City of Alexander Police Officer Nancy Cummings of any liability in the shooting death of 30-year old Carlton Wallace. The decision follows a $150,000 proposal to settle out of court, which was turned down by the Alexander City Council.

According to court documents Jacquelyn Wallace, Carleton Wallace’s mother, filed the civil rights lawsuit, “for the Estate of Carleton J. Wallace.” The lawsuit claims Cummings, “violated Wallace's Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to be free from excessive force.” The trial was conducted by Judge Billy Roy Wilson.

The shooting occurred Saturday, September 8, 2012 in Alexander on Brookwood Road. The incident was investigated by the Arkansas State Police.

Cummings was a rookie officer and had not yet been certified by the state. At the time then Police Chief Horace Walters said she had met all the state qualifications to be on patrol.

According to an article in the ArkansasOnline version of the Democrat-Gazette the jury heard testimony from Cummings, her daughter who was on an official ride-along at the time and expert witnesses. In her testimony Cummings said she encountered Wallace walking in the middle of Brookwood Road shirtless around 4:30 PM. Cummings said she noticed Wallace had a pistol tucked in the waistband of the back of his pants. She stopped the police car and began speaking to him.

The article states that Cummings testified, “Wallace ... replied in slow, drawn-out words that made her believe he was intoxicated.”

After he was ordered to drop the weapon and put up his hands both Cummings and her daughter told jurors Wallace turned pulling the 9mm pistol from his waistband and pointed it at Officer Cummings. He then appeared to look either at the gun or Cummings’s daughter before throwing the weapon into the woods, they said. Later in the trial it was revealed when his gun was found the safety was off and ready to fire.

The article goes on to explain how Cummings took a position behind the car door with her service weapon drawn. She then ordered Wallace to lie on the ground. When he refused she ordered him to lean on the hood of the police car. In her testimony Cummings went on to explain how, with Wallace leaning on the hood, she attempted to handcuff him by holding her weapon at her side, grabbing one of his hands to bring it around to his back. She was then going to holster her weapon, bring the other hand to his back and complete the hand-cuffing procedure. But, Cummings said he suddenly turned, jerking her "real hard," and the gun went off. Not realizing her gun had fired, hitting Wallace in the back, she said she was confused when Wallace staggered and dropped to the ground.

Two witnesses were allowed to “Testify” without being present. According to the Democrat-Gazette previous testimony given by boys, ages eight and ten, was read into the record for the jury. The boys couldn't be found for the trial.

The boys were outside a nearby mobile home at the time of the shooting. During the investigation by state police the boys said it looked to them as if Wallace had tried to run and then Cummings had grabbed the gun and intentionally shot him. One boy said she appeared to take the gun out of its holster; the other said it looked like she picked it up off the hood. While one of the boys estimated they were eight feet away at the time of the shooting, defense attorneys said a state police diagram made after the incident shows they were 52 yards away. A firearms expert hired by Cummings's attorneys said that because sound travels slower than light, the boys probably saw Wallace moving away and then heard the shot, leading them to falsely perceive that he was running before he was shot.

The expert, Emmanuel Kapelsohn, said blood drops and the diameter of the stippling surrounding Wallace's wound indicated he was three to four inches from the gun when he was shot. If he had been farther away, Kapelsohn said, the stippling from the gunshot wouldn't have reached him. Kapelsohn also testified that the actions described were consistent with Cummings experiencing an involuntary muscular contraction, which caused her finger to fire the gun instinctively when she was thrown off-balance.

In closing arguments Thursday morning, the article continues, attorneys Reggie Koch and Jimmy Morris -- representing Wallace's mother, Jacquelyn, in the lawsuit against Cummings -- complained that they couldn't afford to hire an expert to counter Kapelsohn and another expert, who together

cost about $6,600. Koch suggested that Cummings, who had been scheduled to attend law

enforcement training, may have relied on her previous training at the Arkansas Department of Correction, where guards can shoot fleeing suspects.

John Wilkerson, an Arkansas Municipal League attorney who represented Cummings, told jurors

that to find Cummings liable for Wallace's death, the plaintiff had to prove by the greater weight of evidence, "that this was no accident ... it was intentional."

He said the plaintiffs' attorneys "want you to believe the boys when it's helpful" but not when

their statements contradict each other.

"We're not calling the boys liars," Wilkerson said, but "they're little boys."

He said Cummings "is not a malicious person," and reminded jurors of previous testimony that Cummings has undergone therapy to try to cope with Wallace's death.

The article notes two facts jurors were not told. Cummings was acquitted of manslaughter in 2013 by a Saline County jury and, after his death, blood tests showed Wallace had ingested a high dose of methamphetamines, as well as anti-anxiety medication and marijuana.

The article quotes Wilkerson who said after the verdict, "It's been five years for her, and I know it's a huge relief for her. I'm happy it's over, for her."

Cummings resigned shortly after the shooting. She still lives in central Arkansas but has not returned to law enforcement work.

The plaintiffs' attorneys didn't ask jurors for any particular amount of money if they found Cummings liable, according to the article. Attorneys for Jacquelyn Wallace said she knew ahead of time that it would be a difficult case.

As reported November 26, the Alexander City Council turned down an offer of $150,000 by Wallace’s attorneys to settle out of court. At their regular November 20 meeting council members decided to either wait for another offer or let the lawsuit move forward.

Even though a previous ruling by a Federal District Court judge released both the city and then Police Chief Horace Walters as participants in the case, Alexander would have been responsible for ten-percent of any settlement or fine. The Arkansas Municipal League would have paid the remaining amount.

The Democrat-Gazette article was written by Linda Satter.

Reservations needed to “Meet Santa”

City of Alexander officials have made arrangements with Santa Claus to meet local children and read to them the story “The Night Before Christmas.” The event will be held Saturday, December 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM in the city hall courtroom. Cookies and milk will be served plus they will have the opportunity to take part in arts and crafts.

Reservations are needed so Santa knows how many boy and girl gifts to bring. To make a reservation call his local elf at (501) 455-2585 Ext-102.

Alexander city council approves gazebo plans for park

      This past year visitors to Alexander City Park have benefited 

      from the addition of some amenities including park benches 

      and trash containers. Next year Mayor Paul Mitchell expects 

      to add a gazebo, similar to the one in the above photo.

      At the regular November 20 meeting council members 

      approved a maximum of $60,000 on the project. Mitchell 

      estimated the cost of the gazebo between $25,000 to $30,000 

      plus another $30,000 for installation of the gazebo and 
      adding electricity.

      The project will be paid for from the park fund, which receives 

      one-quarter cent from the current two-cent city sales and 
      use tax. When asked Mitchell said the park fund has 
      around $300,000.

Alexander council members turn-down settlement offer with silence

Alexander city council members were presented a settlement offer of $150,000 over a civil rights case, which stems from a 2012 police shooting. Even though a ruling by a Federal district court judge released both the city and then Police Chief Horace Walters as participants in the case, Alexander is still responsible for ten-percent of any settlement or fine.

Little Rock Attorney Keith Wren recommended the city reject the offer. Wren was filling-in for Arkansas Municipal League Attorney John Wilkerson who was unable to attend the November 20 council meeting.

The shooting occurred Saturday, September 8, 2012. It was investigated by the Arkansas State Police.

According to the state police report former City of Alexander Police Officer Nancy Cummings encountered Carleton Wallace walking on Brookwood Road around 4:30 PM. Cummings told State Police she noticed Wallace carrying a pistol tucked in his pants and that he threw it into the woods when he saw her. While attempting to arrest him and search him for weapons, Cummings says her service weapon she had been holding discharged. Wallace was transported to Saline Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Soon after the incident Cummings resigned from the police department.

In January, 2013 Cummings was charged with manslaughter by Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Ken Casady. A jury trial was held in October in which she was found not guilty.

According to court documents Jacquelyn Wallace, Carleton Wallace’s mother, filed the civil rights lawsuit, “for the Estate of Carleton J. Wallace.” The lawsuit claims Cummings, “violated Wallace's Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to be free from excessive force.”

After the recommendation to reject the offer Wren went on to explain that if a jury ruled in favor of Wallace the financial judgment could be more or less than the current offer. Alderwoman Juanita Wilson suggested the council wait to see, “If a lower amount can be negotiated.”

Alexander Mayor Paul Mitchell asked for a motion to accept the settlement offer. When no one on the council offered a motion Mitchell ruled the offer as being rejected.

Present at the meeting were council members Elizabeth Bland, Joy Gray, Joe Pollard, Harold Timmerman, Juanita Wilson. Absent were Dan Church, Melissa Ratliff and Jeffery Watson,

In a somewhat related matter, council members gave Mayor Mitchell approval to remove the memorial cross that was placed along Brookwood Road near the location where Carlton Wallace was shot. Mitchell said he has received numerous complaints about the cross.

Mitchell noted that the cross is on city right-of-way and if it was moved over it would be on Saline County Water and Sewer property. He then quoted Arkansas law § 14-301-101 - City council -- Powers and duties.

He said, “The city council shall: ‘Not may … shall, and we all know what shall means,’ (1) Have the care, supervision, and control of all the public highways, bridges, streets, alleys, public squares, and commons within the city; and (2) Cause those public highways, bridges, streets, alleys, public squares, and commons to be kept open and in repair, and free from nuisance.”

“I get enough complaints, it’s a nuisance,” he said.

In a unanimous voice vote council members gave Mitchell permission to remove the cross.

In other actions during the November 20 meeting:

In a voice vote council members gave preliminary approval of the vote count on the recent sales referendum, which passed 59 to 55. Mitchell said Saline County hasn’t finalized the results for the city to approve, but the state needs the city to accept the vote so the treasurer’s office can start it’s end of the process.

Mitchell explained the steps involved after a successful election. Under state law there is a 30-day waiting period after the election to allow anyone to contest the results. Once the vote count is accepted by the county and city, and no one contests the election, the state begins the process of notifying all businesses affected by the sales tax. Also, Mitchell noted that a new tax always starts at the beginning of a quarter so the additional one-cent sales and use tax probably won’t start until April 1.

With another voice vote council members approved allowing Pac-Van to expand onto two-acres of land behind the Citgo at the I-30 interchange. Pac-Van is currently at 100 Cornerstone Road in Alexander. Sales Representative Rick Brewer told Council members Pac-Van will also be moving its operation from Mabelvale to Alexander.

Mayor Mitchell reported that the state still has not transferred the Human Development property to the city. The council has already voted to accept the property, as required by the state. It’s now up to the state to decide if it wants to relinquish ownership.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, December 18. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the City of Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Santa coming to Alexander, December 16

Zoning and the Brookwood cross on Alexander agenda

Several items appear on the City of Alexander agenda for Monday night’s meeting. Listed under Guest Speakers is Rick Brewer; the topic “Zoning Issues.” Under New Business is, “Brookwood cross and future like issues.” The cross is a memorial, near the edge of Brookwood Road, marking the location where a former Alexander police officer shot and killed an individual carrying a weapon. A court trial ruled the shooting an accident.

Also listed under Guest Speakers is, “John Wilkerson, Arkansas Municipal League.” Other topics under New Business are, “Accept election results, Proclamation of tax Initiative (and) gazebo.”

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is this Monday, November 20. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the City of Alexander City Hall on Highway 111, across from the post office. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander sales tax referendum: Final results

  Pulaski Cnty Saline Cnty     TOTAL

FOR 5 54                  59
AGAINST 4 51                  55

Alexander residents vote today on sales tax referendum

Today is the day Alexander city officials learn the fate of a proposed one-cent sales tax increase. The current city sales tax is two-cents, which was approved in two separate referendums in the early 2000s.

The existing two-cent sales tax is limited to use by the police, fire and parks and recreation departments as required in the referendums. The new one-cent tax will go into the general fund and can be used for any purpose in the city.

Voters in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander are voting at First Missionary Baptist, 10300 Mabelvale West, Little Rock. Alexander voters in Saline County are voting at the Pathfinder Human Resources Building 12B, Highway 111 South. The building is at the south end of the closed Human Development Center, near the end of Highway 111. The polls are open until 7:30 PM.

      Voters in the Saline County portion of Alexander are voting 
      at the Pathfinder Human Resources Building 12B. It’s the 
      second gray and white building from the parking lot.

“Vote Yes” signs can be 
seen throughout the city. 
This one is on the fence 
along the former Human 
Development Center on 
Highway 111.

                 Outside the Pathfinder Human Resources Building 
                 Alderman Dan Church, foreground, grills hot dogs 
                 for supporters of the one-cent sales tax.

The Alexandrian will post final results tonight.

Special Election for Alexander one-cent sales tax is Tuesday; where do you stand?

(EDITORIAL)

Tuesday, November 14, City of Alexander voters are being asked to decide the fate of a one-cent increase to the city’s sales tax. The current city sales tax is two-cents, which was approved in two separate referendums in the early 2000s.

The main argument being given for the increase is the limits that were placed on the current two-cent tax. The referendum for the first one-cent tax limited it to spending for the fire department. The second referendum required that tax to be divided with one-eight of a cent going to the fire department, two-eighths going to parks and recreation and five-eighths going to the police department. The increase being asked for now will go to the general fund, which will allow it to be spent for any city purpose.

Since those two elections the City of Alexander nearly tripled in size with the annexation of Woodland Hills in 2006. Unfortunately, Woodland Hills did not provide enough businesses collecting sales tax to offset the increase in population and territory. In other words, the needs of the city increased without a proportionate increase in sales tax revenue.

Since the annexation three businesses have moved into Alexander. The most visible is the Dollar General Store on Highway 111 next to the post office. The corner of First and Main streets, behind Hess, has had two businesses. The first was Royal Communications. Currently Haynes Equipment is occupying that spot.

Obviously those two additional businesses won’t make up for the additional needs of the city. And now we will have hundreds of homes in the new Meadow’s Edge subdivision, which needs police protection and the possibility of fire protection as well.

During recent city council meetings Mayor Paul Mitchell has given several reasons for the need of an additional one-cent sales tax. The one reason that will be constant is being able to use the general fund to help off-set revenue short-falls in the other funds, especially police and fire.

In 2016 one-cent of sales tax generated approximately $432,225. As a comparison, in 2016 revenue sources dedicated to the general fund generated around $300,000.

The one issue residents seem to agree is needed is an animal control department. That requires a trained professional staff to capture and care for the animals, vehicles, a building, and perhaps contracting with a veterinarian to provide medical services. All that requires a permanent funding source.

Another issue on the wish-list of residents is the cleaning of property that’s not being maintained by the owner, or that’s been abandoned. As Mayor Mitchell has explained, at more than one council meeting, going through the legal requirements, then cleaning the property and finally filing a lien on the property so the city gets repaid, “Requires money.”

There are other issues that require funding. One that’s mandatory is paying off a loan on the purchase and improvements to city hall. In 2005 the city took out two loans from the United States Department of Agriculture. The first loan was used to purchase what was the post office building and property for $364,000. The second loan of $56,000 funded improvements including the addition of the courtroom and a new roof. According to Mitchell the city has only made payments on the interest and nothing on the $420,000 principal. That is one financial issue he wants to dispose of as quickly as possible.

Mitchell says there are other uses for the additional sales tax; fixing the city’s flooding problem for one. Other items on his wish-list include sidewalks city-wide, street lights on all streets, repairing and repaving all streets, a back-up generator for city hall, and repairing the Central Firehouse on South Alexander Road for starters. The building needs a retention wall to stop dirt from eroding, which has been an on-going problem for years.

There has already been one comment made suggesting an alternative to a sales tax increase, revenue from building permits. This is not a good alternative. First off, building permit fees should be used to fund building inspections and other city planning spending. Second, building permit fees are not a constant reliable source of revenue, especially in the case of Alexander. Unlike other cities Alexander is land-locked and can only develop the remaining land inside the current city limits. No more annexations for Alexander. Eventually, the revenue from building permit fees will drop and then what do you do with the permanent service you’ve been funding?

Mitchell and the city council have already made-good on one promise. In September the council approved a reduction in the city property tax from five-mils to three-mils. The lower tax rate will affect your next tax bill. It’s Mitchell’s goal to eventually reduce Alexander’s property tax rate to 1.9-mills, the same as Bryant’s. Bryant also has a three-cent sales tax.

As Mayor Mitchell has said the sales tax will be paid for by anyone who spends money in Alexander, not just Alexander residents. The Citgo station at the I-30 interchange is in Alexander. Any gas or store items purchased by someone getting off the interstate will pay the city sales tax. Shannon Hills residents are now driving through Alexander past Hess, the Dollar General Store and Citgo. More sales tax potential there as well.

I’m voting for the sales tax increase. What are you going to do? Leave your comments below.

The Special Election is this Tuesday, November 14 from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Voters in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander will vote at First Missionary Baptist, 10300 Mabelvale West, Little Rock. Alexander voters in Saline County will cast their ballots at the Pathfinder Human Resources Building 12B, Highway 111 South. The building is at the south end of the closed Human Development Center, near the end of Highway 111.

Early voting on sales tax referendum begins Tuesday, Nov. 7

(Amended to provide additional information.)

Early voting on the Special Referendum in the City of Alexander begins Tuesday, November 7. The referendum is being held to ask voters for a one-cent increase in the city sales tax, which can be used for general purposes throughout the city. The current two-cent sales tax, approved by voters in the early 2000s, is limited to funding the police, fire and parks departments.

Registered voters in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander may vote early at the Pulaski County Regional Bldg, 501 W. Markham St., Little Rock from Tuesday, November 7 to Monday, November 13; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. The office will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

Two locations outside Little Rock are also being provided for voters living in the Pulaski County portion of the city; one at the Jack Evans Senior Citizen Center, 2301 Thornhill Dr., Sherwood and the Jacksonville Community Center, 5 Municipal Dr., Jacksonville. They will be open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday, November 7 to Thursday, November 9.

Registered voters living in the Saline County portion of Alexander may vote early at the “Vote Here” Center, 221 North Main in Benton, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on the following dates: Tuesday, Nov 7 to Thursday, Nov 9 and Monday, Nov 13. The “Vote Here” Center will be closed Friday, Nov 10 for the Veterans’ Day Holiday, which is on Saturday.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 14. Polls will be open from 7:30AM to 7:30PM. Voters living in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander will vote at First Missionary Baptist, 10300 Mabelvale West, Little Rock. Alexander voters living in the Saline County portion of the city will cast their ballots at the Pathfinder Human Resources Building 12B, Highway 111 South. The building is at the south end of the closed Human Development Center, near the end of Highway 111.

Alexander council approves preliminary rezoning along Hwy 111

NOTE: DQ/Sonic voting has been moved to top of right-hand column.

(Edited to include farm zoning. 10/31/17)

The Alexander City Council voted to rezone around 6.8-acres for commercial development and 51.53-acres as multi-family housing along Highway 111. The vote is only an interim step that will allow developers to begin selling the commercial area to potential businesses. An ordinance to rezone the property from farming to commercial and multi-family housing still has to be written and approved by the council.

The property was part of the original farmland purchased to develop the Meadow’s Edge subdivision along Highway 111. Rausch-Coleman of Little Rock is developing Meadow’s Edge and now wants to extend the development to the other side of the highway.

Rick Ferguson, representing Rausch-Coleman, explained the development plans to council members at their regular October 16 meeting. The plan is to develop a commercial area fronting Highway 111 (Above, shaded green). To the east and north of the businesses will be a gated complex of two-story, multi-family units (Shaded red). A third section, 4.59-acres south of the commercial area (Shaded red), is expected to be developed for one or two single-family homes. Ferguson said the water and sewer lines for the new development will go under the highway and connect to the Meadow’s Edge system.

Ferguson noted they are having no problems selling homes in Meadow’s Edge. Between the number of new homes in Meadow’s Edge and nearby St. Joseph’s Glen he said there are enough “Rooftops” to show business owners the commercial potential of the area.

“There’s a friend of mine that has a Dairy Queen franchise, he’d be a good candidate,” Ferguson said discussing potential occupants for the commercial section. “Or, Sonic … whoever gets there first,” he added; noting you usually don’t see both near each other.

At the time of the meeting development drawings weren’t available to answer some of the questions posed. Before taking questions Ferguson explained the topography of the 51-acre site doesn’t allow for single-family construction.

Fire Chief Mark Ridgeway questioned the height and spacing of the multi-family units. His concern was whether existing fire trucks could handle any fire. Ferguson assured Ridgeway the buildings would not be higher than two stories and that he can work with the engineer during the design phase to work out any of his concerns.

Alderwoman Joy Gray asked about the size of the apartments. Ferguson said the next step is to do a demographic study of the area to determine the need for one, two and three bedroom apartments.

Voting “Yes” for the interim rezoning approval were council members Joy Gray, Joe Pollard, Melissa Ratliff, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Council members Elizabeth Bland, Dan Church and Jeffery Watson were absent and counted as “No” votes.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, November 20. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the Alexander City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Voice your opinion at the top of the right-hand column; DQ or Sonic.

Alexander firefighters had busy Saturday; “Race for the Cure” and promoting fire safety

City of Alexander firefighters recently spent a Saturday in Little Rock supporting their wives or girlfriends during the “Race for the Cure” and later in the day promoting fire safety. Saturday morning, October 14, several of the department’s crew attended the 24^th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Little Rock, which raises money to help fight cancer.

“We were invited by LRFD (Little Rock Fire Department) to attend the race and show support to all the ones that were in the race.”Alexander Fire Chief Mark Ridgeway said.

Ridgeway added the department was there, “Showing support (for the race participants) and Alexander city pride.”

This year the “Race” route started on the Little Rock side of the new Broadway Bridge, at Broadway and W. Second Street, returning runners and walkers from North Little Rock using the Main Street Bridge. The 2K Run/Walk ended in front of the Old State House on W. Second Street near the starting point. The 5K Competitive Run and the 5K Run/Walk ended on W. Capitol Avenue at S. Gaines Street.

Photo provided by Theresa Wilson Ridgeway.

In the photo are members of the Alexander Fire Department. From left to right are Firefighter John Acosta, Firefighter Dallas Ballard, Fire Chief Mark Ridgeway, Firefighter Joe Roundaville, Firefighter Brag Noblett, Firefighter Shelby Hawkins, and Captain Justin Potter. Five of the firefighters had either a girlfriend or wife participating in the race.

Meet Molly the Fire Safety Dog

Photo provided by Theresa Wilson Ridgeway.

After the race the crew set up at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library for Fire Safety Day. There they met Molly the Fire Safety Dog. Molly is from Clarksville, Arkansas and has her own Facebook page. (Click on Facebook.) October is fire safety month in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred October 8, 1871.

City of Alexander’s "National Night Out" Thursday evening

Thursday evening (October 26) the City of Alexander Police and Fire departments are hosting the Second Annual National Night Out (NNO). The event will be held in the city park, 15550 Robert Evens Road, from 5PM to 8PM. The public is invited to attend.

“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live”, according to the NNO website. “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.”

Scheduled for this year’s event are goodie bags, dunk tank, bounce house, a fish tank containing Arkansas fish from Arkansas Game and Fish, face painting, raffles, food and drinks, a car show, community information and more. This will also give residents, who don’t frequent the park, a chance to see the many improvements made since last year.

Alexander council votes to save $9,000 annually

The Alexander City Council approved a resolution to end its relationship with Paychex on December 31, 2017. The resolution also authorizes contracting with Proliant, Inc. for payroll processing services beginning January 1, 2018.

The city hired Paychex in 2013 when Michelle Hobbs was mayor. Paychex has been processing the city’s payroll, which included determining and deducting payroll taxes, transferring the taxes to a special account and either printing checks or doing a direct deposit to an employee’s bank account. Since then issues about what Paychex can’t do, while costing the city around $12,000 per year, have ruffled some feathers at city hall.

As was learned at the council’s Monday, October 16 meeting one major issue has been Paychex’s inability to split payroll for street department employees when they work at the city park. Currently the street department staff does double-duty maintaining the city park. Because tax revenue from the state for the street fund can only be spent on streets and a portion of a city one-cent sales tax dedicated to parks and recreation can only be spent on parks and recreation, the hours worked by street department staff must be split depending on the number of hours worked between the street department and parks and recreation.

Proliant representative Kristy Hassman told council members, “The street (department) needs to pay the taxes when they (employees) work in the street department, parks (department) needs to pay it (taxes) when they work in parks; and Paychex couldn’t do that.”

Hassman said Proliant will set up separate accounts, “So those taxes can follow those wages.”

Another issue has been the printing of payroll checks. While many city employees have direct deposit there are some who are paid by a paper check. After the checks are printed by Paychex they are shipped to Alexander City Hall. If there are any errors the incorrect checks must be reprinted and shipped again. For the one-time cost of a $250 check printer, set up in City Hall, Proliant will print the checks directly to the printer eliminating the cost of shipping. The council also approved purchasing the printer and special anti-fraud check ink.

Proliant submitted a quote of $3,000 for one year of services. That will save the City about $9,000 per year. Proliant has been in business for about 20 years with headquarters in Atlanta and has an office in Little Rock.

In other action taken by the Alexander City Council;

Aldermen approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan submitted by Saline County. The 94-page, county-wide plan is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and covers a range of emergency preparedness. A portion of the plan covers items like providing safe-rooms in existing and new public buildings and having an emergency generator system for fire and police departments.

It also covers areas that have flooding problems. The only mention of the City of Alexander is the flooding along Brookwood Road near Crooked Creek. The solution, according to the plan, is to, “raise” Brookwood Road.

Council members approved a resolution amending the current 2017 budget. Mayor Paul Mitchell told council members the amended budget includes the various new spending the council has approved throughout the year. Bookkeeper JoAn Churchill said there should be one more amended budget in December to close out the year.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, November 20. Meetings start at 6 PM and are held in the courtroom at the Alexander City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

There will be two polling places for Special Election; voter registration ends today

(Benton Early Voting time corrected and last paragraph; 10-18-2017.)
Early information indicated all City of Alexander registered voters, who want to vote in the upcoming Special Election, would cast their ballots in Saline County including those who live in the Pulaski County section of the city. That, apparently, has changed. The Pulaski County Election Commission has announced voters in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander will vote at First Missionary Baptist, 10300 Mabelvale West, Little Rock.

Today is the last day to register to vote, in the Special Election, if you live in the Saline County portion of Alexander. You can register at the Saline County Clerk’s office, 215 North Main; Suite 9, Benton. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The voter registration deadline has passed for residents who have moved to Pulaski County from out-of-state or new voters. The Pulaski County Election Commission says if you have moved to Pulaski County from within the state you have until November 10 to register.

The Pulaski County Election Commission has also announced early voting information. Registered voters in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander may vote early at the main office; Pulaski County Regional Bldg, 501 W. Markham St., Little Rock from Tuesday, November 7 to Monday, November 13; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. The office will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

Two locations outside Little Rock are also being provided. One at the Jack Evans Senior Citizen Center, 2301 Thornhill Dr., Sherwood and the Jacksonville Community Center, 5 Municipal Dr., Jacksonville. They will be open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday, November 7 to Thursday, November 9.

Nothing has changed for Saline County voters who live in Alexander. Registered Alexander voters in Saline County may vote early at the “Vote Here” Center, 221 North Main in Benton, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on the following dates: Tuesday, Nov 7 to Thursday, Nov 9 and Monday, Nov 13. The “Vote Here” Center will be closed Friday, Nov 10 for the Veterans’ Day Holiday, which is on Saturday.

Alexander voters in Saline County will also still be voting at a new location. The Saline County Clerk decided not to hold the Special Election at the usual location, the Saline County Water and Sewer office. Instead, Alexander voters in Saline County will cast their ballots at the Pathfinder Human Resources Building 12B, Highway 111 South. The building is at the south end of the closed Human Development Center, near the end of Highway 111.

The Special Election is being held to ask voters for to approve a one-cent increase in the city sales tax, which can be used city-wide. The existing two-cent sales tax, approved in two separate elections, is limited to funding the police, fire and parks departments.

Alexander Council will consider replacing Paychex with Proliant

At Monday’s meeting of the Alexander City Council a resolution will be presented that will replace Paychex with Proliant. Paychex processes the city’s payroll, which includes not only printing the checks, but also calculating tax deductions and transferring the payroll taxes to a separate fund.

In an E-mail from Mayor Paul Mitchell he said Proliant, “does more and is cheaper.”

Also on the agenda is a resolution to amend the budget and, “Adopting County Flood Mitigation Resolution.”

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, October 16. Meetings are held at 6PM in the City Hall courtroom. The public is invited to attend.

Prayer Walk a success

The first Prayer Walk held in Alexander was a success by any standard. The weather was sunny and area residents were able to walk through the old part of the city, which ended at the city park. There everyone enjoyed good food and fellowship. The walk was last Saturday (October 7) and was organized by Pastor Kenneth and Gina Littlejohn.

Photo provided by
Mayor Paul Mitchell.

(Photo) Pastor Kenneth Littlejohn (left), Mayor Paul Mitchell (right) and some of the group walking along Highway 111 from City Hall to their first stop at First Baptist Church. They then wound their way to Old City Hall ending the Prayer Walk at City Park.

JoAn Churchill, Alexander’s Employee of the Year

JoAn Churchill was named the City of Alexander’s Employee of the Year at the second annual awards dinner. Churchill serves as Office Manager, Accountant and Executive Assistant to the Mayor. Mayor Paul Mitchell presented her with a diamond-shaped crystal plaque and certificate which reads, “In recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence.”

(Photo above) Mayor Paul Mitchell (R) presents 

Employee of the Year plaque and certificate to JoAn Churchill.

“I have her do a lot of stuff that’s not really in her realm,” Mitchell said. “She’s always there way after hours (off the time clock).”

Prior to the awards ceremony Mitchell said, “I can’t do what I do without you guys. You make it all happen.”

“The City of Alexander for the first time in many, many years … has the right people, at the right places, at the right time,” he said. “We can’t change overnight but we’re working on it.”

There were approximately 30 to 40 people in attendance at the ceremony held at the Alexander First Baptist Church Friday, September 29. The dinner was catered by Jordon’s and paid for by Mayor Mitchell.

Mitchell announced he will be retiring from AT&T November 2. He said he’ll be able to spend more time at city hall, “If my wife let’s me.”

(Photo Left) Mayor Paul Mitchell (R) presents Job Excellence plaque and certificate to Police Chief Robert Burnett.
“He has come in and taken this department to a really, really higher level,” Mitchell said of Burnett.

(Photo Right) Before presenting Fire Chief Mark “Gator” Ridgeway (L) with the Job Excellence plaque and certificate Mayor Mitchell praised Chief Ridgeway for the various improvements in the department including being rated for full-time operation. That makes Alexander the third city in Saline County rated to provide full-time service; Benton and Bryant being the other two. The certificate reads, “In recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence.”

(Photo Left) Mayor Paul Mitchell (R) presented a Job Excellence certificate to street department employee Rod Chapman. Mitchell complimented Chapman on his willingness to perform any task asked of him.

The certificate reads, “In recognition for outstanding achievement and excellence.”

Officer of the Year

(Photo Above) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presented Officer Jessica Hill with the Officer of the Year award. Chief Burnett said Officer Hill earned the award for, “taking on extra duties such as senior BAC (Arkansas State Standard Breathalyzer machine) operator, e-crash system administrator, K9 officer, FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests, planning of the annual National Night Out and more.”

Four

other officers

received awards

(Photo Above) Reserve Officer 

Nick Salyers received a 

Certificate of Appreciation award.

(Photo left) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presenting a Certificate of Appreciation 

award to Reserve Officer Justin Potter.

“In Appreciation for Outstanding Service to the City of Alexander Police Department,” the certificates state. “We recognize the personal sacrifices you encounter as a volunteer law enforcement officer. Your consistent superior performance above and beyond the call of duty, along with your contributions to the Alexander Police Department Patrol Division are greatly appreciated. Your devotion to the citizens and to the community is a great asset to this department.”

(Photo right) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presenting an Award of Excellence Service plaque to Officer Nick Johnson.

Chief Burnett said Officer Johnson, “was awarded for job excellence and his continued hard work getting the city up to code.”

(Photo left) Police Chief Robert Burnett (L) presenting an Award of Excellence Service plaque to Sgt. McKiever.

Chief Burnett said Sgt. McKiever received the award, “for taking over the responsibilities of Sgt. over the full time officers, the position of Sgt. over the reserve officers and handling the Assistant Chief duties while the Assistant Chief is on deployment.”

Three firefighters promoted

(Photo left) Fire Chief Ridgeway (L) presenting a Certificate of Promotion to Assistant Chief Noah Harrison.

(Photo below) Fire Chief Ridgeway (L) presenting a Certificate of Promotion to Captain Robert Hawkins.

All three certificates state, “In recognition of his demonstrated leadership and service.”

(Photo above) Fire Chief Ridgeway (L) 
presenting a Certificate of Promotion 
to Captain Justin Potter.

Surprise!

  

In a surprise presentation JoAn Churchill (L) presented Alderwoman Juanita Wilson with a gift in appreciation for the time she donates at city hall; filling-in doing various tasks when someone isn’t available.