Time to brush up on Alexander's fireworks rules for New Year's Eve

If you plan to shoot fireworks in the City of Alexander to celebrate the new year there are some rules you need to know. The fireworks ordinance establishes the following rules.

The use of fireworks:

“No parent, guardian, or custodian of any child under the age of majority shall knowingly permit or consent to the possession or discharge of fireworks by any child under the age of majority without proper supervision.” In other words, you’re responsible for the actions of the child whether you know what they’re doing or not. In Arkansas the age of majority is 18 years old.

Where and When:

The ordinance limits the discharging of fireworks, “on private property of the owner, by the owner and immediate family, when discharge is in a safe and sane manner.” “Safe and sane manner,” is defined as, “actions which do not endanger life, limb, or property of those in the area of the discharge.”

Fireworks may not, “be discharged within the boundaries of or within three hundred feet (300 ft.) of any public park owned or maintained by the city.” Also, fireworks may not be, “discharged upon any public street, alley, road, or right-of-way,” … “under or upon a motor vehicle, whether moving or not, or within three hundred feet (300 ft.) of any gas station, gas, oil, or propane storage facility, or other area which is highly flammable in nature.” Fireworks also may not be discharged if the Fire Chief has issued a burn ban due to drought or other conditions.

The ordinance allows for the discharging of fireworks from 12:00 PM (Noon) on December 31 until 1:00 AM on January 1.

Clean up when finished:

The revelers are also required to clean-up the mess. The ordinance states, “Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association discharging fireworks under this ordinance shall, upon such discharge, be responsible for clean-up of the discharge site, including disposal of all discharged fireworks, all non-discharged or ‘dud’ fireworks, and the associated debris from the area in a safe manner.”

Fireworks defined:

The ordinance provides a definition of fireworks. Besides the legal and technical definition, examples of what constitutes fireworks is provided. The list includes, “sky rockets, roman candles, daygo bombs, blank cartridges, toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns in which explosives other than toy paper caps are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel them, firecracker, torpedoes, sparklers, or other fireworks of like construction, any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablet or other device containing an explosive substance.”

Enforcement and penalties:

Police, fire and code enforcement officers are given the authority to enforce this ordinance. They also have the authority to, “seize, impound, remove, or cause to be removed, at the expense of the owner, all stocks of fireworks offered for sale, sold, or in the possession of any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association in violation of this chapter.”

Penalties start at, “a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) or more than five hundred dollars ($500) for a first time offense, a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) or more than five hundred dollars ($500) for a second offense, and a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300) or more than five hundred dollars ($500) for a third or subsequent offense. Each day of a violation constitutes a separate offense.”

The ordinance also covers payment for damages and the cost of any services provided. “Any damages caused or injuries sustained as a result of any violation of this chapter shall be ordered paid as restitution as part of any conviction for any violation,” it states. Also, “The court may order the reimbursement of costs of enforcement, investigation, fire suppression services, and overtime related to a violation upon conviction.”

Anyone living under a Home Owners Association or Property Owners Association should consult the organization for any additional requirements above and beyond the city ordinance.

Huck retains seat on Alexander Planning Commission

This article may contain the opinion of its author.

The Alexander City Council, in a five to three vote, decided to not remove Michael Huck from the City Planning Commission. Huck currently serves as Chairman of the commission.

Prior to the vote Council Member Joy Gray first explained since the council appoints members to the planning commission the council can also remove commission members. She then gave her reasons why Huck should be removed from the planning commission.

"And, you know, the last meeting that where Mr. Huck was wildly inappropriate and said sexist comments, cursed, banging on the table, all that, that's recorded and he admitted to it," Gray said. "And after it was brought up in the last meeting, instead of remotely showing any contrition, he walked up to the person he had previously insulted and doubled down and made another further insulting comment after that meeting."

"So after that was brought up, after it was totally, you know, cosigned by everybody else that was there, instead of having the tiniest bit of common sense dignity, anything like that, he went and continued to be rude and inappropriate in a public meeting where he had just been discussed for being rude and inappropriate in other public meetings," she said.

[Editor's Note: Asking if Tonya Prowes's AI can write the minutes faster than three months is now a crime.]

A letter of complaint was sent by Chris Prowse, husband of Planning Commission Member and Secretary Tonya Prowse, and dated October 11, one day after the planning commission's October 10 meeting. According to the planning commission's sign-in sheet Chris Prowse was not at the meeting.

The complaint references a comment made by Huck to Prowse as everyone was leaving the Alexander courtroom after the planning commission meeting had ended. The comment was in reference to her misunderstanding of the proposed location of a cell tower to be built along Brookwood Road, which was the primary agenda item for the October 10 meeting. The property is the location of the Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Public Facilities Board's sewage treatment plant.

While Huck was summarizing the documents given to commission members before introducing Vertical Bridge representative Tracy Gill, Prowse jumped in and said they would have to access the St. Joseph's Glen sewer plant area by going through the subdivision from Highway 111, not Brookwood Road. Prowse lives in St. Joseph's Glen.

A second argument began, after the meeting, when Prowes accused Huck of referencing the St. Joseph's Glen sewer plant. Huck never mentioned St. Joseph's Glen.

While everyone was leaving the meeting Huck said, "Maybe I'll learn to speak female before the next meeting." This was the only complaint concerning the October meeting mentioned in the letter.

Voting "Yes" to remove Huck were Gray, Angela Griffin and Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn. Voting "No" were Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Tony Staton was absent and counted as a "No" vote.

Will Gray continue to bring this up at every meeting?

"I'm going to bring it up at every meeting for now until I'm no longer a city councilwoman because it is wildly inappropriate that he remains," Gray said.

At the November Council Meeting council members agreed to schedule a work session to discuss this issue further. The work session would have been a public meeting. To our knowledge the work session never occurred. Aside from Tonya Prowse speaking at the end of the November 20 meeting, there has been no public discussion between council members and those involved.

Also during the December 18 council meeting:

Lease agreement for city cottages tabled

Mayor Crystal Herrmann told council members City Attorney Chris Madison has suggested the proposed amendment to the lease agreements be reviewed by a certified public accountant. The amendment involves occupants paying the gas and electric bills. Because they are also city employees, being charged a $1.00 per year lease in exchange for being on-call and guarding the former Human Development Center property, Herrmann says Madison is concerned how this will affect the employees' taxes. The issue was tabled until January.

Attorney ordinance tabled

The second reading of an ordinance that will establish two "city attorney" positions has been tabled until City Attorney Chris Madison can answer concerns expressed by Council Member Juanita Wilson. The two main issues are the number of attorney positions to be established plus why the mayor is being given sole authority to appoint attorneys?

In the past the council was always the final authority in appointing attorneys. As for how many attorneys, the title includes the phrase "OR SEVERAL CITY ATTORNEYS." Wilson wants to know if two positions are being established why does the title say "Several?"

Next Meeting

Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday falling on the third Monday in January, the next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, January 22, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Decision on Alexander Planning Commission Chairman put on hold

With only half of the Alexander City Council present, it was decided to table a complaint against the city's Planning Commission Chairman until the matter can be discussed at a work session. A date for the work session was not scheduled.

At the October council meeting, City Attorney Chris Madison was given the task of investigating accusations concerning Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck. The complaint was sent to Mayor Herrmann and was dated October 11, one day after the planning commission's October meeting.

The letter was sent by Chris Prowse, husband of Planning Commission Member Tonya Prowse. According to the planning commission's sign-in sheet Chris Prowse was not at the meeting.

The complaint references a comment made by Huck to Prowse as everyone was leaving the Alexander courtroom after the planning commission meeting had ended. The comment was in reference to her misunderstanding of the proposed location of a cell tower to be built along Brookwood Road, which was the primary agenda item for the October 10 meeting. The property is the location of the Saline County Waterworks and Sanitary Sewer Public Facilities Board's sewage treatment plant.

While Huck was summarizing the documents given to commission members before introducing Vertical Bridge representative Tracy Gill, Prowse jumped in and said they would have to access the St. Joseph's Glen sewer plant area by going through the subdivision from Highway 111, not Brookwood Road. Prowse lives in St. Joseph's Glen.

A second argument was started, after the meeting, when Prowes accused Huck of referencing the St. Joseph's Glen sewer plant. Huck never mentioned St. Joseph's Glen.

While everyone was leaving the meeting Huck said, "Maybe I'll learn to speak female before the next meeting." This was the only complaint concerning the October meeting mentioned in the letter.

Huck has been on the planning commission since this current commission was established in 2017. Prowse was appointed in 2018.

Madison began his verbal report by explaining the interview process. He said Assistant Police Chief Jessica Burnett interviewed Prowse and other witnesses who attended the meeting. After that Madison interviewed Huck. Madison said Huck also provided an audio recording of the meeting.

"The findings are ... that there was some expletive, or an expletive, said during the meeting," Madison said. "And, he did make a comment to the effect of the next meeting."

"In my conversations with Mr. Huck, he recognized, after some questioning about that how, someone could see that as an offensive and inappropriate and recognizes that his role as a member of the Planning Commission, he represents the city," Madison continued. "It has to be a way that represents the city effectively."

"But he admitted to the statements that were made during it (the meeting)," Madison said. "So in essence, those things were said and done, which brings you to the next question of what, if anything, the council wants to do about it."

"So I know this was one incident, but this is not necessarily the only," Council Member Joy Gray began. "It's just the only one that's been investigated."

"And I have been on the council," she continued. "I got elected in 16 (began first term in 2017). And I've asked for years why behavior in this meeting and in other meetings has been allowed to continue and go on. I think there's just a general atmosphere of disrespect. I think there is a blatant sexism."

"So I also see his online behavior," Gray continued. "He does act like he speaks on behalf of the city as a private citizen."

"He also is a journalist (air quotes) fulfilling a role, which I feel like as it may not be illegal, but it is certainly a potential to be trying to be a journalist, giving the insights, group on things that go on and out of danger, but it would also be a city official," she added.

Huck is editor and reporter for The Alexandrian blog site and Facebook page. The blog site started in February 2013. The Facebook page was established September, 2014. Huck began attending meetings January 2015. He was also a council member from November 2006 to the summer of 2011.

"So these are all things that I have concerned with," Gray said. "His behavior of generally pretending like he speaks for the city, also being sexist. I am sure, the Venn diagram of people that are sexist and racist is usually just a circle. So none of that would shock me."

"But he's done a lot for the city," said Council Member Joe Pollard.

"And you know what? It's 2023," Gray responded. "And we are past the time of, well, they do a lot, and they're terrible, but they do a lot. We're past that."

"So I am comfortable if we wanted to have a work group meeting like we've had before, where we discuss all of our options so that everybody understands everything," Gray proposed. "I would be comfortable doing that so that we don't feel like we just did it today."

Later in the discussion, Pollard questioned the accuracy of the charge. Prowse was present at the meeting and during the Public Comment portion of the agenda she addressed Pollard's concerns.

"And Joe, I know that you don't think it's true but it, but it is," Prowse said. "I mean if he's already admitted, there was witnesses."

Removing Huck can't come soon enough for Gray.

"I would be fine doing it today," she said. "I would be fine doing it 10 meetings ago. I'd be fine doing it five, six, seven years ago."

In other action during the Nov. 20 council meeting:

Attorney ordinance gets first reading

An ordinance establishing the positions of prosecuting attorney and city attorney did get a first reading. But, there weren't enough council members present to have the two-thirds vote needed to suspend the second and third readings. It also takes a two-thirds vote to pass the Emergency Clause allowing the ordinance to go into effect immediately.

Two-thirds of the eight-member council is six. Only four members were present. The mayor is allowed to make the quorum, which is five, if one more person is needed. Council members present were Joy Gray, Angela Griffin, Joe Pollard, and Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn. Absent were Mitchell W. Smith, Tony Staton, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Three were sick and one was out of town.

The ordinance will make a second appearance at the December council meeting. If at least six members are present it should be approved and in effect that night.

Jail Cost Sharing Agreement approved

The Jail Cost Sharing Agreement between the Saline County Detention Center and the City of Alexander was approved. The agreement establishes the cost Alexander will pay to house its inmates.

The monthly cost for the calendar year 2024 will be $2,527.85 monthly; $30,334.20 annually. That's up from 2023's monthly cost of $1,730.25; $20,763.00 annually. Mayor Crystal Herrmann said the cost for 2024 is based on the actual cost for housing Alexander's inmates in 2023.

Under the new agreement the city will still be charging a fee of $20, "[T]o be paid by each defendant upon conviction, plea of guilty, plea of nolo contendere, or bond forfeiture for all misdemeanors, traffic violations, or other first or second-class fines, to defray the cost of incarcerating City Inmates."

Council receives proposed 2024 budget

Mayor Crystal Herrmann presented council members with the proposed city budget for 2024.

"I just wanted to go on record that we are supplying (you) the proposed 2024 budget," Herrmann said. "It's nothing that we have to discuss (now), because y'all haven't had your eyes on it."

"So next meeting, we'll look at that and discuss it," she continued. "You can ask any questions. And, even before the meeting, if you have any questions, you're more than welcome to come in."

Two agenda items tabled for legal review

City Attorney Chris Madison suggested he be allowed to review two agenda items before the council makes the final decision. One item is the "Lease agreements for City Housing" and the other is the "Ordinance Amending the 2022 Payroll Budget."

The new proposed lease agreement adds the requirement that tenants pay for the electric and gas utilities. This will apply to both the homes being rented by city employees and the large building being occupied by the American Legion Post 28. All buildings are located on the property formerly known as the Alexander Human Development Center.

Madison wants to review the "Ordinance Amending the 2022 Payroll Budget" to determine if it will close out the entire 2022 budget, or if the ordinance needs to be rewritten.

Reports:

Fire Department Lost two, Gained two

Fire Chief Ryan McCormick reported on the loss and replacement of two firefighters.

"We did have two firefighters that quit this past month," McCormick said. "And we did hiring and testing for that and hired ... two firefighters. "And, both of them were certified, so we don't have to take any of them to fire Academy."

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training to start soon.

"Also, we were planning to send several more members to EMT school," McCormick reported. "That starts in January. That's something big that I believe in for medical side (of rescue)."

"Also, real quick, we just put on three members (on) the US&R (National Urban Search & Rescue) team, United States," McCormick said. "It's all a search and rescue among all that team as well as the statewide, nationwide field."

Police Chief out of town

With Police Chief Robert Burnett out of town, Mayor Herrmann provided a short and succinct report.

"So we had total calls 304 (for October)," she said.

Where is the city treasurer?

Council Member Angela Griffin expressed her concerns over the most recent absences of City Treasurer JoAn Churchill. Council members want Churchill to attend meetings in case they have questions about the previous month's financial report.

During the first half of 2023 the accounting system was, for the most part, not functioning. Churchill attended meetings providing updates on the progress of repairs and whatever accounting information she could provide. Since the accounting system is now, allegedly, back online Churchill has missed the last two or three meetings.

Griffin asked if Churchill is performing her other duties. Office Manager Jennifer Hill responded that Churchill has been performing her duties as they relate to city hall.

City Attorney Chris Madison said he will research the minimum duties required to be performed by a city treasurer.

According to the guidelines established in the document "Organization of City Council 2023," which is approved every January by the council, the section relating to the duties of the "Treasurer and/or Bookkeeper" allows for either the treasurer and or bookkeeper to attend council meetings. Subsection "5" states in-part, "The treasurer and/or bookkeeper shall attend all Council meetings."

Crooked Creek erosion, Stocking the pond, Fall Fest winners announced

Mayor Crystal Herrmann reported on her visit with Aaron Norden. He's the Region III Stream Habitat Coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

"We visited Crooked Creek down all the way down ... where the (rail) road crossing is (at Brookwood Road)," Herrmann said. "We've had some calls and concerns about erosion and things going on over there."

Herrman said two suggestions are to, "[D]esignate a certain amount of that bank to a no-mow zone and bring in some plants that have a deep rooted system."

Herrmann said the plants will be provided by AGFC.

Herrmann and Norden then moved to the city park to discuss the erosion problems with Crooked Creek there.

"He's been working on a plan and drawings for us," she said. "And with those drawings and his assistance, we can turn around and apply that for a grant application that's going to open up in the spring (2024) for a grant opportunity to help address that erosion on the banks."

Herrmann and Norden also visited the pond, located on the south end of the former Human Development Center property along Highway 111. The pond area has been designated a city park and is being prepared to stock fish.

"The park department has installed a spillway to the pond," Herrmann said. "They repurposed the railroad concrete crossings to install a spillway to help capture more rainwater. We've actually gained like a foot so far up the bank in water."

Herrmann also met with Marcus Jackson, also from AGFC, which has a pond stocking program. The goal is to be able to have fish in the pond, but the biologists have to give their approval or recommendations.

Herrmann said, "He (Jackson) is visiting with the biologists and we're all supposed to have a meeting."

Herrmann gave an update on the city's application to the FUN Park grant. The grant is provided by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

"We actually scored 37 out of 37 on the park application," Herrmann said. "We're moving on up in the grant application process. That's good. That's the best we could do."

The grant will be used to replace the playground equipment in the City Park. The FUN Park grant funds 100-percent of a project with no matching funds provided by the city.

Mayor Herrmann reported the city has made it to Phase II in the Brownfields Grant application process. If approved, the grant will be used to remove the former tuberculosis hospital and any contamination such as asbestos. The hospital is located on the former Human Development Center property along Highway 111 in South Alexander.

"They're going to do soil sampling," she said. "They're just going to test everything under the sun out there."

A date for the testing has not been set.

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."

The property was deeded to Alexander by the state. The goal has always been to develop the property into a retail/commercial center. But, the hospital has always been the road block even before it caught fire a few years ago burning the fourth floor and roof.

Entergy has donated $1,000 toward Alexander's Christmas in the Park event. Herrmann said the donation will be used to rent a horse and carriage to provide rides around the park.

"So, I'm excited, Herrmann said. "We're planning on December 9th from 4 to 7. Have a hot cocoa and cookies with a carriage drive for the kids."

During the Fall Fest held in October visitors were allowed to vote on their favorite police officer, firefighter and council member. Called the Citizen's Choice Award, Mayor Herrmann announced the winners at the November 20 council meeting. The winners are Police Srgt. Breana Green, Firefighter Conner Roberts and Council Member Angela Griffin.

Next meeting

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

Alexander City Council meeting this Monday

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, November 20, 2023. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM and is held in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex.

The following items appear on the meeting agenda.

1. Old business:

   1. Lease agreements for City Housing/Buildings

   2. Planning Commissioner Complaint Follow-up

   3. Ordinance Amending the 2022 Payroll Budget

   New business:

   1. Ordinance for City Attorney

   2. 2024 Proposed Budget

   3. Jail Cost Sharing Agreement

No Smoking!

No more smoking, or using any tobacco products, inside or outside city buildings, or on or in city property. That's the basic gist behind an ordinance passed by the city council in a seven to one vote. The ordinance was sponsored by Council Member Joy Gray.

Gray says it's already illegal to smoke indoors under Arkansas's Clean Indoor Air Act passed in 2006. This ordinance expands upon that by including any city property and the use of tobacco based products.

"So not your house, not other businesses that are not owned by the city," Gray said. "So if the city owns it, you can't smoke, vape, or dip on it.

Expanding on the definition of city property Gray said, "So that means no more smoking in the doorway here (courtroom), right? Because we don't want people walking through secondhand smoke or vape, it's not safe. And it also would cut down on a lot of the litter and things that go on, especially in the parks."

"There's no reason for kids to be out playing on the playground and somebody standing out there smoking, right? Because if city owns that property, ultimately we're responsible for cleaning it up," Gray added. "So this is something that would hopefully cut down on waste."

The ordinance defines a tobacco product as, "[A] cigarette, cigar, snuff, chewing tobacco, dip, electronic cigarettes, vapes, vape liquids, or other preparations of pulverized tobacco, smoking tobacco, or tobacco/nicotine of any kind suitable for chewing, vaping or smoking or any article made of tobacco or tobacco substitute."

Smoking is described as, "[I]nhaling, exhaling, or carrying any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, plant, or other combustible substance in any manner or in any form."

City property is defined as, "[A]ny property that is owned by the City of Alexander. This includes buildings, structures, equipment and all land."

That includes inside and outside city hall, the City Park, the two community centers, all of the former Human Development Center property including the housing units, and any and all city vehicles.

The ordinance also provides penalties, which include;

1. "A fine of twenty-five dollars ($25) plus court costs for the first offense."

2. "A fine of fifty dollars ($50) plus court costs for the second offense."

3. "A fine of one hundred dollars ($100) plus court costs for the third and subsequent offense."

Council Member Harold Timmerman objected to the city being able to tell him he can't smoke outside. Gray, who works for the State of Arkansas, said she has helped other municipalities write similar ordinances and said it is legal and not unconstitutional. She also added it's not discrimination because one, "Chooses to smoke."

To pass the ordinance required four separate votes. The first was to read the ordinance by title only rather than reading the entire ordinance. That required a two-thirds vote, The second was to suspend the required three readings of an ordinance, which again required a two-thirds vote. Then there was the vote to pass the ordinance, which only required a majority. And finally, a vote to approve the Emergency Clause to make the ordinance effective immediately, required a two-thirds vote.

During all four roll call votes the count was seven "Yes" and one "No" vote. Voting "Yes" were Joy Gray, Angela Griffin, Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Tony Staton, Gina R Thomas, and Juanita Wilson. Harold Timmerman voted "No."

Signs to be placed in the various areas the ordinance will be enforced will be ordered and posted after they arrive. The sign will include the ordinance number.

Encouraging Arkansans to quit tobacco use is another one of Gray's duties with the state. She has provided city hall with information cards anyone can use to contact the Arkansas Health Department for more information on several programs designed to help people end their dependence on tobacco products.

In other news from the October 16 meeting:

Council appoints city attorney

Richard “Chris” Madison is now serving as the City of Alexander's new city attorney. In presenting himself to council members he listed his experience in municipal law.

" I was the Bryant City Attorney for seven years," he said. "I have been the Bauxite city attorney for the last four years."

Madison, "passed the bar in 2005. I was 11th in my class."

His other legal experience includes, "wrongful death, medical malpractice and complex litigation" including employment law.

Madison told council members he doesn't represent them or the mayor.

"I represent the city," he said. "My client is the city. I don't represent anyone of you and I am more than happy to tell each of you, all of you, all of you when I think something you're doing is improper. Now where this bus is going is ultimately a council, mayor decision."

"Because every elected position has a role to fill under state law and it lays out who's supposed to be in what lanes and doing what," he continued. "And I will let you know those are the lines. My job when I'm along this bus with you is to say there's a stop sign, there's a yellow line, there's a speed limit, there's a white line. And I'll tell you that."

Planning Commission Chairman under investigation

The city council directed City Attorney Chris Madison to investigate accusations leveled in a written complaint, sent to Mayor Herrmann, concerning Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck. The letter was sent by Chris Prowse, husband of Planning Commission Member Tonya Prowse.

The letter, dated October 11, 2023, begins with a statement made by Huck after the October 10 planning meeting and then works backwards alleging other actions by Huck at previous meetings. Huck has been on the planning commission since this current commission was established in 2017. Prowse was appointed in 2018.

Council Member Joy Gray read the letter before discussion began. The complaint was added to the agenda under New Business earlier in the meeting.

The first complaint listed claims, "He has used disrespectful and sexist comments such as 'Maybe I'll try to learn female' at fellow female committee members."

This is in reference to the end of the October 10 meeting, when everyone was leaving. According to the Sign-in sheet Christopher Prowse was not present.

Other accusations include, "[W]hen he is passing out papers to women he will say 'here take this what's your name' while waving the papers in front of their faces of committee members that have been in that position for years."

"He will raise his voice, raise his arms, slam his hands, notebooks and papers while yelling insults if he doesn't get his way or his motives are questioned," Prowse claims.

In a six to two vote council members agreed to have Madison investigate the allegations. Voting "Yes" were Joy Gray, Angela Griffin, Tony Staton, Gina R Thomas, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Voting "No" were Joe Pollard and Mitchell W. Smith. Wilson is a member of the planning commission.

Reports:

Police Department:

Monthly report, New vehicles replacing old vehicles

"The call volume for last month ... was 949 calls for the PD," Police Chief Robert Burnett said.

Explaining how the department is moving out old vehicles and replacing them with new vehicles under warranty Burnett said, "So I still have two trucks left and we'll get ready as I can. I can move them out and two cars to sell, to try to finish out buying fleet where everything's back under warranty again, so we don't have the high overhead of maintenance bog us down for the next year or so."

Fire Department:

New truck gets a push, Old fire hydrants a hazard

"Some exciting news and some concerns I have for the future," Fire Chief Ryan McCormick. "We opened up this past month ... did a pushing ceremony for the fire truck and it was exciting."

On Sunday, October 8 fire department staff celebrated the purchase of the new fire truck by hand-pushing it into the fire house. The new truck replaces two other trucks that kept breaking down.

"We had cake and punch and a bunch of other things," McCormick explained. "It was an exciting time. We've had multiple calls since last council meeting."

Fire fighters have been testing fire hydrants by opening the valve to flush out water and rust. While Meadow's Edge has the newest hydrants, South Alexander has the oldest.

"We have some issues," McCormick said. "I can just briefly tell you about the hydrant issues. They have not been up kept."

"They haven't been maintained. They haven't had maintenance on them," McCormick continued. "That's something that's a concern of ours from the standpoint of a safety issue from the fire side of it, also from your side as well as those that live here."

The worst time to discover a non-functioning fire hydrant is during a fire.

"We had a structure fire this past weekend (October 14-15)," McCormick began. "We had a house 100% involved. The hydro didn't work. It was not functional. The house beside the fire that had people living in it began to catch on fire."

The fire was at 15301 Birch Drive, across from Elmo's. With help from Pafford Ambulance Service and a police officer McCormick found another source of water.

"Obviously, we come with water on our engine, 1000 gallons of water, and we began to protect the house that was on fire," McCormick began. "We actually hand jacked our supply line, a 5-inch supply line, 300, 400 feet down another direction to the nearest hydrant that we found out to be working."

"My concern is with not having tested fire hydrants, which we're doing, upkeep it, maybe getting involved with the water department and trying to find a plan for them," McCormick said.

South Alexander receives its water and sewer services from Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Public Facilities Board (SCWWSS). According to McCormick SCWWSS is claiming fire hydrant maintenance is not their responsibility.

"I spoke to an attorney," McCormick said. "There are some things that have been said on the water side that said it's not their responsibility. It's a privately owned water department. It is their responsibility."

The Pulaski County area of Alexander receives its water from Central Arkansas Water (CAW). McCormich had only nice things to say about CAW.

"They take care of our system," he said. "They take care of our water lines, they update our water lines."

On the department's Facebook page are pictures of the fire and a thank you to all the other departments who provided mutual aid and other services. Listed are Little Rock Engine 18 and Battalion 11; Bryant Engine 2 and Battalion 1; Shannon Hills Engine 46; Northeast Tanker; Crystal Truck 24, Tanker 24, Chief 24 and 24-2; Collegeville Rescue 9; Arch Street Squad 1; Pafford Ambulance; Alexander Police; Shannon Hills Police; and Saline County Dispatch.

Streets and Parks Department:

Fountain lights, Do Not Throw Rocks sign ordered

Before Streets and Parks Department Superintendent David Durham could begin his report he was being asked about the lights on the water fountain in the city park and the "Don't Throw Rocks Into Fountain" signs. Apparently, someone's little darlings like to pick up rocks and throw them into the fountain.

Durham said a new sensor had to be ordered and it arrived the day of the council meeting. The newly installed lights would be on during the day and off at night.

Concerning the signs, Durham said they have been ordered and they will be in English and Spanish.

Financial:

Neither City Treasurer JoAn Churchill nor the bookkeeper were present to provide a financial update.

Mayor's Report:

Fall Fest successful, Newly paved streets

need widening

"Wow, the Fall Fest," Mayor Crystal Herrmann began. "I want to thank everyone that was a part of it. All of our employees, the Parks employees, I'd like to thank the citizens for their attendance."

"I mean it was a lot of fun," Herrmann continued. "We did the raffleing table and we actually raised $282 on the raffle. So thank you for all the donations."

"That 100 dollar bill was the most popular item," she added.

"So we almost covered the cost of the pumpkins, what that is," Herrmann said. "Thank you very much."

"It was a wonderful thing," Herrmann continued. "I was glad to see it. We fell $700 and something under the budget. So I think we did great. I think it was a wonderful thing."

Herrmann said she has heard from residents asking why streets that were part of the recently completed street overlay project are not, "as wide as they were originally."

Herrmann said she and Street Department Superintendent David Durham, "[C]ross-referenced what was approved and what was actually laid. And what they laid was what was actually approved in May of 2022."

A portion of a special state fuel tax approved by voters is being used to help cities and counties upgrade streets and roads by funding the overlay of new asphalt. Generally a city or county can request the grant every three years.

Herrmann said they will have to develop a plan to widen the narrower streets by fixing the shoulders.

"So we will be coming behind it and cleaning up the shoulders as best we can as we can afford it," she said.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, November 20. Meetings are at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex.

Verizon coming to Alexander

The Alexander City Council accepted the recommendation of the city planning commission to approve the request for a building permit to construct a cell tower in South Alexander. The tower will be built on property, along Brookwood Road, owned by the Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Public Facilities Board. The property is the location of the sewer plant that serves most of South Alexander.

Vertical Bridge representative Tracy Gill was unable to attend the council's October 16 meeting. In his place Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck relayed to council members the information Gill provided to the planning commission.

Gill attended the October 10 planning commission meeting to explain the construction plans and answer questions. Aside from explaining why the tower had to be built in that location, the other question involved the potential effects of radiation from 5G transmissions.

Verizon hired Vertical Bridge to find a location in this specific area in order to fill-in dead areas around Alexander. The site also has to be outside the flight path of aircraft flying in and out of Saline County Airport to the west. According to Gill the selected location near the sewer plant is four-feet outside the airport's no-obstruction area. Gill has provided written confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration approving the location for the cell tower.

Council Member Angela Griffin attended the planning meeting and expressed her concern over the potential threat to 5G radiation. Gill said studies going back to the 1990s show no appreciable effects on humans from 5G radiation. Since the tower will be 195 feet above ground level Gill said someone would have to be in a "cherry picker truck" face-to-face with the antenna to be affected by the electronic radiation.

Since the property is zoned Light Industrial, which allows cell towers, the planning commission and council members only had to concern themselves with the proposed construction plans. Huck provided council members with two diagrams. One of them show the location of the sewer plant and proposed cell tower site using white lines overlaying the tree cover. (See photo below)

Huck explained to council members under Alexander zoning the tower must be a minimum of 30-feet from the nearest property line. The mono-pole tower will sit in the center of a 70-feet by 70-feet built-up rock pad. The pole itself will be 87-feet from the property line that runs between the sewer plant property and the railroad tracks. That puts the edge of the rock pad approximately 52-feet from the property line.

During the council's October 16 meeting Griffin made a motion to table the approval until the November meeting. However, no one seconded the motion.

Near the end of the discussion Griffin said, "I don't feel quite comfortable making the decision yet."

During a roll call vote Griffin voted "No." Voting "Yes" were Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Joy Gray, Gina R Thomas, Harold Timmerman, Tony Staton, and Juanita Wilson.

Vertical Bridge is only responsible for the construction of the cell tower. Once the cell tower is completed Verizon will send a crew to wire and mount the cell transmitters/receivers.

Red marker location of future cell tower. Sewer plant lower right.

Photo provided by Vertical Bridge.

All New Business on Alexander Council agenda

The Alexander City Council has five New Business items on its agenda. They are;

1. "Cell tower placement approval,"

2. "Discussion of new attorney,"

3. "Opening of Events (Bank) Account,"

4. "Tobacco ordinance," and

5. "Finalizing of 2022 budget."

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is this Monday, 
October 16, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall) on Highway 111. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Planning Commission recommends city council approve construction of cell tower

The Alexander Planning Commission is recommending the City Council approve a building permit, submitted by Vertical Bridge, to construct a cell tower in South Alexander. The proposed site is on property owned by Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer (SCWWSS) along Brookwood Road; the location of the district's sewer plant.

The mono-pole tower is being built for Verizon. Vertical Bridge representative Tracy Gill attended the October 10 Planning Commission meeting to explain the construction plans and answer questions. The two main questions involved its location and the potential effects of radiation from 5G signals.

Commission member Juanita Wilson asked why the tower can't be placed on city property. The short answer from Gill is the location had to meet Verizon's goal of providing service in dead areas around Alexander. The site also has to be outside the flight path of aircraft flying in and out of Saline County Airport. This site meets both of those criteria with a slim margin of four-feet outside the airport flight path. Gill has provided written confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration approving the location for the cell tower.

Mayor Crystal Herrmann said she and Gill looked at city owned properties but none of them meet both required standards. City property along Evergreen Drive is within the airport's flight path. The former Alexander Human Development Center is way outside Verizon's area that needs additional coverage.

The question of location was essentially a concern of who receives the financial benefit. As Gill explained there are two methods of financing a deal such as this. One is a lease arrangement where the property owner receives payments over time. The other, which was accepted by the SCWWSS board, was a one-time payment for access, "in perpetuity."

As for 5G radiation, Gill said studies going back to the 1990s show no appreciable effects on humans from 5G radiation. Since the tower will be 195 feet above ground level Gill said someone would have to be in a cherry picker truck face-to-face with the antenna to be affected by the electronic radiation.

Since the property is zoned Light Industrial, which allows cell towers, the main purpose of the approval process is to review the construction plans. When a new business wants to build in Alexander the usual concern is traffic flow, parking spaces, hiding the trash dumpster, and where the structure will be located in relationship to property lines; ie. setbacks. Since a cell tower doesn't generate traffic, doesn't require parking and doesn't produce trash; the only requirement left to meet is the location of the tower.

Under Alexander zoning the tower must be a minimum of 30-feet from the nearest property line. The mono-pole tower will sit in the center of a 70-feet by 70-feet built-up rock pad, surrounded by a 60-feet by 60-feet fence. The pole itself will be 87-feet from the property line that runs along the railroad tracks. That puts the edge of the rock pad approximately 52-feet from the property line.

Vertical Bridge's first client for the cell tower will be Verizon. The tower has room for two more sets of antennas. This will be Alexander's first cell tower.

With four of the five members present, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the city council approve he building permit. It has been standard practice the Alexander City Council have final say over new businesses moving into the city. Commission members present were Wilson, Stephanie Beck, Tonya Prowse, and Michael Huck. Rodney Chapman was absent.

Planning Commission Chairman's Report

Still waiting for Little Rock's blessing

Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck reported that Little Rock officials are still working through the process of approving Alexander's proposed master development plan. Because Little Rock provides sewer service to North Alexander the 2018 contract required Alexander write a new master development plan, with Little Rock having approval rights before the Alexander Council gives its final approval.

According to Huck the Master Development Plan has been approved by the Little Rock Planning Department. It was then sent to the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA), which is in the process of writing a resolution for the LRWRA to approve. Once that happens it will be sent to the Little Rock Board of Directors to receive their final blessing. The plan was sent to the Little Rock Planning Department in April, 2023 to start the process.

From residential, to commercial, to residential

In case you haven't noticed the former location of Big Munchies, in North Alexander along Highway 111, is under going renovation. Chairman Huck reported the former residence turned into a string of restaurants is reverting back to a residence. He said rezoning is not needed since Neighborhood Commercial allows for residential use.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander Planning Commission is December 12, 6:30 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). This will be the last regular meeting of 2023.

Alexander council to have workshop session Wednesday

The Alexander City Council will have a workshop on Wednesday, October 11th, at 5:30 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (city hall). According to the announcement the purpose of the workshop is to, "have a more in-depth discussion about these issues."

The issues to be discussed are;

• "Utility bills for city employees"

• "A drafted ordinance that bans smoking on city-owned property" and

• "Taking a look at the organization of city council document so we can all refresh ourselves on the debate portions and public comment portion."

The workshop is for discussion purposes only. There will be no votes taken. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Fall Festival 2023 in photos

              The always popular bouncing inflatable rides were there.

 Climb up one side.

 Slide down the other.

 Pushing through the inflated obstacle course.

 The one playground ride everyone wants to keep.

 Alexander American Legion Post 28 was 

there and signed up some new members.

 A hay ride was a new addition to the Fall Festival.

 Alexander Fire and Rescue showed off its new fire truck.

 Southern Hearts Rescue brought dogs looking for new homes.

 by Funny Faces Face Painting.

Cell tower on Alexander planning agenda

The proposed construction of a Verizon cell tower is the only New Business item on the agenda for the Alexander Planning Commission. This is the third attempt to place a cell tower in Alexander but the first to make it to the planning commission.

The next meeting of the Alexander Planning Commission is Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.

Alexander tenants paying utilities decision tabled until October; Property tax rate remains same

In a split-vote, the Alexander City Council tabled the decision to require city employees to pay for their electric and natural gas usage as part of the lease agreement for the city's cottages. In another decision, the council unanimously agreed to keep the city's property tax rate at 1.5 mills.

At the August council meeting Mayor Crystal Herrmann proposed the change to the lease agreement. The issue was tabled so city staff could develop a list of the utility bills of both electric and gas for each cottage. A similar proposal is being made for a lease agreement with the Alexander American Legion Post 28.

In the latter half of 2022, some Alexander employees were being allowed to occupy the cottages located in the southeast corner of the former Alexander Human Development Center along Highway 111. The cottages were used by Pathfinders, Inc. as housing for their clients. Earlier this year a lease agreement was developed.

Since Alexander doesn't have any employees who live in the city, part of the attraction was to allow them to live there rent "free" ($1 per year) with utilities included in exchange for guarding the property and being on-call if needed in an emergency.

Vandalism of some of the buildings began when the Pathfinder's lease expired and they moved out in August, 2022. There has been a decline in vandalism since the program began.

At the beginning it was a combination of police and street department employees occupying the cottages. It's now been reported the cottages are occupied by all police officers.

Herrmann proposed passing along the cost of electricity and gas to the occupants as a way to discourage misuse of the utilities. Each cottage has an electric and gas meter. There is a single water meter for the entire complex.

Some council members reminded everyone that was one of the perks in exchange for guarding the property and being on-call. Others see it as a way of encouraging self-control.

A breakdown of the electric and gas usage was provided at the September 18 council meeting. Council Member Joy Gray made the motion to table the issue until the October meeting to allow for time to study the report. The vote was six to two in favor of tabling a decision on the proposed change in the lease agreement. Voting "Yes" were Joe Pollard, Joy Gray, Tony Staton, Mitchell W. Smith, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Voting "No" were Gina R. Thomas-LittleJohn and Angela Griffin.

On the utility charts for electric and gas the cottages are listed "A" through "E." The electric bills cover the moths of January through August. The gas bills cover January through July.

The chart below represents the low, high and average monthly costs of both electric and gas for each cottage. The information provided at the September council meeting does not indicate when each cottage was occupied and when they were being repaired. Although, Cottages "A" and "B" do show zero consumption of gas during the months of March through July. Cottage-E shows zero gas used in June. The cottages needed to be repaired before they could be occupied.

Cottage-A

Elec; - Low $45.08 (May), High $457.96 (Aug), 8-mth avg. $197.15.

Gas; - Low $161.88 (Jan), High $422.05 (Feb), 2-mth avg. $291.96. [Zero usage in Mar.-July.]

Cottage-B

Elec; - Low $142.87 (Apr), High $347.90 (Aug), 8-mth avg. $190.19.

Gas; - Low $116.06 (Jan), High $224.93 (Feb), 2-mth avg. $170.49. [Zero usage in Mar. - July.]

Cottage-C

Elec; - Low $34.20 (Mar), High $37.36 (Jan), 8-mth avg. $36.80.

Gas; - Low $8.40 (May - Jul), High $331.20 (Feb), 7-mth avg. $73.66.

Cottage-D

Elec; - Low $19.41 (May), High $455.19 (Aug), 8-mth avg. $82.09.

Gas; - Low $8.40 (Jan, May, Jun, Jul), High $245.56 (Feb), 7-mth avg. $61.16.

Cottage-E

Elec; - Low $25.04 (Jan), High $280.50 (July), 8-mth avg. $135.12.

Gas; - Low $9.00 (Jan, Jul), High $242.22 (Feb), 6-mth avg. $76.11. [Zero usage in June.]

Alexander American Legion Post 28

During the December 19, 2022 council meeting council members approved allowing Alexander American Legion Post 28 to use Building-A located in the former Pathfinder’s complex on the Alexander Human Development Center property. Building-A was used by Pathfinder’s, Inc. as an office.

As the story goes, when legion members went inside Building-A in December, 2022 to begin the move they realized it was too divided up into offices to be of any use. Discussing the problem with then Mayor Paul Mitchell they decided to switch to the larger building across from Alexander Community Center #2. They've been there since January, 2023.

Before moving into the current building Post 28 was allowed to use, free of charge, what is now known as Alexander Community Center #1 (formerly known as Alexander Town Hall) at 15412 Main Street in the Pulaski County portion of Alexander. They shared the building with a church group that uses it to hold services.

The post was founded in 2018. The goal has always been to grow the membership and someday have their own building. But, that takes a lot of fund raising.

Mayor Crystal Herrmann wants Post 28 to also pay for the electric and gas usage, same as those renting the cottages. According to the utility report the electric bill for that building in January, 2023 was $56.46. That was also the low for the year so far. The monthly cost steadily increases until it reaches the current high in August of $247.09. The monthly average for those eight months is $139.20.

The gas, however, is the reverse. The bill for January starts 2023 off with a high for the first seven months of $2,002.71. It then drops in February to $217.30. After some more ups and downs it drops to a low of $10.16 for both June and July. The average for the seven months is $460.84.

Since the September 18 regular council meeting, a workshop meeting has been scheduled to discuss this proposal. The workshop will be for discussion purposes only. No votes will be taken. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 5:30 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.

Millage rate unchanged

The Alexander City Council approved an ordinance establishing the city’s real estate and property tax rate for 2023 to be collected in 2024. The tax rate will remain at 1.5-mills. What would normally be a tax rate of 5-mills was gradually reduced in exchange for a one-cent sales tax increase, which was approved by voters in November 2017. It's been 1.5 mills since 2018.

In other news:

Pafford Ambulance has Alexander home

Response times for the Pafford Ambulance will be shorter now in Alexander. Fire Chief Ryan McCormick announced a Pafford EMS Ambulance is now located at the Alexander Central Fire Station on South Alexander Road.

Pafford is under contract to provide Emergency Medical Services to all of Saline County in both municipal and rural areas. Until now, many of the ambulances were being dispatched from Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton.

Next Regular Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, October 16, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.