Alexander sends FOIA request to Saline County Waterworks

(Edited 6/1/2024. Changed Dan White to Dan Wyatt.)

Officials making the decisions on the Saline County Waterworks and Sanitary Sewer Public Utilities Board (SCWSS) have been getting on the bad side of many Alexander officials. Since 2023 there's been a back-and-forth over the maintenance of the fire hydrants in south Alexander. Until the annexation of Woodland Hills in 2006, now south Alexander, the SCWSS was outside the Alexander city boundaries. Now, they are claiming the water district is not responsible for maintaining the fire hydrants; Alexander is.

During his monthly report to the city council, Fire Chief Ryan McCormick detailed how many fire hydrants aren't working.

"They have a hundred seven (107) fire hydrants that are on their systems," McCormick said. "Ten do not work. They don't work whatsoever. Out of those, one hundred seven is ten, thirty four have zero pressure that can't be used to help on battling the fire. So that's almost half of their fire hydrants that do not work."

According to McCormick he and Mayor Crystal Herrmann have been discussing the issue with SCWSS officials without much success.

"I have tried to visit with them," McCormick said. "It's falling on deaf ears."

McCormick estimates replacing one fire hydrant can cost between $8,000 to $10,000. He said Alexander's ISO rating has dropped to three (ISO-3) due to the lack of fire hydrants. The ISO rating is one factor that affects home insurance rates.

Another issue has developed which will end construction of new housing units on empty lots in south Alexander. SCWSS has placed a moratorium on all new water and sewer connections due to a lack of capacity at the sewer plant. As it's been explained, anyone replacing a residence with another residence won't have a problem as long as they don't shut-off services. New services will not be allowed until capacity at the sewer plant is increased.

Near the end of the meeting, Council Member Juanita Wilson presented council members with a resolution giving her the authority to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to SCWSS on behalf of the city. She explained that as a lone citizen she could either be hit with a large bill for making copies, or be ignored. Coming from the city means the FOIA request is coming from an entity more equal to the water district.

Wilson explained that years ago SCWSS allegedly issued a bond to upgrade the sewer plant. Wilson wants to know, among other things, if the bond was ever paid off and how it was used. Also, how is revenue being spent that keeps fire hydrants from being replaced and the sewer plant not keeping up with growth.

City Attorney Chris Madison suggested it would be legally safer if either the mayor or the city attorney submit the FOIA request for the city council. Council members assigned the task to Madison. Since the May 20 meeting Madison responded in an E-mail that he sent the FOIA request to SCWSS by E-mail and postal mail on Thursday, May 23.

News Brief Reports

Rental rates increased with amendment

In a split vote, rental rates for the Pavilion, Gazebo and Community Center #1 (former city hall on Main St.) were increased, and a rental rate for Community Center #2 was established. Council members Joe Pollard and Juanita Wilson were opposed to the rates saying, "They are too high."

Part of the increase also included changing the rates for Community Center #1 from hourly to all day and renting the Pavilion and Gazebo for half-a-day has been changed to all day. Council Member Harold Timmerman suggested that "8 hours" be added to each rental rate to verify the amount of time a renter is allowed. That change was approved by a vote of the council before voting on the resolution.

The new rates for the Pavilion, Gazebo and Community Center #1 are $150.00 each; $50.00 of that is the refundable deposit. The City keeps the remaining $100.00. The rental rate for Community Center #2 is $200.00; $50.00 of that is the refundable deposit. The City keeps the remaining $150.00. Community Center #2 is located at the former Alexander Human Development Center.

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

Prior to the discussion on raising rental rates Mayor Crystal Herrmann reported to council members that someone approached her about buying the former city hall. It was rejected by the council due to the building's historical history. Prior to serving as city hall it was the second location of the Alexander Post Office.

Council meets new code enforcement/animal control officer

Dan White Wyatt introduced himself to the Alexander City Council as the city's first code enforcement/animal control officer. According to Smith the May 20 council meeting began his fourth week in the position. He began by reciting his employment history.

"I've worked in a human society of veterinary clinics," White began. "It had animal control in North Little Rock for a couple of years. I was a correctional officer for ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) for a little bit of time. And then most recently, I was an operating partner at a restaurant. So I kind of wanted to come back to animals a little bit and a new code (officer), but I'm a fast learner."

White says he has been studying Alexander's existing ordinances and has already issued 40 citations. He has also submitted a draft of a new animal control ordinance to the council for review.

Council Member Juanita Wilson asked Mayor Crystal Herrmann where is this position in the 2024 budget.

"Mayor, I can't find anywhere in your budget where your budget for this position," Wilson said.

"We don't have to," Herrmann responded.

"You can't hire him until we have budgeted him," Wilson retorted.

Until now the code enforcement officer was part of the police department since the job was being done by one of the officers. The combined code enforcement and animal control positions will now operate as a regular city employee.

Code Complaint

In a related matter, Council Member Joy Gray discussed a written complaint of code violations she received. The complaint included photos and was written by an anonymous author.

Gray said, "This is just, it is signed an irritated, frustrated citizen and they just have a litany of complaints about people that live around them that have pretty extreme trash situations going on in their yard."

Describing some of the photos she said, "They have what appears to be a tire scrap pile." ... "(T)here's a massive tire pile with trailers."

"(W)e do now have a code enforcement officer, so we should hopefully be able to start taking care of some of this," Gray added. "I'm sure it's probably one of the 40 (Code violations) that he's (David White) checked. But, I just wanted this person to get their moment to be seen and heard by the rest of the council."

Treasurer deadline

The Alexander Council is considering converting the office of city treasurer from an elected position to one occupied by someone appointed by the council. The vote on the issue must occur prior to the August 7 deadline to turn in petitions for municipal offices. Council Member Joy Gray reminded everyone the deadline is near.

"I just wanted to bring this up again because I know we are on a time crunch because you (City Attorney) had mentioned that we need to, so August 7th would be the drop end date for this," Gray said. "If we were to decide to not have a position that's eligible for an election anymore, but where we actually just decide that we're gonna hire some(one), we will appoint a treasurer as opposed to elect one and the appointed treasurer could be a firm of some sort."

As explained by City Attorney Chris Madison at the March council meeting, the council has the option of appointing an individual, or an accounting firm, to perform the duties of treasurer. Also, since council members won't be filling a vacancy in an elected position they won't be limited to residents of Alexander.

Former Treasurer JoAn Churchill submitted her resignation in December, 2023, effective December 31. Since then the mayor has been looking for someone, who lives in Alexander, to fill the vacancy. So far, no one has submitted a resume.

Madison said he will provide a sample ordinance for the June meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is June 17, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander City Attorney to research alleged underpayments in 2023 to newly elected officials

In hopes of settling a financial dilemma, Alexander City Attorney Chris Madison has been "directed" by council members to review the necessary financial documents in an effort to determine if three council members and the mayor were underpaid in 2023. A report on his findings is expected to be presented at the June 17 council meeting.

A resolution, approving the amending of the 2024 budget to provide those payments, was presented at the April council meeting. At the urging of Council Member Juanita Wilson, the resolution was tabled until May so council members could be provided financial documents indicating the missing payments.

According to the proposed resolution Mayor Crystal Herrmann was paid $37,456.04 in 2023 instead of $42,160.00; a difference of $4,703.96. Council members Tony Staton, Angela Griffin and Gina Thomas-Littlejohn are listed as being paid $1,100.00 in 2023 instead of the annual $1,200.00; a difference of $100.00. Council members are paid $100.00 per month no matter how many meetings are held.

All four were newly elected in the November 2022 election. Their terms began January 1, 2023.

Council Member Harold Timmerman came armed with receipts. More precisely his W-2 for 2023.

"I remember, right, everybody received $1,100 in 2023 because the 12th check is not given out until the second day of January this year, January 2nd," Timmerman said. "I've got the proof of it right here, and right now in April, everybody's already been paid $500 in four months."

"I can show you my W-3 (sic) shows the same thing, the $1,100 for last year," Wilson added.

City Hall Office Manager Jennifer Hill explained, "I'm going to add on the Proliant (Payroll) reports, the reports that you have, are the only elected officials that did not receive $1,300 a year before."

The $1,300 payment from 2022 was also brought up at the previous council meeting. Both at the April meeting and now the May meeting Wilson denied receiving $1,300 in 2022.

"Mr. Madison," Mayor Crystal Herrmann began. "I would like to come up with a legal fair way to get to the end of this discussion because there are people on this council and in our office that were under pay (sic) and people dragging this out just for punishment is tacky."

"It's not punishment," Wilson said. "It's real."

As stated above, this resolution only involves those elected for the first time in 2022. This does not affect the pay of office staff.

In other business at the May 20 meeting;

Street and Parks Supervisor resigns

Council members were provided a copy of a resignation letter submitted by Street and Parks Supervisor David Durham. His resignation becomes effective June 6, 2024.

Durham explains, "I have accrued 10.5 weeks of vacation time that I haven't taken over the years of my employment with the city." His vacation will end June 2.

As for why he is leaving Durham said, "The reasons behind my decision to leave my employment with the city is personal in nature and I have decided that the best actions I can take are to move in another direction.

"I have enjoyed my time here and working with all the fine employees of the city over the years and the residents," Durham continued. "I hope Alexander continues to grow and prosper. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of the city's history."

New list of posting locations approved

The Alexander City Council approved an ordinance amending the list of locations where city documents and announcements will be posted. Documents include ordinances, resolutions and the announcements of regular and special meetings.

The list of places are;

1. Alexander City Hall

2. Alexander Post Office

3. Elmo's Grocery

4. Citgo Flash Mart (That's the Mobil Station along I-30 to the rest of us.)

5. Dollar General

6. Saline County Waterworks

7. E Mercado Latino.

Mayor Crystal Herrmann said the postings will be translated into Spanish for the E Mercado Latino.

Check signers approved for new account

At the October, 2023 council meeting the mayor was given approval to open an Events Checking Account to deposit donations for city events. At the recent May 20 meeting a resolution was approved giving Mayor Crystal Herrmann, Office Manager Jennifer Hill and Court Clerk Janet Guess the authority to sign checks from that account. It takes two to sign any check. They are also the designated signers for the other checking accounts.

City to make second attempt at FUN Park grant

The Alexander City Council approved a resolution allowing Mayor Herrmann to apply for a FUN Park grant. This is the second attempt at the grant. The city applied in 2023 and met all the criteria to receive the grant, scoring 32 out of 32 points. Unfortunately, Alexander was not at the top of the list when it came time to disburse the limited funds.

The FUN Park grant is provided by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. The FUN Park grant funds 100-percent of a project with no matching funds provided by the city. Herrmann is proposing to use the grant to replace the playground equipment in the City Park.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is June 17, 6:00 PM at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Back-pay, posting official notices and treasurer discussion on Monday's Alexander agenda

The Alexander City Council will address one item under Old Business and several New Business items at the next council meeting. The meeting will be held Monday evening May 20 at the Alexander Municipal Complex.

Council members will revisit, "A Resolution amending the underpayment of certain elected officials." The resolution was discussed at the April meeting and was tabled at the request of Council Member Juanita Wilson who asked for financial records proving the non-payments.

New Business items include an ordinance establishing; "(T)he posting places for city business,)" " A Resolution setting the rental prices regarding City property," an ordinance amending the definition of Recreational Vehicle in the current zoning ordinance, "Amending Res(olution) 2023-16-10-1 to add check signers" and a resolution giving the mayor the authority to apply for park grant funds. Discussion items include a complaint concerning code violations, filling the city treasurer vacancy, a new Animal Control Ordinance and approval to issue a Freedom Of Information Act request.

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is this Monday, May 20 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Gray, "Run against me."

The General Election; to be held Tuesday, November 5; will include offices at the Federal, State and local levels, including municipal elections. In Alexander voters will be deciding who will serve in the positions of city council, recorder and treasurer.

At the April 15 council meeting, Council Member Joy Gray used the allowed three minutes, during the public comment section of the agenda, to promote citizens filing to run in the upcoming election. She even supported someone to run against her.

"Saline County Clerk's office will open up the paperwork for you to go run for office," Gray said. "Do it."

On Thursday, May 9 the Saline County Clerk's Office will make available the petitions needed to complete and submit for municipal positions, which will appear on the November 5 ballot. In Alexander city council positions are for two-year terms. The recorder and treasurer positions are four-year terms.

"Every office, run against me. I don't care at this point," Gray said. "If you're interested and you're tired of watching me bang my head and you're tired of watching things not get done just for petty shenanigans reasons, run for office, Okay, if you want help filling out your paperwork, I'll help you. If you need someone to sign your petition, I will sign it. Okay, you just need to be a registered voter living in the city of Alexander to get involved. And I am begging you, begging you, please."

Gray did point out one council seat will be available. Council Member Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn (Ward-2; Pos-2) is running as a Democrat for representative in the Arkansas State House. Under state law she can not run for, or serve in, two elected positions.

"Please, please, please go to the county clerk's office," Gray continued. "Figure out where you live, what ward you live in, and run. Whatever positions that we have available, run. Every time there is an election cycle, run. Okay, you can do it."

Alexander residents currently serving on the city council are Joe Pollard (Ward-1; Pos-1), Mitchell W. Smith (Ward-1; Pos-2), Joy Gray (Ward-2; Pos-1), Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn (Ward-2; Pos-2), Harold Timmerman (Ward-3; Pos-1), Tony Staton (Ward-3; Pos-2), Angela Griffin (Ward-4; Pos-1), and Juanita Wilson (Ward-4; Pos-2). To run for a position on the city council you must be a registered voter and file your petition based on the ward you live in and either position one or two. See the map below.

The other two offices to appear on the ballot are city recorder and city treasurer. To file for these two positions you must live in the city limits of Alexander and be a registered voter.

Currently, Sharon Bankhead serves as the city recorder. The office of city treasurer is vacant. Former City Treasurer JoAn Churchill resigned effective December 31, 2023.

Residents living in both the Pulaski and Saline county portions of Alexander may pick up the petitions for these elected positions at the Saline County Clerk's office; 215 North Main Street, Suite 9; Benton, Arkansas. Offices are open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday; Phone number 501-303-5630.

 City of Alexander Ward Map.