Alexander makes second attempt at Fun Park Grant; Won't be alone this time

The City of Alexander will be submitting a second grant request to fund improvements to the City Park playground. This time, however, Alexander will be using the expertise provided by the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP). Also, earlier this year, the city council established the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District as grants administrator for the city.

Alexander applied for a FUN Park grant 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. Mayor Crystal Herrmann told council members at the time only five grant requests were approved.

The FUN Park grant is provided by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. The grant funds 100-percent of a project with no matching funds provided by the city.

Prior to the June 17 council meeting, a required public hearing was held to discuss the grant proposal. This is the same type of public hearing held last year to discuss general needs of the city that would qualify for Federal grants. ACEDP representative Leanne Poole conducted both hearings. Alexander, on its own, had already submitted last year's Fun Park grant request.

"We had had a public hearing for the Fun Park grant package," Herrmann said. "It's almost complete. It'll be turned in at the end of August. I think it's a good one."

Herrmann provided council members photos of potential playground equipment. She said if the grant is approved they can have a workshop to discuss how to use the grant funds. (See below.)

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is July 15, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Attorney needs more time to research underpayment claims

During the past month Alexander City Attorney Chris Madison has been reviewing financial documents in an effort to determine if three council members and the mayor were underpaid in 2023. He was "directed" by council members at the May 20 council meeting to review financial documents and report on his findings at the June 17 council meeting.

At the June meeting Madison said he looked at payments to council members going back to 2018. What he found was an inconsistency in when monthly payments are received.

"[I]n 2024 some of those (council members) received payments at the first of January, which looks like it is the 12th payment (from December) that should have been due in the 2023 (Fiscal year)," Madison said. "I did (notice) however that (Council Member) Ms. (Angela) Griffin did not receive the early payment in January so she received 11 payments in 2023 did not receive the extra payment beginning of 2024 like some of these others did."

Council Member Harold Timmerman said his payments have always been one month behind. Since the council's two-year term begins on January 1, after a November General Election, the first payment for a newly elected council member isn't received until February.

"When you're [sic] first come on to the city council your first year you only get $1,100.00 because you get paid the following month to the previous month," Timmerman said. "So you don't get paid for January until February, February until March and when you get to December you don't get a December pay until," the next year.

"Okay well I've seen some that got paid at the beginning of January some that got paid at the end of January," Madison said. "And actually if you'll read the very last paragraph of my letter what I'm asking for is that we hold this for another month. Let me finish doing and figure out what I do recognize is that there are some discrepancies."

Madison explained, "[W]hat brought this about was legislative audit, while auditing the 2023 books, noted that several council members were underpaid in the 2023," calendar year.

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.

"One of the things I am going to propose to you to consider for your consideration is that as an elected official you're entitled to your pay per month," Madison said. "And rather than waiting to the end of the month and having the issue of it carrying over into the next fiscal year, It's potentially we just pay it the first of the month for that month. That'll also be the decision for you to decide."

Being paid ahead of the monthly council meeting started a discussion concerning whether council members should be paid before performing their monthly duty. Timmerman said being paid ahead of time is "predicated" on the assumption council members will attend the meeting. Council Member Joy Gray noted that Council Member Tony Staton hasn't attended a meeting for several months and is still being paid.

Council members voted to table the resolution until the July meeting.

Madison needs more time on two other agenda items

It's been a busy month for City Attorney Chris Madison. Besides not being able to complete the review of the underpayment issue, he was unable to get to two New Business agenda items.

Madison was to write two ordinances. One concerning the proposed animal control regulations introduced at the May council meeting. The second ordinance will convert the city treasurer position from being elected by voters to appointed by the city council. Both ordinances remain tabled until the July meeting.

Council members did give Mayor Herrmann permission to advertise a Request For Qualifications to determine the choices they will have to fill the vacant position. The treasurer position has been vacant since City Treasurer JoAn Churchill resigned in December, 2023.

Amending Zoning Regulations sent to Planning Commission

An ordinance, that started out adding a sentence to the definition of a "Recreational Vehicle," was introduced by City Attorney Chris Madison at the same time council members were discussing removing "Duplex (Site-Built)" from the zoning district R-2.MU (Multi-Use). Now the question is how, or if, to combine these two changes to the zoning regulations that have been in effect since 2019.

The addition to the definition of "Recreational Vehicle" is to make clear that RVs can't be used as permanent housing in residential areas of the city. Removing duplexes as a "Permitted Use" from the R-2 Zone designation will also require grandfathering two parcels by changing their zoning designation to Single-Family/Duplex Residential District (R-1.SFD).

Now, the planning commission is being asked to decide how to negotiate these changes using the ordinance process. Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck told council members it can be done with one long ordinance or breaking it up into two or three ordinances.

The next meeting of the Alexander Planning Commission is Tuesday, July 9, 6:30pm in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The meeting is open to the public.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is July 15, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex. The public is invited to attend.

Alexander Council Member Joy Gray begs for residents to run in November Election

Once again Alexander Council Member Joy Gray took the opportunity at the end of the monthly council meeting to promote participation in the upcoming November General Election. This year all eight of the council seats and the position for city recorder will appear on the ballot. Council members serve a two-year term and the city recorder is a four-year term.

Holding up her petition at the June 17 meeting, as if in show-and-tell, Gray explained the qualifications and process to get on the ballot.

"So one more time," Gray began. "I'm going to tell you how to run for office and you don't already know. If you live in the city of Alexander, you're over 18 and you are a registered voter and not a convicted felon you can go to the (Saline) County Clerk's office, take your driver's license in there, tell them where you live, and tell them that you would like to run for either City Council or the recorder position."

Gray was first elected in the November, 2016 election. She has served since January 1, 2017. At the end of 2024 she will have completed four two-year terms. She says it's time for a change.

"And the reason I'm doing this is because you all again have seen me, if you especially have been watching on camera, you've seen us here on the struggle bus," Gray said. "There are things that we need to get done that we keep it because we have to have at least five people (to) vote for stuff. So, we're ringing things up over and over and over again."

"We need some people's time, we need to get things done, there are things that need to be totally restructured," she continued. "We need to get it done, and we're not going to get it done as long as people just want to keep voting on the same thing over and over again because it's what they like and make some comfortable."

Gray says anyone can serve on the council.

"So, we need people who are wanting to get involved, you can do it," Gray said. "Do not be sitting there thinking that you can't do it. Don't for a second think that you're not qualified or not smart enough or not capable. If you are 18, you are a registered voter and you live in the city limits of Alexander, that is literally all it takes. Okay, you can be 19 and reasonably literate."

Gray then provided more detail in getting on the ballot.

"So, go down there (Saline County Clerk's Office) and get a petition," she urged. "Ten people have to sign it. Ten registered voters in the city have to sign it. And then by noon on August 7th, you go turn it in. And they will count it up and make sure that these (signatures) are all valid.

At the April 15 council meeting, Gray made a similar plea for candidates. She even asked that someone run against her.

Unlike the previous county clerk, current Saline County Clerk Doug Curtis doesn't feel it is necessary to begin reporting names of individuals who have taken out petitions until they begin to file. Therefore, the following list of residents circulating election petitions is based on either the individual announcing their intention to run, or well-sourced rumors.

Alexander residents currently serving on the city council and known to be seeking re-election are;

Joe Pollard (Ward-1; Pos-1)

15550 Robert Evans Rd.

Mitchell W. Smith (Ward-1; Pos-2)

15615 Alexander Rd.

Joy Gray (Ward-2; Pos-1)

15454 Walnut Glen Dr.

St. Joseph's Glen Sub.

Harold Timmerman (Ward-3; Pos-1)

15721 Connie St.

Angela Griffin (Ward-4; Pos-1)

6033 Woodcreek Cv.

Meadow's Edge Sub.

Juanita Wilson (Ward-4; Pos-2)

15202 Kent Dr.

Two council members have not acquired a petition. One is Tony Staton (Ward-3; Pos-2). The second is Gina R. Thomas-Littlejohn (Ward-2; Pos-2) who 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. Therefore, the Ward-2; Pos-2 council seat is also available.

So far, only one incumbent seeking re-election has a potential challenger. Trevis Bentley is said to be circulating a petition for the Ward-4; Pos-2 seat currently held by Council Member Juanita Wilson. He lives at 5168 Woodstream Dr. in the Meadow's Edge subdivision.

Daniel Bates is said to be running for the seat held by Tony Staton (Ward-3; Pos-2). Bates lives at 15505 Don Parker Drive.

Currently, Sharon Bankhead serves as the city recorder. It is unknown if she has decided to seek re-election.

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 (except holidays). For more information call 501-303-5630. Filing for these positions begins at NOON on July 31, 2024 and ends at NOON on August 7, 2024.

Use the ward map below to determine your ward. When you pick up the petition you must state both your ward and which position you are seeking.

Petition signatures are not limited to voters in your ward. Also, when voting voters are allowed to vote for all council candidates.

Several items of Old and New business on Alexander agenda

Alexander Council Members will tackle several items under Old and New business at Monday's council meeting. Some have been discussed before.

Under Old Business council members, for the third time, will be presented a resolution that deals with the alleged "Underpayment" of three new council members and the Mayor in 2023. A report from City Attorney Chris Madison on the issue is expected.

There will be a review and potential vote on Ordinance 2024-06, which will amend some language in the city's zoning regulations. There will also be a report on the Freedom of Information Act request sent to the Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Public Facilities Board.

Under New Business there are two ordinances for consideration; one, a new animal control ordinance; the other an ordinance to change the position of city treasurer from elected to appointed. There is also scheduled a discussion concerning changes to the stormwater regulations and an update on the Fun Park grant.

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

Alexander Small-Business Owner Announces His Candidacy for Bryant City Council

BRYANT, AR – In a June 10 press release, small-business owner Walter Burgess announced his candidacy for Bryant City Council, Ward 2, Seat 2. Burgess, a longtime Bryant resident, is the co-owner and Co-CEO of Power Technology, Inc. in Alexander. Over the last nine years, he has served on the Bryant Planning Commission as Vice-Chairman and Commissioner.

“As a long time planning commissioner and former Vice-Chairman, I have seen the best Bryant has to offer. I also see the challenges our city has in front of us. We are at a crossroads. Local taxes, city infrastructure and city budgets are significant challenges that our city faces. I am not a politician but I have worked with state and local governments for decades. As a result of this experience, I see solutions differently and know how to tackle big issues by bringing innovative solutions to large problems. Even now, I am better equipping myself for public service by pursuing a certification in Economic Development” said Burgess.

A year ago, Walter completed Leadership Saline County where ongoing community service was a focus. He previously completed the state-wide Leadership Arkansas program through the State Chamber of Commerce. Both programs focus on making participants aware of their community, develop leadership skills and equip participants to make positive change as leaders.

“I am taking this opportunity to ask Ward 2 citizens for your vote and your support”, said Burgess.

As a Planning Commission member and a former candidate for House of Representatives, District 81, Walter has gotten to know Bryant residents by walking neighborhoods, knocking on doors and meeting with thousands of residents. District 81 includes the Saline County portion of Alexander.

His campaign slogan, “Together, we can make Bryant the best place in Arkansas to call home.”

Learn more about Walter Burgess and his campaign by visiting his Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/BurgessForBryant/.