Alexander Fire Chief announces ISO rating

Alexander Fire Chief Ryan McCormick announced, through a September 23 Facebook posting, the department's latest ISO (International Organization for Standardization) rating. The rating is used for, among other things, setting home insurance rates.

In the posting McCormick said, "We are Excited (sic) to share that after working closely with ISO and it’s representatives, today we received our Class 2 ISO Rating."

"The fire department and it’s members have worked extremely hard over the last year to ensure we have accomplished the requirements to achieve this rating," McCormick continued. "The top Class for any fire department ISO rating, is a Class 1."

During the August council meeting McCormick provided an update on the annual ISO rating process.

"ISO came last month (July)," McCormick said. "We did all of our paperwork and went through all the processes that they were looking for. We're, we have a six month or so waiting time and they come back to tell us what our rating is again."

McCormick ended the posting stating, "We are extremely proud of this rating and will continue to strive to keep moving forward to ensure the best service and results for homeowners and business owners in our community."

Ordinance establishing appointed treasurer's position gets first reading

The Alexander City Council took one step towards changing the position of city treasurer from elected to appointed. Council members voted to have the first reading of the ordinance at the September 16 council meeting. Three readings are required.

The council was forced into taking this action to fill the vacancy when no one, who lives in Alexander, submitted a resume after City Treasurer JoAn Churchill resigned effective December 31, 2023. Also, no one submitted a petition for the upcoming November election, which was to have the position appear on the ballot. Once the ordinance goes into effect anyone, whether they live in Alexander or not, can be hired as city treasurer.

City Attorney Chris Madison explained the concept of having someone in-house monitoring the bookkeeper and hiring an accounting firm from the outside to monitor the bookkeeper and treasurer.

"[B]asically you're trying to get somebody who is responsible for ensuring that the books are done properly," Madison said. "Because I still think the idea of contracting with a government accounting firm that's licensed to do some agreed upon procedures would be appropriate."

"And they basically do random sample draws of checking to make sure that they're supporting information for expenditures and pay reports (are) filled out properly," Madison continued. "Basically doing like leg audit (Legislative Audit) does at year end, but throughout the year."

"And it's a double layer of protection because we still have the year end with leg audit," Mayor Crystal Herrmann said.

It was Council Member Juanita Wilson who requested at the August meeting the mayor advertise a Request For Qualifications (RFQ). Wilson wanted to know what type of choices the city will have when the elected position is eliminated and the position can be filled by any individual or accounting firm.

"All right. Do we have some candidates for that," Wilson asked?

Madison said, "So the selection of the appointment of this position is under the authority of the mayor."

"I was going to put out a R of Q as far as a (accounting) firm, but as far as in-house, I would choose (Office Manager) Jennifer Hill," Herrmann. "And the reason I would choose Jennifer Hill is because she has six years as treasurer duties (in Haskell). She's got 200 with something hours and she's a municipal certified staff. She's certified. She has the most qualifications and we're fortunate enough to have her in our office."

"I'll just let you all know, real quick, the legislative audit that is going on right now, because we don't have a treasurer, then the mayor and I are having to do it all anyways, because we don't currently have a treasurer," Hill said. "So a lot of the stuff is being done the way it is because so leg audit is still going to want somebody to be responsible for the money."

The second reading of the ordinance is expected to be done at the October 21 council meeting. The meeting is at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall).

Alexander mayor given permission, To dispose of useless acquisitions

The Alexander City Council approved a resolution that gives Mayor Crystal Herrmann the authority to sell by auction a list of city equipment that is, "[N]o longer functioning, not feasible for continued maintenance, or unable to (be) operated." Any items not sold may be disposed of by other means.

The resolution was approved by a voice vote. All seven council members voted "Yes."

The equipment is held by the fire department, street department and police department. The list of equipment is as follows:

1. Fire Department:

    a. 1994 Pierce Arrow Fire Truck VIN:4P1CA02D5RA0001644

2. Street Department:

    a. Green Skytrack forklift vehicle VIN# 6000M2H1871

    b. Street sweeper VIN# 1FDNK74N6FVA46020

    c. Diesel powered Bulldozer VIN# CAT00D4KERRR00731

    d. Large Generator SN#05-022-0346-05-004

3. Police Department:

    a. Black Water Target System Trailer SN: NCX1098659

    b. 1987 Ford F600 Truck VIN#1FDNT64P2HA60959

    c. 1988 GM Humvee Truck VIN# 046579NG3457

    d. 2002 Goose Neck Trailer VIN# SUHUAMH219N059888

Information concerning the auction has yet to be announced. However, Fire Chief McCormick has posted the firetruck on Facebook. The posting states;

"For sale
1994 Pierce Arrow
500 Gallon Tank.
Waterous Pump.
Current Ladder Test
Current Pump Test
Asking $32,500.00
Contact Chief McCormick. 501-317-1120."

Wilson wanted ordinance delayed, Because its author didn't stay

(Amended 9/21/2024 - 8:27 PM)

The Alexander City Council was ready to have the third and final reading of an ordinance that replaces all previous animal control ordinances. But, with the announcement that Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer Daniel Wyatt resigned Council Member Juanita Wilson requested that the third reading be tabled until a new officer is hired.

"I believe since we don't have a code enforcement or an animal control officer right now we might just table that," Wilson said.

"No, we're gonna hire somebody, and then we'll be back at the start of all of this," said Council Member Joy Gray.

"These laws need to happen either way because the police have something enforceable actually on the books," Gray continued. "Because right now they don't. I've been attacked by dogs, other people have been attacked by dogs, there's nothing anybody can do about it because there's no rules with any teeth in them that have been documented."

"And to be honest, this is a lot," Mayor Crystal Herrmann said. "And you know we were fortunate to have Daniel (Wyatt) to work through these. I really hate that we have lost him. But this is a lot. We need these in place."

Wilson said, "Well, I just couldn't understand why we couldn't do the third one when we have someone and then it would be enacted at that time."

"It can be enacted now. It can be enacted now," Gray said. "And then when the police could actually, if they had to, there's literally nothing the cops can do about any of the animals right now."

"Loose animals, violent animals, Gray continued. "Once they try to attack one of them or they see them attacking somebody, there's really not a lot they can do. So we've been needing to get these on the books for years so that people can do things and report things."

"So then, when someone gets hired, it happens," Gray said. "I mean, you can shrug about it and have a face about it, but that's the reality. We need to get this done."

"And if I might, I mean, this is part of growing pains of becoming a bigger city," City Attorney Chris Madison interjected. "I mean, this right here, and getting this in place now doesn't impact whether or not we have a code enforcement animal control officer or not."

"This puts the tools in place so that, like she's (Joy Gray) saying, the police department has some ability to enforce this to protect the public from vicious animals," Madison continued. "And also, when we get a replacement in, we already have this in place."

Eventually, all council members present voted to have the ordinance read by title only. A final motion was made to approve the animal control ordinance. Council members voting "Yes" were Joy Gray, Angela Griffin, Joe Pollard, Mitchell W. Smith, Gina R Thomas-Littlejohn, Harold Timmerman, and Juanita Wilson. Council Member Tony Staton was absent which counts as a "No" vote.

Other council actions at September 16 meeting:

Zoning regulations amendment gets second reading

An ordinance, amending the zoning regulations passed in 2019, received its second reading by title only. The ordinance amends two items. It adds text to the definition of "Recreational Vehicle" which reinforces that its illegal to live permanently in an RV within the city. The ordinance also removes the term "Duplex (site-built)" from Section 9 Mixed-Use Residential District as an allowed use.

Stormwater Ordinance receives second reading

An ordinance establishing stormwater regulations received its second reading. All council members present voted to have the ordinance read by title only. This new ordinance essentially duplicates the existing ordinance but with the addition of a permitting process to control stormwater related construction.

City vacates unused alley way

The Alexander Council approved an ordinance to vacate an unused "alley way" at 15420 Alexander Road. The property is alongside the railroad tracks across from the post office facing Highway 111. The alley way was part of the original layout of what is now north Alexander. It aligns with East 1st St. on the other side of Highway 111.

The alley way cuts the property into two sections. The owner requested the change, telling council members it will be easier to sell as one piece.

Annual property tax rate approved

The Alexander City Council approved the annual ordinance setting the tax rate on all real and personal property for the next property tax collection cycle. The tax rate will remain at 0.0015 mills per dollar valuation. The maximum rate is 0.005 mills.

New lease agreement approved

A resolution adopting the amended lease agreement for the employee housing units was approved by council members. The amended agreement allows the city to be reimbursed for the cost of electricity and natural gas used by the renters.

The housing units are the cottages located in the southeast corner of the former Alexander Human Development Center along Highway 111. The cottages were used by Pathfinders, Inc. to house patients. They are now available to city employees who live outside Alexander.

Alexander council members and former mayor file incident report against city employee

(Correction: 9/19/2024 5:50PM)

Near the end of the September council meeting Alexander Council Member Harold Timmerman handed out to council members copies of an incident report filed with the Saline County Sheriff's Office. The report is a joint complaint filed by not only Timmerman but Council Member Juanita Wilson and former Alexander Mayor Paul Mitchell.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 5 on West Azalea, in front of Mitchell's home around 2:00 PM. According to Timmerman the cause apparently began minutes earlier while driving on Highway 111 near the former Human Development Center property. Timmerman said he and Wilson were in her car putting up election signs.

Timmerman said Alexander street department employee Rodney Hendrix, "[W]alked across the road (Hwy. 111) about a hundred fifty-two hundred feet ahead of us. He comes over to the west side, he gets up and walks up the white line. He did not step off the road for oncoming traffic."

Timmerman said he and Wilson proceeded to Mitchell's home on West Azalea to ask permission to place election signs on his property. While the three of them were standing along West Azalea Timmerman said Hendrix pulled up.

"(A) City pickup truck pulled up by the mailbox out there about 8-10 feet from me and a gentleman driving the truck, Mr. Hendrix, started calling me all kinds of filthy names," Timmerman said. "I'm not going to repeat the names ... he called me."

"I mean four or five times he called me these filthy names," Timmerman continued. "The mayor (Mayor Crystal Herrmann) was sitting right in the truck beside him. Right in the truck beside him. She did not tell him to say anything to him after about two minutes and I said I wasn't driving; and she said shut up and don't go on and they left."

Timmerman then laid down an ultimatum.

"If that man is not fired in the next 48 hours I'm going down and filed charges against him and the mayor," he said.

"I'm going to file some personal harassment charges against a couple of folks myself," Herrmann shot back.

Forty-Eight hours should be end of day Wednesday, September 18.

Hendrix has been with the street department since 2023. He was hired not long after Herrmann became mayor.

Taking the report (#2024-2695) was Saline County Sheriff's Detective Jennifer Tarvin. At the end of the report she wrote, "I will send a review file to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for a charging decision on Disorderly Conduct, 5-71-207."

Plenty of Old and New Business on Alexander agenda

The Alexander City Council has four Old Business items and five items under New Business on its Monday night agenda. The meeting is September 16 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex.

Listed under Old Business is the third and final reading of two ordinances:

* "An Ordinance adopting Animal Control regulations;" and

* "An Ordinance adopting Stormwater regulations."

There will be further discussion of, "An Ordinance appointing a City Treasurer" which was tabled at the August meeting.

Finally, the second reading of, "An Ordinance amending the Zoning Regulations."

Under New Business is:

* "A Resolution authorizing the sell (sic) of property;"

* "An Ordinance vacating and unconstructed (sic) alley way;"

* "An Ordinance levying a tax on all personal property;"

* "A Resolution adopting the amended lease agreement for the employee housing;" and

* "A Resolution adopting the attached Personnel Manual."

The ordinance "levying a tax on all personal property" is the annual approval of the millage rate for the next property tax collection cycle. The tax rate will remain at 0.0015 mills per dollar valuation.

Alexander Planning Commission tables variance request

The Alexander Planning Commission decided to table a variance request at a special meeting held Tuesday, September 10. The variance permit was tabled to allow property owner Eric Montoya more time to receive written comments from neighbors concerning his request.

The lot is located at 14916 Regency Drive in south Alexander. It sits at the corner of Regency Drive and Charles Street. Under the proposal the width of the property will be divided into two; from 120-feet to 60-feet for each lot. Under Alexander zoning the minimum allowable frontage width is 60-feet.

The minimum lot size allowed is 8,000 square feet, Splitting the lot provides one half with 6,916.5 square feet and the other will be 6,901.5 square feet. The variance request is to allow the smaller square footage.

Montoya must bring written approval from the property owners and/or residents adjacent to his property. This includes properties across the street. The letter explaining the variance request and asking for a written response was sent to the property owners and/or residents by certified mail as required. As of the meeting he hadn't received any responses.

Present was City Attorney Chris Madison who suggested mailing the letters again using standard mail. He said some people are inclined to not take mail that requires a signature.

Commission members did take the opportunity to get many of their questions answered. The plan is to build two matching homes. Each one will be a single-floor design with three bedrooms, two full baths and an attached two-car garage. The heated/cooled area is 1,491 square feet. The minimum requirement is 1,000 square feet.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8. The meeting will be held in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall) at 6:30 PM.

Special planning meeting announced during Alexander council meeting

Members of the Alexander City Council heard a preview of a special meeting scheduled by the Alexander Planning Commission. The special meeting involves a review of a variance request, which if approved will allow one lot to be divided into two lots without the required 8,000 square-feet minimum.

Alexander Planning Commission Chairman Michael Huck announced the special meeting during the council's August 19 meeting. Huck explained the property owner wants to take one large lot, divide it into two and build a single-family site-built home on each as rental units.

The lot is located at 14916 Regency Drive in south Alexander. It sits at the corner of Regency Drive and Charles Street. Under the proposal the width of the property will be divided into two; from 120-feet to 60-feet for each lot. Under Alexander zoning the minimum allowable frontage width is 60-feet.

But, the minimum lot size allowed is 8,000 square feet, Splitting the lot provides one half with 6,916.5 square feet and the other will be 6,901.5 square feet.

"How does the property taxes work on that since it's one lot but two homes," asked Council Member Angela Griffin?

"No, it would be two lots," Huck said.

"Is that the only area that we're trying to do a variance on," Griffin asked? "Because I'm worried about it being an open in a can of worms. Are we willing? That we allow one resident to do it on a small."

"Well, first of all, his front is 120 feet wide," Huck explained. "Not all of the lots in that area are 120 feet wide. There are various generally smaller size lots. There are 100 (feet) or 60 (feet) already."

Explaining the process further, Huck said the property owner must bring written approval from the property owners and/or residents adjacent to the property to be divided. This includes properties across the street. These letters are to be brought to the special meeting.

Assuming no one opposes the plan, Huck said the planning commission would probably recommend sending it to the council for approval. Under the rules for approving variances, if the council accepts the recommendation then a public notice will be posted throughout the city notifying residents of the requested variance. If after 30-days no one submits a complaint the variance automatically goes into effect.

The special meeting of the Alexander Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10. The meeting will be held in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall) at 6:30 PM.

Church ready to present construction plans

Huck also announced the Bryant Church of Christ will be presenting construction plans at the planning commission's October regular meeting. The church has purchased the property at 100 Cornerstone Road. It's located across from the Circle K along Highway 111.

Huck noted the goal is to have the project approved and ready so when the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) approves Alexander's Master Development Plan in 2025, the council will be able to approve the church's sewer connection. Then the construction plans along with a letter from the Alexander Council will be sent to LRWRA and construction can begin. The LRWRA provides sewer service to the Pulaski County area of Alexander.

Other reports during the August 19 meeting;

Donations and more grants

During the police department report section of the agenda, Police Chief Robert Burnett announced receiving two donations.

"So, today we actually got two donations," Burnett began. "We had a gentleman donate a sign, bigger sign for the PD, (to) put up on the road, which was nice. We also got a 500 dollar donation from RBD Hale Steel."

The sign was donated by the Hwy 5 Sign Company.

Assistant Police Chief Jessica Burnett stepped up to report on grants. One grant program is taking the hard part out of spending the grant funds.

"It's a small grant, but it's really nice because it's not one where they send us the money. We have to buy a product, report the spending," Jessica Burnett said. "They actually buy the product and send it to you."

"So, we asked for 14 IFA K-Kits, which are response kits for active shooter situations," she said. "They're very compact."

The kits include a tourniquet, wound packing gauze, and a chest seal vent.

A new type of warning lights has been donated to the Alexander Police Department.

"We also got 14 guardian lights," Burnett said. "So, they sit up on their (officers) shoulder and they just wink blue like their car lights. So, if they're out and about on scene and they're walking around and it's dark, they don't have. The flashlight sometimes is not enough after. So, that blue light gets everybody's attention while they're walking around. Those will be donated to us. They come in at, save, the city $3,659.69."

ISO review and Seeking outside help on fire hydrant issue

Fire Chief Ryan McCormick provided an update on the annual ISO rating process. Also, McCormick and City Attorney Chris Madison, met with the Arkansas Rural Water Association to discuss the problem of getting non-functioning fire hydrants in south Alexander.

"ISO came last month (July)," McCormick said. "We did all of our paperwork and went through all the processes that they were looking for. We're, we have a six month or so waiting time and they come back to tell us what our rating is again."

"So we met with the Arkansas Rural Water Association," Madison began. "I'm trying to get some information on how the Rural Water Association's worked and what the rules are. It was a good meeting."

"I'm in the process of crafting a letter to the water department (Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer) based on stuff that we've had conversations with from them," Madison continued. "And I was requesting, I had asked for some of their ANRC (Arkansas Natural Resources Commission) pack work and stuff that we have for you. I was able to actually get it through the water association."

Alexander and Saline County Water Works and Sanitary Sewer (SCWWSS) have been debating over maintenance of the fire hydrants. Alexander claims fire hydrant maintenance is the responsibility of SCWWSS. While, SCWWSS claims the city has been responsible for fire hydrants since the annexation of Woodland Hills into Alexander in August, 2006.

Dog kennels and property cleanup

Code Enforcement and Animal Control officer Daniel Wyatt continues to report on what's being done now while waiting for the city council to put the new Animal Control Ordinance into effect. The ordinance has had two of the three required public readings.

"We did get some portable dog kennels and they look pretty good," Wyatt said. "So hopefully in the near future, we'll be able to actually impound some animals that are either vicious or I know we have plenty of stray dogs around here."

Wyatt also promised to bring a list of properties for condemnation. He said these are properties in which owners have not responded to cleanup orders.

Property in probate

An offer to sell the City the property at 15420 Alexander Road has now been put on hold indefinitely. Mayor Herrmann reported the property is now in probate. Property owners must now wait for court approval to sell the property.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday September 16, at 6:00 pm in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.