Mayor says new splash pad, “The same as an irrigation system;” No permits needed

Alexander Mayor Crystal Herrmann and Council Member Juanita Wilson had a brief, albeit fiery, exchange as to whether the new splash pad in the city park was installed legally. It began with the mayor describing the splash pad.

“It is a timed unit,” Herrmann said. “It's very small in comparison to a larger city park but I don't think the kids care when it's 100 and something degrees out.”

Wilson asked, “How do we get water to it?”

“It comes from the city meter that is at the park already,” Herrmann responded.

Wilson then wanted to know, “Did we get it approved?”

“There was no need for approval for the freshwater system and it's basically an irrigation system so it has a back-flow and it starts at the spot,” Herrmann responded.

Wilson brought a printout of a page from the Arkansas Department of Health’s website. She tried to give it to Herrmann but the mayor wasn’t interested.

“I don't need your paperwork Miss Wilson,” Herrmann said. “I know what the regulations are. It is a freshwater system.”

“It has to be approved before you do it,” Wilson insisted. “It has to be approved.”

Herrmann says it’s no different than watering your lawn or irrigating crops.

“It is the same as an irrigation system as if you would water your lawn with,” Herrmann began. ... “It has a drain pipe that runs straight to our city ditch. It's called a freshwater system. It does not require any filtration and it does not require any regulations by the health department. It is an irrigation system.”

The Arkansas Department of Health’s website states, “The Rules & Regulations Pertaining to Swimming, Spray, and Wading Pools required (sic) that plans be submitted to the Department of Health for review and approval, prior to the initiation of construction, for any new public or semi-public swimming, spray, or wading pool or modification or equipment & plumbing changes made to any existing system.”

The website specifies project types include, “New public or semi-public swimming, spray, or wading pools or spas. This includes all pools constructed by municipalities, Property Owners Associations (POA’s), condominium or subdivision developments, or businesses for commercial use.”

According to Wikipedia a spray pool is also known as a splash pad.

Also at the July 21 council meeting

Two ordinances receive third reading; Adopted

Two ordinances, originally discussed at the May council meeting, received the required third public reading. They were both adopted and are now law. They both received their first reading in May and their second reading at the June meeting.

One ordinance sets the minimum dollar amount for tracking fixed assets at $1,500.00. The second establishes protocol for purchases above $20,000.00.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 18, at 6:00 pm in the courtroom of the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). Meetings are open to the public.

Alexander resident struck by train: Dies at scene

A City of Alexander resident was killed when he was struck by a train early Thursday (July 31) evening. The incident occurred at the Brookwood Road crossing near Shobe Road in South Alexander.

The resident has been identified as Thomas Garrison, 71.

In a statement issued by the Alexander Police Department, “On 07/31/2025 at approximately 5:50 pm, Officers with the Alexander Police Department, along with Pafford EMS, and Alexander Fire Department responded to the report of pedestrian versus train accident in the 17200 block of Brookwood Road in the City of Alexander.”

“Alexander Police Department units arrived on scene at 5:52 pm, and located a white male identified as Thomas Garrison 71 years of age from the City of Alexander, who had been struck by an eastbound train,” the statement continues. “Officers attempted life saving measures until Pafford EMS arrived on scene ... and assumed care of Mr. Garrison. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.”

The statement also says, “Alexander Police Department has no reason to suspect any foul play in this incident.”

This article will be updated as additional information develops.