Lack of some street lights still an issue in Meadow’s Edge

Gene Derline spoke to council members about an ongoing issue for some residents in Meadow’s Edge, even though it’s still under construction. Derline is vice-president of the Meadow’s Edge Advisory Committee.

His comments came during the “Public Comment” portion of the February 22 council meeting. During “Public Comment” the council and mayor are not allowed to answer questions and each speaker is allowed three minutes of time.

Before beginning Derline acknowledged up front, “Technically, this is out of (your) hands for right now.”

Derline then asked about Phase-3 still not having street lights.

“People are still using their outdoor lights for street lights,” he said. “When will Phase-3 get street lights?”

This has been an ongoing discussion between Derline and Mayor Paul Mitchell. When Phase-1 was first proposed Mitchell required street lights be in the plan. Phases one, two and four have street lights, with Phase-4 nearing completion.

Derline also wanted to know if there is a timeline as to when Rausch Coleman will be turning over control of the subdivision to the city. Rausch Coleman is the contractor responsible for construction of Meadow’s Edge.

Derline said he knows Meadow’s Edge must meet certain “code” before the city accepts responsibility of the subdivision. “And, one of them should be street lights on every street,” he said.

In the past Derline has described his attempts to get the oversight resolved. He says he was told by Rausch Coleman that whoever was put in charge of overseeing the construction of Phase-3 was not told about the street lights.

Before his three minutes ran out Derline asked about having a flashing light placed at the intersection of Highway 111 and the entrance to Meadow’s Edge.

“We are right in the middle of two sharp curves,” he said. “And, the traffic is flying around 111.”

He went on to explain how one driver coming off of Highway 111 turned into Meadow’s Edge hitting another vehicle. Derline believes the driver was going too fast.

Speed on the streets of Meadow’s Edge has always been a concern. At a previous council meeting the topic came up and the explanation given was that until the city accepts responsibility for the streets police have no jurisdiction to write traffic citations in Meadow’s Edge.

Ward-2 Council Member Juanita Wilson later said she spoke to Derline after the meeting and explained how the Arkansas Department of Transportation decides whether an intersection qualifies for a flashing warning light. But even then, the city will have to pay for it.

St. Joseph’s Glen ready to switch sewage treatment provider

St. Joseph’s Glen residents Christopher and Tonya Prowse reported to City of Alexander council members the two improvement districts, under which the subdivision was developed, are ready to begin construction of a sewer line that will connect St. Joseph’s Glen to a sewer line at First St. and Vine in Alexander’s Ward-1. The sewer line, with a pumping station, will replace a sewage treatment plant currently serving the subdivision.

The report came during the “Public Comment” portion of the February 22 council meeting. During “Public Comment” the council and mayor are not allowed to answer questions and each speaker is allowed three minutes of time.

The plan was first introduced to council members at the August 21, 2017 meeting. In order to begin the legal process of making the switch the council had to pass two resolutions to fill three vacancies on each of the two improvement districts. Cammie Wood, Bryan Rupar and Christopher Prowse were appointed commissioners to Alexander Municipal Property Owner’s Multipurpose Improvement District No. 43. Jamelia Wallace, Hannah Self and Kendrick Seahorn were appointed commissioners to Alexander Municipal Property Owner’s Multipurpose Improvement District No. 86. District 43 is responsible for phases one through six. District 86 covers Phase-7. Under state law municipalities must approve the formation of improvement districts and who serves on the board of commissioners.

For over three years the improvement districts have been in court with the operator of the treatment plant fighting a legal battle as to who owns the sewer lines connecting the houses in the subdivision. A judge ruled the treatment plant operator owned only the main line connecting the plant to the subdivision. Not all the sewer lines. Christopher Prowse said that issue has been resolved and the construction can move forward.

The council must now pass a resolution giving permission to the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) for the connection to be made. LRWRA provides sewer service in Alexander’s Ward-1. The resolution should be on the March agenda.

Alexander’s former K-9 vehicle for sale; Dog cage worth more than car

The Alexander City Council gave Police Chief Robert Burnett permission to sell the 2010 Chevy Tahoe used as the department’s K-9 vehicle. He said he would like to get $6,000.00 for it.

2010 Chevy Tahoe showing dog cage.

“The car isn’t worth $6,000.00, but the cage is,” he said.

There was some discussion among council members as to whether the motion should include a selling price, or price range. Mayor Paul Mitchell explained how in the past the council members always gave department heads permission to sell equipment with the understanding they would try to sell at the highest price.

“If you start setting dollar amounts,” he said, “It may require returning to the council for another approval.”

The Chevy Tahoe has been replaced with a 2020 Dodge Durango.

Alexander council meeting tonight

The February meeting of the Alexander City Council is scheduled for tonight (February 22) 6:00 PM in the courtroom at city hall. The public is invited to attend. This meeting is subject to limited public access due to Covid-19 and CDC guidelines for social distancing.