Tension high in annexation discussion

Ward Robinson, whose residence is included in the proposed annexation plan, argues against the measure during Monday night's Rector City Council meeting. Approximately 20 opponents of the plan were at the meeting. (Democrat photo/Ryan Rogers) [Click to enlarge]

Opposition was strong in comments to the Rector City Council on the topic of annexation during Monday night's meeting at city hall. The scope of the annexation proposal had been narrowed in recent weeks, to the point where it only included nearby residences which were already receiving certain city services, such as water and sewer.

Approximately 20 people representing the proposed areas were present at the meeting to show their opposition to the proposal. Several of those present took the opportunity to speak openly about their disapproval of the matter.

Tommy Huggins was the first opponent to speak. Huggins said he had lived in this area for years and was happy living outside of town.

"I bought my property because it was out of the city limits," Huggins said. "If I wanted to live in town, then I would've bought a place already in town."

When asked what his complaint about possibly being included within city limits, Huggins replied, "I don't like people telling me what to do." He noted building permits and city ordinances as being among the potential changes he opposed.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the next speakers, Bob Shaw and James Ray. Shaw told the council he would "fight (them) hard" on the matter.

Kenneth Wagster said that, in years past, he had tried to put a mobile home inside the city limits. Wagster said he had 100 signatures of people in the area who did not mind if he put the structure where he intended. Wagster said the placement was denied by the zoning committee at the time.

"Now, you want my mobile home in your city? Like Bob Shaw, I'll fight you," Wagster said.

Mayor Ron Kemp said residences which would be included in the city if the annexation were to pass would receive reduced charges for city services and that the proposal would be an overall financial benefit for them.

Lloyd Champion said he hauls his own garbage twice per year for $20 and that his expenses would not go down if required to have mandatory trash pick-up.

The current use of city services seemed to have no attraction for those gathered.

"We bought it (property) that way (outside city limits) and that's how we want it," Ward Robinson said. "I've got your water and I appreciate it, but I can dig a well. If the city's doing this to get money, they can do something else."

"If you think that it's going to bring in hundreds of thousands from this small annexation, it won't," Kemp said.

Kemp said the proposal was designed to help maintain such services as the city's community center, ballparks, streets, fire protection, arena and Woodland Heights Cemetery.

"That's why we're trying to do this -- to maintain the services that people in this city use and almost everyone here uses," Kemp said.

Also, questions were raised about the legality of annexation and who votes on the matter. As city attorney Kim Dale explained, and according to information provided by the city council in a form featuring common questions and answers regarding the issue, statutes in the state of Arkansas specify that all registered voters in the area proposed to be annexed, as well as those within the current city limits, are allowed to vote on the issue. This revelation struck an unpleasant note with many opposing the matter, as they are outnumbered by the city's population.

J.G. Slavin said he felt only the people in the areas which could potentially be annexed should be allowed to vote on the matter. His sentiment was echoed by the sounds of agreement from several others.

As the voting process is a law passed by the state, the city has no authority on how the vote should be handled and is required to follow the guidelines set forth.

Many in the opposition stated they were concerned with future annexations should their homes be introduced into the city limits. Kemp and the council repeatedly stated this was not their intention. Even engineer Wayne Menley of Miller-Newell Engineering of Newport, who came up with the map and legal description of the area being examined for annexation, said the city accrued additional costs of to specifically provide a plan which did not include areas such as fields or those used for livestock or for outbuildings. Only the actual residences were included in the plan.

While many seemed to believe the current annexation proposal could lead to more of their property being annexed later, Paul Ladyman said he believed the council had no intentions of doing such as there was "no point in it" due to it not having any real benefit for the city to do so. Still, Ladyman was opposed to the matter, saying "I don't want to be in the city limits. I like where I'm at."

As the discussion on annexation began to die down, Ray asked why the city had denied a request by American Railcar Industries to put a new plant in Rector.

Kemp responded to the question, saying it was an absolute untruth.

"Ask yourself a question," Kemp said, "if a factory wanted to come to Rector, would the city council deny them? No. There's nothing any of us would rather have than a nice industry come to town."

The courtroom began to quiet down as the visitors made their way out. The council discussed whether or not the proposal was worth continuing.

Alderman Cam Cate noted the overwhelming negative response of those at the meeting who were opposed to the annexation. Cate wondered aloud if the small population growth would be worth all the negative feedback from those included in the annexation.

Regardless of how they ultimately decide to proceed, the council agreed to hold the first reading of the annexation ordinance. This way, the matter "could at least move forward," as stated by alderman David Freeman. Freeman suggested the council then meet with members of the community not present at the meeting to learn more of the overall feelings on the matter.

The ordinance must be read at three meetings before it can be placed on the ballot and voted upon. The second reading is planned for the 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4 meeting. If the council agrees to move forward from there, a special meeting may be required at the end of August so the ordinance may be presented to the county clerk's office by early September for inclusion on the ballot.

Fireworks Ordinance

Earlier in the meeting, the council heard from proponents on the creation of an ordinance allowing for more time to be given to those who wish to shoot fireworks in the city limits. Allen Derringer was present at the June meeting and brought the matter to the council's attention. Derringer was also present Monday night and continued his efforts. Agreeing with Derringer was Quentin Shavalia. Shavalia said his children were grown, but he understood the desires of the youth of the community to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks. Shavalia said he saw no problem with allowing the children of Rector to have the entire weekend to shoot fireworks when the holiday occurs during that time frame.

Shavalia and Derringer said they thought a compromise would be possible. Considerations included allowing the use of fireworks on just the holiday itself when it fell during the week so as to be less of a disturbance. Derringer said he would like to see an ordinance allow for the use of fireworks on the dates of July 1-4.

As for those opposing the firework extension, Derringer had this to say, "They're not opposing it too much or they'd be here."

The council appeared interested in finding a compromise that was fair to those for extending the timeline and those who do not want fireworks being used in the city. The council agreed to discuss the matter further at next month's meeting, with a decision likely made at that time.

Property Matters

The council heard from city attorney Dale on the matter regarding the property at 201 Donaldson Street. The property, which had been owned by Tim Gunn, has a mortgage on it, she said. Should the city move forward with condemnation of the vacant residence, Dale advised she felt the mortgage company would fight the case. Though Dale felt the city was fully within its rights to move forward, she said to do so would likely receive opposition from the mortgage company. The council asked Dale to look further into the matter.

The council passed a resolution to move forward on the condemnation process of the damaged car wash on Highway 49. The property is owned by the Magnus Oil Company. City superintendent Todd Watson said he was told the owners were going to be in contact with Dale prior to the meeting. Dale, however, said she had heard nothing from Magnus Oil Company on the matter.

Cemetery Commission Update

Teresa Roofe, the secretary/treasurer for the Woodland Heights Cemetery Commission, gave a brief report on the organization. Roofe said the organization currently has approximately $21,100 in checking, around $235,000 in 11 certificates of deposit and $47,900 in a trust fund.

Roofe said funds for the cemetery were essentially remaining steady despite the economy limiting donations. She named other board members as president Betty Essman, Don Robinson, Richard Simmons and Ethel Stafford.

Community Development

Community development coordinator Cyndi Corkran gave a brief update on what steps the city has made as far as improvements. Among the most impactful news was the announcement the city was approved for a $25,000 grant earmarked for renovation of the property on Main Street which once housed the historic city jail. Once ready, the building will be used as an office for community development and the chamber of commerce. The site will also act as a visitors center where visitors can learn more about the city of Rector.

Corkran also noted the recent visits to the city by representatives of the Arkansas Downtown Network and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Corkran said the visits were a sign of the city's efforts to move forward. She also said she has been meeting with local business owners in an effort to clarify the requirements and benefits associated with both programs.

Fire Department Loan

The council approved a $35,000 loan from Regions Bank for the expressed purpose of purchasing a new truck for the fire department. The four-wheel drive truck will be used as an emergency response vehicle. For this purpose, the vehicle will require a special truck bed, the cost of which was also included in the loan. The fire department will pay back the loan using money received from Act 833.

New Police Cars

The council is looking at the possibility of purchasing two new Chevrolet Impalas to be used as police vehicles. The department had previously used Ford Crown Victorias. The city has been awarded matching grants for the purchase of the vehicles. The grants will cover 55 percent of the cost. As of yet, no decision has been made on which vehicles to purchase.

Restroom Update

Work has continued on the new restrooms at Memorial Park. The structure is expected to be completed soon and will be fully operational well before Labor Day. The lack of proper restrooms has long been an area of concern at the park, specifically with the area's importance to the annual Labor Day celebration.

In other business, the council:

--Discussed complaints concerning demolition derby cars being worked on at late at night inside city limits.

--Passed a resolution to clear up zoning issues on Highway 49.

--Approved the minutes from June's meeting.