A proposal to annex several homes on the fringes of the Rector city limits was abandoned Monday night after Rector aldermen agreed unanimously to give up the idea in the face of vigorous opposition.

For the second straight month, those against the proposed annexation filled the courtroom at Rector City Hall. Many were vocal in expressing their opposition.

After again listening to their comments, aldermen decided to let the proposal die.

No further attempts will be made to have the issue placed on the November general election ballot.

"The benefits don't always outweigh the need," alderman Cam Cate said. "We're not going to gain enough to make all you folks angry. I think we should drop it."

Similar to last month's meeting, there were several angry responses to the proposal.

Tommy Huggins, one of the most vocal opponents of the annexation, went so far as to suggest he would have a different attitude toward Rector businesses if his property was brought into the city limits. Huggins noted he has been a customer at Glen Sain Motor Sales in the past, but cast doubt on future dealings with the company, as well others inside the city, if his property were to be annexed.

Many of those opposed said they did not want their way of life to change.

J.G. Slavin said he lives outside the city limits so he can raise dogs for duck hunting. He also noted he often shoots squirrels when he finds them in his pecan trees. He said these activities would cause conflict if he were a part of the city.

From her position in the audience, Debbie Palmer foreshadowed the council's decision by questioning the value of the proposal.

"It would add 100 to 150 people," Palmer said. "Is that worth it? Is it going to help our city enough to make all these people angry?"

Mayor Ron Kemp addressed the audience, sharing the council's original intention with the proposal and announcing the decision to give up the annexation plan. Many in the large crowd then broke into applause.

"The motivation was to show progress for the community," Kemp said. "We felt this would be a progressive move to move forward as a community. The city council did not go into this with the idea of hurting anyone.

"We're unanimous in our decision to move away from this. Thank you for coming and expressing yourself."

Training Center

Mayor Kemp, alderman David Freeman, Tony Rowton and community development apprenticeship coordinator Jacinda Welch recently toured a building on Highway 49 which formerly housed the Rector Sportswear plant. The walkthrough was held to determine whether or not the structure would be a suitable area for housing Black River Technical College training classes.

The building is split into two sections -- one which features offices and administrative areas and another which is designed to house manufacturing implements. The administrative side was determined as a suitable area for classrooms.

According to Welch, the city has received an offer to purchase the building for $100,000. However, the city currently does not have that amount budgeted for use. Instead, the city appears more likely to enter into a lease with an option of purchasing the building. The council authorized Kemp to lease the property for one year with an option to buy.

"I don't want to lease the building without planning to buy it," Kemp said.

A special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. today (Wednesday) so the council can finalize the city's intent with the property.

Kemp and Welch have been in discussions with Black River for weeks about bringing a training center to Rector. During the meeting, Kemp said he feels Black River is interested in having a site in Rector for the foreseeable future.

As for funding the potential purchase, there may be assistance available.

"I feel confident we could get a significant grant to help pay for this," Kemp said.

Welch will examine the building and make notes for potential renovation plans.

A number of options were discussed for the areas of the building which would not be used as a training center. These included warehouse space, as well as the possibility of another industry coming into town. While nothing has been determined at this time, the city is highly interested in the possibilities controlling the property could create.

Fireworks Ordinance

The council again tabled discussion of a proposed fireworks ordinance. In June, Allen Deringer asked the council to extend the time when fireworks can be used within city limits. The current ordinance allows the use of fireworks only on the July 4 holiday. Proponents of extending the timeframe include Deringer and Quentin Shavalia.

The council is considering expanding the allotted time to two days if the holiday falls on a weekend. The council opted to wait before continuing its discussion to allow the aldermen more time to meet with both those for increasing the allotted time and those who oppose the measure.

Humane Society

Rebecca Ascolese and Bonnie Boyd, both of Piggott, met with the council to ask for a location to use as the site for the future Clay County Humane Society shelter.

Ascolese said a number of grants are available to fund the shelter once in operation.

At the moment, she said the main concern is in establishing a location which is visible and inviting to those who are looking to adopt an animal.

The Quorum Court previously offered the use of rural land near the county's gravel pits. However, Ascolese said the land was "less than ideal" due to the condition of the surrounding area. She said she feels it is not feasible to put a structure in that area.

Ascolese suggested the city could offer a site where improvements need to be made. The volunteer staff could renovate such a building, she said, and give something back to the area in doing so.

She said she would like to have a shelter which could house approximately 15 dogs and 20 cats. She said the shelter would work in conjunction with the city's animal control efforts.

Kemp said he is in favor of creating an animal shelter for the county. He asked for more time to look into what steps the city can take in order to help. He told Ascolese the council will discuss the matter during the next month and get back to her during the next scheduled meeting.

The Clay County Humane Society has announced its mission as:

* Rescuing and finding homes for as many pets as possible.

* Educating upon and promoting spaying and neutering.

* Stopping animal abuse and neglect.

* Adding a positive entity into the county and the community to raise awareness and compassion.

Variance Request

Rector resident Jim Cox asked the council to grant a one-foot variance for the placement of a portable carport. Cox said he has been parking his 2006 Ford pickup in the street and would like to move it by his house. The proposed carport would extend to within one foot of his neighbor's property. Cox said his neighbor has consented to the proposal, but the matter was denied by the planning committee.

Cox said the standard carport is 12 feet wide with a cost of around $1,000. He said he can have a carport custom made to fit in the space with an increased cost of about $1,500.

Though Cox's neighbor might not be opposed to the variance, the council was hesitant to go along with the request. The matter could lead to other requests wherein the neighboring property owners did have complaints.

Mayor Kemp asked Cox to wait for next month's meeting. Kemp said this would allow the council to learn more about the appeal process. City attorney Kimberley Dale was asked to look into the matter to learn more of what can be done.

Community Development Update

Community development director Cyndi Corkran spoke with the council about the activities in which her office has been involved.

The first phase of renovation is beginning at the historic jailhouse property on Main Street, she noted. The site will be the future home of the Chamber of Commerce and also will house a visitor center and community development office. The department has received a $25,000 grant and has been in contact with an architect to prepare for the next step.

The department also is inquiring about running lights to the three Welcome to Rector signs along the entrances into town. Corkran has been in contact with local electrician Richard Earls about running electricity to the signs and hopes to know more by the next council meeting.

In other business:

* Mayor Kemp announced following an executive session that police chief Tommy Baker has been placed on paid administrative leave relating to a personnel matter.

* The council agreed to proceed with the condemnation process at a damaged car wash on Highway 49.

* The council approved the condemnation of property at 220 East Seventh Street.

* Council members agreed to have attorney Dale examine any demolition derby car ordinances in place by other cities for potential application in Rector.

* The council approved the minutes from the July meeting with noted amendments.