Council welcomes new member, amends fireworks policy

A new alderman joined the Rector City Council last Tuesday evening, as Teresa Roofe was elected to the group by existing aldermen Lavern "Mac" Manchester and David Freeman. Alderman Cam Cate was absent.

Roofe, who is the only candidate to file for the position in the upcoming November election, replaced Glenn Leach, who resigned from the council to take the position of police chief in the Rector Police Department. Roofe was officially sworn in by mayor Ron Kemp at the meeting.

One of Roofe's first duties was to hear a proposed change in the ordinance concerning the use of fireworks within the city limits. A change had been proposed in recent months by residents Alan Deringer and Quentin Shavalia. Both men had shared their views on allowing Rector children the opportunity to have more time to shoot fireworks within the city limits during the Independence Day holiday. The previous ordinance allowed the use of fireworks from noon to 11 p.m. on the day of the holiday.

However, with the new proposal, the use of fireworks in the city limits has received an extended time period on or around weekends. The council approved an ordinance extending the time limit to two days.

The new fireworks schedule, still between the hours of noon and 11 p.m., is as follows:

* If the holiday is on Sunday, fireworks may be in use on Saturday and Sunday.

* If the holiday is on Monday, fireworks may be in use on Sunday and Monday.

* If the holiday is on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, fireworks may be in use only on those days.

* If the holiday is on Friday, fireworks may be in use on Friday and Saturday.

* If the holiday is on Saturday, fireworks may be in use on Friday and Saturday.

Humane Society

Rebecca Ascolese of the Clay County Humane Society met with the council in an ongoing effort to establish a county animal shelter in Rector. Ascolese said her organization would qualify for a grant which would cover 35 percent of the cost of building a new structure to house the shelter if a piece of property was donated to the Humane Society by the city.

During the discussion, Ascolese noted city-owned land near the city shop as a desired location for the shelter. She said she had been to the site and believed it would meet the desired needs.

While the city has made its interest in working with Humane Society known during previous meetings, the council expressed interest in having legal documentation in place before any kind of land transfer took place.

"I think the council supports what you're doing," Kemp said. "I do think we need some sort of contract in place before we can move forward, though."

Kemp asked Ascolese to present a written agreement outlining what the Humane Society would need from the city and what services the organization would provide to city superintendent Todd Watson by Sept. 19. Should the document be agreed upon by both parties, the council could make a decision as early as the Oct. 6 meeting.

Zoning Variance

James Cox met with the council in a continuation from his request last month to receive a one-foot variance in order to place a portable carport beside his home. 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 commission.

Last month, the council asked Cox to return for the September meeting, allowing city attorney Kimberley Dale to look into the matter. However, Dale was unable to attend the September meeting, so no decision was reached on the matter.

Cox said he was turned away by the planning commission when he made his request to them.

"They basically told me that if they did it for me, then they'd have to do it for everyone and denied my request," Cox said.

Cox said he felt each request should be viewed on a case-by-case basis. He also showed disapproval of the current process.

"I can go around my neighborhood right now and point out things that are wrong. We don't do that because we're good neighbors."

Cox also said he understood the point raised by county residents who were opposed to being annexed into the Rector city limits.

"I've lived here all my life and right now, I'm not sure if I want to live here any more."

Kemp proposed holding a special meeting which would have Dale in attendance in order to reach a decision on the matter.

"I've said all I can say," Cox said. "You can have your meeting. When you make a decision, you can let me know."

Alerman Freeman said he appreciated Cox's patience on the matter and said he sympathized with his predicament.

The council will discuss the matter further at the next regular meeting.

Demolition Derby Cars

Rector resident Jack Randall requested the city take measures to prevent the ownership and work upon demolition derby cars within the city limits. Randle has shared his concerns about derby cars within the city limits at several previous meetings.

"None of you would want a derby car across the street from you," Randle told the council. "It's not doing my property value a bit of good."

Kemp told Randall that Dale had checked a number of state documents and there was no city within Arkansas that banned derby cars.

"That doesn't mean we can't be the first," Kemp said. "That just means no other city has done it."

However, while many on the council said they shared Randle's views, they must also see the topic from the side of those who own demolition derby cars, as well as those who enjoy attending derbies.

Questions were raised about the seriousness of the matter and the support behind any action which may or may not be taken.

"I don't think there's an overwhelming consensus that this is a major issue in town," Kemp said. "Personally, I agree with you. The best thing I can tell you is that we're looking into it."

Property Issues

Two properties were removed from the city's condemnation list. The residences at 201 Donaldson and 803 West 6th Streets, owned by Tim Gunn and Rich Langille, respectively, were deemed suitable to be taken off the list following repairs made by the respective owners.

Bids will be taken on the 220 East 7th property owned by Pauline Settlemeyer as the property has not been brought up to city standards.

Watson will provide the council with photos and information on three more properties for consideration at the next meeting.

Damaged Bridge

The city hopes to move forward with its plan to replace the damaged bridge on 6th Street. The city may be able to use funds from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to cover half the cost of installing a new bridge. The city expects to know more about what funds will be available in January of next year.

Currently, weight limit signs have been posted at the bridge and the street has been partially barricaded to ensure safe passage through the area.