City addresses fines, sewer pond issues

Mayor Ron Kemp noted Jonesboro has considered entering into an agreement with a law firm to help acquire its unpaid fees (some $7 million), but after hearing from police chief Glenn Leach and city attorney Kimberly Dale, council members decided such a measure would not be viable for Rector.

Leach pointed out that, although $268,000 is a lot of money for a small town, only $20,000 to $50,000 of that amount actually would go to the city, with most of the remainder going to the state.

Dale pointed out that such an arrangement likely would involve one-third of the city's portion of the funds going toward paying any such legal firm for their services.

"I've dealt with it at the county level," Dale said. "I don't think it would be worth the city's time."

Dale noted Leach's efforts in collecting outstanding fines, saying there has been a decrease since his appointment as chief.

Wellhouse Bid

Robinson General Contractors of Paragould, the firm which built the restroom facility at Rector Memorial Park, offered the only bid for a project to construct a new wellhouse at the city water tower. The company, represented at the meeting by Chris Robinson, offered a bid of $36,390 to build the 8'x12' building.

The bid also included a $500 offer to demolish and dispose of the remnants of the current structure, which was destroyed by a fallen limb during high winds in September 2008.

The city has received Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to cover the cost of building a new wellhouse, with the bid falling within the funds available.

The council approved the bid, contingent on approval by city engineer Jack Bond. If Bond's approval is given, Mayor Kemp has been authorized to enter into the contract with Robinson General Contractors.

The schematics for the new structure feature separate fluoride and chlorine rooms, making the proposed construction superior to the previous in regard to containing any potential chemical leaks.

City superintendent Todd Watson said any remaining funds from the FEMA assistance will be used to purchase additional equipment and parts for the building.

Grant Applications

A special meeting has been planned for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, when the council is expected to approve an application for a General Improvement Fund grant. The application must be completed this month, necessitating the special meeting.

The current plan is to apply for a $50,000 grant for the renovation of the Harper building as the new location of the water department office. Kemp said noting in the application that this would create additional room for the police department is likely to help the city's possibility of receiving the funds.

Mayor Kemp noted it is possible to ask for more than $50,000, but said he feels it is unlikely the city would receive more than that amount.

The city also has been working on grants for new sidewalks near the school (see related story in this issue) and Rural Development funds, approved in Resolution 2009-14, requesting money for the purchase of a new intoxometer to measure the alcohol present in a person's system, as well as purchasing a new vehicle, both for the police department.

Sewer System

The city continues to work with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to correct a problem with the city's sewer system. The problem stems from the buildup of sand in the filtered water treated near its sewer pond. The city currently is evaluating its options to address the matter in an attempt to find the best solution.

Plans also are being made to help improve the overall system. The city hopes to run smoke tests in the future to determine areas where water is entering the system from outside sources.

Part of this additional water is coming from above ground sources. To help counter some of these areas where water backs up, the city is considering replacing certain tiles which hinder the flow.

In other business, the council:

* Agreed to table the discussion regarding property issues due to the hindrance created in clean up by the recent rains.

* Heard from Kemp there is nothing new in regards to the switch engine offered to the city by ARI.

* Heard from Kemp about the need to discuss employee raises and incentive bonuses at the scheduled special meeting. Dale also requested information regarding the Arkansas Public Employment Retirement System (APERS) be made available at the meeting to discuss the possibility of joining the program.

* Heard from Kemp about the need to remove the fallen bricks from damaged buildings on Main Street.