Lots going on in Rector

Street Improvements

The rising cost of asphalt has had an effect on the city's ability to make street repairs and improvements in the last several years. The cost of such work has tripled in the last 10 years, far exceeding the city's revenue for such projects.

Despite that factor, significant overlay work was completed during the last year, most notably on West Fourth Street, Dodd Street, East Seventh Street, East Allen Drive, West Second Street, Greenville Street and Fordyce Street.

The city also has begun experimenting with a patch and seal technique that is less expensive. Some of this work was accomplished last year on Greenville Street and Maple Street.

The total cost of the street improvements accomplished last year was almost $100,000. This was largely made possible through the approval several years ago of a one-cent sales tax extension by the voters, half of which goes specifically to the street fund.

Water Dept. Improvements

The city continued with several water department improvements during the last year, including completion of new sewer lines in several locations and additional steps taken to reduce infiltration of surface water into the system.

A new water treatment building will be constructed near the city's water tower to replace a structure damaged by a storm. The project is funded 100 percent through insurance and FEMA money.

New fire hydrants have been added and more work will be done in that area. Also on the agenda are installation of several new cut-off valves through the city.

Major work scheduled for the near future includes repair and expansion of the city's sand filter treatment system and painting of the water tower. City engineers are working with local officials on these projects, including the effort to obtain grants and loans to help finance the improvements.

City superintendent Todd Watson and his staff continue to maintain all license requirements and upgrade their training levels each year.

Fire Department

The city continues to make improvements in the fire department, which have resulted in an excellent Class 4 insurance rating for the community.

The city now has two new fire stations, one on each side of the railroad track, and updated equipment in all areas of service.

Fire chief Huston Bowden works to insure the department is well-equipped and meets all the training standards needed for a well-run department.

Police Department

Two new patrol cars were purchased during the last year, with more than half the funding coming through a federal grant. An additional police vehicle will be purchased this year through the same program.

The department is extremely well-furnished through these vehicle upgrades as well as other equipment improvements, such as new bullet-proof vests for all officers.

Police Chief Glenn Leach and his department protect and serve the community in a professional manner and welcome any suggestions or input from citizens concerning their operations. The police department, and all city employees, faced a strong preparedness challenge during the ice storm of the last year, and by all accounts, passed the test in a remarkable manner.

Parks And Recreation

The parks system in Rector is operated by a dedicated group of commissioners who give of their time to help provide the best facilities possible.

During the last year the main focus has been on restoring the park following the ice storm. Trees have been trimmed for both safety and appearance and replacements will be planted with a grant secured through the Forestry Department.

Utility crews cut trees along the front of the park which were entangled in the wires, posing a future threat to service in the event of storms. New trees will be planted along the front of the park, sufficiently removed from the utility lines.

Most major improvements have been completed in the Memorial Park to provide the services needed and requested by residents. These include four baseball-softball fields, a riding arena, playground areas, a walking trail, restroom facilities, recreational vehicle area, pavilion, stage and picnic stands. Of course, a major focus of the park is the city's outstanding community center. In the future, the emphasis will be on maintaining and improving the current facilities.

Additional features that have been discussed for the future, to be obtained through grant programs, possibly include a "splash" park and a skateboard park.

The outstanding condition of the park system is the result of lots of good work by city employees, volunteers (such as the Garden Club) and the commitment of the Parks and Recreation Commission -- all this leads to Rector having an excellent park system for a community of this size.

Disaster Preparedness

The city was fortunate during the recent ice storm to have three generators in place to meet the community's needs. This includes stationary generators at the community center and city hall and a portable generator for the water and sewer system.

Despite the hardships of the storm, the city had a shelter in place immediately at the community center, an emergency operations center at the city hall and water and sewer services were not disrupted.

It goes without saying the citizens of Rector stepped up to the plate and met the needs of the fellow townspeople in countless ways. The positive response by Rector drew the attention of neighboring communities and officials throughout the state.

The city currently has a storm siren located at city hall to provide a warning service for citizens. The city is looking for a means to add two or three more sirens throughout the community to provide improved service.

Financial Condition

Despite the downturn in the economy, the financial condition of the city is strong. The general fund balance is well above levels in the past.

This is due to several factors, including the securing of numerous grants and the efficient work done by city crews. The city has a workforce level below that of many communities of comparable size, leading to efficiencies of operation.

The financial records of the city, of course, are always open to the public for review by request.

Community Development

A major push in the last couple of years by the city has been the growth of a community development department. The goal is to create new jobs and businesses in the community.

The key element in the program right now is the development of the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center in downtown Rector. The facility is affiliated with Black River Technical College and the Greene County Industrial Training Center.

Jacinda Welch is director of both the Rector Community Development Department and NEAITC and is working hard to bring training opportunities, jobs and businesses to the community.

The center has received several major grants for the renovation of the facility and the development of programs. As the building project concludes, new classes and opportunities will grow at the center.

The effort to renovate and occupy other buildings in downtown Rector is a goal of the department and, as a result, the city has become a part of the Arkansas Downtown Network. This affiliation provides training and assistance in making downtown Rector more viable in the future.

The department also is heavily involved in the renovation of the historic city jail-waterworks as a visitors center and also the development of a major veterans memorial along Main Street. These two projects will greatly enhance the entrance into downtown Rector and will help draw visitors to the community. The veterans memorial, of course, also will serve as a fitting monument to those from Rector who have served and given their lives for their country.

Other Issues

* The Rector Museum, located in the Rector Public Library, continues to be developed by a group of dedicated volunteers.

* The city received a major grant last year for the resurfacing of the runway and other improvements to the Rector Municipal Airport. An additional grant has been obtained for repair of the beacon and other improvements. The city is looking to obtain grant funding to build new hangars at the facility.

* An additional grant application has been submitted to make major improvements in the sidewalk system in Rector.