Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

City Reaching Goals Rapidly

In 1994, Gurdon filed a three year strategic plan.

This plan outlined what Gurdon's Economic Development Commission wanted to accomplish by the end of 1997. To date, the city has achieved more than 75 percent of its goals.

According to Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith, the success of these plans can help enhance Gurdon's economic future. "If we keep up with the plans, the city will see success," he said, "and be more attractive."

The first goal accomplished was the construction of a new high school complex, which has been done. The dedication of the facility is scheduled for Oct. 29.

Next on the list is an annexation of property into the city. This goal has not been formally addressed. However, a committee will be appointed for the purpose of informing and educating those property owners who will be affected by an annexation. The annexation can be accomplished either by a petition process or by a special election.

According to the list, a mail-in survey was done to enable Gurdon residents to voice their opinions about areas which concern them. Committees have since been formed to address some of these concerns.

The city also has received approval from the Early Childhood Commission and funding from the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission to build a 2,800 square foot childcare facility. Construction on the daycare is set to begin this month.

Additionally, Gurdon has done extensive street repair and resurfacing. Three gravel roads within the city have been hard surfaced for the first time. Gurdon's City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting the parking of inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on city streets and rights of way, which makes the city look better.

Another goal reached is the completion of an extensive sewer and water line replacement project. Smith said the city will continue the replacement of lines utilizing the Gurdon Water and Sewer Commission.

Possibly one of the largest and hardest goals reached was the approval of funding for the Gurdon Rural Water Project. Smith said the funding has been approved and the city anticipates starting construction of the lines in 1996.

Gurdon's Volunteer Fire Department was thrilled with the achievement of getting a new 1,500 gallon per minute pumper truck in. The truck was delivered in September, much to the delight of the firemen. Additional equipment has been bought and/or donated during the year, which has enabled Gurdon to fully equip 20 firefighters.

Smith said other areas must be addressed before the city can comply with regulations which will allow the insurance rating to drop to a class IV.

The youngsters in the area were pleased when the city replaced basketball goals at the city park and made improvements to the tennis courts. In addition, a terraced concrete bleacher area was built at Cabe Field and is handicap accessible. Additional facilities are planned for the park, but have been delayed due to a lack of funds.

Goals the city has with the county, which are being worked on, but aren't complete, include getting a new road built by the new high school. Surfacing of the road, which has had the basic groundwork done, should begin this month.

The county is also working to get the 911 emergency telephone system in place and operational. The coordinator has been working to readdress the entire county.

One goal not yet reached was the leasing of a city owned building to a private enterprise for a residential care facility. The building has been leased, but the center hasnot been put into operation as yet.

Smith also said the city has a one-year strategic marketing plan.

Part of this plan includes the moving of students from the current middle school into the current high school after the high school students are relocated to the new facility on Highway 67.

The school district has a tentative lease with the Clark County Youth Development Center for GMS. The programs expected to be utilized by the center include the Save the Children program and the HIPPY program, both based on early intervention for childhood education.

In examining the city's infrastructure, the plan calls for additional water and sewer line replacement by the city's water commission in 1996.

It is expected the rural water system will become a reality sometime next year, and will service more than 350 homes in the area. The new rural water system will be operated by Gurdon's water commission. The completion date for the rural water project is Oct. 1996.

Plans are also in motion to pave the lone gravel road left inside the city. This road, Smith said, is partially owned by the county. The two governmental entities will work together to get this road hard surfaced next year.

The one-year plans include a study on the impact of condemning uninhabited and unsightly structures. These buildings would be razed and would provide building sites for new homes.

The housing authority also has site improvement plans in the works for the coming year. This agency helps provide low-cost housing to low-income and needy families.

Examining the recreational aspects of city life, Gurdon's leaders have been in contact with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to get approval to build a beach volleyball court at the Gurdon City Park. Hopefully, this can be done by Spring 1996.

With a little luck and additional funding, the city hopes to upgrade the restroom facilities at the park and baseball fields. An architect has already been contacted to design new restrooms. Once completed, these facilities will comply with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The Gurdon Baseball Booster Club is working with the city to help upgrade the restrooms at Cabe Field.

A booster club for softball fans has formed and is looking for funding to construct a softball field on city land. The project to raise money will continue through 1996 to obtain seed money so a grant can be applied for. Once the funds are obtained, the city will help with the site development.

In looking at protective services for the city, Smith said work is continuing with the fire department to lower the city's ISO rating and, thereby, lower the cost of insurance to homeowners.

The city applied for grant funds and has been preliminary approved in an effort to get funding for the redeployment of police officers. Smith said the city expects to get these funds by late this year.

"We filed our plans, we followed our plans and have exceeded our expectations," Smith said of the progress made. "But we need input on what else needs to be done, so we can add it to our one-year program."

Fred Reed and Ed McKinnon are also members of the city's economicdevelopment team. Gurdon is also working with the Clark County Industrial Council and the Gurdon