Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Sewer Ordinances Will Be Delayed

There will be a delay in getting the ordinance to raise sewer rates to the Gurdon City Council.

Harold Hurst, manager of the Gurdon Water and Sewer Department, told the council, at its regular monthly meeting Monday, July 10, he wanted to add more to the ordinance than just an increase in the sewer rates as required by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

Hurst asked the council for permission to raise connection fees inside the city from$200 to $250 for both water and sewer. He said there hasn't been an increase in this fee since 1986.

The reason for the request, he said, is the department is losing money with each connection. This is because there are times the crews have to either cut through a street or bore beneath it in order to make a new tap.

Hurst told the council he had called about half the members of the Gurdon Water and Sewer Commission to get their input, and they approve the increase.

But, he added, the department needs the council's approval before the ordinance could be drawn up.

The council did approve the change, with Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith letting the panel know the connection fee increase would be included in the bond ordinance.

Councilman Johnny McGuirt asked City Recorder/Treasurer Tambra Smith if Jimmy Garner had a license to operate in the city.

She said there are several people who live outside the city limits, yet operate businesses in town. "We'd need to make a list of the people operating a business out of their home. If we bill one, we have to bill them all."

No action was taken on this matter.

Jake McBride said the Gurdon Fire Department was short two men, but brought two applications before the board.

The city's personnel committee, he said, had interviewed and approved both, with the council's approval needed before they could start work.

The two were Michael Dillard and Paul Williams. Both were approved by the council.

McBride said everyone who applied was interviewed, and he hopes if another opening occurs, the others who applied will submit another application.

Jim Caldwell told the council about 1,800 pounds of recyclable materials were hauled to the Hot Springs Recycling Center, with this being the largest load yet.

Smith said the people are to be commended as this is a voluntary effort. At this time newsprint is the largest donated material being hauled, with cardboard picking up.

At this time, Smith said, the city isn't ready to do any curbside pickup for recyclable materials.

But, he added, the city is looking into venturing into the realm of commercial cardboard to help keep it out of the landfill.

Each ton recycled saves the city $92.50 in tipping fees.

Smith is looking for a building to put a bailer in so commercial cardboard can be tied and hauled away.

Councilman Mickey Jones asked what people are supposed to do about dogs when Animal Control Officer Carroll Martin isn't available on weekends.

Smith said if the dogs are posing a danger, people should call the Gurdon Police Department, but added the GPD isn't in the business of catching dogs.

Martin said in an emergency situation he'll take control of the problem, adding the Arkadelphia animal shelter is closed weekends and Gurdon has no place to house the dogs.

Jones again asked what people are supposed to do about dogs on the weekend.

Again she was informed people can call the police if the dog is posing a threat to anyone.

Smith said Martin, as ACO, is an officer of the court and anyone interfering with him in the line of duty faces a fine of $700, as they would if they interfered with a police officer in the line of duty.

At this time, he said, the city can't afford to build a dog pound, though it is the next phase for animal control.

This, Smith said, would be good to remember when the county sales tax issue comes to a vote.

Turning to City Hall projects, Smith said a topographical survey was done of the grounds for the elevation of the property.

The idea is to cut a road in from Maple Street an installing a drive-up window for the Water Department.

In addition, the parking lot is to be paved, with more lighting added.

Once the plans have been drawn and approved, he said, bids will be let.

When these two projects are done, the next step will be adding fire bays in the fire department.

The money for these projects, Smith said, is coming from a bill passed by State Rep. Percy Malone and signed by Gov. Mike Huckabee.

The city will be receiving $250,000 to complete its projects.