Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Mechanical Codes Examined

Harold Hurst, Gurdon's Water and Sewer superintendent, will most likely be wearing a new hat soon.

The Gurdon City Council, in its regular meeting Monday night, discussed adopting a set of mechanical codes for the city.

These codes, which are already a state law, would affect heating and air conditioning installation -- primarily the contractors doing the installing.

Rick Caldwell, with the Arkansas Department of Health, said these are minimum codes as recognized by the state, to make sure certain specifications are met.

According to Caldwell, Gurdon will be required to fill out a form for heating and air conditioning, stating the installation meets the codes.

Hurst has already been enrolled in a two-day class for the codes. Once certified, Hurst will be able to do rough-in inspections and final inspections. Additionally, he will be able to write up all violations.

However, those found in violation of the minimum codes will not be fined by the City of Gurdon. The ADH handles violators.

When questioned about who pays for the inspections, Caldwell said the contractors are. However, he said they will most likely add these inspection fees to their installation prices, passing them on to the consumer.

Because Gurdon already has an established permit system, one will not have to be created. The current permit system deals with building construction and plumbing work.

Caldwell said all licensed heating and air conditioning contractors should be aware of these codes anyway, so they won't be a surprise.

He also said the city, if the council chooses, can make the codes even stiffer than the current provisions.

Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith said the city would be setting the inspection fees, but did not say what they may be.

"We can't hire someone full-time to do this," Smith said. "The logical thing to do is use the water and sewer superintendent.

"He will get additional training on heating and air conditioning. He already knows the plumbing codes."

Caldwell said it will be up to contractors to notify the city so the units they install can be inspected.

He said the city has the right to double the penalties on contractors who try to bypass the inspection of their work.

Smith told the council the ADH would have the right to come in and do the inspections if the city fails to adopt the codes. This is because the codes are already a state law.

In the April meeting, the council will have to adopt an ordinance concerning the adoption of the mechanical codes and who will pay the inspector.

Caldwell said the basic reason for these codes is to protect the consumer.

However, the next morning, she saw it splashed across the headlines of several newspapers.

In addition, a Little Rock radio station picked up on the story and had a field day.

Several people said she was unfit to wear the crown of Miss Arkansas, and called for it to be removed from her.

But Montgomery stuck it out and weathered the media storm. "I realize I'm not perfect," she said, "but there's no reason to let a mistake ruin your life."

She told the senior high students they must take responsibility for their own actions.

The students were told their friends won't spend the night in a drunk tank for them; raise their children; or suffer in any other way for them.

Additionally, she said it is important for them to be supportive of their friends and children.

In talking about not smoking, drinking or doing drugs, Montgomery said colleges across the nation are raising the required grade point average to get in.

Doing any of these things, she said, won't help the GPA requirements. Montgomery said those who use drugs, drink or smoke may get into college, but most likely won't finish.

"There's no need to start something if you don't plan on finishing it," she said.

"College isn't for everyone. You need to find out what you want to do and do it well. Stick with it. Finish it. You'll be better off in the long run."

At GMS, Montgomery gave a pop quiz on her talk. She had Emily Thomas, Tiffany Ware and Derrick Anderson answer questions on smoking, drinking and doing drugs.

Each one answered their question correctly.

She also brought young men on stage during her performance. Though their faces turned a bright red, it was plain to see they enjoyed every second of being in her company.

Montgomery told the students she also sees a lot of positive things going on in schools she visits.

One of those is first graders learning to do papers on computers. "Those children are trying to get somewhere," she said. "You are, too."