Council discusses sewer concerns

The City of Rector is currently evaluating how best to address a problem with the buildup of sand in the filtered water treated near its sewer pond. According to city superintendent Todd Watson, the city has been placed under an administrative order by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

Watson told the Rector City Council about the matter during Monday night's meeting. Watson said the water coming through the site had not met required state levels for the past 13 months. The problem persisted because Watson was only recently told of the matter by the ADEQ, after a meeting was requested by the organization at Little Rock. Watson and mayor Ron Kemp were advised of the situation last week. Each month, the Arkansas Testing Lab of Searcy takes samples of the city's water for the ADEQ.

As for fixing the problem, Watson said more tests will be required to pinpoint exactly what is causing it. However, he said two possible solutions could be replacing the sand filter at the site or even building another sewer pond on land the city currently owns.

"It's an ongoing problem that we're going to have to fix," Watson said.

Watson also pointed out the problem has had no effect on the water used by the city or its customers.

Kemp noted this was not an unheard of predicament, especially for small towns. He also noted that being placed under administrative order could help the city in regards to receiving additional funds to help pay for any repairs or alterations made.

Property Issues

City attorney Kimberley Dale encouraged each member of the council to "pass along" information in regards to the number of complaints from residents regarding properties which do not meet city requirements. Dale noted many owners called to court for not meeting the city's requirements were often given additional time by district judge David Copeland.

Dale said the council may be able to help stress the unrest caused by substandard properties by expressing to the judge the number of complaints received on the matter.

Dale also said that by the time the cases reached court, property owners had been made aware of the need to make improvements and been given sufficient time to make arrangements to do so.

This belief was shared by the council.

"Once it's gotten to the point where we've asked Todd (Watson, city superintendent) to approach them, enough time has passed," alderman Cam Cate said in response to hearing most cases are given additional time by the judge.

Police chief Glenn Leach agreed, saying the city didn't "always have the best outcome" in these types of cases.

The city maintains a list of three properties which fail to comply with its ordinances. Work is being done on two, 115 North Fairview, which is partially torn down, and 701 McNabb. Another property, 818 East Seventh, will likely be condemned once questions of ownership are clarified.

Armory Update

Kemp said he had been in talks with State Rep. Mike Patterson concerning rumors about the closing of the National Guard armory in Rector. Kemp told the council Patterson said he had spoken directly to the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard and had been told there were no plans to close the Rector site.

Much like has been done with the city's senior center, Kemp encouraged the council members to "spread the word" about the importance of the armory to the community.

Police Report

The Rector Police Department has some issues with the compatibility of the radios in its two new patrol cars and those in its older cars, as well as its base radio housed in the department. Because of this incompatibility, the new radios do not communicate with the older radios and vice-versa.

The city is looking into the matter, with the purchase of a new or upgraded base radio likely. Leach estimated the cost between $300-500.

Leach also said two officers had received certification for firearms use. In the discussion of firearms, the chief also noted the department needed to order ammunition, as there is a 12-month delay between ordering and receiving.

Leach also advised that he is working on an emergency plan for the department in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak.

In other business, the council:

* Heard from Kemp the city had received a $5,000 check from the Woodland Heights Cemetery Commission to help with the expense building the restrooms at Memorial Park. This is the second check in that amount presented to the city by the association.

* Passed Resolution 2009-12, as part of a continuation of the city's five mill tax.

* Heard from Kemp that work continues on the application for general improvement grants.