City moving forward with projects

The City of Rector is continuing its community development efforts. During an update by community development director Jacinda Welch and Janet Lee of the East Arkansas Planning and Development District, members of the Rector City Council discussed progress in the renovation of the historic waterworks/jail building on South Main Street and ongoing efforts for work soon to get underway at the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center.

Welch is working with Lee to identify and apply for available grants to help not only with those projects, but also with other potential projects to benefit the city.

Welch and Lee discussed the importance of moving forward with the work of the NEAITC, including potentially offering work key certification tests to illustrate the skill level of the available work force to potential businesses.

Welch also noted the importance of future growth efforts, such as a possible grant for construction of a community equine center.

While such projects are not currently on the city's list of works underway, Welch and Lee are examining ways to make those projects, as well as other additions and improvements, a possibility.

"We're working on the projects we've already started, but we're also looking at what might be available for the future," Welch said.

Work also is continuing on a USDA grant to allow the city to purchase the building in which the NEAITC is housed. This purchase is a priority for city officials.

"One way or another, we've got to get ownership of that building," said Mayor Ron Kemp.

Kemp noted the improvements made to the site, which the city has leased with an option to buy. The city is continuing to move forward with its renovation efforts, and city attorney Kimberly Dale signed with contractors on behalf of the city during Monday night's meeting.

The center currently is hosting adult education classes and expects to offer its Life Skills program next month.

Kemp noted that windows for the waterworks/jail building are almost finished and then facilitate interior work.

During the update, Welch and Kemp both spoke about the success of last week's Christmas parade.

"I think it was one of the biggest crowds we've had," Kemp said. "And it seems like the reception gets bigger every year."

2010 Budget

The council adopted Ordinance 539, approving the proposed budget for 2010. Included in the budget is a cost-of-living raise of 2.5 percent for city employees and the usual experience formula representing one percent of the base salary for each year an employ has worked for the city up to a maximum of 10 years.

The City of Rector has a general fund carryover of approximately $160,000 from its 2009 budget. This amount illustrates the improved economic state of the city government, with the balance being the largest in many years.

Kemp praised the city's department heads for limiting expenses.

"I think all of our departments do a good job of limiting their spending," Kemp said. "We run pretty efficiently."

The council also approved Ordinance 538, amending the 2009 budget.

Police Report

Police chief Glenn Leach told the council his department has collected more than $42,000 in fines and fees. He also noted the department has sent out five letters regarding open shops and issued 42 citations in November.

In other business, the council:

* Agreed to table property violation discussions until January due to the holidays and recent rains.

* Heard from alderman Cam Cate about concerns regarding the safety status of the burned out flower shop on Main Street, which currently is being torn down for brick salvage.

* Approved the minutes from the November meeting and three special meetings.