Baxter County Friends of the Taxpayers

MEETING NOTES

BAXTER COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE TAXPAYERS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2005

Meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm in the small meeting room at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with 23 members present. Treasurer Ken Blade gave the treasurer's report. Member Ed Schild donated $40 for another month's display ad in the Ozark Mountain News (thanks, Ed!).

OLD BUSINESS

Committee meetings

• Parks -- Frank & Suzan Kaye. The project at Twin Lakes Park (restroom/concession complex for baseball fields) is under budget and on schedule.

• Streets -- Chuck Barnes absent.

• Public Safety -- Jim Bond. The fire truck that was damaged recently in a traffic accident has been repaired; there was $37,000 in damage done -- how much is covered by insurance? Council member Jim Stevens is still calling for 3 more policemen. Carl Graves asked why, if our police department is so shorthanded, are our officers going to Louisiana to help with disaster relief?

• Water & Sewer -- Frank & Suzan. W&S Superintendent Johnny Moore reported that the department is installing an extension on the lower end of the 525' intake structure. The lake level is low enough now to do this work -- they've had plans and parts on hand to do it for about 30 years, but water has been too high. Actual cost of the work has not been figured yet. Sewers -- bills are now being based on a 6-month average; the department wants to change to a 3-month average. Change is still in the discussion stage; one of the employees from the department will come to a future BCFT meeting to explain if we want. The sewer department feels it's being cheated out of revenue. They're also pushing irrigation water meters -- what's the incentive for people to install them? It currently costs about $100 for a 2nd meter, plus installation cost (plumber, etc.). Henry Chodacki suggested that the water department should also take into consideration the average rainfall and temperature of a given month, since most people use more water when it is drier and hotter out. He also said that their home has a 2nd water meter, but their bill does not show a breakdown between indoor and outdoor use. John Beach said he thought it would be a good idea to separate the water and sewer into separate departments.

Soccer Complex:

Chuck Barnes reported that no taxes are being paid on the complex (owned by "North AR Soccer Foundation"). Frank reported that he and Jerry Caster had visited with property owners recently and were told that the foundation plans to divide the complex when it is donated to the city: the part with the pond and trails will go to Fish & Game; the rest (soccer fields and remaining land for expansion) will go to city. Property is free and clear, but there is a loan in place (with whom?) for the lights. A caretaker now lives on site, paid by foundation. The foundation will form a trust to cover the cost of basic maintenance on the complex, so it should not be an additional expense to taxpayers. A restroom complex is still planned, though at the moment there is some problem with obtaining a septic permit (land doesn't perk well). The foundation plans to complete this project before turning the property over to the city.

Shirts:

Suzan Kaye reported that the T-shirts are done and available after the meeting for sale. We have 100 shirts, and would like to sell as many as possible as a fundraising project for BCFT. Every shirt that sells to a member puts $2 into the treasury; if sold to a non-member, $4.

New Oakland/Promise Land water association:

Baxter-Marion Rural Water System #1; resort owners are driving this issue. Jim Bond reported that his research shows that many homeowners on Promise Land Road don't want this system. MH council members have rejected plan, will not pay anything toward it. (The proponents of this plan are in the process of seeking out funding from other sources.)

Henry Chodacki brought up the potentially disastrous effect a major earthquake would have on our dams and local water systems. He suggested that we form an Emergency Civilian Conservation Corps, similar to the CCC of earlier days. In preparation for such an event, we should have hand-operated water pumps installed at area parks, schools, hospitals, etc. Local governments have shown a severe lack in planning for the future -- issue needs to go to the County Waterworks commission.

Landfill:

Frank reported that no action had been taken in the past month. Bob Cohee and the Citizens for Clean Water are monitoring the issue.

Baxter County Public Library:

Frank reported on the presentation given recently by the Library Board to the Quorum Court. The Board is trying to obtain private money to build their proposed new facility (grant from Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, plus donations, bequests, etc.) . They have funds available to purchase the new site ($450,000). Frank stood up at the QC meeting and stated that BCFT had no objection to them proceeding with their plans (even though we don't necessarily agree with them) as long as they used private money to do it -- but that they should NOT come back to the taxpayers looking for more money for operating funds. The Board spokesperson said they should be able to afford what they need to do with the current millage rate. The issue of safety was brought up -- the new site is at one of the most dangerous intersections in town. Frank reported that the access roads would be well away from the intersection with the bypass. What about people without transportation? What about congestion in the area (ASU across the street, Pinkston & Epoxyn down the road)? Are they planning a branch office? The Board said no, they would only have the one building; the current property will be sold.

Covered pool & reduced-price lunches at Senior Center:

Frank reported that a local handicapped woman had contacted him and asked for BCFT's help in convincing the City to cover the pool at Cooper Park so that disabled persons could use it year round for exercise and therapy. Parks & Rec department won't even talk about it any more -- it's a dead issue on the city level. Taxpayers have paid to cover the pool at least twice already, and it still hasn't been done. Frank suggested that a committee be formed to pursue a cooperative effort between the hospital, university and others. Marlene Schapiro and Lorraine Blade volunteered to lead that effort. Suzan will make business cards for each of them.

The same woman asked why disabled people are not offered a reduced price for lunches at the Senior Center. Henry Chodacki said he thought it would be that she didn't qualify because she was under the age of 65. He will talk to Joan Statler at the Senior Center.

Parades:

Frank thanked Chuck Barnes (and his son-in-law and granddaughters ) for all the work done on BCFT's float in the Fair Parade back in September. Question was asked whether the group wanted to participate in the Christmas parade, scheduled for Friday, December 2. Consensus was yes -- Frank will fill out and fax the entry form to the Chamber of Commerce ASAP. No further action was taken at the time.

Other issues to consider:

Ken Blade said he thought we ought to tackle Guy King's diesel trucks -- besides the pollution issue, they're also responsible for broken windshields all over Baxter County because of their lack of tarps and mudflaps. Jim Bond said that the tarps and mudflaps would be a State Police issue. Frank said that there are two ADEQ inspectors right here in town -- to start by talking to them.

Fred Lakes commented that it was time to start thinking about the city elections next year. Some candidates have begun campaigning already.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm.