Baxter County Friends of the Taxpayers

MEETING NOTES

BAXTER COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE TAXPAYERS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2005

Meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Frank welcomed everyone and asked one new member and two guests to introduce themselves. Treasurer Ken Blade gave the treasurer's report.

OLD BUSINESS

Committee meetings -- Frank reminded everyone that attending these meetings is very important and seems to be making a difference. Schedule is posted on the BCFT website, or can be obtained by calling us at 424-6235.

• Frank reported that there was recently an article in the paper about teen rock bands having no place to play their music. The suggestion was made to Jackie Leatherman, Parks Director, that maybe the youth center could provide a location for their concerts. It was also reported that two council members would like to turn the youth center over to the YMCA. The idea was apparently brought up about 10 years ago and Ms. Leatherman and a couple of "stronger" council members were not in favor, so idea was dropped.

• Street Dept meeting -- Chuck Barnes reported that Amon Tilley (street superintendent) is out of the hospital and back home. Not much is going on in that department. Carl Graves said that the city needs to put striping on Spring Street from Cardinal Drive east to Cooper Park -- at night it's hard to tell where the road is. John Beach said that the next street meeting is Tuesday at 11 am and that the new light has been installed at the intersection of Hwy 201 North and North Street. The city (or state) needs to redo the striping there, as the way it's laid out now is very confusing to drivers and likely to cause an accident. Rev. Dornquast said that he had had the same problem with Arkansas Avenue at the intersection with 201 -- reported it to the street department and complained; the problem was solved within a couple of days.

• Public Safety meeting -- Jim Bond attended, said that the repairs to a fire engine that was damaged in a recent accident were just about done; there was no mention at the meeting of a new fire inspector.

• Water & Sewer meeting -- Frank reported that only one important item was discussed; the department is still working on the intake, hope to be done by mid-January. Rex Bayless said this past summer he bought a house with a sprinkler system -- there's no separate meter for sprinklers, and his water bills were outrageous because there was no previous year's average to base the sewer cap on. Frank reported that the city hopes to "push" having separate meters installed (see previous month's minutes).

Shirts:

Suzan reported that shirts were available in the back of the room for sale after the meeting.

Swimming Pool Committee:

Marti Schapiro and Lorraine Blade reported that they had contacted local doctors as well as executives at the hospital about bringing a year-round covered swim facility to town. All were interested in the idea. They also met with representatives from ASU-MH. BCFT wants to set up a meeting with all these people and present a proposal to them. Marti & Lorraine also visited with a local health club operator about his plans to enlarge his facility and add a covered pool. BCFT's goal for the proposed facility is to make it affordable for all age and income groups. The pool at Cooper Park has no shower/changing/locker facilities, and the city doesn't want to even consider the idea of enclosing the current pool. Frank will try to set up meeting for further discussion.

King Truck Pollution Action Committee:

Ken Blade reported that no action has been taken yet, only observation so far. He will try to meet with ADEQ and state police. Mel Scott reported that he had contacted ADEQ in Little Rock and they say they can't do anything about it. First of the year a new US law governing emissions goes into effect -- can start enforcing it in January. Older trucks don't have pollution control built into the engine; truck owners can't afford to upgrade their fleets.

Handicap Hot Meal Cost issue:

Henry Chodacki spoke to Joan Statler at the Van Matre Senior Center at Cooper Park. Ms. Statler explained that the center's contract with the state calls for discounts to seniors only; she would gladly change the rules if the state would change the wording in the contract (1965 Aging Americans Act). Frank will contact the woman who originally broached the subject.

NEW BUSINESS

BC Library Adult Advisory Board:

Frank reported that he was invited in November to sit on the board. He declined the offer in the midst of a migraine headache, and regrets the decision. Marti suggested calling the director back and explaining the situation, and letting her know you want the position after all. Rev. Dornquast asked whether it was better to be on the outside or the inside? Lea asked whether the consensus of the group was that BCFT is against the library, that she's getting negative vibes. Frank explained his position (see previous month's minutes), and said that he doesn't mind anybody having anything, as long as the users pay for it -- not the taxpayers. That goes for the pool idea, too.

Bond issues:

Special election on Tuesday, December 13, for highway and education bonds. AR Trucking Association supported the first highway bond issue, but opposes this one. No sunset clause, no further elections, puts the power in the hands of an unelected Highway Commission; $2 in tax for every $1 is not a fiscally sound practice. The only way to undo this bill if it is passed would be to run a petition drive to get the issue on a ballot. Key & Womack support both these bonds. Sam Ghianni said that he was against the highway bonds for two other reasons: there are no interstate highways in our part of the state; and any shortfall must come out of general funds (taxes). Jess reported that early voter turnout had been very low. George said that he had been in Little Rock the day before and heard the Governor on the radio promoting "no new taxes"; Larry said to call everyone we know and tell them to get out and vote.

Education bonds -- doesn't continue the original bond, but would essentially "refinance" it. Problem here is that the state has been paying this bond for 16 out of the original 30 years -- they've paid off most of the interest already. Will turn around and refinance and start paying interest all over again.

Jessica's Law:

George Bethke addressed the group, outlining his effort to get Jessica's Law passed. He handed out information about the issue and urged everyone to phone, write or e-mail their state representatives to call for a special session to address the issue now, rather than waiting for the next legislative session (2007). Jim Bond said that the Governor said he would call a special session if one of the bond issues passes; Key & Womack would go to Little Rock to present petitions to him if this should happen.

Marti Schapiro requested that each member of the group receive a copy of the roster, to make contacting others easier. Frank said that it was fine with him, but anyone wanting to opt out could ask to have their names removed from the distribution list.

Rex Bayless asked about looking into the property tax reassessment issue. Frank said he would be happy to invite Ed Riffel to come to a future meeting. Ed Schild said he thought only vacant land was going to be reassessed. Rex said that what happened was that commercial and vacant lands were appraised too low; the state wants vacant land to be valued more. Sales from the last 3 years are used to determine appraisal values. Frank said he was concerned about people who have held their property for a long time -- what will the reappraisal do to their taxes?

With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 2:40 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 28, at 1:00 pm, at Redeemer Lutheran Church.