City directors voice concerns over workers not getting vaccinated

Directors of several city departments have expressed concerns over ways to protect themselves and their employees against Covid.

"We are strongly encouraging people to get vaccinated," Forrest City Mayor Cedric Williams told the department managers during their weekly meeting Monday at city hall.

Parks and recreation director Kenny Taylor asked if there was any way to mandate city employees to get vaccinated, to which Williams said there is not.

"This is super scary for department heads like me and Mr. Jimmy Gaines who deal with a lot of people from different places," said Taylor.

Taylor also asked if there was any way to offer incentives for employees to get vaccinated or to mandate masks inside city property.

"Right now, no, legislation doesn't allow for us to be able to mandate that," said Williams, adding that incentives were being offered in other areas of the state and nation.

"I know it will be brought up for state legislators to decide and we can discuss that on a city level as well," said Williams.

Williams also told directors that the air purifiers and other precautions implemented because of Covid are being used.

"We are doing all we are supposed to do from a city standpoint," said Williams.

Water department director Edward Gregory asked if Williams or other directors had advice for him to speak with those who are reluctant to get vaccinated.

Williams said he spoke to individuals differently than groups.

"It really depends on the person," Williams said, sharing that for his nephew, he tried to make it personal for him to realize he could get high-risk family members sick.

"It used to be a political thing to talk about, but it isn't a political subject nationally anymore," said Williams. "It is important to state facts as well."

Williams said information sheets from the Arkansas Department of Health may be picked up at the health department and city hall and shared as well.

Williams stressed the importance of vaccinations before the school year begins.

Taylor also expressed concerns about what to do if a patron had been diagnosed with Covid and what the procedure is to allow the person to return to the facility.

Williams said the Centers for Disease Control states that people who had symptoms could be around others after 10 days since symptoms first appeared, and 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms of Covid-19 were improving, if the person had symptoms.

Fire Chief Shane Dallas reported that there would be

several clinics taking place on a local level, one of which is being hosted by Greater Mt. Moriah M.B. Church in Caldwell, on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. until noon.

"I am told they'll have all three vaccines available, but I'm not sure if that has been confirmed yet," said Dallas, adding that other places to send people to get vaccinated are the St. Francis County Health Department, Forrest City Family Pharmacy and Walmart.

"We also have the clinic coming up at the Civic Center here," said Dallas.

In other business, Richard Rice, assistant director for public works, reported that the department would be working on a sidewalk near a gas station on North Washington. Rice also offered updates on the cape seal project and repair status on equipment.

Dallas reported 38 calls since the last meeting, 26 of which were medical calls. Dallas also said the department would be presenting several condemnations to the city council soon and are waiting on the title office to return information on 15 others.

Dallas said two property owners had decided to go ahead and begin demolition on their own.

Police Chief Deon Lee reported that radars in school zones are undergoing maintenance before school begins and that the department had one resignation in the Criminal Investigation Division.

Gregory reported the water department is behind by 137 work orders.

"And, that is increasing daily since last month due to personnel shortages," said Gregory, who also reported that one employee had been removed from a ventilator and another was also on the road to recovery.

Gregory said the department is interviewing potential candidates to fill several empty positions.

Taylor reported there had been three pool rentals and two pavilion rentals since the last meeting and trees are being cut at Stuart Springs Park.

Code enforcement officer Jimmy King reported cleanups taking place on properties on Laughrun and Hodges streets and agreed to check a house on Hodges from where a business is reportedly operating.

King also reported that the plumbing and footing is being installed on the Forrest City High School's new agri building and that the new St. Francis County Jail is moving forward with HVAC installation.

Williams told department heads to keep in mind youth workers they may want to keep part-time once school starts back.

"We have 18 and over groups who are slowly being approved," said Williams. Williams said the program this year is being managed in Little Rock alongside seven other programs. "Out of the seven, we are the only ones up and running, last I heard."