Prairie Grove Mayor Outlines 2014 Highlights

PRAIRIE GROVE — With inclement weather going on outside, Prairie Grove Mayor Sonny Hudson gave an abbreviated State of the City address last week, basically handing out a copy of his speech outline to those City Council members attending the meeting.

Hudson uses his annual address to discuss highlights from the past year. In this year’s speech, he paid more attention to city staff, their accomplishments and involvement in different organizations.

Prairie Grove Police Department saw several changes the past year. Chief Carl Dorman retired and Capt. Chris Workman was named the new police chief. Lt. Jeff O’Brien was promoted to captain and officer Mark Scates was promoted to administrative sergeant.

From September 2014 through the first of 2015, the police department hired three new officers: David Faulk, Roy “Bo” Mitchell and Tyler Whorton.

Prairie Grove Sanitation Department hired three new employees last spring: Charles Roach, Sean Brown and Jason Arnold.

Hudson also recognized years of service for employees.

Larry Oelrich has worked 35 years for the city; Bob King, 25 years; Johnny Branch, 20 years; Brian Hawkins, 15 years and Granville Pankey, 10 years.

The following received awards and recognition in 2014:

Building and Code Official Jackie Baker elected to two-year term as president of Code Officials of Arkansas.

Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works, reappointed as government affairs chair for Arkansas Water Environment Association. He also serves on Certification Program Committee and awards committee.

Joe Hall, supervisor of wastewater treatment plant, awarded the Arkansas Water Works and Water Environment Association Outstanding Achievement award for utilities under 5,000 population.

Christine Kelly, treasurer, was

appointed clerk-treasurer.

Aldermen Doug Bartholomew and Tony Cunningham became Certified Municipal Officials after attending 21 hours of training.

In addition, Prairie Grove wastewater utilities was presented with a Small System Award at the NW District of the Arkansas Waterworks and Water Environment Association meeting and Prairie Grove received a four-star award from Arkansas Municipal League for excellence in loss control, which factors in safety, wellness, vehicle safety and prevention of legal liability.

Turning to other matters, Hudson reported construction in Prairie Grove exceeded a value of $ 22 million in 2014. The city issued permits for 63 single family homes, and one fiveunit apartment complex.

He estimates the new homes equal about 163 new residents for the community.

In all, the city issued 91 building permits, including three school buildings, a new commercial building, three commercial additions or remodels, two residential remodels, nine shops or garages and various permits for pools, decks, porches and other similar construction projects.

Hudson said the city conducted more than 1,000 building and mechanical inspections last year.

Major projects to rehab water and sewer lines were completed in 2014. The projects replace one mile of old sewer lines and four miles of old water lines. The final price tag for the work, started in 2013, was more than $2.4 million, Hudson said. In addition to the contracted work, city crews replaced several blocks of lines on Bush and North Mock streets.

The city completed three miles of asphalt overlays on local streets and rehabbed both water storage tanks for $300,000. Sold waste collection increased by 3 percent and recycling increased 6.6 percent last year.

Probably the biggest news of the year was the opening of the new highway. A dedication ceremony was held in October. The new highway is the first phase of what eventually will be a four- lane divided highway, Hudson noted.

Looking ahead, Hudson said the future holds “something a little different to deal with.” This future includes the new section of U.S. 62 highway and the continued success of downtown businesses.

“We have been and will continue to work on signage and downtown activities to not only maintain but to hopefully increase customer activity,” Hudson said in his speech outline.

He advised the City Council members to “buckle up” for future growth.

Hudson