by Tammy Moore-Teague
The Mansfield City Council meeting was all but ordinary as they met in session on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 7 p.m. Present at the meeting were the Mayor, Dr. Larry Austin, and all Aldermen including Rick McDaniel, Sheri Hopkins, Buddy Black, Dave Johnson, Georganna Mabry, Buddy Black and Beverly Lyons.
On this week’s agenda were the reports from the fire and police departments as well as reports from the city attorney, recorder/treasurer and public works director. It was the latter of those reports that dominated the meeting in a heated discussion. Public works director Ken Swilling began to give his report to the council, claiming the pump at the water treatment plant failed without warning because of an electrical breaker issue. However, plant manager, Braden Purcell had the part, a contactor, that he and consultant Arnold Elmore had deemed necessary to replace. Because Swilling, the supervisor, did not agree the connector was not purchased and ultimately the pump failed. “This isn’t right,” Purcell exclaimed. “I am tired of being second guessed…I’m outta here.” Purcell holds a class III wastewater license, which is vital to the plant operations and requirements with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, ADEQ. Purcell added that his hands were tied because of the chain of command, and that he demanded the council hear the facts. “You get to go home,” Purcell pointed to the citizens and council. “I have to come in here on Friday and face a hostile work environment and repercussions (from Swilling) because I report the truth to council…it’s what the city needs.”
After a brief recess the council agreed to hear an uninterrupted report from Purcell. He expressed his aggravation in wanting to get the plant up to the standards of the ADEQ. Furthermore, he felt his hands were tied because of his inability to make purchases and operational decisions. Council member, Hopkins responded and spoke openly about feeling mislead about the business at the waste water plant. “I just want to hear the truth,” Hopkins said. When asked by the council what it would take for these problems to be addressed, Purcell directed their attention to a proposal he had submitted. The proposal, which included a request for a raise in pay to $55k, also offered additional services utilizing him as a department head that would allow the city to cut ties with the engineering and consulting firm, Landmark. “I’ll write the SSO’s (sanitary overflow reports), the non compliance forms and sign the DMR’s (discharge monitoring report)…I want to do the job and will take great pride in it,” he added.
The council, after hearing and reading the proposal, offered to oblige some of his requests. Lyons defended the city’s inability to pay his desired salary. “If you take a look at our budget,” she stated, “there is not any way we are going to be able to pay you $55,000.” The council did propose, however, an hourly wage increase of $18 and included purchase order powers as approved by the mayor. Purcell responded that he was willing to take less of a pay raise in order for the city to send employee Clay Davis to school for him to receive his class I waste water licensure and to increase his pay to $12.50 per hour. “I’d rather Clay have a raise,” Purcell said. “I don’t want to lose him. Give him a raise.”
Mansfield city attorney Matt Ketcham interjected and recommended that Purcell not get caught up in the glitter of the title of department head. Instead, he suggested him being plant manager and reporting to the mayor and to the council, bypassing the strained relationship between him and Swilling.
The motion made to pay Purcell $18 per hour, for him to report to the mayor and council and to give him purchasing power was made and it was passed unanimously.
Additionally, the council also passed the motion to compensate Purcell for his time and travel if he was needed at the city council meetings. Councilman Black concluded by saying “Please let Clay Davis know we will revisit his raise once he gets his license.”
Another motion was made to end the agreement with Landmark Engineering on consulting work with the waste water plant and to keep Arnold Elmore on as needed. That motion passed unanimously.
The city’s attorney, Ketcham, gave a reading of the new ordinance which will increase water hook ups for new water customers. Additionally, he updated the council on the advancement of the city’s annexation of River Valley Feed and Metal. He stated he had invited the interested parties to attend the next meeting and recommended looking at a feasibility study.
That order of business was slated for next week’s agenda along with further discussion on the issues with the waste water plant. With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Laying Waste to the Chain of Command
Weekly City Council Meeting Explodes with Accusations
The statement “hostile work environment” has become common among current, and past City of Mansfield employees.
Initially, Mansfield Recorder Treasurer, Becky Walker made a public statement to the City Council addressing her personal issues with Mayor Larry Austin, and claimed to work in a hostile environment. Austin denied these accusations when questioned by the council. No action was taken that night.
Walker was then asked at a meeting several weeks later if this issue was better or worse. Walker stated, “It’s still the same, and nothing has changed.”
Then, at last Thursday nights weekly City Council meeting, Braden Purcell plainly stated he was working in a hostile environment, and was unable to make the needed repairs to the already violation ridden waste water plant. Purcell, who was hired just over a month ago, pointed his frustrations of working in a hostile environment towards Mayor Larry Austin, and City Works Director, Ken Swilling.. You can watch the LIVE feed recording from 02/22/2018 at this link .
Purcell was interviewed by both Mayor Austin, and Mansfield Public Works Director, Ken Swilling and hired as the Waste Water Operator.
Both Walker, and Purcell work within the reigns of Mansfield city government, having differing duties, and roles. Walker, who is an elected official and does not answer to the Mayor, was given Mayoral duties in a recent vote to remove powers from the Mayor himself in order to conduct business more effectively. The City Council removed the powers that were not associated with Arkansas State law, leaving the Mayor the ability to hire, fire, and to conduct meetings.
Before Thursday’s meeting, Purcell reported to Swilling directly. After the motions and votes were finished, Purcell was moved to report to the Mayor and/or the City Council.
Sugarloaf Valley Academy to file Charter Application
By Tammy Moore-Teague – RP Contributor
Sugarloaf Valley Academy located in Hartford, Arkansas, is intending to file an application for an open-enrollment public charter school. There will be a public meeting Tuesday, February 27, at 7:00 pm at the Hartford School cafeteria in Hartford to provide information about the proposal and answer questions concerning the project. As this will be an open-enrollment charter school, students can enroll from any of the surrounding communities. The major unique feature of this school will be individualized learning plans for each student enrolled.
As the prospect of a public charter school is new to this area, we’ve provided a short description of this venture.
Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that operate under their own standards of conduct and curriculum outside the realm of local public school districts. Although these institutions are funded by tax dollars, charter school are ultimately given the freedom to establish their own methods of operation, similar to how many private schools are able to design their instructional and social practices. As in all Public Schools, students are not charged tuition.
According to the National Education Association, although some state statutes, regulations and rules may still apply to charter schools, they are generally outside the bounds of traditional educational oversight by the state and instead are governed by a board of directors.
The original impetus for the creation of charter schools was to increase competition for students, thus giving parents more choices in terms of where their children go to school.
If you are interested in learning more about this project, please attend this meeting Tuesday night, February 27, beginning at 7:00 pm. We hope to see you there.
McFadden Files as Sebastian County Sheriff Candidate
Sebastian county native Randy McFadden filed yesterday as a Republican candidate for Sebastian County Sheriff.
“I am excited to focus on this campaign and share with local residents my vision for how this department can best serve them,” McFadden said. “I believe in honest, transparent leadership. The Sheriff’s office is a partner with the community and it is important that we have open communication with all people of Sebastian County.”
McFadden is originally from Fort Smith and graduated from Southside High School. He currently lives in Mansfield.
He brings broad experience to the position, with a background in traditional law enforcement and corporate security. This includes 20 years of law enforcement experience from the Springdale Police Department, and Washington and Sebastian Counties. Throughout his career, McFadden has worked to be a proactive leader with a team approach to solving current and future issues .
McFadden has shared his commitment to advanced training and equipment for the department, in addition to addressing the needs of employees to avoid costly turnover.
“From my experience in different types of law enforcement I understand the critical importance of advanced training and making sure the people sworn to protect us each day have the latest equipment and technology,” McFadden said. “I also believe my corporate business experience is an asset that could greatly help the department. I know how to serve the public and be an effective law enforcement officer, but I also understand how to manage people and lead on the business side of running a large organization.”
“We need to reduce jail and bailiff turnover to ensure a quality workplace and the safety and security of everyone involved with that facility.”
Randy and his wife Sherrell live in Mansfield and are members of Shady Grove Freewill Baptist Church .
McFadden believes that his faith as a Christian Conservative is consistent with being able to serve the department, treat all staff equally, and treat all citizens fairly.
McFadden’s father also served in law enforcement. He retired from the Fort Smith Police Department and subsequently served with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department.
Mansfield City Council Agenda for 02/22/2018
The agenda for the Mansfield City Council meeting tonight includes the following items.
Resident Press staff will be broadcasting the meeting through Facebook LIVE.
Waldron Nursing Center is Hiring
The Waldron Nursing Center located in the heart of Waldron, Arkansas is accepting applications for CNA’s, Medical Aid’s, LPN’s and RN’s with day or evening shifts available.
Job openings offer insurance benefits, holiday pay differential and bonus pay.
Applications can be picked up at 1369 W. 6th Street in Waldron. Applicants can contact Patti or Anne at (479) 637-3171
Mailing Address: Waldron Nursing Center, P.O. Box 223, Waldron, AR 72958
Mansfield Officials pass Municipal League Certification
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2018
Becky Walker, and Larry Austin pass League Certification program
The Arkansas Municipal League congratulates Becky Walker, and Larry Austin, who has maintained their status as a Certified Municipal Official through the League’s Voluntary Certified Continuing Education Program.
The certified municipal officials were honored at the League’s 2018 Winter Conference, held Jan. 10-12 in Fort Smith.
Numerous municipal officials representing cities and towns from across the state completed 21 hours of study in subjects such as budgeting, personnel management, methods of effective leadership and more. To maintain certification, graduates must complete six hours of continuing education classes each year.
The program continues in 2018 with classes held at the League’s North Little Rock headquarters and in June at the League’s Annual Convention in Little Rock.
The Arkansas Municipal League is a service and advocacy organization for the municipalities of Arkansas. The League offers its programs and services to 500 cities and towns in Arkansas and was created in 1934 to assist cities with information and representation in the public affairs of our state and nation. To find out more, please visit www.arml.org.
Waldron Nursing Center Crowns 2018 Queen
Story by Christine Lees
Queen Dianne Brennan, is 69 years young and has lived at Waldron Nursing Center for the past three years. She was born January 15, 1949 in New Jersey. She was raised in the city of New Jersey with her 3 brothers. Dianne was the only girl from this family. Her parents were both Postal Workers.
Dianne met the love of her life, Larry Brennan, in New Jersey and raised a family of 3 girls and 1 boy. All of her children are still living in New Jersey.
In her adult life she went to school and became a LPN where she worked in a New Jersey Hospital. She later worked in a Pharmacy there helping fill prescriptions and other things in the Pharmacy.
Later on she moved to Arkansas with her husband, Larry, who had been in the military in previous years but is now deceased. When asked about her life accomplishments Dianne stated it was going to school to get her Nurses license. Her hobbies was making lots of afghans when doing her crochet work. The thing she is most proud of in her life are her children and being able to get her Nursing Degree.
Her biggest life event was being a Nurse and working in the hospital in New Jersey before moving to Arkansas with her husband.
Things she enjoys doing in the Nursing Center is going to crafts, playing bingo, visiting with the fellow residents and the staff who love to tease with her. She loves to laugh and is always an enjoyment to be around. Reading paper back books and watching television. Her favorite television program is “The Golden Girls”. If you say “Go” Dianne is always ready and willing to participate in whatever is scheduled. She especially enjoyed riding on the Home Coming float in the down town parade with fellow residents all dressed up in evening gowns.
Everyone at Waldron Nursing Center is proud to present our new Queen, Dianne Brennan, who will remain our Nursing Center Queen until around this same time next year. Dianne will be participating in the District II Ms. Nursing Home Queen Pageant on February 22nd at 6:30 PM held at the Bell Park Pavilion in Greenwood, AR. Everyone is invited to attend and cheer her on. Alex Carter, Activity Assistant, will be her escort.
Dianne is wearing a lovely mid length Deep Purple gown accented by her beautiful jewelry. Congratulations, Dianne.
Junior High Lady Tigers Finish Strong
Mansfield Junior High Girls Basketball Team ended their season on Wednesday February 7th with a semi-final loss to Cedarville in the district tournament.
On Monday February 5th the Junior High Lady Tigers travelled to Cedarville to compete against Greenland in the first round of the district tournament. Led by Freshman Danielle Lillie the Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Pirates. Danielle had 16 of the team’s points along with multiple steals, rebounds, and a charge. Mikayla Harrison, Haylee Helms, Olivia Bouse, Amber Elmore, Sadie Roberts and Hailea Raines all had points during the game.
The girls started off slow but picked it up in the second quarter to get us a good 19-9 lead going into halftime. The Lady Tigers continued to build on their lead until the conclusion of the competition with a 39-19 victory.
Since the Lady Tigers won they moved on to the semi-final round of the Junior High District Tournament to face Cedarville.
The Lady Tigers battled hard against a very good Cedarville team. Lead again by Freshman Danielle Lillie, the Lady Tigers overcame a few obstacles during the game. The lady tigers doubled their point total from the last time they played the Lady Pirates and we defended the press better than we had in previous games. Ultimately the Lady Tigers were defeated by the Lady Pirates which ended up being their final game of the season.
“I am proud of my team,” said Coach Bryan. “They overcame many different adversities throughout this basketball season and began to show pride in their sport by competing at a higher level than they thought they could. We will work hard this summer to become even better for next season.”
The Lady Tigers will compete in a different conference next season. All the teams in our new conference are: Cedarville, Charleston, Elkins, Greenland, Lincoln, Mansfield, Waldon, and West Fork.
See you next season and thank you for your support! GO TIGERS!
The Value of Peanut Butter
“We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” ― Thomas Fuller
Many of us have experienced hard times in our life. I remember a few times in life that I would have given anything for a cold glass of milk and a peanut butter sandwich. There is no doubt that at times, nothing tastes better, especially to a starving teenage boy. Of course, when isn’t a teenage boy starving? Allow me to take this opportunity to introduce you to some special young men that I believe many in our community are very proud of. It is the hard working gentlemen in grades 7-11 in the off-season football program.
These guys quietly put in some very hard work, some even doing extra work and giving their best to represent you next fall on the gridiron. These young men are your family or neighbor. For many of you, they are an integral part of your life in some form or fashion. Some of them have plenty and some may be in need, regardless, these are our boys, our team, representing our town. Like it or not, we are truly one big family and if you are an alumni of our beloved school, you own a piece of the school, this town, and this team. We appreciate you and all your help and support.
One of the key goals that head football coach Tim Cothran has continued to implement is a good off-season program. One that emphasized weight training as well as speed and flexibility. After much strategizing in the coach’s office the plan was made to do our best to improve their nutritional training as well. Otherwise, all their hard work would be minimized. Hard to beat milk and peanut butter for that task.
Now as you are all aware of, it can be quiet difficult to get a teenager to eat properly. So we felt we needed to be proactive regarding our athletes. We make it mandatory for each athlete to eat and drink his portion before leaving for the day.
Another key point that we discussed was financing for our little endeavor. We thought the best way to handle this was to every athlete to bring a dollar. Of course every once in a while the till will run a little shy and some anonymous person will help us out. In this day and age though, it seems that at times a dollar is a difficult task. With household budgets running close to the red every week, we understand that even to scratch out a dollar can be difficult.
Our hopes in writing this little article is two-fold. First, if you are the parent or guardian of one of our athletes, keep trying your best to make them eat right. Remind them to “feed the machine” and that by eating it will maximize all their hard work. Like the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, so we need all the help we can get. Second, if you are in the community and want to help our program to be the best we can be, contact Coach Cothran.
“These donations are vital to our off-season football diet needs,” stated Cothran.
Any and all donations of milk, bread, peanut butter, money, or anything else we can use to make these guys the best will be appreciated beyond words.
We are proud to say that after every weight day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) we make every athlete eat a peanut butter sandwich and drink a cup of milk (with exception obviously to food allergies). By our estimates, the athlete is getting approximately 20 grams of protein per serving. Now this is nowhere near the total amount of protein needed but it is a good “shot” of protein in a necessary time where their bodies need it most.
As coaches, we have such a small window to impact their health and development. We need your help. This is as much your team as anyone’s. The name Mansfield is across the front of their jerseys. They play for you, the school, and our community. Borrowing from Thomas Fuller’s quote, we will never know the value of peanut butter until our young athletes have become old men and the well has run dry. Now is the time to develop these young men, now is the time to make them bigger, faster, and stronger. Now is the time. Please, help us to make them the best they can be.