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The Chamber and community leaders gathered for a reception on February 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lowell City Hall (Council Chambers). The event was free and open to the public. Mayor Eldon Long delivered the State of the City address that evening at 6:30 p.m.
STATE OF THE CITY 2017
Welcome to the City Council Chambers of the City of Lowell. It is with a great sense of honor to represent this progressive City and to share with you many of our accomplishment’s over the past year and to share some of the key goals for 2017. As always, I’m grateful to Raymond Burns and the staff of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of this event with all the wonderful refreshments provided. The Chamber’s spirit of cooperation and partnership continues to aid Lowell with economic development programs that help attract new businesses and families to our beautiful city. I would also like to acknowledge all Lowell City Council and Planning Commissioners members, our City Attorney, City Clerk, City Engineer, Department Heads, co-workers, members of the Press, Jenica Sudduth (Troop leader) and the Arrow of Light Den from Lowell Pack 9 Cub Scouts for leading in the pledge, business owners, fellow citizens, family and all visitors.
To each of you, I welcome you to the 2017 State Of The City Address.
2016 proved to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest year for large road infrastructure projects, major corporation expansion, new construction and new business startups. Lowell Arkansas continues to be recognized regionally and nationally for its great connectivity to all transportation routes. Our centrality to the area is a key aspect of growing and sustaining strong businesses. Large companies and families are realizing what many magazines, such as U.S. News and World Report recently acknowledged for a second year in a row as being one of the Top 10 places to live in the Nation. While our first class amenities attract people from all over the world, we must not rest on our geographic location to grow, but continue to be proactive in our Economic Development and City Planning programs to properly manage the type of community we want to be 20 years from now. Director Kris Sullivan, along with her assistant Karen Davis, help me with that vision and through their hard work this past year, were able to help secure new businesses that are now open, such as; Fitness One, The Mudtown Mercantile, Arkansas Refrigeration Services, Taters Restaurant, TruGreen Lawn Care, Elite Steel Erectors, Gettin’ A Nibble Restaurant, NWA Board of Realtors, Advanced Services, Ashley Furniture Warehouse, Black Hills Energy, Verona Marble and NWA Easy Storage. Other large development projects in construction and scheduled to open in 2017 are; Metro Appliance, Delta Systems, Anheuser Busch Distribution, and Fed-Ex Ground Regional Facility.
Lowell businesses that have expanded this past year include; Subway, Wachters, McDonald’s Restaurant, and Shipley Motors. Subdivisions continuing to develop are; Carrington Park, Lakewood (Phase 3), Timber Ridge and Park Central.
Other important projects working with Planning and Building Services with intent to open this year are; the new JB Hunt Tower, The Workman’s Travel Center, and soon to break ground is the Arkansas State Police Headquarters (a 46,000 sq. ft. facility that will relocate Troop L, serve 12 counties and house a crime laboratory). Other projects that have been through planning, the West Monroe Business Park across from Atwoods, and the renovation of the old Tyson Employment Center. These are just some of the many projects that Kris and Karen have worked on to help make those a reality within our city, throw in the Christmas light project initiated by their department, the Central Referral Connection weekly networking event held here at City Hall each week, Mudtown Days Planning, producing a new Master Street Plan, attending multiple training seminars each year, helping with our new website development, writing Grants, (one of which we were awarded $302,000 from AHTD for additional trail development), add all that up and they are two very busy ladies.
Construction Services Department, led by Matt Bailey, has the responsibility of seeing that all these structures are built to International Building Code Standards. The department issued a total of 115 commercial and residential construction permits during 2016. Matt’s team consist of Debi Jones; Building Inspector, Mike Young; plans Examiner, John Donahue; Code Enforcement Officer; and Meisha White; Permit Tech and Secretary. All of which, continue their ICC training to ensure that Lowell is professional in every aspect of dealing with everything from large developments like the new JB Hunt Tower or a resident with a simple weekend project. Together the department is committed to excellence and has processed a record number of permits, generating $984,000 to City revenue, and servicing over 250 documented complaints, at the same time managing to convert 80% of the building archives to digital records.
Richard Stone with Utilities and Special Services was in charge of working with area entities in the development of the new guidelines for the Cave Springs Recharge Area, which the City Council has now adopted. Richard, working with the department of Health, Springdale Water, contractors and residents, was very instrumental in the logistics and processes of establishing public water in the Billie Acres Subdivision, an issue that challenged the City Council to find a resolution. His department reports an increase of 42 Step systems during 2016, leaving only 17 lots of the original 314 lots that are designated for this alternative sewer system. Complete build out of these systems should occur this year. He has assisted with multiple easement acquisitions, such as a lot in Weatherton to be used for a lift station to support future sewer service on the west side of town. He has also assisted in several property donations that support drainage and city infrastructure needs. He is a valuable asset to our infrastructure team.
Police Chief Randy Harvey, who was recently featured on KNWA’s (Salute the Badge Series) for his extraordinary work within Lowell’s Elementary Schools. One school teacher (Carla Nelson) recently stated, “He and some of his officers are here daily, checking our security, being friendly with the students so they know who they are. I think if one of them were to have a bad day outside of school, whatever that might be, he would be there. The students just love him”, and so do we. He continues to build a department that is well trained and equipped to meet our community needs. A polling of an independent data research firm recently declared Lowell as one of the 5 safest cities of our size in Arkansas to raise a family. When I read it, I wasn’t surprised because we have some of the best officers in the State working here in our city. For example; Aaron Pile apprehended a suspect wanted by the FBI less than 24 hours after the department was notified he was working in our area. Aaron was also chosen to represent the LAPD in the regional NWA Celebrate Magazine noting his exemplary service and designating him as “A Hero with a Heart in the NWA community”. We also have the experience and strong leadership qualities of Captain Tim Kuth and Lieutenant Paul Pillaro who stress training programs like the Active Shooter Training. We also had three new officers to graduate from the Police Academy this past year. They were Sean Harding, Jared Vanlaningham, and Edgar Garcia. The Police department added one new patrolman and two new crime suppression officers for 2017. The department also participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Joe Landers Memorial Ride, Veterans Day Ceremonies, and many other regional events. The department also converted to an electronic ticketing system and added three new patrol cars. With the sentiment towards emergency personnel shifting unfavorably across much of our Nation. I for one, am very proud of the integrity, respect and service of our hometown Police Department.
Our Fire Department Chief, Mike Morris, has been busy with expanding our facilities and equipping us to meet our future needs. A full remodel of station 1 was completed to house our first Medic Team (Micah Tally, Justin Pelletier, Jim Meziere, Nathan Warrell, Capt. Joe West, and Capt. Jason Elam). Building plans are now under review for constructing station 2 this year. A 1.1 million dollar donation from the Leonard and Kathleen Johnson Trust will enable us to accomplish this needed facility located near our booming west side. It will be located at the corner of Bellview and Zion Road and will house new personnel to serve the growing needs of our community. And, as promised, a new ambulance was placed in service last year and a reserve ambulance was purchased from Springdale Fire Dept. to assure our city stands ready to respond to all future emergencies. State Representative Jana Della Rosa presented the department with a grant check from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission in the amount of $15,000 for fire protection equipment. I have received numerous reports this year of our shortened response times and quality of care given to those in their time of need. And just recently about going beyond the call of duty when the Senior Center van broke down while delivering meals to our elderly and disabled citizens, Captain Justin Watkins and Fire Fighter Iain Davis helped them get going again. My hat is off to the Chief and the entire department for the great adjustment cast upon the department during this period of transition. Each of the Firefighters and Medics have risen to the challenges of these changes and I encourage their continued commitment to public safety and support their faithful service as the department continues its expansion program.
Our Animal Welfare Department, under the leadership of Ray Drummond has also had a tremendously busy year. All the new rooftops represent a huge uptick in pet ownership. This has resulted in the hiring of two new employees, purchasing an adjoining acre for additional holding space, over 800 hours of volunteer service by 120 different individuals. The Dept. participates in all weekend pet adoption events and on-line adoption programs with the expectation of placing these pets in safe and secure family environments. The Dept. also implemented the cities microchipping program making it much easier for the dept. to track and reunite pets with their owners.
Museum Director, Liz Estes, organized numerous special events this past year, including the Museums 40th Anniversary, Veterans Ceremony, Elza Tuckers 98th Birthday, and many more. Her main concentration has been fundraising efforts for the construction of a new facility to be built at KJMP in 2018. Those efforts have resulted in helping to form the Lowell Historical Museum Foundation of NWA. A 501c organization that is now well positioned to meet the challenge of a 2 for 1 matching grant donation from the Leonard and Kathleen Johnson Trust. The planned facility will definitely make a strong statement of our commitment in preserving our local and regional history. The members of the new foundation that are committed to helping in this important endeavor are; Dianna Lankford, Steve Longacre, Jessica Rowe, Caleb Smith, Ed Harwell, John Donaldson, Elza Tucker, and Liz Estes. Consultants, Steve Marshal and architect Bevan Brawner have been recruited to design and erect the new facility.
Our Public Works Department led by our Director Jim Hendrix, has overseen the following completed projects; phase 2 of McClure St. improvements, two new traffic lights (one at West Monroe and Goad Springs and one at South Dixieland and Oakwood), S. Dixieland Sewer Extension, the AHTD relocation of Burrell Place, 15 street seal coating and overlay projects, the resealing of the Administration parking area, major additions to the Courts and Police dept. Parking areas, large monument signs placed at the city gates, W. Monroe Sidewalk connecting the east side of town to the Razorback Greenway Trail, the completion of major exit 78 improvements with sidewalks and street lighting, additional signage and amenities along our trail system, multiple drainage jobs, and many other city projects. The Dept. is praised daily by residents and visitors for their attention to detail in the management and maintenance of our city parks and growing trail system. They also work hard at making Mudtown Days and other city events go smoothly for all who attend. Some of the ongoing infrastructure improvements and goals for this year include; The repairs to streets and drainage associated with the Park Central revitalization program, the Highway 265 / Old Wire Road improvements led by AHTD, the final design work of the S. Dixieland Extension to W. Apple blossom, traffic light design work for W. Monroe and Bellview intersection, a water distribution line along Bellview to KJMP, Mt. Hebron road improvements, first phase of pedestrian and cycling trails at KJMP and ongoing resurfacing projects.
Of course none of these things would happen without the support of the taxpayers, and that’s why the city needs experience and exceptional oversight of the city finances. Our Finance Director, Jerry Hudlow, continues to help me each year with providing the Council a year to year fiscally responsible balanced budget. From this graph you can easily see how, since 2010, the city’s revenue has exceeded its expenditures and that for the past two years the city has averaged approximately 10% more each year in sales tax collections than the prior period. Sales Tax continues to make up the ‘lions share” of revenues for the General Fund, providing 58.4 % of total revenues projected for 2017. This pie chart breaks down our 2017 General Fund budgeted revenue sources. The 2017 budget will produce a $15,873 surplus in the General Fund, an $8,056 surplus in the Street Fund and a balanced budget in the Utilities (S.T.E.P.) Fund. City sales tax collections were up 17 % during 2016 compared to 2015, County taxes were up 3% for the same period resulting in a total revenue increase of 8 % over 2015 budgeted numbers. The budget provided a 2.6 % wage increase for most staff that is determined by employee evaluations performed by the City Directors. This second pie chart, shows how the General Fund will be distributed in 2017 by Department.
“WHEN DEALING WITH THE TAXPAYERS MONEY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO APPLY HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS AND SOUND FINANCIAL POLICIES IN ORDER TO INSURE PRUDENT BUDGETING METHODS.’’
With this established goal, I am grateful and appreciative that the City of Lowell has a Finance Director that shares in my quest for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government practices.
While these department reports are exciting and show the progress we continue to make within our city. I thought I would close by sharing some stories that really make up the fabric and character of Lowell. I find that the people of Lowell, its businesses and our surrounding friends are very giving of their ideas, their money, their resources, their time and energy. On 3 different occasions, school children made donations to the Animal Shelter in lieu of receiving birthday presents, another child donated $1000 from lemonade stand sales and additional help from Wal-Mart. Girl Scout Troop 5386 also took initiative and worked with the Mayor and Parks to provide a new water fountain at McClure Park, another group of Lowell Elementary Students (led by Liberian Kathy Hansen) worked with the Mayor and Parks to establish little mini libraries within 2 of our parks. While our children were very generous this past year, the adults and businesses were also busy donating. Police and Fire departments received numerous meals and cards from citizens and businesses thanking them for the job they do when many are leaving these professions across the Nation. Glenn Jones donated property to Providence Children’s Academy, gave to the new museum and found time to work on the city’s Purple Heart Status and accomplished getting Goad Springs Cemetery on the Arkansas Registry of Historic Sights. Guy Schumaker made contributions to Parks, the Fire Department and the Senior Center. John Ratzki has given his time and energy as a retired engineer to serve on the NACCA Board and to consult the city on key infrastructure projects, Kelly McCool provides donuts weekly for the Central Referral Networking Group, the NWA Board of Realtors purchased amenities for The Greenway Trail, Springdale Water, (Heath Ward Director) and Beaver Water District, led by (Alan Fortenberry) worked with Parks to establish a second drinking fountain on the Greenway. Central State Manufacturing purchased additional bullet proof vest for our Police Department, the Walton Family Foundation helped the PD with public relations material, USA Metal donates to our Annual Mudtown Festival and to our Annual Christmas Employee Appreciation Dinner, Summit Truck donated 6 acres to help mitigate flooding issues, and Joe Bishop donated easement to erect our fifth storm warning system at the end of Dixieland Road providing an early warning system (as promised during my campaign).
Casey Kuth was the recipient of the 2015 Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker award and Karen Davis the 2016 Employee of the Year Award. These represent just a few of the community awards and honors that our residents and employees have received.
I mention these things to call attention to the quality of citizens, businesses and organizations that define our community and our City. We are a giving community and a giving community is about helping one another.
We are very blessed to live, work and play in the wonderful State of Arkansas, and even more blessed to live in one of the most progressive areas of this Nation. When I consider the city of Lowell's position in all that's taking place around the different communities, it becomes very apparent to me that Lowell truly is a special place that people want to be. It also becomes obvious through our growth that God's hand continues to steer us, directing us for the betterment of our beloved town. I am thankful to God and the citizens of Lowell for allowing me the privilege of leading us through this era of our history. Serving in this capacity is an honor and one that humbles me often to seek Gods face for direction. So it is with this report of the past year’s goals and tomorrow's vision that I thank each of you for your attendance and your attention as we continue to face the challenges of tomorrow.
God bless each and every one of you. Thank you.
Mayor Eldon Long
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