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On July 20, 2010 the Hardy city council introduce  a resolution which would, eventually, end a controversial benefit extended to the city council. This benefit has been looked down upon by some citizens because it not only gives free health insurance to the city council members but their families too.

The resolution that was proposed was an attempt to remove the health insurance benefit for elected city officials due to budget constraints. Even if the resolution was to pass, those members who currently are covered under the plan would be able to keep it for the current fiscal year.

It is interesting that of the six city council members, the three attending the meeting were the ones who had already “opted out” and had NOT taken advantage of this benefit. However, the three who were absent from this city council meeting were indeed the ones who do receive the health benefits.  Maybe they aren’t really benefiting since they were unable to attend the very type of council meeting that allowed them the benefit in the first place.

Mayor Thornton informed the council that by law, a benefit already in effect that is part of the budget can not be taken from those who currently recieve it.  If the current proposed resolution remains unchanged it would not only take it away from the three city council members, but also from the Mayor of Hardy as well as the Recorder/Treasure too.

 A Special note, because only three of the six council members were present, thus no quorum, the Mayor was able - under law, to sit as a fourth voting member.  However after City Councilman, Raymond Hicks pointed out that the three city council members who get the insurance were not even present, the discussion of the resolution was put off. 

In other business Council members were  informed of a proposal by the Sharp County Hospital Foundation for a one cent sales tax to help fund a new hospital. Additionally the ongoing eyesore of a unfinished residential building was finally given approval by the city to remove it from the neighborhood. The property owner Mrs. Roland has failed to clean up the property and complete the construction or remove it herself.  The Council voted to put out bids for the removal of the building.

How to Write a Business Plan for Small Businesses

 July 21st, 2010   5:30-7:30

 The Hardy Advertising and Promotions Commission will host a seminar at the Hardy City Hall, located at 124 Woodland Hills Road on how to write a Business Plan for Small Businesses. The SBA will give information on how to write a business plan and will also be available for questions. This workshop is just one of the continuing educational and business oriented workshops that has been hosted by the A&P recently.

Please call City Hall @ 856-3811 to sign up for this seminar

We know we are a wonderful small town “city” here in Hardy and for those who are new to the area or just dropping by we wanted to give you a list of our local City Officials.

City Officials

Position - Name 

• Mayor - Nina Thornton 
• Recorder/treasurer - Carolyn Groves 
• Public Safety Director - Ernie Rose 
• Director Of Public Works Billy Gilbreath 

Council Members (ALDERMAN)  - Name

• Councilmember - Nathan Circle 
• Councilmember - Bobby Gilliland 
• Councilmember - Margaret Harness 
• Councilmember - Raymond Hicks 
• Councilmember - Amy Hussung 
• Councilmember - Sue Taylor

Our city council is made up of three wards (Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3) each ward having two postions 1 & 2. A person who may wish to run for a city council position must state the specific Ward and Position that they wish to run for.

Contact Information

This list is current as of this posting. Also we wish to thank Mayor Nina Thornton for pointing us to a nice website called Local.Arkansas.Gov “County and Municipal Information Services were this information was obtained from.

The link to that site can be found HERE . This site is a Citizen Central service, you can find information online about every county and municipality in Arkansas, including contact information, basic facts, elected officials, and online services. Select a county using the map, or use the search button located on the website after clicking to it. 

Did you know that Arkansas has more than 500 municipalities. Local government in Arkansas provides many essential services to the citizens of the community, including road construction and maintenance, solid waste disposal, water utilities and waste water treatment, police and fire protection and emergency rescue, land use planning and building inspection, and public education for grades K-12.

As we all know, Hardy is a Railroad Town.  This year the BNSF is taking its train of 15 restored passenger cars on a 6,000-mile tour through 13 cities in six states.  The train is available for BNSF employees and special guests only.  I was an invited guest for a 3 hour ride. The conductor actually came to the loading area and yelled “all aboard” which was a truly nostalgic moment. I chose to ride in the tallest car called Bay View.  The windows are all bay curved and the view is fantastic. I sat in the “First Class” section although the whole car was truly first class.

  When the train got underway we were allowed to move from car to car and explore.  Snacks were brought around and there was a souvenir car.  I have to admit when moving between the cars I felt very adventurous.  You push a big button beside the door and with a big whooshing the door opens and you step between the cars onto a platform.  The door closes behind you, whoosh.  You step across a gap (yes you can  see the ground flying by) onto the next cars’ platform and then another button and whoosh the door opens and you step into the next car. 

 The woodwork and seating in all the cars are beautifully restored and looks like something out of the movies.  The styles were reminicent of a romantic era when the railroad was the main source of mass transit.  Some cars are double deckers and some have open balconies that face inside with wooden railings to keep passengers safe, kind of like the old river boats.  One car had a bar area that served soft drinks.  I took scads of pictures and when we rode through Hardy I got a birds eyeview of our wonderful little City.  I had a great time that I won’t soon forget and hope to get to repeat the experience again.

SUBMITTED BY:

Nina Thorton, Mayor of Hardy Arkansas

The Friends Of Hardy Arkansas (FOHA) believe it is time to begin building a strong movement of citizens demanding  that government information be made available online and in real-time. Full disclosure of public records, laws, meetings available easily for all.

As citizens, we need online, real-time access to government information so that we can be better informed voters and more ably hold government accountable for their actions.

Remember, our local government is not going to give us the data and become more transparent on its own. We must engage with it to make it so. It is our legal right to know the facts. That is now one of the missions of (FOHA). 

OUR PLEDGE TO THE CITIZENS OF HARDY

Government transparency is critical to creating a better democracy, and of highest importance in helping each of us decide how we cast our votes. FOHA pledges, through sustained engagement, to hold public officials accountable for being open and transparent.

If your interested in reading the Arkansas Freedom Of Information Act you can view it HERE

Special Note: The City of Clinton, Arkansas already has most information online. It is a great idea and something we feel Hardy should take steps to do.. WE ARE HAPPY TO PUT THE INFORMATION ONLINE FOR FREE.

Feel fee to check out City Of Clinton’s website  HERE

Those of you who signed up earlier this year in regards to the natrual gas feasability study and have been  waiting to hear the findings of the United States Department of Agricultural’s review. It appears to be a NO GAS PASS.  After a couple of years of studies, meetings and finally a sign-up earlier in the year for the natural gas system, the findings have been delivered to Sharp County Judge Larry Brown.

Brown received a letter from the USDA June 11 citing the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER).  Included in the report were several concerns the USDA had regarding the system. Brown has said since the onset of the proposed project that he only wants it if it is economically feasible for the county.

The letter from the USDA said that the projected cost of the project would be $14 million. During the initial sign up period over 800 local residents paid their $100 required deposit to help the USDA determine an approximate number of users who would actually take part in the system. However, as promised, if deemed not feasible, these monies would be returned.

Many of the USDA’s numerous concerns regarding the project are listed below as addressed in the letter from Jeffery Spencer, area director for the USDA to Brown.

According to Jeffery Spencer, area director for the USDA, “The projected monthly minimum bill in the original projection was shown to be $23.  However, a minimum monthly bill per user just to meet the debt service payments and reserves would have to be around $82. In addition, a portion of the projected operation and maintenance (O&M) costs that must be met on a monthly basis would also need to be included in the monthly minimum bill. The total projected O&M costs in the PER is $32.23 per user. If $18 of the total projected O & M is added to the $82 mentioned above, the total monthly bill would have to be at least $100 per user,” Spencer said.

Further, Spencer’s explanation of the concerns stated that since 100 percent of the those who signed up initially would most likely not take the service immediately. This could be either because the system would not reach their home during the initial phase or for other reasons, a 90 percent number of customers from the original 830 was used, creating a minimum bill for residential users of $130 and $323 for 90 percent of the 83 commercial users who signed up for the proposed project.

In his letter to Brown, Spencer also addressed the fact that there was no information regarding the cost of butane or propane conversions for customers. He said customers might be required to purchase new appliances if theirs were not able to be converted. Other concerns included the additional financial burden on potential customers for the costs associated with converting transmission pipes that were not suitable for carrying the natural gas to the home or business.

Spencer also cited the fact that there has been no exact costs quoted for tapping the Ozark Transmission line, the main line that lies between Evening Shade and Cave City. That service would be required to bring the natural gas to Sharp County. Spencer noted that items such as land acquisition costs, system regulation, overpressure protection and or odorization facility costs should also be taken into consideration and were not.

Spencer concluded by stating, “At this stime, USDA-Rural Development staff does not encourage Sharp County to proceed with further processing of the application or obtaining a Financial Feasibility Study.”

Judge Brown said that for the time being “this option is not being explored any further”. He said he will be exploring other options, but at this time, it is obvious, “We can’t afford it now and be able to be competitive.”  Those who paid the $100 fee should be getting you money back sometime after July 2010.

Hi, I’m Steve Hunnicutt.  My wife and I have been business owners in Hardy for over thirty years.  We have seen many folks come and go who have tried to get a business going in Hardy.  Here are some pointers for anyone trying to open and run a successful business anywhere, especially in such a small town as Hardy, where news travels fast, whether it is good or bad. 

So a word to the wise: Observe the 10 Commandments of good business to insure a good run.  A happy customer  is one who will return.

A CUSTOMER:

1. IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN ANY BUSINESS.
2.  IS NOT DEPENDENT ON US.  WE ARE DEPENDENT ON THEM.
3.  IS NOT AN INTERRUPTION OF OUR WORK.  THEY ARE THE PURPOSE FOR IT.
4. IS PART OF OUR BUSINESS, NOT AN OUTSIDER.
5. IS NOT A COLD STATISTIC. HE OR SHE IS A FLESH-AND-BLOOD HUMAN WITH 
   FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS LIKE OUR OWN.
6. IS NOT SOMEONE TO ARGUE OR MATCH WITS WITH.
7. IS A PERSON WHO BRINGS US THEIR WANTS; IT IS OUR JOB TO FILL THOSE WANTS.
8. IS DERSERVING OF THE MOST COURTEOUS AND ATTENTIVE TREATMENT WE CAN GIVE THEM.
9. IS THE LIFE-BLOOD OF THIS AND EVERY OTHER BUSINESS.
10. IS THE ‘OTHER’ IN THE GOLDEN RULE OF ‘DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD 
    HAVE THEM DO TO YOU.

* Feel free to print out these pointers by clicking on the Print Icon Below

Hardy City Council regular meeting was held on April 20th, 2010. Following roll call and the approval of prior minutes, Hardy Mayor Nina Thornton welcomed discussion on the upcoming liquor issue.  The only comments on the issue were from one audience member who posed the question of whether or not the city could pass an ordinance regarding the issue before it is actually passed. Thornton said that was a possibility and could be done to not have any delays if it were to become wet. The audience member was also a downtown business owner and said that parking in the downtown area was at a premium and told Thornton that if the county were to become wet, and one of the downtown businesses were to get a liquor license, the possibility of patrons of the establishment selling liquor could cause problems with downtown parking.

Thornton then announced that Virgil Griffin had announced that Riverbend Property owners had agreed to pay the past due water bill and a deposit to ensure the owners water once again be turned on.  Afterwards, Carolyn Groves, Hardy Recorder/Treasurer then presented to council the findings of her summertime food program for area children. The project, which Groves created and will oversee, is to help area children.  She said because 85 percent of Hardy’s population is below poverty level the children qualify for this lunchtime meal that will be provided free of charge from June 5 — July 30. Groves said many kids do not get the adequate food they need after they are out of school for the summer and she would volunteer her time to not only ensure the children have this need met, but also to give of herself in helping them learn things such as manners. Groves said she would like the children to be able to sit down and learn proper manners. She said parents are invited to bring their children, up to the age of 17, for the meal, which will be held at the Hardy Gym beginning June 5. The children are welcome to come by five days a week to take part in this free state funded program, that is implemented by Groves. She said further information will be published in the Villager Journal at a later date. She stressed that she will not be a baby sitter or tutor, but will help feed them at the gym. She also said the children participating in the summer reading program hosted by the library are welcome to come to the free lunch daily.

Another topic that brought forth a lot of discussion was a building variance. The proposed topic was to consider changing certain residential areas in Hardy to commercial to promote growth of business. Hardy Alderman Margaret Hartness, who lives in the area, said changing some areas could pose issues in regard to traffic and said she would be concerned with the types of business going into the area. She said she feels granting business licenses should be on a case by case basis and must be preapproved by council.

A No Smoking Law was also considered on the old business portion of the agenda. It was brought to council’s attention by Mayor Thornton that during events, complaints have been voiced about patrons having to walk through smoke upon entering the Old Hardy Gym. Because the state statute refers only to indoor air, it was unclear what kind of guidelines the city must consider in implementing a law on outdoor smoking in regard to distance from buildings. Council agreed to research the options and tabled the discussion until the next meeting.

Hardy business owner Greg Bess discussed that the city had passed an ordinance in 1996 which referred to ways to handle building variances. He said the ordinance states that it requires a six member panel, two thirds of which are not members of the city council and further discussed the process of approving a home in regard to what he says is stated in the ordinance as “good planning and zoning practices.”

In the last order of Old Business Ordinance 2004-02 was discussed. This ordinance was in reference to some unsightly homes that have been in a state of disrepair for a lengthy amount of time despite numerous attempts by the city to persuade the land owners to complete their building project or clean up the area. The Ordinance gives the city authority to condemn certain properties. One particular property in question is one the city has received numerous complaints against. Council agreed to exercise their rights set forth by the ordinance and follow proper procedure by mailing a certified letter to the owner and lien holder of the property stating that it will be condemned and when it will be heard by council. The property in question is located on Third and Johnson Streets. Thornton said the topic will be heard by Hardy City Council on June 6.

In new business, the Iberia Bank Building was discussed; Thornton said the building will be closed soon, as the bank is moving to another location. Thornton asked council’s permission to ask the bank to donate the building to the city. She said due to the problems with flooding at the current city hall building, this building would make an excellent location. She said, although it has flooded in the past, it is not in a flood zone or a flood plain, according to the map. Council voted unanimously to allow Thornton on behalf of the city to ask if the bank building could be donated to the city.

Prior to adjournment, announcements of upcoming events were read, including Tourism Day to be held May 15 at Dr. Thompson Park and the amphitheater and the Wilburn Brother’s tribute May 29.

Finally, after over a a year and a half with no water the park is finally close to getting it turned back on!  The $21,712.85 bill will be paid by the Property Owners Association in agreement with the city of Hardy.  Hardy Mayor Nina Thornton said the property owners have kept in contact with the city throughout the ordeal. Currently, the owners are waiting to see that the water lines are functional before paying the bill that will insure their service is properly restored.

 April 10, 2010 – The POA Board reached an agreement with Virgil Griffin on April 10, 2010, to provide water to River Bend Park. We do not know the exact date the water will be turned on, but hopefully it will be soon. Some repairs to water lines coming into the park and other checking of the water distribution system have to be made, and plans are to begin this within the next couple of weeks.

Thornton said that area resident, Virgil Griffin said he has a deed to the water system and agreed to pay the deposit and get the water back to the residents so they can once again enjoy the area. Thornton said the water was cut off to the park and 10 residences on Oct. 21, 2008 after the bill became extremely past due. She said everyone was notified and the meter was read at that time and locked. Thornton said the city tried to work with the Bigger’s Bluff Water Corporation, after the bill was over $16,000 past due, to no avail. Thornton said the city still gave Johnson another month to pay the bill. She said they didn’t want to turn the water off to the park, but explained that it is a state law that a city cannot give free utilities. She said after the month was up, she, as mayor of the city, took the matter to council, who voted unanimously to shut off the water to River bend Park. She said council further voted that in the future a person would have to sign to be responsible as well as paying a $5,000 deposit; this was the amount of an average monthly bill to the area. Virgil Griffin signed as the responsible party for the bill and further agreed to sign a three year contract with the city.

Thornton explained that the city of Hardy was still in the process of trying to secure grants for a new water system for the area and to annex the area into the city. This, she said, would be in the best interest of the city. As Hardy will be providing water to the park, it is only fair that the city should get something back. Many of the residents who live in the homes on the road going to the park have since had wells drilled on their property.

Thornton said Griffin said property owners were currently in the process of meeting with their lawyers. “They have a three year agreement with the city; they will pay him and he will pay the bill.” She further explained that there was a water line up the hill by Nathan and Renee Clay Circle’s new home that was broken under their concrete slab. She said the city is in the process of rerouting that portion of the water line. She said the city has never had any problem with the property owners, other than simply the bill was not paid. She further stated, “They are going to have water very soon.”

You can keep up to date with information about the park on their website at http://www.riverbendparkhardy.com/

Open House To Provide Residents, Business Owners With Flood Map Information. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the State of Arkansas, Sharp County and the City of Hardy, invites the public to attend a flood map awareness meeting, Thursday, April 29, 2010, to help local residents, business owners, real estate and insurance agents understand the new floods maps that will go into effect within the next year.

The new maps were developed after an extensive multi-year study of the area’s floodplains and reflect the dramatic change in water flow and drainage patterns over the last 20 years–increasing the likelihood of flooding in certain areas of the county. Read the rest of this entry »