By Linda Hicks thecabin.net Copyright 2011 The Cabin. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Vilonia City Council granted approval on Tuesday night to a newly formed, non-profit, tornado relief organization to use a city facility.

Sponsored by the Vilonia Ministerial Alliance, the Vilonia Disaster Recovery Alliance will be housed in the old city hall. The Alliance will enter a contractual agreement with the city to pay the city $1 per year for the use. Alderman Jim King presented the request to the council saying the purpose will be to headquarter the organization with a goal of providing “extended help” to disaster victims.

“At least six of the major churches want to come together to do this,” King said. Each church, he said, will have at least two members on the Recovery Alliance. The extended care, he said, is expected to last from 18 months to two years. Lorenda Donham, who was sitting in the audience, identified herself as the chairman. Bylaws and code of ethics, she said, are in place. She said she is working on acquiring a 501 3C status as a non-profit group as well as working toward articles of incorporation. Catholic Charities has pledged $10,000 and another organization has pledged $10,000 in assistance, she added.

Catholic Charities, she said, will be at the United Methodist Church in Vilonia from 9 to noon Saturday to begin teaching caseworkers.

There was some discussion concerning street department equipment, tires and lumber currently being stored in the building. Alderman Sherry Clements suggested money be built into next year’s budget to build a facility to house street department equipment.

The council unanimously approved the request with King recusing from the vote as he is a member of the Ministerial Alliance. It is anticipated, King said, a food bank will be opened in the facility “down the line.”

Changing gears, two separate groups addressed the council regarding property issues. A group representative of Pearce Division Property Owners Association complained about adequate drainage, a broken sidewalk, zoning issues and abandoned houses in that area. Streets mentioned were Saye, Weaver, Marshall and Jones. The two abandoned houses were listed as 22 Saye Street and 18 Jones Street. One was said to have been struck by lightning. There were also complaints concerning a duplex being constructed in the area.

A lengthy discussion, Mayor James Firestone said he would look into the drainage, sidewalk and abandoned house matters. He also asked for the names and addresses of the owners of the abandoned properties, saying they will be contacted. However, he said, nothing could be done concerning the building of the duplex. It was said that 13 or so years ago the property was zoned allowing duplexes to be built and certified letters were sent out to property owners in regard to the matter. 

“We can’t just say stop,” Firestone said. From a legal standpoint, he said, they are within their rights. 

Also residents of Fox Run addressed the council concerning residents parking on the “narrow” street right of ways. The residents expressed their concerns in negotiating the streets should an emergency vehicle need access.  Firestone told the residents that “we can’t do an ordinance for just one subdivision.” However, he said he understood the problems and would talk with the city attorney and explore a solution.

Other business:

—The council approved Firestone entering into a contract with Custom Wood Recycling (upon receiving FEMA’s approval) to remove tornado debris (grind and haul away to an approved site) from the city’s staging area. Firestone said the city will have to pick up about $150,000 of the cost. The business was the low bidder with two other businesses each entering bids surpassing $500,000. 

—The council approved paying the part-time salary for a cook at the Senior Citizens Center through Dec.

Reports:

—Fire department. Capt. K.C. Williams reported there have been more than 300 calls this year in addition to the tornado relief work. He requested and received the council’s nod of approval to add a part-time person to the department. The cost for paying the employee, Williams said, is already a part of the budget.

The department, he also said, will be sending a mass mailing to residents asking them to make sure their addresses are clearly marked on mailboxes. The council discussed that it is a stipulation of a city ordinance and that house numbers must be visible. King suggested the letter be also sent to all addresses within the Vilonia zip code.

—Police department. Chief Brad McNew, who was absent from last month’s meeting, commended his staff as well as the fire department staff for the handling of the tornado relief efforts. “A lot of people stepped up,” he added. His staff, he said, worked two weeks without days off logging in 856 extra hours of comp time. “We will never be able to take that many hours off,” he offered. In addition, he talked about the department’s handling of security (204 hours) at the FEMA location which will be paid time, he added.

In conclusion, he told the council two new police vehicles have arrived and are being equipped.

—Vilonia Sports Association. While there was no report available, Firestone said he had received a request from VSA officials to purchase sod for the Field 2 infield at a cost of about $800. The council approved the request.

Also, Firestone said a group from Windstream had spent a day working at the park. He also said FEMA has requested the park go untouched until a park specialist can be available to assess the damages.

“That’s one of the reasons we haven’t done anything on it,” he added. Also, he said, quotes are being solicited regarding repairs at the Senior Citizens building.

—Chamber of Commerce. Jill Bonnema, executive director, announced a Business After Hours is set for 7 p.m., June 27, at Pace Fitness Zone. The guest speaker is Itzel Meador, vice president, Arkansas Capital Corp Group. She also said the new Fred’s store will have a grand opening July 22. In addition, she informed the council about a golf tournament “for the benefit of the Vilonia youth sports program,” sponsored by the Modern Woodmen of America Chapter 14155 Cabot. The event, she said, is to be held July 16, at the Greystone Country Club in Cabot. All proceeds raised from the project, she said, will be matched by the MWof A up to $2,500.

Another tornado related event, Bonnema said, will be a Tornado Recovery for Trees Workshop to be held at 7 p.m., July 12, at the Vilonia Senior Citizens Center. Sponsored by the Forestry Commission and the chamber, the topics will include selecting trees for your yard, pruning and forest landowner assistance.

—Sewer dept. Alderman Joe Maxwell said there were a few minor problems at the sewer department following the tornado. However, he said, it has been determined the damage was not tornado related. 

Announcements:

A recycling drive will be held from 7 a.m. until noon the second Saturday of each month. Firestone said a member of the Faulkner County Solid Waste will be on hand to oversee the events. The FCSW organization discontinued the leaving of trailers in the city’s parking lot ongoing due to some problems with people dumping items that did not fit under the recycling criteria, Firestone said.