HISID approves letter to Rep. Jackson to sponsor legislation

The Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District (HISID) Board of Commissioners voted Monday to send a letter to Rep. Phil Jackson asking him to draft legislation on solid waste authority representation.

The district is in the process of implementing a mandatory fee for solid waste collection, to be added to the water bill.

That bill, now sent quarterly, is also in the process of being prepared to be billed monthly, once new billing software is trouble-free, District Manager Kevin Crosson told the commissioners at the July 19 work session.

Roger Miner, director of the Carroll County Solid Waste Authority, explained at the work session that under state law, a suburban improvement district (SID) cannot have representation on a solid waste authority board. But legislators told him it should not be difficult to get that changed.

The draft letter to Rep. Phil Jackson requests he sponsor an amendment to ACA 14-233-101-122 to allow SIDs to be represented.

"As you know, Holiday Island, with an estimated population of 2,500, has always played an important role in Carroll County government; with a substantial percentage of the county's population, this growing community should have a part in determining the direction of the County's solid waste policies," the letter states.

The board approved the letter unanimously.

The board also approved, on first reading by title only, to adopt the marina rules it discussed at the work session, with three changes.

The board added two clauses and took away one.

(i) The attaching, hanging, or suspending of any object from the marina structure that, in the opinion of the Marina Operator and the District, creates a hazard or compromises the integrity of the facility is strictly prohibited.

(j) All trash and debris must be either hauled away for disposal or disposed of in designated trash receptacles located on the Marina.

14. The catch size and limits are subject to rules set down and enforced by the State of Arkansas, Game & Fish Commission and the State of Missouri, Department of Conservation.

This last was deleted because marina rules prohibit fishing from the docks or within 50 feet of the marina or docks. Beyond that, the district would not monitor fish catch.

A second reading will occur at the August business meeting.

During the public comment portion, property owner Rebecca Sherman questioned Crosson about the Holiday Island marketing group's meetings being privately held.

Crosson explained the first meeting had been by invitation, but the meetings are not closed.

(Ed. note: The meetings are not attended by more than one commissioner and are thus not subject to the Freedom of Information Act's required notice to the press.)

She also informed the commission the district had signed a contract with a website provider who has since sold out to a firm in Florida.

"It's not only not in house, it's out of state," she said, expressing opposition to the district's content being handled by an out-of-state contractor.

Property owner Ken Palmour expressed dissatisfaction with the road conditions on Burkimo Lane, which is a cul-de-sac. Crosson said the district has a difference of opinion with Palmour about its paving boundaries responsibility.

Palmour also expressed opposition to residents being "forced" to pay for trash service and said he does not understand what problems impelled the district to move toward instituting a mandatory fee.

Property owner Kay Janky said the issue has been discussed in open meetings several times and suggested having a public forum before the board makes a final decision.

The financial summary for the district, year-to-date, is as follows:

Current assessments collected: $602,000; delinquent assessments collected: $32,000; penalties: $9,000; for a total assessment collection of $643,000.

Capital expenditures: budgeted facilities/equipment: $136,000; unbudgeted: $342,000; for a total of $478,000.

Operating income and expenses, year-to-date, are $1,398,000 in income and $1,168,000 in expenses, for a net gain of $230,000.

This is $174,000 better than budgeted, Crosson said.

In the actual vs. budget comparison, the district came out $248,000 in net loss as opposed to an expected net loss of $686,000.

Crosson noted in his manager's report that the golf course well still needs trench work. Water is testing at different chemical composition in terms of soluble salts than the existing well, he said. Golf Maintenance Superintendent Mark Mowrey will need to adjust his fertilization program to compensate.

The water is potable, Crosson said, and the district will test it on a quarterly basis to monitor its quality.

In response to a question about deputies stationed in Holiday Island, Crosson said Sheriff Chuck Medford has been rotating all his deputies out to Holiday Island on a regular basis to get them acquainted with the community.

The district pays for two deputies to cover Holiday Island. There are four reserve deputies who live in the community and can be called as backup if needed.

The board retired to executive session for an hour and a half and reconvened to report it had conducted the district manager's six-month review. No action was taken.

The next work session will be held Monday, Aug. 16 and the business meeting Monday, Aug. 23, both at 9 a.m. at the district office at 110 Woodsdale Drive.

For more information, contact the district office at (479) 253-9700.

Council declares Carroll's position is vacant

Alderman Penny Carroll was ousted from her city council seat Monday evening after Eureka Springs council member spent more than an hour trying to get her to answer questions about her actual place of residence.

Garner recognized for forestry award, city gets $20,000

Georgette Garner has won the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council and the City of Eureka Springs has been given a $20,000 grant from the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

Karate studio relocating to Eureka Springs

Groves Karate Studio, formerly located in the Park Shopping Center in Holiday Island, has relocated to Eureka Springs.

HISID approves letter to Rep. Jackson to sponsor legislation

The Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District (HISID) Board of Commissioners voted Monday to send a letter to Rep. Phil Jackson asking him to draft legislation on solid waste authority representation.