Minutes

Public Awareness Committee, Inc.

Fort Smith Public Library, Community Room, 1st Floor

September 27, 2003

 

Dick Gordon called the meeting to order.  Crawford County Judge Jerry Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Dick Gordon presented the minutes from the March 2003 meeting.  The minutes were approved, as written, with a motion by Bill Vines and seconded by Harriet Houser. The Treasurer’s Report was presented and approved.  Beginning balance was $1,831.88.  Interest was $2.03.  There were no expenses. Balance on hand is $1,833.91. 

 

Special thanks was given to following for displays:

 

The next scheduled meetings are:

 

The following are on file:

 

Dick Gordon recognized over 30 people for various reasons.  He also reported that someone from Congressman’s John Boozman’s office may attend the December 4, 2004 meeting.

 

Short Reports are as follows: 

 

Crawford County Judge Jerry Williams mainly discussed the courthouse, clock tower, and the statue in the fountain. Williams commented on the successful Crawford County Fair, the upcoming Fall Festival, and the courthouse lighting on December 5 at 6 p.m.  In addition, Williams discussed the Jail Committee and the River Valley Regional Water District study.

 

Col. John R. Dallas, Commander of 188th reported on the Joint Lease Agreement.  Dallas commented that the Thunderbirds will be at the free Air Show in October, which over 120,000 people are expected to attend.  Security will be tight.  Dallas also reported that the 1st Air National Guard Unit will do a Fly and Fight with F52 Raptor at Nelles Air Force Base.  He spoke about live bomb training at night in Salt Lake City.  In addition, he discussed inspections and their 50th Anniversary in town.

 

Sebastian County Judge David Hudson discussed options for building a courts facility and expanding the jail.  Hudson talked about the need for another EMS crew on board in Greenwood.  In addition, risk assessments were discussed.

 

Becky Murphy, Ft. Smith Convention Center reported that the Fort Smith Convention has had a steady increase each year since the opening December 31, 2000, beginning with the Mayor’s New Years party.  The Convention Center Annex, which used to be the old library, is also being booked.  The Center will have new marquees that should be here by the first of next year, one on Rogers Avenue and the other on Wheeler Avenue.  The October schedule includes Chonda Pierce and Sandi Patty concert, Mercy Classic, Fort Smith Symphony Jazz concert, Opera “Rigoletto”, Sparks Hospital Infertility A-Z, Arkansas State Square Dance Federation State Convention, Food Home and Health Show, Melody House “Rockin the Day Away”, Cash Hall concert, Melissa Manchester, Carmen concert, Fort Smith Symphony “Musical Heroes”, and Altrusa “Taste of Fort Smith.”  In addition, there are several weddings and corporate meetings booked.

 

Romona Moon, Ft. Smith Convention and Visitors Center commented on the increased visitations to the Fort Smith Visitors Center.  There was a solid summer, particularly with Motor Coach Tours stopping at the center.  The center is 13 motor coaches ahead of the previous year at this time.  Hotel occupancy is a little “flat” to date, but the rate is holding and we are approximately $10,000 over the previous year to date in the area of hotel/motel tax collections.  The addition of the Marriott Residence Inn has helped but the loss of the Ramada Inn on Rogers is hurting collections.  Howard Johnsons Hotel will open in the later part of this year.  Land preparation for the John Q. Hammons Hotel will begin in the next few weeks.  It will be constructed on the property previously owned by Southwest Times Record and the land just south of that property, which the City of Ft. Smith has purchased.  Antique horse drawn carriage rides are now available through downtown Thursday-Sunday nights (near “Herbs”) at 4th and Garrison.  The center is continuing efforts to secure the United States Marshall’s museum which was previously in Wyoming.  We are working with the Fort Smith US Marshall’s office and Congressman Boozman’s office, along with all of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation.  There is a large river boat that is moored on North Clayton Expressway.  Initial plans call for it to become a floating restaurant, but plans are still being developed at this time.  NPR’s “What do you know” national radio program will originate from Fort Smith on Saturday, November 7.

 

Dr. Johnny Owen, Fort Smith Public Schools discussed the bomb threat at Ramsey Junior High.  Fort Smith Schools had no election, no milliage, and no contested races.  School enrollment on 9/15/03 was 12,898.  This is up 106 students from last years totals.  Facilities consist of a major addition at Sutton Elementary, a new science building at Darby Junior High, and six tornado shelters which are mostly funded through FEMA at 85%.  Southside is in the top three in the state in football.  Northside and Southside girls’ volleyball is doing well.  Dr. Owen discussed Act 1181 and Act 94 (more equity among schools for funding).  He reported on all the new acts enacted that affect us, most of which are not funded.

 

Judge Jim Spears commented about ongoing efforts to move Andrews Field to Clayton Expressway, including the fundraiser Grid Iron. 

 

Lynn Picumbe, US Department of Energy commented on the training facility at Ft. Chaffee.  The 2003 Bravo Class will have graduation on December 11, 2003.  The class started with 24 students.

 

Fort Smith Police Department discussed their crime map.  It can be seen on www.fortsmithpd.org.

 

US Forest Service Representative Clark Reames discussed the fires that occurred out west.  Fifty-one   20-person crews and 200 overhead were sent out west.  This constituted approximately 1200 people.  In addition, a few personnel went to work the “Isabel” hurricane damage.  Reames commented on Mount Magazine State Park.  He stated that groundbreaking should begin by January.  Lodge construction is expected to cost 35 million dollars.  He reported on the ATV closures on Lake Wedington.  He pointed out that there was a free Public Lands Day on September 20.  He discussed improvements needed to the Clarksville helibase. 

 

Lt. Col. Robin Reeves of Ft. Chaffee introduced Assistant Plans and Ops Officer Duke and Range Officer Gibbons.  There have been 343,341 days of military usage.  He discussed renovation projects on barracks.  There are several units mobilized (2 in Iraq).  They may return within 6 months.  The other units are providing security.  The 39th Infantry Brigade will mobilize in November with approximately 4,000 soldiers.  Col. Hunt regrets not being able to attend the meeting.

 

Ray Caruthers, Barling discussed the election on September 9th for the one cent sales tax.  This will go towards a fulltime Fire Department.  He discussed several other subjects such as the Redevelopment Authority agreement, 50-acre park site, water district and waste collection systems, road improvements, sidewalks to elementary school, manufactured housing zone, and the search for a police chief.

 

Harriet Houser discussed the flu season.  Clinics will be mostly in October.  High risks need their shots in October and November.  Others can wait until November.

 

Larry Larson, Fort Smith Public Libraries reported that circulation and attendance is up even though operation hours are fewer.  Internet computers are always busy as well as the children’s programs.  Over 100 groups meet in the library each month, which amounts to approximately 2,000 people.  Larson has completed his 18th year.

 

Jack Arnold talked about cooperation.  For example, 6 ½ tons of journals at Southwest Times needed moved to Ft. Chaffee.   The City moved the journals at no cost.  At the VA outpatient clinic, volunteers take vital signs.  The number one complaint veterans had was that the clinic was hard to find.  With assistance from the Mayor, signs were installed directing veterans to the clinic.  The American Legion oratorical contest was held.  Leadership Fort Smith had a class at the historical sites in Fort Smith.  There is a tea on the second Sunday of every month at the Clayton House.

 

Bill Vines stated that there is a breakfast the second Tuesday at 8:30 at the Ramada Inn with a guest speaker.  The next meeting will be at the National Guard on Zero Street.  Vines discussed Employees Support Guards Reserves (ESGR) in northwest Arkansas, which is a liason between military and others. 

 

Thurman Jordan discussed wildlife.  He is a charter member on a special committee for the recovery of the Red-cockaded woodpecker in Arkansas.  He talked about Partners in Flight.

 

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.