STATE OF THE CITY
2007
The City of Ward is Mayor and Council form of Municipal Government, State of Arkansas.
This past year our City of Ward saw a very productive year which certainly continues to make a better quality of life for all our citizens.
The Police Department was able to purchase three (3) used vehicles. Two of those were purchased with drug forfeiture funds. Received a $2,000.00 grant from the Click it or Ticket program. Wal-mart gave us a $500.00 grant for the police department to purchase police equipment. Purchased lights for the Police Chief’s vehicle. Purchased new flashlights for the officers. Acquired a K-9 and sent an officer to K-9 training school. Sent CID officers to training on evidence room management, terrorist training, cyber working and project safe child internet safety. One officer attended Instructors Development Classes and is now a certified instructor. Two (2) officers attended class on media relations. All officers completed firearms qualifications. The Police Department made 102 Felony arrests, 194 Misdemeanor arrests, 260 Warrant arrests, 2,316 business checks and accomplished 1,199 extra patrols/house watches. Wrote 300 traffic citations and 62 accident reports. Performed traffic control for the July 4th Picnic and Parade and Christmas Parade.
Our city has the lowest crime rate in Lonoke County and we will continue to provide the best services to our citizens. In 2008 we hope to purchase a new vehicle, replace some of our old equipment, hold more schools for the Patrol Officers, and install a medium security holding cell. As our city grows the demand is greater and we are ready to meet the challenge before us.
Ward District Court processed 163 criminal citations, 23 D W I, 68 City Ordinances violations, 814 traffic citations, 40 juvenile citations and issued 1333 warrants. Processed 1512 receipts totaling $138,409.44. Collected 253 probation fees and 1,944 court automation fees. We are currently processing Lonoke county and Arkansas State Police tickets. We had virtual justice installed on a second computer and purchased a new printer.
The Fire Department: We established an additional full-time employee. Put a second brush truck into service. Purchased a new skid unit for the brush truck. Applied for various grants. Purchased a new multi-gas detector. Implemented a Fire Prevention program for schools, daycares, and churches. Purchased a new rescue truck set to be delivered in February 2008. Five members of the department attended the State Firefighters Convention. Took part in Fire Prevention month. Performed the fireworks show for the July 4th Picnic, and took part in the parade and in the Christmas Parade.
Relocated a pavilion to Busby Lake.
Code Enforcement: Many things were accomplished the past year starting with the writing and passing of some new ordinances that will make code enforcement easier and flow smoother. Some properties around town were cleaned up to make the city look even better than before. The animal control side had many activities. Our Animal Control Officer was elected to the Board of Directors, State Animals Control Association. We held fund raisers through out the year for the benefit of the animal shelter and ended with the big chili cook off which has grown to become an annual event. Code Officer helped implement a new animal ordinance and with that enacted a city license policy for all animals in the city limits of ward. Teamed with the Pine Street Animal Clinic in Cabot to start a monthly low cost spay and neuter clinic for the citizens of Ward. Some upgrades have been made or are in the process at the animal shelter. We are looking forward to 2008. Implementing bigger and better things concerning this area.
The City Street Department: We had a busy year and some of our accomplishments include: Installation of speed bumps, installed a new door to the water office, acquired playground equipment from the school, repaired dining facility and made ready for carpet. Worked the Spring Clean Up and installed the second half of the sign at the City Complex. Moved a pavilion to Busby Lake and built picnic tables for the pavilion, and also built a ramp and safety rails for the pavilion and put brick around the foundation. Blacktopped intersections at Old Austin Road and Hwy 319, Markham Street at Front Street, Markham Street at Cook Street, and the intersection of Owen Street. Participated in the July 4th. Celebration. Repaired drainage at Bud Grimes. Repaired the building at 102 Front Street. Constructed an add on to Fire Station #1. Installed lighting at the new ball park. Installed new flooring in the reception room. Picked up trash weekly along highway 319. Repaired streets, shoulders, and patched holes through out the city. Maintained vegetation control along our highways.
The City Business Office: Some of the accomplishments include, upgrading the server for the main building, providing internet for the Fire Department and Wastewater Office. Completed the remodeling of the water office with new furniture, security, the customer area, employee working area, changed the floor covering with carpet in the office and laminate flooring in the entry way. Installed new locking system to make it more secure and efficient. Accomplished cross training the office personnel. Improved the proficiency of all accounts payable. Performed the following special events: July 4th Picnic and Parade, Easter, Fishing Derby and Christmas Parade. In progress now is continued cross training of the office personnel, remodeling of the reception office and making space for the Baptist Health Care program. Plans for 2008 include completing the remodeling of the reception office, remodeling of the Court Clerk office, improve security of the Court Room, remodel the Mayor’s office, and continue the cross training of our office staff.
Water and Wastewater Department: The Ward South Sewer Extension is still under way and completion should be in early 2008. The Water Dept purchased two used vehicles. Purchased a sewer camera. Installed heat and air in the wastewater shop. The boundary map of the water system was filed with Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Along with the water lines we now have a one, five and ten year improvement plans for the water system. The Lonoke White Water Authority has been formed to retain water from the Cove Creek area at Greers Ferry Reservoir Implemented procedures to find money to accomplish the one year plan on the water system. There are eight subdivisions that are under way in the Ward water area. Recently, completed update training for licensed water/wastewater operators. We assisted with the July 4th. Picnic and Parade. Picked up trash weekly along highway 367, and provide the Best Quality Water in Lonoke County.
There are many other areas that your city oversees to make a better quality place to live: The Planning Commission is very active to make sure we get the very best product for our citizens, they meet monthly and are all voluntary service. The Parks and Recreation commission work hard to provide recreation for you and are all volunteers and need more personnel to help and become commissioners. Your support is needed and appreciated.
There are many activities for all to enjoy: Easter Egg Hunt, Fishing Derby, 4th of July, Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.
Senior citizens meet twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday’s from 11:30a.m. To 1:30 p.m. here at Ward Municipal Complex.
There are several support organizations which are partnered with our city:
Central Arkansas Development Council;
Ward Chamber of Commerce;
Central Arkansas Planning Development District;
The Lonoke County Library System;
(Ward Library is located here in the Ward Municipal Complex)
Mid Ark Water Alliance;
Metro-Planning;
Municipal League;
LRAFB Community Council;
Lonoke/White Public Water Authority;
Local Churches;
Local Banks.
These are just a few that support our city to make a better quality of life for all.
This year we will focus on continuing to build better quality streets, parks and code enforcement improvements and subdivision building rules and regulations. We will upgrade the Fire Department, Ambulance Service and Administration facilities. We are currently working to secure grants for: Street lighting, Fire Hydrants, Sidewalks Police dept, Fire dept, Animal Control and Park Recreation.
Allied Ambulance Service continues to provide outstanding service to the city. They are highly trained and certified in all areas of responsibility. Baptist Health Community Wellness Center is available for all residents on the second Tuesday of each month from 10:30-12:30. There is no charge for the service.
“Team Ward” is serving you at their best. Our employee’s are multi-skilled in every department.
I give all the Thanks and Praise to our Lord for what he has done for all.
Art Brooke
Mayor
City of Ward
