STATE OF THE CITY
2008
The City of Ward is a 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 one (1) used vehicle with drug forfeiture funds. Received an Edward Byrne, JAG Grant of $4500.00 with city matching funds of 10% and was used to purchase one (1) police light bar, two (2) Mini Phantom blue lights, one (1) transport belt, five (5) portable radios, assorted investigation tools, four (4) sets of spike strips, eight (8) measuring wheels for accident/crime scenes, and two (2) digital cameras.
A grant from Wal Mart for $1000.00 was used to purchase one (1) Stinger (tazer) type weapon) and three (3) Digital recorders. Two (2) Holding cells were built for temporary holding.
CID Officers were sent to several training classes, varying from sexual assault and rural investigations to death investigations. One officer attended instruction development training. Combined hours that officers had for training for 2008 was 1048 hours. Our instructor, along with instructors from other agencies put on a class for Active Shooters for school shootings and radar operators class. K-9 was given to K-9 officer; due to officer being deployed for a year. Ward has the lowest crime rate in LonokeCounty and is the 2nd safest city in Arkansas.
An Auxiliary Part Time 2 class was started by our own instructor on November 24, 2008 and scheduled for completion on February 7, 2009.
The police department made 93 felony arrests, 196 misdemeanor arrests, 352 warrant arrests, 2692 business checks and accomplished 1442 extra patrols/house watches. We wrote 295 traffic citations and 77 accident reports. We had a total of 1102 written reports in comparison to 636 in 2007. We performed traffic control for the July 4th Picnic and Parade and the Christmas Parade. Ward has the lowest crime rate in LonokeCounty and is the second safest city in Arkansas.
Ward District Court processed 190 criminal citations, 107 DWI’s, 55 city ordinance violations, 4002 traffic citations, 184 juvenile citations and issued 2291 warrants. The court processed 3992 receipts totaling $394,468.62, collected 499 probation fees and 3335 court automation fees. A new computer was purchased for the court.
The Fire Department took delivery of a new rescue truck and purchased new rescue equipment, added to the back of Station # 1and set up trailer for Ambulance Service. Poured concrete driveways and parking pad. Purchased Blow-Up Fire Truck, cargo trailer, and 2004 Ford P/U. The dept. averaged a minimum of 10 hours training per month for each firefighter. Five firefighters were sent to the State Conference, 2 firefighters became
adjunct instructor’s for ArkansasFireAcademy. Fire prevention programs were taught at the school. July 4th Fire Works were enjoyed by citizens of Ward. Fire Chief was elected President of Arkansas Fire Chief’s Association for a 2 year term. Appointed new Assistant Chief, Shane Phillips.
Code Enforcement Officer This past year was one for new beginnings and success in Animal Control and Code Enforcement. With the motto “Working to make a difference” ‘the team of Code Officers worked on educating citizens as much as enforcing bite prevention was taught to more than five hundred children. Resources were offered to those that were in need from providing straw for dog houses, obedience training classes, to being available to answer questions concerning pets and ordinances.
Friends of Ward Shelter were formed as a nonprofit group. Volunteers are helping the city raise funds, assist with programs, care for animals and plan for the future. Some minor improvements were made at the shelter when plans for the shelter began in the fall. Now with the new shelter as a reality we believe great things are just around the corner. The facility will have a thirteen dog kennel and a twelve cat kennel. Shelter animals received medical treatment this year through a contract with the ASU-Beebe Veterinarian Technology. This is planned during 2009. Janice Holden, Animal Control Officer was asked to serve on the ASU-Beebe IACUS (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) and received certification as a Humane Education Specialist from The National Association for Humane and Environmental Education. Tommy Wilson joined the department in October and the benefits of team work were quickly seen. Code Officers are looking forward to a successful year with goals to continue in cleaning up areas in the city and seeing positive changes as the new shelter becomes a reality.
The City Street Department replaced culverts on Cook St, Margie Lane, Old Austin and etc. Repaired Old Austin road damage with new base and concrete patch. Installed new box culvert on Pintar St and widened Markham St. Installed the electrical service and A/C for the Fema trailer (Ambulance Service) at fire station # 2 as well as dirt work for parking, footers and etc. Installed electrical service for LakeBusby pavilion, new security lighting at Ward waste- water plant and upgraded drainage for Deerfield Subdivision. Holding cells were installed at the police complex. Fencing, benches and etc. for the new dog park were installed. Repaired ball park lighting and electric service for Recreation dept. Tornado clean-up was done in April. Trees and debris were removed from homes. Spring clean-up was completed in May. Set-up and post celebration clean-up was done July 4th. Christmas lighting for the city complex, water tower and city streets was completed in December.
The City Business Office completed remodel of reception office with laminate flooring, built in file drawer system and custom desks. Installed security cameras for entries, water office, court clerk’s office, gym and council room and court room. Continued cross training of office personnel. Contributed to the Fishing derby, July 4th parade and fireworks show. Participated in the refreshments after the Christmas parade and tree lighting. Assisted with fund raisers for the Back Alley Youth project and Friends of Ward Animal Shelter. Remodeled dining facility with carpet and removal of a counter. 2009 will bring more improvements for the City Business Office with continued training of office personnel and remodeling the records room with shelving and destruction of deleted records. Plans are for the court clerk’s office, break room and Mayor’s office to be remodeled. More shrubs will be planted around the building.
Ward Utilities purchased a used dump truck, new mini excavator, installed security cameras, painted one (1) truck, secured 3.2 mil for update on water system, Helped with Fishing derby and July 4th Picnic. Our day to day operations include 1,242 one calls, 946 site inspections, 213 water leak repairs, installed 130 new water meters, changed out 96 water meters, spent 3,840 hours reading water meters, lock-off 286 hours and 576 man hours for required training.
There are many other areas that your city oversees to make a better quality place to live: The Planning Commissionis very active to make sure we get the very best product for our citizens, they meet monthly and are all voluntary service. TheParks andRecreation commissionwork 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: Fishing Derby, 4th of July, Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.
Senior citizens meet twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday’s from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. here at Ward Municipal Complex.
Baptist Health is here on the first Tuesday of each month to offer to the public the service of checking blood pressure, blood sugar and education.
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 MunicipalComplex)
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 codeenforcement improvements and subdivision building rules and regulations. We willupgrade 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
