Justice of the Peace Caroline Rogers has proposed an explicit process for bringing public complaints to the quorum court, and last week she raised the issue again.
At the Feb. 17 quorum court meeting, Rogers described the process of bringing a grievance to the quorum court as “broken.” JP Kellie Matt reiterated her previous position, noting that anyone can contact a JP to bring a question to the table.
JP Craig Hicks reminded Rogers that many citizen complaints concern something over which the JPs have no authority, including matters within the office of an elected official. No action was taken on Rogers’s request. During JP comments at the end of the meeting, Rogers called for the quorum court to stay ahead of emerging issues. She warned of new data centers, which would not be covered by an existing ordinance preventing crypto-mining facilities.
In other business:
- Chief District Court Clerk Rexanna Lilly, who serves in the Eastern District Court, had appeared before the quorum court in July to explain efforts from the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission to translate court documents into other languages. Last week, she returned to share studies showing the effects of those efforts. Lilly said the translation efforts have had a positive effect, and collections of fines and fees from the affected demographics have increased. Lilly said she hopes the results of the study will encourage other courts to instigate similar efforts.
- Former County Judge Richard Williams asked to close down the wind turbine project currently under construction south of Green Forest. Williams cited violations including the transport of oversize loads and the lack of adequate warning lights on the structures.
- Road Dept. Foreman Jim Kelley explained some of the guidelines for accepting a road into the county roads system. Kelley explained the difference between county roads and public roads. He said in some cases, a public road has been maintained in the past, but the county judge still can decide whether to maintain such roads now. Kelley explained some of the requirements for a county road, including a 50-ft. right-of-way and a grade below 15 degrees. Kelley also explained the process for removing a road from the county roads system, requiring a petition signed by 10 county residents, public notice, and a hearing.
- During public comments, Susan Baumert said Carroll Road 3027 has been maintained in the past, and she has encountered difficulties in determining the road’s status in the county roads system. She requested information under the Freedom of Information Act, but she did not receive all the requested information. Baumert said records should be more transparent.
- Also during public comments, two people objected to the decision by County Clerk Connie Doss to close the Eureka Springs office that had once issued enough wedding licenses to justify the cost of staffing. Those numbers have declined significantly, and only 11 licenses were issued over the Valentine’s Day weekend. The speakers suggested other accommodations to keep the office open.
- A resolution confirmed the appointment of Mindy Godfrey to the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Association Commission. That term will end in June 2027.
- An ordinance authorized the sale of two parcels to the state highway commission. The parcels will allow a passing lane going up Crystal Mountain, on Ark. Hwy. 21 south of Berryville.
- An ordinance allowed an exchange of vehicles with Diamond City. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office will trade a 2018 Ford Explorer for a 2017 Dodge Charger. The vehicles are considered of equal value and will be exchanged without further payment.
- Rogers had placed an item on the agenda to consider a permanent ordinance to replace the current moratorium on further commercial wind turbine or solar installations. Other JPs reminded her that the current moratorium does not expire until five years after the completion of the current wind farm project, and no one saw the need to introduce new legislation at this point.
- The kitchen at the Senior Center has been temporarily closed for lack of compliance with fire codes.
- This was the first meeting for JP Gary Capcik, who was appointed by the governor to fill out the remaining term of the late JP David Blankenship in District 1, which covers Holiday Island. Jack Deaton was also approved to fill out the remaining term of Bruce Wright in District 2. Deaton had previously represented District 1, before he relocated to District 2.