JP gets short shrift to bring Scout ‘back to the table’ on fire codes

Although the quorum court specifically exempted an existing wind turbine project in a recent moratorium, the June 17 meeting included another attempt to slow or stop that project.

Justice of the Peace Caroline Rogers has been a staunch opponent of the installation of wind turbines south of Green Forest. Rogers has spoken out against the wind turbines for the past two years, even before she was elected as a JP in November. Last week, she initiated a discussion about bringing Scout Clean Energy “back to the table” to answer questions about their compliance with state fire codes.

County Judge David Writer reminded JPs that this item only appeared on the agenda for discussion, not for a vote. Rogers proposed a procedure to ensure that the quorum court would respond to public grievances. As an example, she cited a public comment earlier in the evening about fire risks associated with the turbines.

JP Matt Phillips asked why the proposed grievance review committee would work any better than having JPs bring complaints to the table from their districts. JP Craig Hicks echoed that assessment. Discussing the specific requirements to enforce state fire codes, JP Harrie Farrow said the county does not have a role in enforcing state regulations. As an example, she noted that the county cannot change the speed limit on a state highway.

JP Jerry King has made clear his opposition to the wind turbines but has consistently maintained his concerns about the county’s legal exposure in restricting signed contracts. “This should have been done in 2017,” he said. “This would be a lawsuit you would lose.” King said the recent moratorium will prevent other turbine installations.

As the discussion closed, Writer suggested that Rogers speak with Scout about her questions. “You don’t know what you would get out of them unless you ask,” he said.

In other business:

• JPs heard a presentation from Chief Juvenile Officer Suzanne Villines. She described some recent grants which have aided juvenile programs, including an alternative school for students who have trouble fitting into other school settings. A Kiwanis grant helps teach kids to swim, and other grants support literacy efforts or promoting life skills. JP Craig Hicks, a Berryville police officer, said he has seen several others occupy Villines’ position, but she “goes way beyond. She does more than she has to.”

Prosecuting Attorney Tony Rogers attended the meeting and added his own endorsement. “She has done a fantastic job with the juvenile office,” he said. “We see it every day.”

Villines explained the importance of keeping kids in school. She said the majority of jail inmates do not have a high school diploma.

• Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney was on the agenda to speak about a sales tax refund to attract new businesses, but began his presentation by adding to the accolades for Villines. McKinney then explained that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission has assembled a package of incentives to compete with nearby states. McKinney admitted that he had some reservations about the incentives, but the county cannot otherwise compete with other entities offering the incentives.

McKinney said approval of the sales tax rebate will “show these companies we want you in our community.” He explained that the rebates will cost the county in the short term, but the county will earn much more in property taxes in the long run. McKinney emphasized the quality jobs which will come to Carroll County. He noted that no Arkansas county had turned down the incentive package.

Later in the agenda, JPs passed a resolution to certify local government endorsement of Messer, LLC, to participate in the Tax Back Program, as authorized through the Consolidated Incentive Act. Hicks said this vote would support future economic development. King had reservations, and said he did not know exactly how much sales tax the county would lose.

Hicks said the county will more than make up the difference with future property taxes, and explained that the county would lose out to other areas in efforts to recruit new businesses. All approved the resolution except King, who voted “present.”

• Mark Pepple, manager of the Carroll County Airport, said the airport has recently acquired 14 acres of property that will allow construction of more hangars. Construction has just begun on a new six-bay hangar, and the airport has a waiting list of at least 20 pilots seeking hangar space. The airport has recently added a new weather reporting system for pilots, because weather conditions here can differ sharply from Rogers or Harrison.

Pepple said the airport has received more than $6 million in federal and state grants in the past 10 years. The airport holds a Fly-in event once a month, and Pepple invited the JPs to attend. He acknowledged some difficult history between the airport commission and the quorum court, but the two entities now work well together. JP Phillips serves as liaison between the quorum court and the airport commission.

• A resolution confirmed the appointment of Walt Kenyon to the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Association District Commission.
• A resolution confirmed the appointments of Larry Markley and Will Starnes as commissioners for the Sylvan Shores Subordinate Service District.
• A resolution confirmed the appointment of Dan Horn as a commissioner for The Bluffs at Jackson Cove Subordinate Service District.

* A resolution recognized the AR 250 Commission as it begins its work to celebrate the history of the state. Farrow said she researched this issue and found that an idea conceived as bipartisan had been “hijacked.” Farrow said the senior advisor for the project has close ties to the current presidential administration. She voted against the resolution, but the other JPs approved it.

• An emergency ordinance amended an existing ordinance to change the method of financing the Sylvan Shores Subordinate Service District.