Heading into 2014

Building on the past for our future

These are some of the things I would like to accomplish as Mayor in 2014.   In order to accomplish these things I will have to count on the hard work of our elected officials and the personnel we have in City Hall and our employees in the streets, water and sewer department, police and fire departments.

Our city is currently in the planning stages of a new sewer line to Fayetteville and in securing funding for that project.  I hope to have this solidified (no pun intended) by the end of the year.  Our water and sewer superintendent and commission have a time-line for the entire project that is periodically updated by McClellan Engineering.

The West Fork City Library will continue to seek funding for a new addition to the library adding approximately 4500 square feet.  Plans for this addition have been drawn in cooperation with Joan Bachman, our librarian.

The community, Parks Department, and City Hall have been working with Alta Greenway to design and develop bike and pedestrian trails in West Fork that will tie major points of interest together and to tie into the Razorback Greenway going from West Fork through to Bella Vista.  We should have a plan completed and drawn up by Fall 2014.  All of this preliminary work and drawings is at no cost to us.

Our streets department will add additional sidewalks to neighborhoods that will continue to make West Fork a more pedestrian friendly community.  Each year Mr. Bartholomew budgets for additional sidewalk construction.

The city and rural fire departments have budgeted two positions for full time firemen for West Fork.  Our current Fire Chief, Mitch McCorkle, will be considering personnel for these positions.

I will continue to support Police Chief Collins in ensuring the safety of our citizens. Chief Collins has added one new vehicle to the fleet, as well as body cameras, tasers, radar guns, and has a timeline for adding and upgrading vehicles and equipment.

One of my main considerations is open communication and productive working conditions among all the employees and department heads.  This type of working environment will ensure an effective city government.

Community input is always welcome.