Tammy Curtis, Publisher
The Fulton County Quorum Court agreed last week to move forward with plans for a new emergency communications tower in the Nine Mile Ridge area to improve radio coverage in southeastern Fulton County.
Adam Fugate of Communications Associates, who first addressed the court about the project in August, returned with updated estimates after visiting the proposed site and reviewing its limitations.
He said the project would add a fifth radio site in the county and improve coverage in an area that has historically experienced dead spots, particularly for first responders using portable radios.
After inspecting the property, Adam recommended a self-supporting tower rather than a guyed tower, which requires cables anchored some distance from the structure. The site’s active helipad and limited available space make it difficult to install a guyed tower.
The radio and networking equipment needed for the site was estimated at approximately $43,419. Adam presented three tower options: an approximately $18,021 guyed tower; a used 120-foot self-supporting tower available for approximately $46,599; and a new self-supporting tower estimated at $53,274.
He recommended the used self-supporting tower, bringing the estimated combined cost of the tower and radio equipment to approximately $90,000.
Adam explained that the additional expense is largely due to the fact that, unlike the county’s existing radio sites, there is currently no tower at Nine Mile Ridge. Existing sites at Gepp, Salem and Mammoth Spring already had structures available for installation of radio equipment.
While the new site would significantly improve coverage in southeastern Fulton County, Adam cautioned that it would not eliminate every radio dead spot.
“The honest answer is no. This does not fix every dead spot you may have in the entirety of the county, but it will address that corner of the county where you currently have no coverage,” he said.
Coverage modeling indicates the tower should improve portable radio coverage in the Spring River area, where Adam said first responders receive numerous calls.
Following discussion, the court agreed to advertise the tower project for bids because the anticipated cost exceeds $50,000. Bidders will be required to provide equipment meeting or exceeding specifications contained in the bid packet.
In other business, County Judge Kenneth Crow discussed a letter received from North Arkansas Electric Cooperative concerning utility lines. The issue prompted the court to pass an emergency ordinance on three readings establishing guidelines utility companies must follow within the county.
The court also discussed $37,144 previously appropriated for the completed Road Runner Project. Because the county was reimbursed for in-kind work associated with that project, including truck driving, the money was transferred to a new fund for the Bayou Access Project.
Treasurer Barry Abney raised questions concerning the transfer, which were discussed by the court.
Crow said paving on the Bayou Access Project needs to begin as soon as possible because winter weather could arrive after the end of October.
The court also appropriated $447,123.29 for December to allow the county to move forward with planned work.
Godwin again raises concerns
Before adjournment, Dale Godwin addressed the court regarding statements he made during last month’s meeting and subsequently reported by the Spring River Chronicle.
Following Godwin’s previous allegations concerning a possible violation of Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act open-meeting requirements, the Chronicle spoke with justices of the peace about the incident. The JPs said they had discussed the paperwork provided by the road superintendent before the meeting, but they did not discuss how they would vote.
Godwin returned to the issue during this month’s meeting and made the following statement. Because of the seriousness of his allegations and the ongoing dispute surrounding the matter. His statement is published in its entirety:
“I want to clarify my actions last month. I want to tell you why I was emotionally upset. I had no intention to attend last month’s meeting for court. I did not know what was going on in the office or what the agenda would be.
But shortly before the meeting, when my fire chief called me and asked me to come object to moving Sabbath House, I reluctantly agreed. While waiting for the courthouse to open, I happened upon a crime being committed by three-fourths of our court. A crime is an action that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law. For if a crime is committed, there is a victim. This victim is the residents of Fulton County, Arkansas.
The law says no two members can meet and discuss anything pertaining to business before the court. Violation of this is calls for a year in the county jail and or $1,000 fine. Not only was this law violated, but the oath of these members was violated. They had assembled on the northwest corner of the courtyard with no less than an audience of 25 people. I was standing within 10 to 15 feet from them.
So, I could hear what was being said on something that I perceived or thought I saw or thought was going on. I heard “gravel $360,000.” I remember that $360,000 when the judge asked for $550,000. It appears he got cut back to that $360,000 that I heard right out there, .and also heard them say what they had done for the county judge and the county in the July meeting.
When they had assembled to conduct the business of the county, a greater wrong was committed on the people of Fulton County. Of course, there are four school districts that run school bus routes on these back roads, as well as mail routes and residents of Fulton County going and coming from work. I did not know until I read in the Spring River Chronicle that the judge requested a $550,000 appropriation to repair these roads and that it was a requirement by FEMA, and when completed, it would allow the county to apply for a $3.6 million reimbursement when repairs were complete.
Checking with my JP, I learned a deadline of November the second was set by FEMA to complete this work so that this money can be applied for. For Fulton County to lose this large amount of money would be devastating to our roads and our local economy. Every dollar entering the county would change hands two to three times. I don’t know what problem this court has with this administration.
I don’t think it is worth punishing the people of Fulton County. I don’t think a hostile Quorum court is a legitimate reason to ask FEMA for an extension on this work. I don’t want anyone to go to jail. I just want the right thing to be done. Doing the right thing is what the Good Book calls righteousness. So, please do the right thing. And what’s been left to do with his people. Take care of our visions and not your personal grudges.”
The Fulton County Quorum Court will open bids on the tower project on Oct.19 at 10 a.m. Bid packets can be picked up from the Judge’s office beginning Oct. 5.
