State of the City Address

Mayor Smith’s State of the City Address

March 8, 2022

ADMINISTRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

To the honorable members of the Mena City Council, city employees, ladies and gentlemen of the audience, and my fellow citizens, I am pleased to report to you on the “State of the City” of Mena, Arkansas for the year of 2021.  

The City Council approved an operating budget of $7,981,803.00 for 2021.  As has been the practice for the last few years, a very conservative approach was taken with budget projections; however, with increased sales tax revenues several much needed projects were completed during the year.  I am proud to say the City ended the year with a strong bottom line.    

The 2021 twelve-month financial statement, which reflects revenues and expenditures for all City departments, is incorporated as a part of this report and details the financial “State of the City”.

– Building and Construction – 

Bryan Ross was hired in October as Code Enforcement and Inspection officer.  Commercial construction permits issued last year in Mena included the remodel for a Burkes Outlet, the old Fred’s building was renovated to accommodate two businesses, and planned construction of two new climate-controlled storage units.  In addition, permits were issued for new home construction in phase I of the Stanley Craig Mena Properties Subdivision as well as several other residential remodels.     

52 building permits were issued in 2021 for a total construction cost of $1,874,658.00; the number of permits is up from 47 in 2020 and 36 in 2019. 

Other permits issued included:

• 46 plumbing 
• 41 electrical 
• 16 HVAC 
• 55 street cuts
• Also, there was 12 sign permits; 7 tile permits; and 17 city licenses issued during the year.

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

In 2021, the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission continued to budget 50% of their revenues toward promotional events, festivals, advertising campaigns and brochures for the City of Mena.  Pasha Watson was hired in June 2021 as a full-time A & P Administrator.  

A & P tax collections in 2021 rebounded from the previous year’s drop — restaurant taxes were up by 1.16% and lodging taxes were up by 1.18% from 2020.  Restaurant and lodging establishments seem to have recovered nicely from the COVID 19 pandemic concerns.       

2021 A & P Activities and Accomplishments:

• In April, the Commission received their completed copy of a contracted bike/hiking trail master plan of the Ward Lake basin area.  Based on that plan, two ARDOT grant applications were submitted to fund construction. 
• Under contract, the Commission received drone video and photos of local events to be used for tourism promotion. 
• The Mena Star was contracted to provide targeted digital advertising using GPS data to target potential visitors in other areas of Arkansas and surrounding states about Mena as a destination. 
• Billboard ads were placed in the Broken Bow/Hochatown area to promote Mena. 
• New banners were purchased and installed on the downtown ornamental lamp posts. 
• A new VisitMena website was designed and launched. 

-Tapley Park- 

In 2021, the Mena A & P Commission continued to support the development and maintenance of Tapley Park by dedicating 50% of their budget to the Park.  

• Last year, Tapley Park was once again able to serve the area youth with multiple playgrounds, baseball, softball, and soccer leagues.
• In 2021, after the Covid year in 2020, there were almost 900 youths and adults that participated in sports activities at Tapley Park.

• Baseball  300
• Softball 190
• Soccer     300
• Adult Co-ed  100

• Tapley Park hosted 1 baseball Tournament and 1 Soccer Tournament in 2021. 
• Tapley Park offered a CO-ED adult soccer league that ran through the summer into October.
• A sand volleyball court was added to the park in 2021 which was partially funded by a $1,000 grant received from the Blue & You Foundation.
• The purchase of 5 new scoreboards for baseball/softball fields at Tapley Park was approved.  
• Funding for security fencing around the new maintenance building at Tapley Park was approved. 
• Tapley Park also hosted the City’s annual 4^th of July fireworks display in 2021. 

AIRPORT

Status Report and Highlights for Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport for the year 2021 and early 2022

• Much of the work covered by various grants applied for and received since 2018 are nearing completion. In all, approximately $8.3 million in grant funds has been received and most all the work completed. Additional funding has also been made available. The projects and funding sources include:
  • TAXIWAY B:  The grants funding the “Taxiway B Project” that consisted of relocating Taxiway B and separating the east-west and north-south runway remain open, even though the work was substantially completed in late 2020. The last hurdle revolved around the Runway 9 Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). The technical issues holding things up have been resolved and grant closures are expected soon. 
  • CRRSA GRANT: In February 2021, the airport received notification from the FAA that the airport was eligible for a $13,000 grant under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA). The grant was awarded, and funds were received in June 2021. 
• AIRPORT RESCUE PROGRAM:  In August 2021, the airport was awarded a $32,000 grant under the Airport Rescue Grant Program. 
• EAST APRON REHABILITATION:  The airport was awarded a State Grant in 2021 to rehabilitate the pavement on the east ramp and two of the connectors on Taxiway A. This work is expected to begin in March or April 2022. The cost of the project is estimated to be $166,600.00 with the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics to reimburse the airport in the amount of $149,940 and the balance of $16,600.00 to be paid by the airport.
• BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL (BIL): On November 15, 2021, H.R. 3684-Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) was signed into law. Under this law, $159,000.00 is allocated to our airport’s FY22 Airport Improvement Grant allocation. 

• The airport has approximately 20 businesses that employ 200-250 local residents.
• Companies at the airport continue to service Army, Navy, and Air Force military contracts in addition to General Aviation aircraft.
• The airport is by-in-large self-supporting regarding day-to-day operating expenses.  Moreover, a recent study commissioned by the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics, shows the airport has a first-round economic impact of almost $30 million to the local economy and a second-round impact of just over $18 million for a total statewide economic impact of almost $48 million. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT

A total of 121 incidents were logged by the Mena Fire Department in 2021 compared to 119 in 2020.  They responded to 67 fire related calls; 26 rescue and first responder calls; and 10 stand-by assistance calls at the airport compared to 12 calls in 2020.

• 16   business inspections were completed during the year.
• 5   Fire safety programs were presented to the community.
• 6   Smoke alarms were installed.
• Certified pump testing and maintenance of the Fire Department Fleet was conducted again in 2021.
• One of the city’s 5 tornado sirens was replaced.  
• A new emergency backup generator was installed at station #1.
• Outdated helmets and boots were replaced.
• And various other small equipment was purchased to replace aging equipment.

        Continued training is essential for the men and women of the Mena Fire Department.  Training completed last year consisted of:

      921 hours of certified training from the Arkansas Fire Academy, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.

         863 hours of in-house training 

For a total of 1,784 hours

PARKS DEPARTMENT

The City of Mena started taking reservations again at all City Parks following Covid 19.  McMillan Park Pool opened again after state guidelines prevented the operation in 2020.  Pool receipts for the season, including admissions, pool parties, and swim lessons, was $31,150.00.  

Council authorized the purchase of new modular restroom facilities, 1 at McMillan Park and 2 at Janssen Park for a price of $160,000.00 each.  The order was placed, and prep work has begun in anticipation of their arrival this spring.  

New Christmas lights and figurines were added to the display at Janssen Park. These improvements now upgrade all the Christmas displays to LED lighting.  

Ethan Rice was hired as a full-time employee in October last year putting the parks department back up to normal authorized staff.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

In 2021, Officers of the Mena Police Department completed 3,816 incident reports, made 2,650 arrests, seized $8,985.45 in drug forfeitures and worked 271 accidents.

• The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, jail restrictions and public contact restrictions have affected the percentage of arrest and incidents from the year 2020 to 2021.
• The Mena PD was awarded a grant from the Bureau of Justice in the amount of $2,550 for body cameras for each officer. The body cameras totaled $7,900 and the remaining balance of $5,350.00 was paid by the drug forfeitures fund. 
• The Mena PD was funded to correlate interagency cooperation with the 18^th West Judicial District of the Drug Task Force.
• In December 2021, Chad Davis was hired as a fulltime officer.
• The Mena PD promoted Tyler Richardson and Caleb Payton from reserve officers to fulltime officers.
• Sergeant Mike Wolf and Sergeant Ronnie Richardson both retired.
• The Department received two new patrol units, a 2021 Dodge Durango and a 2021 Dodge Charger.  
• An emergency generator was installed at the new Police Station.

MENA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

2021 Accomplishments

Operational Indicators 

Total Inpatient Days – 5,488

Births – 209

Emergency Department Visits – 8,401

Total Clinic Visits – 27,996

Total Number of Employees (full, part and PRN) – 275

Salaries, Wages, & Benefits Paid – $18,590,043

Net Revenue – $29,962,627

Growth and Accomplishments 

• Dr. James Bean- Orthopedic Surgeon started early in 2021, from late March to the end of the year he completed 152 surgeries, 11% of total surgeries at MRHS.  Total surgeries in 2021 was 21% better than budgeted for the year. 
• Mena Medical Associates welcomed Sandi Armstrong, APRN and Dr. David Henderson to the team of providers. 
• Plans were laid for Mountain View Clinic to become part of MRHS in 2022. 
• Kathleen Imhoff began as Chief Nursing Officer in March.  
• Mena Surgical Clinic began an Interventional Pain Management Service with providers Ben Campbell and Pyke Bobo.  

• Mena Specialty Clinic added two providers: Dr. Tauth, Cardiologist and Dr. Surendranath, Neurologist to the team of visiting specialists. 
• Dr. Thomas Sullivan was awarded a 2021 Preceptor of the Year for South Arkansas for his work with Osteopathic Medical Students assigned to Mena Regional. 

STREETS AND INFASTRUCTURE

Improvement projects completed by the Street Department during 2021 included:

• 166 loads of debris were picked up during the annual spring clean up
  • 145 loads of debris were picked up during the annual fall clean up

• In a joint effort with the County, West Boundary Road was reworked and resurfaced with chip and seal
• A major drainage problem was repaired on 10^th and Bethesda  
• Approximately 600ft of Ridge Avenue had major base and structural failure that was repaired
• A new mowing tractor was ordered and we are anxiously awaiting its arrival.

WATER AND SEWER

James Looney was hired as the manager of the Water Department.  During 2021, Mena Water Utilities replaced 3 leaking valves, 3 fire hydrants were repaired and 2 fire hydrants replaced; installed 23 new water services; and repaired 109 leaking water services.  Additionally, 44 repairs were made to sections of leaking water mains.

• Master meters to Acorn Rural Water and Freedom Rural Water were changed out on June 1^st.
• 95 backflow preventers (RPZ Valves) were tested.
• There were 5 sewer main repairs, 16 sewer services replaced or repaired, and 7 new sewer services installed.
• The Utility purchased 1 new work-truck.

PERSONAL REMARKS

In a year of so much uncertainty, it is amazing to see that revenues from City and County Sales taxes continue to increase over the year before.  City sales tax was up 9.44% and the County sales tax was up 12.34% over 2020.  

Grants awarded in 2021:

• AHPP (Arkansas Historic Preservation Program)

$13,487.00 grant to add an ADA restroom at the Depot

• State Fire Protection Services 

(Fire Truck Money) – $49,506.88

• Blue and You Foundation – sand volleyball court at 

Tapley Park – $1,000.00

• Federal Law Enforcement Block Grant – Police Department – body worn cameras – $2,550.00
• FAA Grants for the Airport – $305,913.00
• ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) – $568,714.75
• ARDOT (TAP Grant) -$296,000.00 for continuation of the Mena Streetscape project

TOTAL – $1,237,171.63

I’m very proud of what we have accomplished in this past year, despite unexpected changes and challenges.  Citizens and City Leaders alike have proven that by working together we can overcome obstacles to continue to diversify our economic base and provide opportunity for expansion.  

  Looking back at the accomplishments during 2021, a year of worldwide struggle, what we were able to accomplish as a city is nothing short of remarkable.

Thank you to all the citizens of Mena, to all elected officials, City employees and volunteer boards and commissions.  Because of your hard work and dedication, Mena continues to be the BEST place to live!

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