I read the article in the paper yesterday and had some thoughts but really hadn't put them down in writing. But, there were a couple of people I work with that came to me and expressed their discust about this move the county made waiving the dump fees. I have to agree with you and them. I thought at the time that when you are working on projects like this, those fees are what you have to add to the final cost in working on the project. Anyone who has worked in construction for any amount of time would or could realize this. Or any business owner would know that. I have to wonder if those that were made to clean up their property's where granted this same service.
I would love to know just how much revenue this will bring to the area. I have to also agree with Carmilita Clarkson on this. This was a heated topic with many........
LETTERS to the EDITOR First I would like to start by asking what is Ark City becoming?
We have a new city manager and now he needs to show his leadership and stop being told what he should do.
He needs to take charge and change things and make Ark City a place to be proud to live in.
Second the college needs to slow down on their spending and stop adding dorms and adding this and this. Let us pay off what we owe. Our taxes are high enough.
Third, now we are being pushed into a new football field update on the schools.
It wasn't long ago we just did remodeling on three schools that were unsafe, but two are being used today. Explain that.
Every citizen that lives in Ark City has and does work hard for their money, but there are some people who like to spend your money for you.
Where do these people think money comes from? Trees?
Maybe they think everyone has money trees growing in their yards.
Fourth the county commissioners wave free dumping on the old Moose Lodge that is supposed to become a community center for the IXL area.
If I'm not mistaken, it was purchased by a couple who wanted the building. Am I mistaken when you purchase property you know the changes you want to do ahead of time and factor in the cost? You don't purchase it and then ask for free handouts to improve something you own, not the county, and benefit from it. I am sure it won't be free of use, it will cost someone a fee to use.
IXL citizens who were ordered to clean up their properties, maybe you can get a refund for your dump fees.
Do for one -- do for everyone. Sad thing is - watch who tears it down -- someone out of town.
What's the saying? Keep the money in your community -- shop your hometown. This we will have to wait and see if they do what they preach.
Donna Tipton Arkansas City
Keeping Ark City safe for attorneys
Dear zoning board:
I have to repeat Ms. Burr's comment, "Give me a break."
The city has made Summit Street so nice, the flowers, flower pots and trees and now ONE merchant tries to make her place look nice and the board won't allow it.
It doesn't make sense. Why the rejection -- please reconsider your decision.
Maybe we need to remove the light poles, street signs, etc., if they are a liability.
By the way, which attorneys have difficulty walking on the sidewalk?
Come on -- be reasonable.
Ed Seals Arkansas City
It doesn't look like we are the only ones that are unhappy about the dump fees. Or the awning for the resteraunt.....
ITS GONNA BE FAIR FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO COME HOME FOR A QUICK VISIT AND THOSE PEOPLE WHO PASS BY ON THE WAY TO THE NEW CASINO'S AND IT WILL EVEN LOOK NICE TO THE CONTRACTER BE THEM EITHER LOCAL OR OUT OF TOWNER'S. AND IT MAY EVEN BE NICE FOR THE SMALL SMALL PERCENTAGE OF COWLEY RESIDENTS IN THE AREA BUT FOR THE REST OF US IT WONT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE NOW OR LATER BECAUSE THEY WILL JUST KEEP LOOKING OVER US LIKE WE DO NOT MATTER. IF YOU THOUGHT THEY WANTED YOU IN THEIR COUNTRY CLUB TOWN (ARK CITY), THINK AGAIN IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME AND IT WILL NOT BE THE LAST. REMEMBER FAIR IS LIKE RULES IN A GAME IT'S ONLY FAIR WHEN YOU MAKE THE RULES
On Tuesday morning, the county commissioners voted 2-1 to waive the County Landfill Tonnage fee for Roger Sparks' project on south 61st Road in Arkansas City. The commission stipulated that they would cover the fee up to $3,000 or 200 tons, said Commission Chairman Dick Bonfy. Sparks expects to have at least that much to be hauled to the county landfill.
Sparks came before the commission and described the project that he and his wife, Diane, have been working on. They bought the old Moose Lodge on south 61st Road last year, said Sparks, and have done some extensive work inside to make it a community center for the IXL area. "We're hoping to make it something people will come to for community activities," said Sparks. They have had some wedding receptions there already, he said, and a wedding.
"We grew up in that area and would like to see it used for the community," he said.
Sparks has contacted two excavation companies to do the work - Allen's in Mulvane, and Pike Construction in Arkansas City. "It's our intent to use Pike, if possible," said Sparks.
The building that he wants to demolish is a smaller building next to the Moose Lodge building that is about 5,000 square feet, and somewhat impedes the view of the main building.
Commissioner Carmelita Clarkson was the only one of the three commissioners who voted no to the request. "I have a problem with this," she said. "I don't think it's going to bring in much revenue, and we've already turned down two people with the same request."
Commissioner Gary Wilson rebutted, saying, "This represents a substantial investment, and will benefit the community...We have someone here who is willing to invest his own money to do this. I think we should encourage it."
County Administrator Leroy Alsup advised the commission that "there needs to be some policy or guideline that distinguishes this activity from others, so everyone doesn't expect the same." Alsup also said that the commission could consider giving assistance to areas where individuals are making a concerted effort to clean up the area, in order to impact others to do the same.
"We'll try to take these situations one at a time as they come to us," said Bonfy.
I have to agree with Commissioner Clarkson. Is this project going to bring revenue to the County? How? By DUI fines handed out as all the drunks leave? I think the only one who will benefit financially will be Roger Sparks. Will he rent the building for free to the County to return the favor (to the tune of $3,000)??? Why would the county hand anyone $3,000???
Don't get me wrong, I love capitalism, and I like the fact that the building will be nicer than it was, and be more eye pleasing to passers by, but why should we (the taxpayers) have to help pay for it? We will gain NOTHING from this project.
Furthermore, I bet the price to rent the place goes through the roof.
It does not seem fair for Roger to get a break and not the residents who were forced to clean up their yards. However, if we give them breaks as well... I think they would just wait to clean up their yards next time when it is "forced" and the dump fees are free. I can see both sides of this. However, I would be curious to know what two situations were turned down before Roger's. Why was his given priority? I would like to ad... GIVE THE LADY HER AWNING! Her restaraunt is wonderful and surely we have more important things to worry about. What's the big deal? Are we afraid of someone wanting to improve the looks of our city and draw more business?
