CITY OF HOT SPRINGS May 2024 City of Hot Springs At approximately 12:55 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, an EF-2 tornado swept through south Hot Springs, leaving behind a trail of stranded residents and damaged properties. Thankfully, no deaths were reported as a result of the storm. According to Entergy Arkansas, approximately 60 utility poles, 7 transformers, 13 crossarms, and nearly 88 spans of wire were damaged or destroyed during the storm, leaving more than 9,300 homes in the Hot Springs Network without power. More than 1,100 Entergy workers arrived in the area to help with restoration efforts. TORNADO RELIEF
Numerous City departments sprang into action to assist those affected: Hot Springs Police blocked unpassable streets and patrolled the neighborhoods; Hot Springs Fire conducted search/rescue operations, cutting down/ removing debris, and performing countless welfare checks on citizens; the Street Division and CAPS crew worked tirelessly to clear several roads, and the Utilities Department mobilized to repair a few broken water mains in those areas and monitor nearby pump stations. Recognizing the surge in green waste, the Hot Springs Compost Facility extended its operating hours to 12-hour days, seven days a week, to accommodate the influx of debris from the storm. So far, as of May 23, the facility has received more than 21,300 cubic yards of green waste debris. (For comparison, in 2023, the Compost Facility collected 46,685 green waste for the year.) For 24 hours, the Davidson Wastewater Treatment Plant personnel worked around the clock to keep the plant in operation while running on three backup generators. Snapshot Page 2 Despite sustaining damage at its facility, the Parks and Trails Maintenance Division rallied its staff, alongside the CAPS crews, Street Division's Urban Forestry Subdivision and the Arkansas Department of Corrections, to clear Entergy Park of numerous fallen trees. Even after the countless man-hours to reopen Entergy Park, its Water Tower Loop and Fenceline trails continue to be closed for trail reconstruction. As of Monday, May 13, all city streets and electricity are back in operation. A special thanks to Entergy Arkansas, Summit Utilities, American Red Cross, St. Luke’s Episcopal, and countless others for joining in to get the Hot Springs area back on its feet. View the Hot Springs Tornado Relief video at https://www.youtube.com/City of Hot Springs.
DAVIDSON DRIVE SOLAR PLANT Snapshot Page 3 RIBBON CUTTING City of Hot Springs On Tuesday, May 21, representatives from the City of Hot Springs and Scenic Hill Solar held a ribbon cutting at the City's newest solar power plant. The collaboration between Hot Springs and Scenic Hill Solar aims to make the most of the natural resources available in the State and provide renewable energy for all City operations. The addition of the newest power plant on Davidson Drive, along with the existing plant, will ensure a steady supply of solar electricity for the City in the long term. Not only will this help reduce operating expenses for the City, but it also aligns with the Green Initiatives project that aims to promote sustainability and reduce the City's carbon footprint. City Manager, Bill Burrough stated, “It is with great joy that we dedicate this site as our largest solar project to date. With this site, we are halfway to our goal of becoming 100% self-reliant on renewable energy. With every plant we can bring online, we can reduce our carbon footprint, as well as our costs. I appreciate the time, work, and effort Scenic Hill Solar has invested in our pursuit of this highly anticipated goal. We certainly could not have done it without them and their expertise.” Overall, the partnership between Hot Springs and Scenic Hill Solar is a testament to their shared vision of utilizing solar power as a valuable resource and their commitment to sustainable development for the benefit of the community and the environment. “Scenic Hill Solar’s partnership with Hot Springs is one we value and are proud to be part of their renewable energy mission,” said Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar. “We applaud the citizens and leaders of the City for their continued efforts as they move toward their goals of providing renewable electricity, providing a reduction in spend on city funds, while pursuing economic growth in development and tourism.”
On Saturday, May 18, the City of Hot Springs Solid Waste Department, in partnership with the Southwest Central Regional Solid Waste Management District, hosted a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection event at the Garland County Fairgrounds, 4831 Malvern Road. More than 340 vehicles came through disposing of 201 tires, 39,300 pounds of household hazardous waste and 2,100 pounds of electronic waste materials. Snapshot Page 4 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT Hot Springs Solid Waste Department On May 7, City Manager Bill Burrough received the Economic Development Leadership Award during the Hot Springs Metro Partnership's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.
Snapshot Page 5 TO THE RESCUE Hot Springs Fire and Police Departments and Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport Around 2:45 p.m. on May 15, Andrey Jones, linemen with the Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, heard pieces of chatter coming over the unicom radio and a partial word that sounded like "May-". Seconds later, Wendy Harris, Office Manager, looked out over the airport field to see a plume of black smoke in the distance. At the same time, Hot Springs Dispatchers started receiving notice of a small plane that crashed in the area of Bell and Oakwood streets. Kent Trice, Operations Manager with the Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, and rescue teams from the Hot Springs Fire Department and Police Department responded to the scene. On May 15, Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport (HOT) Director Don Rowlett attended the monthly Arkansas Division of Aeronautics State Commission Meeting at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport. These meetings are made up of airport managers, community elected/appointed officials, airport consulting firms and the interested public. These meetings are held to review the organization's financial reports and to consider grant requests from airports throughout the state. Following the meeting, Rowlett took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony for Walnut Ridge Regional Airport's Public-Private Partnership project which will provide a quick-charge electric aircraft charging station that provides two aircraft and two vehicle charging units. In April, HOT received two grants from the commission towards planning and constructing a new hangar at the HOT facility. These grant funds are funded by statewide taxes on aviation fuel, aircraft registrations, and other related fees. WALNUT RIDGE AIRPORT AIRCRAFT CHARGING STATION Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport
. On May 19, the Hot Springs Animal Services hosted its semiannual Low-cost Rabies Drive event. With the help of local veterinarian Dr. Sandy Deary, a total of 126 dogs and cats received their rabies vaccination, 29 received a microchip, and 26 either received a life-time or annual city license. Snapshot Page 6 . On May 29, 6th grade students from Hot Springs School District stopped by Animal Services to deliver donations for the Shelter's Community Pantry. In addition, on May 28, Animal Services was invited to Park Magnet, an IB World School. Coordinator Faith Wetzler and Officer Yaneli Giron were surprised to discovere the entire 2nd grade class raised approximately $500 from selling "slime." These funds were also donated to Animal Services and will go towards vet funding for shelter animals in need. Thank you, students! Your donations help make a difference for the shelter animals and families throughout Garland County. Hot Springs Police Department: Animal Services RABIES DRIVE
Snapshot Page 7 On May 2, the Hot Springs Police Department Traffic Division escorted the famous Budweiser Clydesdales during the “Meet the Budweiser Clydesdales” event held in downtown Hot Springs. The appearance of the eight-horse hitch and the famous red beer wagon is one event of hundreds made by the traveling hitches annually. On May 13, Sgt. Patrick Langley and Ofc. Chris Chapin received the Life-Saving Award. On May 7, Cpl. Tyler Ward, Cpl. Mark Wilson, Ofc. Tifani McCauley and Off. Cristian Rios received the Life-Saving Award. On May 10, the Hot Springs Police Department (HSPD) participated in the Magic Springs Education in Motion event. Officers talked to the children about the dangers of impaired driving and they had a chance to try on the Fatal Vision goggles. They also had the opportunity to meet HSPD K-9 Patriot.
Snapshot Page 8 The 2024 Police Memorial Ceremony was held on May 15 at the local Police Officers Memorial Monument located at the Garland County Sheriff’s Office, 525 Ouachita Avenue. This year's keynote speaker was Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. Our local Police Officers Memorial Ceremony first took place in 1987 at Arlington Park. In 1992, the first monument was built at the current site of the Garland County Sheriff's Office and then rebuilt in 2023. This service is put on by all your local Law Enforcement agencies; the Hot Springs Police Department, the Garland County Sheriff's Office, the Hot Springs Village Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, the Hot Springs National Park Service, and the Fraternal Order of Police. The focus of each ceremony is to honor and remember those who gave the supreme sacrifice while protecting their communities. To the families of fallen officers, thank you for your sacrifice. On May 11, Opioid Investigator Brian Branstetter attended Old Navy's National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s fundraiser. He spoke to attendees about the dangers associated with social media and the internet, as well as the dangers associated with drug use. . LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN Hot Springs Police Department On May 21, members of the Hot Springs Police Department participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Arkansas Special Olympics. Participants ran more than 4 miles along Malvern Avenue, from the Hot Springs Police Department to Lakeside School District, in support of the Special Olympics. This event began in Arkansas in 1987 as a 30-mile run but is now a four-day relay that covers more than 1200 miles and 700 runners. The tradition of the Final Leg Torch Run is for LEOs representing their agency, county, or state program, to act as "Guardians of the Flame" and carry the "Flame of Hope," the Special Olympics torch, to the Opening Ceremonies at Harding University in Searcy.
Snapshot Page 9 DRIVER/OPERATOR COURSE Hot Springs Fire Department On May 7, the Hot Springs Fire Department started the Driver/ Operator Course instructed by Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA) Instructor, Kendell Snyder. This course provides the student with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to inspect and perform preventative maintenance on a fire apparatus. Once mastered, the student will be capable of performing routine test, inspections and service functions on the apparatus system and components along with the knowledge to drive/operate and the use of water supply, sprinklers and standpipes. This is an 80-hour course that is a combination of classroom lecture and hands-on practicals. On May 22, members of the Hot Springs Fire and Police departments as well as other local first responders, students, and community members participated in the 11th Annual Carry the Load event. This event started in Dallas as a memorial march with a mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. The 2024 goal of Carry the Load is to have participants from across the nation to walk 20,000 miles in 28 days to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Participants walked more than 4 miles from the Hot Springs Police Department to La Quinta Inn & Suites By Windham to honor and remember our nation's heroes. Afterward, La Quinta Inn & Suites By Windham hosted a memorial ceremony to remember the fallen heroes. CARRY THE LOAD Hot Springs Fire & Police Departments
LIVE FIRE TRAINING Snapshot Page 10 Hot Springs Fire Department During the week of May 27, members of the Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton, Salem, Malvern, Benton, Bryant, Morning Star, and Sheridan fire departments participated in a brand-new live burn course, presented by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, which is a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on practicals. This training provides all the minimum requirements for firefighters to become certified training instructors, who can safely conduct live fire courses. This 24-hour course is centered around the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 1403: the Standard for Live Fire Training Evolutions and certifies instructors to allow fire departments to use live fire in training instead of a simulation.
www.cityhs.net/CodeRED Snapshot Page 11 Hot Springs Sport Recreation Department On April 30, the Sport Recreation Department, in partnership with the National Park College Nighthawk Softball Team, hosted a free pitching clinic for the league players at Kimery Park. A special thanks to Coach Wyatt, Coach Dorrie and the Nighthawk Softball Team. FREE PITCHING CLINIC Hot Springs Sport Recreation Department The Hot Springs Sport Recreation Department has temporarily closed the Kimery Soccer Fields for grass treatment, which aims to produce a thicker grass surface. The fields are estimated to reopen on June 21, 2024. A special thanks to the City's Street Division for the efficient and hard work to complete this project. SOCCER FIELDS CLOSED FOR TREATMENT
Snapshot Page 12 DOWNTOWN HANGING BASKETS Hot Springs Parks and Trails Department The Hot Springs Parks and Trails Landscape staff have been busy gearing up for the Spring and Summer planting seasons by placing various zinnias and potato vines in the medians along Convention Boulevard, and Grand and Malvern avenues. The staff will plant an estimated 10 thousand annuals when completed. On May 16, the Hot Springs Parks and Trails Landscape staff displayed 111 hanging flower baskets on ornamental light poles in downtown Hot Springs. Unlike previous years, this year's hanging basket flowers are home to the flower called "Supertunias" which contain more leaves and flowers than the ordinary Petunia. These flowers also have a better tolerance to heat and humidity. During the May 8 tornado damage at the Parks and Trails Maintenance facility, several prepped hanging baskets got damaged due to a fallen tree on top of the greenhouse. Fortunately, staff were able to save and reconstruct the baskets. These hanging baskets were created with the assistance of the Garland County Master Gardeners.
Snapshot Page 13 Lakeside High School students volunteered on May 29 with the Hot Springs Parks and Trails Landscape Division to lay mulch in the Convention Boulevard median flower beds. These students are working towards obtaining their community service hours. STUDENTS VOLUNTEER Hot Springs Parks and Trails Department On Tuesday, May 14, Parks and Trails Director Anthony Whittington spoke to the Leadership Hot Springs Adult Class 36 at Garvan Woodland Gardens and gave a general presentation on city parks and trails, the positive impact they have on the environment, and what future projects are on the horizon. The Parks and Trails Maintenance staff repainted surfaces at the Valley Street Skate Park, 411 Valley Street, on May 28-29. This decorative concrete paint will last for approximately the next 10 years.
Snapshot Page 14 APWA SPRING CONFERENCE Hot Springs Engineering Department On May 16, City Engineer Gary Carnahan spoke to approximately 100 attendees, from more than 30 organizations, at the Arkansas Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) at the Spring Conference held annually in Hot Springs for almost thirty years. Carnahan gave a presentation on Hot Springs' Trail Projects and Progress. In his presentation, he discussed how to overcome complications and how to build a significant trail on a small trails budget over a length of time. Assistant City Engineer Mike Hill also co-presented with Casey Covington, with Metroplan, on the Metroplan Greenway and City of Hot Springs Pedestrian Safety Plan. For the past 10 years, Carnahan has also served as one of the twelve members of the APWA Board of Directors. AMG CONFERENCE Hot Springs Public Works Department: Urban Forestry The City's Urban Forester Allen Bates presented to approximately 80 attendees, from across the state, at the 2024 Arkansas Master Gardener's Conference on May 31. Bates presented on the Benefits of Urban Trees and discussed tree concerns and considerations for the urban setting.
Snapshot Page 15 The City of Hot Springs Human Resources Department hosted inhouse training for supervisors on Reasonable Suspicion. This training was presented by Tim Zimmerman, President of First Choice Drug Testing & Occupational Health Services. This training covered Department of Transportation CDL regulations and procedures as well as drug and alcohol testing and procedures. REASONABLE SUSPICION TRAINING Hot Springs Human Resoruces Department RECENT PROMOTIONS •Allan Constant promoted to HSPD Lieutenant •Hunter Scott promoted to HSPD Sergeant •Ty Threadgill promoted to HSPD Corporal •Blake Harmon promoted to HSFD Captain •Chris Coleman promoted to HSFD Lieutenant •Hunter Sexton promoted to HSFD Driver •Allan Gross promoted to HSFD Driver •Kyle Rosburg promoted to HSFD Driver •Jennifer Cogburn promoted to Solid Waste Office Manager •Eddie Rogers promoted to Building Safety Manager Snapshot highlights some of the recent projects from the various City of Hot Springs departments and is part of the City’s efforts to broaden its communications with the public. [email protected] • City of Hot Springs Public Information Department • 501-321-6806 www.cityhs.net On May 10, 2024, Lt. Chris Hays retired, with more than 26 years, from HSPD. Thank you for your service. •Joe Hendricks, Solid Waste Dept. •Lynne Chapman, Fleet Service •Kaitlyn Clark, Animal Services Div. •Holly Duncan, Police Dept., Records •David Fontenot, Utilties Dept. •Sarah Smith, Garland County District Court •Sandi Skillern, Finance Dept. WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS! Meet Chris Parker, the Rain Garden Maintenance Technician for the Stormwater Division. He's the green thumb behind Hot Springs' sustainable landscape. Since joining the City in October 2022, Chris has been dedicated to nurturing the natural beauty of our community. When he's not busy tending to rain gardens, he can be found immersed in the virtual world of video games or out exploring the enchanting corners of Hot Springs. On May 31, 2024, Lt. Mike Hall retired, with 22 years, from HSPD. Thank you for your service.