Van Buren police link with Fort Smith communication system

story by Marla Cantrell
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The same squad car computer communication system used by the Fort Smith Police Department is now in place in Van Buren.

At the Van Buren City Council meeting Monday night (June 21), aldermen approved a resolution which officially connects the city to Fort Smith’s mobile data computers. The connection allows officers to run tag numbers and drivers’ license information through the in-car system, instead of having to call dispatch for the information. The police department has been using the technology on a trial basis for several weeks.

“This is something Fort Smith has the infrastructure for and has the support staff for,” Police Chief Kenneth Bell said. “It’s much cheaper to jump on ship with them than to start our own.”

The city was awarded a grant from the Arkansas Department of Energy for $498,000 for energy upgrades to municipal buildings, including three fire stations. The money will also be used at the Frisco train depot, which houses the advertising and promotions commission, and the King Opera House. There will be another $120,000 in matching funds.

The council approved a resolution to allow Western Arkansas Planning and Development District be the program administrator for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission grant designated for the new $15 million Oxane plant. The plant, due to open this summer, will initially employ approximately 50 workers, who will produce an ultra-light proppant developed to improve the flow of oil and gas wells.

In other business, Jim Scott and seven of his neighbors came to address a traffic issue in the Oliver Springs subdivision, near Wal-Mart on Highway 59.

“In the six years I’ve lived there, two brick mailboxes on either side of my house have been destroyed by reckless drivers,” Scott said. “A neighbor’s car was hit pulling out of his driveway; he had only been living here for six weeks. We had a dog (hit) by a hit-and-run driver. … We have a major concern about the safety of the residents in our subdivision. People are using that through street, through Breckinridge and up through Durango to see how fast they can get to Wal-Mart.”

The council acknowledged the problem and voted to contact TEC in Oklahoma City to perform a traffic study to see what options the city has. 

Also, bidding for the overlay of 11th Street, from Lincoln Street to East Pointer Trail, and 28th Street from Alma Blvd. and Laura Lane should begin soon.

Aldermen also extended terms for the following board and commission members:
• Housing Authority: reappoint Ken Kilgore for five-year (5) term.
• Municipal Auditorium Commission: reappoint Kyle Salyer for five-year (5) term.
• Planning Commission: reappoint Mark Evans for three-year (3) term.
• Historic District Commission: reappoint Dwight Hopkins and Paul Gibson for
three-year (3) term.
• Public Library Board: reappoint Robin Holt for five-year (5) term.