FOI Springdale

In Black and White for Deaf Ears

2011-12-20T15:29:00.002-06:00

Should non-profit organizations and churches be counted as "new business" when reporting economic development? There is no tax revenue from them. Should businesses that have been around for years, such as Acambaro and Well House Tavern be included in a list of new business for 2011? Well, if you're Perry Webb reporting on all the great things he has done for the City of Springdale, you would. He goes so far as to toot his own horn by listing every Red Box location as a new business.

Reporter/Chamber of Commerce Cheerleader, Steve Caraway didn't give his readers a complete picture of what Kathy Jaycox actually said to the deaf ears and thick skulls of the Springdale City Council on December 13.

If you don't want to suffer through an hour of listening to the city council meeting to find out what was said, you can read a transcript of Jaycox's statement.

Keep Sprouse Out of the Real Estate Business

2011-12-15T12:15:00.000-06:00

The City Council discussed another brilliant proposal by Mayor Doug Sprouse on Tuesday (12/13/11). Sprouse proposed selling the Criminal Investigation Division building and buying a different building, owned by Dave Chapman. Chapman has graciously agreed to sell the building at a price set by a new appraisal. An earlier appraisal valued the building at $530,000.

There is some concern that the city can’t recoup its investment if it sells the Blair Street building.

“We were told we had to have this building when we purchased it,” said Alderman Eric Ford. “Now we don’t need it and are trying to sell it.”

The city bought the Blair Street building in 2004 for $300,000 and has spent $175,000 on renovations.

“We won’t get what we’ve put into it,” said Alderman Mike Overton.

I personally would like to propose that Mayor Sprouse restrain himself from making any more real estate deals with his buddies.

While pondering this, I have come up with a more cost-effective plan for the city's shortage on space.

The city is currently considering revoking the business license for the downtown landmark Sunrise Inn. The Mayor could just kick out all the mini meth lab operations and... ta-da! New building, more space and all on the cheap. Everyone in the city could have their own office and the Mayor could oversee his little kingdom all in one spot without having to walk anywhere.

The only downside I can see is how to make this benefit Chapman.

The Corruption Will Continue

2011-12-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

We have known for quite some time that there is only one member of the Springdale City Council that has enough nerve to question the good ol' boys' status quo in this town.

This is not the first time the Springdale Chamber of Commerce has been questioned about not providing adequate documentation to the city for how they spend taxpayer money.

On Tuesday night (12/13/11), Alderwoman Kathy Jaycox proposed establishing a committee to see that the Chamber provides the invoices for their expenditures as they have promised - and failed - to do for years.

“The city paid the chamber $227,000 this year,” Jaycox said. “I doubt the accuracy of the numbers presented by the chamber. We need more accountability and transparency from them.”

What does Perry Webb have to say about being questioned again? Not much, of course. He claims to receive all figures from the city clerk's office. What he fails to mention is that he is the one telling the city clerk who and what to pay.

Webb isn't worried, he has the mayor and the remaining council members willing to look the other way. Webb seemed more concerned with which committee he is going to get Mayor Sprouse to increase next and it won't matter anyway, Webb controls all three.

“The A and P contract has not been raised since 1996 and the public facilities contract hasn’t been raised since 1998,” Webb said.

And just like the last time Mrs. Jaycox requested invoices from the Chamber of Commerce, no other member of the City Council said a word. They're perfectly content giving our money to Webb to do whatever he pleases.

Watch the video of the 12/13/11 council meeting HERE (When/if they decide to publicize it)

Home Run!!

2011-09-07T09:20:00.006-05:00

Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse gives credit to his traveling companion, Perry Webb and the Chamber of Commerce for finally bringing some economic development to our town.

"This is an exciting announcement for Springdale," said Sprouse. "Recruiting Dixie-Southern and adding new jobs for our residents is a home run. This would not have happened without a team effort by the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission."

I hope the boys were able to take a vacation to celebrate these SIX new jobs!

"This is economic development at its best," said Perry Webb, Springdale Chamber of Commerce president.

IF YOU BUILD IT...THEY WILL GO SOMEWHERE ELSE

2011-07-28T14:39:00.005-05:00

Well, it's official. As Webb so eloquently put it, Springdale has transformed from people raising chickens and a bunch of hillbillies to the forefront of the corporate world!

No, wait. Here we are in the middle of the fourth season of Arvest Ballpark and we are still waiting for some signs of development. I guess we're still a bunch of hillbillies raising chickens.

While Perry Webb is sitting in a sitz bath in Hot Springs and Mayor Sprouse is on yet another holiday in Destin, the local media has announced that the long-anticipated arrival of Cabela's in Arkansas is on the horizon...in Rogers. Yes, the neighbors to the north win again.

A master plan for the area is in the works, Webb said, and Springdale must be well positioned when a "destination" retailer such as Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops comes calling. "We have changed the horizon," Webb said. "We've done a good job of lining up the dominoes and the first will fall the night we open the ballpark. People are now seeing the vision.

I guess this is the return on investment the taxpayers are getting for the $50,000 raise Sprouse gave Webb this year.

ZIP, ZILCH, NADA, Nothing...

2011-07-27T13:33:00.003-05:00

The city of Springdale did not issue a single new commercial building permit in the second quarter of 2011.

What a return on your investment, folks.

Just consider for a moment that the city gives the Springdale Chamber of Commerce $200,000 annually for economic development. Mayor Sprouse seems to have a real generous nature towards his traveling companions since this is more than Little Rock gives their chamber - a city with almost three times the population of Springdale.

Pitch In Springdale!

2011-07-03T11:09:00.002-05:00

Maybe people would use the trash can if they could see it through the weeds?

I Wanna Ride in Your PINK CADILLAC

2011-06-27T09:36:00.000-05:00

Who needs a mechanic? In Springdale, you can rebuild a car in your driveway...and leave it there for months.

Webb Wins Another Windfall

2011-06-21T11:41:00.069-05:00

Darrell and his other brother Darrell have proposed a hotel/motel tax increase for the abundance of fine hotels in Springdale. But if you think that's funny, wait until you hear that this tax would land directly in the lap of none other than Perry Webb via the Advertising and Promotion Commission.

The City Council ordinance committee voted Monday to send a proposed raise of 0.5 percent to the council’s July 5 meeting. A tax increase, if approved, would boost the rate from 1.5 percent to 2 percent. A council vote is all that is required to increase the tax.

We have figured out what the A and P does with our money. Perry gives it to CJRW and his useless Chamber, and conducts lots of surveys. There is just no end to the variety of ways the man has come up with to line his own pockets.

Hotel-motel taxes, as well as restaurant taxes, would go to the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission by state law, said Jeff Harper, city attorney... The council could ask for the money to be spent according to its request, but could not require the commission to do so, Harper said.

How convenient. If we're lucky, the money will be used to put in more fake slot machines at local convenience stores. You might as well put your money in one of those as trust Perry and Pals will do anything different than what they have done with your money in the past. SQUAT.

The Revitalization of Downtown Springdale

2011-06-20T14:11:00.000-05:00

The Landscape of Backus Street

2011-06-17T10:35:00.001-05:00

Is this Springdale's downtown shopping district? This trendsetting landscape of tick flowers and a shopping cart was reported to Springdale Code Enforcement in April 2011. Each week I anxiously await new additions such as the antique coffee table.

Mayor Gives Himself a Bonus

2011-06-15T09:06:00.012-05:00

I am certainly not surprised that the Springdale City Council voted unanimously to pass the proposed bonuses for full-time employees.

I am also not surprised that "reporter" Steve Caraway failed to even mention the council held a separate vote on whether or not to give the bonus to four elected officials.

In a 7-1 vote (Alderwoman Kathy Jaycox was the only no vote), the city council approved Sprouse's recommendation to give himself, the City Clerk, the City Attorney and the District Judge a bonus.

Gravy Train

2011-06-14T10:22:00.005-05:00

The Springdale City Council is meeting tonight and is expected to approve Mayor Doug Sprouse's recommendation of giving a $600 bonus to all full-time city employees.

In his typical fluffy style, Chamber Cheerleader Caraway of the Morning Snooze, tries to make it sound more appealing by saying the money is mostly going to police and firefighters. Who wouldn't want to give our men and women in uniform a bonus or a raise? The reality is the $294,000 bonus money is NOT going mostly to police and firefighters. Attorneys, judges and our beloved code enforcement officers will all be collecting a check too.

Everyone likes to feel appreciated and most people deserve to get a bonus once in a while, but when I look around Springdale, I don't feel quite so generous.

I would urge the hard-working employees of the City of Springdale to start questioning where their pay raise was really spent.

(The back door of Springdale's Code Enforcement)

Just the Good Ol' Boys...Never Meanin' No Harm

2011-06-13T08:00:00.037-05:00

It is no secret Springdale is governed by a longstanding good ol' boy buddy system. But then you already knew that, so it should come as no surprise to read another Caraway fluff piece on Mayor Sprouse sending Springdale employees to a class that will be taught by Bob Arthur.

What Caraway and the Mayor fail to mention are the qualifications required to earn $16,800 for teaching people how to be nice.

As is the norm around here, you can smell the conflict of interest miles away. Bob Arthur just happens to be Springdale's Planning Commissioner President and claims to be on the Business Network International Leadership Team of the useless Chamber of Commerce. Shocking.

I have also confirmed that a real talent out of Fayetteville offered to teach these classes for FREE, but was turned down. Even more shocking.

Beats all you ever saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born...

Code Enforcement 101

2011-06-08T15:09:00.028-05:00

This notice was posted on the front door of an unsightly residence in Springdale on May 9, 2011. I took the picture nearly a month later on June 7. The notice was faded from having been hanging in the sun for so long, but nothing on this property had been cleaned up.

How long does it take Springdale's Code Enforcement officers to follow up?

Get someone out there to clean it up, and send the owners the bill. If that doesn't work, slap a lien on the property. What are you waiting for? A bonus from the mayor, perhaps?

Stay tuned for a series of photos relating to code violations taken in and around the fine city of Springdale... for your viewing pleasure.

Springdale Cashes In

2011-06-07T11:20:00.026-05:00

Springdale is cashing in on their higher percentage of immigrants and the increased revenue they receive after the 2010 census. Mayor Doug Sprouse knows exactly what he plans to do with the windfall.

Sprouse presented a proposal to the so-called "Finance Committee" (which by the way is just the current city council members), that the money be used to to give city employees a $600 bonus. What possessed Sprouse to hand out bonuses at the same time we are the only city in the area showing decreased sales tax revenues is beyond me.

According to Wyman Morgan, the increased census revenue will total $336,000 and the cost of the proposed bonuses would be about $294,000. No word yet on Sprouse's plans for the remaining $44,000, but I'm sure the Chamber of Commerce has their hands out.

The NWA Regional Planning Commission is currently working on the stretch of trail that will be going through the heart of Springdale. As people travel through our town, they will be hit in the face with the stench of the sewage treatment plant right before they get to the algae cesspool that is currently Lake Springdale. Ron Moore of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the extent of the algae bloom this year is cause for concern and could cause a fish kill. Won't that make a stunning backdrop to your nature walk? They won't be able to jog through this town fast enough.

The bonuses the city employees receive will most likely be spent at one of the malls (in Rogers or Fayetteville) or on restaurant row anyway. They might recoup a cent or or two in sales tax revenue from Shave Planet at the top of the hill - if they're lucky.

Springdale needs funding for the animal shelter, Meals on Wheels, Ozark Transit and more code enforcement officers who will follow up and do something about the enormous number of violations. It wouldn't hurt you to give back the funding you cut from the library and Shiloh Museum either.

Beat on the Street

2011-06-01T08:25:00.003-05:00

The beat on the street is Springdale Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Perry Webb is taking a month long sabbatical due to the extreme stress level of his job. We all know how hard it can be constantly traveling to Florida, California, Las Vegas and the like. Webb has been seen lounging at the Springdale Country Club resting himself ... and who can blame him? Wouldn't you spend your days playing golf and sipping cocktails if someone else was picking up the tab?

What has Webb so stressed out? Who knows. Maybe it is the unfavorable publicity last week about how every city in the area had increased sales tax revenue EXCEPT for Springdale, which had a decline. The newspaper article has been archived, but the comments were the best part anyway and they go something like this:

Taxpayers of Springdale PAY the Chickenoplis Chamber of Commerce a hefty sum, $200,000 per year. That's a million dollars every 5 yrs. For what? Chamber turned their back on Sam's Wholesale Club. We lost that and the million of tax revenues that went with Sam's Club. Why? So the Chamber could protect one of their own, namely the local liquor store monoply.

Indeed.

Does Springdale have a Chamber of Commerce? What do they do?

They go to China, Las Vegas and Mt. Magazine to have economic discussions for S-dale.

The City decided that of the two cultural destinations that remain Shiloh Museum could have it's funding cut while they heap money on a useless Chamber of Commerce. That shows you the level of foolishness that runs rampant. Scroll through some old posts on Springdale FOI and learn how the good ol boys club works.
http://foiaspringdale.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the shout out, cdawg. It's good to know someone is paying attention. Be careful Mr. ~~Madoff~~ Webb, the citizens of this town might be catching on.

NO Competition for the SLA

2011-02-08T09:43:00.013-06:00

I thought Representative Jon Woods and his travelling companion, Jim Phillips had been keeping a pretty low profile lately. Apparently, Woods has been very busy working on declaring February 6 "Ronald Reagan Day" so he found someone else to introduce the dirty work.

Rep. Robert Dale has sponsored House Bill 1282 at the request of the Arkansas Beverage Retailers Association. Dale claims the bill is not targeted at Macadoodles, but he believes liquor stores should be locally owned.

Macadoodles had plans to open three more stores in Arkansas, but if Bill 1282, which was set to be heard this morning in a State Senate Committee passes, it will effectively stop Macadoodles from opening Arkansas franchises. However, it conveniently won't affect stores in existence from 1971 to 1993. I wonder who will benefit from that? The House of Representatives approved the bill last week with a 92-3 vote.

The always insightful State Senator Sue Madison said she has not studied the bill, but worries we will end up with a liquor store on every street corner and maybe even drive-through martini bars like they have in Louisiana.

No matter where you stand on liquor sales or consumption, this law is a bad idea. It won't rid the state of liquor sales, only assure the Springdale Liquor Cartel is allowed to continue its monopoly.

The Journey of Ernie

2011-01-14T16:02:00.001-06:00

Lottery Director Ernie Passailaigue, who makes more than $324,000 per year, irritated lottery commission members last year when he didn't know that the Legislature passed a bill that rolled money from unclaimed prizes into scholarships instead of the marketing budget. A state audit later detailed thirteen areas in which the lottery's books weren't kept correctly or procedures weren't followed. Who knows why Arkansas thought Passailaigue deserved a salary that is $100,000 more per year than the same job he was doing in South Carolina.

The 2010 Arkansas Million Dollar Raffle is also a bust. The lottery commission keeps running the same television commercial over and over ad nauseam. However, it would explain why Passailaigue was trying to funnel extra money into the marketing budget.

The ten dollar price tag was supposed to be overshadowed by the better odds of winning a million dollar prize. The lottery website said the drawings could be held as early as September 2010. Even though the website doesn't tell us how many tickets still need to be sold, I have a ticket purchased in June. I assume it will be a while longer.

Last December, the legislative panel that oversees the Arkansas lottery said it is considering a move to reduce scholarship award amounts by ten percent. What an idea, but I have another one. Cut the lottery administrations salary by ten percent and keep the scholarships as promised.

The Morning Snooze

2010-12-30T10:16:00.001-06:00

The other night after a long day at the office, I settled in on the couch to watch a movie when my doorbell rang. There, standing in the dark shadows was a large, intimidating man selling subscriptions for the Springdale Morning News.

It is no secret that the Morning News is not really a newspaper about news in Springdale. The front page today is about a lady that moved from Cincinnati to Fayetteville. That's right, Fayetteville. The online edition isn't any better: Houston man relocates to Arkansas. Exciting stuff, no doubt.

I did learn that the city's No Knock Ordinance is as useless as the local paper. According to Ordinance 82-1:

Prior to engaging in the practice of peddling or soliciting at private residences, all persons must first obtain a copy of the list of residents who desire no peddling or soliciting at their private residence. Any peddler or solicitor who contacts any owner or owners, occupant or occupants of said private residences who are on the list, shall be in violation of this section.

After contacting the newspaper and the authorities I quickly found out what the punishment is for violating the ordinance. Section 1-9 claims:

...a person convicted of a violation of this Code shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, or double such sum for each repetition thereof...

There is no punishment for a violation. Not even a slap on the wrist. What I did get was an obnoxious phone call from someone at the Morning News who advised me it is their "constitutional right" to send Guido out to peddle their rag door to door regardless of any list the city clerk keeps. The man told me they partner with the city and the police department and the police are sick of people calling them about this! Besides, he said people move a lot and the new residents probably don't want to be on the no knock list.

Really?

Our local paper is a waste of time and trees unless you can't live without knowing where the Chamber of Commerce and Mayor are traveling this week.

The Fine Art of Hiding

2010-12-17T14:09:00.009-06:00

Every year when it is time to approve the budget, Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse starts acting a little strange. Last year, he had some form of temporary amnesia and forgot to post the budget meetings on the community calendar. Heaven forbid the commoner show up and ask questions or something.

This year, according to eyewitnesses, Mayor Sprouse and a local attorney engaged in an entertaining verbal sparring session at the most recent city council meeting. I was anxious to see it on the city's website, but after full five days, it still isn't there. I wonder if it was a 'tape malfunction' like the last time a city council meeting got heated and made Perry Webb look bad.

The Jones Television Station was contacted to find out if there was a camera malfunction or other reason for the delay. Jones TV stated that their tapings are directly linked and immediately available on the city's website.

Hmmm

Screwed Again

2010-11-24T11:05:00.011-06:00

The taxpayers of Springdale are about to get screwed AGAIN.

Apparently, the Chamber of Commerce membership drive hasn't been going as well as they hoped because yesterday, (11/23/10) Chamber Cheerleader Steve Caraway reported that Mayor Sprouse has included a request in the proposed 2011 budget to bump up the contribution to the chamber organization an additional $50,000.

In the same article:

"The mayor’s budget estimates general fund income at $27.62 million and expenses at $27.69 million, a shortfall of $60,000."

The Mayor says:

"I regret that we're unable to include compensation increases in my proposed 2011 budget."

It doesn't take a genius or a calculator to see the easiest way to make up the shortfall. Why would we even consider increasing the Chamber's pot to $227,500 a year when they have refused all requests in the past to show us where they are spending our money? Do they need a dictionary to know that a self-appreciating newsletter is not an invoice?

Do you have an opinion on the proposed 2011 budget? Let Mayor Sprouse know. dsprouse@SpringdaleAR.gov
Phone: (479) 750-8114

Who Dares Question Authority?

2010-11-23T13:59:00.005-06:00

For those of you who missed the Springdale City Council meeting on November 9, I urge you to suffer through it. Perry Madoff announced that the money the Chamber of Commerce receives from the City, Advertising and Promotion, and Public Facilities will be now be dedicated 100% to a newly created Economic Development Division, which he claims is separate from whatever it is the Chamber does. No longer unemployed, Lance Eads thinks he is in charge of this creative new way to fleece the taxpayers without their knowledge.

During this meeting, Alderwoman Kathy Jaycox asks Madoff if the Chamber will present the invoices some people have been asking for to the council for review. The President/CEO was visibly defensive, condescending, and downright rude to Mrs. Jaycox. No other member of the council said a peep.

Blowin' Smoke

2010-08-31T13:51:00.012-05:00

The 2010 Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship was held at the Arvest Ballpark this past weekend. From what I hear, Smoke on the Water Productions typically draws a big crowd to these competitions. Springdale managed to draw 27 teams to compete for the $3500 top prize.

This press release and this article give credit for the event to the Springdale Chamber of Commerce.

Here, credit is given to the Advertising and Promotion Commission. This is still Perry Webb in charge, but with a different title.

Perhaps it was an accident or maybe a misguided attempt to drum up business, but word got out to the locals that this was the place to be for some free BBQ! Who could pass that up? Apparently, some hungry folks ended up meandering through the contestants cooking area and just helped themselves to some finger-licking food - straight off the grills. Mmm Mmm.

I won't dwell on the fact that the carnival came to a brief standstill because they ran out of diesel for the rides or that phone calls were made to some local antique car owners who were offered $50 bucks if they would hurry up and get some cars down there.

To be fair, I did hear that the concert was good - if you overlook the fight the broke out in the middle of it.

Maybe next year, if there is a next year, it will be better. I wouldn't call the event an epic failure, but maybe someday the city leaders will figure out what the common denominator is so that this event doesn't suffer the same fate as Featherfest...

Doubt About Stout?

2010-08-26T15:38:00.004-05:00

Six-term Springdale City Council Alderman, Bobby Stout has announced he will run for re-election this fall.

Stout claims he has done a wonderful job for Springdale over the years. He credits himself with building up the funds the city is surviving on in these lean times. He also claims he has been diligently working on implementing a trail system for the past ten years. Funny, I don't recall him mentioning trails before...

Stout was recently quoted as saying, “We need to work closer with people like the Chamber of Commerce to increase the city’s revenue."

If increasing revenue is his goal, why did he side with Jim Phillips' attorney trying to block Macadoodles from getting a liquor permit transfered to Springdale? Stout was the ONLY councilman to vote against the transfer.

Rick Culver, President of the Rodeo of the Ozarks board of directors is said to be running against Stout.

Yee Haw Davis

2010-07-30T13:58:00.003-05:00

Lane Adams, Director of Account Services at CJRW Northwest presented a proposal to the Springdale Advertising and Promotion Commission on Tuesday to purchase a list of 1500 names to conduct a telephone survey to increase attendance to the 2011 Rodeo of the Ozarks.

Total cost of this survey? Twelve thousand, three hundred fifty dollars or nine dollars per surveyed caller.

Adams didn't say who they would be purchasing these names and numbers from and when asked who would be conducting the survey, Adams talked in circles about a third-party vendor without ever answering the question.

That leaves it wide open for me to guess the money will either end up back into the lining of Perry's pockets or the traveling Mullikin's.

Lance Eads is the chairman of this commission, but it's clearly Perry's playpen.

I've got to tell you, I was impressed with the guy with the accent. Roger Davis, from the Holiday Inn and Convention Center. He was paying attention. Davis pointed out that the A and P budget will be close to $25,000 in the hole by year end and maybe a survey wouldn't be the best use of said hole.

"It's not advertising and it's not promotion," said Davis.

Thanks to Davis speaking up, the vote was postponed until the next A and P snoozefest allowing him time to do some homework and find out how the rodeo board wants their money spent .

Stay tuned...

The Booze Brothers

2010-07-21T11:41:00.007-05:00

Liquor permit denials for two Walgreens stores in Springdale a couple months back produced little more than yawns from the locals. Macadoodles finally opened so I guess nobody noticed at the time.

Representative Jon Woods, R-Springdale, has reportedly been spotted carpooling to Little Rock with none other than Springdale Liquor Association (SLA), Prince Jim Phillips. The purpose of their road trips? To attend ABC Board Meetings and object to liquor permit requests for Springdale businesses like Walgreens and EZ Mart. This isn't the first time these two have been spotted behaving in a suspicious manner.

In an interesting side note, Woods made the Top 20 list of lawmakers pocketing the most per diem, mileage and expense reimbursements in 2009. I guess we know who pays for the gas.

It is apparent that it's not the liquor Woods is fussing about. He doesn't object to permits for restaurants and bars. Maybe he doesn't want to rock the boat at establishments his band may play at one day. No, it seems pretty obvious he is only objecting to businesses that could be competition for his traveling companion.

ABC Director Michael Langley said almost every Arkansas Walgreens located in a wet county was granted permission to sell beer and small farm wines.

Woods is not working for Springdale. Email him at woodsj@arkleg.state.ar.us and let him know.

Disturbing Discovery

2010-07-16T08:46:00.005-05:00

Springdale police arrested William Cannon, 43, after discovering a room full of pictures of children.

The Springdale Fire Marshal found the pictures while inspecting the E-Z Credit Auto. After entering a room at the back of the store, police said he discovered nude images of children on the walls and disturbing posters with sayings like "I eat little boys" and "boy sex."

Police say Cannon had turned his room into a violent and disturbing shrine to little boys. They seized more than a dozen printed or photocopied images of nude or partially nude children from the room. In addition, police said they discovered missing children's posters, toys and even children's underwear.

Cannon told police he considered everything on display in his room to be works of art.

Employees at the store said Cannon worked there as a security guard. They said Cannon kept his room locked at all times and they knew nothing about what was inside.

The Next Best

2010-07-12T14:01:00.004-05:00

CNNMoney.com has ranked Rogers, Arkansas number 10 on their list of the 100 best small cities to live in 2010, based in large part to Wal-Mart headquarters, which is actually located in Bentonville.

Last November, Bloomberg Businessweek claimed Springdale was the best place to raise a family and listed Tyson Foods and Arvest Ballpark as the big draw. Of course, the Springdale Chamber of Commerce took out a half-page newspaper ad crediting themselves with the achievement, but that's another story.

Now if JB Hunt gets Lowell named the best of something else, we'll really be onto something.

Graffiti

2010-07-09T08:59:00.007-05:00

It is interesting that there were 400 cases of 'graffiti' reported last year in Springdale compared to 133 in Rogers and 28 in Fayetteville. However, I don't think what is being reported as graffiti really is. What I have seen is tagging - you know a name or letters spray painted on something. That's not graffiti.

That being said, to combat the vandalism problem, Springdale recently purchased a power wash graffiti removal system that will cost the city about $50,000 a year to operate. In order to fund it, businesses will pay an extra dollar each month on their water bill.

Springdale is also considering updating their current graffiti ordinance, making it illegal to purchase spray paint if you are under the age of 18. This is a common practice in other places, however, I question how effective it can be without limiting the access to paint also.

In any event, while pondering all of this I came up with a few alternate ways to fund the new power washing program.
1 ... 2 ... 3

Good Samaritans Stimulate the Economy

2010-06-28T09:21:00.010-05:00

Television station KNWA reported police broke up a large, underage drinking party last Thursday at the faith-based Samaritan Community Center Thrift Store in Springdale's Mathias Plaza.

A clerk at neighboring business, Take Two Video called police when she noticed numerous people going in and out of the thrift store after hours with the lights turned out.

Times sure have changed. It used to be when police broke up a teenage party, they would just call the parents to come get them. I have been told that every teen present at this party was arrested and charged with minor in possession of alcohol and possession of drug paraphernalia for the hookah.

Springdale may have come up with an efficient new way to stimulate the local economy. Just think of the huge boost to revenue collected from fines, increased business for local attorneys and conserving fuel in the squad cars all at the same time.

The Warehouse District

2010-06-24T15:30:00.002-05:00

The June 8 Springdale City Council meeting was about more than the lame excuses for how the Chamber of Commerce spends our tax money. Try debating whether or not putting up metal warehouse buildings in a residential area is good economic development.

Alderman Bobby Stout needs to put down the pipe. Patsy Christy spent fifteen minutes explaining all changes to the Land Use Plan. When she is finished Stout wakes up and says, "Now what all changed?" Seriously.

The Planning Commission recommended they review the area around Wagon Wheel, Silent Grove and Apple Blossom again in two years and hopefully they would have more information about the 412 northern bypass at that time.

Perry Webb took to the podium claiming that companies have been contacting him like crazy. BIG companies with billions...repeat (Webb does) BILLIONS of dollars in potential projects. These mystery big spenders are just begging for this spot of land despite the fact that it will not have an exit for interstate access, does not have city sewer and the Planning Commission has twice recommended to the city NOT to change the land use for this area.

Resident David Gilbert said, "We've heard Mr. Webb tell us about business, business, business...well, we live there."

Springdale Attorney Jeff Slaton who lives in the area that would be affected said it is highly unlikely the northern 412 bypass will be built within the next nine years. Slaton, like others was asking the council to wait and see what develops with the bypass.

Slaton also invited Webb to share the information he has with us about who wants to build there. We will anxiously await his reply.

I've heard the whispers that if the property owners last name were something different, this would not be an issue.

The Fox

2010-06-23T09:57:00.045-05:00

After a pledge, prayers, boy scouts and a photo-op, the June 8 Springdale City Council Meeting got underway.

About 6:20 minutes into the video, Mayor Sprouse tells us it is time for citizen comments. As a citizen, the mayor's traveling companion, Perry Webb takes the podium and tells the audience how the mayor had asked him - that very morning - to supply the council and the city with invoices of the chamber of commerce economic development activity for the first five months of the year. Maybe some people had been complaining or something.

The excitement didn't last long. Once again, the city is allowing this elusive and exclusive group to do whatever they want - including nothing - without any accountability. If you find economic development activity anywhere on page one let me know. Don't waste your time looking any further than that because the other months are just a photocopy of the first.

As a steward of the taxpayers' money, the mayor should be ashamed.

Doing the Math

2010-06-15T13:01:00.047-05:00

A recent request for documentation showing what a check the Springdale Chamber of Commerce paid to President/CEO Perry Webb's daughter was for leaves more questions than answers.

First, we received the copy of the check back with "answered phones" written on it. Okay, that sounds reasonable enough.

Second, we were provided a weekly time record with somebody's name scribbled out and that of Sarah Gordley written in above it - in two places. Okay, that seems a little weird.

According to my calculator, Ms. Gordley was paid $22.222222222222222222222222222222 per hour for four and a half hours in order to equal the hundred dollar paycheck she received. This doesn't even take into consideration the fact they claim the work performed was in October and the check wasn't written until December.

Another explanation from the local CoC, that just doesn't add up.

Business Intelligence Report

2010-06-10T03:39:00.003-05:00

In an effort to look like you're getting something for your money, the Chamber of Commerce is now distributing what they have deemed "The Business Intelligence Report" to their dues-paying members.

President/CEO Perry Webb takes credit for each new business license purchased in Springdale while claiming this new publication is FILLED with quality data gleaned from local research as well as from some of the nation's top business resources.

I'm trying to keep a straight face.

The Iconoclast: The Soul of Springdale - January 9, 2009

They're tomatoes, officer...

2010-06-04T08:29:00.022-05:00

Jimmy Rutherford, 42, of Springdale was arrested Wednesday and charged with manufacture of a controlled substance, marijuana.

Rutherford claims he was growing vegetables in his backyard to sell at the farmer's market. He also claims some plants just sprouted up on their own and he thought they were tomatoes.

The value of the tomatoes that grew all by themselves was estimated by police to be worth $138,000.

Police conducted the search of Rutherford's home after receiving an anonymous tip.

Today's lesson is always be nice to your neighbors.

Chamber of Horrors

2010-05-27T10:21:00.010-05:00

A membership in the Springdale Chamber of Commerce automatically gives you membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - whether you want it or not.

Editorials and columns noting that the US Chamber is damaging its reputation and credibility include BusinessWeek, PRWeek, Fortune Magazine's Marc Gunther, Newsweek , LA Times, and the Washington Post.

While many large companies and local chambers are distancing themselves - as far away as possible from the US Chamber and their lobbying antics, Springdale is still endorsing them and sending them your money.

The US Chamber is fast becoming known as the current political mafia with their biggest area of influence being state and federal elections. They vastly outspent every other lobbying group in 2009 with a budget surpassing the spending of BOTH the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee.

How long will it take for Springdale businesses and the local chamber to catch on that the US Chamber is driving down the wages of the customers that patronize the businesses of their members?

Conversations With A Stump

2010-05-26T10:22:00.005-05:00

Asking the Springdale Chamber of Commerce for copies of invoices or receipts for their expenditures isn't much different than having a conversation with a stump.

This is a list of checks (marked with a yellow highlighter) that we requested to see receipts showing their purpose. These particular checks were chosen because they seemed to be written to many of the individuals also involved in a lot of the traveling going on.

In what has become typical fashion, we received nothing of the sort. What we did get was a few pages of their general ledger with lots of things blacked out.

It seems to me the more they hide their real spending, the more suspect it becomes. If these were legitimate expenses truly used to promote the economic growth of Springdale, wouldn't they want to prove it?

and the survey says....

2010-05-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

In January of 2008, a company called Research Dynamics, Inc. out of Memphis, Tennessee prepared a marketing research study of Northwest Arkansas consumers for The Mullikin Agency.

Page 15 advises us to leverage the positive perception of our local fire, police and school systems. The report also mentions very negative criticism of the city government, city council and the financing of the baseball stadium.

Even after being read a description of what the Chamber of Commerce purportedly does, 45% of all respondents had NO opinion of them. How can that be when they claim to be responsible for every new business in Springdale?

Survey of Northwest Arkansas Consumers

I want to see a copy of Jeff Collins' study they have kept hidden.

The Fayettevillage Voice: Revenues Down Across the Board - March 23, 2009

Another Springdale Volunteer Coach Arrested

2010-05-21T08:24:00.001-05:00

For the second time in less than a month, a volunteer coach in the Springdale School District has been arrested.

Christopher Wayne Foster, 27, of 14055 Wolf Drive in Rogers was arrested Wednesday in connection with felony aggravated assault, kidnapping, promoting prostitution and theft of property.

Foster was an athletic volunteer at Central Junior High School.

Back in April Brett Wayne Foster, 21, of Fayetteville was arrested in connection with two counts of first-degree sexual assault. He allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old student who was a member of the Har-Ber High School track team.

It is unknown at this time if the two are related.

Springdale Athletic Director Annette Scogin needs to take a long, hard look at the screening process for volunteers. The current method is not working and is putting our children in serious jeopardy.

Another Earthquake

2010-05-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

For the second time in less than a month an earthquake has been reported in Benton County.

The 2.6 magnitude quake hit near Cave Springs.

Happy Anniversary!

2010-05-20T08:30:00.009-05:00

One year after Brian & Melonie Moore's exotic honeymoon holiday in paradise, they took what can only be described as a $10,436.88 anniversary trip to Istanbul, Turkey, paid for by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce.

I don't have any anniversary pictures, but I did manage to entertain myself somewhat on a virtual trip.

The downside to traveling this way was not getting the opportunity to stay at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida before boarding the cruise ship. The cost was not included in the payment to Norwegian Cruise Lines. It was $1,333.84 extra.

Joy to the World

2010-05-17T08:30:00.006-05:00

In November 2009, the Springdale Chamber of Commerce paid for Joy Heuer, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and Eric Edelstein, Naturals General Manager to fly to Denver, Colorado for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Less than a month later, the chamber paid for another jaunt so these two could spend the Christmas holiday in sunny Orlando, Florida.

Edelstein admits they were a couple, making it even more unlikely these were actual business trips promoting the economic development of SPRINGDALE.

Flooding

2010-05-15T14:13:00.008-05:00

Photo by Sarah Bentham
http://www.nwaonline.com/

Traffic backs up moving northbound on Thompson in Springdale as water floods the dip in the road due to heavy rains on Friday.

Definition of Deductible

2010-05-14T09:03:00.003-05:00

–noun
the amount for which the insured is liable on each loss, injury, etc., before an insurance company will make payment.

Perry Webb scribbles "write checks" and it is done. If I am reading this correctly, the chamber reimbursed some employees in 2010 for their 2009 deductible.

Apparently, I am doing something wrong. I have to pay my own health insurance deductible. Do you?

Maestri's Succumbs to Tax Man

2010-05-13T10:29:00.013-05:00

Among the oil paintings and Maestri family photographs, are the likenesses of Henry Mancini, Joe DiMaggio, Newt Gingrich, George Bush, and many others.

Maestri’s grandmother prepared meals in the restaurant over a wood burning stove, and diners ate by candlelight. Mary Maestri’s eventually added modern conveniences, but the food was still made with her original recipes.

Sadly, After 87 years in business landmark Italian restaurant Mary Maestri's in Tontitown has been shut down by the Department of Finance & Administration for failure to pay sales tax.

The owner hopes to reopen the restaurant soon.

UPDATE
Mary Maestri’s likely is permanently closed after owner Daniel Maestri on Thursday dropped his lawsuit against a state agency pursuing back sales taxes.

A real estate “for sale” sign near Mary Maestri’s indicates the land on which the restaurant sits is for sale.

Update

2010-05-12T11:28:00.003-05:00

The Chamber of Commerce meeting minutes from October (pg. 2) says thirteen 'volunteers' went to San Francisco for the "I AM" campaign. The minutes do not disclose who actually was in attendance or what they volunteered to do while they were there.

In the January 2009 (pg. 3) Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, Bill Rogers stated that three volunteers had qualified for trips to San Francisco. Specifically, Brian Moore, Randy Mullikin and Derek Gibson.

The July American Express statement shows Paul Lawrence, Kevin Cortez, Dwayne Flynt, Randy Mullikin, Kim Umber, Derek Gibson, Heath Ward, and Rhonda Hughes purchasing travel packages to an unknown destination which may or may not be connected.

http://foiaspringdale.blogspot.com/2010/04/toast-on-coast.html
http://foiaspringdale.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-shelf-at-fishermans-wharf.html

Pet Food Bank

2010-05-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

The Fayetteville Community Services Division has created a community Pet Food Bank called Ranger’s Pantry in an effort to assist families in financial distress to keep and provide for their pets.

Donations can be made at 2650 City Lake Road in Fayetteville.

Smile, You're on Camera!

2010-05-07T13:27:00.006-05:00

The website for the City of Springdale recently added video coverage of many of their meetings including City Council, Advertising & Promotion, Planning Commission, etc.

Now you can see and hear for yourselves the truth about who said what instead of relying on Steve Caraway's sanitized versions.

The results are in ...

2010-05-06T15:23:00.032-05:00

The Northest Arkansas Council Competitive Assessment report was released yesterday by Market Street Services in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to the results, the top five greatest challenges to attracting and retaining residents in Northwest Arkansas in descending order are:

Creating more quality jobs; transportation and infrastructure; cost of living and doing business; quality development and planning; and Pre-K-12 capacity, financing, and quality.

For the most part, the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro is lumped together.

In a few cases, Springdale was separated from the group. For example, more than one-third of Springdale's school population is classified as an English Language Learner (ELL) which may or may not be the reason Springdale was ranked the lowest performing school district in 2008. Although Springdale is listed as having the lowest graduation rate of the region, it is still several points above the statewide average.

The report states "compared to best-practice regions for economic development, Northwest Arkansas has comparatively limited resources for workforce development. Furthermore, available workforce services for incumbent workers and existing or prospective businesses are not featured prominently on any of the regional chamber of commerce websites and the regional WIA website contains only limited information and links to partner websites."

The complete report here.

The Puddin'

2010-04-29T16:14:00.015-05:00

It has been nagging at me that the citizens of Springdale were promised monthly invoices for the use of the tax dollars the city hands over to the Chamber of Commerce. Here is the proof that we have been lied to.

In October 2009, the Board of Directors Meeting Minutes state that the chamber will provide monthly invoices for money - taxpayer money - put into a holding account and used by the chamber.

In November 2009 as the city passed the budget without even considering whether the money handed over to the chamber is a worthwhile expenditure the newspaper said "the chamber will segregate the city funds from its other funds, Webb said, using invoices to make payments from city funds.

Also in November 2009, the Executive Committee Meeting Minutes refer to Webb invoicing an economic development account.

And as previously noted, in December 2009 "The chamber plans to continue quarterly reports to the City Council said Perry Webb, chamber chief executive officer and president. The reports will include invoices to show the money spent from public funds. Webb said."

Where are the invoices???!!!

Shakin' in My Shoes

2010-04-29T13:15:00.024-05:00

The US Geological Society confirmed a magnitude 2.5 earthquake occurred at about 11 AM this morning in Centerton - approximately twenty miles north of Springdale.

According to Haydar Al-Shukri, director of the Arkansas Earthquake Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a previously unknown fault in eastern Arkansas could trigger a magnitude 7 earthquake with an epicenter near a major natural gas pipeline. This fault, likely created in the last 5,000 years, has sparked at least one magnitude 7 earthquake in its history.

The fault is separate from the New Madrid fault responsible for a series of quakes in 1811-12 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backward.

Al-Shukri predicts this fault "...is going to be a major disaster."

2010 Best of Arkansas Survey

2010-04-29T08:42:00.005-05:00

Click here to take the 2010 Arkansas Times Best of Arkansas survey.

Springdale Coach Arrested

2010-04-29T08:09:00.004-05:00

The Springdale School District denies Brett Foster was an official volunteer coach for Har-Ber High School since he has been arrested on first degree sexual assault charges for having sex with an underage girl. However, he was allowed to ride with students on the bus and attend track meets.

The fact that the school didn't finish processing the paperwork doesn't negate the fact that he was put in a position of authority over the students he was given access to.

More Fluff & Stuff

2010-04-27T13:07:00.034-05:00

The April 2010 Economic Development Report will be presented to the Springdale City Council tonight by the Chamber of Commerce.

This slick little newsletter or flier or whatever you want to call it - and you can call it anything but a report - is a pretty little fluff piece and virtually useless.

The local newspaper reported, "The chamber plans to continue quarterly reports to the city council, said Perry Webb, chamber chief executive officer and president. The reports will include invoices to show the money spent from public funds, Webb said."

I want to see the promised invoices and the City Council should demand to see them too. Especially the ones from their annual trip to Washington DC April 13-15 to pay off, I mean update John Boozman, Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln of the future plans for the Don Tyson Parkway.

Toast on the Coast

2010-04-26T13:57:00.021-05:00

One of our fine readers has asked on more than one occasion if we have been able to determine who was invited to enjoy cocktails on the coast in San Francisco last September.

Even though we requested copies of all travel itineraries and travel agent statements from the Chamber of Commerce (which I cannot say were entirely provided) we are still unable to name names other than Rhonda Hughes, who signed the tab for the cocktail party.

Hughes turned in a reimbursement request form that Perry Webb approved. On this form it states the reason for travel is "TRC - San Francisco". But just how did she get to San Francisco without any airfare, lodging or car rental receipts? Is it even possible we just haven't found them yet?

I find it interesting that under the TRC codes of the CoC general ledger, the Hughes reimbursement is not listed, but I find it coded under 60200 (General Reimbursements). Relevant GL pages here.

Write Me A Check

2010-04-23T10:01:00.013-05:00

Here are three more checks that we asked to see receipts or invoices showing their purpose.

What did the Chamber provide as evidence? See for yourself here.

Smoked Glass & Mirrors

2010-04-23T04:02:00.012-05:00

For several years the Chamber of Commerce has written multiple checks in the amount of $1500.00 to Dotson's Glass & Mirror. Being naturally curious, we asked to see the receipts or invoices for what these checks were actually for.

Here is what we were provided. That certainly clears it up. I wish I had known all I had to do to get a check was make some scribbles on a note pad.

How's My Driving?

2010-04-21T14:49:00.011-05:00

The sticker on the back of the O'Reilly Auto Parts delivery truck that crashed through the front of the Pontiac Coffee House in Springdale yesterday reads, "How's My Driving?" while the "OPEN" sign blinks above the blown-out window.

Photo by Sarah Bentham

How the Big Dogs Mooch

2010-04-15T10:43:00.020-05:00

The Springdale City Council passed a new animal ordinance requiring all animals in the city to be registered and micro chipped.

The Morning News quotes Alderman Jeff Watson as saying at this meeting, "I don't think the city has any business telling me if I can breed my animal."

Is he kidding? First of all, they aren't telling you not to breed your animal. They're telling you there is a fee for doing so. This ordinance was intended to protect legitimate, ethical breeders while deterring unqualified individuals from breeding animals that could ultimately end up being euthanized at the shelter.

So is the city telling him what to do really the issue or is Watson just being a crybaby and a tightwad?

Compared to other cities with similar ordinances, $50 is a very reasonable fee for a litter license and the money would have gone into a fund for the spay and neuter program potentially deterring people that are tossing animals out their car windows or putting them in a dumpster.

This is a much more worthwhile cause than shall we say Watson's health insurance premiums that are conveniently (for him anyway) paid by the taxpayer's.

Secs. 14-38. Litter License; Dog Breeders License
(a) Litter license. Any person who resides in the city limits who owns, keeps or harbors a dog or cat that gives birth to a litter is hereby required to obtain a litter license for the litter from the Springdale Animal Shelter no later than seven days after the puppies or kittens are born. The cost of a litter license shall be $50.00 per litter. Any person who does not obtain a litter license as required by this section shall be issued a citation for failure to obtain a litter license.

(1) All funds generated from the city's dog breeder and litter licenses pursuant to section 14-38 shall be deposited into a fund established for the city's low cost spay and neuter efforts.

Public Facilities Board

2010-04-14T10:34:00.002-05:00

How many residents can explain what the Springdale Public Facilities Board really does? I know they control the industrial park and the baseball stadium and meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, but beyond that I wasn't sure.

I went to the city's website to learn more, but all I really found out is that four of the five board members' terms are expired.
It appears to be yet another group much like the Advertising and Promotion Commission that just hands over taxpayer money to the Chamber of Commerce. As a matter of fact, the meetings that were once held at City Hall, are now held at the Chamber's office. And to prove my point, just try to contact them yourself.

Ballpark District Still Empty

2010-04-09T10:22:00.036-05:00

The NWA Naturals' season opener was last night at Arvest Ballpark. A tired-looking Mayor Sprouse stated he has been trying to recruit new business and we just need to continue to be patient.

Sprouse blames the economy for the lack of any new businesses three years after the ballpark opened and states he is confident the area will be fully developed in five to twenty years. He is jetting off to Sin City in a few days in another attempt to lure new business our way.

Be patient for another twenty years?

PETA to Visit Springdale

2010-04-09T08:49:00.031-05:00

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals was in Little Rock yesterday dressed in what is intended to look like pink and blue condoms to promote spaying and neutering your pets.

PETA has planned a similar demonstration today in downtown Springdale on Emma Avenue in near the Hirsch Law Office.

PETA caused quite a media buzz recently for a billboard referencing well-known Springdale residents JimBob and Michelle Duggar. The Duggar family stars in the TLC reality television show, 19 Kids and Counting.

http://www.4029tv.com/slideshow/23103766/detail.html?taf=fts

Buffer or Royal Shield?

2010-04-07T08:54:00.003-05:00

Local area Chambers of Commerce are again in the news. This time managing to make the front page of the Sunday edition of the NWA Democrat Gazette.

Robert Smith's article credits Springdale resident Anita Davis for raising awareness last year when she accused the chamber leaders of misspending the city's tax dollars on lavish trips, dining and more.
The Democrat Gazette decided to question nearly forty other cities to compare how they spend money on economic development.

Perry Webb, president of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce admits he pats himself on the back for everything in the community because he really doesn't know what business, if any, the chamber actually brought to town.

Webb also defended the practice of awarding exotic trips in exchange for fundraising. Webb changed the chamber's accounting system in 2010 to avoid having their future spending habits become public knowledge under the Freedom of Information Act.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is quoted as saying it is unlawful under Arkansas Constitution Article 12, Section 5, for funds of a “county, city, town or other municipal corporation” to be given to a private, nonprofit entity. It bars public money from being donated to a chamber of commerce, McDaniel said.

If the Attorney General believes it is unlawful to give taxpayer money to the chamber then why do we continue to do so?

UPDATE: Apparently Webb called in all the favors he saved up at the newspaper for running those full page ads about the Chamber's trips to China. We have been ordered to remove the newspaper article that put them in the unfavorable light they deserved. It's okay. Most of the town has already read it and those who didn't, feel free to email me and I'll let you look at the copy we paid for. Or better yet, maybe we'll just start passing out copies in parking lots.

Money Go Round

2010-04-06T10:06:00.094-05:00

During a recent City Council meeting, local businessman Mark Henry was elected to the Springdale Advertising & Promotion Commission (A&P) replacing Belinda Cole who resigned the position.

A.C.A. 26-75-605 and Ordinance No. 3293 provides that appointments for these positions will be made by the remaining members of the A&P Commission, subject to approval of the City Council.

Perry Webb submitted a letter to Mayor Doug Sprouse in the capacity of Director of the A&P Commission stating they had unanimously voted to recommend Henry, owner of Catering Unlimited.

The problem isn't with Henry, although he seems to have benefited nicely from the CoC's love of fine dining, but rather the continuing conflicts of interest in Springdale.

The Director of the Advertising and Promotion Commission is in fact the same person as the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce (CoC). Why in the world would we need both since the A&P gives taxpayer money to the CoC on an annual basis and the CoC decides who gets what's left of A&P money? Confused yet? If you want to request funding from the A&P, you have to contact the CoC.

This is a similar conflict of interest as our Mayor sitting on the chamber's board of directors while he is directly involved in giving them taxpayer's money.

We have a handful of people with handfuls of taxpayer money, but it all seems to get shuffled to the same pot?

Local Principal Arrested for DWI

2010-04-05T08:21:00.001-05:00

61 year-old Springdale resident and Huntsville High School Principal, Michael Gray was arrested Saturday, April 3, for suspected DWI. Gray was apparently driving up Dickson Street around midnight without turning on his headlights.

According to KNWA, Gray failed three sobriety checks and blew .12 on the breathalyzer test.

Donations Needed for Meals on Wheels Program

2010-04-02T11:25:00.009-05:00

KNWA is reporting that our senior citizens are being placed on a waiting list to receive hot meals from the Meals on Wheels program.

Only about 49% of the cost of each meal is paid by government sources. The remaining 51% must be raised locally.

This is a very worthwhile program so please try and donate $5 to the center if you can so they can start accepting new seniors again.

The Senior Center is located at 203 Park Street in Springdale.

Does Springdale Need a Facelift?

2010-04-02T10:17:00.001-05:00

Gars are a relic from a large group of primitive fishes. They are long, slender with toothy mouths and hard, diamond-shaped scales.

Gars are most common in a warm, sluggish economy and feed primarily on other fish.

Gars are generally considered a nuisance and their eggs (roe) and gonads are extremely toxic if eaten.

Top Shelf at Fisherman's Wharf

2010-04-02T08:51:00.025-05:00

In September 2009, the apparently recession-immune Springdale Chamber of Commerce treated a select few to dinner and drinks in San Francisco.

The evening began at the Top of the Mark Intercontinental Hotel. This bar is famous for its amazing views of the city below. The total bill for nine cocktails was a lofty $156.07.

The following day the group headed over to Fisherman's Wharf for a fabulous seafood meal and of course more cocktails. The final tab for this development of Springdale's economy? A mere $791.54.

Oh, and just in case someone tries to say this was for the Regional Government Affairs Conference the US Chamber of Commerce sponsored...that was in November.

Lobbying Top Spenders 1998-2009

2010-03-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

Lobbying Top Spenders (1998-2009)

US Chamber of Commerce $606,758,180
American Medical Assn $220,832,500
General Electric $196,410,000
AARP $175,702,064
American Hospital Assn $174,890,431

Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America $173,403,920
AT&T Inc $150,471,757
Northrop Grumman $143,005,253
Exxon Mobil $138,886,942
National Assn of Realtors $138,417,380
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $136,317,077
Business Roundtable $134,030,000
Edison Electric Institute $133,995,999
Verizon Communications $132,534,841
Lockheed Martin $122,340,423
Boeing Co $121,528,310
General Motors $106,914,483
Southern Co $104,620,694
Freddie Mac $96,194,048
Altria Group $93,650,000

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
source: www.opensecrets.org

Lobbying Top 10 Spenders 2009

2010-03-30T14:22:00.004-05:00

Top Spenders 2009 Lobbying Client Total.

Notice the large difference between first and second place.

US Chamber of Commerce $144,496,000
Exxon Mobil Corporation $27,430,000
Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America $26,150,520
General Electric $25,520,000
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $22,715,439
Pfizer Inc $21,930,000
AARP $21,010,000
American Medical Association $20,830,000
Chevron Corp $20,815,000
National Association of Realtors $19,477,000
American Beverage Association $18,850,000
American Hospital Association $18,347,176
ConocoPhillips $18,069,858
Verizon Communications $17,820,000
The Boeing Company $16,850,000
FedEx Corp $16,370,000
BP $15,990,000
National Cable & Telecommunications Assn $15,980,000
Northrop Grumman $15,180,000
AT&T Inc $14,729,673

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
source: http://www.opensecrets.org/

Slick Advertising

2010-03-30T08:36:00.009-05:00

According to Wikipedia: the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) is the world's largest not-for-profit lobbying group, representing many businesses and associations across the US.

The Chamber is staffed with policy specialists, lobbyists and lawyers and is known for spending more money than any other lobbying organization on a yearly basis.
Max Brantley shares a press release from Arkansas members of Americans for Financial Reform urging Congress to pass strong legislation to overhaul the financial system. The statement also urges Arkansans to be skeptical of the slick television ads sponsored by the USCC. The ads were part of a $3 million campaign by the Chamber to oppose a Consumer Financial Protection Board.

Small business owners from the Main Street Alliance network responded with their support for a strong, independent consumer agency and question the backing for the Chamber’s new ads.

Los Angeles Times article by Tom Hamburger reports how a swelling tide of money could put the Chamber in an even better position to sway elections.

3rd Congressional District Forum

2010-03-29T09:51:00.044-05:00

Citizens for a Future Springdale held a forum for republican candidates of Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District last week at the Pontiac Coffee House.

All eight republican candidates attended the event, but little was learned to separate one from the other.

Steve Womack, Rogers Mayor

Bernard Skoch, retired Air Force

Steve Lowry, former DEA special agent

Mike Moore, Boone County Judge

Kurt Maddox, Gravette businessman

Cecile Bledsoe, State Senator

Gunner DeLay, former legislator

Doug Matayo, former legislator

See all of the recent tweets from Arkansas' third congressional district candidates at one place plus links to the latest news on the race here.

Double Solitaire

2010-03-26T10:12:00.039-05:00

Snopes.com/photos/politics/solitaire.asp confirms the authenticity of this photograph making the rounds on the Internet.

House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, pictured standing, far right, speaking while colleagues Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford and Rep. Jack F. Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, play solitaire.

The guy sitting in the row in front of these two is on Facebook, and the guy behind Hennessy is checking out baseball scores.

Photograph by Jessica Hill

City Council Meeting

2010-03-25T08:21:00.005-05:00

Residents interested in suggested changes to Springdale's animal ordinance attended the City Council meeting on Tuesday to voice their opinions. One resident said the cost of identifying chips for pets would be too burdensome at $55-$65.

A spokesman for the animal shelter said there would be a one time cost of $20 which would save pet owners money compared to the current $5 per year cost of registering pets in the city.

Every lost pet that can be quickly reunited with its owner is potentially saving another animal from euthanasia by opening up that space in the shelter.

In other news, the city council approved the conditional use permit allowing Ozark Electric Cooperative to erect a communications tower on property located downtown on Emma Avenue.

NWA Online article here.

March 31, 2009 - How We See It Article here.

Northwest Arkansas Animal Rescue offers microchipping for $20.

For Pet's Sake

Humane Society of the Ozarks

Fayetteville Animal Shelter

Year of the Patch

2010-03-23T13:04:00.008-05:00

KFSM reported yesterday the City of Springdale is referring to road conditions as "the year of the patch," due to damage caused by worse than average winter weather.

The short article goes on to say that the three worst spots are Huntsville Avenue at Elmdale Shopping Center, Randal Wobbe near the railroad tracks and Lakeview Drive by the Springdale Country Club.

Would you come up with the same three?

A&P

2010-03-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Springdale Morning News reported Wednesday that the city's Advertising & Promotion Commission is considering hefty budget cuts to cover falling tax revenue.

The article quotes Chamber of Commerce President Perry Webb as the group's spokesperson. Apparently the chamber provides the A&P staft [sic]. What a convenient way to keep the chamber's paws in the pot.

If the A&P would break their old habit of annually tossing $60,000 at the Chamber of Commerce for their lavish luxuries the problem would be solved.

See how easy that was?

The best news came in a short sentence at the end of the article:

"The commission also approved moving its meetings to the council chambers, in the city administration building. The meetings can be recorded and televised at the council chambers."

This is GREAT news. I for one can't wait to watch these meetings in the future. Stay tuned to Jones Television Network for programming.

The A&P is regularly scheduled to meet the second Wednesday of each month.

Suspicious Activity Report

2010-03-18T10:17:00.012-05:00

Just moments ago (10:00 AM on Thursday, March 18, 2010) motorists passing Price Cutter at 1109 N. Thompson Street in Springdale reportedly spotted Jim Phillips (Springdale Liquor Association Cartel) and Arkansas State Representative Jon Woods in the parking lot, cars facing each other in what appeared to be a suspicious exchange.

Exactly what the two were exchanging in such an inconspicuous manner is unclear at this time.

Google Fiber for Communities

2010-03-17T08:47:00.020-05:00

Google Fiber for Communities is an experimental initiative that would offer open access direct-to-home fiber-optic connections for selected test communities. Towns across America are pulling out all the stops to get Google's attention.

Google hopes the experiment will make Internet access better and faster for everyone. They plan to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations that have a population of at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

From now until March 26, interested municipalities can provide information about their communities through a Request for Information (RFI), which Google will use to determine where to build their network.

I haven't heard a peep if the City of Springdale or the Chamber of Commerce has made any attempt to at least put our name in the hat to bring Google Fiber to Northwest Arkansas.

Maybe we can petition the city for economic development funds if we take it upon ourselves to nominate Springdale here.

Who Screwed Up The Census?

2010-03-11T08:34:00.016-06:00

The 2010 United States Census is underway, but not without a few glitches. Census letters have been sent to residents of Springdale with the incorrect city printed on them.

This could mean a huge loss of dollars for the city if the records end up going to other towns such as Fayetteville.

40/29 reported that the Census Bureau has received numerous reports of incorrect addresses and is advising residents to cross out the incorrect information and write in manually the correct address.

SLA Cartel Strikes Again

2010-03-10T13:32:00.035-06:00

We thought this was old news.

We thought Macadoodles was on the home stretch to opening their doors.

We were wrong.

There was no mention of the latest antics of the Springdale Liquor Association in the local newspaper today, but television station 40/29 reported a new battle is brewing just days before the store is set to open.

Springdale should be welcoming any new business with open arms rather than allowing the greed of one person to embark on a campaign that is nothing short of harassment. Does the SLA have new evidence that makes them think appealing an already lost appeal is necessary?

Is State Senator Sue Madison behind this latest stunt to delay a legitimate business from opening their doors? Last year Madison was quoted, "they have lured people across the state line to purchase alcohol. They should not get a license until they have repaid Arkansas all the tax dollars we've lost." Are you going to repay Macadoodles for any revenue they lose fighting this nonsense? Are you going to pay Springdale all the sales tax they lose because everyone is now driving to Sam's in Fayetteville? Maybe you can call it even.

Macadoodles was voted Best Liquor Store in Northwest Arkansas so the SLA needs to be worried and coupled with the latest antics they are running off even once loyal patrons in droves. People don't want to do business with a company that does things like this.

This Family Tradition Since Prohibition needs to get over it.

The Fayetteville Flyer is blogging the same story here.

Take the Survey

2010-03-05T08:54:00.021-06:00

The Northwest Arkansas Strategic Economic Development Committee is conducting a survey of the area.

We can only hope that we will get to see the actual results this time. Not like the one conducted by now bankrupt Jeff Collins that was kept hidden from everyone as if there was no reason for us to find out what our own opinions are.

The Northwest Council uses the steady stream of luxury cars and SUVs on the roads as evidence the NWA economy is strong as an ox (or a bull). They also tout statistics such as Northwest Arkansas grew by 47 percent between 1990 and 2000, making it the fastest growing region in the state and the sixth fastest in the nation.

This is all well and good, but I would prefer to see more recent data. Maybe if we all take the survey we can get some data from at least the last decade.

Results of this survey are to be published sometime in April 2010 and posted at http://www.greaternorthwestarkansas.com/.

Historic Downtown Tower

2010-03-04T09:45:00.008-06:00

The Springdale Planning Commission voted unanimously (9-0) to approve conditional use of the property located at 406 E. Emma Avenue to allow Ozark Electric Cooperative to erect a 66 foot communication tower.

The tower is not necessary for emergency communications but is planned to serve as a backup or duplicate of an existing dispatch center.

It's now in the hands of the city council who will vote on Tuesday, March 23.

Is this what residents and business owners have been working so hard on to revitalize downtown Springdale?

Springdale Tomorrow Today

2010-03-03T09:00:00.002-06:00

In 2004, the Springdale Tomorrow fundraising campaign development budget of $2.2 million was to be implemented over the course of four years for the following:

INITIATIVE I: Elevate Springdale's Retail & Entertainment Profile. BUDGET: $970,000.

INITIATIVE II: Create Technology Jobs in Springdale. BUDGET: $320,000

INITIATIVE III: Pro-Business Governmental Advocacy. BUDGET: $110,000

INITIATIVE IV: Implement Business Diversity Education Program. BUDGET: $154,000

INITIATIVE V: Development for Historic Downtown. BUDGET: $646,000

Springdale Tomorrow Case For Investment

Springdale Tomorrow Prospectus - Pt 1

Springdale Tomorrow Prospectus - Pt 2

It appears this fund was kept separate from other bank accounts and because the money originated from citizen donations, we are not allowed access to it via any freedom of information requests.

However, we have located numerous transfers (see below) totaling over $650,000 (the entire amount allocated for historic downtown Springdale development) that was put directly into the Chamber of Commerce operating account that ultimately ended up co-mingled with funds used to pay for lunch, dinner, trips and clothing for the privileged few.

06/20/06 $16,155.00
07/25/06 $14,756.00
08/28/06 $28,186.60
11/30/06 $10,008.00
12/26/06 $15,091.00
02/07/07 $17,158.00
07/09/07 $57,221.00
08/09/07 $40,707.00
09/07/07 $59,025.00
10/29/07 $57,221.00
11/27/07 $40,457.00
12/20/07 $42,021.00
01/24/08 $32,969.00
01/24/08 $12,000.00
02/29/08 $31,054.00
03/25/08 $34,567.00
04/23/08 $29,669.00
05/23/08 $10,163.00
07/03/08 $2,837.95
07/03/08 $21,075.05
09/03/08 $21,322.00
01/16/09 $60,000.00

Mega Rip Off

2010-03-02T10:24:00.002-06:00

On February 16, 2009 an $1,848.00 charge was made on the Chamber of Commerce's American Express credit card to a company listed as Mega Wholesale - Brooklyn for "office equipment."

I was curious to see what kind of mega buying was going on this time and located various reports where this company has been repeatedly accused of operating a scam - or two.

The phone number listed on the statement is 800-577-6791 which I was easily able to link to an 'F' rating with the NY Better Business Bureau. Apparently this outfit has several different names and locations. This was either taxpayer's or dues paying member's money they were being so careless with.

White Lie or Webb Lie?

2010-02-26T16:21:00.001-06:00

In the October 20, 2009 Springdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Minutes, President/CEO Perry Webb reported after reviewing the July, August and September financial statements he had to transfer $50,000 from the Chamber's reserve account to the operating account.

Webb goes on to say that this is the first time in fifteen years this had been necessary.

That being the case, I wonder what this $100,000 transfer from the reserve account to the operating account made much less than fifteen years ago (June 2008) was for.

Legal Expense

2010-02-24T16:00:00.002-06:00

The Springdale Chamber of Commerce reported on their IRS Form 990 that they spent ZERO dollars for legal expenses in calendar year 2008. If that is the case, what or who was the $7,306.25 in payments to Little Rock Law Firm Friday, Eldredge & Clark for?

October 24, 2008 $5,850.00

December 22, 2008 $1,456.25

US Chamber

2010-02-23T15:57:00.005-06:00

A few days ago we talked about Mayor Sprouse being featured in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce magazine, Free Enterprise.

With all the negative publicity the U.S. Chamber has received lately, I'm not sure this is an organization the Mayor should be proud to be associated with.

Then again, apparently he is proud to be a member of Springdale's Chamber Board of Directors who openly support the US Chamber on their facebook page and in their newsletter The Business Intelligence Report.

By the way, between 2006 and 2008 the Springdale Chamber handed over to the U.S. Chamber a whopping $23,581.00. This does not include the $17,883.33 paid to "Your Chamber Connection" which may or may not be connected.

SLATE: Chamber of Horrors

Climate Progress: US Chamber of Commerce

Velvet Revolution: Stop the Chamber

Apple Resigns from Chamber

The New Yorker

The Wonk Room

Friends of the US Chamber

Work in Progress

Lindsey Files Chapter 7

2010-02-23T08:00:00.006-06:00

Everyone seems to be talking about John David Lindsey's recently filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition.

The multi-million dollar filing included three Springdale banks, the Chamber of Commerce and many other businesses and individuals.

The Iconoclast

Rogers Arkansas Blog

The following are listed as creditors from Springdale:

B&M Lawncare
Bolt & Screw Supply
Bub's, Inc.
Bumper to Bumper
Cintas
Digital Printing Solutions
E&E Parts & Equipment
Farris Insurance
First Federal Bank
Fuel & Supplies, Inc.
G&C Family, LLC
Grainger
Heritage Hills, POA
Kiewit Southern
Layman's General Hardware
Liberty Bank
Marks Supply
Meeks
MHC
Moore's Retread & Tire
National Home Center
Neil Johnson
Northwest Tire Service
Offset Press Ink
Ozark Laser Systems
PBS
Peaks Homes 2
Precision Service & Sales
Ruby Lawson
Springdale Chamber of Commerce
Springdale Water Utilities
The Peaks at Pinnacle Hills
Today's Office
Tuscaney LLC
United Bank
Word's Electric

The Truth Hurts

2010-02-22T08:32:00.004-06:00

Just a few weeks ago, the Springdale Chamber of Commerce reported to the city council that unemployment is down, new business is up and everything looks rosy for the future (especially the ballpark district).

Then I read the Arkansas Watch blog. Moderator Mike Moore steers us to a nationwide interactive map of unemployment from January 2007 to December 2009. Click play and witness the frightning unemployment statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economic Report - January 2010

2010-02-19T09:00:00.009-06:00

The Springdale Chamber of Commerce is required to submit to the city council, documentation of where taxpayer money given to the chamber by the city is spent.

Perry Webb was quoted in December, "the reports will include invoices to show the money spent from public funds."

Well, the January 2010 economic report doesn't exactly say anything like that. The report consists of vague notations like a meeting here, a visit there, and maybe a discussion. The chamber doesn't name names and I didn't see any invoices.

Basically jobs are up, unemployment down, and the chamber is consulting about the ballpark region.

What question about money?

Chamber Board

2010-02-17T14:30:00.000-06:00

Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse is featured in the February issue of the U.S. Chamber's magazine, Free Enterprise. The article entitled, "Dreamers and Doers -Running a City Like His Business" brings national focus upon our mayor, the city of Springdale and Springdale's business community according to Perry Webb.

Mayor Sprouse being on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce is a serious conflict of interest since the mayor is directly involved in the decision to hand over taxpayer's money to the chamber.

The business of politics and the politics of business should be separate. Maybe this explains the slogan: Leading Business Leading Springdale. Can you do both at the same time? Should you?

Chamber of Commerce IRS 990 Filings

2010-02-15T10:30:00.006-06:00

2004

2005

2006

2007

Trash Talking

2010-02-11T11:49:00.008-06:00

Was Mayor Sprouse bought off to rush the city council to pass the extension of the current contract with Waste Management another five years?

The Morning News quoted Sprouse as saying "if we wait and go to bid...we may lose our bulky waste program." Was that a threat?

Alderman Mike Overton and a few residents were on hand and requested the contract be put up for bid.

Sprouse is quoted as saying, "I think this is the best deal we can get for Springdale." How can he think such a thing if he didn't give anyone the opportunity to bid?

Maybe they will have a celebration party in the baseball suite.

Superintendent Looks at Property Tax Increase

2010-02-10T08:58:00.008-06:00

We have a new blogger on the block, Wazup NWA who reported today that Springdale School Superintendent Jim Rollins is putting together a committee of 50 residents to determine whether or not to seek a property tax increase via special election in September to build a new middle school and junior high.

The Morning News article link here.

This reminded me that Rollins was also in the news recently when his contract was renewed through the end of 2012.

Rollins receives $206,698 plus $30,000 every three years, plus a paid vehicle (including all fuel, insurance and maintenance). Board President, Danny Dotson reported Rollins will be receiving a new ride this year to replace the Tahoe that has too many miles on it.

With that being said, a tax increase wouldn't hurt Rollins' pocketbook too bad.

I hope the committee doesn't fall for this special election nonsense. Special elections are nothing more than a way for the politicians to get their special interest groups to pass their pet projects.

Does buying a baseball stadium ring a bell to anyone?

Same Rules Apply

2010-02-09T15:07:00.009-06:00

As I was driving up Huntsville Avenue yesterday, I pulled up beside a Springdale police car. I did a double take because the car had no license plate. I was too scared to hang my head out the window (plus it would have messed up my hair) to try and take a picture of it with my phone.

I wonder how long I could drive around town without a license plate before Number 0315 noticed me?

IRS Form 990 - Year 2008

2010-02-05T14:09:00.016-06:00

We recently obtained a copy of the most current IRS Form 990 filing for the Chamber of Commerce of Springdale, Arkansas for the year 2008.

The return was signed by Perry Webb on October 13, 2009 after requesting an extension back in July.

It is certainly disheartening filers are not required to separate their actual income from the perks. I'm not a CPA or tax guru, but as an Average Joe I found a few interesting tidbits.

For example, Page 4, 28b asks: During the tax year, did any person who is a current or former officer, director or trustee, or key employee have a family member who had a direct or indirect business relationship with the organization. They answered no. The form lists Webb as an officer and we already know not only was his daughter a paid employee, but she and her husband were also being paid for landscaping. Is that not a business relationship?

Page 10 lists total travel expenses for the year as $14,631. [cough]

Page 10 also lists $0 spent for conferences, conventions and meetings. If it wasn't travel and it wasn't a meeting, conference or convention what exactly was Webb's purpose in Florida and Colorado in 2008?

Maybe his trips were included in the $563,969.00 listed as "activities" or the $282,647 for "other".

The Taxable Fringe Benefits Guide

2010-02-04T15:59:00.017-06:00

January 2010 Taxable Fringe Benefits Guide.

Just a friendly reminder to report those fringe benefits to the IRS!

Definition of Employee: All of the following are considered employees for purposes of working condition fringe benefits:

Reg. §1.132-1(b)

Current employees
Partners
Board of directors of the employer
Independent contractors
Volunteers

No Bids Allowed for Waste Contract

2010-02-01T15:59:00.019-06:00

The City of Springdale has had the same basic waste removal contract since former Mayor Charles McKinney signed with Sun Ray Services on December 12, 1995.

An eight page addendum was approved in March 2007 by Mayor Jerre Van Hoose making the city responsible for billing and collection of residential payments.

Another two page amendment is currently to be added renewing Waste Management's contract for another five years.

At a recent city council meeting, citizen Tom Smith encouraged the city to take bids for the city's trash contract. Additionally, Randy Pounders, GM for Roll-Off Services requested the opportunity to bid on the service.

The minutes do not say exactly what the council's response was, but apparently it was no.

Ski Colorado

2010-01-22T13:19:00.002-06:00

When things get too hot in The Land of Sunshine Mr. and Mrs. Webb like to cool off in Colorado.

Who wouldn't enjoy...

Breakfast at Paradise Bakery Cafe in Denver; lunch at Bob's Place in Avon; dinner at Gore Range Brewery in Edwards; A trail ride or rafting trip from Triple G Outfitters in Wolcott. Of course the $422.03 rental car was covered too.

The Webb's also enjoyed the ski train package back in March of 2006 too. Coincidentally or not, the American Express statement for this period is missing so we don't know what wonderful restaurants they visited on that trip.

The Iconoclast: Behind the Cowbird Curtain