At yesterday's agenda meeting, the Hot Springs Board of Directors agreed to place Areas C and D, but not Area E, on the agenda for the board’s next regular meeting on December 20.
During the meeting, District Six Director Randy Fale read a prepared statement regarding proposed Annexation Area E before suggesting that the area not be included in the agenda for the board’s next meeting.
In his statement, Fale thanked many Area E residents for calling him personally to express their opinions, both for and against. He also stated that the opportunity to hear comments on all three proposed areas for annexation, without responding to questions or participating in discussion, allowed him to make his decision based on public input.
“At last week’s public hearing there was frustration, anger, passion, and frank comments,” Fale stated. “...Thank you for your civility, your passion and humility in expressing yourself in that hearing. I was touched by your heritage and lifestyle – one of you expressed the difference between living in Garland County versus living in the ‘country.’ I was very much in favor of the annexation to address the city’s need to grow in a well planned way, but I am unwilling to impose a lifestyle change on an area that is ‘country’ after hearing your comments. For that reason, I support removing the proposed annexation of Area E from the upcoming agenda.”
Additional information on proposed Annexation Areas C and D can be found under the Proposed Enclave Annexation tab on the city’s home page at www.cityhs.net .