Committee learns of wants

GENTRY — Members of the Gentry City Council who serve on the Economic Development Committee heard on July 24 a summation of surveys recently solicited from city residents to give direction to the council and chamber of commerce as they seek to improve city services and build up and attract businesses.

Overall, the surveys revealed that the council and chamber are on track in their direction, already working to correct areas of citizen concern and already seeking to makeimprovements in areas survey takers saw needing improvement.

Though a common thread in the surveys was that Gentry’s biggest asset is its rural, small-town atmosphere, survey takers also said they hoped to see the city gain new businesses, add more jobs and build an aquatic park.

Among other surveytaker desires were cleaning up the city and dealing with unsightly properties, revitalizing neighborhoods within the city, improving schools, sidewalks and streets, and adding railroad crossings for pedestrians.

“The survey tells uswe’re on track with what people want,” said council member and chamber president Janie Parks. “We’re working on the things people suggested.”

About 50 forms were returned when the Chamber conducted its survey earlier in the year.

Also discussed was the possibility of participating in the rental of a billboard sign at the intersection of U.S. 412 and Arkansas 59 Highways promoting Gentry and Gentry businesses.

Gentry Chamber of Commerce director Bev Saunders expressed interest in participating in the sign rental but concernover the tight budget of the Chamber.

“My biggest concern is whose name is on the line and responsible for the bill,” Saunders said. “The (Gentry) Chamber can’t afford to be holding the bag.”

The option of increasing funding to the Chamber in future city budgets was mentioned by Mayor Kevin Johnston as a way to help the Chamber promote the city of Gentry and Gentry businesses.

Also discussed was budgeting money for matching grants so that the city has the means to apply for matching grants which often require application forms be submitted on short notice.