Rogers' next capital program, regional trail work and industrial skills

Rogers' next capital program has cleared the ballot box in Benton County's unofficial results, with streets, public buildings and recreation among the approved purposes. Siloam Springs voters also backed wastewater improvements. Those funding decisions give local firms projects to follow as design and procurement move forward.

For work closer at hand, this issue includes a regional trail bid and two approaching local qualifications deadlines. There are also concrete-restoration and millwright jobs, training after Thanksgiving and three business dates. At home, a ten-minute test can uncover a silent toilet leak before holiday guests arrive.

All six Rogers bond questions passed in Benton County's unofficial November 3 results. Together, the measures authorize up to $457.25 million in bonds, including $339.25 million for projects and $118 million to refinance existing debt. That distinction matters: the full headline total is not a new-construction budget. County election results.

The project authorizations break down as follows:

The ballot provides for a 1% sales and use tax replacing the existing bond tax, rather than adding those percentages together for each approved purpose. Official ballot language.

The city's fire-project outline includes an indoor training facility, expansion of Station 2 from three apparatus bays to five, and renovation of Station 1 for administration and vehicle maintenance. Police plans include a support building, station renovation and covered parking. These scopes give civil, building, electrical, mechanical and specialty firms specific projects to track. Fire projects and police projects.

The vote is a funding milestone. It does not itself award construction contracts or open subcontract packages. Follow the city's bid board for individual solicitations as the program develops.

Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m. local time: Green Forest in Carroll County is accepting sealed proposals for an asphalt trail, rest areas, surfacing, earthwork, drainage and related work. The notice sets 60 working days for completion.

Deliver proposals to 203 S. Springfield Avenue, Green Forest, AR 72638, addressed as the notice directs. Electronic plans and specifications are free from the engineer at [email protected] or 501-504-2455, extension 102; paper documents cost $50.

Bids require at least 5% bid security. The successful contractor must provide performance and payment bonds, each for the contract amount. The notice applies Arkansas contractor-licensing requirements to prime contractors and subcontractors, with evidence required before contract signing, and includes Buy America provisions. Official notice hosted by ARDOT.

Monday, November 16, 4:30 p.m.: Rogers Water Utilities' Field Operations Facility. The utility seeks a general contractor/construction manager for preconstruction and construction of its planned Oak Street City Campus facility. Submit one PDF by email or USB under the RFQ instructions. This is the manager selection featured in our October 30 issue. Current notice and response documents.

Wednesday, November 18, 10 a.m. Central: NWACC's surgical-technology remodel. RFQ-27-003 selects a general contractor for a simulation lab and adjacent classroom changes in Bentonville. Do not include pricing; the RFQ says it disqualifies a response. Sealed responses go to Purchasing, Attn Karen Walls, Burns Hall Room 1128.7, One College Drive, Bentonville. No fax or email submissions. RFQ, drawings and bid updates.

Benton County's unofficial results show 61.46% support for Siloam Springs' wastewater bond-and-tax question. The ballot authorizes up to $55 million for wastewater treatment and sewer-collection improvements, supported by a 0.625% sales and use tax replacing the city's existing water-improvement bond tax.

This is a financing decision for wastewater infrastructure. Specific design assignments and construction procurements remain separate steps. Election results, page 18 and ballot terms, page 5.

The City of Lowell and ULI Northwest Arkansas are seeking a multidisciplinary team for a Downtown Master Plan, with a listed closing date of November 20. The request covers planning, urban design, economic development, engineering and landscape architecture.

The work includes a development framework, mobility, public space and green infrastructure, plus an implementation plan. It is a professional-services selection that will guide future investment and development. The city-issued listing describes the scope and gives PDF submission instructions. Lowell's request on CNU.

Springdale Water Utilities: Utility Restoration & Relief Operator. This job restores sidewalks, driveways, curbs and other property after water and sewer repairs. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of hands-on concrete experience, including forming, pouring and finishing. The position includes scheduled on-call duty. Employees must obtain the applicable Arkansas commercial driver's license. A Class II Water Distribution Operator's License is required within three years. Read the role and apply through the utility.

Multi-Craft Contractors: Journeyman Millwright, Springdale. The work includes dismantling and installing machinery, aligning equipment and reading blueprints and repair drawings. MCC requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Listed benefits include employee medical, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) match and education assistance. Employer posting.

Northwest Technical Institute's short-term training application lists Intro to Ammonia Refrigeration, November 30-December 1, at $650, and CNC Mill Operator, December 1-2, at $750. The form includes assessment and enrollment instructions. These dates give workers and employers a chance to plan training after Thanksgiving. Course selections, fees and enrollment form.

Tuesday, November 17, noon-1 p.m. CST: ORIC kickoff, online. Startup Junkie's free Zoom session introduces the Ozarks Regional Innovation Cluster, supporting small businesses building or adopting technology in transportation, logistics and industrial infrastructure. The program explains its services and how to join. Webinar registration.

Thursday, November 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Vinyl Signage for Markets. Grace Underfanger of Crimson Fox Design Co. teaches business owners to make vinyl signage at Fayetteville Public Library's J.B. & Johnelle Hunt Center for Innovation, first floor. Registration is required. Program and registration.

Thursday, November 19, 5-6:30 p.m.: Rogers-Lowell Business After Hours. The gathering meets at Ashleigh Lounge, 5500 W. Northgate Road, Suite 100, Rogers. The organizer welcomes the local business community and lists non-alcoholic beverages, a cash bar and a quick bite. Official event details.

A toilet can lose water from its tank to the bowl without making much noise. Before holiday guests arrive, give a tank-style toilet a simple dye test.

Carefully lift off the tank lid and set it somewhere secure. Put a couple of drops of food coloring or a toilet leak-detection dye tablet into the tank water. Wait 10 minutes without flushing, then look in the bowl. Color appearing there means water is leaking from the tank into the bowl.

Flush immediately after the test to help prevent staining. A worn flapper may be responsible, but other tank parts can also cause trouble. Match any replacement to the toilet model and its instructions, or have a plumber diagnose the problem.

For rental properties, record which bathroom you tested and arrange the repair. EPA's toilet-maintenance guide.

Have an opening on your crew, a project milestone or a class worth sharing? Reply with the details. We want to hear from the people doing the work across Northwest Arkansas.

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Levi Pittenger
Publisher, The NWA Trade Guide

Publisher affiliations: Comfort Control and Ambassador Home Maintenance.