Little Rock City Director aiming to change vehicle policy after waste yard controversy

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Wednesday, mayor Frank Scott Jr. ordered mandatory overtime to the Public Works and Fleet Department to pick up yard waste around the Capital City.

A shortage of working trucks led to the delays, but new ones have been ordered. Kathy Webb was one of many to agree that the problem could’ve been avoided and now a change is being made by city director Virgil Miller.

“I believe going forward that we have to have some type of fleet maintenance replacement program, we don’t need to get in this situation again several years down the road,” Miller said.

He’s now aiming to change the city’s policy on truck replacements to avoid another setback, and he’s transparent in his response to people’s anguish concerning the city’s response to waste.

“When people share with you their concerns, when they’re candid about it, when they’re passionate about it I don’t take that as anything hostile I just think that’s people being passionate,” Miller said.

He prides himself on honoring the opinions and feedback from others. Kathy Wells, the president of Little Rock Neighborhoods Coalition said she’s pleased with Miller’s response.

“I appreciate that he recognized the same short falls that we do,” Webb said.

And now they say it’s time to move forward, Wells confident in the policy change.

“Learning to appreciate all the elements that the directors must weigh in repairing for a decent vehicle rotation and replacement program and that is only good government, and we appreciate good government,” Wells stated.

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