HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-02 - Minutes -Co uncil Member Rob ert 8. Stafford
Ward I Position I
Co uncil Member D ' And re Jones
Ward I Position 2
Co uncil Member Sarah Moore
Ward 2 Position I
Co uncil Member Mike Wiederkehr
Ward 2 Position 2
Mayo r Lione ld Jo rd an
City Attorney Kit Williams
C ity Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton
City of Fayetteville Arkansas
City Council Meeting
July 2, 2024
City Council Meetin g Minute s
July 2, 2024
Page I of 14
Counc il Member Scott Berna
Ward 3 Position I
Co uncil M ember Sarah Bunch
Ward 3 Position 2
Co un ci l Member Teresa Turk
Ward 4 Position 1
Counc il Member Holly Hertzbe rg
Ward 4 Position 2
A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council was held on July 2, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 219
of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville,
Arkansas.
Mayor Jordan called the meeting to order.
PRESENT: Council Members Robert B. Stafford, D' Andre Jones, Sarah Moore, Mike
Wiederkehr, Scott Berna, Sarah Bunch, Teresa Turk, Holly Hertzberg, Mayor Lioneld
Jordan, City Attorney Kit Williams, City Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton, Chief of Staff Susan
Norton, Chief Financial Officer Paul Becker, Staff, Press and Audience.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor's Announcements, Proclamations and Recognitions: None
City Council Meeting Presentations, Reports, and Discussion Items:
Monthly Financial Report -Chief Financial Officer (Due to technical difficulties , the Monthly
Financial Report was given after the Consent Agenda was read and voted on.)
Paul Becker, Chief Financial Officer explained the report covered the month of May. As he gave
the report , he explained the General Fund Sales Tax was down 4.6 %, Franchise Fees were down
8%, Alcohol Beverage Tax down 9%, Building Permits up 4.5%, and charges for services were
down. Paul stated that the General Fund was down about 3.5% as of the end of May. He went on
to explain that the Street Fund was down , Parking Re ve nues were down 5%, billings for
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 2 of 14
water/sewer up 2%, billings for recycling and trash collection 2% under budget, and airport
revenue was down 10 .6%.
Agenda Additions: None
Consent:
Approval of the June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
APPROVED
Continuum of Care Program (Renewal Grants): A resolution to approve the renewal of four
Continuum of Care Program Grant Agreements with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in the total amount of $334,694.00 for the city to administer programs to assist
homeless Fayetteville residents .
Resolution 170-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Stantec Consulting Services (Contract Amendment): A resolution to approve an amendment to
the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount of
$34 ,988.75 for a multiple property documentation form and national register of historic places
submission for the University Heights and Haskell Heights neighborhoods.
Resolution 171-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Eco-Counter, Inc. (Purchase Agreement): A resolution to waive competitive bidding and
authorize the purchase of an Eco-Display Classic from Eco-Counter, Inc. in the total amount of
$41 ,644.64 for the Razorback Greenway section adjacent to the upper Ramble Civic Plaza, and to
approve a budget adjustment -2019 Trail Improvement Bond Project.
Resolution 172-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Spatco Energy Solutions, LLC (Change Order #1): A resolution to approve Change Order No.
1 to the contract with Spatco Energy Solutions , LLC. in the amount of $37 ,297 .30 for the Fuel
Farm Rehabilitation Project at Drake Field and to approve a budget adjustment.
Resolution 173-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
U.S. Geological Survey (Joint Funding Agreement): A resolution to approve a Joint Funding
Agreement with the U .S. Geological Survey for stream gauge operation and maintenance and
water quality sampling and monitoring at various locations in the City of Fayetteville in 2024 with
the amount paid by the city not to exceed $57 ,580.00.
Resolution 174-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 3 of 14
American Soccer Company, Inc. (Purchase Agreement): A resolution to award RFP 24-07 and
authorize a contract for the purchase of youth soccer uniforms from American Soccer Company ,
Inc . D/B/ A Score Sports in the amount of $16.10 plus applicable taxes per uniform for the Fall
2024 and Spring 2025 Seasons with an option to renew for up to four additional one-year terms.
Resolution 175-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Black Hills Energy, Inc. (Easement Approval): A resolution to convey a 25-foot-wide natural
gas easement to Black Hills Energy for the extension of a gas line through Combs Park.
Resolution 176-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Rush Truck Centers (Purchase Agreement): A resolution to approve the purchase of a 2024
International CV515 from Rush Truck Centers in the amount of $110,548.16 , pursuant to a
Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Resolution 177-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Lewis Ford Sales, Inc . (Purchase Agreement): A resolution to approve the purchase of two
hybrid Ford Fl 50s from Lewis Ford Sales , Inc. in the total amount of $104 ,368 .00 , pursuant to
Ordinance 6491.
Resolution 178-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc. (Amendment No. 1): A resolution to approve Amendment No.
1 to the Engineering Services Contract with Hawkins-Weir Engineers , Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $155 ,500.00 for professional services associated with the Noland Water Resource
Recovery Facility Primary Switchgear Improvements Project.
Resolution 179-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc. (Amendment No. 2): A resolution to approve Amendment No.
2 to the engineering services contract with Hawkins-Weir Engineers , Inc. in an amount not to
exceed $226 ,140.00 for additional services associated with utility relocations along Highway 112 ,
and to approve a budget adjustment.
Resolution 180-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Potable Domestic Water Access to Ellis Estates (Resolution): A resolution to approve potable
domestic water access to Ellis Estates subdivision 's preliminary plat which was approved by the
city on August 9 , 2021 for 53 water taps.
Resolution 181-24 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 4 of 14
Council Member Berna moved to accept the Consent Agenda as read. Council Member
Bunch seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
§118.03 Suspension and Revocation of Business License (Amendment): An ordinance to
amend § 118.03 Suspension and Revocation of Business License of the Fayetteville city code to
address the revocation of business licenses for short-term rentals.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Council Member Hertzberg explained the history of the item. She went on to say that once a
business license was revoked , the owner is not able to immediately be placed back on the waiting
list. The only exception to this rule would be if a new owner took possession of the business.
There was a brief discussion where City Attorney Kit Williams and Jonathan Curth, Development
Services Director answered Council Member Turk 's question . She asked , how will the city prevent
someone whose business license was revoked , from creating a new LLC to obtain a new business
license . City Attorney Kit Williams stated that the approval to transfer to a new entity would have
to be approved by the Director of Development Services. Jonathan Curth also assured Council
Member Turk that the intent of the change in code was to provide an extra level of review when it
came to processing applications for business licenses.
Council Member Moore moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Council
Member Wiederkehr seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Jonathan Curth received a question from Council Member Bunch pertaining to the reasons why a
business would have their business license revoked. Jonathan provided several examples that
included incomplete or inaccurate paperwork or receiving too many noise complaints.
Council Member Moore moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Council Member Turk seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 6765 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www .fayetteville -ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2, 2024
Page 5 of 14
§169.03 Review and/or Permits Required; Exceptions (Amendment): An ordinance to amend
§169.03 review and/or permits required; exceptions in Chapter 169 physical alteration of land of
the Unified Development Code to require permits for the placement of more than six inches of
mulch and compost.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Council Member Hertzberg explained that several Fayetteville residents felt excessive mulch on
a property had a negative impact on the city's streets and stormwater management system. She
explained that their concerns were brought before the Ordinance Review Committee which
ultimately lead to creating the amendment. She also eased Council Member Stafford 's concerns
about the amendment negatively affecting residents.
Council Member Berna explained that this potential change in the city's code was brought
forward due to a single complaint received over an excessive amount of mulch.
Council Member Wiederkehr moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading.
Council Member Berna seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Wiederkehr moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final
reading. Council Member Berna seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 6766 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Implement User Fee Study Recommendations (Resolution of Intent): A resolution of intent to
implement the recommendations of the 2024 User Fee Study including a full cost recovery model ,
establishment of a master fee schedule, and annual adjustment.
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director provided a summary of the information he had
presented at the previous City Council agenda session of the User Fee Study Recommendations .
He cited that the foundation of the study was based on the full cost of services , revenues , and the
current subsidy which is calculated as the difference between cost of services and revenues. He
was able to demonstrate the current amount of subsidy the city is providing to the developers in
the area and proposed implementing an increase in user fees . He finalized his comments by
explaining the increase would be slowly implemented over the course of three years. He explained
that the fees would increase by 33% each year over a three-year period which would allow the city
to gain cost recovery at the end of the three-year period.
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479 ) 575-8323 www.fayetteville -ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 6 of 14
A brief discussion took place where Jonathan explained that the information provided in his
presentation included proposed fees only. He explained to Council Member Berna that the
proposed increased fees would only meet the city 's current expense for staffing within the
department along with other applicable expenses.
The City Council received 1 public comment regarding this resolution.
Council Member Wiederkehr and Council Member Turk expressed their support of the item.
City Attorney Kit Williams stated , "I know they 're looking at many factors and experts can
sometimes disagree over the weight of the cost of certain factors. That is why , just from a legal
perspective, I think it's good to have a little leeway at the top so that it'd be less likely that anyone
could ever challenge the fees." If, "you have 95% cost recovery , then you 've got a 5% leeway
there that they'd have to prove that we exceeded. Which would be much more difficult to prove
than when you say we 're getting 100%" cost recovery.
Council Member Wiederkehr spoke about salary and labor cost increases that have continually
happened since the 1990 's. He finalized his comments by explaining he would like to see the city
as close to cost recovery as possible at the end of year three.
A discussion took place between Jonathan Curth , Council Member Stafford and City Attorney Kit
Williams. Jonathan eased Council Member Stafford 's concerns by explaining the option of
adopting an index that the fees would be associated with. City Attorney Kit Williams explained
that the city needs to avoid the potential of overcharging by ensuring there is a cushion of 3 to 5%
between the fees and the full cost of recovery .
Mayor Lioneld Jordan asked , "Jonathan , how many building permits are we looking at this
year?"
Jonathan Curth answered , "We have issued 860 permits through the second quarter , compared
to last year , it was 625 permits."
Mayor Lioneld Jordan stated , "Now, I want to bring that to everybody 's attention because they
need some help in this department. I mean , he 's churning out how many they are having to deal
with in the course of just a few months. What I hear from developers is that it takes forever to get
stuff through the staff and that the developers don 't have as much problem with extra fees as the
amount oftime it takes to get a project going. So , every day that they have to wait , it costs them ."
Council Member Turk asked, "This is a resolution of intent, right Jonathan? So , if we pass the
resolution of intent , which sounds like we are very supportive of, you 'll have an idea about the
cushion , what percentage that might be or if there is a cushion. You ' 11 have sort of an idea of what
of index you may tie the increases to and an idea of when we might be able to see an ordinance or
a final change ?"
Jonathan Curth estimated that the final proposal would be in September of 2024.
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www .fayetteville-ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 7 of 14
Council Member Bunch moved to approve the resolution. Council Member Stafford
seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Resolution 182-24 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Vacation-2024-0004: (4861 N. Maple Grove Dr./Montgomery, 061): An ordinance to approve
VAC-24 -04 for property located at 4861 North Maple Grove Drive in Ward 3 to vacate a 312
square foot portion of general utility easement.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director explained the owner's reason for the request to
vacate 312 ft. of utility easement was to accommodate construction. He went on to explain that
staff recommended approval of the item with one condition , if any damage occurs to the facilities
in the easement, it will be at the property owner 's expense.
Bruce Montgomery, Applicant explained his main reason to request to vacate was that he planned
on adding a pool to his backyard.
Jonathan Curth answered Council Member Stafford 's question about the usage of utilities by
explaining that Black Hills Energy had provided a letter of consent to vacate a small portion of the
easement.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan asked if Council Member Berna or Bunch had been notified of any
opposition. Council Member Berna and Bunch explained they had not.
Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Council
Member Bunch seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Council Member Bunch seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 6767 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Vacation -2024-0013: (653 W. 15 th St./Washington County Partners LLC., 600): An ordinance
to approve VAC-24-13 for property located at 653 West 15 th Street in Ward 1 to vacate a 0 .09-
acre portion of sewer easement.
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 8 of 14
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director explained that the property was currently
undeveloped but had a pending review to build a 152 residential unit building. He explained that
staff recommended approval of the item with the condition that the sewer line be relocated to
accommodate the proposed building.
Jay Young, Applicant explained the new sewer has already been relocated and past initial testing .
He mentioned the plat was currently under review by city staff.
Council Member Wiederkehr moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading.
Council Member Stafford seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 7-0. Council
Member Stafford, Jones, Moore, Wiederkehr, Berna, Bunch, and Turk voted yes. Council
Member Hertzberg was absent for the vote.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Stafford moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Council Member Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 7-0. Council
Member Stafford, Jones, Moore, Wiederkehr, Berna, Bunch, and Turk voted yes. Council
Member Hertzberg was absent for the vote.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed 7-0.
Council Member Stafford, Jones, Moore, Wiederkehr, Berna, Bunch, and Turk voted yes.
Council Member Hertzberg was absent for the vote.
Ordinance 6768 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Vacation-2024-0011: (East of 1074 E. Sain St/Trails on the Creek, 174): An ordinance to
approve VAC-24-11 for property located east of 1074 East Sain Street in Ward 3 to vacate a 0.66-
acre portion of general utility easement.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director verified that consent had been received from all •
the appropriate utility companies. He explained that city staff recommended approval with the
following conditions: any damage or relocation of any existing facilities will be at the developer 's
expense as well as any relocation of water and or sewer lines would also be at the developer 's
expense. He finalized his comment by explaining these conditions must be met before the vacation
would go into effect.
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 9 of 14
Cody Sexton, Applicant/Representative for the Trails on the Creek Development with Blew &
Associates, P.A. Cody explained the current utility easements were obsolete and that the new
utility easements were already in place.
Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Council
Member Turk seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Council Member Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 6769 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Rezoning-2024-0024: (3145 E. Joyce Blvd/Fayetteville Public Schools, 177): An ordinance to
rezone the property described in rezoning petition RZN 2024-24 for approximately 27.77 acres
located at 3145 East Joyce Boulevard in Ward 3 from R-A, Residential-Agricultural to P-1,
Institutional.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director explained that Fayetteville Public Schools
purchased the property with the intent to build a new school building. He noted that the tree
preservation percentage of 25% would not change if the Council voted to approve to rezone the
property to P-1 , Institutional. He explained that both city staff and the Planning Commission
recommended approval of the item.
Mr. Jorgensen, Civil Engineering Firm Representative explained how beneficial the development
would be once completed.
Dr. John Mulford, Superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools provided additional details
regarding the proposed development. He finalized his comments by explaining the goal was to
blend urban design while maintaining the barns to be utilized by students in the future.
Jonathan Curth answered Council Member Turk's question regarding floodway areas by
explaining city staff had been working with Fayetteville Public Schools on potential designs that
would pull the building away from the floodplain .
Dr. John Mulford explained that all building options Fayetteville Public Schools has
reviewed/considered are completely out of the floodplain.
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www .fayetteville-ar.gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 10 of 14
Council Member Moore asked , "With additional cars , and then people possibly on foot , if we've
looked at the nwnber of car difference with a school facility versus what housing options would
be in that area?"
There was a brief discussion regarding traffic studies. Mr. Jorgensen explained that the traffic
study was presented to the School Board and was available to view by anyone. Mr. Jorgensen went
on to explain the criteria used to analyze the intersections.
Council Members Bunch and Berna both mentioned that they had not received any feedback
regarding this project from Ward 3 residents.
Chris Brown, Public Works Director joined the discussion and explained the Safe Streets for All
Project covers the entire existing Joyce Corridor between Hwy 265 and College Ave .
Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Council
Member Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Council Member Stafford seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Moore explained that she would not support the item . She noted that the city
seemed to have competing priorities when it came to sustainability and equity goals. She also
explained that during a previous School Board meeting , the city 's Sustainability Director
expressed concerns regarding the traffic , bus routes , and the amount of time the children would be
required to ride on the bus.
Council Member Stafford and Jones both expressed their support for the item .
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed 7-1.
Council Member Hertzberg, Stafford, Jones, Wiederkehr, Berna, Bunch and Turk voted yes.
Council Member Moore voted no.
Ordinance 6770 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Rezoning-2024-0025: (4260 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/Club Carwash, 595): An
ordinance to rezone the property described in rezoning petition RZN 2024-25 for approximately
1.44 acres located at 4260 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Ward 1 from R-A ,
Residential-Agricultural and UT , Urban Thoroughfare to UT, Urban Thoroughfare.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479 ) 575-8323 www .fayetteville-ar.gov
City Council Meetin g Minutes
July 2, 2024
Page 11 of 14
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director, described the location of the property and the
surrounding area. He explained that the property was partially designated as R-A , Residential
Agricultural and UT, Urban Thoroughfare in 2018. He went on to explain that the property was no
longer considered in the floodplain , it was considered as being in a major transportation corridor
and had an infill score of 5-7 . He stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended
approval of the item and noted that if approved the tree preservation requirement would change
from 25% to 15%.
Jared Bruemmer, Applicant explained that he wanted the entire property to be under one zoning
code .
Jonathan Curth provided insight regarding developments that happen within the floodplain and
out of the floodplain to answer Council Member Stafford's questions . Jonathan identified the
standard that was used to compare drainage issues between pre and post development time periods.
Council Member Stafford moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Council
Member Turk seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Council Member Stafford moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Council Member Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance
Mayor Jordan asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 6771 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Renter & Renters Rights Advocate Appointment to the Housing Crisis Task Force
(Resolution): A resolution to require the appointment of a renter and an individual who works
with renters ' rights to the Housing Crisis Task Force.
Council Member Jones explained there had been an oversight whe n the initial resolution was
approved. He explained the resolution before the City Council was to correct the oversight. He
wanted to ensure individuals who were currently renting were added to the Housing Crisis Task
Force.
Council Member Moore explained that having proper representation of renters on the Housing
Crisis Task Force was the reason she co-sponsored the item with Council Member Jones.
A brief discussion happened where it was identified that no one currently appointed to the Housing
Crisis Task Force was currently renting.
113 West Mountain Fayetteville . AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 12 of 14
Council Member Stafford expressed his concern that no one appointed to the Housing Crisis
Task Force was a current renter. He went on to talk about representation and explained no one can
speak to another 's lived experiences . He also commented that based on the first meeting of the
Housing Crisis Task Force , the individuals who currently served were a great group of people and
that he looked forward to hearing the ideas that the group brought forward.
Susan Norton, Chief of Staff answered Council Member Bunch 's question regarding
subcommittees. Susan Norton explained that Mayor Jordan made the ability to create
subcommittees clear to the Task Force.
Council Member Bunch explained that she felt it was an oversight of the City Council that it was
not identified that a current renter be placed on the Task Force.
Council Member Berna requested information regarding if the organizations who crafted the
initial resolution made recommendations on who should serve on the Task Force.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan explained that he received 99 applications. He reviewed the categories
that were listed in the resolution , the recommendations he received , and then made his decision.
He finalized his comments by explaining he felt uncomfortable using the initial applications to fill
the roles identified in the resolution before council. He explained that he wanted to open the
application back up for anyone to apply should the Council approve the resolution.
Council Member Berna explained his struggle with the idea of adding additional members to the
Task Force. His concern revolved around potentially causing a disproportionate amount of
representation from one group over another group.
Council Member Jones explained his reasons for bringing the item forward, which was to correct
the oversight and to match the true intentions of the initial resolution. He explained that the City
of Fayetteville has an estimated 60% of renters and voiced his support to have someone who was
currently renting placed on the Task Force.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan reminded the Council that the next Task Force meeting would be held on
the 24 th . He expressed his disinterest in being the person to appoint additional individuals to the
Task Force.
Council Member Hertzberg asked about the original resolution and wanted to know the intent
behind who would be considered a representative of the renter group .
Council Member Jones explained that there were several organizations in the area that worked
directly with renters. He went on to explain that there are different groups that also work as a
renter 's rights group .
Council Member Moore explained the differences between the different types of groups and what
the focus was of the groups .
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www .fayetteville-ar.gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 13 of 14
Council Member Wiederkehr expressed his trust of the nine individuals who had been appointed
to the Task Force and expressed his admiration of how well Mayor Jordan handled the selection
process. He explained that he supported the current members of the Task Force and encouraged
the group to use subcommittees to obtain information from renters.
Council Member Turk , Bunch , and Berna echoed the comments made by Council Member
Wiederkehr and preferred to wait and not appoint any additional members to the Task Force.
Council Member Jones echoed his earlier comments regarding ensuring renters have
representation on the Task Force and explained that his goal was to fix the oversight the happened
when the initial resolution was approved.
The City Council received 3 public comments regarding this resolution.
Council Member Stafford , Bunch , and Moore reiterated their earlier comments. Council Member
Stafford and Moore supported appointing two more individuals to the Task Force. Council
Member Bunch wanted to allow more time to pass before adding any new individuals .
Council Member Moore moved to amend Section 1 of the resolution to allow the Housing
Task Force to select and appoint from the applications already received. Council Member
Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 5-3. Council Member
Hertzberg, Stafford, Jones, Moore, and Bunch voted yes. Council Member Wiederkehr,
Berna, and Turk voted no.
There was a brief conversation between Council Member Bunch, Wiederkehr and City Attorney
Kit Williams regarding who would appoint the new members to the Task Force.
City Attorney Kit Williams explained that the amended resolution required a renter and an
individual who works with renter 's rights to serve on the Task Force.
Susan Norton, Chief of Staff made a comment to Mayor Jordan expressing her uncertainty of
anyone in the current applicant pool that would meet the specific criteria in the resolution.
There was a brief discussion between Council Member Jones and City Attorney Kit Williams
regarding the terminology used in the resolution .
A brief discussion regarding recontacting the applicants and what department handled the initial
applications took place . Since the committee was considered an ad hoc committee of the Mayor,
the Mayor 's Office handled the application process.
Council Member Turk expressed her desire to allow the Task Force to continue as is.
Council Member Berna echoed Council Member Turk 's comments.
City Attorney Kit Williams provided clarification to the City Council regarding several
comments that had been made regarding who would be responsible for selecting the individuals to
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www .fayetteville-ar .gov
City Council Meeting Minutes
July 2 , 2024
Page 14 of 14
be appointed to the Task Force. He verified that the original resolution stated that Mayor Jordan
would appoint the individuals.
Council Member Hertzberg moved to approve the resolution. Council Member Moore
seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion failed 3-5. Council Member Stafford, Jones,
and Moore voted yes. Council Member Hertzberg, Wiederkehr, Berna, Bunch, and Turk
voted no.
This resolution failed.
Announcements:
Susan Norton, Chief of Staff announced that city offices would be closed to celebrate the 4th of
July. She also explained that residential trash and recycling would be picked up as usual, but the
city 's compost facility would be closed.
City Council Agenda Session Presentations:
External Audit Results -Chad Michael Reed
Sales Tax Report -Chief Financial Officer and Energy Report -Environmental Director
Budget Process Presentation -Paul Becker
User Fee Study Findings and Recommendations -Jonathan Curth
City Council Tour: None
Adjournment: 8:21 p.m.
L
113 West Mountain Fayetteville , AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www .fayetteville -ar .gov