Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-21 - Minutes - City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 1 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov City of Fayetteville Arkansas City Council Meeting October 21, 2025 A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council was held on October 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 219 of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mayor Rawn called the meeting to order. PRESENT: Council Members Robert B. Stafford, D’Andre Jones DHA, Sarah Moore, Mike Wiederkehr, Scott Berna, Sarah Bunch, Teresa Turk, Minister Monique Jones, Mayor Molly Rawn, City Attorney Kit Williams, City Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton, Chief of Staff Keith Macedo, Chief Financial Officer Steven Dotson, Staff, Press and Audience. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor’s Announcements, Proclamations and Recognitions: Mayor Molly Rawn recognized a journalism class that was in attendance. She thanked them for attending the meeting and hoped it was informative for them. City Council Meeting Presentations, Reports, and Discussion Items: None Agenda Additions: None Consent: Council Member Scott Berna Ward 3 Position 1 Council Member Sarah Bunch Ward 3 Position 2 Council Member Teresa Turk Ward 4 Position 1 Council Member Min. Monique Jones Ward 4 Position 2 Mayor Molly Rawn City Attorney Kit Williams City Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton Council Member Robert B. Stafford Ward 1 Position 1 Council Member Dr. D’Andre Jones Ward 1 Position 2 Council Member Sarah Moore Ward 2 Position 1 Council Member Mike Wiederkehr Ward 2 Position 2 City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 2 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Approval of Document Destruction Lists: A resolution to authorize the destruction of certain documents pursuant to relevant sections of the Arkansas Code related to maintenance and destruction of accounting and other City records. Resolution 233-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk I-49/Stephen Carr Interchange - Professional Services: A resolution to approve Task Order No. 18 with Michael Baker International, Inc. in the amount of $97,850.00 for evaluation of alternatives for improvements to the Stephen Carr Memorial Boulevard/Interstate 49 Interchange, and to approve a budget adjustment. Resolution 234-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Water Sewer Work Truck Replacements Through Olathe Fleet: A resolution to approve the purchase of two Ford F550 work trucks from Olathe Fleet in the total amount of $178,583.00, pursuant to a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract, plus any applicable surcharges, freight charges, and delivery fees. Resolution 235-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Police Training Division Vehicle Replacement Through National Auto Fleet Group: A resolution to approve the purchase of a Ford Explorer from National Auto Fleet Group in the amount of $41,277.95, pursuant to a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract, plus any applicable surcharges, freight charges, and delivery fees. Resolution 236-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Resolution to Purchase from Galls through Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #011124-GAL: A resolution to approve the purchase of Fire Department uniforms and related products, services, and solutions from Galls, pursuant to a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract, on an as-needed basis within the approved budget through March 25, 2028, and any future renewal periods. Resolution 237-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Hamestring Trail Bridge Purchase: A resolution to award Bid #25-46 and authorize the purchase of a Concrete Trail Bridge from Scurlock Industries in the total amount of $197,766.76 for installation by City crews on the Hamestring Creek Trail. Resolution 238-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk FY2026 Historic Preservation (CLG) Grant Application: A resolution to authorize an application for a Certified Local Government Grant in the amount of $90,000.00 through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for phase two of a city-wide windshield survey of historic properties. Resolution 239-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 3 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Approval of Agreement with Advertising & Promotion Commission: A resolution to approve a five-year agreement with the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission to furnish collection and accounting services for the Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant taxes collected for the A & P Commission for a fee of 2% of such collections with an automatic renewal for an additional five-year term. Resolution 240-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Council Member Wiederkehr moved to accept the Consent Agenda as read. Council Member Dr. Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 7-1. Council Member Turk, Min. Jones, Stafford, Dr. Jones, Moore, Wiederkehr and Berna voted yes. Council Member Bunch was absent. Unfinished Business: PZD-2025-003 North Raven Lane: An ordinance to approve a Residential Planned Zoning District entitled PZD-2025-003 for approximately 49.2 acres located on North Raven Lane in Ward 4. At the September 16, 2025 City Council meeting, this ordinance was left on the first reading. At the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting, this ordinance was left on the first reading and tabled to the October 21, 2025 City Council meeting. Mayor Molly Rawn and City Attorney Kit Williams discussed if the item needed to be read if there was a request to table. Council Member Berna moved to table the ordinance to the November 4, 2025 City Council meeting. Council Member Dr. Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 7-1. Council Member Turk, Min. Jones, Stafford, Dr. Jones, Moore, Wiederkehr and Berna voted yes. Council Member Bunch was absent. This ordinance was tabled to the November 4, 2025 City Council meeting. Mayor Molly Rawn announced that item C. 5 had a request to be tabled. RZN 2025-27 West Mount Comfort Road (Appeal of Planning Commission Denial): An ordinance to rezone the property described in Rezoning Petition RZN 2025-27 for approximately 0.40 acres located at 3070 West Mount Comfort Road in Ward 4 from RSF-4, Residential Single-Family, Four Units Per Acre to NS-G, Neighborhood Services-General and RSF-18, Residential Single Family, 18 Units Per Acre. At the September 16, 2025 City Council meeting, this ordinance was left on the first reading. At the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting, this ordinance was amended and left on the second reading. City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 4 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director reviewed the amendment on the item and stated that staff did recommend approval. The Planning Commission denied the original request, prior to the amendments. Wes Bates and Connor Seizmeck, applicants provided a presentation on the item. They spoke to at times that dead end residential streets where there are commercial buildings actually calm traffic and help with noise. The building would be built up to modern standards and designed to meet current code requirements. They spoke on the safety concerns with Mount Comfort Road, adding the current timeline for the City plans to update the road was five years. Mount Comfort had not been built out at this time so the walkability was not convenient. Their commitment was to restoring homes, not tearing them down. The split zoning and the bill of assurance were there compromises for the build. Council Member Berna and Jonathan discussed future projects in connecting Gooseberry to the other subdivisions. That was not a project that was planned or prioritized. Jake Herzog, spokesperson for the neighborhood presented on the item. The residents consistently opposed Neighborhood Services General zoning for the property. They received the applicant’s bill of assurance for the first time just minutes before the meeting and expressed disappointment that no negotiations had occurred. The neighborhood had supported Residential Single Family-18 zoning as a compromise and believed it aligned with the city’s Master Plan and 2040 goals and remained committed to that stance. They felt that the Neighborhood Services Generals permitted uses required infrastructure that the property lacked. The area already experienced significant congestion, with backups stretching over a mile during rush hour. The upcoming Mount Comfort Square development, which would add 327 residential units and numerous businesses, was expected to worsen the situation. Construction activity had already blocked intersections, posing safety risks. Gooseberry Lane remained a dead-end street, forcing vehicles to turn around in residents’ driveways, damaging property and endangering children. The residents opposed Neighborhood Services General zoning due to its inclusion of food and medical services. They requested denial of the current proposal until a more appropriate proposal could be presented. The City Council received 6 public comments regarding this ordinance. Council Member Berna expressed disappointment as there had been prior examples of developers and neighbors coming together and agreeing to a compromise. Earlier in the month he had every intention on supporting the item because of the developers build reputation. He was struggling with the lack of infrastructure in the area as traffic was a concern. He was on the fence as he felt it was a good project until he drove through it. Council Member Dr. Jones reaffirmed that staff was supportive of the request. Council Member Turk applauded the neighbors for advocating for their neighborhood on four different occasions. She felt the lack of a turning lane, number of fatal accidents in the area and parking issues were a problem. Mount Comfort Square would be finished soon and would provide business and additional housing. She would not be supportive of this item primarily due to her safety concerns. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 5 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Council Member Wiederkehr felt compelled to acknowledge the authenticity of the neighborhood’s concerns as they were embracing the Residential Single Family-18 zoning. He liked the developers and felt they had a good reputation for doing projects that were meaningful to neighborhoods. He shared the same safety concerns as others had stated and wanted to acknowledge the neighbor’s willingness to allow additional developments. Council Member Moore stated that sometimes a full consensus can’t be met but felt that it would happen as Fayetteville kept growing. She emphasized that Mount Comfort Road was expected to accommodate new residents and increased redevelopment, which would inevitably lead to more traffic. She envisioned neighborhoods with mixed uses and inviting public spaces and believed it to be vital to the character of Fayetteville. She felt the development would contribute to that and for that she was supportive of the item. She then made a motion to approve the item but it was decided a motion was not needed as the item was on its third reading. Council Member Min. Jones and Jonathan discussed the amendment to split between Residential Single Family-18 and Neighborhood Services General. Council Member Wiederkehr asked what the wait time was to submit a new application and if the City Council had the authority to rezone to the entire property to Residential Singly Family-18. City Attorney Kit Williams stated the City Council had the authority as it was a legislative decision. Jonathan then stated it was codified that the same exact request cannot be made within one year of denial. A new request would have to be made that was substantially different. Council Member Turk and City Attorney Kit Williams discussed what an affirmative vote meant for the appeal. It would take 5 affirmative votes to approve the rezoning. City Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton asked if the handout was the bill of assurance that was being offered. Jonathan affirmed that the handout was the bill of assurance the applicant sent to staff. If the City Council wanted they could amend to accept it, otherwise the rezoning would be the split Residential Single Family-18 and Neighborhood Services General. Council Member Berna and City Attorney Kit Williams discussed what the ordinance was and what they were voting on. The City Council was voting to rezone the property. City Attorney Kit Williams stated if they were in favor of rezoning they ought to amend to accept the bill of assurance and then vote to rezone. Council Member Stafford moved to accept the bill of assurance. Council Member Dr. Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 7-1. Council Member Turk, Min. Jones, Stafford, Dr. Jones, Wiederkehr, Berna and Bunch voted yes. Council Member Moore voted no. City Attorney Kit Williams stated the title of the ordinance would end with subject to bill of assurance as well as section one. Mayor Molly Rawn asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance failed 3-5. Council Member Stafford, Dr. Jones and Moore voted yes. Council Member Turk, Min. Jones, Wiederkehr, Berna and Bunch voted no. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 6 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov The ordinance failed. Mayor Molly Rawn thanked the applicants and neighbors for their time. Council Member Moore had a point of information. Due to the item being denied, would the City Council be able to reconsider the item and rezone to Residential Single Family-18. City Attorney Kit Williams stated that anyone who voted against the rezoning, or the majority, would be able to reconsider before the end of the meeting or the next meeting. Flexible Marina Operations and Lake Access Fee Modifications for Lake Fayetteville, Sequoyah, and Wilson: An ordinance to modify the fee structure for lake use and access and allow for more flexible marina operations by amending § 97.070 Recreational Activities at Lake Fayetteville, Sequoyah, and Wilson of the Fayetteville City Code. At the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting, this ordinance was left on the first reading and tabled to the October 21, 2025 City Council meeting. City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. Lee Farmer, Recreation Superintendent presented on the item. The ordinance would change the language to make the marina office more flexible based on public demand and weather conditions. It would also remove the fees from the ordinance to streamline future adjustments and lastly transitioning daily permits to lake access fees, which would strengthen the partnership with Arkansas Game and Fish to be included in the community fishing program. Council Member Wiederkehr 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. Mayor Molly Rawn asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed unanimously. Ordinance 6919 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk New Business: 2026 National League of Cities SCEI Implementation Grant Application: A resolution to authorize the application for an Implementation Grant from the National League of Cities in the amount of $60,000.00 to pilot a housing preservation-focused workforce development program. Marlee Stark, Chief Housing Officer presented on the item. The proposal supported two key activities aligned with Fayetteville’s economic vitality plan. It aimed to create an inventory of City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 7 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov vacant homes and identify opportunities for rehabilitation or repair, directly advancing Action Item 3.17 and broader goals to maintain affordable housing. Second, it proposed a training program focused on skills for housing construction, rehabilitation, and restoration, supporting career pathways in construction and infrastructure sectors. This also aligned with Action Item 2.217, which encouraged the development of specialized training programs for historic preservation. Staff planned to work with National League of Cities to determine whether the city’s 2026 Certified Local Government grant could help meet the local match requirement, which was due by the end of 2027. She thanked the City Council and was available for questions. The City Council received 1 public comment regarding this resolution. Council Member Berna was very impressed by the proposal. He felt it worthy of the City Council’s support and motioned to approve. Council Member Berna moved to approve the resolution. Council Member Turk seconded the motion. Upon roll call the resolution passed unanimously. Resolution 241-25 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Special Election for the City to Issue Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Bonds: An ordinance calling and setting a date for a special election on the questions of the issuance by the City of Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Bonds for various specified purposes; levying a local sales and use tax at the rate of one percent (1.00%) for the purpose of retiring such bonds; and prescribing other matters pertaining thereto. City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. Mayor Molly Rawn stated the presentation would be done by each member of staff that had been the lead. Steven Dotson, Chief Financial Officer stated that as indicated, the first question on the ballot would be refunding, and if that failed none of the other bond questions would proceed. The refunding amount was $40,000,000.00. He clarified that the ordinance was a continuation of the long standing one-cent sales tax and was not a new tax. The dollar amounts listed in the ordinance were higher than discussed at the previous bond workshop because they included both project costs and bond issuance expenses. These expenses covered fees for bond ratings, bond counsel, underwriters, trustees, escrow, and publication of the ordinance and election. He noted that the city had no option to slow the repayment of the 2019 bond issue, as all one-cent sales tax revenue had been committed to paying it off as quickly as possible. Regarding water and sewer infrastructure, the 2024 Master Plan from Garver recommended immediate capital improvements, particularly at the Nolan plant. For transportation, he emphasized that by the time new bond funds would be available in late 2026, all proceeds from the previous issuance would have been spent or committed. He recommended moving forward with the current bond package to make sure there was continued funding for necessary street and transportation improvements. Kevin Font, the City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 8 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov underwriter, and Gordon Wilburn, the bond counsel, were present and available to answer any questions. Tim Nyander, Utilities Director stated water and wastewater focused on three main categories, with the majority of funding allocated to upgrades at the Nolan facility. These upgrades were based on the Nolan Facility Master Plan, which had been completed the previous year and identified $126,000,000.00 in critical infrastructure improvements. The plan outlined a two-phase approach: Phase One targeted urgent upgrades over the next five years to address aging equipment and ensure operational resiliency, while Phase Two, scheduled for the five to ten years aimed to enhance processes as demand increased. Phase One improvements prioritized high-risk assets that could disrupt treatment reliability, increase operational flexibility and redundancy, and ensure proper sequencing to maintain uninterrupted service during construction. About 35% of Phase One was capacity related, focusing on expanding and preserving the facility’s service capabilities to support future community development. The bond also included $10,000,000.00 for critical repairs to a 36-inch water line running 10 miles from the Beaver Water District to Fayetteville. The 60-year- old line had suffered multiple failures due to external corrosion. Another $10,000,000.00 was designated for water tank rehabilitation. Fayetteville’s 30,000,000 gallons of above-ground drinking water storage required routine maintenance, including corrosion control, coating updates, and safety upgrades for climbing fixtures. These projects were designed to benefit every resident, visitor, business, and institution in Fayetteville, helping to secure the city’s infrastructure and support growth in housing and commercial development for the next generation. Alison Jumper, Director of Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs stated that the funding supported essential upgrades to aging park facilities throughout the city, benefiting all residents. It focused on maintaining and improving existing assets, including turf, playing fields, and playgrounds. It allocated resources for new park development and strategic land acquisition to address gaps and ensure the park system remained sustainable, safe, and responsive to community needs. Parks were recognized as one of the most impactful infrastructure investments a city could make, enhancing public health, safety, and quality of life. They contributed to economic growth and functioned as vital green infrastructure for stormwater management and climate resilience. She stated that without funding, the city risked a decline in quality of life, deterioration of park infrastructure, and an inability to adequately serve residents, attract new businesses, or support future growth. Justine Lentz, Animal Services Superintendent stated that 71% of American households owned at least one pet, and pet ownership had continued to rise alongside population growth. Fayetteville’s existing animal shelter had served the community for over fifty years but had become outdated and inadequate for the needs of animals, staff, and visitors. She emphasized that a new shelter would align Fayetteville with neighboring communities by providing a more humane and healthier environment for animals, a more inviting space for families and volunteers, and improved working conditions for staff. The proposed facility included plans for a community meeting room and would build on Fayetteville’s distinction as the only municipal shelter in Northwest Arkansas with a staff veterinarian. This allowed the city to offer services without additional cost burdens. A new shelter would also expand outreach efforts, especially for financially vulnerable residents, with the goal of keeping families together. She felt the bond would enable the creation of a shelter truly worthy of the animals and people it served. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 9 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Matthew Mihalevich, Active Transportation Manager stated the city would continue to expand its successful trail network, which had positively impacted residents and visitors by providing alternate transportation methods. It focused on connecting schools, parks, and neighborhoods with trails designed to be safe and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities. The bond provided funding to ensure the system remained in top condition. It also enabled the city to leverage 80/20 federal grant funding to extend the reach of its investments. The bond strengthened the trail network by linking key areas and replacing worn asphalt trails with durable concrete. These efforts supported the development of a more connected, active, and resilient community. Chris Brown, Public Works Director stated the focus was to use funds to enhance access and mobility in the city’s growing areas while continuing investment in the downtown core. The plan prioritized completing projects already underway through existing programs, pursuing new priorities, and funding paving and rehabilitation efforts to keep the transportation system in good repair. Officials intended to leverage these funds to secure additional grants, building on the success of the current program, which had already attracted approximately $40,000,000.00 in grant funding. Proposed projects included intersection and turn lane improvements, corridor upgrades, area-wide enhancements, and signal technology updates to improve traffic efficiency without expanding roadways. Downtown investments were also part of the plan, including upgrades to lighting, sidewalks, safety features, and transit stop infrastructure. The program was organized into three main categories: continuing projects from the 2019 bond and other initiatives, addressing new priorities driven by city growth and evolving transportation patterns, and maintaining a contingency fund to respond to future opportunities and needs. The program was designed to improve safety, boost connectivity and mobility, and preserve the quality of the city’s transportation network. Peter Nierengarten, Environmental Director stated the sustainability bond, $1,050,000.00, was designed to make an impact on two key waste diversion initiatives outlined in Fayetteville’s 2024 Climate Action Plan. The first funded a recycling drop off facility on the west side of the city, improving access for residents and businesses west of Interstate 49. It also aimed to alleviate overcrowding and material overflow at the existing Marion Orton recycling facility on North Street. The second initiative was the creation of a permanent household hazardous waste drop-off facility. This staffed location allowed residents and businesses to safely dispose of items such as pesticides, fertilizers, oil-based paints, sharps, mercury, electronics, and other hazardous materials. Previously, the city relied on a mobile trailer from the Boston Mountain Solid Waste District, available only one morning a week. The new facility provided a permanent, covered space for a safe disposal of hazardous waste, electronics and other specialized waste. Alison Jumper, Director of Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs stated the proposed bond funded an aquatic and recreation center aimed at enhancing public health, safety, community engagement, and the local economy. The facility served a vital public safety role by offering swim lessons and lifeguard training to reduce drowning risks and promote lifelong water safety skill, especially important in a region surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams. A recently completed yearlong feasibility study saw unprecedented public engagement, with over 2,850 participants in the Speak Up surveys. The study identified a significant gap in aquatic infrastructure, noting that Fayetteville had only one municipal pool for more than 100,000 residents, while comparable cities City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 10 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov averaged 2.2 outdoor and 1.7 indoor facilities. The new center would provide year round swimming and recreation opportunities for all residents. It would strengthen community ties by creating an inclusive gathering space for the community, enhancing the quality of life. Brad Hardin, Fire Chief stated that over the 20 year life of the bond, the city anticipated a 46% population growth in Fayetteville and planned to expand services to maintain its current level of emergency response. This included adding two new fire stations and increasing personnel at existing stations to address infill development across the city. To support these efforts, the bond funded the construction of one new fire station, the purchase of a fire truck with all necessary equipment, and the development of a new training facility on the city’s existing site in South Fayetteville. The bond also covered the replacement of one fire truck. Mayor Molly Rawn thanked staff for their hard work. The bond would allow the city to catch up on essential improvements and to prepare for the future using an existing one cent sales tax with no increase to residents. Being able to use the bond initiative to make improvements meant that they were able to control the amount of the rate increase and make sure it was low for everyone in the community. Keith Macedo, Chief of Staff stated the city tries to use the funds for matching grants. They attempt to leverage as much as possible with grant opportunities and the city had been very successful in transportation sustainability and the pedestrian/trail infrastructure. The City Council received 3 public comments regarding this ordinance. Council Member Wiederkehr stated he supported the measure. He felt sales tax was a tool by which cities of any size chose to fund major projects. He applauded the community for its wisdom to fund the infrastructure that had benefited the community in the past. The bond was to maintain the quality of life for the people who were already in Fayetteville and that in itself would generate significant economic activity. Council Member Berna made a motion to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading. Council Member Dr. Jones then stated he agreed with all the comments made. He mentioned how at the last City Council meeting there was talk on housing and he felt he had a change of thought. A lot of what had been addressed included housing so he was looking forward to the item passing. The bond was about improving the quality of life for people and felt it was evident that no one was left behind. He seconded Council Member Berna’s motion to approve. Council Member Bunch expressed her full support for the item. She added that the City Council needed to get behind the bond and get the votes needed or else it would hurt every citizen in Fayetteville and the future of Fayetteville if it did not pass. Council Member Turk stated the bond was important, especially with infrastructure. She had concerns about the lack of housing mentioned in the bond and hoped the administration would continue to focus on low income and affordable housing options, not just market based. She was in support of the bond but felt they needed to keep their eye on closing the housing gap. She ended with thanking staff for their hard work. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 11 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Council Member Moore expressed support for investments in infrastructure. She recognized their importance in improving quality of life and enabling housing and economic opportunities. She expressed her personal struggle with this decision as she understood the value of the aquatic center but questioned if the cost was appropriate at this time. She felt it was more of a want than a necessity and wondering whether a phased approach could reduce costs. She had received concerns about the proposed location near Lewis Park, an area with historically affordable housing and that adding amenities could lead to displacement and expressed concerns about impervious surfaces and flood risks. She did not want to hold the bond in totality as she knew there were many items included that would benefit the community but felt conflicted about moving forward without addressing the unanswered questions surrounding the aquatic center. She wasn’t sure if the item could wait till the next meeting, just to be able to get additional information and answer more questions that were coming out in the community. Council Member Min. Jones voiced support for the bond. She explained her direct contact with the unhoused and marginalized individuals in the community. She urged reflection on whether ‘everyone’ meant all members of the community. She questioned whether facilities like the proposed aquatic park would be accessible to low income residents if entry fees were unaffordable. She appreciated all the work that went into the bond issue from city staff but stated if the city was to say ‘we’, then the city should include everyone. She encouraged reflection on how the operating costs would impact the city in years to come. Council Member Stafford stated that not all would agree on the specific issues in the bond. He supported the bond and supported bringing it to the voters. The voters would decide which pieces they saw as critical. He was going to advocate strongly for the infrastructure in the bond. He would have liked to see housing in the bond but felt they were at the point to move forward with the item and that there were other sources to address the housing crisis. Council Member Berna moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading. Council Member Dr. Jones seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 6-2. Council Member Turk, Stafford, Dr. Jones, Wiederkehr, Berna and Bunch voted yes. Council Member Min. Jones and Moore voted no. City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. Mayor Molly Rawn asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed 6-2. Council Member Turk, Stafford, Dr. Jones, Wiederkehr, Berna and Bunch voted yes. Council Member Min. Jones and Moore voted no. Ordinance 6920 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk Mayor Molly Rawn thanked her team for their hard work on the item. VAC 2025-0021 East Joyce Boulevard: An ordinance to approve VAC-25-21 for property located at 1923 East Joyce Boulevard in Ward 3 to vacate 0.22 acres of general utility easement. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 12 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director presented on the item. The request was to vacate nearly 10,000 square feet of utility easement that had been dedicated in 2001 during an earlier phase of the retirement community’s development. As the community entered its next phase, the easement was found to overlap with the footprint of a planned new building. Franchise utilities had all agreed to the vacation of the easement. City staff recommended approval of the request with two conditions: first, that any damage or relocation of existing utilities within the easement would be relocated or replaced at the developer’s expense, and second, that any necessary easements would be dedicated during the property’s development. The applicant, Ferdi Fourie, was available online to answer any questions. 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. Mayor Molly Rawn asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed unanimously. Ordinance 6921 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk VAC 2025-0019 West Hughes Street: An ordinance to approve VAC-25-19 for property located at 902 and 908 West Hughes Street in Ward 2 to vacate approximately 656 square feet of street right-of-way. City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director presented on the item. The applicant requested to vacate a 650 square foot portion of the right-of-way along the southern edge of the property. Staff concluded that the excess right of way was not needed to meet the city’s Master Street Plan and decided the vacation appropriate. All relevant franchise utilities consented to the vacation. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed the request and unanimously recommended approval on the consent agenda, with the standard condition that any utility relocation or damage would be handled at the developer’s expense. An additional condition was included to protect a fiber optic line along Hugh Street, as requested by OzarksGo. Both staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request. Jeff Martin, the applicant, was available online to answer any questions. Council Member Wiederkehr 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 Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 13 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance. Mayor Molly Rawn asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed unanimously. Ordinance 6922 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk RZN 2025-0033 East Rockwood Trail (Appeal of Planning Commission Denial): An ordinance to rezone the property described in Rezoning Petition RZN 2025-33 for approximately 0.33 acres located at 922 East Rockwood Trail in Ward 3 from RSF-4, Residential Single-Family, 4 Units Per Acre to NC, Neighborhood Conservation. Mayor Molly Rawn stated the item had a request to table. It was decided to vote on the request before reading the ordinance. Council Member Bunch moved to table the ordinance to the November 4, 2025 City Council meeting. Council Member Berna seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously. This ordinance was tabled to the November 4, 2025 City Council meeting. Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director shared there were information requests made and he would make sure those were available with the upcoming tentative agenda. Announcements: Keith Macedo, Chief of Staff announced that business license renewals were due at the end of the month, October 31, 2025. Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer announced that the Board, Committee, Commissions vacancies would be posted Friday, October 24, 2025 and they must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025. City Council Agenda Session Presentations: None City Council Tour: None Adjournment: 8:04 p.m. City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 14 of 14 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov _____________________________ __________________________________ Molly Rawn, Mayor Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer