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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-11-01 MinutesMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS November 1, 1977 The Fayetteville City Board of Directors met in regular session on November 1, 1977, at 7:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the City Administration Building. PRESENT: City Attorney Jim McCord, City Clerk Darlene Westbrook, Administrative Aide David McWethy; and Directors Ernest Lancaster, John Todd, Paul Noland, Al Hughes, David Malone, Philip Colwell, and Ann Henry. ABSENT: City Manager Don Grimes CO CALL TO ORDER QMayor Ernest Lancaster called the meeting to order. Following a moment of respectful silence and roll call, the Mayorcalled for consideration of the first Q item of business. f 1 113 FAYETTEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY Representatives of the Fayetteville Humane Society had requested an oppor- tunity to discuss with the Board certain problems relating to the animal shelter and the animal control program. Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Greenwood were present to discuss overcrowded conditions of the animal shelter and the growing inadequacy of the present facilities to properly accommodate increasing numbers of animals. Greenwood reported that the local Society is currently investigating possibility of receiving federal funding which would finance an expansion -- at no cost to the city -- of the existing shelter facility. He emphasized that the expansion would not require any land acquisition. He indicated that a major problem with -a proposed expansion at the site would be the improvement of drainage facilities. Greenwood said that plans for the expansion, estimated to cost $40,000, would be provided by University of Arkansas architect students. Following discussion of the expansion project, Director Malone moved the Humane Society be given authority to seek federal funding for the expansion of the animal shelter facilities. The motion was seconded by Director Hughes and the recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed. Mr. Greenwood then proposed to the Board that the City redirect the animal control program to issue citations to animal owners rather than to capture animals who are allowed to violate the ordinance. Greenwood felt a citation program would greatly ease the burden of the animal shelter as well as improve enforcement of the ordinance.Sanitation Superintendent Wally Brt informed that a citation pro- gram would require a larger force. The enforcement officers would also be limited in that owners could not always be available to receive a citation; nor would an animal always retreat to its home where the owner could be found. Brt informed the Board that owners would generally prefer to appear before the municipal judge since the fine, in most cases, would be smaller than the shelter fees. 113 113.1 113.2 113.3 113.4 113.5 111 114.1 Members of the Board felt the existing ordinance was adequate and should continue to provide for both a capture and/or citation process in enforcing the ordinance. Greenwood felt that stiffer fines could be levied by the Municipal Court and, at the Board's suggestion , felt the Humane Society should request a meeting with the Municipal Judge to discuss the levy of fines. 114.2 Upon completion of discussion, the Board took no action regarding enforce- ment of the animal control ordinance. Director Henry commended the Society for doing an excellent job with the limited funds available to them. OFF-STREET PARKING DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ONE APPEAL OF ASSESSMENT - Herbert Hatfield 114.3 The City Attorney briefed the Board as to the history of the district, including the recent filing of assessments of benefits. McCord reported that Mr. Herbert Hatfield had appealed the assessment against his property. After explaining the appeal procedure, the City Attorney advised that the Board should hear the appeal before adopting an ordinance to establish the assessments. 114.4 Mr. Hatfield was present to represent his appeal. He told the Board he felt the assessment against his property was too high since he provides 150 parking spaces for his customers. He requested the Board lower the assessment from $25,000 to $12,000. The City Attorney noted that the assessments would be payable over a 20 -year period with five percent of the total assessment being due each year. Although collections could not exceed the cost of the improvements, McCord said early retirement of bonds is possible at which time assessments would cease. 114.5 Attorneys Walter Niblock and Rick Osborne were present to represent the parking district. Niblock noted that the law requires an appellant to prove to the Board of Directors that the assessment of benefits to his property is improper. The City Attorney advised the Board that the Supreme Court had ruled that in appeals with non -judicial bodies, it is not sufficient to attempt to es- tablish proof by use of general statements; rather, that concrete evidence must be presented. 114.6 Discussion then turned to methods of assessing the properties within the district. Rick Osborne informed the Board how the Assessors determined the assessment of benefits for each parcel and stated that the Assessors did take into prime consideration each parcel's existing parking. Osborne assured the Board that Hatfield's assess- ment was in line with the other properties. 114.7 Director Malone did not feel that the Board had been presented with sufficient evidence by Hatfield that his assessment is unfair. Director Henry, who stated that she would not have sufficient knowlege to adjust the assessment, moved the appeal be denied. The motion was seconded by Malone and the recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed. ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS 114.8 The City Attorney read an ordinance levying the assessments for Off -Street Parking Development District Number One. Director Hughes, seconded by Colwell, moved rules be suspended and the ordinance placed on second reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None Abstain: Malone The motion was declared passed and the ordinacne was read the second time. 114 1 N CO ORDINANCE NO. 2389 APPEARS ON PAGE 330 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V LO U REQUEST TO PLEDGE PARKING METER REVENUES The City Attorney reported that the Off -Street Parking Improvement District 115.3 had requested the City adopt an ordinance which would pledge revenues of the off-street parking meters to pay bonds of the district. Osborne stated the actual cost of the parking district would be approximately $750,000 and that the pledge of the off-street parking revenues would help lighten the burden of property owners within the district. Melton stated that the six lots referred to in the proposed ordinance had been, or were being, acquired by the business community. In reply to Director Todd's statement that the lots were losing money, Melton stated that the losses were preimarily due to lack of enforcement. Melton urged the City to commit itself to enforcement of the parking lots in order to help ensure success of the district and the renovated downtown square. Mayor Lancaster was not eager to consider the matter since the issue had not 115.4 been raised until a few days prior to the meeting and before the Directors could sufficiently study the proposal. Melton stated that the district was trying to "help the City get out of the parking business." Melton acknowledged that the district would have to assume some of the maintenance responsibilities of the lots but that only the Police Department could issue the parking tickets. He felt the City should have a full-time meter enforcement officer which he expected would be paid from revenues derived from the parking meters. Rather than consider adoption of an ordinance, the Mayor preferred to appoint 115.5 a committee of Directors Malone, Todd, and Henry to study the proposal and to advise the Board of their recommendation. 115 Director Hughes, seconded by Noland, moved rules be further suspended and the ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None Abstain: Malone The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time. There being no further discussion, the Mayor asked if the ordinance should pass. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None Abstain: Malone The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. 115.1 115.2 SIDEWALK REQUIREMENT WAIVER REQUEST - Hyland Park, Phase IV and V Mr. Jini Lindsey, developer of Hyland Park, requested a waiver of sidewalk re- 115.6 quirements for Phases IV and V of Hyland Park because of steep terrain which would make sidewalks impractical or impossible. Lindsey stated that other phases of the development had provided common property for pathways behind lots but that he was still under bond for sidewalk installation in Phases I and III. Lindsey stated he would be willing to install sidewalks where terrain makes them practical and possible, but that he would prefer to have an option of making other provisions in areas of steeper terrain. Rather than take action to waive the requirements, Director Malone preferred 115.7 that Lindsey consult the Planning Commisssion for the purpose of formulating an overall.pl•an-fo w providing pedestrian walkways. The Board took no formal action. 115 116 ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY - R77-38 / Highway 265 / John D. and Judy Andre, petitioners 116.1 Petitioners John D. and Judy Andre had requested rezoning for a 1.5 acre tract, located on the west side of Highway 265 approximately 800 feet south of Highway 45 East, from R-1 Low Density Residential to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial. The City Attorney read an ordinance the first time to rezone the property as re- quested and as approved by the Planning Commission. 116.2 Director Hughes, seconded by Noland, moved rules be suspended and the ordi- nance placed on second reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None Absent at roll call: Malone 116.3 Director Hughes, seconded by Noland, moved rules be further suspended and the ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None Absent at roll call: Malone The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time. 116.4 There being no discussion, the Mayor asked if the ordinance should pass. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None Absent at roll call: Malone The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. ORDINANCE NO. 2390 APPEARS ON PAGE 331 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY - R77-42 / Dockery Lane / Johnny and Barbara Dockery 116.5 Petitioners Johnny and Barbara Dockery had requested rezoning of a .55 parcel on the east side of Dockery Lane from R-1 Low Density Residential to R-2 Medium Density Residential. The City Attorney read an ordinance the first time to rezone the property as requested and as recommended by the Planning Commisssion. 116.6 Director Hughes, seconded by Henry, moved rules be suspended and the ordi- nance read the second time. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the second time. 116.7 Director Hughes, seconded by Henry, moved rules be further suspended and the ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordiance was read the third and final time. 116.8 During discussion, Mr. Dockery told the Board that Dockery Lane was not a dedicated public street and that it had been annexed approximately 10 years ago. Director Colwell noted that five residences are currently served by the lane and questioned what the City could do if street maintenance was not satisfactory. The City Attorney advised that Dockery's development would not classify as a large scale development and that no street improvements would be required. 116.9 Mr. Dockery stated the quadplex would be connected to public sewer but that he felt his estimated share of the expense ($2,800) was excessive. The Ad- ministrative Aide noted that the City Engineer had recommended extending sewer on Dockery Lane at an estimated $4,400, most of which would be returned through extension and tap fees. 116 117 Following discussion, the Mayor asked if the ol•dinance should pass. The 117.1 recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. ORDINACNE NO. 2391 APPEARS ON PAGE 332 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY - R77-40 / Highway 62 West / Fulbright Invesment Fulbright Investment Company,petitioner in behalf of Ayers Furniture, had 117.2 requested rezoning i 15.8 acres on the south side of Highway 62 West at Razorback Road from I-1 Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial and R-2 Medium Density Resi- n dential to I-2 General Industrial. The Planning Commission had recommended the LO 10 acres north of the railroad tracks be rezoned I-2 and that five acres south U of the tracks be rezoned R-0. The City Attorney read an ordinance to rezone the Q property in accordance with the Planning Commission recommendation. Director Hughes, seconded by Colwell, moved rules be suspended and the ord- 117.3 Q nance placed on second reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the second time. Director Hughes, seconded by Malone, moved rules be further suspended and 117.4 the ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time. Attorney Lynn Wade was present to represent Fulbright Investment and Ayers 117.5 Furniture. Wade stated that a bill of assurance had been executed assuring that the property would be made more presentable. He said a favorable action from the Board would allow Ayers Furniture, leasee, to construct a dry kiln on the property provided a favorable action was also received from the Building Board of Adjustment for setback variances. He said the nature of the plant's machinery required an I-2 classification. Mr. Don Caton, executive vice-president of Ayers Furniture, informed the 117.6 Board that no extensive expansions were planned for the site, that the rezoning was requested to allow installation of a kiln. Caton stated that an on-site kiln would alleviate procurement of kiln -dried materials from Fort Smith. Director Todd was not sure an R-0 classification to the south would allow the best use of the land. Caton stated that the area was proposed for parking space. Upon completion of discussion, the Mayor asked if the ordinance should pass. 117.7 The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. f ORDINANCE NO. 2392 APPEARS ON PAGE 333 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY - R77-41 / Highway 71 Bypass / Dr. J. C. Calabria Dr. J. C. Calabria, petitioner, had requested rezoning an 8 -acre tract, west of Highway 71; 1,000 south of Highway 16 West; from C-2 Thoroughfare Commercial to R-3 High Density Residential. The City Attorney read an ordinance to rezone the parcel R-2 as recommended by the Planning Commission. 117 117.8 118 118.1 Director Hughes, seconded by Colwell, moved rules be suspended and the ordinance placed on second reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the second time. 118.2 Director Malone, seconded by Todd, moved rules be further suspended and the ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was: • Ayes: Hughes, tlalone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time. 118.3 During discussion, the Board considered provision of sewer service which would adequately serve the R-3 classification. The Administrative Aide assured the Board that the City Engineer had determined that the existing sewer line serving nearby Maple Manor Apartments is a public sewer which could serve Calabria's development. The Board acknowledged that the line had previously been considered a private line which had been installed by Maple Manor developers for that development. Mr. Dan Thomas, representing the petitioner, stated he had spoken with Maple Manor representatives who had told him the sewer easement was given to the city and was accessible for public use. Thomas said he was also told the line was designed to serve a development three times larger than Maple Manor. The Board discussed the possibility that the existing lift station might be inadequate to accommodate the additional flow. Director Malone believed the City could require an additional lift station as an off-site improvement in conjunction with the development. 118.4 Upon completion of discussion, the Mayor asked if the ordinance should pass. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The Mayor declared the oridnanc a passed. ORDINANCE NO. 2393 APPEARS ON PAGE 336 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V ORDINANCE LEVYING REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX 118.5 The City Attorney read an ordinance to levy 1977 real and personal property tax as follows: General Fire Pension Police Pension 118.6 Director Malone, seconded by Noland, moved rules be suspended and the ordi- nance placed on second reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the second time. 118.7 Director Malone, seconded by Noland, moved rules be further suspended and the ordinance placed on third and final reading. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed and the ordinance was read the third and final time. 118 1 1 119 There being no discussion, the Mayor asked if the ordinance should pass. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. ORDINANCE NO. 2394 APPEARS ON PAGE 337 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION The City Attorney informed that Carlos and Ivan Hill had not accepted a City offer to purchase their property for$47,000. The property acquisition (U would be required for the construction of the Continuing Education Center. (Y) He also informed the Board that, because. he .has a lease -hold interest in the property and might benefit from any settlement which might be awarded U by a jury, he felt obligated to decline from serving as the City's legal Q counsel in the case. The City Attorney read the resolution to authorize condemantion proceed- ings. Director Hughes, seconded by Malone, moved adoption of the resolution. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The Mayor declared the resolution passed. RESOLUTION NO. 94-77 APPEARS ON PAGE 216 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V RESOLUTION APPOINTING LEGAL COUNSEL The City Attorney informed the Board that the firm of Putman, Davis, Bassett, Cox and Wright had agreed to serve as the City's legal counsel for the Hill condemnation case. Director Hughes, seconded by Colwell, moved adoption of the resolution. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The Mayor declared the resolution passed. RESOLUTION NO. 95-77 APPEARS ON PAGE 217 OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK V 119.1 119.2 119.3 119.4' AWARD OF BID - Street Department Grader Purchasing Officer Sturman Mackey recommended award of Bid 361 for one 119.5 articulating frame motor grader to ConMark Machinery, Incorporated,.at a bid price of $51,640 including optional equipment. In reply to Board inquiries as to why to other low -bidding firms did not 119.6 meet specif cations, Mackey replied that one company bid used equipment and another did not bid an articulating frame machine. Mackey assured the Board that specif.cations had not been written so as to exclude other firms from bidding competitively. Director Malone, seconded by Todd, moved the bid recommendation be approved. 119.7 The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed. 119 120 OTHER BUSINESS CROSSOVER ROAD SEWER EXTENSION 120.1 Administrative Aide McWethy reported that the City Manager's office had received a request that the Crossover Road sewer extension(approved at the October 18 meeting) be extended from the south rather than from the north. McWethy said other property owners had stated their desire to tap on to the sewer upon its completion at a cost of $900 plus a $50 tap fee. 120.2 Director Colwell, seconded by Noland, moved the sewer be extended from the south. The recorded vote was: Ayes: Hughes, Malone, Lancaster, Colwell, Henry, Todd, Noland Nays: None The motion was declared passed. NORTH STREET RAILROAD CROSSING 120.3 Director Hughes reported that warning lights at the North Street railroad crossing were not in proper operating condition and felt the City should go on record to get Frisco to improve maintenance of its crossings. MASTER STREET PLAN 120.4 Director Noland requested the Directors consider the Master Street Plan for the purpose of considering amending setback requirements for College Avenue. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 120.5 The Mayor asked if there be amendments to the minutes of meetings held on September 28, October 18, 20, and 27. 120.6 Director Todd requested paragraph 90.3 be amended to read: "The Directors indicated that West Fork would be required to have their customers connect to the sewer or comply with recently adopted outside sewer service policies." Also, that paragraph 103.3 be amended to read: "Director Todd said the extension..." Todd also requested that paragraphs 107.1 and 107.2 be amended to reflect that he was referring to public works funds. 120.7 Noland requested that paragraph 107.3 be amended to reflect that the Finance Committee had recommended a $1,000,000 bond issue to provide $200,000 for library and $800,000 for parks. The City Attorney requested that the last sentence of paragraph 107.3 be amended to read: "...could not proceed with the bond issue even though..." 120.8 There being no further amendments, the Mayor declared the minutes approved as amended. ADJOURNMENT 120.9 There being no further business for the Board's consideration, the Mayor de- clared the meeting adjourned. ATTEST: APPROVED: Darlene Westbrook, City Clerk Ernest E. Lancaster, Mayor 120 1