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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-05-07 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING. OF TEE CITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS A regular.meeting of the Fayetteville City Board of Directors was held on Tdes y -May 7, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. in the Directors' Room of the City Administration Building at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayettevilier Arkansas; -- PRESENT: Mayor Fred Vorsanger; Assistant Mayor Mike Green; Directors Ann Henry, Dan Coody, Julie Nash, Shell Spivey and Bob Blackston; City Manager Scott Linebaugh, City Attorney Jerry Rose, City Clerk Sherry Thomas; members of staff, press.and audience. CALL TO ORDER • The meeting was called to order by the Mayor, with seven Directors present. The Mayor asked those present tostand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and then asked that a brief moment of respectful silence be observed. The Mayor welcomed comments on any item on the Agenda. He explained that comments should be limited to 15 minutes per item,' and a spokesperson be elected for comments made on the same issue. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Vorsanger introduced consideration of items which may be approved by motion, or contracts and leases which can be, approved by resolution, and which may be grouped together and approved simultaneously under a "Consent Agenda." A. Minutes of the April 16, 1991 regular Board meeting; B. A resolution approving a one year extension of the Blue Cross group medical, life, and long term disability contract for the period May 1, 1991 -April 30, 1992; Staff recommends approving the renewal, and there is no increase in the rate per contract over the 1990-90 policy year. RESOLUTION 74-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK C. A resolution approving Construction Contracts I and II for a Sewer System Rehabilitation, Mini System 5, for the Country Club Hill area in the amount of $162,970.50 and approving a budget adjustment of $37,970.50; Staff recommends approving the contracts and approving using unobligated 1990 roll forward sewer rehabilitation funds to 147 • 148 May 7, 1991 award both construction contracts to the low bidders, Clauson Brotkerstand Fayette Tree and Trench. RESOLUTION 71.91 APPEARS O1 PAGE OP ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK D. A resolution approving an engineering contract with Crafton, Tull 6 Associates in conjunction with the public improvements in the Community Development Target Area in the amount of $27,902.00; Staff recommends approving this contract which concerns design, development of plans and specifications, and construction management of the project. RESOLUTION 76-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK E. A resolution awarding Bid 90-20 tapping hydraulic drills, power the low bidder, IC1 of Arkansas for two (2) shower tap sewer units and additional bits to at a price of $11,917.97; Staff recommends awarding the bid. RESOLUTION 77-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK F. A resolution awarding Bid 91-14 for a Mini sewer TV Camera and accessories to the low bidder, Gra-Co, Inc., at a price of $10,114.00; Staff recommends awarding the bid. RESOLUTION 78-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK G. A resolution authorising the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a deed conveying half of the Robertson/Davis property to the University of Arkansas; This property which is being used for the construction of the Walton Arts Center was condemned by the City in an eminent domain action which was settled for $328,201.83. The University was to purchase half, or $164,100.92 As soon as the City conveys the property, the University will reimburse the City their portion. RESOLUTION 79-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK May 7, 1991 Blackston, seconded by Coody, made a motion to approve the consent agenda. iJpot roll call, the motion was passed by a vote of 7 to 0. REZONE I ~- --- The Mayor introduced an ordinance rezoning property located at the corner of North and Garland Streets from R-1, Low .Density Residential, to C-1, Neighborhood Commercial, and R -O, Residential Office, consisting of 5.32 acres as requested by Caroline Parsons. This rezoning was tabled by the Board at the May 15, 1990 meeting to allow the Northwest Arkansas Trust for Public Lands to raise sufficient funds to purchase the property for a nature park. The Trust failed to raise funds, and the City Board voted at their April 16, 1991 meeting that the City would not purchase' the property. The Planning Commission voted 5 to 3 to recommend rezoning. Therefore, Mrs. Parsons is resubmitting her request for rezoning. The ordinance was read for the first time. Spivey, seconded by Green, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the 'ordinance on its second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a°vote of 7 to 0. The ordinance was read for the second time. Coody, seconded by Henry, made a motion to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The ordinance was read for the third and final time. Donald House, a resident of 854 support of such a park to be above. He further reprimanded construct a park on this site. decision. South Hill, addressed the•Board in constructed on the site proposed the Board for the decision to not He urged the Board to reverse their Danny Wright, attorney for Caroline Parsons, asked the Mayor to poll the Board to see who intends to vote and who intends not to vote on this matter. He stated that he intended to challenge Directors Nash and Coody if they did not abstain. Mayor Vorsanger responded by saying that he would poll the Board. City Attorney Rose, stated that he had every right to challenge the Board, and stated that they should proceed. The Mayor stated that all Board members would be voting on this issue. Wright gave some background on the matter and stated that there was nothing to indicate that the rezoning of the property would increase the burden of traffic the property currently has or the City's budget. He stated that rezoning this property would not 1�U May 7, 1991 increase traffic flow. He stated his client had offered to dedicate twogstrips of land to be used for loading and unloading children at Leverett School. He further stated that the Parsons have been denied the use of their land because of the failure of the Board to rezone the property. Mayor Vorsanger stated that he neglected to ask the Board if they had any questions of Don House. Director Coody asked if the City has kept the property from selling. Wright responded that the zoning had kept the property from selling. Director Coody stated he felt the zoning had not kept the property from selling, but the price certainly had. Director Coody stated he saw no conflict of interest by him voting on the issue because he personally had nothing to gain or lose either way the issue is settled. Director Nash alternatives. John Merrell, presented. asked if the Planning Commission had offered zoning Planning Management Director, stated options had been Mayor Vorsanger stated that he voted against the purchase of the property for a City park. He stated he did so because it was too expensive. He stated that there was a silent group in the City who call him to express their views on different areas. He stated that every call he received was in opposition to the City spending that amount of money for a park. Don House stated that he would like to know who is the silent majority. He stated that the public opinion was that the price was too high, the people did not object to the park. He asked why the Board did not instruct Staff to negotiate the price with the Parsons. Director Coody stated that 99% of the response at the public hearing was in favor of the nature park. He asked what this had to say for the Board and about the future of public hearings. Director Green stated that this discussion had gotten way off track of the rezoning issue. Director Nash asked if the Planning Commission voted to rezone contingent upon a bill of assurance, and if none were offered by the petitioner, did this invalidate the vote of the Planning Commission. City Attorney Jerry Rose stated that would be correct. May 7, 1991 Pat Green__ stated_ she was opposed to the rezoning of the property located sea cltse to Leverett School. Ann England stated -she also opposed the rezoning. Kirk Elsass, with Lindsey and Associates, asked Director Coody if he remembers saying he would abstain from voting on this issue in a conversation they had. Director Coody stated he did not remember saying that. Caroline Parsons stated Mr. Elsass had informed her of the discussion between himself and Director Coody. She stated that she has lost faith in Director Coody. Director Coody stated he was sorry she had lost faith, but he has been trying to get the City to purchase her property. Mrs. Marion Doss addressed the Board as a member of the "silent group" of citizens that opposed the purchase of the property. She was watching the meeting at home and heard the Mayor's comment about the "silent group" and wanted to agree with him that there was a large majority of citizens that opposed the purchasebutwere not as vocal as the people in favor of the land purchase. Upon roll call, the motion to rezone the property failed by a vote of 1 to 6, with Henry voting in the minority. REZONE II The Mayor introduced an ordinance rezoning property located on the west side of Crossover Road, north of Joyce Street, from A-1, Agricultural, to R-1, Low Density Residential, as requested by Rick Parker on behalf of Joe Robinson. The Planning Commission voted 8-0-0 to approve the rezoning. The ordinance was read for the first time. Green, seconded by Blackston, made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The ordinance was read for the second time. Green, seconded by Blackston, made a motion to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The ordinance was read for the third and final time. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. ORDINANCE 3547 APPEARS ON PAGE 397 OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOR X x V 101 13 May 7, 1991 REZONE II: The Mayor introduced an ordinance rezoning property located on the northwest corner of Old Missouri Road and Errol Street (3200 Old Missouri Road) consisting of 1.22 acres from 1-1, Agricultural, to R-1.5, Moderate Density Residential, as requested by Claude and Frances Langham. This ordinance was left on its first reading at the April 16, 1991 Board of Directors meeting. The Planning Commission voted to approve the rezoning. The ordinance was read for the second time, and left on its second reading for discussion. Director Blackston stated that he was concerned about the R-1.5 unless there would be Bill of Assurance since it was a spot rezoning, and the adjacent property was turned down for the same rezoning. Mayor Vorsanger announced that he had received a petition and letter signed by Gene Lynch, President of Butterfield Crime Watch Association, opposing the rezoning. Frances Langham addressed the Board with her concerns that their development plans were submitted to the City Planning office with an application on the 5th of March - over sixty days ago. In addition, Ms. Langham stated that the rezoning procedure was delayed in order to await the outcome of the 17 acre rezoning request, that was subsequently recommended by the City Staff that both parcels be rezoned R-1.5 - giving them bad press. Ms. Langham reported that the opposition has been resolved and that there are two to three individuals interested in purchasing the 17 acres for single-family homes. She further reported on their development plans and reassured the opposing neighborhood that there are no plans to cause any harm or damaging effect to the neighborhood. Langham read an addendum to the rezoning request, setting out the plans for developing this property, and compared it to Green Briar Addition. In closing, Langham appealed to the Board that the 17 acres should not control the outcome of her property, and that their approach would be a progressive step to begin a transition into a residential setting in conjunction with the neighborhood. Langham also stated that she would be happy to present a Bill of Assurance if the property was rezoned R-1.5. Merrell stated that the rezoning to R-1.5 would allow up to 12 units per acre. Mayor Vorsanger asked for an approximate price range of the planned units, and Ms. Langham stated that the units would be in excess of $100,000. May 7, 1991 Director henry asked if a bill of assurance could be submitted that stated ift the property wasnot developed as the Langhams are indicating within a certain time period, that the rezoning would automatically`revert back to R-1. Merrell addressed Director Coody's question whether the Langham's request could be achieved without the R-1 to R-1.5 rezoning. He stated that he was recommending that the rezoning be denied as this rezoning would serve as a "buffer" between adjoining properties, that a precedent would be set for this type of rezoning, and that this is a classic example of a spot zoning for the benefit of the owners. Merrell explained the city's natural zoning boundary in this area is no multi -family zoning north of Old Missouri Road, and he requested that this be adhered to. In addition, Merrell assured Director Coody that if he were to go before the Board of Adjustment with some maneuvering, the zoning could remain R-1 and still accomplish the Langham's goals. John Park of 3208 Old Missouri Road, addressed the Board in complete agreement with John Merrell on this issue. Bill Ethridge of 3340 Old.Missouri Road addressed the Board in opposition to R-1.5 rezoning. Director Green asked if the neighbors would prefer*four homes in the $125,000 range rather than 3 in the $50,000-$60,000 range. Kathy Malstrom of Fayetteville addressed the Board and read from the Fayetteville Zoning Code dealing with exact verbiage of R-1.5 moderate density residential zoning. She presented a zoning map of the area which demonstrated the R-1 zoning in the surrounding areas with no medium density housing directly around the area, and also that all R-1.5 zonings currently in existence are adjacent to R-2 or R-0 zoning. In closing, Malstrom requested that this rezoning request be denied as it consists of spot zoning and can serve no good purpose for the area. Gene Lynch, President of the Butterfield Crime Watch Association, addressed the Board in agreement with the points made by Mr. Merrell. In addition, he addressed the subject of affordable housing and expressed his concern about the effect on land values this rezoning would cause in the Butterfield area. Lynch requested that this rezoning request be denied. Allen Tyler of 3247 Katherine addressed the Board regarding the letter of review by a real estate appraiser presented at the first reading which stated that the R-1.5 zoning would negatively affect the property values in the area. Tyler stated that this, in addition to the previously, stated opposition, would result in a terrible precedent if this rezoning request was granted, and he requested that the same be denied. X153 • '154 May 7, 1991 Director Nash asked why the Planning Commission voted unanimously for the renonitg:- Merrell stated he was not at the meeting, so he did not knoy!the answer. Green, seconded by Henry, made a motion to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The ordinance was read for the third and final time. Upon roll call, the motion to rezone from R-1 to R-1.5 failed by a vote of 0-7. DICRSON STREET PARKING Mayor Vorsanger introduced a resolution authorising the contract with RN Plan Group for completion of Phase 2 on the Dickson Street Parking project in the amount of $115,000.00. Staff recommends approval of this contract. City Manager Linebaugh addressed the Board regarding the contract with RM Plan Group and Phase 2 of this contract. Linebaugh reported that the plan has again changed requiring an additional $15,000 to be added to the expenses for further publications, etc. In addition, Linebaugh stated that RM Plan Group would serve an integral part in reaching a compromise on any controversial areas between the different groups. Mr. Yates, of the engineering firm McGoodwin, Williams & Yates, addressed the Board stating that the scheduled completion of the Arts Center is March 1992 and stressed the urgency of authorizing continuation of the parking project. Linebaugh reported that the City is committed to provide 500 parking places for the Arts Center. Directors Blackston and Green stated they felt they should proceed in those areas that can be completed at this time. Director Coody added that he hoped the scenario would include a park. Henry, seconded by Blackston, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. RESOLUTION 50-91 APPEARS OR PAGE OP ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK SEALER TOWN. DICKSON STREET. AND DOWNTOWN AREA ORDINANCE DISTRICT(S) Mayor Vorsanger introduced a presentation by the Downtown Fayetteville Historical Society that the City adopt an ordinance that would protect the character of an architecturally or x155 May 7, 1991 historically significant area by imposing architectural controls and guideline. on new construction, alterations, and demolitions. Sharon Stiles -M-304 West Meadow which is within the Dickson Street Improvement District addressed the Board. Stiles reported that May 12th through the 18th is National Historic Preservation Week, and in honor of that week, she requested the City Board join them in making an effort to preserve local heritage. Their goal is to form an ordinance district(s), similar to a historic district, to include Shuler Town, Dickson Street Improvement District, and the downtown areas. Stiles further reported that the Fayetteville Historic Commission is developing an ordinance which would apply to existing Washington, Willow and Mt. Nord Districts to protect the character of an architecturally or historically significant area by • imposing architectural controls and guidelines on new construction, alterations, and demolitions. She further asked that -the City Staff develop a similar ordinance to protect significant properties in the area. Stiles expressed her concern that Dickson Street revitalization in conjunction with the Arts Center and parking project cause changes that are not in character with the existing structures or that buildings might be lost unnecessarily, without guidance from the City. Andrea Miller presented a slide presentation with pictures of Fayetteville's historic districts. Clark Davis of the Fayetteville Historic Commission addressed the Board endorsing the efforts of the downtown groups at establishing. an ordinance to protect Fayetteville's remaining historic districts. Donna Miller addressed the Board emphasizing the importance of public awareness of Shuler Town and its contribution to the growth of the City of Fayetteville, and introduced Cy Sutherland, a` retired professor of architecture from the University of Arkansas specializing in historic preservation. Sutherland addressed the two historical societies in Washington County - Downtown Fayetteville Historical Society and the Washington County Historical Society and expressed his support and approval of these districts and of their efforts. Sutherland further stated that an ordinance district was needed to give districts clout in imposing restraining principals on the districts to enable reasonable alterations and new building and to achieve stability. Donna Miller presented two letters of endorsement to the Board from Bob Beasom, Director of Shilo Museum and resident in Dickson Street Improvement District and from John Cross, member of the Eureka Springs Preservation Society and State Preservation Board member in support of the Washington County historical society's efforts. 1JU May 7, 1991 Andrea Miller addressed the Board regarding a petition drive with 450 signat rat supporting historical preservation and presented the Board with t -shirts as mementos of their presentation. She stated that at least -123 homes have been torn down in this area, and that relocation is a viable alternative to demolition. Mayor Vorsanger spoke on behalf of the Board with their intention to ask John Merrell to draw up the ordinance that is being sought and bring it before the Board. 36 INCE WATER LINE Mayor Vorsanger introduced a resolution approving an engineering contract with NaGoodwin, Williams and Tates for work related to the construction of the north part of the 36 inch water line and related system tie-ins at an estimated price of $512,488.00. Staff recommends approval of this contract which will include detailed plans and specifications, preparation of easement plats, and construction observation. City Manager Linebaugh reported to the Board on this project handled by water, sewer and sales tax funds. This phase of the project is estimated to be $7 million; engineering work for the construction is being done by two engineering firms for about 50,000 feet of 36 inch line. Green, seconded by Blackston, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. RESOLUTION 81-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOO[ EASEMENT VACATION Mayor Vorsanger introduced a resolution approving the vacation of a 30 foot easement intended for the construction and maintenance of an electrical cable as requested by Jerry Anderson. Staff recommends approving the easement on the condition that a corrected easement of the same width be executed. City Manager Linebaugh explained that this cable has to do with the Drake Field warning lights in existence since 1962. Linebaugh further explained that the written easement didn't correspond to the location of the buried cable, and this needs to be corrected by abandoning the easement in exchange for a new easement. Nash, seconded by Blackston, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. 1 May 7, 1991 RESOLUTION 82-91 APPEARS ON PAGE BOOR L OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION WATERLINE EABEMENT VACATION Mayor Vorsanger introduced a resolution approving the vacation of a waterline easement across Lot 3, Block 2 of Paradise View Subdivision as requested by Jerry Pullen. Staff recommends approving the waterline easement vacation. City Manager Linebaugh explained that the builder applied for a permit approximately one year ago, and the waterline easement was overlooked and not included on the official plat. Blackston, seconded by Coody, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. RESOLUTION 84-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK AIRPORT GRANT AMENDMENTS Mayor Vorsanger introduced a resolution approving surrendering the remaining funds, $72,414 of AIP #3-05-0020-13 and reducing the funding by $279,230 for the obstruction portion of AIP #3-05-0020- 14. Staff recommends approving the reallocation. These funds will be reallocated to a new grant which will be used for the purchase of properties identified by the Obstruction Study. City Manager Linebaugh explained that money is being transferred from these two old grants to a new obstruction study grant. Linebaugh further explained that the $279,230 transfers over to another grant, leaving $870,000 to complete Project 14 safety area improvements. Green, seconded by Blackston, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0... RESOLUTION 83-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK AIRPORT RUNWAY/TAXIWAY LIGETING RENOVATION Mayor Vorsanger introduced a resolution approving a contract with McClelland Consulting Engineers at a cost to the City of $2,641.01, and approval of a budget adjustment. 157 158 May 7, 1991 Staff recoasnds approving the contract. The total price of the project 11=$310,313 of which the FAA will fund $291,000 (90%), and stats will fund $16,666 (5%), leaving the City with the remaining 5% or $16,667:` The budget adjustment reflects the entire cost of the project. The cost of this portion of the project is not to exceed $52,820.16. City Manager Linebaugh addressed this project stating that it was necessary to complete it two years earlier than originally planned due to the number of outages. Green, seconded by Nash, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. RESOLUTION 85-91 APPEARS ON PAGE OP ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK AIRPORT LAND/EASEMENT ACQUISITION Mayor vorsanger introduced a resolution approving a Professional Service Agreement with W.D. Schock Co Inc., for land/easement acquisition, property management and relocation assistance in conformance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act at a total project price of $801,000.00 of which the City's share is $40,055.00. Staff recommends this project which is necessary to clear or light obstructions to increase safety and improve landing minimums. City Manager Linebaugh explained that W.D. Schock Co. Inc., will be negotiating with the property owners to obtain airway leases and relocation of residences where required. Dale Frederick addressed the Board estimating total land acquisition at $2 million. In addition, Linebaugh reported that Schock would be sub -contracting with local surveyors, etc. Coody, seconded by Blackston, moved to adopt the resolution. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0. RESOLUTION 86-91 APPEARS ON PAGE 07 ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOK STREET RIGHT OP WAY -BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD Mayor Vorsanger introduced an ordinance authorising condemnation action for the utility and sidewalk easements and eminent domain proceedings approved by the Board of Directors at the April 16, 1991, Board meeting. Staff recommends the ordinance which is required by statute. May 7, 1991 • The ordinance was read for the first time. Henry, seconded by Blackston; m�lde -a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance an_its second reading. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote Of -7 to 0. -The ordinance was read for the second time. Henry, seconded by Coody, made a motion to further suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third and final reading. Upon roll call, the motion was passed by a vote of 7 to 0. The ordinance was read for the third and final time. Upon roll call, the motion passed by_a vote of 7 to 0. ORDINANC! 3548 APPEARS ON PAGE,.37 , OP ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION BOOR t >( V OTHER BUSINESS ARTS COUNCIL LETTER Linebaugh reported receiving a letter addressed to the Mayor and to the Chancellor of the University from the Arts Council with regard to the Dickson Street Improvement District. - They are requesting knowledge as to whether the City and University plan on paying the assessment fees or taking it out of Art Center's operating budget, in which case they are requesting permission to negotiate with the Improvement District. Staff recommends that this be taken out of the Arts Center operational funds, and'also that no action be taken until the lawsuit concerning taxes is finished. Director Coody requested that the Board be provided with the estimated assessment cost. ISRAEL SETTLEMENTOFFER Linebaugh reported on &settlement offer on the Ben Israel vs. City of Fayetteville lawsuit: This lawsuit resulted from the placement of a testing station on the creek and removal of the same. Linebaugh stated that .Israel was offering to settle for the attorney expenses. Director 'Green stated his concern about the kind of precedent this matter would set. It was discussed by the Board that it would cost the City more to pursue the lawsuit than to settle. Vorsanger, seconded by Nash made a. motion that this settlement offer be negotiated by City Attorney, Jerry Rose, and if the same can't be settled satisfactorily for a cost not to exceed $1,400, that Attorney Rose defend the case. Upon roll call, the motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. • 159