HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-09-02 Minutes285
A MEETING OF THE FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL
A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council was held on Tuesday,
September 2, 1997, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Room of the City
Administration Building, 113 W. Mountain, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
PRESENT: Mayor Fred Hanna; Aldermen Stephen Miller, Kit
Williams, Len Schaper, Heather Daniel, Cyrus Young,
Randy Zurcher, Trent Trumbo, and Donna Pettus; City
Attorney Jerry Rose; City Clerk/Treasurer Traci Paul;
staff; press; and audience.
ABSENT: None
Mayor Hanna called the meeting to order with eight aldermen
present.
STAFF RECOGNITION FOR EPA WASTE WATER AWARD
Mayor Hanna announced the official acceptance of the EPA's 1997
Region Administrators Environmental Excellence Award for
operation and maintenance in the advanced treatment plant
category. This award was given by the Environmental Protection
Agency's Region VI office for the City's wastewater collection
and treatment operations. Billy Ammons, OMI Project Manager;
David Jurgens, City Water & Sewer Superintendent; and Don Bunn,
City Engineer, accepted the award.
MILLAGE SUPPORTMIDDLESCHOOLS
Mayor Hanna introduced a resolution endorsing the 1997 millage
continuation campaign and encouraging Fayetteville residents to
vote for the continuation of the millage on Tuesday, September
16, 1997.
Mayor Hanna stated this millage was originally passed in 1989,
implemented in 1990, and used to enlarge the two junior high
schools, the expansion of the senior high school, and other
projects in the school district. Now the school district wants
to use this money to build two new middle schools and make
renovations to eight of the existing elementary schools.
Alderman Williams explained that all this millage will remain in
Fayetteville and will be used for local schools. None will go to
the State.
Alderman Williams moved the resolution. Alderman Daniel
seconded. Upon roll call, the resolution passed on a vote of 8
to O.
RESOLUTION 79-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
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286
CONSENT AGENDA
September 2, 1997
•
Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of items which may be
approved by motions or contracts and leases which can be approved
by resolution and which may be. grouped togetherandapproved-
simultaneously under a consent agenda:
Minutes of the August 19 Council meeting.
A resolution approving the sale of 0.31 acre of City owned
Lake Sequoyah property to Billy Joe and Betty F. Collins in
the amount of $620.00;
RESOLUTION 80-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
C. A resolution approving compensation to.J.M.U., Inc.; dba
Day's Inn; Jay Sur.ati, President, in the amount of $25,510
for :the fee simple acquisition of street right-of-way, the
acquisition of permanent and temporary construction
easements, and for -damages to improvements and landscaping
relating to improvements at the intersection of College
Avenue and Township'.Road;
RESOLUTION 81-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
A resolution approving an Offer and Acceptance Contract in
the amount of $71,850 for the sale of a.residence located at
516 South College in. conjunction with the Community
Development Home Buyer Program;.
RESOLUTION 82-97 AS RECORDED_ IN.THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
Alderman Schaper moved thetconsexit.agenda. Alderman Miller
seconded. Upon roll call, the-. motion passed on a vote of 8 to
0. . ,
•
OLD BUSINESS
ANNEXATION -RZA97-10--SKILLERN
Mayor Hanna introduced consideration of an ordinance annexing
„.17.62 -acres located east of Skillern Road and west'of.Rom Orchard
Road as requested by Jim Neil .and .Milt McKenzie on behalf of
Beverly Jeanne Skillern. -This ordinance was left on the,second
reading at ,the August 5 Council meeting. -
Alderman Miller moved the ordinance to the third reading
Alderman Daniel seconded; Upon roll call, the motion passed on a
vote of 8 to 0.
287
September 2, 1997
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the third time.
Alderman Daniel stated the Planning Commission will have leeway
in dealing with this as there is a process to be undertaken.
Also, the adjoining landowners have options. It will be a number
of weeks before this large scale development comes for review by
the Planning Commission.
Alderman Pettus asked if this property was not annexed, could the
City have any control over commercial use there.
Alett Little, Planning Director, replied the City would not have
control over commercial use in the county. Although the County
does review large scale developments for commercial development,
the City does not review large scale developments. The City only
reviews subdivisions. Even though this is in our growth area,
the City would have no say.
Alderman Schaper's concern was preserving the integrity of the
neighborhood already there, homes on acreage, and this area
developing in harmony with the existing development. He stated
the only issue raised in favor of this annexation is that the
owner wants to realize a certain profit from the sale of this
land, which is not a valid public purpose for annexation or
rezoning. He would support annexing this land only if it were
rezoned R -E, estate zoning, the zone most in keeping with the
surrounding development. He asked about a first reading of
rezoning this property, if it is annexed.
City Attorney Rose responded the Council may do this on its own
initiative, but he was not sure it could be done at this meeting.
Alderman Trumbo stated the petitioners started off at R-1 but he
understood they are now looking at half -acre to acre lots.
Rose read from the Code of Fayetteville, Section 160.157,
Amendment Procedures for Members of City Council: "When members
of the City Council desire to initiate amendments to the
ordinance, proposals shall be referred by resolution to the
Planning Commission for study and recommendations; or the
proposed amendment may be adopted by a majority vote of the City
Council without prior referral to the Planning Commission. If
the proposed amendment is referred to the Planning Commission, a
public hearing as provided for in 160.156(C) shall be held and
the Planning Commission and the City Board of Directors shall act
in accordance with the procedures set out in 160.156(D) and (E)."
Rose stated it appears it could be done either way, but he has
not prepared such an amendment.
.238
September, 2, 1997
Little confirmed this rezoning request of R -I is on the Planning
Commission's next agenda. Regarding the two -acre -minimum, she
explained if this property is annexed, it will come in as A-1.
Under the A-1 ordinance, it may be developed as residential
property which requires_a,two-acre. minimum.
Alderman Williams had concerns about the lay of the land. It
'juts_out_like an arm into the,.c_ounty. He.did not see .a strong -
,public,:purpose it`this time to annex such a lot into the city.
F
Alderman Pettus stated the Council has to look at the best -
interest,oftheipeople,ofkFayetteville. It has been brought to
her.attention that•there would',be problems with the police and
fire protection, waste collectors, and utility .readers; It would
• • be .inefficient and probably more expensive and less beneficial to
tthe-people,than_"it.would-be'if the City annexed it.
a �
Alderman Zurcher felt the Council was sending a mixed message,
considering the proposed annexation to the west is to square off
the borders of the City and this does the opposite.
There being no objection, Mayor Hanna called for the vote.
Upon roll call, the ordinance -passed on a vote of 5 to 4, with
Mayor Hanna voting yes and Aldermen Williams, Schaper, Young and
Zurcher voting no.
ORDINANCE 4051 IS FOUND ON PAGE ' - • OF ORDINANCE BOOK
EMINENT DOMAIN --HIGHWAY 45 & LAKE SEQUOYAH
Mayor Hanna introduced an ordinance authorizing the City Attorney
to seek possession of certain properties for utility purposes by
the power of eminent domain in association with the'White.River
Water System connections with the City of Fayetteville along
Highway 45 and Lake Sequoyah Road. This ordinance was postponed
at the August 12 Council agenda session. .
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the first time..
Alderman Zurcher stated Mr. Coger'is interested in finding an':
agreement that will not have to go through the courts.- This
would be, instead of cutting through Mr. Coger's,land and taking
the landmark trees, going to the, original street easement and
entering into anagreementthat if and when this road gets -
.widened and the line needs. to be moved, Mr.-Coger would share in
the,cost of moving that.. Alderman Zurcher referred to a memo -
that stated there is no'plan to widen this road in the
foreseeable future. He asked
done.
2rr
September 2, 1997
Rose supposed it could be.
Alderman Schaper pointed out the State highway department's
planning period is five years. The service life of this
waterline is 50 to 100 years.
Kevin Crosson, Public Works Director, stated 46 property owners
have signed easement dedications. We are talking about more than
Mr. Coger's property.
David Jurgens, Water & Sewer Services Superintendent, stated the
cost of relocating a line is usually twice the amount of initial
installation, as the relocation is frequently more disruptive.
Additionally, the line would have to be shut down for some time.
Alderman Zurcher stated his concern that the
for what could happen, was losing what makes
in part the natural environment.
Council, in planning
Fayetteville great,
Jurgens suggested tieing any agreement to the ownership of the
land.
Butch Coger, property owner, stated he'd bought this property
because it is out of the city. His business in the city has
generated hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax revenue for the
City. He had property on Dickson Street condemned and taken for
the Walton Arts Center. He was instrumental in getting people to
sell the property needed for the Arts Center. This illustrates
his ability to be objective and sacrifice for the good of all.
Mr. Coger stated this property on Slaughter Mountain is a
beautiful area and a premium entry to Fayetteville. This is the
last of the large trees this waterline has to sacrifice, so this
is a special case. The trees on the mountain anchor the soil.
This is not merely a wooded lot; it is seven acres with a road
and house site cleared. There is a drain in front of the house
site to cut off all groundwater to the building site, which cost
about $2,000. The trees are so important that he has installed
the septic system before the house is built in order to avoid
taking out trees to maneuver equipment for the septic system.
Mr. Coger stated his prime concern is the destruction of all the
trees on Slaughter Mountain when it is not necessary. These are
old-growth trees important to erosion control as well as being
beautiful. The State is concerned with the removal of these
trees. The State may not even permit the waterline to be
installed as planned. These trees are also important for shade
and noise control for the future house. There is bedrock all
along the side of the mountain. There is an existing 60' right-
of-way. Consensus at the State highway department is it will be
.y
290
September 2, 1997
40 -or 50 years before Highway 45 is widened. No one from the
City has talked to the'State.
Alderman Williams asked if Highway 45 was widened,•would we not
have to Move the waterline if it was in:the 601 -right-of-way.
Charles, Venable, Assistant to the. Public Works bisector, replied
this was hard to answer. without determining exactly what•the
State is going to do to the road. It is on the side of a hill.
If it is widened from thecenter out, the waterlines would
probably have to be relocated: -
Alderman Trumbo asked if Mr. Venable thought the..City's proposed
placement of the waterline was the most prudent based on future
growth.
Venable replied it is if the City does not plan to pay for moving
it in the future. The State highway department policy is that if
utilities are put on by their permission and they need to be
moved, the City would pay for. moving. If they are not on there
and the State needs the right-of-way, the State pays the City.
That is the main reason the City is going outside the highway
right-of-way.
Alderman Schaper asked if the City needed to clear the entire 30'
temporary easement.
Venable replied normally it is:used for equipment, but they may.
.not: have to'clear the'entire:.area
r
Crosson called attention .tothe Substantial ditch off the road
Which is in -the highway right-of-way and that placing the line in
that;, ditch is difficult.
Venable mentioned there,is a power line close to the highway and
atelephone'cable in thearea.
Mr. Coger stated the first proposal by the City was a 20'
permanent easement and a 30' construction easement. Then the-
City came back with a 10' permanent easement and .using the
highway right-of-way as a construction easement. He asked what
the City is talking about now.
Crosson explained the City's
condemnation,. the City tries
planned. Since the -City has
owners;.the City feels it is
originally asked for.
position is that when it goes to'
to secure what it originally
settled with all the other property
prudent to. condemn for what was
291
September 2, 1997
Alderman Trumbo moved to suspend the rules and go to the second
reading. Alderman Pettus seconded. Upon roll call, the motion
passed on a vote of 7 to 1, with Alderman Zurcher voting no.
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the second time.
Alderman Schaper asked if the City had settled on the 10' wide
easement, what would that have meant in terms of constructing the
waterline.
Crosson replied it would not be insurmountable but would add to
the cost and difficulty of the project.
Alderman Williams suggested leaving it on the second reading.
Crosson pointed out the construction contract is also on the
agenda and it would not be prudent to consider it if all the
properties are not secured. Voting to condemn would secure the
properties.
Alderman Schaper stated he would like to attempt to amend the
condemnation on this land to the 10' permanent easement and no
temporary easement, in order to minimize the environmental
impact.
Alderman Young seconded.
Alderman Williams stated he would rather see Mr. Coger negotiate
and not have the Council doing it for him. If the Council does
not go through with this, Mr. Coger would have two weeks to come
to an agreement with the City.
This was left on the second reading.
REZONING RZ97-15
Mayor Hanna announced this would remain on the table at the
request of the petitioner.
BOTANICAL GARDEN LAND LEASE
Mayor Hanna introduced a resolution approving a land lease
agreement with the Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks, Inc.
This resolution was tabled at the August 19 Council meeting.
Alderman Williams reported this resolution has been back before
the Ordinance Review Committee and the Parks & Recreational
Advisory Board. The Parks Board took into account the suggested
changes made by the Mayor, staff, and Council members and
unanimously recommended its approval. It has been before the
Botanical Garden Committee and received its unanimous approval.
292
September -4.2; 1997
There-is'a lot -of protection for the citizens of Fayetteville.
There are 12 uses as.of right that -the. City can.have free of
charge and protection of the trail that will go around Lake
Fayetteville.. There are goals the Botanical Garden must meet. -
Alderman Schaper asked about the location 'Of the trail around
Lake Fayetteville.
'Alderman Williams replied the City hired a consultant, as
requested by the Parks Board, to .hold public hearings and design
the trail. The City has the right to determine where it will be.
The lease states the City specifically retains the rights to
construct and maintain a trail; and we will approve the final
master plan, which will have where the trail is.•
Donna Porter, Botanical Garden Society, -;stated the Society is in
total agreement with the land lease. She stated the Society has
over 200 financially supportive members and 60 or so.Volunteers
signed up.
Alderman
the land
'Alderman
which is
Zurcher asked if this Botanical Garden fails, who would
revert to.
Williams replied it would revert back to the landlord,
the City.
Kevin Crosson, Public Works Director, added there is a small
portion that will be shared by the .Society and the Environmental
Studies Center. The rest ,is currently in the City' -s possession.
Alderman Young stated the Study Center is set up for the public
school students and he would like to see special consideration
for them when the fee structure is set.
Lou Vogele, citizen and retired fisheries biologist,. is concerned
that there has not been enough consideration of what may drain
out of the Botanical Garden. He passed out photographs of Lake
Fayetteville. showing algae bloom.' This is an indicator that the
Lake is organically polluted. This -is a, fragile environment that
• may not tolerate much more pollution.
Ralph Fort, District -Fisheries Biologist with Arkansas -Game &
Fish Commission, stated he is concerned with what is causing the
-algae blooms now. The source needs -to be determined. He feels
• Lake Fayetteville'is on the brink of over -fertilization regarding
,fish and any contribution could be a problem. •
Alderman Zurcher asked if there is a Botanical
"fertilizers and pesticides.
29a
September 2, 1997
Ms. Porter assured the Council the Society is very, very
environmentally conscientious and would not do anything to
threaten the health of Lake Fayetteville.
Alderman Williams moved the resolution to approve the land lease
agreement. Alderman Daniel seconded. Upon roll call, the
resolution passed on a vote of 8 to 0.
RESOLUTION 83-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
NOISE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
Mayor Hanna introduced reconsideration of Ordinance 4047, which
allows non -complaint violations between the hours of 10:00 p.m.
and 1:00 a.m., and consideration of an ordinance prohibiting
outdoor music and other similar sounds between the hours of 12:00
midnight and 8:00 a.m.
Ordinance 4047
City Attorney Rose stated the first item for consideration is
Ordinance 4047. It is before the Council on a motion to
reconsider. The Ordinance Review Committee has looked at this
ordinance and their recommendation is to reject it. It is before
the Council as if it were on its third and final reading and
ready for a vote.
Alderman Daniel stated she would agree to removing the proactive
part and would make an amendment after that.
Alderman Schaper confirmed there would be no public input at this
meeting regarding this issue, as it has been addressed before.
Alderman Miller stated he is in favor of giving warnings before
tickets.
Alderman Williams informed the Council that police officer Rick
Hoyt had appeared before the Ordinance Review Committee and asked
that the Council not go forward with the proactive ordinance and
to give the police department a chance to show that they will in
fact enforce the noise ordinance better.
Alderman Schaper stated it is important that the enforcement of
this not make victims look like the bad guys.
Alderman Zurcher suggested forming a committee to deal with this
problem. Basically, the season is almost over and the Council
has not changed anything.
9
September
2, 1997
Alderman Williams responded this. has been studied in committee
and for many years. .
Alderman Zurcher stated the committee he's suggesting would
include citizen members.
called .for the
1
vote.
City Attorney Rose clarified a yes vote means the Council wants
the.ordinance'to pass and no,means the Council does not wish the
ordinance 'to pass. -
Mayor..Hanna,added.that yes means,the'police will issue tickets
their own and,no means the, police act`on complaints.
on
Upon roll call, the ordinance failed on a vote of 0 to 8, with
all aldermen voting no.
City Attorney Rose- informed the Council the next ordinance would
be on its third reading.
Music Between 12:00 a.m. &.8:00 a.m.
Alderman Miller moved to suspend the rules and go to the third
reading. Alderman Williams seconded. .Upon roll call, the motion
passed on a vote of 8 to 0.
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the third time.
Alderman Williams stated thiswasstudied in the Ordinance Review
Committee which came to the consensus that this should be amended
to 1:00 from midnight, so that the music would end at 1:00 a.m.
as opposed to midnight.
Alderman Miller stated he has suggested that Friday and Saturday
nights are different and is amazed that no one has considered
closing earlier on week nights and staying open later on
weekends. He considered 12:30 during the week and 2:00 on
Fridays and Saturdays logical.,
•
Alderman Williams responded this has been discussed at. Ordinance.
Review Committee meetings..
Alderman Daniel stated the
department is to not issue
removed the proactivepart.
City not give warnings.
intradepartmental policy at the police
warnings.., The Council has. already
She. stated her amendment is that the '
Alderman Daniel moved td put that in the ordinance.
29-
September 2, 1997
Alderman Williams felt this is a managerial decision and it is
wrong to take full discretion away from the officer at the scene.
Alderman Williams stated he would make an amendment to the
current ordinance to amend the hours from 12:00 midnight to 1:00
a.m. Alderman Trumbo seconded.
Alderman Schaper stated 1:00 a.m. is a real problem, as it would
apply to not just Dickson Street. The potential is for any
establishment to do this. He agreed weekends are different from
week nights. He felt the amendment should be amended to read
1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11:00 p.m. on the other
nights of the week.
Alderman Williams noted that at this point, there is no cut off
time. There is a cut off time for bars. Also, the decibels
allowed do drop at 11:00.
Alderman Schaper stated it is not a cut off. It states the
offense is if the music is plainly audible at a distance of 150'
or more from the source. That is not an absolute cut off. This
ordinance creates an offense that may or may not be a real
offense. His recommendation, which the Ordinance Review
Committee refused to consider, was based on the advice of other
communities that have adopted ordinances which state there has to
be a disturbance created in somebody's house or dwelling unit.
This ordinance says outdoor music is a problem that needs
regulation and then proposes regulation that could be
unacceptable to anyone living near the source of this sound.
Alderman Young stated setting cut off times makes decibel levels
useless.
Mayor Hanna called for the vote on the 1:00 a.m. cut off
amendment.
Upon roll call, the amendment
Aldermen Miller, Schaper, and
passed on a vote of 5 to 3, with
lurcher voting no.
City Attorney Rose stated the Ordinance Review Committee was also
thinking about an amendment to do away with the language "outside
or in an unenclosed area."
Alderman Williams stated this is correct. The ordinance as
originally proposed said outdoor music. There have been problems
with indoor music escaping to bother people. As long as the
music is getting outdoors and bothering somebody 150' away, it
should be prohibited, whether it is created outdoors or indoors.
11
September 2, 1997
Alderman Williams moved to delete the difference between outdoor
created music and indoor created music and have any music,
: whether it escapes from an indoor building or is created outside.
:: Alderman Daniel seconded..
Alderman Miller suggested saying °noise" and not just "music."
Alderman Williams responded music is a special kind of noise and
has been the problem in the past. It is a special category that
is more disruptive to someone trying to sleep.
'.Alderman Miller felt this was picking on musicians and not
dealing with the really annoying city noises.
City Attorney Rose reiterated the amendment: In._Section C on the
second page .of the proposed ordinance, the words " outside
or in an unenclosed area. .'would be removed and it would now
read, "'.' .between the hours or 1:00 a.m..and 8:00 a.m. and is
plainly audible at a distance of 150'." It would eliminate the
words "outside or in an unenclosed area."
Upon roll call, the amendment passed on a vote of 5 to 4, with
Mayor Hanna voting yes and Aldermen Miller, Schaper, Young and
Zurcher voting no.
17,
Alderman Schaper moved to amend this to say between the hours of
1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings and 11:00
p.m. the remainder of the week.. Alderman Daniel seconded. Upon
roll call, the amendment failed on a vote of 1 to 7, with
Alderman Schaper voting yes.
Alderman Williams recommended passing the ordinance and letting
the police have a chance to enforce it. It has been studied
severaltimesthis year and for years before.
Upon roll call, the ordinance passed on a vote of 5 t� 4, with
Mayor Hanna voting yes and Aldermen Miller, Schaper, Young, and
Zurcher voting no.
ORDINANCE 4052 IS .FOUND ON PAGE
NEW BUSINESS
VACATION VA97-4--HONEY LANE
"Mayor''Hanna introduced .an ordinance vacating a portion of a
-.utility easement on property located at 2416 Honey Lane as-
.requested.by Jim Bob Wheeler.; The Planning Commission voted 7-0-
0`to recommend the ?vacation.
OF ORDINANCE BOOK
September 2, 1997
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the
Alderman Trumbo moved to suspend the rules and
reading. Alderman Daniel seconded. Upon roll
passed on a vote of 8 to 0.
first time.
go to the second
call, the motion
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the second
time.
297
Alderman Williams stated all the utilities have agreed to this
and the Planning Commission approved it unanimously.
Alderman Williams moved to suspend the rules and go to the third
and final reading. Alderman Daniel seconded. Upon roll call,
the motion passed on a vote of 8 to 0.
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the third time.
There being no further comment from audience members or Council
members, Mayor Hanna called for the vote.
Upon roll call, the ordinance passed on a
ORDINANCE 4053 IS FOUND ON PAGE
A TEAM CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
vote of 8 to 0.
OF ORDINANCE BOOK
Mayor Hanna introduced a resolution awarding a construction
contract with the A Team Construction Company in the amount of
$944,300; approving a contingency amount of $94,430; and
approving a budget adjustment in the amount of $375,044.
Kevin Crosson, Public Works Director, corrected a statement made
earlier in the meeting; he stated this contract can be awarded
We are down to only two acquisitions to make, and it will take a
while to get to the Coger property.
Alderman Schaper stated the Sewer & Water Committee has looked at
this. He reminded citizens this is to build the main line going
east that will connect with the White River Rural Water
Association property the City acquired. The cost is going to be
covered from folks benefiting from the connection. Their water
rates have been guaranteed not to increase for one year. After
that, there will be a return for this investment.
Alderman Miller moved the resolution. Alderman Daniel seconded.
Upon roll call, the resolution passed on a vote of 7 to 1, with
Alderman Zurcher voting no.
RESOLUTION 84-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
13
September 2, 1997
SALEM VILLAGE PUD/OFF-SITE'IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Hanna introduced a:resolution approving a request to
guarantee payment for required off-site improvements associated
.with-ithe Salem Village Pup by posting a performance bond as
requested by the developer.
Alderman Schaper was concerned that if the improvement does not
get` built in,five years, ..itwill be"1forgotten.. It does come
i::-.before'Planning Commission again after five years and can be
continued after that point, so we will have to depend on the
wisdom of .the then -sitting Planning Commission to do this. In
general, these guarantees are not the best way to handle off-site
improvements. We need to look at an impact fee, which would go
into the infrastructure development fund to fund the most needed
projects to handle growth.
Alderman Young stated this comes to -the Planning Commission
'before the performance bond comes due.
Mayor Hanna asked for comments from the audience. There were
none.
•
Alderman Daniel moved the resolution. Alderman Williams
seconded. - Upon roll call, the resolution passed on a vote of.8
to 0.
RESOLUTION 85-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
STREET NAME CHANGE-.-GREGG AVE. TO POWERHOUSE AVE.
Mayor Hanna introduced an ordinance changing the name of a
section of Gregg Avenue to Powerhouse Avenue as requested by Bill
Underwood.
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the first time.
Alderman Williams moved to suspend the rules and go to the
roll call, the motion.
Schaper voting no..
reading. : Alderman Miller seconded. Upon
passedon a vote of 7 to 1, .with Alderman
second
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the second time.
Alderman Daniel asked if anyone had checked with the 911 system.
Kevin Crosson, Public Works -Director, stated it has'been
confirmed by the 911 coordinator that there would be.no conflict
with thestreetchange.
•
299
September 2, 1997
Alderman Daniel asked if other residents or landowners on this
street had been notified.
Rose replied the two other property owners have been notified.
One wants it and one does not.
Alderman Young stated it sounded like the entire street was being
changed north and south, up and down Fayetteville, to Powerhouse.
Rose responded that is not the intent. It is just that portion
between Dickson Street south.
Crosson stated it terminates at the entrance.
Alderman Daniel asked if there would be a street sign put up.
Crosson replied there would.
Alderman Daniel thought a standard street sign, which is
appropriate, would not attract more patrons to the restaurant.
Alderman Williams moved to suspend the rules and go to the third
and final reading. Alderman Trumbo seconded. Upon roll call,
the motion passed on a vote of 7 to 1, with Aldermen Schaper,
voting no.
City Attorney Rose read the ordinance for the third time.
Mayor Hanna asked for public comment.
Richard Shewmaker, 605 W. Dickson, took this opportunity to state
he does not support this name change but does strongly support an
item further ahead on the agenda, Mr. Underwood's issue of.
acquiring University Auto. Regarding the street name change, Mr.
Shewmaker stated he resented comments written by Mr. Underwood in
a letter which was included in the agenda packet. These comments
pertained to Mr. Shewmaker not favoring this name change and
using a Dickson Street address for his ballroom on Gregg Street.
Mr. Shewmaker stated he does not own the ballroom; he owns the
building. He did not name the property The Dickson Street
Ballroom; the tenants did. Its address is 245 N. Gregg. Another
letter from Mr. Underwood in the packet said Mr. Shewmaker owns
the property on the west side and that he had earlier told Mr.
Underwood he would oppose it because he has a club on that
street. Mr. Shewmaker stated he does not own a club on that
street. He owns the building the ballroom is in; he did not name
it; and he does not advertise it.
15
3.00
September 2, 1997
Mr.Shewmaker agreed it would be beneficial to everyone involved
if that segment of the street was renamed something. Gregg is
fragmented. This section is about 300' long and does not align
with Gregg. The streetshould have a stronger identity. He
would be glad to work on a committee for this.
Mr. Shewmaker stated he has three businesses that have addresses
'on that street, 225 N. Gregg, 245 N. Gregg, and 255 N. Gregg. To
think that each would have to advertise anotherbusiness when
they advertise is not fair. He asked the Council to suppose that
the Powerhouse Restaurant decided to leave after the street was
renamed. Another business might rather have a generic name.
That building is not on the National Register and is of no more
historical significance than Mr. Shewmaker's buildings. The
address of the Powerhouse Restaurant is 112 N. University. It
would be more appropriate to change that segment of University.
Mr. Shewmaker reiterated his willingness to work on a committee
to establish a name that would 'benefit all the businesses on that
street and his position that naming this street, when there are
other establishments on it, to benefit one is not fair.
Bill Underwood, petitioner, stated the powerhouse is historically
significant. That building was built in 1902 and started
generating electricity seriously in 1904, with a generator
purchased at the St. Louis World's Fair. It is built at the
mother spring of Spring Street, a precedent for naming a street
after a landmark. The mother spring still flows in the basement
of the powerhouse building and he hopes to make a viewing portal.
Mr. Underwood stated the building was dilapidated and vacant when
he purchased it five years ago. He fixed it up significantly,
.which -attracted a restaurant. The restaurant was named after the
powerhouse, not vice versa. This request is for the street to be
named after the powerhouse generating plant, not the Powerhouse
Restaurant. He stated he does not own the restaurantbut does
own the property and leases it to the restaurant.
Mr. Underwood stated there is a small, pie -shaped area to the
left just before the gate that is owned by the City. He would
liketo do some planting:there..
-Mayor'Hanna asked for further comments from the audience. There
were none.
•
ff
Alderman Schaper pointed out Mr. Shewmaker actually owns property
fronting the street, while Mr. Underwood's property does not
'..really front on the street but:is where it terminates.
16
301
September 2, 1997
Alderman Miller asked if Mr. Shewmaker had stationery that would
have to be changed or other expenses incurred.
Mr. Shewmaker replied he wouldn't because he doesn't have the
business. He did not consider it a big deal. He, too, would
plant on the triangle property owned by the City. However, it is
brought up at almost every Dickson Street Enhancement meeting
that there needs to be a public place for the train to stop; and
that is the only public place in the Dickson Street area that is
on the railroad. He hoped the City would protect that.
Alderman Young spoke to the historic significance of the
generating plant. If being historic is to be considered, then
maybe George's should be considered. That building was there
long before people thought about generating electricity. It is
an old railroad building.
Alderman Miller asked staff if this was run by emergency
personnel to see if they have any objections.
Kevin Crosson, Public Works Director, replied it would be
coordinated through 911.
Mayor Hanna called for the vote.
Upon roll call, the ordinance passed on a vote of 5 to 3, with
Aldermen Schaper, Zurcher, and Pettus voting no.
ORDINANCE 4054 IS FOUND ON PAGE OF ORDINANCE BOOR
COST SHARING AGREEMENT
Mayor Hanna introduced a resolution approving a cost sharing
agreement with Julian and Jane Archer, developers of Bois D'Arc
Subdivision, for a not -to -exceed cost of $30,715 to provide storm
sewer improvements.
Kevin Crosson, Public Works Director, explained that the Waterman
Woods addition was built in 1990-91. There have been a number of
drainage problems over the years. While the warranty was in
place, the City did ask the developers to make some improvements.
The developer did those, but there were still problems. When
Bois D'Arc subdivision was proposed and brought forward, the
neighbors in Waterman Woods raised objections with the Planning
Commission. The developers committed to addressing the problems.
They approached the City about a cost -share arrangement or the
City making the improvements. This cost sharing agreement
developed from those discussions. The City proposes the not -to -
exceed cost of $30,715 to make the necessary improvements up to
the drainage ordinance requirements. The Archers' have agreed to
17
September 2, 1997
provide additional capacity, up, to the 100 -year flood frequency.
..It -was discussed that Waterman Woods was dedeloped by a different
developer.' -AC that tithe, the`Cityedrd not -.have an adequate
drainage ordinance. . "
Alett Little, Planning Director, stated the Planning Commission
.Thapproved the subdivision subject to the corrections being made.
They approved it whether or not the. City enters into this.. If
:the City decides against this, it will be incumbent upon the
developer to make the corrections.
•
Alderman Williams asked why the developer expected the City to
pay $30,000. This is much more than the developer's share.
Crosson replied the amount the staff is recommending is
related to Waterman Woods, not the effect of Bois D'Arc
Charles Venable, Assistant to the Public Works Director
this amount is what it would take to handle the hundred
flood through there, which the developer plans to do.
ordinance says 10 years. The difference is between the
year and the ten year, just for this drainage. The dif
Limply a couple of pipes.
Crosson stated this is not the entire extent of the drainage
improvements in the subdivision.- This is only the portion
attributable to Waterman Woods.
•
•
directly
, stated
-year
Our
hundred
ference is
Alderman Schaper stated this is a case of the City recognizing
the fact that it did not require the kind of drainage
improvements that we would now require. The City has fixed
existing problems before. Someone developing a piece of land
should not have to pay for mistakes made in previous development.
Alderman
that was
$19,000;
expected
Williams stated he would agree to a cost-sharing plan
even for both City and developer.He could agree. up to
but he still did not like the fact that the City is
to pay $30,000 while they pay about $7,000.
Alderman Williams moved to amend the resolution to change the
not-to-exceed..cost to not to exceed $19,000.. Alderman Zurcher
seconded.
Alderman Schaper stated the Council should go with the judgement
of staff on what is a fair., arrangement.
Upon roll call,
Mayor Hanna and
voting no.'
the amendment failed on.a
Aldermen Schaper,. Daniel-,
vote of 4 to 5, with
Young, and Pettus
303
•
September 2, 1997
Alderman Miller moved the resolution. Alderman Daniel seconded.
Upon roll call, the resolution passed on a vote of 8 to 0.
RESOLUTION 86-97 AS RECORDED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE,
APPEAL REZONING RZ97-16--CARLON BASSETT
Mayor Hanna introduced an appeal of the Planning Commission's
decision to deny a rezoning for property located at 614 N.
College Ave. as requested by Alan Reid on behalf of Carlon
Bassett. This rezoning failed on a vote of 4-4 at the Planning
Commission.
Bill Underwood stated he would like to purchase this land for the
purpose of trading for the property next door to Underwood's on
Dickson Street. This building is now owned by University Auto.
He would like to turn it into a very nice parking area with
plantings, a plaza, perhaps a waterfall, and maybe additional
buildings for rental. In order to acquire that property,
University Auto needs a place to move. The property on N.
College was built in the late '40's by Ivey Motor Company and was
used as a garage and auto repair facility for a number of years.
In the 70's, a 200' swath was drawn down College Ave. Anything
within was zoned commercial and anything outside was residential.
The line cut right through the middle of this building he wants
to purchase and trade. More recently, the building has been
leased to EMS and has been vacant for less than a year.
Mr. Underwood stated this property has been commercial for almost
50 years. If the City zones it back to what it was before, it
will be used for this trade and would be an auto repair facility.
It would not have the siren, bells, and horns that EMS had.
Nothing about the use of the property would change except for the
better. Mr. Underwood stated his request is to ask the City to
rezone that piece of property back to where it was before it was
arbitrarily changed.
Mr. Underwood stated his intention would be to remove the
building where University Auto is now.
Mr. Underwood stated the signed contract would be that both
parties agree that the parking lot just north of the building and
which borders on Rebecca will forever be an easement for parking
only. Both the buyer and seller have agreed to that. That is
the area the Planning Commission is concerned about. He feels he
should have informed them more of what is going on. Going back
to what it was for 50 years seems the fair thing to do.
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304
September 2, 1997
Alderman.Trumbo asked if there was any kind of conditional use or
bill of assurance so a. sexually oriented business can't go into a
C-2 zone.
Alderman Pettus stated a deed restriction or something like that
could be a bill of assurance that would pass with the land.
Alett Little, Planning Director, stated there is in the
ordinances the -request for any sexually oriented business to go.
before the Planning Commission as a conditional use. A bill of
•assurance would do it. A deed restriction would do it.
'Alderman Schaper stated the Planning Commission discussed a
different arrangement. That is to zone the building C-2 and keep
the parking lot R -O, so the parking lot becomes a conditional use
for the building. The building could be used as Mr.. Underwood is
proposing. If anything were to change, the conditional use on
the R -O land would have to come back to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Underwood stated there would be no problem with that.
Alderman Pettus stated the.Planning Commission was more concerned
with traffic going in and going out from Rebecca.
Alderman Schaper responded that could be handled with the access
arrangement. required on Rebecca.
Alderman Miller asked about screening.
Little replied there is not a requirement for screening between
R -O and residential areas. There is a requirement for screening
• between any commercial use and residential areas. If the eastern
side remains R -O, we would need to come to an agreement that the ...
screening that would normally occur between the C-2 and,the R-0
would move to that property line.
Little stated the Planning Commission's main concern had to do
with adding commercial uses in a residential area. There was a
very narrow vote for rezoning .the;entirepiece, 3-5-0. Then they
talked about'just rezoning thebuilding, and that was 4-4-0..
There' main concern was that there -not be additional traffic
introduced into a fairly historic neighborhood. They talked
:about whether ingress andhegress could be'restricted to N.
College.';Theytgot very close to reaching a consensus. A
'Suggesting was to not allow ingress/egress to Rebecca Street on
,this property..;.It seemedhto her,they.were willing to have
ingress/egresson .the front-part+of`it.•
4
. r
305
September 2, 1997
Alderman Schaper mentioned there is a parking arrangement for
overflow parking from Doc Murdock's. He asked if Mr. Underwood
would be agreeable to an access agreement that also comes off
College.
Little stated that is already in place and is permanent. This is
information the Planning Commission did not have.
Mr. Underwood asked for some assurance that the Council would
approve what is being suggested so that he could get going with
the contract.
Aldermen Schaper and Williams had previously indicated their
support. Alderman Miller stated he would agree if Mr. Underwood
agreed to the screening requirements that would go if the whole
thing was C-2. Alderman Pettus stated she would agree as long as
the Planning Commission was satisfied on access to College
instead of commercial traffic coming in and off Rebecca Street.
Mr. Underwood asked if there was a consensus that if he met the
requirements, the Council would approve it.
Bonnie Davis, adjoining property owner, stated her property is
historical. She stated she had no problem with Mr. Underwood's
proposal. Her concern is that a permanent rezoning change
exposes her to possibly other types of businesses in the future
that would keep later than normal business hours. She asked for
protection and some kind of arrangement that if this auto repair
business fails in six months, she won't have some sex -oriented
business or nightclub 50' from her front door.
Alderman Schaper explained that if the City zoned the building
commercial, that allows University Auto to be in there. If the
parking lot is kept zoned R -O, then University Auto would need a
conditional use to use the parking lot. Any other business in
the future would require conditional use and have to come before
the Planning Commission.
Richard Shewmaker, property owner, stated he hoped this could be
worked out. He has informed Mr. Underwood that he has attorneys
preparing litigation toward University Auto. Years ago, a
building was permitted to be added to the back of that property
which causes water to run through his. He stated he has told Mr.
Underwood that he would put off the litigation in hopes
everything would work out and Mr. Underwood would take care of
the problem. Mr. Shewmaker's attorneys have insisted that the
City also be sued, which Mr. Shewmaker has resisted. He stated
everything has been stopped and hopes this will be worked out.
21
•
September 2, 1997
..Mr. Underwood again stated he'would like to get going. If the
Council was in consensus that this could be done as all
understood it, .that would allow him to proceed with the contract.
An'agreement that this would happen would be good enough for him.
He stated he understands he is to get a legal description to the
City as soon :as possible and that this will be on the agenda at
the next meeting.
Alderman Zurcher supported Mr. Underwood's taking a vehicular
business on Dickson Street and relocating it to a vehicular area.
He felt the new development on Dickson would add to Dickson
Street.
FIREWORKS AT UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Mayor Hanna introduced an ordinance amending the public display
of fireworks code.
City Attorney Rose referred to a packet provided to the Council.
He read from the State statute, 20-22-704: "This subchapter is
not going to affect the power of any City to regulate or prohibit
the sale or use of fireworks." Rose stated that is what the City
has done with its current ordinance. He stated there were
exceptions in 20-27-702, Public Displays Excepted.. It allows
public displays of fireworks if you receive a permit from the
director of the State police, and the application for the permit
has to be signed by the chief supervisory officials of the City's
fire and police departments.
Rose stated if there is a State law in conflict with a City
ordinance, the State law will prevail. We already have a Sate
law that says people,may get a permit from the State police,
signed off on by our chief of police and our fire chief, that
will allow the public display of fireworks. It doesn't have to
come before the Council every time.
Rose stated he would like to change the City's ordinance to
reflect the State law. If the City does this, there will be no
need for the City to grant the University any variance fromour
current ordinance, as long as the University obtains the State
permit. Rose stated if the University has the State permit, the
City's permission is not required. If the Council does nothing
at all, the University can obtain a permit from the State. The
University has no problem with that.
Rose stated the present ordinance is a little out of sync with
the State and the Council may want to consider the one he
prepared at some future date:
22
Alderman
Tuesday,
Center.
307
September 2, 1997
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Daniel announced a Town Center public hearing for
September 9, at 6:00, at the Continuing Education
Alderman Williams announced a Street Committee meeting for
Thursday, 5:00, in room 326, and an Ordinance Review meeting
immediately after that.
Alderman Zurcher announced a tentative date for the Juvenile
Concerns Halloween bash, Oct. 29, at the Dickson Street Ballroom.
Alderman Trumbo invited the Council to a tour of the Library to
see the new computer system.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hanna adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m.
23