HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-07 MinutesCity Council Mecling Minutes
October 7, 2008
Pagel ol'26
Aldermen
Mayor Dan Coody
'®
Ward I
Ward I
Position I
Position 2
— Adella Gray
— Brenda Thiel
Ward 2
Position I
— Kyle Cook
City Attorney Kit Williams
layvelmalile
Ward 2
Position 2—Nancy
Allen
Ward 3
Position I
rt
—Robert K. Rhoads
City Clerk Sondra Smith
Ward 3
Position 2
— Robert Ferrell
ARKANSAS Ward 4
Position I
— Shirley Lucas
Ward 4
Position 2
— Lioneld Jordan
City of Fayetteville Arkansas
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council was held on October 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM in Room
219 of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville,
Arkansas.
Mayor Coody called the meeting to order.
PRESENT: Alderman Gray, Thiel, Cook, Allen, Rhoads, Ferrell, Lucas, Jordan, Mayor
Coody, City Attorney Kit Williams, City Clerk Sondra Smith, Staff, Press, and Audience.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor's Announcements, Proclamations and Recoenitions:
Methamphetamine Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Coody read the proclamation.
Presentations, Reports and Discussion Items:
Off Street Parking Improvement District No. 1 Board Vacancy:
Approve the appointment of Rick Woods
(Appointed by the District and Approved by the City Council)
John Burrow briefly requested the council's approval of the reappointment of Rick Woods to
the Off Street Parking Improvement District.
Alderman Ferrell moved to approve the appointment of Rick Woods to the Off Street
Parking Improvement District No. I Board. Alderman Thiel seconded the motion. Upon
roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Fayetteville Town Center Annual Report: Sandra Bennett, Facilities Manager of Fayetteville
Town Center
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 2 of 26
Sandra Bennett, presented the annual report for the Fayetteville Town Center. She gave a
description of the current operating budget along with various programs that are currently
offered through the Fayetteville Town Center.
Mayor Coody thanked them for the great job that they do at the Town Center.
Consent:
Approval of the September 16, 2008 City Council meeting minutes.
Approved
Bid # 08-58 Golden Circle Ford: A resolution awarding Bid # 08-58 and approving the
purchase of one (1) sign body truck with crane from Golden Circle Ford in the amount of
$72,660.00 for use by the Transportation/Traffic Division, such approval being contingent upon
the sign body meeting the required specifications.
Resolution 180-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
AOT Public Safety Corporation: A resolution approving a contract with AOT Public Safety
Corporation, pursuant to RFP # 08-037 to provide false alarm reduction administrative services to
the City of Fayetteville.
Resolution 181-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
McClelland Consulting Engineers Inc. Task Order # 15: A resolution approving Task Order
# 15 with McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $177,600.00 for final plans &
specs and bidding associated with the Runway 16 Safety Area Improvements at Drake Field;
authorizing the Airport Staff to apply for and accept a grant from the FAA with a matching grant
from the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics; and approving a budget adjustment.
Resolution 182-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Hazard Mitigation Plan: A resolution adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Washington
County.
Resolution 183-08 as Recorded in the office of lite City Clerk
Code Compliance Contract Services: A resolution approving a budget adjustment in the
amount of $6,000.00 to transfer funds from fund balance to Code Compliance Contract Services
Account for code violation abatement.
Resolution 184-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Alderman Jordan moved to approve the Consent Agenda as read. Alderman Gray
seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 7-0. Alderman Rhoads was absent
during the vote.
City Council Meeting Minutes
Octobcr 7, 2008
Page 3 of 26
Unfinished Business:
Hiring Freeze: Hiring Freeze Appeals:
One Full-time Dispatcher — Police Department: Approved
Captain William Brown gave a brief description of the vacancy.
Alderman Lucas: How many do you have on at one time?
Captain William Brown: It depends on the day and the shift but usually there are three or four.
They are covering Police, Fire, and citywide after hours, there is a supervisor on each shift and
there are three trainers. It takes about six months from the time one is hired until they are
released on their own.
Alderman Jordan proved to approve one full-time Police Dispatcher position. Alderman
Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Resolution 185-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
One Full-time Animal Services Officer — Animal Services: Approved
Jill Hatfield, Animal Services Director gave a brief description of the vacancy.
Alderman Lucas: This is a full time Animal Services Officer, they do education in the
community and outreach programs. Is there a possibility that the County might establish their
own and maybe take some of the communities with them that you have been servicing? I
wonder if this might be a good time to re -adjust the hours and maybe even cut back on
education.
Jill Hatfield: Our education is done by several other people in the organization. The County
was talking about building a shelter, I'm not sure that can happen within a year. 1 dont know
that they have any other options at this time.
Alderman Thiel: This is basically a dog catcher right?
Jill Hatfield: That is correct.
Alderman Thiel: I think we need all that you have. How many do you have?
Jill Hatfield: l have four currently.
Alderman Thiel: 1 think that is a real public safety issue and I don't think we need to eliminate
any of those.
Jill Hatfield: The officers rotate emergency on call duties so they are on call seven days a week
and then they rotate out and they also perform euthanasia duties. The more people that can rotate
into that position is very helpful.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 4 of 26
Alderman Ferrell confirmed the position under consideration.
Alderman Thiel moved to approve one full-time Animal Services Officer. Alderman Gray
seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed 6-1. Alderman Lucas voting no.
Alderman Rhoads was absent during the vote.
Resolution 186-08 as Recorded in the office of lite City Clerk
One Part-time Careeiver — Animal Services: Approved
Jill Hatfield gave a brief description of the vacancy.
Alderman Thiel: You said $9.83 and it says $9.53. 1 just wanted to verify that.
Alderman Thiel moved to approve one part-time Animal Services Caregiver. Alderman
Gray seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Resolution 186-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
One Full-time Recreation Superintendent — Parks and Recreation: Approved
Byron Humphry, Parks Maintenance Superintendent gave a brief description of the vacancy.
Alderman Thiel moved to approve one full-time Recreation Superintendent. Alderman
Gray seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Resolution 187-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Epperly Condemnation: A resolution authorizing the City Attorney to seek condemnation and
possession of certain lands owned by Daniel and Reba Epperly. This resolution was tabled at
the September 2, 2008 City Council meeting to the October 7, 2008 City Council meeting.
David Jurgens, Water/Wastewater Director gave a brief description of the item. He stated this
is now in the attorney's hands. The recommendation is for this to go forward and be approved.
We are actually issuing a notice to proceed on this contract next week. However that doesn't
mean that the negotiations will stop. We have to get this filed so that we can execute the
construction.
Alderman Cook moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Lucas seconded the motion.
Upon roll call the resolution passed unanimously.
Resolution 188-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 5 of 26
ADM 08-3093 (Hill Place Culvert Removal): A resolution to approve a request to modify and
replant a portion of the tree preservation area associated with Hill Place PZD, in order to remove
a culvert within College Branch Creek and to install a vehicular bridge, as described herein. This
resolution was tabled at the September 16, 2008 City Council meeting to the October 7, 2008
City Council meeting.
Jeremy Pate gave a brief description of the item. He asked the council to amend the resolution
to reflect the one that was passed out at Agenda Session and that is also located in the Final
Agenda packet. It removes all the references to the culvert and is applicable with the bridge
across College Branch Creek. He listed the five conditions of approval.
Alderman Thiel moved to amend the resolution. Alderman Lucas seconded the motion.
Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
Alderman Thiel: I am anxious to meet the new Tree Administrator. Everything I have read
about him so far it sounds like he is really going to be on the ball about these mitigated trees
being required to live and being maintained properly so they will live. He approves of this.
What kind of canopy does he feel like is in there?
Jeremy Pate: Actually all along the creek bank there are quite a few invasive species that have
arisen in the area. There is also a needed species and that is what he is really hoping to replace.
The bridge will actually span the flood plain so there is not going to be any disturbance within
that area but because of the width in the footings that will be needed for the bridge there will be
some impact to some of the trees there most of which are small. As I mentioned 2,100 square
feet and 10 mitigation trees are our calculations for that.
Alderman Thiel: Another concern of the neighbors is, when you go in and move .trees, the
construction company does a lot of damage.
Jeremy Pate: What we stated is prior to construction they will go out and inspect the tree
protection fencing so those areas outside of the area of construction would have fencing installed
before the construction began. Greg and our Engineering Division have to sign off on those
pen -nits before that can occur.
Mayor Coody: This resolution for mitigated trees will be taking care of the past from 2005. Is
that right?
Jeremy Pate: 2005 was the first subdivisions that were able to utilize this option. It's a three
year period 2008 is the first year we have began inspecting any of these sights. These are some
of the very first sights that have ever been inspected for mitigation plantings. It is something
new for Greg but it would have been new for any Urban Forester in this portion of the ordinance.
Mayor Coody: I just want folks to know that we haven't been ignoring this all along this is just
the first one to come through the process.
Alderman Ferrell: That is nothing that another Urban l orester would have had the chance to
look at either since it is mature now.
Mayor Coady: That is exactly fight
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 6 of 26
Alderman Gray moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Ferrell seconded the motion.
Upon roll call the resolution passed unanimously.
Resolution 189-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Amberwood Place Appeal: An ordinance establishing a Residential Planned Zoning District
titled R-PZD 08-2965, Amberwood Place, located south and east of Double Springs and Dot
Tipton Road; containing approximately 39.98 acres; amending the official zoning map of the
City of Fayetteville; and adopting the associated master development plan. This ordinance was
tabled at the September 2, 2008 City Council meeting to the September 16, 2008 City Council
meeting. This ordinance was tabled at the September 16, 2008 City Council meeting to the
October 7, 2008 City Council meeting.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Jeremy Pate gave a brief description of the item. He stated the Planning Commission voted 6-1
to deny this request on July 14, 2008. The commission agreed with staff's findings in the
planned zoning district, that the project does not comply with the main goals and policies of the
City Plan 2025. One of the primary concerns of this particular project is that it is located within
an area that does not contain any type of services. I met with Mr. Sloan who is the developer's
representative and there are changes that are being proposed that will help some of the neighbors.
If this item is approved it does not need to be approved tonight because the booklets you have in
front of you does not reflect what Mr. Sloan is proposing currently. It doesn't change our
recommendation from what I have seen but it is certainly something you should consider as this
project goes forward. I want to make sure you all are looking at the same plans before you
consider approving the development.
Alderman
Thiel:
How close is this to the Rausch Coleman project?
Their density
is fairly
dense isn't
it?
Jeremy Pate: Their density is right around four units per acre but the lot sizes vary. I would
say it's actually about two miles south of this project closer to Sixth Street.
Alderman Thiel: I was just trying to find a way to appreciate how this could provide affordable
housing. There is no way that we can make them commit to that. Rausch Coleman really made
a commitment in their project to do so.
Jeremy Pate: Nothing in the PZD ordinance allows staff to say you have to provide housing at
this level. Affordability and attainability have different definitions. The Rausch Coleman
project had a specific target in mind and I am sure Mr. Sloan has a specific target in mind. This
is a six to ten year project and property values will change over time to reflect the construction
market. That is something that would be difficult even if we had it in the books to try to
regulate.
Alderman Ferrell: I understand we are trying to add different ways to approach different
problems but at the end of the day to have affordable and or attainable houses you are going to
have to be able to load the price of the real estate in with the home. You are going to have to
City Council Meeting Minutes
Ocloba 7, 2008
Pagc 7 or20
have more
domiciles on
less
property to
be
able to have that.
That is the only way that we are
going to be
able to build
this
it seems like
to
me.
Alderman Thiel: How far from the City's core is this?
Jeremy Pate: I don't know the answer off the
top of my head.
I think we looked at the closest
commercial services which would be a grocery
store and that is
about 3 '/2
miles away.
Alderman Lucas: There is a commercial development at Double Springs and Wedington which
is trying to develop. There is a shopping area and restaurant.
Alderman Thiel: I would like to get a gage of how far it is because I appreciate the Planning
staffs concerns about this kind of density away from the jobs and the core of the City. That goes
against our 2025 Plan.
Alderman Lucas: 1 can also see Stonebridge the farthest development out there and also
northwest and northeast are homes without businesses.
Jeremy Pate: I think the challenge with that is that was developed before we had City Plan
2025 in place. The Council adopted a radically different philosophy on development, density,
infill, and sprawl when they adopted that. The commitment to that from staff is to make
recommendations that may have not been made three years ago when we were under a different
land use policy.
Mayor Coody: Back in the Southpass discussion isn't there the map of the radius from the
square to different developments around there?
Jeremy Pate: There is actually, there is a pretty good graphic our GIS Department came up
with.
Mayor
Coody:
You might
have that in your packet on another item that would fulfill that same
request.
Alderman Lucas moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman
Jordan seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
This ordinance was left on the Second Reading
Public Hearing:
Fayetteville Farmington Land Swap Public Hearing: The Farmington City Council passed
Ordinance 2008-15 on September 8, 2008, detaching approximately 8.035 acres from
Fayetteville and annexing the property into Fannington.
Karen Minkel, Director of Long Range Planning gave a brief description of the item.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 8 or 26
Mayor Coody opened the Public Hearing
There was no public comment.
Mayor Coolly closed the Public Hearing
City Attorney Kit Williams: At the next meeting we will introduce the ordinance but we have
to wait until that meeting.
New Business:
Fayetteville Municipal Property Owners' Improvement District No. 32 — Park West
Commercial Development Infrastructure Project: An ordinance to establish and lay off
Fayetteville Municipal Property Owners' Improvement District No. 32 — Park West Commercial
Development Infrastructure Project.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Bob Costrell, resident of 3683 W. Howard Nickell Road spoke on past proposals for the project
that was made by the Street Committee. He stated it was voted unanimously by the Street
Committee to reroute the northwest loop south of Howard Nickell Road and that was the
superior route for reasons of safety and other reasons as well.
Ron Petrie, City Engineer: I anticipate the discussion that we had at the Street Committee will
be forwarded to the City Council on the first meeting in November. That is probably the one you
want to be present for.
Alderman Jordan: We passed that and then it just went off the radar screen and we haven't
heard anything about that since then.
Jim McCord, representing the petitioner stated as a matter of explanation this is just an
establishment of an improvement district which would only provide a financing alternative for
the infrastructure of the project that is finally approved by the Planning Commission and the City
Council. This has nothing to do with how the project will be laid out.
Alderman Jordan moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman
Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
CityAttorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Alderman Lucas: 1 appreciate you all coming tonight and bringing this before us again because
1 was at that meeting and I do recall that. That is not part of what is before us tonight but thank
you for conning and bringing that to our attention.
Alderman Jordan moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Alderman Ferrell seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Atiornett Kit Willianns read the ordinance.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 9 of 26
Mayor Coody asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 5180 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Illinois River Watershed Partnership: An ordinance waiving the requirements of §34.23,
(purchases and contracts not in excess of $20,000.00), of the Fayetteville Code of Ordinances
and approving a contract with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) in the amount of
$10,000.00 for watershed education and planning services.
City. Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Susan Thomas, Public Information and Policy Advisor thanked the Council for their support
and stated we hit the media market for both our watersheds so all the citizens get the benefits of
the services that we are providing there. She went on to thank them for their leadership on
matters of sustainability and placing issues of water and watershed education on the top of their
priority list.
Alderman Lucas moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman Thiel
seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Alderman Jordan moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Alderman Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Mayor Coody asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 5181 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Amend Chapter 71, Traffic Rules: An ordinance to enact Article XI Operation of Vehicles
and use of city trails in Chapter 71 Traffic Rules of the Fayetteville City Code.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
City Attorney Kit Williams: I have been talking with Matt about this and we are about to open
Scull Creek Trail. Matt can tell you about the traffic that we have been getting and we felt that
we needed some basic rules for the road and that is why we presented this.
Matt Mihalevich, Trails Coordinator gave a brief description of the ordinance. He stated I
looked at other cities and the rules seem to be in line with what they have in other cities. Having
this in place before the Grand Opening would be great.
City Council Mecting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 10 of 26
Alderman Lucas: Will these rules be posted on a sign on the trail? Where will the money
come from?
Matt Mihalevich: Yes, we would post the rules and kiosk with maps and we are looking at
doing that at trail head locations.
Alderman Lucas: Would that come out of Parks Development?
Matt Mihalevich: There is some
budgeted
toward
the kiosk from last year. We have been
waiting until we finish Scull Creek.
I think it
is Parks
Development.
Alderman Ferrell: Since I was assured that we would not need any special patrol I can support
this.
Alderman Allen: I was wondering how you intend to enforce this.
Matt Mihalevich: We just talked a little to the Police but at least having the rules laid out at the
trail head locations. People would know the rules and we are hoping for some self policing. If it
gets to be a problem we may have to step up enforcement on it.
Alderman Allen: Can you see some exceptions on times when it might be appropriate,to have a
scooter?
Matt Mihalevich: None of the other cities allow it. Scooters can be on the roads. He went on
to give examples of different cities he had checked into.
City Attorney
Kit Williams: Motor scooters are
way to fast for the
trails. They are licensed
and authorized
for streets. Various reasons mitigate
them not being on
the trails.
Alderman Allen: It is just optimism for technology in the future. We can always change it.
Matt Mihalevich: We looked at
using some
of
the electric powered
with speeds that are low
enough to coexist with people who
are running
or
walking with strollers.
It is a speed issue.
Alderman Thiel: I certainly support this and I think if we had more bike lanes in our streets a
lot of people who use bikes for transportation would probably prefer that. I like an inaudible
warning and there will be a certain amount of policing done by people walking that do not want
to be run over.
Alderman Lucas proved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman Thiel
seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Alderman Jordan moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Alderman Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page I I of 26
Alderman
Ferrell:
I support this but
our priorities
are
to have our police and emergency
services on
the roads
where we have high
speed vehicles
and
not on the trails.
Mayor Coody invited everyone to the Grand Opening.
Mayor Coody asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 5182 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Amend Chapter 157, ADM 08-3021 (UDC Chapter 157 Notification): An ordinance
amending the Unified Development Code by repealing and replacing Chapter 157: Notification,
to consolidate and clarify required notification for items being considered at certain public
meetings.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Jeremy Pate gave a brief description of the item. He explained the current process that is used
for public notification. We hope this will help the development community because it will
establish different types of notification depending on what kind of meeting they are going to.
The biggest change in this ordinance is that we are recommending that applicants post their own
notification signs. We feel placing the responsibility on the applicant will be better because they
will know that they will not be able to be heard if their sign is missing. We hope that will save
staff time and money. Jeremy explained other changes made in the ordnance. He stated I would
like to request an amendment to change all the 14 days to 15 days to be consistent with state law
in Exhibit A.
Alderman Allen moved to amend Exhibit A changing 14 days to 15 days to be consistent
with state law. Alderman Ferrell seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously,
Alderman Rhoads: Is that pretty much the basic changes that you have described?
Jeremy Pate: It is. We really didn't change anything other than the time frame. We
reorganized the way the ordinance is written. The substantive change was consolidating the
different time frames down to just two.
Alderman Rhoads: I just get a little nervous when I think about changing notice. Notice is the
lynch pens of American Government. When I talk to people who are disgruntled in the City a lot
of times it is because they didn't get notice. I am cautious about what we are doing here. I
presume our City Attorney has been involved in this process and gives it his blessing as well.
City Attorney Kit Williams: Yes, this is a consolidation and 1 looked at it and saw the statute
that says 15 days. I think it makes more sense to have two different periods to look at. It has
always been the intent of Fayetteville to give more notice than what is required by state law. 1
agree with the changes that have been recommended by Jeremy.
City Council Mecling Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 12 of 26
Aubrey
Shepherd, a
citizen stated
it would be nice if we had a requirement that signs be placed
at every
construction
entrance.
We prefer
Alderman Gray moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman
Jordan seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Alderman Gray moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Alderman Ferrell seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Mayor Coody asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 5183 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Amend Chapter 158, Bonds and Guarantees: An ordinance amending Chapter 158: Bonds
and Guarantees, of the Unified Development Code, to accept a guarantee to satisfy the
maintenance requirements for public improvements.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Ron Petrie: What this amendment will allow is to accept a letter of credit and cash in addition
to our maintenance bond for all or our completed improvements.
Alderman Lucas: Ron is this in addition to our maintenance bond or is it instead?
Ron Petrie: It is in addition to so they would have the option of the three.
Alderman Lucas: So they can do any of the three?
Ron Petrie: That is typically what we allow for other guarantees within the City.
Alderman Lucas: We don't always have to have a bond?
Ron Petrie: That is just an option; there are a lot of guarantees up front. Before we sign the
building permit they have to give us a guarantee. These same three options are allowed for all
those situations but just not for the maintenance side currently.
Alderman Thiel asked for clarification on the three options again.
Ron
Petrie:
They are
all guarantees so we
have cash. A letter of credit is an instrument the
batik
holds.
We prefer
those two as opposed
to a bond.
Alderman Ferrell moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman
Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 13 of 26
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Alderman Ferrell moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Alderman Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
CityAttorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Mayor Coady asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 5184 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Amend Chapter 178, ADM 08-3054 (Sidewalk Caf6 and Vendor Ordinance): An ordinance
amending the Unified Development Code by repealing Chapter 178' Sidewalk Cafes and
replacing it with Chapter 178: Outdoor Vendors.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Jeremy Pate gave a brief description of the ordinance. He stated this will keep the sidewalk
cafe portion in tact and add two sections. W6 were able to establish guidelines and standards that
we feel are appropriate and will protect the City and public interest in public right of ways. He
went over each section of the chapter. He stated we would establish an application and checklist
and as long as they meet the checklist and are in an approved location we would be able to
permit them.
Alderman Rhoads:
Jeremy did you
say they
would have a particular location
in which they
would set up and they
could not move
around?
Jeremy Pate: That is correct.
Alderman Allen: Did you say there had only been one person who applied at this point?
Jeremy Pate: No one has applied because we have not had an application to be able to permit it.
We have had three people within the last year talk to us about the potential. We have a lot of
people who get permits on private property, some of which want to locate on the sidewalk, but
when we tell them you can't be on public property they find a private property to locate on.
Alderman Ferrell: 1 consider this an enabling ordinance but 1 think it helps us create some
entrepreneurs.
Alderman Ferrell moved to suspend the rules and go to the second reading. Alderman
Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
CityAttorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Alderman Ferrell moved to suspend the rules and go to the third and final reading.
Alderman Lucas seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed unanimously.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 14 of 26
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Mayor Coady asked shall the ordinance pass. Upon roll call the ordinance passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 5185 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Smith Two Way Radio Appeal: An appeal of the conditions of approval for the conditional use
for Smith Communications/Township CUP 08-3050.
Jeremy Pate gave a brief description of the appeal. He stated staff and the Planning
Commission found in agreement that it is appropriate and needed to construct an additional
tower on the property to accommodate T -Mobile and also future carriers. When we discussed
the water tank site with our Water/Wastewater Director it was found out that we are actually
trying to move away from installing those antennas on the water tank sites because they are
actually contributing to degradation of the tanks. The tanks were never designed to carry the
weight of these antennas. It has actually been determined that it would be beneficial to remove
the two antennas that are on the site. A new tower at this site is certainly needed. The Planning
Commission voted in favor of the new tower at the maximum height. The specific conditions the
applicant is appealing is the type of tower that would be installed. There are 21 conditions of
approval and I don't think the applicant is contesting all of those. They are appealing the
decision for that type of tower. They would rather install the more standard monopole with the
external antenna.
Alderman Ferrell: Is this an industry wide move or is this something that we are just seeing
here?
City Attorney Kit Williams: We still have the policy of having them co -located at the site but
not on the water tower itself. The code section that was passed by the City Council is still
operable about saying we want them located at the sites but just not on the water towers
anymore.
Alderman Ferrell: We are going to need more towers. If they can do with one tower with the
external antenna than they can do with one or two more down the road, ultimately that is not a
bad deal for us. 1 would be interested to know what the revenue impact is.
Jeremy Pate: Kit usually negotiates the contracts for the revenue on the side of the lease
arrangement that we have with most of the carriers. That is something that Mr. Williams may be
able to discuss a little farther. We are trying to find a balance between the availability and
usefulness of a cellular telephone and the effect or impact visually that it has on the community.
We feel the tower that Verizon recently installed is highly superior in terms of visual impact to
any tower we have seen with exception to the ones that don't require a tower.
Alderman Ferrell: I can appreciate everything you said except when I drive over that hill
everyday. We tried to co -locate those things in a particular area and personally I would rather
see more there than springing up in other places.
City Council Meiling Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page ] 5 of 26
Alderman Rhoads: Is it in one of these pictures?
Jeremy Pate: Yes.
Mayor Coody: It's the straight pole with no antenna on the outside.
Jeremy Pate: That is
correct, so
it is the far pole tower at the V.A. Hospital that actually
already
has the antenna on it.
So instead
of adding it to the outside the antenna is mounted to the
inside.
Alderman Thiel: The question is would the applicant rather put up the monopole.
Jeremy Pate: That is my understanding of why he asked three Aldermen to appeal.
Dave Reynolds with Smith Communications: I believe we can put up this flagpole the way they
want us to but by putting up this flagpole it decreases the amount of equipment that can be
housed there per carrier. It's not the equipment that was designed to cover that geographic area
that is depicted in the maps and propagation studies. This will reduce the coverage area that is
capable from this tower even using the top two sections to 70%. We can do it but at 70% using
two levels. If you are not covering the area eventually you will have more towers in the area to
cover that space. Do you want fewer towers or more towers around town? We have always
been asked to go to City land; we have found a perfect opportunity to use a site that has a water
tank, an existing monopole with three carriers on it, then to build another one that will
immediately house T -Mobile. In a short period they will want to move the Alltel and Cricket
facilities off their water tank because they are damaging them today. That will give them a space
to do this at 100% so they don't lose anything by moving from the water tank to here. It makes it
better for them and easier to convince them to do it.
He went on to speak on the economic affect this would have. He stated if you want us to build a
flagpole that is not a problem but you have a water tank with an existing three carrier monopole
and then ours. What visual pollution would the third one cost at that location?
Alderman Cook: I remember an application for a site off of Leverette and the discussion then
was we would rather see smaller towers and more of them because it was less visual pollution. I
think the flag poles are much less intrusive. I would rather have two of the flag poles rather than
one of the loaded up monopoles. I want to hear a little bit more about the water towers.
David Jurgens, Water/Wastewater Director briefly explained the problems that are caused by
mounting antennas on water tanks.
Alderman Cook: So from a staff perspective has the policy changed then, you don't want to co -
locate on water towers?
David Jurgens:
It has
always
been the utility's perspective that we would rather not have
antennas on water
towers.
if we can't get them
off before that, those antennas will come off
City Attorney
Kit Williams:
We are not going
to allow any more antennas to go on water
towers. As the
leases run out,
if we can't get them
off before that, those antennas will come off
and we will not
renew any new
leases.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 16 of 26
Alderman Thiel: I would rather see more. I prefer the flag pole tower. I appreciate Dave's
concern about less revenue and more cost associated with these but actually in the long run if
you build more of them it would be pushed as far as revenue.
Alderman Ferrell: I would rather see two towers at an existing spot. The flag pole is not as
noticeable but where you already have the one by the water tanks on Township with the external
antennas I would rather see two there than trying to add a third one. 1 would rather have the
revenue for the City.
Alderman Thiel moved to
deny the appeal. Alderman
Cook seconded the motion.
Upon
roll call the motion passed
7-1. Alderman Ferrell voting
no.
ANX 08-2897 Southpass Development: An ordinance annexing that property described in
annexation petition ANX 08-2897 (CC2008-38), for property located west of I-540 and Cato
Springs Road, containing approximately 855.97 acres.
City Attorney Kit Williams read the ordinance.
Jeremy Pate gave a brief history of the project. He stated the Planning Commission approved
the PZD and annexation in September of 2008 with a 7-1 vote. He stated I would like for them
to present the project to you and you can ask them questions about the master plan itself such as
why is the park located where it is, etc. Then the Council can begin to understand the conceptual
details of the project.
Rob Robinson with Urban Design Associates gave the background on how this project has
evolved over time. He spoke on their methods and gave a presentation on the layout of the new
district. He stated at the end of the day it is places we all want to live, work and raise our
families that are a part of this sense of urbanism in Fayetteville. He briefly explained a series of
pattern books that would be given out and stated that a new chapter would be distributed with
each phase. This way when it is built it is what you expected from the master plan and the
drawings. Thinking about this as an assembly is important for any neighborhood to get
predictable results.
Mayor Coody: One thing I want to make clear to everyone is you see where we have all the
playing fields, the City has always considered that the Regional Park. The landfill which is the
greenspace area in your publication is also listed as Regional Park but we have never really
considered that a real part of the Regional Park. I don't want people to think that landfill area
was originally a part of the Regional Park.
Alderman Jordan: Is the landfill higher than the park? is the park more in the low land?
Rob Robinson explained on the map where the park sits.
Mayor Coody: The answer is yes.
Rob Robinson pointed out that there is a diversity of park space. He continued by giving their
ideas for the residential units. He stated they range any where from a 500 square foot unit all the
way to a 4,000 square foot unit and they are mixed within neighborhoods. He stated always the
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7. 2008
Page 17 of 26
best urban neighborhoods have a great mix of housing that can accommodate a broad range of
people from empty nesters to young folks who are starting their careers and live in Fayetteville.
Patrice Hanulak, Landscape Architect with LaQuatra Bonci Associates gave a presentation on
the layout of the park. She also described the proposed activity areas and explained how the
runoff would be managed. Patrice showed the Council several similar projects from other cities.
A brief description of the parking areas for the proposed project was discussed.
Rob Robinson: Gave the Council a tour around the different proposed neighborhoods in the
proposed project.
Alderman Ferrell: I see some great conceptual images. How close is your expectation of what
will actually come about as opposed to what the conceptual images are.
Rob Robinson:
About 85% over a
20 year span.
We know the
frameworks work, the streets,
and storm water.
What changes over
time, and you
can not predict
this, is the market.
A discussion followed on the parking at the proposed park and how a project can change.
Sharon Davidson, a citizen: Voiced her concerns about building another town so we can get a
park. She stated not everyone wants a regional park. She expressed her concern about the cost.
She voiced her concern about the previous land site that is on the property and that it is in
Greenland's school district. She asked the Council to look at the topography. She stated she is
concerned about this annexation and the proposed project.
Marian Kunetka stated the citizens of Fayetteville are going to have to pay for the
infrastructure. She voiced her concern about the long term financial obligation the City will
have concerning this project. She stated there has not been an adequate detailed economic study
of the proposal. She would also like to see a study of the environmental impact of the existing
land, streams, and creeks. She stated she did not think the City could afford this project.
John Bernard, Professor of Landscape Architect at the U of A: One way or another this
property will be developed over time. At least this development is trying to do it in a no piece
mill fashion. The cost of infrastructure will be there if it is well designed or poorly designed. I
think this is a step in the right direction to try to coordinate something in a meaningful way. A
project like this shows some vision for the future and is trying to deal with the issues of landfill.
Projects like this are being done throughout the United States.
Sami Sutton: I don't think we should annex this land. I understand it is going to end up
happening and this is a really good design but what if there is another one where we can keep
more of the trees. Can the City afford this?
Rob Sharp: 1 have a commercial relationship with the developers so I will try to talk about the
merits of the plan only. I think this plan is fairly consistent with the 2025 Plan. I think this type
of development was what we were asking for when we developed the 2025 Plan. This is the type
of neighborhood that mixes incomes and difference housing and shopping choices all within a
short walk. I think it will make a vibrant and interesting place to live. We are going to have
development in the I-540 corridor. I believe if we have piece mill development along this
property it is not going to add up to anything we are going to be proud of If this project is not
City Council Mocting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Pagc 18 of 26
supported I think we are going to see something that is far worse. I like seeing this project at this
level. I do not think the success of this project depends on who builds it or develops it. If we get
good bones in place, over time it can become a successful project.
Rick Alexander: This project is and always has been a City project. It was a City project
before I became involved in it. The location and size of the project was determined by the City
not the developers. Over 50% of this master plan development is a regional park and green
space. There has been a concerted effort in developing the master plan to develop this in a
benign way with respect to the existing landscape, tree canopy, urban fabric, and park. This is a
six year project to this point. It has been the subject of dozens of public meetings. I attended
most of them and I heard no significant opposition at any of the. Most of the developed land is
in the Fayetteville School District. The less dense parts of this development are in the Greenland
School District. That has nothing to do with whether the City annexes the property or not. We
tried to design this with the idea that most of the increase in value from the development would
go to the Fayetteville School District. We spent significant time, effort and money hiring the
best we could find to develop the master plan. It was also developed with the full assistance of
the City of Fayetteville. This process has been very expensive and fully funded by the
developers up to this point. This is a 25 year plan. It will depend on future City Councils to
determine if they want to snake the development fit what has been planned. This is not urban
sprawl. The project has good connectivity.
Bob Shoulders, Fayetteville Athletic Club: I was a member of the Parks Board when the
locations were being considered. The bottom line when we were considering a regional park
was listening to the consituients in the City of Fayetteville. We looked at several sites. We tried
to determine how a perfect world would look like and how we could develop a community
around a park and develop a park that has green space that would provide us with an opportunity
for active and passive programming and fit every bill that we have been hearing from the citizens
of Fayetteville. We need a community park. We realized that we could not do it without a
public private partnership. It immediately became a planning process. We do not need a lot of
houses right now but 25 years from now we probably will need more homes in Fayetteville and
places to develop. These guys are investing in the community and they have spent a lot of
money on Fayetteville. I hope you will annex that property.
Marian Kunetka: My point is that we should look at our priorities. Are we going to be able to
give raises to the fire and police or are we going to build streets, etc. in this project development.
Mayor Coody: Any time we mention Fire and Police we need to mention all the non -uniformed
personnel as well because they are important to the City as well, not just fire and police.
Aubrey Shepherd: These are lovely plans but we are talking about habitat and farm land.
Some of this could be sold off in the future. The hardest thing we have to enforce right now is
that the developers that are working on current projects stay within the rules. The plans are to do
it right and it has to be enforced. As climate changes a lot of these things get more difficult. We
need to save every existing tree, shrub, and prairie flowering plant.
Mark Killion, citizen: This is a great plan. I am looking at the immediate impact. My concern
is the immediate cost and the immediate impact on the economy. The economy we are facing
now seems to kind of tough. If this is going to be developed, do we sacrifice the redevelopment
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2009
Page 19 of 26
and the
revitalization of the Walker
Park
area?
I want to be
assured in some way that we
continue
this revitalization and density
and
infill in
the downtown
area.
Mayor
Coody: Very good point.
It will
be up to the City Council to stick to the Downtown
Master
Plan, Walker Park Plan, and
Fayette
Junction.
Mark Kinion: If
we extend infrastructure and our obligation to other parts of town does that
encourage people to leave these areas.
I am
worried about the obligation that comes with the
annexation and the
economy right now.
I just
do not know if now is the time to annex.
This ordinance was left an the First Reading
R-PZD 08-2898 Southpass Development: An ordinance establishing a Residential Planned
Zoning district titled R-PZD 08-2898, Southpass, located south of the City of Fayetteville at the
intersection of Interstate 540 and Cato Springs Road (State Highway 265); containing
approximately 910.36 acres; amending the official zoning map of the City of Fayetteville; and
adopting the Associated Master Development Plan.
This ordinance was left on the First Reading
ADM 08-3117 (Southpass MSP Amendments): A resolution for ADM 08-3117 amending the
Master Street Plan, realigning Shiloh Drive, a collector, through the Southpass PZD site south to
Cato Springs Road, and changing the designation of Cato Springs Road from a collector to a
principal arterial in the Southpass vicinity, as described and depicted in the attached maps.
Alderman Jordan moved to table the resolution to the October 21, 2008 City Council
meeting. Alderman Ferrell seconded the motion.
Southpass Development Infrastructure Cost Share: A resolution expressing the willingness
of the City of Fayetteville to cost share street and sewer infrastructure costs that would be
utilized by both the Southpass Development and the future community park.
Alderman Jordan moved to table the resolution to the October 21, 2008 City Council
meeting. Alderman Thiel seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
Fayetteville Government Channel Policy: A resolution adopting the recommendations of the
Telecommunications Board and approving changes to the City of Fayetteville Government
Channel Policy.
Shelly Bell, Chair of the Telecommunications Board: We have put forth a recommendation
on the Fayetteville Government Channel Policy. You each have a copy. The summary of those
recommendations are that we reduce the Government Channel produced issue forums to
moderated ballot issues. We based this on Mr. Williams recommendations regarding the
government becoming another public access television channel based on having someone within
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 712008
Page 20 of 26
the government making subjective decisions about content. We as a board voted to remove that
type of authority from the cable administration and limit the issue forums to moderated ballot
and candidate forums which are very black and white. The recommendation also includes a
committee that is basely an organizational committee to help with the oversight of those
moderated ballot forums so it is not entirely on the cable administration to organize those. The
last piece of the recommendation is to reinforce that as a telecommunications board we are not
recommending or trying to impose restrictions on the way meetings are conducted. The
government channel can still show up and tape a meeting that is truly a government meeting.
Shelly gave examples of the recommendation.
City Attorney Kit Williams: I would like to thank Shelly and the Telecom Board for their hard
work on this. I did a few typo corrections on what you presented. I wondered if those where
satisfactory with you and if that would meet what you are recommending to the City Council.
Shelly Bell: From my perspective, I did not see anything in your recommendations that changed
the intent. It has not been reviewed by the Telecom Board as a whole and I am not sure it would
need to be.
Alderman Thiel: I think your recommendations are good with the exception of the committee.
That kind of concerns me because we do not have candidates or elections but every couple of
years.
Shelly Bell: I agree that would be a challenge. I think the committee would need to be separate
from the Telecom Board not a subcommittee of an existing board. The idea behind an ongoing
committee is that the same people do it over and over and there is an understanding from an
organizational standpoint what it is they are to do.
A discussion followed on the formation of a committee to over see forums.
Alderman Ferrell: I know you guys put in a lot of work in this and I really appreciate it. Do
you feel like after this is over we are getting closer to having the fire put out?
Shelly Bell: I think we are getting closer. My personal hope is that putting the issue forums to
rest will bring us to a place to where we can bring closure to the government channel policy and
once that policy is in place the procedures could be updated to reflect the policy. My hope is that
we can see closure to this. Part of that is up to the subcommittee.
Alderman Ferrell moved to amend the resolution to the amended version supplied by the
City Attorney and adding the language "to be overseen by the Telecom Board or its
designees to Section II C 4. Alderman Rhoads seconded the motion. Upon roll call the
motion passed unanimously.
Alderman Allen asked for a definition of a moderated ballot forum.
Shelly Bell: That would basically be issues that go before the Fayetteville voters.
A discussion followed on how the committee made the final decision regarding the policy.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 21 of 26
Shelly Bell: I made a proposal based on information I had received and it was voted on and
passed 4-2. Kit Williams made the observation that what we where doing was injecting a
government opinion on content and he made the recommendation that we not do that. The
problem arouse with the legal opinion that the way we were conducting these with regard to
content put us in a position where in a court of law we would be potentially giving up our
government channel and having two public access channels instead. There were a lot of issues
and questions around issue forums as far as procedure. Given the legal opinion that Kit brought
to light I think simplification is a good thing. I do not want to discount the content, 1 do not want
to make it sound like we did it just to get rid of the trouble because that is no the case. The
driving factor was the legal opinion. We have spent extensive hours talking about issue forums
in general. I think we have a board with experiences that could be very valuable to this Council
and we spend 90% of our time squabbling over policy and procedure that is circular and is
probably never going to please everybody.
Alderman Allen: The legal advice
was paramount in
your decision
making. 1 don't think we
have a clear definition of what goes on the government
channel. What
is government?
Shelly Bell: I think this policy as it stands now and that is before you defines that to be
government meetings and informational programs about City services.
A discussion followed on programs on the government channel.
Alderman Thiel: I have appreciated listening to you. l think you are very sharp and I am glad
you are on the Telecom Board. I am not in favor of just having gavel to gavel meetings on the
government channel. I think it is important that we have the informational meetings. This is one
of the best educational tools that they have. I think it is really critical that divisions get the
opportunity to utilize the government channel regarding educational information.
Shelly Bell: I agree with you regarding informational items
Adella Gray: I appreciate you bringing some focus to this. I would like to see more gavel to
gavel. 1 appreciate you and what you have done to bring this policy forward. I think if we
concentrated more on informational and gavel to gavel and less on the forums we would be
better off. I think forums are important but they only happen every couple of years. I am sorry
you have had to spend so much time on that particular issue.
Shelly Bell: In the policy there is a priority of the programming.
Alderman Lucas: I appreciate what you all have done. Thank you very much. I see two
different channels and I want them kept separate. I want a government channel and a community
access channel. I think the people of the City expect to see two different ones.
Alderman Ferrell: There is a perception that there is a bully pulpit advantage. If the Mayor
wasn't the Mayor in six months then that next person is going to have the bully pulpit. The bully
pulpit is going to be the bully pulpit while that person is there. Thank you for your service.
Mayor Coody: Shelly, thank you very much for your work.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 22 of 26
Susan Thomas: If there are programs that people feel fall outside of the policy we have a
compliant procedure. There is an avenue for appeal if someone has a significant problem with
some of the programs that are being played. We are trying to push for as close to 24/7
programming as we can. There are some practical considerations you have to take into account
when you are putting the schedule together. There are some practical sides to this that are as far
from political and as far from grandstanding as they possibly could be. It is simply fitting a
program into a slot. I give Rick a lot of credit for doing what he has.
Alderman Lucas: Meetings are important.
Susan Thomas: A lot of the meetings are on Granicus, the City's on line meeting service.
Alderman Allen: I believe the forums belong on the government channel. I appreciate your
work too Shelly.
Susan Thomas explained the forum process.
Alderman Jordan: I agree with Alderman Allen. I like the forums and the freedom of the
forums. 1 appreciate the work that Shelly has done but I feel the policy is a little too restrictive
for my taste so I will not be supporting it.
Alderman Ferrell
moved
to approve the
resolution. Alderman
Rhoads
seconded the
motion. Upon roll
call the
resolution passed
6-2. Alderman Jordan
and Allen
voting no.
Resolution 190-08 as Recorded in the office of the City Clerk
Agenda Additions:
Reconsideration of the Appointment of Marvin Hilton to the Telecommunications Board
Alderman Thiel: I would like to make a motion to reconsider the appointment of Marvin Hilton
to the Telecom Board. I have known Marvin for many years. I respect him in many ways and
do not dislike him. This was not something that was easy for me to bring forward. I did this at
the request of some on my constituents, one of which is chair of the CAT board. Largely this
issue involves the public access channel and some the problems they have had with Marvin in his
capacity as cable administrator. I think we all had issues the first time Marvin's name came up
for this position because he had been terminated from the City. That is kind of a precarious
situation to appoint someone very quickly after that time to the Telecom Board.
Colleen Pancake, President of Community Access Television Board of Directors stated 1 think
Marvin Hilton is biased against Community Access Television. Ms. Pancake explained the
reason she thought Mr. Hilton is biased. There are people that are afraid of Marvin because he is
intimating. She feels threatened by him. She stated our growth depends on where we spend our
energy and if we constantly battle someone in a position that is biased against us we are not
going to make much growth as an organization. Access television has been in Fayetteville 28
years. It is a good thing, it helps the community.
Mayor Coody: Thanks Colleen. Thanks for your contribution to the CAT channel.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 23 of 26
Aubrey Shepherd: Maybe he is the same man that has been described but I have not seen
evidence of it. He has worked very hard supporting the Telecom Boards activities since he was
let go. 1 think you should review it at another time and gather more facts.
Alderman Ferrell:
You
said you had not observed
any of the conduct
that was
alleged earlier.
How long have you
been
acquainted with Mr. Hilton
as far as observing
him?
Aubrey Shepherd: I can't say how long 1 have known him. I do not know him as well as folks
that worked in the office with him.
Shelly Bell: A lot of these allegation it is the first time I have heard them as well. 1 have not
validated them. I have not observed anything like this in the year that I have worked with him.
My interaction has been in meetings with that being said they are deeply concerning allegations.
I personally and I am sure most of the people around me prefer to feel at least safe as we
volunteer our time. That is not to say that the allegations are true or that he should not be
considered but I think at a bear minimum the allegations have to be considered and possibly
verified before he is appointed. That is my opinion. I found it confusing that a couple of months
after lie was removed from the Cable Administration office that he was appointed in an advisory
role that directly impacts that very role he played before.
Marvin Hilton
stated I am
amazed
to hear such descriptions as I
have heard
tonight. He
described some
of the events
that took
place during his employment at
the City.
Alderman Ferrell: As a member of the Telecom Board how often are you required to be at the
Peg Center building.
Marvin Hilton: I think there are a number of Telecom Board members that have never been
there or seldom. I guess I am saddened by the question. I have been over there several times
since I was dismissed. I have never been accused of being a dangerous person in my life.
Alderman Ferrell: As a Telecom Board member does that necessitate you visiting that
building?
Marvin Hilton: I guess
I could avoid the building.
1 question why I
would be required to do
that.
Alderman Ferrell: My question is being a Telecom Board member does that necessitate you
visiting that building?
Marvin Hilton: No. I don't think so.
Alderman Rhoads: With the allegations and some of the bad feelings that appear to be floating
around, why do you want to stay on the board?
Marvin Hilton: The main reason is every since 1 graduated form college 1 have been a big fan
of transparency and authenticity and I have seen some of that disappear. He discussed some of
the problems he sees in the Government Channel Policy. He also talked about some programs
that have not aired on the Government Channel.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 71 2008
Page 24 of 26
Sky Blalock: A lot of people are saying it does not make sense to put someone you have taken
out of a position to put in a position to oversee. I would like for you to look at the past history.
There have been a lot of issues with the oversight of the cable administrator and that is why your
staff had to step iii and ask you to reconsider. We have lost so many members on these boards. I
respect Marvin Hilton. His philosophy on access is amazing. Sometimes he goes about it the
wrong way and he ends up hurting a lot of people. I think he belongs in the committee process
because we have had some really good out come with the democratic process.
Alderman Allen: I have found this item and the one prior to it rather unseemly and haven't
liked part of the conversation including my own. Can you tell me why this was not addressed
prior to our vote?
Sky Blalock: It happened so quickly. He had already been rejected for the position months ago.
It is not about a personality it is about whether people can work, live, and feel safe in this
community. I think you need to reconsider your appointment.
Alderman Cook: To say that anyone was blindsided by this is an unfair statement. Mr. Hilton
applied and we left that position open. I tell people at these meetings the openings. It is
advertised in the newspaper and is a public record. No one applied for that position except for
Mr. Hilton. We had a long conversation with Mr. Hilton and felt comfortable putting him on the
board. If Mr. Hilton acts up and we feel he needs to betaken off the board we can do that.
Alderman Gray: The meeting was announced and is always public
Alderman Ferrell: I find it very weird that there is talk of imminent danger and fear of having
Mr. Hilton in the building and then to turn around and have the Director of CAT say we will
welcome him being any thing put having a leadership position.
Alderman Thiel: I brought this motion to reconsider forward because of calls and letters I
received. The allegations Marvin brought up were not an issue to me. The issue to me is that we
have difficulty getting Telecom Board members. Marvin takes an enormous amount of time
talking about CAT. There are a lot of important issues the Telecom Board could be looking at
but they get bogged down with this. It does not matter who is managing CAT, this goes way
back. I don't understand Marvin's insistence on making CAT the only thing he focuses on.
What concerns me is the amount of time that is going to be spent and the possibility of getting
future members. I pled to Marvin that there are a lot of important issues on the Telecom Board
and if you stay in this position I hope that you start focusing on other things.
Alderman Rhoads: I am not going to vote to reconsider because I do not think it is the proper
way to handle this. To me the proper forum is if we do not like his conduct there is a way to
remove someone. I think that is probably what we should do if indeed the situation merits that. I
do not know if it merits it or not. I think when you remove someone I think you should probably
have an executive session and you don't necessarily say a bunch of things in public. I am not
super comfortable about this. I am hopeful that this will not pass. I am also hopeful that Marvin
senses that where there is a little smoke there maybe some fire and that he may be rubbing some
people wrong. I don't know which side is right or wrong. Hopefully Marvin will spend some
time in the next few meetings with his receiver turned way up and his transmitter turned way
down. Maybe some of the folks that are on the board and also involved in this will also to try to
walk about halfway and think about Marvin's side as well and see if this thing can work out.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 25 of 26
Alderman Lucas: It concerned me the first time that Marvin applied. The thing that bothered
me is he had just been let go by the City and then we were looking to appoint him to a committee
that advised the City. It did not seem -right to me. The decision was made by the Nominating
Committee. I still don't see why Marvin would want to be on the Telecom Board. I have
reservations about the fact that he was let go by the City and now he is on an advisory
committee. I think we should go ahead and see how things go. 1 hope Marvin will know that we
are concerned about this. I think he is extremely smart about telecom. The Telecom Board or
any board has to have good rapport. They don't have to agree on everything but they have to
have good rapport.
Alderman Jordan: I agree with Alderman Cook. We did not appoint Marvin the first time. No
one applied to the Nominating Committee and there were no complaints about Marvin so we
appointed him. I do not have any reason to believe that he will not do his duty on that board but
it goes back to the chair of the committee. The chair of the committee runs that meeting. If
Marvin does not work out I will be the first one to vote to take him off that board.
Alderman Thiel moved to reconsider the appointment of Marvin Hilton to the
Telecommunications Board. Alderman Rhoads seconded the motion. Upon roll call the
motion failed 1-7. Alderman Thiel voting yes.
Susan Thomas: Shelly as chair has done a very good job of trying to steer the committee in a
direction that the Telcom Board should be going. I have very high hopes for her serving as chair
and getting the board focused off the issues that have occupied thousands of hours and thousands
of pages of paper and getting that board focused on the things that I think you as a Council
expect from that board. I feel very good about her leadership on that committee.
Reconsideration of the Millal?e Ordinance
Alderman Cook: I
would like to move to
reconsider the discussion
on the millage. I do not want
to make a decision
or debate it tonight. I
want that as a tool as we
move forward in the budget
discussions.
Gray
voting no.
Mayor Coody: Doesn't it have to be in by the end of October?
Sondra Smith, City Clerk: It is due by November 1.
A discussion followed regarding the due date of the millage to the County and the motion to
reconsider.
Aubrey Shepherd: I agree we should.
Alderman
Cook
moved to reconsider the Millage ordinance that was passed on
September
16, 2008.
Alderman
Rhoads seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion
passed 7-1.
Alderman
Gray
voting no.
Alderman Cook moved to table the resolution to the October 21, 2008 City Council
meeting. Alderman Jordan seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 26 of 26
Other Business
Alderman Allen: Ms. Romine who has a lawsuit against the City has asked me to ask Mr.
Williams whether the City has determined whether or not they will accept her offer.
City, Attorney Kit Williams: Attorneys are bound to follow the rules of professional
responsibility and there are certain rules that talk about prohibiting statements of facts that might
affect a trial that is about to occur. I have to be careful how I answer this. Settlement
negotiations are inherently privileged not to be revealed. I am real reluctant to reveal anything
except the fact that some demand was made by Ms. Romine's attorneys in an amount several
times higher than I felt was reasonable or something that I felt I could recommend to you.
Because I felt like this was far greater than you could accept then I could not agree to it and
therefore I do not feel it is proper to make it public. There was an offer that was fairly high that
was made.
urnm t: ]1:55 PM
Coody, Mayor Sondra E. Smith, City Clerk/Treasurer