HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-20 - Minutes•
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PRAB
SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 20, 1998
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ackerman at 5:38 p.m.
in Room 219 of the City Administration Building.
Members Present:
Ackerman, Bleidt, Charboneau, Judy, Luttrell,
Staggs
Members Absent: Eads, Thiel
Staff Present: Edmonston, Dugwyler, Nelson, Rogers
Guests Present: Bill Moeller, Charles Richardson, Constance
Clack, Cindy Long, Nancy Burris, Chris
Krueger, Patricia Hays, Wyit Wright, Becky
Petty, Rick McKinney, Kathy Thompson, Dan
Puckett, Paula Marinoni, Woody Charlton,
Angela Stevens, Richard Alexander, Fran
Alexander, Cyrus Young, Orland Maxfield,
Samuel Hucke, Ann Thomas, Cynthia Peven, Katie
Runnels, Nancy Seward, Jennifer Alexander,
Susan Porter, Karl Friar
Media Present:
Rusty Garrett, NWA Times
Jill Rohrback, Morning News
Julie Tribble, KIX 104
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board regular June meeting date
was changed from Monday, June 1, 1998 to Wednesday, June 10, 1998,
at 5:30 p.m.
Mr. Ackerman summarized a May 11 meeting with Coldwell Bankers
realtors Mike Henry and Karl Friar. Appraiser Mark Risk calculated
the appraised value of the .6 acre lot at $50,000. The original
asking price of $79,900 has been lowered to $64,900. Mr. Friar said
the current listing price has been adjusted to appraised value of
$50,000. There has been discussion of possibly contributing toward
the purchase price with the remainder of the asking price funded by
the citizens interested in raising funds for the park. A contract
of intent with the realtors could be drafted subject to the amount
agreed upon by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the
ability of the private sector to raise funds to match in order to
acquire the property. This would be subject to approval by the City
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PRAB Special Meeting
Council. This would also not restrict Mrs. January from selling the
property to another entity if she so chose.
Mr. Ackerman said the PRAB had the same empathy for the park in the
historic district as everyone else, but the PRAB had to take budget
restraints and the number of people who would benefit from an
acquisition of this nature into consideration.
Ms. Judy said the park was part of the city's heritage and needed
to be preserved; efforts should be made to make this acquisition
possible.
MOTION: JUDY/BLEIDT
Ms. Judy moved to move forward with the discussion and potential
acquisition of the Sutton Street property.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Mr. Bill Moeller, a University Heights district resident, compared
the Sutton Street property to Hotz Park which is located in his
neighborhood. He said Hotz Park does not provide parking and is a
"walk -to" park. Although people from outside the neighborhood use
the park, there have been no problems experienced. Mr. Moeller also
commented that University Heights would be willing to make a
contribution toward the acquisition of the Sutton Street property.
Mr. Charles Richardson, a resident near Gregory Park, said there
had been no problems with the neighborhood park. He said
occasionally he rode his bicycle through Wilson Park, through the
historic district, and to the top of Mt. Sequoyah. His favorite
route was Sutton Street and by the park located there. He commented
he would also be willing to make a contribution toward the
purchase.
Ms. Constance Clack felt the money could be better spent to develop
the Mt. Sequoyah water facility.
Ms. Cindy Long expressed the historic district residents'
contribution to the city; the citizens of Fayetteville feel these
residents have an obligation. Residents are often asked to offer
their homes for fund raisers, historic walking tours are conducted,
and promotional materials are made. Ms. Long did not favor the idea
of the neighbors contributing to the purchase of the Sutton Street
property; they feel as if they have already contributed.
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PRAB Special Meeting
Ms. Nancy Burris was against the acquisition.
Ms. Chris Krueger pointed out that a joint venture between the city
and the private sector would still result in the city retaining
title to the property. Changes were inevitable despite ownership of
the property; there are no definitions of a neighborhood park or a
historic park and there is no guarantee that it will not change if
it is owned by the city. Ms. Krueger requested that if this became
a city park she would like to see the following restrictions
imposed: hours of operation, who uses the park, the sizes of
groups, noise, and lighting. Parking, safety, maintenance, and
future improvements were issues raised. Ms. Krueger stated that
private ownership had served the land well.
Ms. Patricia Hays lives directly across from the site in question.
She said she loved the park and would like for it to remain one. As
a resident for sixteen years, Ms. Hays said her child played in the
park during his youth.
Mr. Wyit Wright expressed numerous concerns. A petition opposing
the acquisition had garnered forty signatures. He questioned the
need for the park and felt the neighborhood was already being well
served by Wilson Park. Mr. Wright stated that developing an
additional park instead of concentrating efforts on existing parks
appeared to be preferential treatment to a small percentage of
citizens of the city. The historical significance and suitability
of the Sutton Street property was questioned.
Ms. Becky Petty, a twenty-year resident of the neighborhood, spoke
in favor the acquisition.
Mr. Rick McKinney pointed out the aesthetic and historical value of
the existing park. He felt it would be hypocritical of the city to
force new developers to provide green space and the city not
consider purchasing this green space in the historical district.
Ms. Kathy Thompson submitted another letter from residents and
questioned the validity of the petition against the park. She
strongly favored the acquisition and said it would be a once in a
lifetime opportunity.
Mr. Dan Puckett stated for the record that he encouraged the
acquisition of the property and would be willing to make a
contribution. He read a letter submitted by neighbors Bettye and
Herb Lewis.
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PRAB Special Meeting
Ms. Paula Marinoni spoke as a representative of the Friends for
Fayetteville and the Historic Preservation and Restoration Focus
Group. Ms. Marinoni is also the founder of the Flower Garden and
Nature Society of NW Arkansas which promotes education,
beautification, and preservation of natural resources. She
commented on the HMR tax and its usage in regards to green space
and stated she did not think the citizens should have to pay. Mr.
Ackerman stated that it was highly unusual for the city to purchase
land other than in exceptional situations. The majority of park
land has been given to us over a period of time. The PRAB must make
the best use of budgeted money. The green space needs of the
community are vast; however, improvements on green space we
currently have are in vast need as well.
Ms. Rogers stated for the record that both Mr. Wright and Ms.
Marinoni spoke for 4 tl minutes against and in favor of the
acquisition.
Mr. Woody Charlton, a resident of Willow, spoke in favor of the
acquisition and neighborhood parks in general.
Ms. Angela Stevens, a resident of 429 Sutton Street, read a letter
she submitted in favor of the park.
Mr. Richard Alexander offered a rhetorical question: what should be
the criteria to determine whether the city should purchase this
park? Historical significance, attributes, beauty, infrastructure,
cost, and majority opinion were criteria cited in favor of the
acquisition of this property.
Ms. Fran Alexander said northwest Arkansas was the fastest growing
region of the state, tourism is the third largest industry of the
state, and Fayetteville needs tourist attractions. How a community
looks and feels is it's economic base. Ms. Alexander stated there
was a need for more green space, and she favored the acquisition of
the park and would be willing to contribute.
Mr. Orland Maxfield spoke as a representative of the Historic
District Commission. The Commission previously submitted a
resolution unanimously favoring the acquisition of the Sutton
Street property as a park. Conditional uses for a R-1 zone were
pointed out as well as the enormous potential for degradation.
Mr. Samuel Hucke spoke in favor of conserving the site in question
and commented he would be willing to make a contribution toward its
acquisition.
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PRAB Special Meeting
Ms. Ann Thomas expressed that the purchase of this property would
serve all citizens of the city, and she would like to see the land
remain in its natural state.
Ms. Cynthia Peven, a resident of Mission Blvd., expressed a need
for a park in the neighborhood and submitted a letter. Issues
regarding money, diversity, lack of control over park space, and
traffic were discussed. She urged negotiations continue toward the
acquisition of this property and the appropriation of green space
funds. Ms. Peven also favored more small parks near neighborhoods
accessible by walking.
Ms. Katie Runnels, a resident of Olive Street and University of
Arkansas student, stated that she has been a lifelong resident. She
favored the conservation and acquisition of the property.
Ms. Nancy Seward, a resident of Willow, said the community needed
more green space and less concrete. Questioning this need,
according to Ms. Seward, was ridiculous.
Ms. Jennifer Alexander commented on the natural attributes and
plants of the park, and she urged the PRAB to consider the purchase
of this property.
Ms. Susan Porter did not favor a cost share with the community, and
urged board members to examine the budget and past expenses. She
favored the purchase of the Sutton Street property as a park.'
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members discussed the issue.
Mr. Bleidt expressed the importance of the public's voice. He
stated that if a cost share was not possible he would support
purchasing the property in full. Ms. Judy stated that she felt
there were citizens who would be willing to become a part of the
purchase, and it would be good community involvement.
Mr. Bleidt inquired as to the last time land was purchased; Ms.
Dugwyler reported that HMR funds were appropriated toward the
purchase of 2.5 acres at Gulley Park. Mr. Luttrell inquired as to
what plans would be endangered if the budgeted $50,000 was spent.
Staff was not aware of any immediate plans.
'Audio and video of the May 20, 1998 Special Meeting is on
file in the Parks Office
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PRAB Special Meeting
Mr. Charboneau inquired as to whether sidewalks and an entrance
would have to be put in and whether ADA standards would have to be
addressed. Ms. Edmonston stated she did not know if this area was
included in the city master sidewalk plan. Ms. Dugwyler said not
everything had to be accessible; a representative sample of
facilities and programs must be accessible. Any newly constructed
or renovated facilities must be accessible.
Mr. Charboneau stated that he felt the city's money could be better
spent elsewhere. A lot of the city parks are currently undeveloped
because there is not enough funds. He also commented that the HMR
tax was also for maintenance and development of facilities, and a
number of existing facilities were in need of repair.
Mr. Staggs favored restricting parking if the property was
purchased and suggested perhaps sharing parking with the courthouse
or the library.
Mr. Ackerman said if the property was purchased, there were no
immediate plans to spend additional money to provide parking or
lighting. There would only be routine general maintenance provided.
Mr. Ackerman also stated that the HMR tax designated for parks is
not a part of the HMR tax associated with the Town Center or the
Advertising and Promotion Commission.
MOTION: LUTTRELL/STAGGS
Mr. Luttrell moved to amend the motion to move forward with the
discussion and potential acquisition of the Sutton Street property
to read as follows: PRAB recommends to enter into a contract for
purchase of the Sutton Street .6 acre lot as a park with $25,000
plus closing costs funded from the Park's budget and the remainder
of the purchase price be from public donations. This contract is
subject to the public donating funds for the remainder of the
asking price within 90 days and subject to approval by the City
Council.
The motion carried 5-1-0 with Ackerman, Bleidt, Judy, Luttrell, and
Staggs voting "yes" and Charboneau voting "no".
Chairman Ackerman requested the private sector form a committee and
escrow the funds raised; a representative should be appointed to
communicate with staff. Mr. Bleidt and Mr. Ackerman suggested staff
explore the possibility of the Accounting Department aiding in the
escrow account. Mr. Friar said that items between both parties and
the amount of time were negotiable. A price could be agreed upon
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PRAB Special Meeting
and a long period of time could be given during which period Mrs.
January could enter into another contract with another party. It is
also possible that she could not enter into another contract with
another party, or she could enter into another contract with
another party providing the city and the private sector were given
a period of time to act. These items are all negotiable. Mr. Friar
said the property was now available on the open market for $50,000.
Mr. Ackerman recommended staff visit with realtor and a committee
from the private sector and structure a contract to be presented to
Mrs. January. Ms. Edmonston requested a representative of the
private sector committee contact the Parks Office.
Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Minutes taken by John Nelson
May 20, 1998 / Page 7
