City Council Recap: Aug. 2, 2011

Staff photo / Enlarge
The Fayetteville City Council on Tuesday approved an improvement project for the Walker Park baseball complex. The plan includes replacement of the dugouts and benches, the addition of backstop/warm-up areas for pitchers, and renovation of the bleachers.

The Fayetteville City Council held a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2011 in room 219 of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Below is a recap of items discussed and voted on during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Roll Call

Present: Adella Gray, Brenda Boudreaux, Mark Kinion, Mayor Jordan, Justin Tennant, Bobby Ferrell, Rhonda Adams, Sarah Lewis
Absent: Matthew Petty

Consent

All seven consent items passed the council Tuesday night including a resolution to utilize federal-aid funds for the rehabilitation of the Maple Street and Lafayette Street bridges over the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad in downtown Fayetteville.

Also included:

  • A $100,000 renovation project for the Walker Park baseball complex in south Fayetteville.
  • The acceptance of a $270,000 grant through the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to help construct the 2.8-mile Town Branch Trail in central Fayetteville.
  • The purchase of two replacement automated side-load solid waste trucks from Peterbilt of Fort Smith at a cost of $497,318.

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

New Business

The council unanimously approved two ordinances and a resolution to get the ball rolling on an Oct. 11 special election which, if approved, will extend the city’s 1-cent sales and use tax for an additional 10 years. The tax has been in effect since 1993 and was extended by a public vote in 2002. The current penny tax won’t expire until 2013, but city officials want to put it to a vote now before any other potential tax increase ballot items can jeopardize its passing.

The first two ordinances dealt with the tax and the election. The related resolution was for a $20,000 budget adjustment to pay for the special election.

Also approved:

  • An ordinance to allow existing businesses with nonconforming uses to apply for a business license through the city’s new business registry program.
  • The replacement of the Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee with a new Urban Forestry Advisory Board
  • An ordinance replacing all Unified Development Code references to “Landscape Administrator” with “Urban Forester.”

The rezoning 0.5 acres of property at 2012 MLK Jr. Blvd. from RMF-24 to C-1 was delayed at the request of Ward 4 Alderwoman Sarah Lewis. Lewis said she wanted to discuss the issue with Ward 4 residents before it went any further. A USA Drug store is proposed at that location which is between Town & Country Liquor and Braum’s.

Final agenda

Download the Aug. 2 agenda