LIVE UPDATES: Fayetteville City Council recap: Sept. 3, 2019

File photo

On the agenda…

  • Four rezoning requests
  • Allowing public alcohol consumption in certain areas
  • Changes to the residential parking plan
  • Changes to comply with state law regarding concealed firearms in parks
  • Contracting with the Fayetteville A&P Commission for programming at the Cultural Arts Corridor
  • Appropriating funds from the 2019 bond election
  • Land purchases for two new fire stations and a police headquarters complex
  • A joint purchase with the school district for Lewis Fields

» Download the full agenda

A meeting of the Fayetteville City Council began at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 inside room 219 of City Hall, located at 113 W. Mountain St. in Fayetteville.

Listed below are the items up for approval and links to PDF documents with detailed information on each item of business.


Roll Call

Present: Sonia Gutierrez, Sarah Marsh, Matthew Petty, Mark Kinion, Sloan Scroggin, Sarah Bunch, Teresa Turk, Kyle Smith
Absent: None

» View current attendance records


City Council Meeting Presentations, Reports and Discussion Items

1. Monthly Financial ReportPaul Becker, City Finance Director


Consent

Consent items are approved in a single, all-inclusive vote unless an item is pulled by a council member at the beginning of the meeting.

1. Approval of the Aug. 20, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
Pass 8-0

2. Amend Resolution 177-19 (Details): A resolution to amend Resolution 117-19 to authorize the payment of applicable sales taxes and freight charges in addition to the purchase price of $60,990.00 for the purchase of water leak detection equipment from AVO Multi-Amp Corporation d/b/a Megger Group for the Water and Sewer Operations Division.
Pass 8-0

3. Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. (Details): A resolution to accept a quote in the amount of $14,643.00 plus applicable taxes from Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. for the installation of a baffle plate at the Mally Wagnon Wastewater Lift Station, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

4. Garver, LLC (Details): A resolution to approve a professional engineering services agreement with Garver, LLC, pursuant to RFQ #19-01, in the amount not to exceed $59,600.00 for the rehabilitation of the Round Mountain Water Standpipe Project.
Pass 8-0

5. Badger Meters, Inc. and Henard Utility Products, Inc. (Details): A resolution to approve a one-year master service agreement with Badger Meters, Inc. in the amount of $240,817.00 plus applicable taxes to purchase 1,200 smart water meters through its supplier, Henard Utility Products, Inc., for the Water and Sewer Department.
Pass 8-0

6. ADM 19-6808 (417 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd./Farmers Co-op Apts.) (Details): A resolution pursuant to § 166.04(b)(3) of the Fayetteville Unified Development Code to approve the dedication of a reduced amount of right of way along West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard by approximately 18 square feet to account for a portion of an existing structure and to reduce the Master Street Plan right of way dedication for this portion of West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard by 18 square feet.
Pass 8-0

7. ADM 19-6772 (312 E. North St./Thompson) (Details): A resolution pursuant to § 166.04(b)(2) of the Fayetteville Unified Development Code to approve the dedication of a reduced amount of right of way along East North Street by approximately 33.5 square feet associated with a lot split at 312 E. North Street, and to reduce the Master Street Plan right of way dedication for this portion of East North Street by 33.5 square feet.
Pass 8-0


Unfinished Business

1. RZN 19-6716 (E. of 3638 N. Front St./Trails at Mud Creek) (Details)

An ordinance to rezone that property described in rezoning petition RZN 19-6716 for approximately 10.43 acres located east of 3638 N. Front Street from C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial and I-1, Heavy Commercial & Light Industrial to CS, Community Services.
Left on the second reading

Background:
This item was left on the first reading at the Aug. 20 meeting.

Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of this rezoning request.

With an extension of Sain Street on the horizon, the property owners would like to rezone this land from an industrial/heavy commercial district to a zoning that would allow for infill development with both residential and retail structures.

Location:

Aug. 20 Discussion:
Hugh Jarratt, an attorney with Lindsey Management and a representative for the applicant, said his team has met with city planners and floodplain specialists in planning for development of this land. He said the plan is to add pedestrian connectivity on both sides of Sain Street. He said all of the city’s longterm plans for this area call for intense infill, and he believes this is one of the most perfect scenarios for development he’s worked on in his 13 years of experience.

Council Member Smith said he’s heard from residents who are concerned about adding homes in this area because of the burden it could place on the school district by adding more students to the area. Jarratt said Lindsey’s plan is to build one- or two-bedroom units here, and the company only has a 0.1 student-per-unit ratio in those size units. He said once their tenants have families, almost all of them tend to move into a larger apartment.

The first person to speak was against the rezoning, and said the neighbors to the southeast are worried about a multi-story apartment complex that will be visible from their homes. She also said some of her neighbors would like the area to stay undeveloped since it’s close to the Mud Creek Trail, which is currently a natural-looking area.

One other person spoke against the proposal, citing fears about possible added traffic, loss of undeveloped natural space, and added students in the school district.

Council Member Kinion said if this area shifts to high-density, he’s concerned about how people will get in and out of the property since the creek and trail are to the north. He said the area is ripe for development, but he’s not sure Community Services is the proper tool for the job. He said he hasn’t yet made up his mind. “This is certainly a unique piece of property,” Kinion said. “We have a lot to think about.”

Council Member Bunch said she’s heard from a lot of residents who are worried about losing trees in the area, and about the property’s proximity to the creek. She asked staff if any of this land is within the streamside protection zone. Staff said no, none of this land is within 50 feet of the creek.

Turk said it’s a complex issue that needs more time before a decision is made.

The council agreed to leave the item on the first reading. The discussion will continue on Sept. 3.

Sept. 3 Discussion:
Staff said the applicant has submitted a Bill of Assurance that limits the height of the buildings on the property to no more than three stories. The document also promises to limit the height of the buildings in an adjacent property to the east that’s currently zoned RMF-24 and under contract to be purchased outright by the applicant. The Bill of Assurance also promises to keep the trees in the steepest parts of the property.

The council amended the ordinance 6-2 to include the Bill of Assurance. Council members Smith and Bunch voted against. Smith said he’s concerned that the three-story minimum height might limit the potential for mixed-use development in that area. He said he won’t vote for this in its current proposal, and hopes the council will agree to leave it on the second reading for further consideration before voting.

Council Member Scroggin said he’s a lot closer to being on board with the request now that there’s a three-story height limit.

Kinion said he’s still concerned about traffic in the area, especially Front Street which he said is already a complicated and confusing street to navigate at peak times.

Council member Petty said he’s comfortable with what’s been presented, and, speaking to traffic concerns, he reminded the council that Sain Street will be extended to meet up with Vantage Drive in the next year or so. It’s a plan that’s been on the books for many years, has already been engineered, and is 80% funded by federal money.

The council agreed to leave the item on the second reading. The discussion will continue on Sept. 17.


2. RZN 19-6737 (4195 & 4245 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd./Hancock) (Details)

An ordinance to rezone that property described in rezoning petition RZN 19-6737 for approximately 1.81 acres located at 4195 and 4245 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. from R-O, Residential Office to UT, Urban Thoroughfare.
Pass 8-0

Background:
This item was left on the first reading at the Aug. 20 meeting.

Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of this rezoning request.

The property is currently developed with a single-family dwelling. The applicant has not stated any development intent for the property.

Location:

Aug. 20 Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Turk asked the council to hold the item for another two weeks to allow public comment. Kinion agreed, and said he’s surprised nobody has voiced an opinion about this property since it’s in a fast-growing area. Scroggin agreed.

The council agreed to hold the item on the first reading. The discussion will continue on Sept. 3.

Sept. 3 Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third and final reading, and voted unanimously to approve it.


3. Entertainment District Boundaries (Details)

An ordinance to establish boundaries for an Entertainment District in the City of Fayetteville and to promulgate rules for the limited outdoor consumption of alcohol in certain public places.
Left on the second reading

Background:
This item was left on the first reading at the Aug. 20 meeting.

This is a proposal to establish rules and boundaries where residents could drink alcohol at special events and festivals without having to stay inside a fenced-in beer garden (see our story from last week).

It is a reaction to recently adopted Arkansas legislation that allows municipalities to create designated entertainment districts inside commercial areas that are exempt from state laws which prohibit public alcohol consumption.

Mountain Home was the first Arkansas city to take advantage of the new state law. In Mountain Home, people can drink in public in the entertainment district every day from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.

Fayetteville’s proposal is far more restrictive, and only allows outdoor consumption of alcohol during special events authorized by the mayor.

Alcohol would be allowed at longstanding special events, including the Saturday Farmers’ Market, First Thursday and Lights of the Ozarks.

Proposed rules:

  • Open containers would only be allowed on streets that are closed to traffic.
  • Open containers must be inside a compostable or reusable cup.
  • Only one drink is allowed at a time.
  • Containers are limited to 16 ounces or less.
  • Drinks from one bar can’t be taken into another bar.
  • Drinks are not allowed in other private establishments without the consent of the owner.
  • Drinks can only be consumed if they’re purchased from a vendor inside the entertainment district.

Proposed map:

Aug. 20 Discussion:
City Attorney Kit Williams said the police department and mayor have suggested an amendment to the ordinance that requires any alcohol permittee to place a wristband on anyone who takes an open container out into public.

Smith said he’s not against the idea of armbands, but he’s skeptical of how effective they’ll be in their implementation across several establishments with regards to style, color, etc.

Jordan suggested the amendment be more generic in language, so that any identifier could be used by a police officer to determine the age of a person, such as a stamp.

Scroggin moved to change the word “wristband” to “designated physical identifier.”

The amendment was passed unanimously.

Petty said he’s concerned that nobody from the city or council has spoken with the businesses that will be impacted from this decision. He said a conversation with business owners could be helpful in this discussion.

Mayor Jordan said he’s fine with holding this item for two weeks to allow some time to talk to business owners.

During public comment, one person – a representative from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce – spoke in favor of the ordinance. Nobody else from the public spoke.

The council agreed to hold the item on the first reading. The discussion will continue on Sept. 3.

Sept. 3 Discussion:
City Attorney Kit Williams presented an amended ordinance that he said simply clarifies definitions already present in the current draft, including “customers,” “owners” and “permittees.” The council voted 8-0 to approve the changes.

City staff said some business owners were concerned about liability in regards to who would be responsible in the event of an accident involving alcohol – the business that served the individual or the event organizer. Staff said they’ve asked the state ABC board for clarification on this, and will report back as soon as they have an answer.

Bo Counts, owner of Pinpoint Fayetteville, spoke and asked the council to strongly consider business owners’ concerns about liability uncertainty.

Mayor Jordan said he’d like the council to hold the item for at least two weeks. He said he’s heard questions and concerns from at least 40 business owners and he’d like some time to further consider their comments.


4. Amend §72.18, Residential Parking Permit Program for the Entertainment District Parking Zone Ila Street (Details)

An ordinance to amend §72.18, Residential Parking Permit Program for the Entertainment District Parking Zone of the Fayetteville City Code to expand residential-only parking in the north zone of the Entertainment District Parking Zone.
Tabled 8-0 until Oct. 1.

Background:
This item was left on the first reading at the Aug. 20 meeting.

This was proposed by Council Member Mark Kinion.

Kinion said now that the sororities adjoining Ila Street have been expanded, the number of sorority members attending meals and meetings has increased, which has placed increased parking burdens on the nearby residential streets. Kinion has proposed to expand the Residential Parking Permit area to an additional block on Ila Street and two blocks on Vandeventer Avenue to give residents more places to park near their homes.

Aug. 20 Discussion:
The neighbors say the student apartment complexes that were recently built, and sorority homes that were recently expanded have led to a lot of people parking in the nearby neighborhoods, some who park on the wrong side of the roads and others who block driveways and intersections.

Kinion said he lives in this particular neighborhood and he can attest to what the neighbors are saying. He said the issue has exploded recently, and has led to a host of issues. He said it’s not uncommon for residents to miss out on getting their trash bins emptied because of the parking issues on the streets.

Residents who spoke about this suggested adding more streets to the program, such as Louise Street from Wilson Avenue to Park Avenue. Others said adding a new street to the program won’t solve the issue, but will just push the problems further to the next street over.

Petty said the proposal could be too broad, and spoke in support for potentially implemented paid parking spaces that residents could purchase, as was suggested by some neighbors. He said he’s worried about expanding the residential area too close to Wilson Park, which a lot of the public uses.

Some have asked that this item not be voted on tonight in order to allow more time to work through this issue. Mayor Jordan said he doesn’t expect a final vote tonight.

The council agreed to hold the item on the first reading. The discussion will continue on Sept. 3.

Sept. 3 Discussion:
Kinion said he doesn’t think any of the problems the students create are intentional, but rather a consequence of a lack of planning. He said the sorority houses host events with up to 600 attendees and it leads to cars being parked illegally in many ways – including vehicles in people’s lawns. He called the current situation “chaos” and said something must be done to address it.

Kinion said he doesn’t want to vilify any of the university students who park in the neighborhood.

“They’re not the ones who caused this problem,” he said. “They are the ones who are having to deal with this just as we are.”

Council member Turk suggested creating a special district for this area that has its own rules. Petty agreed, and said he hopes this area could be designated as what is called a parking benefits district in which residents are given some measure of control and authority over the parking in their neighborhood.

Council members Marsh and Smith agreed with Petty and said there are probably some good models in other cities that Fayetteville could look to for ideas on how to craft rules for a new district.

Staff agreed to look into ways in which a new district could be created, including the possibility of implementing paid parking, residential parking passes, etc.

One resident who spoke, said the problems are persistent and aren’t limited to just the sorority houses. Parking issues also arise on Sunday mornings during University Baptist Church services, he said.

Several other residents said they’d like to see paid parking implemented in their neighborhood.

City Attorney Kit Williams suggested tabling the item at least until the first meeting in October to allow staff time to work through all the details needed to create a district.

The council agreed, and voted unanimously to table the discussion until Oct. 1.


New Business

1. Fayetteville Public School District (Details)

A resolution to thank and congratulate the Fayetteville Public School District for its substantial and effective efforts to reduce use of single-use expanded polystyrene foam products.
Pass 8-0

Background:
This item was brought forward by Council Member Teresa Turk to thank the school district for its efforts to reduce the use of foam containers in its cafeterias and replacing some products with reusable plastics.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution.


2. Amend §97.066 Hunting and Firearms (Details)

An ordinance to amend §97.066 Hunting and Firearms of the Parks and Recreation chapter of the Fayetteville Code to expressly recognize exceptions to the No Firearms in the Parks prohibition.
Pass 7-1

Background:
City Attorney Kit Williams said the Arkansas state legislature has taken away cities’ power to ban concealed handguns in city parks if the gun is carried by a person who has obtained a special concealed carry permit. Williams said the council needs to amend the city law in order to comply with state law.

Discussion:
Williams said a recent Attorney General interpretation of the state law found that the city can indeed continue to ban firearms in public parks under some circumstances. The ordinance was amended 7-0 (Bunch was absent) to include this new information. Williams said the city will need to place signs at the entrances of parks notifying the public that firearms are prohibited.

Smith said he likes the amended language, but he’s uncomfortable with the overall idea of expanding gun rights so he’ll vote against the ordinance.

Marsh said she’ll vote for it because there’s really no other choice, but she said she’s adamantly against the expansion of gun rights and she’s disappointed in the state legislature.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third reading, and voted 7-1 to approve it (Smith voted against).


3. Verizon Wireless (Details)

A resolution to approve the conveyance of a utility easement to Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for the sum of $39,020.00 for the installation of fiber infrastructure along the Markham water tank access road.
Pass 8-0

Background:
Verizon operates a cell tower south of the Markham water tank. They also own an access easement from that property up to the water tank’s access road. Verizon has requested that the city convey an easement along the south side of the access road to the water tank, so they may install conduit and fiber optic lines. Verizon has agreed to pay the city $39,020 for the land.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


4. Amend Chapter 161, Sidewalk Cafes (Details)

An ordinance to amend Chapter 161, Zoning Regulations of the Fayetteville Unified Development Code by moving sidewalk cafes from Conditional Uses to Permitted Uses in commercial and mixed-use zones to align with the intent of Ordinance 5979 to allow administrative approval of sidewalk cafes.
Pass 8-0

Background:
City staff called this a basic housekeeping item, in that it cleans up a portion of city code that needs to be changed in order to comply with a previous council decision.

In 2017, the council voted to allow the city’s Planning Division to administratively approve sidewalk cafes, but a section of the city code still states that a Conditional Use Permit must be applied for (which requires an agenda item at a Planning Commission meeting) if someone wants to implement a sidewalk cafe. This change would remove that language.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third reading and voted 8-0 to approve it.


5. Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission Contract (Details)

A resolution to approve a contract with the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission in the amount of $35,000.00 to manage the development of various programming, marketing and operations aspects of the Cultural Arts Corridor Project, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

Background:
The council in June voted to allow city staff to work with the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission to help market, program, operate and maintain the Cultural Arts Corridor. Since then, the commission has identified D.R. Horne and Company to assist with the work. This contract is for a programming plan at the Fay Jones Woods and at the civic plaza area, developing an operations and management plan, organization of an entity to manage operations of the two spaces, and branding and marketing for the corridor.

Marsh said she has some concerns about moving this responsibility away from the city, but she is on board. She said it could be wise to have a city staff member who is charged with overseeing the corridor. She also said she hopes the city didn’t make a mistake in not defining specifically what the corridor is meant to be – is it simply to be a tourist destination and event space or should it be something bigger that serves as a catalyst to reinvigorate the city’s creative economy?

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


6. Arkansas State Drug Crime Enforcement and Prosecution Grant Fund (Details)

A resolution to authorize acceptance of the Arkansas State Drug Crime Enforcement and Prosecution Grant Fund for state funding of the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force in the amount of $91,319.00, to authorize Mayor Jordan to sign all necessary documents to receive the grant funds, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

Background:
This is to accept a grant the city received to fund the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


7. RZN 19-6750 (2143 N. Rupple Rd./WT Transfer Holding Co.) (Details)

An ordinance to rezone that property described in rezoning petition RZN 19-6750 for approximately 4.57 acres located 2143 N. Rupple Road from R-O, Residential Office to CS, Community Services.
Pass 8-0

Background:
Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of this rezoning.

The site is developed with two warehouse buildings. The applicant has indicated a desire to adapt and reuse those buildings for retail, restaurants, or other commercial use.

Location:

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third reading and voted 8-0 to approve it.


8. RZN 19-6747 (1140 N. College Ave./FHA Development) (Details)

An ordinance to rezone that property described in rezoning petition RZN 19-6747 for approximately 0.61 acres located at 1140 N. College Ave. from C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial to CS, Community Services.
Pass 7-0

Background:
Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of this rezoning.

The property is currently developed with a hotel and a restaurant (Cafe Rue Orleans). The applicant (Fayetteville Housing Authority) recently purchased the hotel and proposes to leverage the property’s proximity to the nearby Veterans Affairs medical center by redeveloping the property with residential housing for veterans.

Location:

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third reading and voted 7-0 to approve it (Kinion was not in the room during the vote).


9. Amend the Master Steet Plan (Details)

A resolution to amend the Master Street Plan by downgrading portions of the right-of-way located within the Sloanbrooke Subdivision from Collector Streets to Local Streets.

Background:
Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of this item, with a modification.

The Sloanbrooke subdivision is steadily developing within an area between Broyles Avenue and Rupple Road, south of Owl Creek. The applicant requested the council modify of the Master Street Plan to downgrade a part of the proposed Oldham Drive south of the subdivison.

Staff said the proposal only impacts a small portion of the planned Collector corridor network, which, if approved, would result in different designations along the same stretch of future road. Staff recommends modifying the request to
better reflect future goals for this area of town while still requiring connectivity between Broyles Avenue and Rupple Road.

Location:

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


10. Parkson Corporation (Details)

An ordinance to waive competitive bidding and accept a quote in the amount of $47,500.00 plus applicable taxes and freight charges from Parkson Corporation for the purchase of an electric tilling mole for the Biosolids Management Site, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

Background:
This is for equipment at the Biosolids Management Site.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third reading and voted 8-0 to approve it.


11. Buffington Weir, LLC (Details)

An ordinance to waive the requirements of formal competitive bidding and approve a cost share agreement with Buffington Weir, LLC, for the installation of a water main along a portion of Rupple Road, with the estimated amount of $206,070.00 to be paid by the City of Fayetteville, to approve a project contingency in the amount of $30,900.00, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Left on the first reading

Background:
City staff said the city would benefit from this proposed cost share as it will provide an extension of a 12-inch grid and the construction will be less expensive and less disruptive if done during the construction of the upcoming Magnolia Park subdivision and Rupple Road. The city will paying for 100% of the construction of the 12-inch water main and the developer will be responsible for 100% of the construction within the Magnolia Park subdivision.

Location:

Discussion:
Staff said the actual bid on this project was more than anticipated, so it was requested that this item be left on the first reading to allow time to adjust the numbers before the next meeting.

The council agreed to leave the item on the first reading. The discussion will continue on Sept. 17.


12. 3volve Housing Company (Details)

An ordinance to waive the requirements of formal competitive bidding and approve a cost share agreement with 3volve Housing Company for the installation of a sewer main line along a portion of South Curtis Avenue, with the amount to be paid by the City of Fayetteville not to exceed $18,327.50, and to approve a project contingency in the amount of $1,833.00.
Pass 7-0

Background:
The applicant has requested that the city share in the cost of extending an 8-inch sewer line along a portion of South Curtis Avenue for about 330 linear feet. Staff said constructing this sewer main will allow the development of the property and will also allow for any future developments in the immediate area to obtain sewer service. The applicant received three bids, the lowest which came from Sweetser Construction, Inc. of Fayetteville. Bates & Associates will provide the engineering and surveying services associated with the project.

Discussion:
Marsh said she would recuse herself from the discussion and vote.

There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third and final reading, and voted 7-0 to approve it. Marsh recused herself from the vote.


13. Spring Street Cottages, LLC (Details)

An ordinance to waive the requirements of formal competitive bidding and approve a cost share agreement with Spring Street Cottages, LLC for the installation of a fire hydrant near the intersection of East Spring Street and North Washington Avenue, with materials to be provided by the City of Fayetteville in the amount of $3,682.29.
Pass 8-0

Background:
The applicant has requested that the city share in the cost of installing a fire hydrant near the corner of East Spring Street and North Washington Avenue. Staff said installing this hydrant will allow the applicant to develop two properties on North Washington Avenue, while also improving fire service in the immediate area. The city will provide the fire hydrant with associated piping and appurtenances, with a materials value of $3,682.29. The applicant will be responsible for installing the fire hydrant per city standard specifications.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council advanced the item to the third and final reading, and voted 8-0 to approve it.


14. 2019 Bond Appropriation (Details)

A resolution to approve a budget adjustment in the total amount of $134,588,625.00 to appropriate proceeds from the 2019 City Sales and Use Tax Bonds.
Pass 8-0

Background:
The council in May authorized the mayor to issue up to $142,670,000 in bonds. The cost to issue the bonds was $842,661 and the cost to pay off outstanding debt from the previous bond issue was $3,212,003. The remaining $134,588,625 now needs to be appropriated to the projects that voters approved in the 2019 bond election.

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


15. South School Property Land Sale Agreement (Details)

A resolution to approve the purchase of 1.76 acres of property located on South School Avenue from Robert and Vickie Parker for the amount of $180,000.00 for the construction of a fire station, to approve a project contingency in the amount of $9,000.00 to cover all associated closing costs, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

Background:
Part of the 2019 bond election included funding for three new fire stations. This purchase is for land needed to build one of the new stations. The property is on the east side of South School Avenue just south of Cato Springs Road.

Location:

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


16. Fayetteville Fire Station and Police Headquarters (Details)

A resolution to approve the real estate agreement (offer and acceptance) between the City of Fayetteville and the Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas to purchase about 11.6 acres located north of Deane Street and east of Porter Road for the construction of a new Fayetteville Fire Station and Police Headquarters Complex for two million five hundred and ninety thousand dollars ($2,590,000.00), plus any associated closing costs, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

Background:
Part of the 2019 bond election included funding for three new fire stations and a new police headquarters complex. This purchase is for land needed for one of the new stations as well as the new police headquarters. The property is at the northeast corner of Deane Street and Porter Road.

Location:

Discussion:
There was no public comment.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.


17. Lewis Fields Park Real Estate Agreement (Details)

A resolution to approve the real estate agreement (offer and acceptance) between the City of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Public School District to jointly purchase about 27.5 acres known as Lewis Fields Park from the Division of Agriculture of the Univiersity of Arkansas in the amount of three and a half million dollars ($1,750,000.00 each) plus any associated closing costs, and to approve a budget adjustment.
Pass 8-0

Background:
This is for the purchase of the Lewis Fields soccer complex across from Asbell Elementary School. The city and school district will split the cost of the land, which is owned by the University of Arkansas’ Division of Agriculture. The UA has leased the land to the city for youth soccer programming since 1993. The money will come from the 2019 bond election, which included $2.4 million for buying park land.

City Attorney Kit Williams said the city will eventually request a lot split for this property, but the sale must occur first.

Discussion:
Will Dockery, one of the organizers of a group called Save Lewis, who helped lead efforts to save the park, thanked the council and everyone involved in making this happen.

Decision:
The council voted 8-0 to approve the resolution.



Adjourned

This meeting was adjourned at 9:44 p.m.