Current City Council Minutes
MINUTES
Mayor Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with eight members present Mayor Watson gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ron Harris, of Entergy, talked about the recent weather event and outage. Aldermen Saunders and Lewis complimented Entergy on their work to restore power promptly. Mayor Watson noted the effects of the storm and praised the City’s emergency responders for their efforts.
Alderman Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2013 meeting. Alderman Lewis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Alderman Lewis moved to have all ordinances and resolutions read by title only. Alderman Hogue seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the third reading of the ordinance adopting supplemental provisions of the City Code. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Hogue moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution appropriating funds for the construction of a pedestrian/bicycle pathway. The City Clerk gave the reading. Mayor Watson detailed the history of the project. Alderman Hogue moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution approving a preliminary development plan for Villages of New Bedford, Phase One Addition to the City of Maumelle. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Kelley asked if all of the City Engineer’s comments had been satisfied. Jim Narey, Director of Planning and Zoning, stated that they had. Alderman Mosley asked who would maintain the drainage pond. Mayor Watson stated that the City would. Leonard Unruh, of 68 Blue Mountain Drive, asked why the guard shack was being removed. Mayor Watson stated that the Fire Marshall preferred it that way for emergency access. Brian Dale noted that there was new fire code in place as well. Alderman Lewis moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the first reading of the ordinance amending provisions creating a no solicitation list. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Norris gave an explanation of the ordinance. Alderman Lewis stated that it looked good and that he appreciated Alderman Norris’ work on the subject. Alderman Mosley asked about the additional work load that it would place on the City Clerk. City Clerk Clausen stated that there certainly would be additional work but that he and others took regulating solicitors very seriously and could handle the task. Alderman Lewis stated that this was a good first step that may lead to a complete ban on soliciting. Alderman Norris stated that he believed that would be unconstitutional and Mayor Watson stated that he felt that would be a bad idea.
Mayor Watson stated that he had the most response on July 29th as a possible meeting date. He also stated that he disagreed with the idea of only having four alderman involved. Alderman Hogue asked if public comment would be allowed at the meeting. Mayor Watson noted that it did not have to be allowed and could be limited if allowed. Alderman Mosley stated that all needed to be involved and that we needed to find a way to have MWM commissioners selected by Maumelle residents. He stated that if that could not be accomplished that there was no reason to meet. Alderman Lewis stated that he was okay involving all aldermen but that we should meet with no preconditions. Alderman Saunders stated that at the first meeting all issues could be put on the table. Barry Heller, MWM General Manager, stated that his commissioners would like to see specific proposals. Alderman Hogue stated that if they had proposals as well that the Council would like to see those.
Mayor Watson noted the Arkansas Municipal League Convention coming up on June 19-21. Mayor Watson stated that the Memorial Day ceremony was a great event and that the weather was good. He thanked those that attended and those that put the event on. Mayor Watson stated that there would be a resolution for recycling at the next Council meeting. Alderman Mosley asked if the City could still do things like storm cleanup if our sanitation pickup was farmed out. Mayor Watson stated that we would retain some trucks and be able to do that. He noted that we would most likely retain the transfer station even if the rest of the services were contracted out. Mayor Watson noted a Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article regarding adaptive traffic signals that he had been advocating.
Alderman Saunders stated that issues addressed at the Planning Commission had already been considered on the Council floor.
Alderman Hogue asked if it was time to put a list of delinquent accounts in the local paper. Mayor Watson stated that had been done 6-8 months ago and that many folks were already on a payment plan and we were addressing others through the courts. Alderman Hogue asked if we were working on annexing the Kum and Go. Mayor Watson stated that the property was not contiguous to our city limits. Alderman Hogue stated she felt that we were ignoring our second entrance into town and that we needed to pursue annexing the Kum and Go. Alderman Hogue asked about the bond committee. Mayor Watson stated that the committee needed a new chairman and that he would name one by July. Alderman Norris asked about the strategic plan. Mayor Watson stated that the steering committee would be meeting on June 17th at 3:00 pm. Alderman Norris asked about regulations on construction noise. Ms. Davis stated that the ordinance called for reasonable hours. Alderman Mosley asked who was paying for the Kum and Go to tie into Maumelle Water’s sewer system. Barry Heller stated that Kum and Go would pay all of the cost. He noted that it would not be a significant addition to the current flow.
Alderman Lewis moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
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Maumelle, Arkansas 72113
Phone: 501-851-2500
Fax: 501-851-6738