September 6, 2011
MINUTES
Mayor Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with eight members present. Alderman Witonski gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. SPECIAL GUESTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS MINUTES—August 15, 2011 PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURAL MOTION ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION-788 Cindy Milazzo, of 64 Blue Mountain Drive, stated that personal fireworks presented a clear and present danger to the people and property of Maumelle. She read a statement supporting banning them in the City limits. Charleen Allen, of 7 Blue Mountain Drive, talked of her family background in fireworks sales. She stated that fireworks were different today and that she detailed her support for the ordinance banning them. Beverly Alberson, of 133 Hibiscus Drive, stated her support for the ordinance. Billy Herrington, of 168 Hibiscus Drive, stated that the MCA’s stance was to support the ordinance as well. He stated that 70% of his membership had voted this way. Craig Conwell, of 111 Marseille Drive, gave the Council a statistical presentation showing that the majority of respondents in his search were opposed to the ordinance banning fireworks. Alderman Brainerd stated that Facebook was a good way to gage what people were thinking on issues like this. Alderman Witonski stated that almost all of his responses were in support of keeping fireworks legal in Maumelle. Alderman Hogue stated that her responses were almost equal. She stated she had a problem with Mr. Conwell’s survey and that her generation did not get on Facebook. She also stated she wanted input from the police and fire chiefs on the issue. Alderman Ladner stated that Facebook did not get to every household in Maumelle and that the Council’s responsibility was the safety of the citizens. Mayor Watson noted a letter in opposition to the ordinance from former mayor Mike Russ. Alderman Johnson stated that he didn’t think that the majority of Maumelle residents shoot fireworks. Alderman Brainerd stated that his point was that the government should not regulate this. Alderman Stell stated that we needed to be careful with numbers. He stated that the polls on this issue were not legitimate and that people did not have a right to shoot fireworks. He stated it was a privilege. He stated that the welfare and safety of the City was the issue. Alderman Brainerd stated that this was a waste of the City’s time and that the Council needed to move on. Alderman Anderson stated that the people speaking up on this issue needed to be taken into account. He stated that he was still not sure this ordinance would even be effective. Alderman Witonski asked what the real safety concern was. He asked for figures on injuries and fires. He questioned if this issue was just a perceived concern. Mayor Watson stated that he could get information on that. Alderman Saunders stated that he was shocked at the number of responses he had received and that the folks he was talking to did not want fireworks banned. He stated that we could not protect everyone from everything. He stated that fireworks were an important part of our culture and the way we celebrate our independence. Alderman Johnson stated that the Council did not wait for an accident to address the potential danger of children on mopeds. He noted we were the only city in Pulaski County to allow fireworks. Mayor Watson stated that we have numerous complaints on the issue every year and that it was good we were addressing the issue. ORDINANCE 789 AMENDING THE ZONING REGULATIONS Mayor Watson gave the background on the ordinance and City Attorney Davis explained the process detailed in the ordinance. RESOLUTION 2011-37 ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT OF OBLIGATION Mayor Watson stated that this was for the transfer station and that ADEQ required this. Alderman Stell moved to approve the resolutions. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION ON COMMITTEE FORMATION Alderman Hogue stated that she would like to hear from the gentleman in Conway and that she was not impressed with Cabot’s system. Alderman Saunders questioned how the Council would move forward to form the committees. Ms. Davis stated that it could be done with a resolution or just formed by the Mayor, but it would depend on what the Council’s goal was. Alderman Ladner stated that he would have a problem if citizens were not involved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS Mayor Watson noted the upcoming 10th anniversary of 9-11 and events surrounding that day. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT ALDERMEN’S COMMENTS Alderman Saunders stated that the intersection of Club Manor and S. Odom was dangerous and he’d like to see us look at it. Alderman Brainerd noted the lack of maintenance on Savannah Drive. Mayor Watson noted that it was a private drive and the City could not work on private property. Alderman Hogue noted that completion of the ATM in the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market shopping center and asked if the ATM at the old Kroger building would be removed soon. Alderman Witonski noted a large dip in City sales tax over last year. He also noted that the County sales tax was up. Mayor Watson stated that was his argument for not reducing the Community Service Fee. Alderman Stell stated that we needed to be prepared because sales tax numbers were down everywhere. Alderman Witonski stated that he had recently moved from his ward and resigned from the Council. He thanked the Council and the citizens for the opportunity he had to serve. Mayor Watson stated that his service to the City was appreciated. CITY CLERK’S COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
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APPROVED |
Maumelle, Arkansas 72113
Phone: 501-851-2500
Fax: 501-851-6738