October 3, 2011

MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MAUMELLE
OCTOBER 3, 2011
6:00 PM
CITY HALL

Mayor Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with seven members present. 

Ward 4 Position 1 is vacant. 

Alderman Ladner gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.   

MINUTES—September 19, 2011

Alderman Ladner moved to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2011 meeting.  Alderman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Brodie Watson, of 4 Winona Drive, gave the Council details on the upcoming Western Roundup scheduled for October 14^th.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

Alderman Anderson moved to have all ordinances and resolutions read by title only.  Alderman Saunders seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

WARD 4 APPOINTMENT

The Council heard statements and asked questions of five candidates applying for the position.  Those included Judy Gregory, Jess Holt, Michael Hoggard, Martin Marler and Steve Ibbotson. 

By written ballot, Mr. Ibbotson was then appointed to Ward 4 Position 1, to complete the unexpired term.

ORDINANCE 788 PROHIBITING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS

With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the second reading of the ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fireworks.  The City Clerk gave the reading.

Alderman Hogue stated that she was against amending this ordinance.  She stated that she would like to see it get an up or down vote and then we could address a compromise if the ordinance did not pass.

Lorraine Hensley, of 1 Glacier Cove, read a letter in favor of banning the use of personal fireworks in Maumelle.

Scott Brown, of 221 Hidden Valley Loop, stated that he was opposed to the ban and that he felt that the ability to shoot fireworks was one of the things that makes Maumelle unique. 

Bev Alberson, of 133 Hibiscus Drive, detailed her support of the ordinance.  She thanked Alderman Hogue for bringing it forward.  She noted problems of noise and litter and presented a petition of people who also support Ordinance 788.

James Artusy, of 104 Danielle Circle, stated that he was against the ban.  He stated that the Mayor’s suggestions would be a good compromise.  He stated that people needed to be responsible for their own actions and presented a survey of people and their feelings on the ban.

Joel Johnson, 0f 11 Mountain Ridge Cove, stated that he opposed the ban.  He stated that we should be held accountable for our actions.  He stated that he owned a roofing company and that these fireworks would not burn roofs.  He asked the Council to help protect our rights and freedoms. 

Alderman Stell asked what the penalty was for violation our current ordinance.  Ms. Davis stated that it was a misdemeanor that could carry a $100 fine plus court costs.

ORDINANCE 789 AMENDING THE ZONING REGULATIONS

With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the third reading of the ordinance amending the zoning regulations to clarify the appeals process for an applicant to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The City Clerk gave the reading.

Alderman Stell moved to adopt the ordinance.  Alderman Saunders seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2011-39 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT

With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution approving a conditional use permit for Theanna and Gregg Benefiel to operate a state licensed massage therapy school and clinic in a PRD zone.  The City Clerk gave the reading.

Alderman Brainerd moved to approve the resolution.  Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

ORDINANCE 790 REGARDING DEAD OR DISEASED TREES

With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the first reading of the ordinance regarding enforcement of provisions regarding dead or diseased trees.  The City Clerk gave the reading.

Mayor Watson stated that this ordinance dealt with who sent notices on dead or diseased trees.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Watson stated that the first ever high school football game in Maumelle would be on October 7^th at 7:30 and encouraged all to attend.  He also noted Fire Prevention Week.

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT

Alderman Hogue stated that the main issues had come to the Council.  She stated that a waiver for half street improvements for a Haas development had failed.  She stated that two other preliminary plats had been approved.

ALDERMEN’S COMMENTS

Alderman Johnson noted a potential multi-family development across from the bowling alley on Counts Massie.

CITY ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS

Ms. Davis stated that she would be out of state for the next week.

CITY CLERK’S COMMENTS

Mr. Clausen noted an absence on the schedule for Planning Commission Liaisons.  Alderman Ibbotson volunteered to cover the meeting in November.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Hogue moved to adjourn the meeting.  Alderman Ibbotson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

____________________________________
MAYOR MICHAEL WATSON

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CITY CLERK JOSHUA CLAUSEN

APPROVED
October 17, 2011.