December 19, 2011
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. SPECIAL GUESTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bilenda Harris-Ritter gave the Council a report on the Tree Board. She discussed re-certification, an annual tree plan, and the role of the Tree Board.
Alderman Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the December 5th, 2011 meeting. Alderman Brainerd seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Alderman Brainerd moved to approve the financials. Alderman Stell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Alderman Anderson moved to have all ordinances and resolutions read by title only. Alderman Brainerd seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the second reading of the ordinance amending the current Land Use Plan changing 10.44 acres in Section 11, Township 2 North, Range 13 West from SFD to SUR. The City Clerk gave the reading. Blake Jackson, of the development group, addressed the R1 island near their proposed project and stated that the land owner’s intention was to develop the area commercially. Steve Moseley, of 16 Riverwood Place, stated that the Maumelle Residents United group had conducted a poll and that their membership was opposed to this development/rezoning. He urged the Council to consider the traffic problems it would cause. ORDINANCE 794 AMENDING THE MAUMELLE ZONING MAP
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the second reading of the ordinance amending the current Zoning Map rezoning 10.44 acres in Section 11, Township 2 North, Range 13 West from SFD to PRD. The City Clerk gave the reading.
RESOLUTION 2011-46 APPROVING AN OPERATING BUDGET FOR 2012
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution approving an operating budget for the City of Maumelle for 2012. The City Clerk gave the reading. Mayor Watson thanked the Council for their work on the budget. He stated that it was a good process and appreciated everyone’s hard work. He also noted the work of Tasha Thompson, Finance Director, and Joshua Clausen, City Clerk/Treasurer. Mr. Clausen stated that Mayor Watson had exerted a tremendous effort on the budget process that should be recognized as well. Alderman Ladner complimented the department heads on their efforts as well. Alderman Stell moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Saunders seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2011-47 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER AN AGREEMENT
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution authorizing the Mayor to contract with consultants for the establishment of a long-range strategic plan. The City Clerk gave the reading.
Dave Roberts and Julia Luther, of Crafton Tull, gave the Council a brief presentation on the strategic plan process. Alderman Johnson stated that this was the right direction but that he was concerned that citizens had not had enough time to comment on this decision. Alderman Brainerd expressed concern on spending this amount of money when he was not sure what this process was yet and also unsure that Maumelle residents would buy into the process. Mayor Watson noted that there were three parts to the process. He stated that we could do the first two and then move forward from there, although he felt that doing parts one and two without part three would be a waste. Dave Roberts addressed what would be done during each phase of the process. Alderman Saunders asked how the company would get input from citizens. Ms. Luther stated that they would use many methods in an effort to get as much input as possible. Alderman Hogue stated that we had talked about this for years, that it was a great idea, and a win/win situation. Alderman Ibbotson stated that he was for all for this and that we needed to do all three phases. Alderman Brainerd stated that he was for this as well, but only with participation from the public. Alderman Ladner stated that participation was key to the process but that it was the Council’s responsibility to plan for the City. He stated his support for the proposal. Alderman Stell stated that we need a plan and was not worried that the community would not be involved. He also stated that this was a reasonable amount of money for the project and that we could get out of the project if it was not meeting our needs. Alderman Brainerd asked if the $155,000 was the most we’d spend or a starting point. Mayor Watson stated that was for the full project. Alderman Saunders asked why this had to be passed tonight and moved to defer the resolution until the next Council meeting. Alderman Johnson seconded the motion. Alderman Ladner stated he was against postponing this. After further discussion on the contract and ways out of the contract, Alderman Johnson withdrew his second of Alderman Saunder’s motion to defer. Alderman Brainerd moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Ladner seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2011-48 AMENDING THE 2011 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution amending the 2011 General Fund Budget to appropriate fund for a long-range strategic plan. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Brainerd stated that his comments did not mean that he was against this project. Alderman Ladner moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed with only Alderman Johnson voting no. Marion Scott, of 12 Spring Drive, stated that all of the committee meeting were open to the public and that she had sent notes on them to hundreds of citizens. She also stated that she felt this was a bargain price for the project and that the committee had selected the right company. Alderman Johnson stated that he only voted no to allow for more input from his constituents and that he was for the project. MAYOR’S COMMENTS Mayor Watson stated that there was no need to move the March 19th Council meeting as he had originally thought. Mayor Watson stated that Maumelle had not received the TIGER III grant we had applied for relating to the third entrance but that the project would move forward regardless. Mayor Watson wished the Council and public a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mayor Watson stated that the Planning Commission had granted a variance on a lot line in Majestic Point.
ALDERMEN’S COMMENTS
Alderman Stell stated that Congressman Griffin had helped him with a situation and noted that he had kept his campaign promise to be available to all. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Stell moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.
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APPROVED |
Maumelle, Arkansas 72113
Phone: 501-851-2500
Fax: 501-851-6738