January 3, 2012
MINUTES
Mayor Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with seven members present. Alderman Ladner was absent. Alderman Stell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES—December 19, 2011 Alderman Stell moved to approve the minutes of the December 19th, 2011 meeting. Alderman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.
Phil Bullington, of 4 Blue Mountain Cove, asked how citizens would be selected to participate in the strategic plan process. Mayor Watson stated that the committee and consultants would have input but that all meetings would be open to the public. Alderman Stell reiterated that citizen involvement would be key to the process.
Alderman Saunders moved to have all ordinances and resolutions read by title only. Alderman Ibbotson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the third 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, read a letter from Tim Jenkins in support of the development. Benjamin Boorman, of 10820 Hominy Lane, stated that he was opposed to the development. He stated that he would rather see the neighborhood maintain its peace and quiet. Bill Watkins, of 11400 Crystal Hill Road, stated that he was still concerned about water run-off during the construction phase of the project. Alderman Stell pointed out that there were ordinances in place to address this issue. 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. Billy Herrington, of 168 Hibiscus Drive, stated that there was no MCA position on this issue due to lack of response from his members. Ruby Green, of 6921 Counts Massie Road, stated that she was concerned about the road ways the development would use. Mayor Watson stated that those would be addressed in a later phase and that he would have City engineers look at the issue. Leonard Unruh, of 68 Blue Mountain Drive, stated that he was opposed to more apartments in Maumelle. He also expressed concern over the conditions of the roads in the area. Alderman Stell stated that he was initially opposed to this but hadn’t heard anything that really made him feel that way. He stated that he would support this ordinance. Alderman Saunders asked Jim Nary about the Planning Commission’s stance on the issue. Mr. Narey stated that the ones opposed had expressed some of the same concerns as the Council had heard. He stated that the ones in favor had considered the best use of the land in question and the good faith efforts of the developer. He noted that staff had concurred with these reasons. Alderman Johnson asked why it would be a plus to use NLR utilities. Eric Holloway stated that it was positive only in that it would not over burden Maumelle utilities. Alderman Brainerd moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.
ORDINANCE 794 AMENDING THE MAUMELLE ZONING MAP
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the third 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. Alderman Brainerd moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance. Alderman Stell stated that there were legitimate concerns raised and that he hoped the developers would work with the City to address the issues. Janet Watkins, of 11400 Crystal Hill Road, stated that roads in the area were in deplorable conditions and that the City needed to improve them. Alderman Brainerd asked to be excused at 6:37 to go coach his wrestling team.
Mayor Watson mentioned the ARML conference January 11-13. He also announced that Dillard’s would hold a job fair on January 14 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. He stated they would hire around 200 people. Mayor Watson stated that we had received two firework complaints on over New Years and that no citations were issued.
ALDERMEN’S COMMENTS
Alderman Johnson acknowledged that Crystal Hill Road was in terrible condition and stated that he hoped we could address that situation. Alderman Saunders asked which portion of Crystal Hill Road was in Maumelle city limits. Mayor Watson explained that there were many parties involved and that it would be a terribly costly process to repair/replace the road.Alderman Stell stated that he hoped we would address the situation.
CITY ATTORNEY’S COMMENTS
Ms. Davis stated the circuit court had upheld a decision Maumelle had made in a personnel matter.
CITY CLERK’S COMMENTS
Mr. Clausen stated that Statements of Financial Interest were due in his office by January 31.
ADJOURNMENT Alderman Ibbotson moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Stell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by all in attendance.
Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m.
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APPROVED |
Maumelle, Arkansas 72113
Phone: 501-851-2500
Fax: 501-851-6738