June 4, 2012
MINUTES
Mayor Watson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with eight members present. Alderman Ladner gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. MINUTES—May 21, 2012 Alderman Stell moved to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2012 meeting. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Phil and Janice Bullington, of 4 Blue Mountain Cove, expressed concerns over the proposed placement of a neighbors fence. They stated that City code needed to be reviewed in order to avoid situations like theirs in which the fence would block their lake view. Mayor Watson noted that the neighbors in question had met all of the City’s fence requirements. Alderman Johnson asked if a third party might be able to mediate the situation. Many on the Council felt that it was not the City’s place to do so.
Alderman Ibbotson moved to have all ordinances and resolutions read by title only. Alderman Saunders seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the third reading of the ordinance adding a definition and a conditional use within the zoning regulations of the City Code for application within the planning zoning jurisdiction of the City of Maumelle. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Ladner moved to adopt the ordinance. Alderman Anderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution approving the disposal of a weight equipment from the fire department. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Brainerd asked if we could donate this to someone in need. Mayor Watson stated that our code would not allow that based on the estimated value. Alderman Stell moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Ibbotson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution approving the disposal of a commercial mixer from the senior wellness department. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Ladner moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Ibbotson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the reading of the resolution naming the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle the official crape myrtle tree of Maumelle. The City Clerk gave the reading.
Alderman Stell asked why we were doing this. Ms. Harris-Ritter, Tree Board Chair, stated that it would be for several reasons; to help educate people on proper crape myrtle pruning, use on Arbor Day, plant on the Blvd. or other uses. Alderman Stell stated that he still did not know why we were doing this. Alderman Brainerd moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Ladner seconded the motion. Alderman Saunders asked if the Tree Board had looked at other ways to educate about crape myrtles. He stated that he was concerned about the precedent this would set. He also expressed concerns from his constituents over making the Red Rocket the official Maumelle tree. Ms. Harris-Ritter stated that they had considered other ways but would like to do it this way. She stated that the Tree Board was not asking to make this the official tree, just the official crape myrtle. Alderman Ladner suggested that the Council was spending too much time on this and should move on. Alderman Hogue stated that she agreed with Pete Roush and was not supporting this resolution. Ms. Harris-Ritter stated that Mr. Roush was not involved in the discussions of the Red Rocket at the Tree Board. Alderman Hogue reiterated her agreement with Mr. Roush. Alderman Brainerd expressed frustration that the Council had spent 28 minutes on this when no one had spoken on the resolution regarding nepotism. Alderman Brainerd’s motion to approve the resolution failed with only he and Alderman Ladner voting yes. Alderman Brainerd left the meeting at 6:40 pm.
With no objections, Mayor Watson called for the first reading of the ordinance regulating the location of sexually oriented businesses. The City Clerk gave the reading. Alderman Ladner asked City Attorney Davis to highlight the changes for the Council. Ms. Davis stated detailed the changes regarding the definition of an adult sex shop, the sale of certain clothing and percentages of adult material that can be sold. She also noted a requirement for screening of certain material even if not classified as a sexually oriented business. Alderman Saunders asked if there was a requirement for doors. Ms. Davis noted that the ordinance called for “controlled access”. Alderman Saunders asked about the penalty for violating the ordinance. Ms. Davis stated that it was a violation of the zoning ordinance and they would get cited to district court. Alderman Stell stated that it was important to keep our restrictions where courts have allowed and not take this too far and end up in a worse situation.
Mayor Watson stated that there would be strategic plan public meetings on June 14th from 4:00 to 6:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Mayor Watson noted the Arkansas Municipal League conference June 20-22. Mayor Watson noted the Memorial Day ceremony event and its success. He thanked the boy and girl scout troops and all who had participated. He noted the contributions of Rob Hopper and Judy Keller. Alderman Stell stated that it was a very moving event. Mayor Watson stated that there was a vacancy on the Academics Plus Charter School Board.
Alderman Anderson stated that the ordinance regarding sexually oriented businesses had been discussed and passed on to the City Council.
Alderman Stell asked if the recycling bins had been moved and if tipping fees had gone up. Mayor Watson stated that the bins had been moved briefly for repairs but were already back in place. He stated that tipping fees had gone up but that we were looking for alternatives. Alderman Ladner noted City sales tax down. Marion Scott, of 12 Spring Drive, noted recent water issues and that residents could subscribe to alerts through Maumelle Water Management. Mayor Watson noted that building permits were at 38 rather than the 27 in the permits report. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Stell moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Ladner seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. ____________________________________ _____________________________________
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Maumelle, Arkansas 72113
Phone: 501-851-2500
Fax: 501-851-6738