11-19-02MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
City Hall — 500 W. Markham
November 19, 2002
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The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in regular session with
Mayor Dailey Presiding. The roll was called by City Clerk, Nancy Wood, with the
following Directors Present: Hinton, Pugh, Stewart, Graves, Lichty, Keck, Wyrick,
Kumpuris, and Vice Mayor Cazort. Director Adcock was absent at roll call but enrolled
at 6:05 PM.
The invocation was given by Director Pugh, which was followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
With a quorum present, Mayor Dailey declared the Board of Directors in session and the
proceedings of the meeting are recorded as follows:
Mayor Dailey asked the Board to consider the modifications listed:
Planning staff indicated that Item 6 must be voted on after the passage of Items 11 -14.
Mayor Dailey announced there were a number of cards presented from citizens to speak
on Items 11 -14, and rather than group them as indicated, to hold them as separate items.
PRESENTATION:
Rivermarket — Director Kumpuris announced that Shannon Jeffery, Victoria Wells and
Kitty Lane, the staff that runs the Rivermarket, had just returned from the Forth
International Market Conference, and were presented the award for the most outstanding
market in the United States.
CONSENT AGENDA (1 -5)
1. MOTION - To approve minutes from Regular Board of Directors Meetings: July 16,
2002, July 27, 2002, August 5, 2002, August 20, 2002 and Reconvened Meetings: June
11, 2002 & July 27, 2002.
2. MOTION - To set the date of public hearing for December 3, 2002, on a petition to
rescind the Little Rock Planning Commission's action in denying a conditional use
permit to allow a Montessori School on the R -2 zoned property located on the south side
of the 16,600 Block of Forest Lane. (Planning Commission: 5 yes, 5 no, 1 absent)
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution and Conditional Use Permit. Synopsis: The
applicant is requesting that the Board rescind the Planning Commission's action in denying a conditional
use permit to allow a Montessori School on the R -2 zoned property located on the south side of the 16,600
Block of Forest Lane.
3. RESOLUTION NO, 11,403 - Of the Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas in support of the River Mountain Neighborhood Action Plan. (Planning
Commission: 10 yes, Ono, I absent) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A neighborhood
action plan update entitled "River Mountain Neighborhood Action Plan Update". The general boundaries
of the plan area are Interstate 430 to the east, Hinson Road to the south, Rahling Road and Rummel Road
to the west and the railroad line to the north.
4. RESOLUTION NO, 11,404 - Authorizing use of eminent domain on the Mabelvale
Pike Project (Asher Avenue to 35th Street and 49th Street to Gum Springs). Staff
recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizing use of eminent domain for three parcels of land on the
Mabelvale Pike (Asher Avenue to 35'h Street and 49"' Street to Gum Springs Road).
5. RESOLUTION NO. 11,405 - To authorize the City Manger to enter into a contract
with Ms. Rose Austin for property located at 1700 Battery Street, Little Rock,
Arkansas, in the amount of $7,000 as part of the Central High Targeted Neighborhood
Enhancement Plan. Synopsis: Ms. Rose Austin plans to purchase the property located at 1700 Battery
Street in the Central High Targeted Neighborhood Enhancement Plan (TNEP) AREA. The Central Little
Rock CDC is constructing a new three - bedroom two -bath structure. The total construction cost is
estimated at $78,500. Ms. Austin is requesting $7,000 in TNEP funds to complete the project. Ms. Austin's
application has been reviewed and is recommended for funding, pending bank approval.
The Consent agenda was read. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Vice
Mayor Cazort to adopt the consent agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
members present, the Consent Agenda was adopted.
Grouped Items: 7 -10 and 19
7. ORDINANCE NO. - LU02 -08 -03 - To amend the Land Use Plan (16,222) in the
Central City Planning District from Light Industrial, Industrial, Park/Open Space and
Commercial to Mixed Use; and for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 10 yes, 0 no.
1 absent) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Land Use Plan Amendment in the Central City
Planning District from Light Industrial, Industrial, Park/Open Space and Commercial to Mixed Use to
develop the property to provide temporary lodging, offices, and social services. This includes the area
between the Union Pacific tracks and Thayer Street extending south to 11th Street. The boundary
continues west on 11 th Street to the alley between Thayer and Jones Street continuing south to the area
shown as commercial along 12th Street then west to the railroad tracks. Item 7 was read one time.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 18,773 - Z- 5889 -B - Reclassifying property located at 7715
Geyer Springs Road in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas as C -3 with condition,
amending Section 36 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and
for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 9 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) Staff recommends
approval. Synopsis: The owner of the property located at 7715 Geyer Springs Road (northwest corner
of Geyer Springs Road and Interstate 30) is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from C -4 (with
condition) to C -3 (with condition).
9. ORDINANCE NO. 18,774 - Z- 6948 -B - Approving modification to a Planned
Zoning District and providing for the establishment of Planned Residential District titled
Forest Gardens Revised Long Form PDR located south of West Baseline Road
approximately 500 feet west of Stagecoach Road in the City of Little Rock, amending
Ordinance No. 18,412 and the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for
other purposes. (Planning Commission: 9 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) Staff recommends
approval. Synopsis: The applicant proposes to revise a previously approved PDR to create a revised
preliminary plat and allow for the establishment of lot lines within the development.
10. ORDINANCE NO. 18,775 - S -1360 - Granting a variance from various Lot
Development Standards of Chapter 31 of the Code of ordinances of the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas; providing for a variance from the lot depth to width ratio, a variance to
allow lots without public street frontage and a variance to allow a reduced minimum lot
width for Forest Gardens Subdivision Preliminary Plat, located south of West
Baseline Road approximately 500 feet west of Stagecoach Road in the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas. (Planning Commission: 9 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) Staff recommends
approval. Synopsis: The applicant proposes to revise a previously approved Planned Development to
create a revised preliminary plat. The plat will require the following variances: (1) A variance to create
lots without public street frontage (2) A variance to form the lot depth to width ratio for Lots 10,11,12,
23,25,26 (3) A variance to allow a reduced minimum lot width for Lots 1 -26 (4) A variance to allow a
reduced front platted building lines and reduced side yard setbacks on Lots 1 -26
19. ORDINANCE NO. 18,780 - Condemning certain structures in the City of Little
Rock as structural, fire and health hazards; providing for summary abatement procedures;
directing the City Attorney to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove said
structures; declaring an emergency; and for other purposes. Synopsis: Eleven (11) residential
structures in dilapidated and/or burned condition causing a negative environmental impact on the
residential neighborhoods in which they are located. Director Adcock asked Mr. Tony Bozynski,
Director of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, to answer a few questions for the
Board and the public. The questions were, how many unsafe structures are left in the
City of Little Rock. Mr. Bozynski answered that there are 464 that are listed and the
next question was how much has been spent this year, and what funds were used, for
demolition. Mr. Bozynski, answered that total was a little over $177,000 dollars, not
including the amount of the eleven that would be voted on tonight. He stated that of that
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amount $153,000 had come out of CDBG funds, and the rest from the City budget.
Director Adcock moved to add this item to the grouped items. The motion was seconded
by Vice Mayor Cazort, and by unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the
item was added to the list of grouped items. The Grouped Items (7 -10 and 19) were read
the first time. Mayor Dailey announced that Ms. Kathy Wells had brought it to his
attention that Item 7 related to Item 15, which had been deferred. Director Adcock made
a motion, to place Items, 8,9,10, and 19 on second reading. The rules were suspended to
place Items 8, 9, 10 and 19 on second and third readings by two - thirds vote of the Board
members present. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present; the
ordinances (Items 8,9,10 and 19) were read the second time and third time. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, Items 8,9,10 and 19 were passed;
the emergency clause in Item 19 was passed. Item 7 was left on 1St reading.
EXTRATERRITORIAL PLANNING
(Grouped: Items 11 -14)
11. ORDINANCE NO. 18,776 - MSP- 02 -01— To amend the Master Street Plan
(15,519) in the Crystal Valley, Burlingame Valley, West Fourche, Barrett and Buzzard
Mountain Planning Districts; and for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 10 yes, 0
no). Staff recommends approval. synopsis: The proposal is to establish the Master Street Plan in
the area between the Planning Boundary described by Little Rock Ordinance No. 18,488 and the previous
Planning Boundary described in Ordinances 15,443 and 16,937.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 18,777 - LU02- 17 -01, LU02- 21 -01, LU02- 22 -01, LU02- 29 -01,
LU02- 30 -01 —To establish the Land Use Plan for Crystal Valley, Burlingame Valley,
West Fourche, Barrett and Buzzard Mountain Planning Districts; and for other purposes.
(Planning Commission: 10 yes, 0 no). Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: This proposal is to establish the Land Use Plan in the area between the Planning Boundary
described by the City of Little Rock Board of Director's Ordinance No. 18,488 and the previous Planning
Boundary described in Ordinance No. 15, 433 in the Crystal Valley, Burlingame Valley, West Fourche,
Barrett and Buzzard Mountain Planning Districts.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 18,778 - To zone property located within the Extraterritorial
Planning Boundary stated in Ordinance No. 18,488 and Resolution No. 11,048 to
amend the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other
purposes. (Planning Commission: 10 yes, 0 no). Staff recommends approval. Synopsis:
This proposal is to establish Zoning in the area between the Planning Boundary described by LR
Ordinance No. 18,488 and the previous Planning Boundary described in LR Ordinance No. 15,443.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 18,779 - Reclassifying Property located in the Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction Area of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning
Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. (Planning
Commission: 10 yes, 0 no). Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: This proposal is to rezone
selected parcels non - residential classifications per owners' requests in the area between the Planning
Boundary described by the City of Little Rock's Board of Director's Ordinance No. 18,488 and the
previous Planning Boundary described in Ordinance No. 15,443.
Mayor Dailey allowed thirty minutes for those in favor and those opposed to speak in
regards to Items 11 -14. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and Development gave a
brief overview saying that April 17, 2001, the Board passed Resolution No. 11,048,
which declared the City's intent to zone the extraterritorial area. April 15, 2001,
Ordinance No. 18,488, in September of 2001, set the Planning Boundaries; a presentation
was made to the Pulaski County Planning Board, and then started working with people in
the area. They met with the Pulaski County Judge, and mailed out notices. They met at
the county offices a couple of times. January 18, 2002, 1400 notices were mailed to
people in the area. He stated they held meetings out in the area. They had three different
meetings and then began working with the Little Rock Planning Commission. Mr.
Lawson stated that they then mailed out notices of these meetings. Lawson stated these
items had come to the Board several months ago, and the Board sent them back to the
Planning Commission for their review, the main issue being that when the Planning
Boundary was approved, it was not recorded at the county in a quick manner. Mr.
Lawson stated it has been done, but there was some concern that this should go back to
the Planning Commission for more input. Mr. Lawson stated that tonight there were
several issues to consider. Item 11 is the Master Street Plan, Item 12 is the Land Use
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Plan, Item 13, is the basic zoning, which is R -2, which is what is done each time the
extraterritorial boundary is extended. Item 14 is a total of 31 different property owners
that are being zoned up from R -2. This ranges from AF to C -3, with some PCD's. Mr.
Lawson stated this is the first time Planning has gone to this extent in zoning a lot of
property other than R -2. He said the Planning staff have tried to go out, based on the
Land Use Plan and zone those that have businesses, etc. Item 6 is a PCD that was filed
late, but is part of the extraterritorial area. He stated that even though there is opposition
to doing this, Planning has done everything that is necessary, and felt the City should
proceeded with establishing the zoning in the area. Mr. Lawson stated the City has no
intent in the next few years, to annex this land. The planning process is such that you
have to plan many years before land begins to develop. No large annexations have
occurred since 1975. Mr. Lawson stated this is not step one toward annexation. This is —
step one toward planning the area. Mr. Bud Barnes, Mr. J. Weaver, Mr. Ken Jones,
Mr. Phillip Baldwin spoke in opposition to the extraterritorial expansion, citing reasons
such as using their land freely, the county not being represented in decisions regarding
this area, expansion without means to take care of the current infrastructure, and
questioned why the items were sent back to the Planning Commission the second time,
and asked someone to explain the legal question or legal problem, and what was
accomplished by sending it back. Mr. Tom Carpenter, City Attorney stated that what
happened, was that formally it was the day of the hearing when the boundaries that were
discussed were recorded. They had been provided at various pubic hearings, and other
meetings, but not formally with the Pulaski County Clerk's office, so as a matter of
caution, the Board voted to send it back to the Planning Commission, and have the formal
recording done before the public hearing was held. As to what was accomplished, it
allowed anyone who felt they did not know what the boundaries were, and were allowed
to have the chance to provide anything new that they may have had to offer besides what
they had already said in light of the formal listing of those boundaries. At the Planning
Commission, people were allowed to come forward and provide any new information
they that they had to offer. Mr. Weaver asked when should this ordinance have been
recorded. Mr. Carpenter stated it was probably recorded correctly the first time, the
statute is ambiguous, so it wasn't recorded correctly before the first public hearing was
held, and it was the Boards decision to send it back before having the hearing. Mr.
Weaver asked when state law required it to be recorded. Mr. Carpenter stated the law
does not give a clear answer. Ms. Ruth Bell, spoke in favor, stating the League of
Women Voters, supported the extraterritorial Planning, because it is what the state offers
to do planning immediately outside the City boundaries, to keep things structured and
harmonious. She stated things change, and the City needs to be able to plan, and plan
rationally and in a way that can be executed in a fashion that is useful to everyone. She
stated she would like to see a regional planning district. The ordnances (Items 11 -14)
were read the first time. Director Keck made the motion to suspend the rules and place
the ordnances on second reading. Director Lichty seconded the motion. By two thirds of
the Board members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances (Items 11 -14
were read the seconded time. A motion was made by Director Keck to place the
ordinances on third and final reading; Director Lichty seconded the motion and by two -
thirds vote of the Board members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances
(Items 11 -14) were placed on third and final reading. Director Adcock asked what
additional cost this expansion would mean to the City. Mr. Lawson stated they would
expand the area with the same number of code officers, and do not intend to cut any code
officers. The ordinances were read the third time. A roll call vote was taken and
recorded as follows: Directors: Pugh, yes, Hinton, yes, Lichty, yes, Cazort, yes, Keck,
yes, Stewart, no, Wyrick, no, Kunouris, yes, Graves, yes, Adcock, no, Mayor Dailey yes.
The ordinances were passed.
6. ORDINANCE NO. 18,782 - Z -7232 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development and
establishing a Planned Commercial District titled Mann- Long Form PCD located at 19400
Lawson Road, Pulaski County; Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of
Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 10 yes, 0 no). Staff
recommends approval. The ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended
by two - thirds vote of the Board members present to provide for the second and third
readings of the ordinance. The ordinance was read the second and third times. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the ordinance was passed.
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Separate Items: 15 -17
15. ORDINANCE NO. Z- 6763 -A — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and
establishing a Planned Office District titled Union Rescue Mission Short Form POD
located adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad; north of West 11th Street and west of
Thayer Street in the City of Little Rock, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City
of Little Rock; and for other purposes (Planning Commission: 2 yes, 8 no, I recused).
Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant proposes to rezone this 1 -2 zoned site to POD
to allow Union Rescue Mission to construct a 180 -bed mission on the site. Mr. Jerry Davis, Chairman
of the Board for the Union Rescue Mission, the applicant, requested a two -week delay in
action on Item 15. The applicant advised that they were reducing the number of beds to
be housed in the mission proposed for this site. A roll call vote was taken on whether to
defer the item for two weeks. The vote was recorded as follows: Directors: Hinton,
Pugh, and Stewart voted no. Directors: Lichty, Cazort, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Graves,
Adcock, Keck, and Mayor Dailey voted yes. There was a brief discussion on whether the
Board wished to send the item back to the Planning Commission. Director Hinton made
the motion, seconded by Director Pugh, to send the item back to the Planning
Commission for review, since a change was being made in the proposal. There was brief
discussion by the Board regarding the changes. Director Adcock announced that she had
received several calls regarding her affiliation with the Rescue Mission, and whether or
not she should recuse from voting on this issue. Director Adcock declared that she was
not a member of the Union Rescue Board, or the Dorcus House. A roll call vote was
taken and recorded as follows: Directors: Pugh, Hinton and Stewart voted yes.
Directors: Lichty, Cazort, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Graves, Adcock, Keck, and Mayor Dailey
voted no. The item was deferred for two weeks, to be heard on December 3, 2002. The
item was voted by the majority of Board members not to send it back to the Planning
Commission.
16. ORDINANCE NO. - Z- 4452 -C — Approving a modification to a Planned Zoning
District and providing for the establishment of a Planned Commercial District titled Rush
Engines Revised Short Form PCD located on the northwest corner of Asher Avenue
and Elm Street in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending Ordinance No. 18,925
- and Ordinance No. 18,179 and the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas; and for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 7 yes, 3 no, I absent — voted
to allow motorcycle sales) Staff recommends approval. (Planning Commission: 0 yes,
10 no, I absent, voted to deny the request for outdoor storage of engine blocks on the
site). Staff recommends denial. Synopsis: The applicant proposes to revise a previously approved
PCD. Item was deferred to December 3, 2002. The ordinance was read the first time.
Director Adcock made the motion to suspend the rules to provide for the second reading
of the ordinance; Director Hinton seconded the motion, and by unanimous voice vote of
the Board members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinance was read the
second time. There was a lengthy discussion regarding finding a means to work out the
problem of the storage of the engines in a manner that would work for the applicant as
well as satisfy the concerns of the neighbors. Mr. Lawson asked for a two -week delay so
as to set up a meeting with the applicant and neighbors to work out a plan. A motion was
made by Director Kumpuris to table the item for two weeks, directing staff to work out a
solution or compromise to the problem; Director Adcock seconded the motion and by
unanimous voice vote of the Board members present the item was tabled until December
3, 2002.
17. RESOLUTION NO. 11,408 - Approval of ten (10) additional permits to Med -Ride
of Arkansas, LLC in accordance with Section 34 -62, Little Rock Transportation Code.
Synopsis: Med -Ride of Arkansas, LLC requests ten (10) additional specialized transportation permits
above the maximum allowed by the Transportation Code without special authority.
There was discussion regarding this type of permit; which are under the category of
scheduled medical; discussion of who can be issued this type of permit; the cost of the
permit, and the number of permits for this type of permit that are currently in existence
Mr. Rick Donovan, attorney for Rose Law Firm, representing the Greater Little Rock
Transportation Services, LLC, stated that they were there in the interest of the taxi
company, and did not want to see these permits issued for anything other than what they
were intended which was for non - emergency transportation for Medicaid enrollees.
Director Adcock asked for a delay in action on these items, as she had questions
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regarding vendors of this type, and was aware of another company, who was transporting
in vans, but not serving the Medicaid clients. Director Keck stated this vendor was
awarded the state contract and as an effort to improve service to the non - emergency
Medicaid clients, they have moved forward and asked for these additional permits so they
can get some additional vehicles to provide that service. Director Keck stated if this item
is delayed, it would be longer before these clients can be served. Director Cazort moved
to adopt the resolution; Director Keck seconded the motion. By majority voice vote the
resolution was adopted. Director Adcock voted no. The resolution was adopted.
18. PUBLIC HEARING & RESOLUTION NO. 18,781 - Authorizing entry into an
agreement to issue bonds for the purpose of assisting in the financing of industrial
facilities within the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to be leased to Raytheon Aircraft
Company pursuant to the authority of the laws of the State of Arkansas, including
particularly Amendment 5 to the Arkansas Constitution and the Municipalities and
Counties Industrial Development Revenue Bond Law. Synopsis: Bond issuance to provide
funds to finance the cost of acquiring, constructing and equipping an industrial facility consisting of
expansion of existing buildings and a new hangar and associated workspace for designing, manufacturing
and installing completion of business jet aircraft, located the Little Rock National Airport, Adams Field,
2400 Grundfest Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mayor Dailey announced there were no speaker's cards presented in favor or in
opposition to Item 18. He opened and closed the public hearing. Mayor Dailey asked the
clerk to read the ordinance the first time. The ordinance was read the first time. Vice
Mayor Cazort made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second
reading; Director Adcock seconded the motion; by two thirds vote of the Board members
present; the rules were suspended and the ordinance was read the second time. Director
Cazort made the motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third and final
reading; Director Adcock seconded the motion, and by two thirds vote of the Board
members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinance was read the triad and final
time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the ordinance passed.
20. RESOLUTION NO. 11,406 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide employee health care insurance for
the year 2003; and for other purposes. Synopsis: The Human Resources Department issued a
Request for Proposal for health care coverage for City Employees in September 2002. In response to that
request, four proposals (including a self - insured arrangement) were received. Upon analysis, it was
determined that the proposal submitted by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the best combination
of benefits for covered employees, network of contracted providers, and premium rates. Mr. Bruce
Moore, Interim City Manager, stated that staff has thoroughly reviewed the proposals and
recommended Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Advantage Program proposal. A lengthy
discussion included an overview of the coverage, reduction of cost to the city, which
hospitals were available under each plan, comparison of Blue Cross Coverage compared
to Municipal League, and United Health Care, questions regarding why Blue Cross Blue
Shield was given an opportunity to modify their proposal, and United Health Care was
not. Mr. Jim Bradshaw, Benefits Manager, stated that United was not asked to provide
any additional materials because they were not as competitive as Health Advantage. Mr.
Don Zimmerman, representing Municipal League coverage, was asked to overview the
Municipal League Program, and explained that their plan was not an insurance plan, it is
a group self - insured program, and approximately 200 municipalities participate in the
plan, and briefly outlined the coverage offered by their plan. There was general
discussion on limits of coverage, and stop loss provided by Blue Cross and the Municipal
League Plan. Mr. Jim Bailey overviewed the Blue Cross Program, explained coverage,
and explained that Baptist Medical Center Systems would be the network hospital. There
was discussion regarding the RFP; that the Municipal League chose not to answer the
questionnaire, which was included in the request for proposal, but offered voluntarily a
proposal. There was some discussion concerning the consultant fee that is charged
annually. Ms. Pam Adcock stated she did not have an opinion on who is awarded the
contract, but explained that her husband is a little Rock City employee and asked that
when the city switches insurance companies, that there be a smooth transition. She
reviewed the many problems she has encountered with the current insurance carrier. Mr.
Moore, Interim City Manager stated if the Board did not move forward tonight, he was
concerned that employees would not have coverage come January 1, 2003. Mr.
Carpenter, City Attorney, stated that the consultant being used has historically been used
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in the past, and he has said on the criteria, the most responsible bid is the Health
Advantage Group, and if the Board wished to reject that bid, it was his opinion that the
process be started over. Several directors felt it was not fair to postpone the process at
this point, as employees of the fire and police departments had endorsed it, and maybe
next year do an in -depth comparison of the programs. The resolution was read.
Directory Hinton made the motion for the adoption of the resolution; Director Graves
seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, Director Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Cazort,
Stewart, Graves, and Mayor Dailey voted yes, Directors Adcock and Wyrick voted no,
and Directors Keck and Kumpuris recused. The resolution was adopted.
21. RESOLUTION NO. 11,407 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with the Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas to provide employee dental insurance for the
year 2003; and for other purposes. Synopsis: A requestfor Proposal for dental care coverage was
issued in September 2002. Analysis showed that the incumbent provider (Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas)
offers the best package of benefits, network of participating providers, and premium rate guarantees.
The resolution was read. Director Hinton, seconded by Director Lichty,made a motion to
adopt the resolution. By voice vote Director Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Stewart,
Graves, and Mayor Dailey voted yes, Directors Adcock and Wyrick voted no, and
Directors Keck and Kumpuris recused. The resolution was adopted.
Pam Adcock spoke on the inefficiencies on the dental plan especially on root canals and
braces.
22. RESOLUTION NO. - To authorize the creation of an Infrastructure Advice and
Reporting Committee and for other purposes. Item deferred to December 3, 2001.
23. DISCUSSION - Board of Directors Travel Policy
Director Wyrick stated she wanted to give $2500 of her travel fund to Ottenheimer Park,
due to funding cuts made last year. Pam Adcock addressed the Board, outlining the
needs of the park and how the $2500 would be used. She stated they have had over 3000
volunteer hours combined to operate the park, they have billed 91 rentals, and what
money has been collected to date, would be used for repairs in the building, daily
supplies and hopefully to open the center in the afternoons for the children. She stated
the center was in dire need of paint and carpet, until they had a leakage problem that
flooded the whole entryway. Underneath the carpet was old hardwood floors, which
warped due to the water, and now the sub flooring has to be repaired before the carpet
can be installed, and it would make a lot of sense to put floor drains in the restrooms so
this doesn't happen again. She stated the 2002 travel money of Director Wyrick's is city
money, and the Ottenheimer building still belongs to the city. She (Director Wyrick) is
asking her fellow board members to submit her travel money for the Ottenheimer repairs.
Ms. Adcock stated this is an opportunity for the city to make an investment into
something that will make money. Betty Snyder stated one of the goals of Vision Little
Rock was to make sure that five parks would be repaired each year in the ten -year plan.
What statement is this sending to the citizens who worked on the vision for a year and a
half, before one goal was accomplished the city closed this park. She asked the Board to
help this group so they could help themselves. Troy Laha, told the Board that the fees
for the ninety one rentals Ms Adcock had mentioned, if they were paying the utility bills
(which the city sends them copies of) they would just about be even. He said to replace
the floor; the estimated cost would be around $5000, and stated they would appreciate the
$2500 in travel money to help them get started. The estimated cost of the drains in the
restrooms would be about $1500 to $2000 per rest room, so this would be a cost of $4000
to $5000 to install the drains. Director Graves asked what the total cost would be. Mr.
Laha stated approximately $11,500. Director Wyrick made the motion to take $2500
from her travel fund and put it in the Ottenheimer facility fund. Director Lichty seconded
the motion. Director Graves stated she would be voting against this, that she was against
the policy of exchanging travel dollars for other things, but would work with them, and
do what she could to help Ottenheimer. Vice Mayor Cazort stated that when the Board
established the travel budget, and designated an amount to each Board member, it was his
understanding those were dollars to be spent for travel. He said he knew Ottenheimer
needed the money, and had no problem in trying to find it in next years budget, if it's
there, but thought the policy was for the funds to be used for travel and if they are not
used, they carry over to next years travel budget so money would not have to be refunded
to the account. He stated he would be voting against this. Director Wyrick stated she
had spoken to Bryan Day, Director of Parks and Recreation, and he supported this money
going to the Ottenheimer building. Director Wyrick stated the travel policy that was set
December 1, 2001, as submitted to the Board from Mr. Cy Carney, previous City
Manager, stated that at the end of the year, if funds remain in any or all of the individual
Board member travel accounts, the total remaining funds would be computed and brought
to the Board the second meeting in December for discussion and action by the Board.
She stated there was a dire need at Ottenheimer Park, and she would like to help them.
Mayor Dailey asked for a roll call vote. Director Keck stated before the roll was called,
that Director Wyrick had quoted from the travel policy memo from Mr. Carney, and that
Vice Mayor Cazort had a copy of the resolution, which was Resolution No. 11,083,
passed July 3, 2001, and said he could not find anything that determined what the money
would be used for at the end of the year. He said the whole thing talked about allocating
money for travel, and travel only. Directory Wyrick stated she could get him a copy of
the sheet she was quoting from so he could see it. Mr. Bruce Moore, Interim City
Manager, stated as a point of clarification, the memo Director Wyrick was referring to
was sent out to the Board as a recommendation by then City Manager Cy Carney. It was
later codified as a resolution, to which the Vice Mayor was referring. He stated he did
not think the actual recommendation was included in the resolution. Vice Mayor Cazort
stated the Resolution was dated six months prior to the memo. Director Kumpuris stated
this is basically the city's money that is set aside for travel. Director Wyrick said she was
trying to give the money back to the city. Director Kumpuris stated he did not think it
was money that was there for an individual to use if it was not used for travel. Directory
Lichty stated it is not at the individual's discretion, as the Board is getting ready to vote
on it. Director Wyrick stated it is a request from her to the Board to allow her to give the
money to them, and the Board could decide by vote if she could give them this money.
Director Kumpuris stated he did not think this was the right way, and he would be voting
no. Vice Mayor Cazort pointed out that he had mentioned a number of times, that there
are a number of cities who have decided to put in their budgets, allocations of dollars of
directors, or council, where those funds can be allocated to needs in their ward. He stated
this Board had never chosen to do this. Mr. Bruce Moore, Interim City Manager, stated if
it is the clear direction of this Board, by six or more votes, that the intention is to try to
find at least $2500 at this point, to go to Ottenheimer, let that be the motion and
recommendation, and direct staff to come back with recommendations on where those
dollars would originate from. Director Hinton made the motion that this be done. Mayor
Dailey stated this would have to be a substitute motion. Director Hinton asked Director
Wyrick if she would accept this as a substitute motion. Director Wyrick stated she didn't
understand what the motion was. Mayor Dailey stated it would, in essence, be saying to
the Manager, by motion, that the Board would like him to find $2500 to go to the
Ottenheimer facility. Director Wyrick asked if the Manager would do it if the Board
asked him. Mayor Dailey stated if six or more Board members vote yes, he would come
back with recommendations. Director Wyrick stated she would accept that as a substitute
motion, Director Adcock seconded the motion. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
members present the motion carried. Director Wyrick asked if her travel account could
still be used for travel. Mayor Dailey announced it could unless that is where the
Manager recommends the money come from.
Director Keck made the motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of
discussing applications for the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission. Director
Pugh seconded the motion; by unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the
meeting was recessed at 8:00 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:35 PM. Mayor Dailey
called the meeting to order. Mr. Bruce Moore announced the nomination to the
commission was Director Larry Lichty. Director Adcock made the motion to approve the
nomination; Director Wyrick seconded the motion. Director Kumpuris made the motion
to have a roll call vote on the nomination. The roll was called and recorded as follows;
Directors: Pugh, Hinton, Cazort, Stewart, Wyrick, Adcock voted yes, Directors
Kumpuris, Graves, Mayor Dailey voted no, Directors Lichty and Keck abstained.
Director Lichty was appointed to the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission.
Director Lichty announced that due to some extraordinary circumstances, he appreciated
the vote of the six Directors who voted for him, but declined the appointment. He moved
that the Board reopen the process for appointing the Airport Commissioner; Director
Keck seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and recorded as follows:
Directors: Hinton, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Graves, Mayor Dailey,
voted yes, Directors: Pugh and Adcock voted no, Director Lichty abstained. The motion
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was successful. Mr. Bruce Moore, Interim City Manager, asked as a point of clarification
if the process would be to re- advertise. Director Lichty stated the intent of his motion
was to take the pool of applicants that currently exist and reopen the selection process
from that pool of applicants. Mayor Dailey asked if it was the wishes of the Board to
interview those candidates. The Board indicated they did wish to interview the
candidates.
24. RESOLUTION - Appointment to the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission.
(Action will be taken at later date).
REPORTS
25. REPORT: City of Little Rock Board of Directors: Director Pugh: City Hall for a
Day. Directory Pugh showed a video presentation of the Ward 1 City Hall for a Day
activities and tour outlining some of the events, problems and activities taking place in
her ward.
26. REPORT: City Manager's Activity Report
CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS
Speaker: Pam Adock,
Topic: Taking Care of Parks within the City
Speaker: Mollie Gorza
Topic: Arkansas Chamber Singers funding
Speaker: Carolyn Heitman
Topic: John Barrow Neighborhood development
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Cazort to recess the meeting for the purpose of
interviewing one of the candidates for the City Manager position. Director Keck
seconded the motion, and by voice vote of the Board members present, the meeting was
recessed.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
C ty ClerK 10yor
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