HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-04Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
Minutes
October 5, 2004
6:00 PM
MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
City Hall — 500 W. Markham
October 5, 2004
6:00 PM
The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in regular session with
Mayor Dailey Presiding. City Clerk, Nancy Wood called the roll with the following
Directors Present: Pugh, Stewart, Vice Mayor Hinton, Graves, Keck, Wyrick, Graves
and Mayor Dailey. Director Cazort was absent. Vice Mayor Hinton was not present at
roll call, but enrolled at 6:05 pm. Mayor Dailey gave the invocation, which was
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Dailey asked the Board to consider the listed modifications:
Additions:
M -1. RESOLUTION NO. 11,832 — In support of constructing the Rock Creek Trail
with grant assistance from the Arkansas Recreational Trails Fund.
M -2. RESOLUTION NO. 11,833 — To approve the purchase of Air Packs for the Little
Rock Fire Department to be funded through Federal Terrorism Grant funds; and for other
purposes.
M -3. RESOLUTION NO. 11,834 — Authorizing the City Manager to execute an offer
and acceptance with Tower Investments, LLC, for the sale of the YMCA at 524 South
Broadway for $200,000; and for other purposes.
M -4. RESOLUTION NO. 11,835 — To authorize the Mayor, City Clerk and City
Manager to execute any documents necessary to correct property descriptions in
easements conveyed with the River Market Municipal Parking Garage purchase and
lease; and for other purposes.
Deferral:
36. RESOLUTION — To authorize the City Manager to execute a contract extension
with Health Advantage to provide 2005 health care coverage for city employees and
for other purposes. (Deferred form 9 -21 -04 for discussion). Deferred to a reconvened
meeting on October 12, 2004 at 4: 00 pm.
Deletion:
The applicant asked for a withdrawal of Item 16.
Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
Minutes
October 5, 2004
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16. ORDINANCE — Z -6446B — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and
establishing a Planned Commercial District tiled Gillum Revised Short Form PD -C
located at 14116 Taylor Loop Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas amending the
Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes.
A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Hurst to add Items M -1 —
M -4 to the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present,
being two - thirds in number, the modifications were made to the agenda. Director
Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Adcock to defer Item 36 and delete Item
16. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number,
the deferral and deletion was made.
CONSENT AGENDA (1 -5)
1. RESOLUTION NO. 11,836 - G -23 -339 - To set the date of public hearing for
October 18, 2004 on a petition requesting abandonment of the east 145 feet of the 50 foot
wide W. 401h Street right -of -way between Foster and Weldon Streets. Planning
Commission: 7 yes, Ono, 4 absent. Staff recommends approval.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 11,837 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with Scott Construction Equipment for the purchase of one 4WD and 1 2WD backhoes
in the amount of $121,993. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Three bids were received.
Scott Construction Equipment is the lowest responsible bidder meeting minimum specifications.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 11,838 - G -25 -192 — To rename Townsend Street to Highland
Drive. Staff recommends approval. Planning Commission: 7 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. Staff
recommends approval.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 11,839 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with Bale Chevrolet for the purchase of four (4) Chevy Tahoe police vehicles in the
amount of $109,332.16.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 11,840 - Of the Little Rock Board of Directors supporting
Arkansas Constitutional Amendment 2.
The Consent Agenda, consisting of Items 1 -5 and Items M -1 — M -4 was read. A motion
was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Hurst to adopt the consent agenda.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the
Consent Agenda was adopted.
CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS
Speaker: Betty Snyder
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Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
Minutes
October 5, 2004
6:00 PM
Topic: Invitation to John Barrow Neighborhood Association and
Rosedale Optimist, First annual cleanup of West Central Little
Rock Sports Complex on Oct. 9th. Concerns regarding the
University Mall, and revitalizing the mall.
Speaker: Thelma Cole
Topic: When would Malloy Street be paved?
* Mayor Dailey asked Mr. Moore, City Manager, to have city
staff meet with Ms. Cole in regard to her question.
The Grouped items consisted of
Items: 6- 33
6. ORDINANCE NO. 19,185 - LU04- 20 -01— To amend the Land Use Plan for
Pinnacle Planning District at Chenonceau Boulevard, north of Ranch Drive. Planning
Commission: 7 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Land Use Plan
amendments in the Pinnacle Planning District from Single Family to Mixed Office Commercial for
future development.
7. ORDINANCE NO. 19186 - Z -7684 - Reclassifying property located along the east
side of Chenonceau Blvd., north of Cantrell Road from R -2 to 0-1 in the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas
and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 7 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. Staff recommends
approval. Synopsis: The owner of the 1.97 Acre property located along the east side of
Chenonceau Blvd. North of Cantrell Road is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -2
Single Family to 0-1 Quiet Office District.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 19,187 - Z -7419A - Reclassifying property located at 9304
Mabelvale Pike from R -2 to C -4, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the
Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas and for other purposes.
Planning Commission: 7 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The
owner of the 0.313 acre property at 9304 Mabelvale Pike is requesting that the zoning be reclassified
from R -2 Single Family District to C -4 Open Display District.
9. ORDINANCE NO. 19,188 - Z- 291 1 -A - Reclassifying property located at 3202
Mary Street from I -2 to R -3 in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official
Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas and for other purposes. Planning
Commission: 7 yes, 0 no, 4 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of
the 0.55 -acre property at 3202 Mary Street is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from 1 -2 —
Light Industrial District from R -3 — Single Family District.
10. ORDINANCE NO. 19,189 - Z -7698 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Commercial District titled Kathy's Long -Form PD -C located
at 13810 Colonel Glenn Road in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the
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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 is
requesting a rezoning from R -2 to PCD to allow the creation of a three lot plat and to allow an
existing beauty salon (Lot 1) and an office use (Lot 2).
11. ORDINANCE 19,190 - S -1459 - 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 variances to allow for the development of pipe stem lot and to allow an
increased depth of a pipe stem lot for Kathy's Subdivision Preliminary Plat located at
13810 Colonel Glenn Road. Planning Commission: 9 yes, 0 no, 2 absent. Staff
recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is requesting a variance from the Subdivision
ordinance to allow the development of a pipe stem lot and to allow an increased depth of the pipe
stem lot.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 19,191 - S -1440A - 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 variances to allow for a variance to allow double
frontage lots for the Bella Rosa Estates Subdivision Revised Preliminary Plat located
on the west side of Bella Rosa Drive; south of Snyder Creek. Planning Commission: 9
yes, 0 no, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant proposes a
variance from the Subdivision Ordinance to allow double frontage lots for Lots 12 and 13 of the Bella
Rosa Revised Preliminary Plat.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 19,192 - S- 1042HH - 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 to allow a reduced building line, variance to
allow a reduced building line adjacent to a collector street and a variance to allow a
reduced building line adjacent to a residential street for The Villages of Wellington
Phase XII Revised Preliminary Plat Subdivision Preliminary Plat located on the
southwest corner of Wellington Village Road and Bristol Court. Planning
Commission: 9 yes, Ono, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is
requesting variances for selected lots within the Villages of Wellington Phase X11 preliminary plat.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 19,193 - Z- 6323 -J - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Commercial District titled The Village at Rahling Road
Revised Long -Form PCD — Lot 11 located on the southeast corner of Rahling Road
and Chenal Parkway, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending 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 PCD to allow Lot 11 to develop with a 16,221 square foot office /retail building.
15. ORDINANCE NO. 19,194 - Z -5718B - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Industrial District titled West Tree Service Revised Long -
Form PD -I located at 6300 Forbing Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas,
amending 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
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Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
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applicant proposes to revise a previously approved PDl to allow existing building to be expanded,
which will be used as office space, storage and a maintenance shop.
16. ORDINANCE (Deleted from Agenda at applicants request.) Z -6446B -
Approving a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Zoning
Development and establishing a Planned Commercial District titled Gillum Revised
Short -Form PD -C located at 14116 Taylor Loop Road, in the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, amending 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 PD -C to allow the development of
the site as a two family residence and a photography studio.
17. ORDINANCE NO. 19,195 - Z- 6532 -B - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Residential
District titled Arkansas Teachers Retirement Revised Long -Form PRD located on
the northeast corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Valley Drive, in the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas, amending 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 PRD to allow the
creation of an eight lot plat and the development of a retirement village facility on individual lots
rather than under a single ownership.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 19,196 - Z -6881B - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Commercial
District titled McKinstry- Threet Revised Short -Form PCD located on the northwest
corner of Cantrell Road and Townsend Street, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas,
amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes.
Planning Commission: 9 yes, Ono, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The applicant is requesting an amendment to the originally approved PCD to modify the
rear and side yard setbacks for proposed Lots 2 and 3 of the Candlewood East Subdivision.
19. ORDINANCE NO. 19,197 - Z -6886A - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Office
District titled Church at Rock Creek Revised Long -Form POD located on the north
side of West 36th Street between Bowman Road and I -430, in the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, amending 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 is requesting an amendment to the previously approved POD, to allow a more
accurate reflection of their new master plan. The plan includes anew sanctuary totaling 85,000 square
feet and a seating capacity of 2,500 along with associated parking. The plan also includes the placement
of service support facilities to serve the needs of the Church ministries.
20. ORDINANCE NO. 19,198 - Z -7433A - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development and establishing Planned Office District
titled Malstrome Revised Short -Form POD located on the northwest corner of Kanis
Road and Autumn Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official
Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 9
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Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
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yes, 0 no, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant proposes to revise a
previously approved POD to allow the development of the site with two buildings containing 30,391
square feet of gross floor area. The uses include 51 % office uses and 49% commercial uses.
21. ORDINANCE NO. 19,199 - Z -7694 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Commercial
District titled Montgomery Short -Form PD -C, located at 7908 Mabelvale Cut -Off in
the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending 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 is requesting a rezoning to PD -C to allow the
addition of a single -chair beauty salon on the site.
22. ORDINANCE NO. 19,200 - Z -7695 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Residential
District titled Smith Short -Form PD -R located at 1600 South Battery Street in the City
of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending 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 is requesting the rezoning of the property to PD -R to allow the
addition of a fifth apartment on the site utilizing the present attic space and to bring the site into
compliance with current ordinances.
23. ORDINANCE NO. 19,201 - Z -7696 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Commercial District titled Carter Short -Form PCD located
at 3516 Baseline Road in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending 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 a rezoning
of the site to PCD to allow the construction of two buildings each containing 3200 square feet of gross
floor space. The applicant has indicated one of the buildings will be utilized as C -3, General
Commercial District uses while the second building will be used as general and professional office
uses.
24. ORDINANCE NO. 19,202 - Z -7699 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Office District titled Hwy 10 Executive Suite Short -Form
POD located at 16601 Cantrell Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending
the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes. Planning
Commission: 9 yes, Ono, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant
proposes the rezoning of the site from R -2 to POD to allow the development of a two story, 5600
square foot office building for the site.
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Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
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25. ORDINANCE NO. 19,203 - Z -7701 - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development District titled Sach's Suburban Tracts
Short -Form PD -C located near the Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road Intersection,
in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending 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 the rezoning of the site to PD -C to
allow the redevelopment of the site as a dog kennel and grooming facility. The applicant has
indicated there will be approximately 30 stalls within the enclosed building and no outdoor runs or
kennels.
26. ORDINANCE NO. 19,204 - Z -4506 — repealing Ordinance No. 14,330 and
revoking a Planned Zoning District titled Lot 7 Tall Timber West PRD Revocation
located at 5413 Timberbend Drive; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 9 yes,
0 no, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant requests that the existing
PRD zoning be revoked and the property revert to its original R -2, Single Family zoning.
27. ORDINANCE NO. 19,205 - Z- 7258 -A - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development District titled Rose Street Revised
Short -Form PD -R located at 321 -325 Rose Street in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas,
amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and for other purposes.
Planning Commission: 7 yes, 2 no, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The
applicant proposes to revise a previously approved PD -R to allow the construction of a 20 -foot by 20-
foot carport structure over the existing parking pad adjacent to "C" Street.
28. ORDINANCE NO. 19,206 - Amending Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of Little Rock, Arkansas, providing for a deferral of Master Street Plan Half Street
Improvements for the McMurry Subdivision located on Arch Street Pike at Vinson
Road. Staff recommends approval.
29. ORDINANCE NO. 19,207 - Amending in part, Ordinance No. 11,366 to provide for
levying a franchise fee to be paid by Centerpoint Energy Arkla for the year 2005;
providing for the payment thereof.
30. ORDINANCE NO. 19,208 - Fixing and imposing the amount of fees and charges to
be paid to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas by all companies that provide interstate or
intrastate long distance telecommunications service, and all business incidental to or
connected with the conducting of such telephone business in the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas; amending Section E of Ordinance No., 15,706; and for other purposes.
31. ORDINANCE NO. 19,209 - Fixing and imposing the aggregate amount of fees and
changes to be paid the City of Little Rock, Arkansas by Entergy and the method of
payment thereof beginning in 2005; amending Section 9 of Ordinance No. 11,683, and
for other purposes.
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32. ORDINANCE NO. 19,210 - To establish the rate of taxation of property for the
City of Little Rock for the year 2005 and various funds of the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.
33. ORDINANCE NO. 19,211 - Amending Little Rock Ordinance No. 18,803, to
expand membership of the Little Rock Parks Commission.
The Grouped Items which consisted of Items 6 -33 were read the first time. Director
Adcock, seconded by Director Hurst motioned to suspended the rules and place the
ordinances (Items 6 -33) on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
members present, being two - thirds in number, the rules were suspended and the
ordinances were read the second time. Director Adcock, seconded by Director Hurst,
made the motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third and final reading.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the
rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice
vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, the ordinances and
emergency clause (Items 6 -33) passed.
Mayor Dailey recognized Boy Scout Troop 227.
The Separate items (34 -36) were considered next.
34. ORDINANCE NO. 19,212 - Z- 2502 -A - Approving a Planned Zoning Development
and establishing a Planned Zoning Development titled Islamic Center Long -Form PD-
R located on the southeast corner of West 40th Street and Potter Street, in the City of
Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and
for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 yes, Ono, I recusal, 2 absent. Staff
recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is requesting a rezoning to PD -R to allow the
creation of a 23 -lot plat and the construction of 22 single - family homes, a mosque and an education
building. Director Keck asked Tony Bozynski about the lay out of the lots and size of the
homes being consistent with the size of the other residential developments occurring, not
only in this are, but in other areas of the city, is it average, normal or smaller or vary at
all. Mr. Tony Bozynski, Planning Director, answered that this falls in between the type
of development being done in Little Rock. In terms of the John Barrow Area, it's very
compatible, the John Barrow Neighborhood is zoned R -3 Single family, and the
minimum lot size for R -3 is 5000 square feet. The lots in John Barrow are plated slightly
bigger than that, probably a little less than 7000 square feet. What are being proposed is
twenty -two lots and they average approximately 6300 square feet. The smallest lot is a
little bigger than 6000 square feet. Director Hurst asked about the call to prayer over the
loudspeaker being heard three times a day and asked if the is a concern for staff. Mr.
Bozynski stated that based on the information that was provided to the Planning
Commission at the hearing, the sound level will be that volume that will only be heard by
people immediately surrounding the building. He said the applicant can add to that or
confirm. Director Graves stated when the noise issue was discussed regarding the Sonic
Restaurant that was being planned for Cantrell Road, the level of noise was one of the
Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting_
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major concerns the neighborhoods had, and is why she was raising the issue, and stated
that was one of the reasons staff was not supportive. Mr. Bozynski answered that was
before he became the Planning Director, and knew there was a lot of discussion but did
not know the specifics. Director Keck stated at one point and time staff was trying to
steer developers away from pipe stem lots because of some of the concerns related to
access as it relates to emergency vehicles, and looking at what is proposed here, said
there is a pipe stem lot that is apart of that and would be interest in hearing the Planning
Departments perspective and what has been reported from the Fire Department as it
relates to this pipe stem lot and if there is any concern on their part. Mr. Bozynski, stated
the applicant responded to the concerns of the Fire Department and agreed to maintain a
twenty foot drive around the education building, which would create a twenty -six foot
drive and would not create a problem. The right of way is standard on the pipe stem lot,
and should present no problems. Director Adcock asked if it is unusual for a builder to
come in to Little Rock to build and all the lots had already been sold. Mr. Bozynski
stated he thought some developments pre -sell lots to builders and then they in turn build
for a client. Director Keck asked if al l the financing was under one umbrella. Mr.
Bozynski stated he was not familiar with the financing of this project. Director Stewart
stated she thought the Board dealt with this same situation regarding the Campus Place
issue. The developer came in with most of her lots being sold. The applicant, Taheed
Salaam, representing the Islamic Center for Human Excellence, stated they had been
working in this community since 1998. Initially they were attracted by the neighborhood
area plan they had developed in the early 1990's. He said they had worked with the
coalition of neighborhoods in the area, the Westwood, John Barrow, and other
neighborhood associations since 1998. In that neighborhood plan they did invite
individuals and other groups to come in and work with the housing stock, with infill. He
stated the majority of the neighborhood people have signed off on the project. Director
Pugh asked what would be the difference in the noise level of where they want to locate,
and where they currently are. Mr. Salaam stated the do the call to prayer five times a
day, and has it in the vicinity of the facility and the call to prayer is not over the traffic
noise. If there is high traffic during that time, it would probably drown out the call to
prayer noise. Director Pugh asked Mr. Salaam if they would be doing anything any
differently than they are at present. Mr. Salaam answered no. Director Pugh asked Mr.
Salaam if only people of his religion would be able to live in this development. Mr.
Salaam answered no, they have people who have committed to purchase those lots,
twenty two lots total, and have about fifteen people who have committed, and have
opened this since 1998 to the general public. He said there are not just Muslims; they
have one Christian who has made a commitment to participate in this process, and to buy
land, and build a home. There are an additional six lots, and they have made this know to
the coalition, to Westwood and John Barrow Neighborhood Associations, and if they
have anyone that wants to participate and live in such a community and subdivision then
they want those people to contact them. Director Keck asked if this was going to be a
restricted gated community. Mr. Salaam stated there was no gate. He said anyone is
welcome in this community. Director Adcock asked if they follow the principals of the
Koran, and promise to live a good live devoted to Allah, if this was a misquote form the
Democrat. Mr. Salaam stated that is for those who are Muslims, but do expect the people
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who are not Muslins to follow what their religion teaches them, the gospel, the Torah,
and if a person does not have a faith to follow the law. Director Adcock said since there
is teaching in the Koran about obeying the law, asked Mr. Salaams opinion of the Police
presence in this community. He said they have a history of working with the police.
Melinda Raley, Deputy City Attorney, stated the matter before the Board is whether the
applicant has met the requirements of the Planning Ordinance for a PDR and discussing
the faith involved is inappropriate. Director Adcock asked the City Attorney if asking if
they will obey the laws of the police department presence in this community was against
answering. Ms. Raley asked if this was a question that was asked of every applicant.
Director Adcock stated no. Director Stewart stated it was in the newspaper, that Mr.
Salaam had stated in the community there would be certain regulations, no drinking, no
alcohol, and asked if these were just values to their community? Mayor Dailey cautioned
that the Board needed to stick to those questions regarding planning. Director Stewart
withdrew her question. Director Wyrick stated a parking ordinance was being
contemplated in the City where vehicles would be required to park some sort of
substance or the street , and that she had read that the homes are approximately 1200
square feet to fit on the lots, and asked if the design would accommodate this ordinance
if it were passed? Mr. Salaam stated that the homes would be approximately 1500 square
feet, and the homes could be built up to 2400 square feet, but the design is for a two car
garage, and felt the parking would be adequate, and did not anticipate parking in the
streets. Mayor Dailey asked those speaking to this issue keep the comments to land use
and zoning issues. Carolyn Heitman, Betty Snyder, and Tim Lawson spoke in
opposition to the approval of the application. Ms. Heitman, cited concerns such as
fitting into the neighborhood, that the Planning Commission Chair persons firm is the
engineer for the development, and has not attended any of the meetings. On January 9,
2003, an article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette quoted a staff member stating the
concept behind the community having everything in a nearby area, makes this city within
a city. Ms Heitman asked if this means they will have their own law enforcement,
utilities, and public services for that community along with other requirements to be a
city. She had read articles that described this as an oasis, a utopia, a place where
particular groups interest are practiced, a community in which children are raised so as to
have the least effect from the outside world and persons who are abandoning their homes
for a communal way of life, making a person wonder what kind of community this is, and
who it will effect he quality of life in her neighborhood and what benefit it would serve to
the entire neighborhood. She said that seemed exclusive, rather than inclusive, due to
the fact that no one outside a particular group is given the opportunity to purchase a lot.
Information from the development representatives as to how the homes would be
financed is vague. She state she would like to know if any requests have been made for
tax credit financing, HUD, CDBG, ADFA, or any other sources for funding. Ms.
Heitman stated John Barrow is a diverse neighborhood; however the homes, schools and
churches are scattered throughout and not located on one plot of property. Most of the
residents in the area surrounding the site have lived in their homes twenty -five plus years.
Person in the neighborhood have worked almost fourteen years with City of little Rock
staff, developers and property owners in an attempt to rid this neighborhood of the stigma
of crime, gangs, violence and create an area for diverse development that would be
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beneficial to the neighborhood as a whole, not one particular group. She felt the approval
of this application may block future development in the neighborhood. Should the
application be approved to be sure the development is inclusive of the entire
neighborhood, would like to request the applicant to allocate thirty percent of the single
family homes proposed tonight to persons outside their community without placing the
mandatory requirements as would be required for persons of their community as stated in
the article in yesterdays newspaper. Should the additional property adjacent to this be
acquired by the Islamic Center for future development, the thirty percent allocation and
exclusion of requirement would apply to that application also. She asked the Board to
consider denial of the application. Betty Snyder, stated she came to the Board as
property owner, a niece, an aunt a sister, and daughter -in -law having concerns of this
proposed development. The development is across the street from her mother -in -law, and
two blocks west of three of her relatives which live in three separate homes of this
proposed development. The community prides itself on being informed on issues that
effect the quality of life in the area, and stated the proposed development has not only
concerns for herself, but residents of the city, county and state, as stated on a radio
program on KARN. Ms. Snyder stated this program is normally one hour long, but was
extend to two hours due to listening audiences calling in and voicing concerns. After
listening to this program, she felt the Board of Directors should listen to this tape, and
stated she called the Mayor's assistant to secure a copy for the Board to hear, so they
could become more informed about this not only being a concern for the city but county
and state concerns. Her request and concerns were: The developer would be responsible
for damages to the sidewalk on 401h street that had just been finished last year. The hours
of the operation in the development will be from 5:00 am to 9 pm, seven days a week,
which leads to traffic concerns. Increased traffic from residents round the city coming to
participate in activities within the community will necessitate the need for a traffic light
to be placed at 40th and Colonel Glenn in order for residents to be able to leave the area.
Lighting of the development should go inward and not outward. The use of the bell or
loudspeaker, whichever is determined to be used to call the residents of the community to
activities five times a day should be to where this does not disturb surrounding areas or
businesses. Ms. Snyder stated she would appreciate, if this proposed development is
approved, these commendations become part of this and any future application relating to
this community. Mr. Tim Lawson, stated he had been a resident of Little Rock for forty
three years, a graduate of Central High school, and recalled the struggle that occurred as
integration was being forced upon the City in 1957. In his opinion, although there has
been progress toward the elimination of separation, the city was facing a similar situation.
He quoted from he Arkansas Democrat Gazette, " The community would be the first
Islamic Enclave in Arkansas, according to Aquil Hammedoulla. By definition an enclave
is a tract of land or a territory enclosed within another territory of which it is independent.
a county or part of a country lying wholly within the boundaries of another. Any
distinctly bounded area enclosed within a large area. Enclose. To lock with a key." The
Democrat Gazette identifies the Islamic Center for Human Excellence as a branch of the
Nation of Islam. From the nation of Islam website, he read, "We want our people in
America, whose parents or grandparents were descendents from slaves, to be allowed to
establish a separate... Ms. Raley interrupted at this point, and stated this was
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inappropriate. Mr. Lawson, quoting Andrew Cuomo, former Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development within the Clinton Administration saying" The founding principals
of our nation was an opportunity for all." This is our goal. If we are to succeed in our
pursuit of that goal, we must tear down the barriers that divide us. We must reject the
attitudes and prejudices that divide us; we must tear down the barriers that divide us. We
must reject the attitudes and prejudices, the stereotypes and discriminations that are so
destructive of a truly unified people." Mr. Cuomo says it is a regrettable fact that most
metropolitan harbor enclaves of isolation that condemn residents to poverty and despair.
These enclaves represent a failed model of community building. Mr. Lawson stated the
members of this proposed Islamic Community say they wish to live a communal life and
allegiance to their faith. Ms. Raley interrupted, saying once again that what is before the
Board is the PDR not the Islamic Religion. Mayor Dailey asked Mr. Lawson to stick to
the points that are relative to the development itself. Mr. Lawson stated the Civil Rights
Act of 1968, Title 8, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of
dwellings in and in other transactions based on color, national origin, religion, sex, family
status and handicapped. He stated the Board has a monumental task tonight. There are
monumental questions, and questions that need to be answered before a decision can be
reached. He stated these were his questions: What is best for our city, not what is best
for a particular religion. Is this the path you as city officials want to take for the entire
city? Does and will this open he door for other groups to separate or isolate themselves
based on beliefs and ideologies? Does this erase the shame of Central High School in
1957? Does it promote more of the same? Is there another agenda? Is this Islamic
enclave development fair according to Title 8, the Civil Rights Act of 1968? Ms. Raley
interrupted Mr. Lawson, again stating that what is before the Board is the PDR. Mr.
Lawson stated he hoped the Board would consider these questions when arriving at their
decision. He encouraged the Board to not have fear in making their decision, and do
what he believes is right for the greater City of Little Rock. Mr. Salaam stated he thought
they had met all the requirements and the concerns from the Planning Commission, the
community as well as the Board. Director Adcock asked about the financing of the
homes, and asked if they are financed with any type of tax credits? Mr. Salaam stated no,
not at this particular point. The financing is normal financing right now. Once they get
to the point a homeowner wants to build a home, they have contacted Argenta, and Black
Community Developers, who are preapproval organizations and they would refer
applicants to them for preapproval and then they would go to the standard procedure in
financing a home. Director Adcock stated then your answer is yes, that subsidies would
be applied for in going through these agencies. Mr. Salaam stated they would work with
them in terms of preapproval. It is up to the homeowner to decide where they would get
financing. He said for instance they have people who are veterans, and it might be
advantageous for that person to apply for financing through the Veterans Administration.
He said as he understood it, the preapproval places would refer the client to the best
sources for financing. Director Adcock asked Mr. Moore if Argenta does business in
Little Rock. Mr. Moore stated they did, and in fact had a contract with the City's CDBG
program last year to participate in a program such as Mr. Salaam is referring to. They are
an organization that is used to help homeowners get through the home buying process.
Director Adcock asked Mr. Salaam if he knew the average income of the homeowner in
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this area? Ms. Raley, asked if everyone is asked this question? Director Adcock stated
that when organizations are using tax credits the Board does ask more information about
the people who will be living there. Ms. Raley asked if this in relation to approval or
denial of a PDR? Director Adcock said not of a PRD, but from issuing letters of tax
credits, the Board does at times ask about the income of the individuals who will be
living at the complex. Mr. Moore, stated there is one point that needed to be noted. The
tax credit program that Director Adcock is referring to is one that ADFA Administers and
a process is now in place that before the Mayor issues a Letter of Support, that issue
comes before the Board, and that is discussed publicly. The program being discussed at
this point is just a preapproval program that helps individuals to get through the home
buying process and is not a tax credit program. Director Adcock stated her concern was
that the city has limited money that can be spread throughout the whole city to help
people buy homes, and if twenty -two people are going to be buying homes who is also
going to be asking for that same money, wanted to know because she felt it unfair that in
some ways all the money is limited to go to one area. She said there are a lot of people in
the city looking for HOME funds and CDBG funds to help them buy homes. Mr. Moore
stated all the programs are on first come first serve basis, the city ahs not set aside any
dollars to work in any particular geographic area, with the excepting of the tornado area.
He said this is not a designated, targeted program. Director Keck asked Mr. Salaam to
explain the traffic to the call to prayer, and if it does bring a lot of people in? Mr. Salaam
said they are a small community and their biggest day is on Friday and they probably
have a maximum of about twenty cars. This has been consistent for several years.
Director Keck asked if there would be twenty cars five times a day? Mr. Salaam
answered no, that that is just the biggest day for traffic. He said people work all over the
city and if they are in the area they could come to pray, but the typical number of people
who may show up for a prayer call is about five. The ordinance was read the first time.
35. ORDINANCE NO. 19,213 - S -1460 - 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 to allow for the development of a pipe stem lot
and allow an increased depth of a pipe stem lot for the Islamic Center Subdivision
Preliminary Plat located on the southeast corner of West 40`b Street and Potter Street.
Planning Commission: 8 yes, 0 no, I recusal, 2 absent. Staff recommends approval..
Items 34 and Item 35 were read the first time. Director Keck, seconded by Director Hurst
made a motion to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By
voice vote the majority of the Board members present, being tow - thirds in number voted
to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. Director Adcock
abstained. The rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time.
Director Hurst, seconded by Director Stewart made a motion to suspend the rules and
place the ordinances on third reading. By majority voice vote, being two thirds in
number, the rules were suspended to provide for the third readings. Director Adcock
abstained, the ordinances were read the third time. Director Adcock stated she would be
voting no, that she did not feel like staff or the applicant has furnished her all the
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information she needed to vote on this issue. A roll call vote was taken and recorded as
follows: Director Pugh, yes, Hurst, yes, Keck, yes, Stewart, yes, Wyrick yes, Kumpuris,
yes, Graves, yes, Adcock, no, Vice Mayor Hinton, yes, Mayor Dailey, yes. Director
Cazort was absent. The ordinances (Items 34 and 35) were approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
36. RESOLUTION - To authorize the City Manager to execute a contact extension with
Health Advantage to provide 2005 health care coverage from city employees; and for
other purposes. (Deferred from 9 -21 -04 for discussion) The item was deferred to a
reconvened meeting on October 12, 2004).
Vice Mayor Hinton announced that at last weeks meeting, he asked the Board to give
him the privilege of reconsidering a vote that he made on September 21 regarding in
Item Z -7672 — Rescinding the Planning Commission's action in denying a Special Use
Permit for a day care family home located at 8701 Verbena Drive could be made. The
recorded vote of the Little Rock Board of Directors at the last meeting on September 21,
2004, was: Directors Pugh, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Graves, and Vice Mayor Hinton
voted yes. Directors Hurst, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Adcock voted no. Mayor Dailey was
absent at the time of the vote. Vice Mayor Hinton made the motion to reconsider his vote
on this item, Director Adcock seconded the motion. Director Keck asked for clarification
of the motion, asking if it were a motion to reconsider his vote or to reconsider the issue.
Deputy City Attorney, Melinda Raley stated that she had visited with Vice Mayor Hinton
regarding this issue. He would like to bring the issue up again, and in order to do so
(there were six votes in the affirmative), Vice Mayor Hinton could make the motion to
reconsider his vote, because he voted on the prevailing side, he requires a second from
anyone, and advised that Mayor Dailey would be eligible to vote, even though he was not
present on September 21, 2004. By majority voice vote of the Board members present,
being tow - thirds in number the motion carried. Director Stewart voted no. Director
Cazort was absent. Mayor Dailey stated the next step would be to set a date of public
hearing. Mr. Moore, City Manager, stated it would be the responsibility of the City to
notify all of the parties. Ms. Nikita Britton stated she was going to be going through
some medical things at the end of this month, and would like the Board to take that into
consideration. Director Keck requested, that since the is an in home day care, the
applicant is required to live in this building, and would like to know if that has been
verified, what steps have been taken to verify that, and if staff has confirmed that the
applicant does live in this home. Director Adcock stated she would like to know how this
home day care conflicts with he rules that were recently passed in regard to the three
hundred foot spacing. Director Hurst asked if this could be considered at the reconvened
meeting next week. Mr. Moore stated he had just been informed that the notice process is
ten days, so next week would not meet the notification requirement. Mayor Dailey
announced that staff would work with the applicant to reach a mutually agreeable public
hearing date.
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Little Rock Board of Director's Meeting
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A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Vice Mayor Hinton, to recess the
meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in
number, the meeting was recessed.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk, Nancy Wood
y r, Jim Dailey
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