HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-03Minutes:
May 6, 2003
MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
City Hall — 500 W. Markham
May 6, 2003
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, Vice Mayor Hinton, Adcock, Stewart, Graves, Hurst, Keck,
Kumpuris, Cazort, and Mayor Dailey. Directors Cazort and Vice Mayor Hinton were not
present at roll call. Directors Kumpuris and Adcock enrolled at 6:05 P.M. Director
Wyrick was absent. Vice Mayor Hinton gave the Invocation, which was followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Dailey asked the Board to consider the listed modifications.
M.I. PRESENTATION: Catholic High Quiz Bowl Team
M -2. PRESENTATION: Little Rock Marathon
M -3. PRESENTATION: Wild Night Under the Stars — Mike Blakely
DEFERRAL:
30. ORDINANCE To require an election before any land that is dedicated for park
purposes, or shown on the Parks Master Plan is subject to alienation; to declare an
emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends denial.
Director Hurst asked that Item 30 be placed on the agenda in two weeks. Director Pugh,
who sponsored the ordinance agreed to this date.
Director Keck made a motion to hold items 31 and 32 to a reconvened meeting in one
-- week, due to the fact that another version of the ordinance had been received today, and
he had not had a chance to see either ordinance. Director Keck felt it was not good
policy to act on something that the Board had not been able to review. Director Stewart
seconded the motion. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present the items
were deferred to May 13, 2003. Director Hurst stated in light of the fact that there would
now be a reconvened meeting, wanted to make a motion to place Item 30 on the
reconvened meeting agenda. Director Keck seconded the motion. Director Hurst stated
there are four or five park related issues that are on hold until a decision can be reached
on Item 30. Director Pugh stated she felt more discussion was needed and did not know
if it could be done by next week. Mayor Dailey stated his thought was that if the Board
voted yes to place this on the reconvened meeting agenda; if the item was not ready by
May 13th, it could be dealt with at that time. Director Pugh agreed to this date. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the item was deferred to May 13,
2003. Mayor Dailey asked Director Keck if his questions regarding Item 18 had been
answered, and if so, could place Item 18 with the Grouped Items. Mayor Dailey stated
that Mr. Lawson, Director of Planning and Development has requested that Item 15 be
deferred for two weeks as there were some issues and concerns still being addressed
regarding this item. Mr. Carpenter stated that Items 25 and 26 would be combined into
one resolution, and Item 16 be read once or twice tonight, due to some language to be
amended. A motion was made by Director Adcock to make changes to the agenda as
outlined; Director Pugh seconded the motion. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
members present, the changes were made.
PRESENTATIONS:
Arkansas MathCounts Team — Coach Trela Cook introduced the team and announced
the team would be moving on to a competition in Chicago on May 9, 2003. Certificates
from the City of Little Rock were presented to the coach, and team members.
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May 6, 2003
Catholic High Quiz Bowl Team — Mayor Dailey explained that for the second
consecutive year, Catholic School for Boys have advanced to the finals in the state
championship of the Arkansas Governor's Quiz Bowl. They were the champions for the
region, with seven members, who were then introduced.
Little Rock Marathon — Mr. Bryan Day, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced
Ms. Gina Ferris, Geneva Hampton, and Mr. Bill Torrie. Mr. Torrie announced that they
wanted to showcase both the beauty and the history of Little Rock, and believed that had
been accomplished in the design of the course for the race. Mr. Torrie stated over 2200
people participated in the event. He said that a couple of celebrities were brought in for
the event; people from all over the country, as well as four people from overseas
participated in the event. Ms. Ferris and Ms. Hampton thanked all the organizations and
volunteers who assisted in the event, especially the Parks Department, who had 127
people working the course. Director Hurst announced that Director Kumpuris had
completed his first marathon and recognized Ms. Hampton and Ms. Ferris for their
Olympic effort in the event.
Wild Night Under the Stars — Mike Blakely, Director of the Little Rock Zoo,
introduced Ms. Jane Dennis, president of Little Rock Civitans, and who partnered with
the zoo in this fundraising event. Ms. Dennis announced the date of the event would be
May 19th, 2003. She stated events included be an outdoor dinner, live music, an auction,
etc., and thanked the Board for their support. Mr. Blakely stated tickets were still
available at the zoo.
CONSENT AGENDA (1 -11)
1. MOTION - To approve minutes from Regular Board of Directors Meetings:
February 18, 2003, March 4, 2003, March 18, 2003 and Special Meeting: March 11,
2003.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 11,499 - To amend the existing performance contract with
Johnson Controls, Inc. to include partial window replacement at City Hall and
installation of geothermal HVAC system at Public Works. Synopsis: Approval to amend the
Johnson Controls performance contract that was executed by the City and Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) on
August 28, 2002.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 11,500 - To set the date of public hearing for May 20, 2003 on
the petition to abandon the right -of -way of the block of Dennison Street, between West
13th Street and Daisy L. Gaston Bates Drive, and portions of alleys located in Block 6 and
7, Park Addition. (Planning Commission: 7 yes, 1 no, 3 absent). Staff recommends
approval. Synopsis: The Little Rock School District, in conjunction with the proposed rehabilitation
and expansion of a parking lot, is requesting abandonment of the right -of -way of the 1300 Block of
Dennison Street and portions of two abutting alleys in Blocks 6 and 7, Park Addition.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 11,501 - To set the date of public hearing for May 20, 2003 on a
notice of appeal of the Planning Commission's action to deny the reclassification of
property located at 9219 Stagecoach Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 11,502 - To enter into a contract with Aramark Uniform
Services for the rental and cleaning of Fire Department uniform wear.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 11,503 - Awarding a contract to Township Builders, Inc. for
streetscaping improvements along 3rd and Commerce Streets. Synopsis: Authorizes the City - -
Manager to execute an agreement with the low bidder, Township Builders, Inc. for streetscape
improvements that includes areas along the south side of 3rd Street between Ferry and Commerce Streets
and along the east side of Commerce Street between 3rd and 4h Streets.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 11,504 - To execute an agreement with Entergy for utility line
location along Commerce Street. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement
with Entergy for relocating overhead utility lines to underground service lines along the east side of
Commerce Street between 2nd and 4th Streets.
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8. RESOLUTION NO. 11,505 - Awarding a contract to Planit Dirt for street
improvements along John Barrow Road. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute an
agreement with the low bidder Planit Dirt for street widening improvements along John Barrow from I -630
to Mayflower Road along Henderson Middle School.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 11,506 - To make appointments to the Arts and Culture
Commission; and for other purposes.
10. RESOLUTION NO. 11,507 - To authorize an agreement with Austin Construction
to construct a restroom in Boyle Park. Synopsis: A resolution authorizing the City Manager to
enter into a contract with Austin Construction, for bathroom construction at Boyle Park.
11. RESOLUTION NO. 11,508 - To authorize an agreement with Austin Construction
to construct a restroom in Southside Park. synopsis: A resolution authorizing the City Manager
to enter into a contract with Austin Construction, for bathroom construction at Southside Park.
The Consent Agenda was read. Director Keck moved to adopt the Consent Agenda.
Director Cazort seconded the motion. Director Adcock asked if Item 7 had to do with the
River Rail and if so, how much it would cost. Mr. Bruce Moore, City Manager stated it
did not, that it was apart of the Streetscape Project. By unanimous voice vote of the
Board members present, the Consent Agenda was adopted.
CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS
Speaker: Ms. Jean Gordon
Topic: Honoring Mr. Fred Darraugh
Speaker: Pat Gee
Topic: Sexually oriented businesses; re: progress being made to enact an
ordinance to prohibit these businesses, near day care facilities.
Speaker: Spencer Daily, Margaret Norton,
Topic: John TV
Mr. Dailey turned in a speaker card, but was not present to speak.
Speaker: Joyce Williams
Topic: Crime prevention in the Martin Luther King Corridor
Speaker: Don Darnell
Topic: 65th Street Alert Center — Asking for a bi- lingual Spanish speaking
facilitator because of the large Hispanic population in that
particular area according to the 2000 census. (Director Adcock
stated there is a volunteer starting at that alert center on May 7tn,
and she speaks Spanish and English.
4. Speaker Byron Norwood
Topic: City service priorities
5. Speaker: Jesse Garrett
Topic: Crime Issues in the Martin Luther King Corridor, burglaries,
break -ins, drugs and prostitution, and spoke in support of John TV.
6. Speaker: Kathy Wells
Topic: Crime increases in neighborhoods, and supported John TV. and
nuisance abatement
7. Speaker: Terrance Bolden
Topic: Crime issues, such as prostitution and patronizing prostitutes, drug
usage, support of John TV., and encouraged citizens not to buy
merchandise off the street, and to use LRNN to play up the fact
that theft by receiving and prostitution would not be tolerated.
8. Speaker: Sharon Welch Blair
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May 6, 2003
Topic: Crime issues, and support for John TV, and provided some history
of cities using John TV.
9. Speaker: George Blevins
Topic: Asked the Board to implement John TV., support for nuisance and
abatement statutes, to close drug houses, don't buy merchandise
off the street media campaign, and impoundment of those arrested
for prostitution related offenses with a stiff fee required to retrieve
their vehicle.
10. Speaker: Ed Jaros
Topic: Firefighter's Annual Burn Center Fundraiser Golf Tournament, at
Eagle Hill County Club on June 2, 2003. He stated this is the
eleventh year the City of Little Rock Firefighters have sponsored
this event and have raised over $100,000 for the burn center of the
Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Speaker: Troy Laha
Topic: Thanked Mr. Ed Davis and his staff at Animal Control for taking
care of the Pit Bull situation on his street, and thanked the Fire
Department and MEMS for quick response to an emergency.
Director Pugh made a motion to have John TV. placed on the agenda for May 20th for
discussion by the Board. Director Stewart seconded the motion. By unanimous voice
vote of the Board members present, the motion carried. Director Stewart asked that the
Police Chief be present for this discussion. Director Cazort asked the City Attorney, Tom
Carpenter to send out a memo on concerns about the constitutionality of this program,
and what point in the criminal process, the city is outside of liability for exercising this
type of program. Director Stewart asked for feedback on Surveillance TV. Mr.
Carpenter asked if this could be done on May 27th rather than on May 20th. The Board
agreed to this date.
GROUPED ITEMS:
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12. ORDINANCE NO. 18,859 - Z- 2790 -A — To reclassify property located within the
9100 Block of Kanis Road (south side) from C -3 (General Commercial District) to 0-3
(General Office District) 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, 0 no, 3 absent). Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the undeveloped
3.281 acre tract located within the 9100 Block of Kanis Road (south side) is requesting that the zoning be
reclassified from C -3 to 0-3.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 18,861 - To amend the Land Use Plan (16,222) in the Rodney
Parham District from various to single family, low density residential, multi - family,
public instructional, and open space along Mara Lynn as well as between Hinson and
Rainwood Roads; and for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 8 yes, 0 no, 3 absent).
Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Amendments in the Rodney Parham Planning District to
make the Land Use Plan more representative of what is currently developed and likely to develop in the
area.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 18,862 - Z -7377 - To reclassify property located along the north
side of Cantrell Road (Hwy. 10), approximately 0.4 miles east of Ferndale Cut -Off
Road from R -2 (Single Family Residential) to AF (Agriculture and Forestry District) 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, 0 no, 3 absent.) Staff
recommends approval. synopsis: The owner of the undeveloped 8.53 -acre tract located along the
north side of Cantrell Road (Hwy. 10) approximately 0.4 miles east of Ferndale Cut -Off Road is requesting
that the zoning be reclassified from R -2 to AF.
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15. ORDINANCE NO. 18,863 - Z -7378 - To reclassify property located along the west
side of Mabelvale Pike approximately 600 feet south of Interstate 30 from R -2 (Single
Family Residential) to C -4 (Open Display District) 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, 0 no, 3 absent.) Staff recommends approval. Synopsis:
The owner of the undeveloped 3.4 acre tract along the west side of Mabelvale Pike, approximately 600 feet
south of 1 -30 is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -3 to C -4. Item was deferred
16. ORDINANCE - Amending various provisions of Chapter 31 and 36; the 2002 -2003
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Amendment package. (Planning Commission: 8
yes, 0 no, 3 absent). Staff recommends approval. Held on First reading until may 13,
2003.
17. ORDINANCE NO. 18,864 - Amending various provision of Chapter 36, the Zoning
Ordinance, regarding Planned Zoning Districts. (Planning Commission: 8 yes, 0 no, 3
absent). Staff recommends approval.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 18,860 - Authorizing the issuance of a promissory note to
provide Short -Term Financing under Amendment No. 78 to the Arkansas Constitution
for the acquisition, construction and installation of real and tangible personal property;
and prescribing other matters pertaining thereto. Synopsis: In its meeting of March 4, 2003, the
Board adopted a reimbursement resolution authorizing the acquisition of up to $4,130,000 of vehicles,
equipment, and buildings the cost of which would be financed through the use of short-term financing.
Total acquisitions are anticipated to cost $4,238,434. With cost of issuance included, the amount of short-
term financing will be $4,250,000. The ordinance authorizes the issuance of the short-term note and gives
the Mayor, City clerk, and Treasurer the authority to take the necessary actions to complete the issuance.
The grouped ordinances were read the first time (excluding Item 15, which had been
deferred, and to leave Item 16 on first reading). The rules were suspended by unanimous
voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds in number, to provide for the
second and third readings of the ordinances. The ordinances (excluding Items 15 and 16)
were read the second and third times. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members
present, the ordinances (excluding items 15 and 16) were passed.
SEPARATE ITEMS
19 -35
19. ORDINANCE NO. Z- 4562 -B — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and
establishing a Planned Residential District titled Hickory Grove Long -Form PDR
located on the Westside of Hinson Road just south of Pebble Beach Woods Subdivision
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 rezone the site from MF -6 to PDR to
allow the construction of an 83 unit zero lot line owner occur pied townhouse development.
20. ORDINANCE - S- 1135 -C — 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 lots without public street frontage, a variance to allow
an increased lot depth to width ratio and variance to allow double frontage lots for the
Hickory Grove Subdivision Preliminary Plat located on the west side of Hinson Road
just south of the Pebble Beach Woods Subdivision. (Planning Commission: 9 yes„ 0 no.
2 absent). Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant proposes to rezone the site MF -6
to PDR and establish an 83 lot, zero lot lien development. The plat will require variances
The ordinances (Items 19 and 20) were read the first time. Melvin Mayfield spoke in
opposition of the item. Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort made a motion to
suspend the rules and place the item on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the
Board members present, being two thirds in number, suspended the rules to provide for
the second reading. Director Keck asked Mr. Carpenter, as a matter of parliamentary
procedure, what he would need to do to offer an amendment to not connect the streets.
Mr. Carpenter stated that it would need to go back to the Planning Commission because it
is a substantial change. The ordinances were read the second time. Director Adcock,
seconded by Director Cazort moved to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on
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May 6, 2003
third and final reading. Director Keck stated he felt there was sufficient reason to send
these items back to the Planning Commission. He stated that while the Master Street
Plan was modified to include this in 1995, this street connecting to Hinson Road was not
present at the time people purchased their property and felt this was a change that needed
to occur and asked to send the item back to the Planning Commission for consideration.
Mayor Dailey stated the spirit of the motion before the Board is to proceed with the third
reading. Mr. Carpenter stated if the ordinance were read the third time, it would require a
vote. Director Adcock with drew her motion to suspend the rules, and Director Cazort
withdrew his second. Director Keck made the motion to send the ordinances back to the
Planning Commission; Director Adcock seconded the motion, by a majority roll call vote
of the Board members present, the ordinances were sent back to the Planning
Commission for further evaluation. The vote was recorded as follows: Director Pugh,
yes, Hurst yes, Cazort, no, Keck yes, Stewart, yes, Kumpuris, no, Graves, no, Adcock
yes, Vice Mayor Hinton yes, Mayor Dailey no. Director Wyrick was absent.
21. ORDINANCE Z- 5224 -1— Approving a Planned Zoning Development and
establishing a Planned Commercial District titled TNT Fireworks Revised Short -Form
PCD located at 18220 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: 7 yes, 2 no, 2 absent). Staff recommends approval. (First Reading on
April 15, 2003) Synopsis: The applicant proposes to revise a previously approved PCD to allow the
seasonal sale of fireworks from the site. The proposed annual dates are from June 20`" to July 4th.
The ordinance was read the second time. Director Adcock made the motion to suspend
the rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading. Director Cazort, seconded
the motion, and by unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, being two - thirds
in number, the rules were suspended to provide for the third reading. The ordinance was
read the third time. Mr. Jamey Johnson, applicant, asked the Board to support the
Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the PCD. He stated the city
currently allows firework locations to sell directly outside the city limits, such as at
Baseline and Arch Street, and at Kanis, Kirby and Cooper Orbit Road. He stated they
were committed to improving the long -term safety of the area by installing fire hydrants
at this location at no cost to the city. There was discussion regarding parking,
organizations that would operate the business if approved, and the location of this
particular piece of property, parking problems, and placing this type of business among
residences, and which fire department would respond in the event of a fire. Mr. Keith
Jackson, representing residents at North Ridge Road, who are located directly behind the
petitioner's property zoning application. He presented a petition signed by five of the
eight residents of North Ridge Road in opposition to the application. He asked the Board
to turn down this application. Mr. Ed Jaros, speaking as a citizen, stated he works at
Fire Station 16, and has a pretty good knowledge of the area. He stated his biggest
concern was the City of Little Rock did not have the resources to enforce the mis -use of
fireworks within the city. He said every Forth of July, the Fire Department runs non -stop
on calls due to fireworks being used in the City of Little Rock. He said it doesn't make
sense to use manpower, and equipment on something that can be cut down on or stopped.
He said he was opposed to fireworks in general, and though personal knowledge, knew
that Children's Hospital always have an influx of new patients with injury related to
fireworks, and felt it was wrong to allow the sale of fireworks this close to the city limits
that would cost City tax dollars. Director Graves asked for clarification as to why staff is
supportive of the application. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and Development,
stated this property was zoned for Planned Commercial Development some years prior.
He stated when the request came in to sell fire works, at the Planning Commission level,
it was not the same type of discussion the Board of Directors is having tonight. He said
the Planning Commission discussion was regarding amending the PCD to sell fireworks.
He said it would have been the same discussion if they were selling firewood. He stated
that the discussion of not allowing this because it is in the City was not discussed. Mr.
Lawson stated as far as staff is concerned this type of business is allowed in this area. He
stated staff has told people over and over that the City is not going to enforce any City
regulations in its extra - territorial control, other than zoning. He stated for staff to
exercise this control was contrary to what has been done before.
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May 6, 2003
Director Adcock asked Mr. Carpenter, City Attorney, if because the neighbors have
concern, and feel it would cause harm to their neighborhood, could the Board vote not to
allow this land use. Mr. Carpenter stated he felt that was a valid policy decision.
Director Cazort asked if the applicant could reapply for a zoning change to commercial;
and then being outside the City they could sale fireworks as of right. Mr. Lawson stated
this was correct. Mr. Lawson stated staff would be opposed to changing the zoning.
Director Cazort asked Mr. Lawson if, they could go anywhere else other than this
particular location and sell fireworks as of right in a Commercially zoned area. Mr.
Lawson stated that was correct. Mayor Dailey called for a roll call vote, which was
recorded as follows: Director Pugh, no, Hurst, no, Cazort, present, Keck, no, Stewart, no,
Kumpuris, no, Graves, no, Adcock, no, Vice Mayor Hinton, no. Director Wyrick was
absent. The ordinance failed.
The Board was recessed at 8:00 PM for a break. The meeting reconvened at 8:25 PM.
22. ORDINANCE - LU03 -04 -02 - To amend Land Use Plan (16,222) to reclassify
property located at "A" Street and Van Buren Street from Office to Commercial.
(Planning Commission: 6 yes, 2 no, 3 absent). Staff recommends denial.
Synopsis: Land Use Plan amendments in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District from Office to
Commercial for future development.
23. ORDINANCE - Z- 5875 -B - To reclassify property located at 5101 "A" Street from
R -3 (Single Family Residential) to C -3 (General Commercial District) in the City of
Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock; and
for other purposes. (Planning Commission: 6 yes, 2 no, 3 absent.) Staff recommends
denial. Synopsis: The owner of the property at 5101 "A" Street is requesting that the zoning be
reclassified from R -3 to C -3.
The ordinances in Item 22 and 23 were read the first time. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of
Planning and Development, stated that there were two issues involved in Items 22 and 23.
He explained staff s position in denial of the application. Mr. Lawson stated the City's
Land Use Plan does not show this as a commercial area, it shows it as an office area, and
staff feels that line should be maintained at this point in time. He stated the more
important issues is that this is a small lot, a fifty foot wide lot, and by the time the
necessary right -of -way is dedicated the lot would only be thirty -nine feet wide. He stated
that nothing could be built on thirty -nine feet. He said the landscape ordinance could not
be met, the parking ordinance, or any of the required ordinances. Mr. Lawson stated he
felt this piece of property should not be rezoned, because it is known that it cannot be
developed without waiving all required ordinances, and he recommended that if the
applicant has a PCD or Development and wants to come in and present that development
to staff, they would be glad to look at it. Mr. Morris Harper, applicant, spoke in favor
of the ordinances. Mr. Harper asked the Board to approve the application due to the
question of equity. He stated that all lots in this area have been rezoned commercial
except this lot. He felt property values would be diminished if this property were not
rezoned. He stated he had heard no objection to this proposal. Ms. Ruth Bell and Mr.
Chris Barrier spoke in opposition to the rezoning stating that there was no problem with
the applicant coming in with a specific project and going through the process, but
objected to an applicant asking for a rezoning of an admittedly odd lot in terms of square
footage and shape , and wanting all the uses one could ask for on a C -3 zoning which is
pretty extensive, and were opposed to getting zoning the applicant can't use, and to the
process used for sending out notices. The rules were suspended by voice vote of the
Board members present, being two - thirds in number to provide for the second and third
readings of the ordinance. The ordinances were read the second and third times. A roll
call vote was taken and recorded as follows: Directors: Pugh, Hurst, Cazort, Keck,
Stewart, Kumpuris, Graves, Vice mayor Hinton, and Mayor Dailey voted no. Director
Adcock voted yes. Director Wyrick was absent. The ordinances failed.
24. PUBLIC HEARING & RESOLUTION - Z- 7270 -A - To rescind the Little Rock
Planning Commission's action in denying a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Sonic
Drive -In Restaurant on the C -3 zoned property located at 2917 Cantrell Road. Planning
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Commission: 5 yes, 5 no, I absent) Staff recommends denial of the resolution. (Public
Hearing was re -set April], 2003 for May 6, 2003)
Synopsis: The authorized agent of Sonic Restaurants, Inc., CEI Engineering, is appealing the Planning
Commission's action in denying a Conditional use Permit to allow a Sonic Drive -In on the C -3 zoned
property at 2917 Cantrell Road.
Mayor Dailey opened the public hearing. Mr. Jim Lawson, Planning and Development
Director, briefly reviewed the application. He stated this application was denied by the
Planning Commission (the vote was 5 yes and 5 no) that the rules of the Commission are
that it takes 6 positive votes for anything to be approved. He stated this property was
formerly a Steak and Ale Restaurant, and is currently zoned C -3. He stated the way the
City's ordinance is set up, a drive -in, as compared to a sit -down restaurant, is not allowed
by right and takes a CUP in order to do this. Staff's main concern is that there is no left
turn lane. He said there are places to pull in and order, there is a drive through window to
order and drive on, and anticipated this would create quite a few trips. He said the
application has been amended to state the applicant would not have music at the site, and
they agreed to not have an outside seating area. He stated the main concerns of the
citizens in the area is the traffic on Hwy 10, the noise of the speaker boxes of people
placing orders, and the fact that there would be a lot of vehicles coming in and out of the
establishment. Mr. Randy Frazier, the attorney representing the Sonic Corporation,
stated there are sixteen Sonics in the metropolitan area. He stated in this area there are no
fast -food restaurants. He stated Sonic statistics show that the customers who frequent
Sonic leave or work within two to three miles of that particular site. He said it does not
significantly increase traffic patterns because the people live and work in that area to
begin with, and that 15% of the business would be between the breakfast hours and 50 %
would occur during the lunch period. He stated this would not be as intensive of a use as
some of the fast food establishments. He stated that there are numerous fast food
establishments, convenience stores with gas pumps, laundromats, multifamily dwellings,
etc, that could go in this area by right, that would not have to come before the Board or
the Planning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Frazier stated they had met
with the neighbors, and listened to their concerns regarding noise, but unfortunately they
do not like the application and have the right to feel that way. Other issues addressed
traffic concerns, noise levels, and hours of operation, lighting, and parking, liter control.
Ruth Bell, Robin Mays, Mary Healey, Max Brantley spoke in opposition to the Sonic
application. Their concerns was the noise traveling up to their residence, saying they can
hear the speakers from Riverside Motors located on Cantrell Road, that the valley creates
a natural amphitheatre, the constant traffic seven days a week, the fact that City staff has
denied the application, were all reasons they would ask the Board to support that the
decision made by the Planning Commission. A motion was made by Director Graves to
pass the ordinance, seconded by Director Keck. A roll call vote was taken and recorded
as follows; Directors: Pugh, Hurst, Cazort, Stewart, Kumpuris, Adcock, Vice Mayor
Hinton, Mayor Dailey voted no. Directors Keck and Graves voted yes, Director Wyrick
was absent. The ordinance failed.
25. RESOLUTION NO. 11,509 — To authorize the City Manager to enter into purchase
agreements and air right leases with First Security, Little Rock Newspapers, Inc. and
Moses, Tucker Investments for the acquisition of property rights required to construct
Municipal Parking Garage in the River Market District and for other purposes.
Mr. Carpenter overviewed each of the items connected to the City Parking Garage.
Director Stewart stated none of the Board members have had a chance to review the new
material presented on these items tonight, and stated she had asked Mr. Carpenter earlier,
if there would be a problem in delaying action on this item. She said going back to
policy, any item the Board has not reviewed, her motion would be to set this aside and
put it back on next Tuesday, giving the Board a chance to review the new material.
There was no second to the motion. Mayor Dailey stated that the concept has remained
the same throughout the process, and that Mr. Carpenter sometimes works up to the last
minute on legal aspects, but did not feel this changed anything on what has previous been
discussed. Director Stewart stated that a policy was put in place, maybe four years ago,
that any document that is presented to the Board during a Board meeting and the Board
has not reviewed it, policy stated it is not to be acted upon, and that she had not reviewed
it. Director Kumpuris stated he felt the Board had gone over this issue enough, including
Minutes:
May 6, 2003
a week ago, where he went over all aspects of this project and that this project has a
domino effect. He stated when this is enacted, other things happen in the private sector
based on what the Board does. They cannot move forward without the Board approving
the ordinance. He said the week does make a difference in that situation. As a business
proposition, getting these two things together that has been worked on for a year and a
half makes a difference. Director Stewart stated that was not what Mr. Carpenter had
explained to her. Director Kumpuris stated this is an extraordinarily complicated set of
circumstances where the City has asked people to partner with the City and they are
making deals based on what the Board is doing. Director Adcock made a motion that the
Board takes a break, so that Director Stewart, and other Board members could review the
new information and to come back in a short time, and pass it. Director Keck seconded
the motion. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the motion carried
and the meeting was recessed. The meeting reconvened, and Mayor Dailey called the
meeting back to order. Mr. Byron Norwood speaking in opposition to the parking
garage stated he finds it appalling that this Board gets very creative when it wants to
support projects that it feels are important. Projects like the Rivermarket, or the River
Rail, which are more elective than actually necessary to support the entire citizenry of
Little Rock. He asked what is more important than providing basic services. He said he
did not consider the immediate need of the City to be a parking deck. He said this
creative ability diminished when there are projects that would really benefit the people
who pay the Boards salaries and elect them to their positions. Director Kumpuris stated
in order to have economic prosperity there has to be a long -range plan and thought the
Board has been committed to a long -range plan. He stated there has been the first growth
in Director Pugh's Ward in the history of fifty years, because people are coming back
downtown. There will be two projects on line in the next year or two that will bring to
the City 250,000 to 500,000 visitors a year that he hoped would spend lots of money, stay
in the new hotels, and increase the economic base of this community, and by this, the
City would be able to start doing some of the things in the neighborhoods. Director
Kumpuris said there has been an urban renewal of over 55 acres downtown, and thought
these were the long -term economic engines. Mr. Jimmy Moses, part of the development
team working on the First Securities Center, which would sit adjacent to the new parking
deck. He stated this center would be developed provided this parking garage is
— developed, that it would create a new $25,000,000 investment in the city and increase the
tax rolls by approximately $300,000 per year annually which would give the city dollars
to spend. Mr. Moses asked the Board to consider moving forward so that they could
confirm their commitments to make this project happen. The resolution was read.
Director Adcock moved for the adoption of the resolution with Director Cazort seconding
the motion. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, the resolution was
adopted.
27. RESOLUTION NO. 11,512 - Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract
with East Harding Construction Company to build the Municipal Parking Garage and
for other purposes. Director Keck made the motion for the adoption of the resolution,
Director Adcock seconded the motion and by unanimous voice vote of the Board
members present, the resolution was adopted.
28. PUBLIC HEARING & RESOLUTION NO. 11,510 - Authorizing the offering of
up to $14,000,000 of City of Little Rock, Arkansas Capital Improvement Revenue
Bonds (Downtown Parking Projects) Series 2003: and providing for other matters in
connection therewith. Mayor Dailey opened the public hearing. Mr. Biles made a brief
presentation over viewing the bonds, and the process to follow passage of the resolution.
Mayor Dailey closed the public hearing. The resolution was read. Director Cazort
moved for the adoption of the resolution, Director Adcock seconded the motion and by
unanimous voice vote, the resolution was adopted.
OTHER BUSINESS
29. RESOLUTION NO. — 11,511 - To authorize the Mayor to issue a letter of support
for a 198 Unit apartment complex in the Valley Heights Apartment project on Cantrell
Road. Synopsis: Approval of resolution authorizing the Mayor to issue a letter of support for a 198 -unit
complex in the Valley Heights Apartment project on Cantrell Road.
6
Minutes:
May 6, 2003
Director Adcock complimented the applicants for their efforts in meeting and working
with the neighbors on this project. The resolution was read. Director Keck moved for
the adoption of the resolution, Director Cazort seconded the motion, and by unanimous
voice vote of the Board members present, the resolution was adopted.
30. ORDINANCE - To require an election before any land that is dedicated for park
purposes, or shown on the Parks Master Plan is subject to alienation; to declare an
emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends denial. Deferred to May 13,
2003..
31. ORDINANCE - An ordinance to levy a one -half of one percent (0.5 %) Municipal
Gross Receipts and Compensating Use Tax within the City of Little Rock, Arkansas to be
used for Capital Improvements to City Infrastructure; to call a Special Election for July
22, 2003, on the question of whether to approve the levy of the tax; to establish a cap for
purchases upon which the tax can be levied; to declare an emergency; and for other
purposes. Deferred to May 13, 2003.
32. RESOLUTION - Of intent to create an Infrastructure Oversight Committee if
substantial funds for infrastructure improvements become available to the City; and for
other purposes. Deferred to May 13, 2003.
33. REPORT - City of Little Rock Board of Directors. Some of the issues brought up
by the Board were drag racing between Hwy 5 and Colonel Glenn Road, and getting no
response from the police department, and questions regarding the CATA Interlocal
Agreement.
34. REPORT - City Manager's Activity Report — Mr. Bruce Moore announced the
appointment of Mr. Guy Lowes to Public Works Director.
A motion was made by Director Keck to recess; Director Cazort seconded the motion,
and by unanimous voice vote the meeting was recessed at 10:55 PM to reconvene on
May 13, 2003.
ATTEST:
Na cy Woo
Ci lerk
APPROVE:
10
Dailey
yor