HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18-99454
Board of Directors Room
City Hall - 500 W. Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas
May 18, 1999 - 6:00 P.M.
The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in regular
session with Mayor Jim Dailey presiding. City Clerk Robbie Hancock called the roll
with the following Directors present: Directors Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Stewart, Wyrick,
Kumpuris, and Kelly - total 7; Absent - Directors Cazort, Keck, and Adcock - total 3.
With a quorum present, Mayor Dailey declared the Board of Directors in session
and the proceedings of the meeting are recorded as follows.
The Invocation was given by Director Hinton, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Mayor Dailey welcomed members of Pulaski County Quorum Court that were
present. He also recognized members of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
Boy Scout Troop 12 that were in attendance as a requirement for the Citizenship in the
Community Badge.
Mayor Dailey noted that the City Web Site Presentation by UALR had been
deferred.
(Director Adcock enrolled at 6:15 o'clock P.M.)
There was a presentation from 6:10 P.M. to 6:18 P.M. on the Little Rock/North
Little Rock Community Youth Mapping Project Summer 1998 Report compiled by
New Futures for Youth. The project located and mapped the programs, supports, and
opportunities available to young people in central Arkansas.
(Director Cazort enrolled at 6:18 o'clock P.M.)
Consideration was then given to the Consent Agenda which consisted of the
following:
1999. (1) Approval of the Minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held January 5,
(2) Resolution No. 10,550, entitled:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH CRANFORD CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $987,094 FOR 1999 RESURFACING.
(3) Resolution No. 10,551, described as:
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE WILLINGNESS OF THE
CITY OF LITTLE ROCK TO UTILIZE FEDERAL AID MONIES FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO MABELVALE PIKE FROM GUM SPRINGS ROAD TO
56TH STREET.
(4) Resolution No. 10,552, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH AMI
ENGINEERING, INC. FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO MABELVALE PIKE, FROM
GUM SPRINGS ROAD TO 56TH STREET, A 1999 TIP PROJECT.
(5) Resolution No. 10,553, entitled:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AN ANNUAL PURCHASE ORDER WITH SINGLETON
ELECTRIC FOR ELECTRICAL WORK FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS ON AN
AS- NEEDED BASIS FOR THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK.
Minutes
May 18, 1999
455
(6) Resolution No. 10,554, described as:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR A NEW AFFORDABLE HOME AT 2210
SINGLETON COVE IN PARKVIEW HILL AFFORDABLE SUBDIVISION,
LOCATED IN THE JOHN BARROW AREA. (Jones & Mackey Construction Co. -
$68, 529.)
(7) Resolution No. 10,555, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR A NEW AFFORDABLE HOME AT 2214
SINGLETON COVE IN PARKVIEW HILL AFFORDABLE SUBDIVISION,
LOCATED IN THE JOHN BARROW AREA. (Jones & Mackey Construction Co. -
$61, 260.)
(8) Resolution No. 10,556, entitled:
A RESOLUTION SETTING THE DATE OF HEARING ON THE
PETITION TO VACATE AND CLOSE SHERMAN STREET BETWEEN 3RD
AND 4TH STREETS AND THE ALLEY IN BLOCK 14, POPE'S ADDITION TO
THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. (June 1, 1999)
(9) Resolution No. 10,557, described as:
A RESOLUTION TO REAUTHORIZE THE CITY OF LITTLE
ROCK TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ULAR'S MIDSOUTH CENTER
FOR LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO THE CITY'S PIT CONTRACTORS; AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES. (12 month term — not to exceed $80, 000)
(M -1) Added to the Consent Agenda was Resolution No. 10,558, with the title
being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF $185,000 IN
ATTORNEYS FEES IN THE CASE OF COATES V. LITTLE ROCK;
CONTINGENT UPON REVIEW BY THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE
COURT'S APPROVAL OF THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT; AND FOR
THE OTHER PURPOSES.
Upon a motion and second by Directors Adcock and Cazort, respectively, the Consent
Agenda was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
Item 10 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance described as: "Z -6628 - TO
REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED EAST OF AND ADJACENT TO THE
ALEXANDER CITY LIMITS FROM 11R -2" SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT TO 6'R-
7" MOBILE HOME AND "OS" OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS," which had been
deferred from April 13, 1999. Mayor noted that the proposed Ordinance had been
withdrawn by the applicant, as noted on the Agenda Modifications.
(Director Keck enrolled at 6:25 o'clock P.M.)
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 18,008, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE REVOKING ORDINANCE NO. 16,171 AND
ESTABLISHING A REVISED PLANNED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TITLED
RAINEY ELECTRONICS SHORT -FORM REVISED PCD (Z- 5537 -A) LOCATED
AT 19023 COLONEL GLENN ROAD IN THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK,
ARKANSAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES;
-- and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
2
456
Minutes
May 18, 1999
The next presentation was Ordinance No. 18,009, described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A DEFERRAL OF BOUNDARY STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR RAINEY
ELECTRONICS LOCATED AT 19023 COLONEL GLENN ROAD;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Introduced next was Ordinance No. 18,010, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A DEFERRAL OF BOUNDARY STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR
SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LOCATED AT 11301 GEYER SPRINGS
ROAD;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 18,011, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A WAIVER OF STREET REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUNCIATION
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH LOCATED AT 1100 NAPA VALLEY DRIVE
(Z- 3892 -A);
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
The next presentation was Ordinance No. 18,012, described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A WAIVER OF DRIVEWAY SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR COLONEL
GLENN COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION, LOT 28 (S- 1240);
(Located at the southwest corner of Colonel Glenn and I -430.)
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Introduced next was Ordinance No. 18,013, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 30 AND 31 OF THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS,
PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF DRIVEWAY SPACING REQUIREMENTS
FOR MERCHANTS AND PLANTERS BANK LOCATED AT 3421 OLD
CANTRELL ROAD;
Minutes 457
May 18, 1999
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Item 13 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance, described as:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLANNED ZONING DEVELOPMENT
AND ESTABLISHING A PLANNED DISTRICT- OFFICE TITLED ICM, INC.
— SHORT FORM PD-0 (Z- 6622), LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF KANIS
ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET WEST OF NIX ROAD IN THE CITY OF
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Director Keck asked if there are any drawings
of what is proposed. Residents on Honey Locust and Laurel Oaks are concerned about
the number of trees to be knocked down and what landscaping is there. Mr. Jim Lawson,
Director of Planning and Development, displayed the drawing, stating this is a small
office project and the only unresolved issue is the driveway. Staff had asked that the
driveway be moved to line up with White Road. As part of the Kanis Overlay, one of the
issues has always been to line up and have shared driveways. Director Keck asked that
the Ordinance be left on the calendar for two weeks. Therefore, no action was taken and
the Ordinance was left on the calendar for second reading on June 1, 1999.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 18,014, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLANNED ZONING DEVELOPMENT
AND ESTABLISHING A PLANNED OFFICE DISTRICT TITLED BAILEY
SHORT -FORM POD (Z -6640) LOCATED AT 1723 N. UNIVERSITY AVENUE IN
THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and
Development, made a staff presentation, stating this is a request to rezone the corner of
Cantrell and University. The Planning Commission denied the request to change the
Land Use Plan but did approve the Planned Zoning Development because it is for Mrs.
Bailey's use only. Mr. Lawson said it is very important that this is tied down to her use
and her use only. Director Adcock was concerned that large signs would be put up in the
yards. Mr. Lawson said this would be a small 3 ft. by 6 ft. monument style sign.
Director Kelly asked about parking. Mr. Lawson said only three parking spaces are
available. People will not be coming to the business — it is just a place for her to work out
of The Planning Commission found this to be a compatible use to residential. If the
Bailey's move out of the building, it will revert back to residential. In response to
Director Cazort's question, Mrs. Bailey explained her landscaping proposal. The rules
were then suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by
unanimous vote of the Board Members present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or
more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of
the Ordinance as follows: Ayes — Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart,
Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock, Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None;
Absent — None. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
The next presentation was Ordinance No. 18,015, described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A DEFERRAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY DEDICATION AND BOUNDARY
STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR BAILEY POD (Z -6640) LOCATED AT 1723
UNIVERSITY AVENUE;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the
vote recorded as follows: Ayes — Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart,
Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock, Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None;
Absent — None. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
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Minutes
May 18, 1999
Introduced next was Ordinance No. 18,016, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLANNED ZONING DEVELOPMENT
AND ESTABLISHING A PLANNED DISTRICT - OFFICE TITLED McHENRY
SHORT -FORM PD-0 (Z -6642) LOCATED AT 8210 HENDERSON ROAD IN
THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the
vote recorded as follows: Ayes — Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart,
Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock, Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None;
Absent — None. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 18,017, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLANNED ZONING DEVELOPMENT
AND ESTABLISHING A PLANNED DISTRICT - COMMERCIAL TITLED
FENCE WORLD SHORT -FORM PD -C (Z -6643) LOCATED AT 5810
STAGECOACH ROAD IN THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS,
AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the
vote recorded as follows: Ayes — Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart,
Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock, Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None;
Absent — None. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
The next presentation was Ordinance No. 18,018, described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, PROVIDING FOR A
WAIVER OF IN -LIEU CONTRIBUTION FOR BOUNDARY STREET
IMPROVEMENTS FOR AMERON INTERNATIONAL LOCATED AT 11605
VIMY RIDGE ROAD;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Mr. Bob Turner, Assistant Director of Public
Works, explained that in 1996 Ameron paid the City of Little Rock $96,000 as a fee in-
lieu of improvements for 1100 ft. of frontage along Vimy Ridge Road. In 1998 Vimy
Ridge was changed from a collector street to a minor arterial street. Now Ameron is
coming back to make additional improvements, and staff is asking for construction to the
minor arterial standards for the balance of the frontage on Alexander Road and also on
Vimy Ridge Road. Responding to a question by Director Wyrick, Mr. Turner said
Ameron could pay the in -lieu fee in the amount of 15% of the building cost. Mr.
Richard VonHor, speaking on behalf of Ameron International, explained the building
project, stating they are connecting two buildings that are now separated by two obsolete
rail cars, so they can have more use of the structure. The building construction will be
1870 square feet. We are not doing anything that impacts the road usage. Director
Kumpuris asked if the City grants this waiver and Ameron comes back later for another
building permit, does the City still have the opportunity to require street improvements.
City Attorney Tom Carpenter said the Ordinance could be amended to add language to
the end of Subsection a. 'for the purpose of an 1870 sq. ft. addition submitted for
building permit number Director Kumpuris then moved to amend
Subsection a. of the Ordinance to add the language 'for the purpose of an 1870 sq. ft.
addition submitted for building permit number Director Cazort seconded the
motion which was unanimously adopted. The rules were then suspended to provide for
the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on the passage of the Ordinance, as amended, as
follows: Ayes — Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris,
Kelly, Adcock, Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None.
Whereupon, the Ordinance, as amended, was declared PASSED.
Minutes
May 18, 1999
Introduced next was Ordinance No. 18,019, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 17,767 (JULY 7, 1998)
TO CORRECT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PARK AT THE
NORTHEAST CORNER OF CHENAL PARKWAY AND GAMBLE ROAD;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members
present, being eleven in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of
Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes —
Directors Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock,
Pugh, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Whereupon, the
Ordinance, as amended, was declared PASSED.
Item 24 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance to be read the first time only,
with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PHASED ANNEXATION POLICY;
IDENTIFYING ELEMENTS OF A PHASED ANNEXATION ANALYSIS,
REQUIRING A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
Director Keck said he had asked for additional information from staff including legal
review from the City Attorney, and he was not comfortable with having discussion before
the City Attorney had reviewed the proposed Ordinance. He wanted to wait until City
Attorney Tom Carpenter had time to provide the Board with a legal review. Director
Lichty didn't think that whatever Mr. Carpenter came up with would affect Director
Kelly's proposal regarding annexation. This is a significantly important proposal to start
talking about and he didn't see any harm in beginning dialogue tonight. The Ordinance
was then read the first time. After a brief discussion, there was a general agreement to
allow discussion without a time limit. There was a lengthy discussion from 7:20 o'clock
P.M. to 8:55 o'clock P.M. The first speaker was Mr. Turner Lloyd, III, 11 Wingate
Dr., owner of the Coffee Beanery at Park Plaza and the proposed Coffee Beanery Cafe at
Chenal Center. He urged the Board to think very carefully before deciding to limit
annexation to every five years. It would be more reasonable to continue on a case by case
method at the same time looking at a long range plan. Ms. Jayne Cia, 620 South Oak
Street, a Justice of the Peace of District 4, was the next speaker. She spoke in support of
the Ordinance, stating concepts of regional planning are beginning to take hold all over
the country. Those at the County level are frustrated by the ad hoc nature in which our
region is developing as well as how we seek to pay for that development. She urged the
Board to consider the need for an annexation policy that will allow time to develop plans
and create better strategy in order to grow our City in a healthy and smart way. (During
the evening two comments were made about Mayor Dailey wanting the City of Little Rock
to model the City of Atlanta. Mayor Dailey clarified that, saying the City of Portland,
Oregon, is the one he wants the City of Little Rock to emulate because it has great
regional planning as well as wonderful downtown redevelopment and reinvestment.) Mr.
Gene Pfeifer, 16300 Cantrell Road, spoke against the Ordinance. He cited the example
of the City of St. Louis which is ringed by dozens of incorporated municipalities robbing
St Louis of its logical growth and income. The City of North Little Rock is in a similar
situation. Years ago City Officials wisely joined with Arkansas Municipal League and
went to the State Legislature and got the right to control zoning beyond the City Limits
for five miles under extraterritorial zoning rules. Present development, particularly in
western Little Rock, requires the developer to put in more infrastructure than he needs in
order to provide for potential service to lands that will be annexed in the future. Under a
reimbursement agreement, for a finite number of years only, the developer can receive
reimbursement for the extra investment when lands further west are developed. Imposing
the five year moratorium would encroach on the limited time for that reimbursement. He
urged the Board to seek an opinion from Mr. Carpenter because both of these issues have
legal implications. Mr. Ralph Desmarais, 4821 Darragh Street, representing the Sierra
Club, spoke in support of the Ordinance and urged the Board to stop unplanned growth
and to devise a better tax plan to tax those west of University Avenue twice as much as
those east of University Avenue. Ms. Lou Ethel Nauden, 4400 West 2nd Street, co -chair
of Citizens for Accountable Growth, spoke in support of the Ordinance, stating the
proposal for phased annexation makes common sense. Make sure we annex only when
we need to do so. Mr. Shelby Woods, representing the Greater Little Rock Chamber of
Commerce, said the proposed five year moratorium on annexation is of deep concern to
the Chamber and the business community. The Chamber is currently studying the
proposed Ordinance and evaluating its potential impact on economic development, but is
not prepared to state its official position. He asked the Board to give the Chamber the
opportunity to come back after completing its evaluation of the Ordinance. Ms. Hattie
M. Taylor, 3820 Ludwig Street, spoke in support of Director Kelly's annexation policy.
459
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Minutes
May 18, 1999
Ms. Taylor said the John Barrow Neighborhood has not seen any benefits of growth. Is
this about money or is it about people? Mr. Hank Kelley, 13609 St. Charles Blvd.,
spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. He said for any community to grow in a
healthy manner, there must be room for large developments. Large businesses such as
Arkansas Teachers' Retirement, Arkansas Systems, and Acxiom, look at locations where
there is room for their employees. He urged the Board to help the real estate
professionals to create a balanced community. Ms. Darlene Mitchelle, representing the
Oak Forest Neighborhood, said there is little or no progress felt east of University
Avenue and urged the Board to slow down the westward expansion. Ms. Marlena
Grunewald, 11325 Rocky Valley, spoke in support of the proposed phased annexation.
Mrs. Kathy Wells, 2121 Gaines Street, speaking in support of the phased annexation
proposal, said she was concerned because what we have been doing has failed.
Annexation on demand has been supported by City leaders for years on the basis this is
the way to keep from losing population and to grow population, and we haven't achieved
that.
At 8:03 o'clock P.M. Mayor Dailey declared a ten minute recess. The Board of
Directors reconvened at 8:25 o'clock P.M. with Mayor Dailey presiding and all Directors
present.
Continuing the discussion regarding Item 24 (phased annexation) Mr. John
Flake, 4800 Hawthorne Road, spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. He said
limiting growth is not the solution to the City's expenses and its growth. Mr. Flake asked
the Board to defer the Ordinance and look for a better solution. Director Paul Kelly then
read a lengthy prepared statement in which explained his proposal. He said that in 1960
the City of Little Rock was 24 square miles; in 1962 it was 43 square miles — an 80%
increase. We are now at 120 square miles. That is a 400% increase in the land mass of
Little Rock in 40 years. He said he is not talking about stopping the growth of Little Rock
or stopping annexation. We need to be smarter about how we grow. He concluded by
saying he believed there are some severe questions not even being asked and some severe
problems not being addressed. Phased annexation allows the City to implement a capital
improvement plan. The question is how do we facilitate quality accountable growth and
still maintain the quality of life in the existing cities? The best example of the need for
phased annexation is paying the front end cost of the wastewater treatment plant in the
Little Maumelle Basin. No one doubts that we need it, that we will have to create it, that
we will have to build it to accommodate the growth out west. Director Kelly said this
proposed Ordinance is a continuation of his ongoing efforts to find balance in our growth
policies. Director Keck then addressed the issue, saying we have done a number of
things to revitalize downtown. (River Market, Doubletree Hotel, Bankruptcy Court,
Statehouse Convention Center, Pulaski County Court House, Acxiom, Kramer School,
etc) All of this was done without any type of restrictive annexation policy. He said he
does support some portions of the proposed Ordinance. The Ordinance was left on the
calendar for second reading on June 1, 1999.
The first speaker at the time allotted for Citizen Communications at 8:55 o'clock
P.M. was Mr. Brent Muse, 2120 West 17' Street, who said he has been trying since
December to get two street lights fixed on the corner at 2120 West 17' Street, which is
one block from Central High School. This is known to be a high crime area. He called
Entergy in November or December. He made his second call in February. In March, he
called Mr. Philpot in Public Works, who then called Entergy. The street light still has not
been fixed. Mayor Dailey asked City Manager Cy Carney to respond to the Board and
Mr. Muse by Thursday, and in the next few weeks to prepare an action plan that
addresses the overall street light system.
Mrs. Kathy Wells, 2121 Gaines Street, President of the Downtown Neighborhood
Association, was the next speaker during Citizen Communications. She spoke about
how the citizens are repairing damages in downtown Little Rock from the January 21,
1999, tornado, and read a prepared statement in which she listed the help needed from the
City.
The next speaker during Citizen Communications was Mr. Bill Haught, a
member of the Museum of Discovery Board of Trustees. He stated that the Museum
Board of Trustees unanimously supports the sales tax proposal which is to be voted on
May 25, 1999. It is a very important source of funding for the Museum.
Also speaking during Citizen Communications was Mr. Cliff Baker, retiring
artistic director of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, who supported the proposed tax
package to be voted on May 25, 1999.
Mr. Don Darnell, 7007 E. Wakefield Drive, was the next speaker during Citizen
Communications. He also spoke on the tax proposal, stating if it does pass, he would
Minutes
May 18, 1999
like to see more money go to the Pulaski County Jail and to the Healing Racism
seminars. However, he was opposed to the tax package. He referred to a report that
stated in 1989 the City of Little Rock received $35 million in taxes, and the last year
listed in the report that amount had doubled to more that $70 million. He asked where
did that money go.
The next speaker during Citizen Communications was Ms. Christie Godwin,
Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership. She said the Downtown Partnership
Board voted unanimously to support the tax plan. It will specifically help with
downtown housing, historic preservation, tornado damaged areas, and economic
development.
Mrs. Ernie Dodson, 218 River Ridge Point, spoke during Citizen
Communications, stating that EMOBA has reinforced its commitment to the tax
package. Mr. Jon Dodson, 218 River Ridge Point, also spoke in support of the sales tax
proposal.
The last speaker during Citizen Communications was Lt. Col. John Magness, 6
Sunset Circle. Mayor Dailey directed that the television cameras be turned off because
the material Col. Magness had presented to the Board was unacceptable to be broadcast
publicly. Col. Magness then read a prepared statement that contained scurrilous
comments about President Clinton.
There being no further business to be presented, the Board of Directors
adjourned at 9:26 o'clock P.M. to meet again in regular session on Tuesday, June 1,
1999, at 6:00 o'clock P.M.
ATTEST:
l
City Clerk Robbie Hancock
APPROVED:
yor Jim Dailey
461