HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-19-99Board of Directors Room
City Hall — 500 W. Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas
October 19, 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, Cazort, Keck,
Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, and Adcock — total 10; Absent — None.
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 Lichty, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Director Adcock moved that Agenda Items 12, 13, and 14 be deferred as
requested by the Downtown Partnership and noted on the Agenda Modifications.
The motion was seconded by Director Pugh and unanimously adopted. Therefore, no
action was taken on the following:
(12) A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE PLANS FOR
DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK.
(13) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAND USE PLAN (16,222) IN
THE DOWNTOWN AND I -30 PLANNING DISTRICTS, ADDING A
LAND USE DEFINITION, REPLACING TEXT AND CHANGING
THE PLAN MAP; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
(14) AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE 12,700, C.L.R.
URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT, AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK,
AND RECLASSIFYING VARIOUS PROPERTIES IN THE CITY
OF LITTLE ROCK. (To rezone downtown Little Rock to "UU" Urban
Use and "R -4A" Low Density Residential Districts.) (Z -6730; Z -6731,
Z -6732, Z -6733, Z -6734; Z -6735, Z -6736; Z -6737)
Director Keck moved to delete Agenda Items 15 and 16 as requested by the
City Attorney and noted on the Agenda Mofifications. Director Adcock seconded the
motion, which was unanimously adopted. The two Ordinances had been read the first
time on October 5, 1999; however, in a memorandum dated October 19, 1999, City
Attorney Tom Carpenter requested they be withdrawn and not read the second time.
Therefore, no action was taken on the following:
(15) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS,
PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF MASTER STREET PLAN
RIGHT -OF -WAY REQUIREMENTS AND SIDEWALK
CONSTRUCTION FOR BROADMOOR SHOPPING CENTER
LOCATED AT 2900 UNIVERSITY AVENUE. (Pizza Hut)
(16) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS,
PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF MASTER STREET PLAN
RIGHT -OF -WAY DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS AND STREET
WIDENING FOR BROADMOOR SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED
AT 2900 UNIVERSITY AVENUE. (Pizza Hut)
There was a motion by Director Keck to add to the Agenda Item M -1 listed on
the Agenda Modifications. Director Adcock seconded the motion, which was
unanimously adopted. Therefore, Item M -1 was added to the Agenda. (See Ordinance
No. 18,112 below.)
Director Keck moved to reconsider the Ordinance on growth management.
The motion was seconded by Director Cazort, and adopted by a roll call vote of 8 ayes
and 3 noes (Directors Pugh, Stewart and Kelly). Director Cazort then moved to add the
growth management ordinance to the Agenda. The motion was seconded by Director
Keck and adopted by a voice vote of 8 ayes and 3 noes (Directors Pugh, Stewart and
551
_,--
552
Minutes
October 19, 1999
Kelly). Therefore, the Ordinance to declare growth management consultant a
professional service was added to the Agenda. (See Ordinance No. 18,113 below.)
(NOTE: The Ordinance to declare growth management consultant a professional service
was consider on October 5, 1999, but failed to receive the required two- thirds vote. See
page 6 of Minutes of October S, 1999.)
The presentation by the Arkansas School for the Deaf regarding Silent Sunday
was deferred until November 2, 1999.
Director Hinton moved that Item 11 regarding Stephens Area Neighborhood
Action Plan be considered before the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by
Director Keck and unanimously adopted. (See Resolution No. 10, 662 below.)
Mayor Dailey read a proclamation, which proclaimed October 19, 1999 as Alltel
Day in the City of Little Rock. Alltel is sponsoring Big Zoo Thursdays at the Little
Rock Zoo during the month of October 1999. Alltel representative Lisa Fowler accepted
the proclamation. Zoo Director Mike Blakely thanked Alltel for its support. Zoo
employees Lisa Bewler and Barbara Brown with Sidney the owl were present to promote
"Boo at the Zoo," which will be occurring October 22 through Halloween.
Mayor Dailey also read a proclamation declaring October as Arts and
Humanities Month in the City of Little Rock. Mr. Scott Carter, Executive Director of
the Arts and Humanities Commission, accepted the proclamation.
Item 11 on the Agenda was then presented, being Resolution No. 10,662, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IN SUPPORT OF THE STEPHENS AREA
NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN.
Following the reading of the Resolution, Mr. Henry Barton, President of the Capitol Hill
Neighborhood Association, made a brief presentation. Director Hinton then moved for
adoption of the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Director Adcock, and the
Resolution was unanimously adopted.
Consideration was then given to the Consent Agenda which consisted of the
following:
(1) Resolution No. 10,663, described as:
A RESOLUTION SETTING THE DATE OF HEARING ON THE
PETITION TO VACATE AND CLOSE ATKINS STREET BETWEEN CHENAL
PARKWAY AND WEST MARKHAM STREET IN HILLVALE ADDITION TO
THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. (November 2, 1999.)
(2) Resolution No. 10,664, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION SETTING THE DATE OF HEARING ON THE
PETITION TO VACATE AND CLOSE THE ALLEY IN BLOCK 11 OF
WORTHEN & BROWN'S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK,
ARKANSAS. (November 2, 1999.)
(3) Resolution No. 10,665, entitled:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH HEALTH ADVANTAGE TO PROVIDE
HEALTH CARE COVERAGE TO FULL -TIME EMPLOYEES AND CERTAIN
RETIREES FOR A TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1,
2000.
(4) Resolution No. 10,666, described as:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
AMEND THE CONTRACT WITH V.R. SMITH AND SONS TO INCLUDE THE
REQUIRED SITE WORK FOR THE LEE SCHOOL NEIGHBORHOD
RESOURCE CENTER.
Minutes
October 19, 1999
(5) Resolution No. 10,667, with the title being:
A RESOLTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION, INC. FOR ENVIORNMENTAL OVERSIGHT TO COMPLETE
DEMOLITION OF THE REMAINING TORNADO DESTROYED
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES AND THE CITY -OWNED COMMERCIAL
BUILDING LOCATED AT 1301 EAST 2ND STREET.
(6) Resolution No. 10,668, entitled:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH PATTON WRECKING COMPANY TO
DEMOLISH AND REMOVE THE CITY OWNED TORNADO DESTROYED
COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 1301 -1319 EAST 2ND STREET. (Not to exceed
$89,700.)
(7) Removed from Consent Agenda and considered separately as requested by
Director Pugh. (See Resolution No. 10, 671 below.)
(8) Resolution No. 10,669, described as:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, SETTING THE DATE OF PUBLIC
HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE, ADJUSTING RATES FOR WATER
PROVIDED BY THE LITTLE ROCK MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS AND
FIXING THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY. (November 2, 1999.)
(9) Resolution No. 10,670, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR AND CITY CLERK
TO EXECUTE DEEDS DEDICATING A PORTION OF FIVE (5) CITY OWNED
LOTS TO ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION AND TO GRANT
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS. (8121, 8717, 9007 AND 9217
Asher Avenue and 5105 Stagecoach Road.)
(10) Removed from Consent Agenda and considered separately as requested by
Director Adcock. (See proposed Resolution on page 3 regarding sale of lots to Danny
Lewis.)
Upon a motion and second by Directors Kelly and Hinton, respectively, the Consent
Agenda was adopted by unanimous voice vote, except Item 3 — Resolution No. 10,665.
Directors Keck, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly and Adcock recused on Resolution No. 10,665
due to a conflict of interest.
Introduced next was Item 7, being Resolution No. 10,671 described as:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REPROGRAMMING OF $140,000
FROM THE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP/LANDBANK AUTHORITY PROJECT
ACCOUNT TO CREATE A NEW PROJECT ACCOUNT, FY 1999 CATEGORY
ONE DEMOLITION; AUTHORIZNG THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO
CREATE THE NEW ACCOUNT AND TRANSFER FUNDS; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Pugh asked why the Ish House (1600
Scott Street) isn't on the list of all other tornado damaged houses instead of using this
money. Mr. Andre Bernard, Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, said
the damage sustained by the January 21, 1999 tornado was light. The reason the Ish
House is on the current demolition list for Landbank Funds is because of the extensive
burn damage and the time frame that it has been damaged. Director Pugh said she had a
problem with taking the $140,000 from the Landbank Fund. Director Adcock said the
City Manager has assured the Landbank Authority that the money would be replaced next
year. City Manager Cy Carney said this is one of the Board's critical needs projects.
Director Adcock then moved for the adoption of the Resolution. Director Keck seconded
the motion and the Resolution was unanimously adopted.
553
554
Minutes
October 19, 1999
The next presentation was Item 10, which had been removed from the Consent
Agenda, being a proposed Resolution entitled:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE DEEDS FOR THE SALE OF CITY -OWNED VACANT LOTS TO
DANNY LEWIS. (East 32 ft. of Lot 4, and west 18 ft. of Lot S, Block 18, Garland
Addition - located at 161911623 East Capitol Avenue.)
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Adcock said this item was on the
Agenda several months ago and is back on the Agenda because it was not completed in a
legal way according to our City Attorney. She questioned the sale of this property for
$2,000 because it is so close to the proposed Presidential Library. If Mr. Lewis is buying
the property to run a sewer line across it, the City can give him an easement for the sewer
line. City Manager Cy Carney said this property is not in the 27 acre site or the
moratorium area surrounding the Presidential Park property. Mr. Roger Fitzgibbon.
attorney for Mr. Danny Lewis, said this property is a weed lot over six blocks away from
the moratorium area. He said this is for additional parking and a drive - through for a
restaurant. Mr. Lewis has a catering service but hopes to expand it to include a
restaurant. After the discussion, Director Kumpuris moved to defer the Resolution for
two weeks. The motion was seconded by Director Keck and unanimously adopted.
Therefore, the proposed Resolution was deferred until November 2, 1999.
Consideration was then given to Item 17 on the Agenda, being a proposed
Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS PROVIDING
FOR A WAIVER OF MASTER STREET PLAN STREET WIDENING
REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTHONY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 7700 OHIO
STREET;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the
second reading of the Ordinance, upon a motion and second by Directors Keck and
Adcock, respectively, which was unanimously adopted. Following the second reading of
the Ordinance, Director Kelly questioned why staff recommended denial. Public Works
Director Chandra Waller explained that the boundary street improvements were a part of
the plan for Anthony School, which was unanimously approved by the Planning
Commission. Since then, Anthony School has requested the waiver. Staff is
recommending denial of the waiver because of the need for stacking space during peak
periods of traffic. The rules were suspended to provide for the third reading of the
Ordinance, by a vote of 10 ayes and 1 no (Adcock) being ten in number and two - thirds or
more of the members of the Board of Directors. Mr. Frank Riggins, Mehlburger
Engineers, representing Anthony School, said during a meeting with Public Works
officials, an agreement had been reached that if Anthony School signed its portion of
Ohio Street and enforced no parking along that portion of Ohio Street, staff would
support the request for the waiver. Responding to a question by Director Lichty, Mr.
Riggins said that Anthony School did agree to the street improvements at the time the
Conditional Use Permit was approved by the Planning Commission. Director Kelly then
moved to send the waiver request back to the Planning Commission. The motion
was seconded by Director Cazort and adopted by a roll call vote of 6 ayes (Directors
Pugh, Cazort, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock and Mayor Dailey) and 5 noes (Directors
Hinton, Lichty, Keck, Stewart and Wyrick). Whereupon, the waiver request was sent
back to the Planning Commission.
Item 18 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR A WAIVER OF MASTER STREET PLAN STREET WIDENING
REQUIREMENTS FOR CRACKER BOX LOCATED AT 8822 STAGECOACH
ROAD;
and the Ordinance was read the first time. Public Works Director Chandra Waller
explained that this waiver request is very similar to the preceding one. As a part of the
building permit, the applicant was instructed to work with the Arkansas Highway and
Transportation Department to incorporate improvements but has not done so. Director
Cazort moved to send the waiver request back to the Planning Commission and the
motion was seconded by Director Keck. Mr. Jim Hill, a realtor, speaking on behalf of
Cracker Box Food Stores, said this was not considered by the Planning Commission. Ms.
Russell explained that the land use was discussed by the Planning Commission and at that
time there was no mention of the waiver. The waiver request came as a result of the
555
Minutes
October 19, 1999
building permit. Those requests come directly to the Board of Directors. The motion to
send the waiver request to the Planning Commission for review was adopted by a
roll call vote of 10 ayes and 1 no (Director Wyrick). Whereupon, the waiver request
was sent to the Planning Commission.
A public hearing had been scheduled for this time and place by Resolution No.
10,654, adopted October 5, 1999, on the petition to vacate and close Rivercrest Drive and
Candlewood Drive between Candlewood Subdivision Phase II and 1300 feet north of
Cantrell Road. Ms. Carolyn Russell filed the petition on behalf of Char -Beck Trust. The
notice of hearing was published in the Daily Record on October 10, 1999, and October
19, 1999. Mayor Dailey declared the public hearing open at 7:10 o'clock P.M. Public
Works Director Chandra Waller explained that some time ago at the request of the
Walton Heights Subdivision, this street was removed from the Master Street Plan after
approval of the Planning Commission and the Board of Directors. The street closure did
not go before the Planning Commission due to the previous approval to remove the street
from the Master Street Plan. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and Development,
explained this property has been looked at for a number of different developments. This
applicant wants to put in a private drive to have five acre tracts. These five acre tracts do
not fall under subdivision control. Mr. Robert Holloway, construction engineer for the
project, said he had met with the attorney for Mr. Joe Whisenhunt (owner of property to
the south of the street closure) and advised him of the proposed plans. He had also met
with the Walton Heights Association. In order to avoid creating a problem for Mr.
Whisenhunt, the street closure will stop ten feet north of his property line. Mr. Joe
Whisenhunt, Jr. said his concern was the overall development of the property to the
north, having to do with the improvements on that road or any road that would go in there
because of the steep slope. Depending on how the property is ultimately developed, it
could be detrimental to his property downstream if retainage of water is not met. Mr.
Holloway said he had agreed to work with Walton Heights /Candlewood Neighborhood
Association to build a turn- around at the current terminus of Rivercrest Drive. Mr. Doug
Robertson, attorney for Joe Whisenhunt, said he had no objection to the abandonment,
but does ask that it be abandoned all the way to Highway 10. He was concerned about
the idea that this development would not be on the city sewer system. Mr. Holloway said
the development would be on the Little Rock sewer system and the water system. Mr.
Robertson said Mr. Whisenhunt did not receive notice of the public hearing. Mr. Herb
Rule, attorney for Char -Beck Trust, said notice was sent by certified mail but the return
receipt had not been received. Mr. Rob Zetterlund, 14115 Rivercrest Drive, spoke in
support of the street closure. Mayor Dailey closed the public hearing at 7:30 o'clock
P.M. and Ordinance No. 18,108 was presented, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF RIVERCREST
DRIVE / CANDLEWOOD DRIVE IN CANDLEWOOD SUBDIVISION OF THE
CITY OF LITLE ROCK, ARKANSAS; (Between Candlewood Subdivision Phase II
and 1300 ft. north of Cantrell 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 the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, with the
vote recorded as follows: Ayes — Directors Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart,
Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock, and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent —
None. Whereupon, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. (NOTE: Director Adcock
requested that the petition for the abandonment of the remainder of Candlewood Drive
all the way to Highway 10 bypass the Planning Commission and come straight to the
Board of Directors, as requested by Attorney Doug Robertson.)
At 7:35 o'clock P.M. Mayor Dailey declared a ten minute recess. The Board of
Directors reconvened at 7:55 o'clock with Mayor Dailey presiding and all Directors
present.
Consideration was then given to Item 20 on the Agenda, being a proposed
Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN
LANDS TO THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS AND MAKING SAME
A PART OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK.
(Chenal Valley/Wildwood Annexation — 1222 acres, more or less, located west and
north of the Gordon and Denny Road Intersection.)
There was a lengthy discussion from 7:55 o'clock P.M. to 10:15 o'clock P.M. regarding
the proposed annexation. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and Development, made
556
Minutes
October 19, 1999
a slide presentation, noting that the Little Rock Planning Commission had turned down
the annexation (3 ayes, 7 noes and 1 absent). Then the Planning Commission adopted a
Resolution asking the Board of Directors to do another study before consideration of this
annexation. Five issues were to be considered: fiscal and social impact, transportation,
land use, park sites, and school sites. This is the last phase of a plan that was approved in
1987. This is not a new issue. The Chenal Zoning Plan was approved March 17, 1987
by Ordinance No. 15,259, which zoned the entire area of approximately 3,000 acres. In
1986 the Board was thrilled to annex this property because they (Deltic Timber) had the
financial means to create their own city. Mayor Dailey then allowed twenty minutes each
side for support and opposition to be presented. Those speaking in support of the
annexation were Jack McCray (Deltic Timber, the developer), Ken Gill (President of
Little Rock Realtors Association), Jesse Mason, and Fred Stancil (President of
Greater Little Rock Home Builders Association). Those speaking in opposition to the
annexation were Hyatt Lee, Mabelene W. Hill, Jim Lynch, Ralph Desmarais, Nell
O'Neal, Ruth Bell, Janna Ferraro, and Susan Sims. Mr. McCray said that Deltic
Timber Corporation, working with the City Board, Planning Commission and the
Planning and Public Works staff more than a decade ago, developed a detailed land use
plan for the Chenal Valley area of Pulaski County. Deltic undertook a 25 year plan to
develop approximately 4700 acres of residential and commercial property contiguous to
the City's western edge. This annexation represents the final step in Chenal's master
plan. He concluded by encouraging the Board to approve the annexation. Mr. Lee asked
that serious consideration be given to requiring all undeveloped land annexed by the City
to include at least 20% dedication of open green space deeded to the City. Mrs. Hill said
that affordable housing is the key component that must be looked at in evaluating real
costs and benefits in major developments and urged the Board to vote against the
annexation. Mr. Lynch said the analysis given still falls short of the mark. We have no
ability at the present time to somehow balance who pays what as we bring areas into the
City. It is premature for this city to continue to annex large tracts of undeveloped land
without that issue being solved. He concluded by urging the rejection of this annexation.
Mr. Desmarais said if you look at this in sociological terms, there is no doubt that this
annexation is a disaster. This is a playground for the rich. The environmental issues
have not been addressed. We have a sick city. Mr. Gill said this is a wonderful plan that
has been well thought out and urged the Board to vote for it. Former City Director Jesse
Mason said the first movement from central Little Rock was to Pulaski Heights in the
early 1900's and this established the westward trend that we are still seeing and will
continue to see. He urged the Board to support the final phase of a plan that was
approved by the Board of Directors. Mrs. Bell said the League of Women Voters would
like to see a specific plan from Deltic to meet its commitment of some years ago to
provide affordable housing in Chenal and would certainly like to have a designated
public park in the proposed area. Mr. Stancil said this annexation will mean jobs and
revenue for the City. Mr. McCray responded to questions from Board Members
regarding the public park and trail system, improvements to Denny Road, marginal costs
versus average costs, etc. Director Kelly said we have not adequately measured the
impact of this annexation, and for forty minutes he discussed his concerns about the
report. He went through the lengthy report page by page and asked a number of
questions. Mr. Lawson, Mr. McCray, and Mr. Tim Daters of White - Daters Engineers
responded to Director Kelly's questions. Director Kelly said he still had a lot of
questions about the cost revenue summary but due to the late hour would hold them for
the next meeting. Director Stewart then moved to hold the Ordinance on first reading
until the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Director Pugh, and adopted by a
voice vote of 8 ayes and 3 noes (Keck, Adcock, and Dailey). The Ordinance was then
read the first time and left on the calendar for second reading on November 2, 1999.
Item 21 on the Agenda was a proposed Resolution described as:
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK, ARK. RESOLUTION NO.
10,054 (AUGUST 19, 1997) TO RESTORE IN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALL AUTHORITY OVER ISSUES OF ANNEXATION; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
Following the reading of the Resolution, which had been deferred from October 5, 1999,
Director Lichty (a former member of the Planning Commission) read a prepared
statement and asked the Board to support the Resolution, saying he felt restoring
annexation questions directly to the Board of Directors was the correct thing to do.
(Note: Resolution 10,054, Section 1: ".....assure that initial review of any annexation
request will be conducted by the Little Rock Planning Commission.') Mrs. Ethel
Ambrose, speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Little Rock Neighborhoods, spoke in
opposition to the proposed Resolution, and urged the Board not to withdraw the charge it
gave to the Planning Commission regarding annexation. Mrs. Ruth Bell, League of
Women Voters of Pulaski County, said the Board made a wise decision when it gave the
Planning Commission the responsibility to hear annexation requests and make
557
Minutes
October 19, 1999
recommendations to the Board of Directors. Mr. Jim Lynch urged the Board to reject
the Resolution and to rely on the Planning Commission, stating accountability is what
you are about. Assigning the Planning Commission a role in helping you ascertain the
ups and downs, balance sheet, growth issues, etc. of annexation is absolutely the right
thing to do. Mrs. Janet Berry, representing the Ligon Hut and West Baseline
Neighborhood Association, also asked the Board to defeat the Resolution, stating the
Planning Commission is a working democracy in action. Ms. Judith Faust, a member of
the Planning Commission, said the Planning Commission understands that its role is
advisory and that it does not make policy. Director Kelly reminded the Board that it was
a unanimous decision to place this task on the Planning Commission. Following
comments by the Board Members, Director Lichty moved for adoption of the Resolution
and the motion was seconded by Director Keck. The Resolution FAILED by the
following roll call vote: Ayes — Directors Lichty, Cazort, Keck and Mayor Dailey — total
4; Noes — Directors Pugh, Hinton, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, Adcock — total 7;
Absent — None.
Director Cazort then asked at what point we are going to create a set of
instructions we want the Planning Commission to follow in evaluating annexations.
Mayor Dailey asked City Manager Cy Carney to provide Planning Commission members
with any policies that give direction to the Planning Commission.
At 10:55 o'clock P.M. Director Lichty moved to waive the rules and extend the
meeting past 11:00 o'clock P.M. The motion was seconded by Director Cazort and
unanimously adopted.
Item 22 on the Agenda was a proposed Resolution entitled:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A BILLBOARD
LOCATED ON THE RILEY PROPERTY AT 1000 EAST MARKHAM STREET
WHICH WAS ACQUIRED FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PARK.
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Keck moved for its adoption and the
motion was seconded by Director Adcock. Responding to a question by Director Cazort,
City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated the City did an appraisal on this property when it
was decided it would be a part of the Presidential Park. We reached an appraisal amount
of $1.5 million. That amount did not include evaluation methodology for the billboard on
the property. Our negotiators at various times met with Mr. Riley. Mr. Riley countered
that he thought the appraised value was $2.3 million. There was some concern by Mr.
Riley that the value of the billboard was some $55,000. Eventually the City agreed to
pay an amount that was 23% above the assessed value of the property in order to avoid
litigation. Mr. Riley sent a letter on September 24, 1999, saying this does not include the
billboard. That letter was never acknowledged by the City. In November 1999 Mr.
Riley sent a letter for the sale of the property that listed four conditions including things
like who was responsible for any environmental damages, the closing date, an ability to
collect rents from the property until March 31, 1999. These were the only four
exceptions and the City got a warranty deed for the property. Mr. Riley contends that
the billboard was always to be done separately. There are conflicting stories as to
whether the billboard was to be done separately. Mrs. Riley contends that it was to be
done separately. Appraiser Sara Stephens contends that this was all a part of the
negotiations. City Manager Cy Carney said there is a dispute as to whether the billboard
was a separate issue. His thought was that the billboard was a separate issue. Mr.
Carpenter asked the Board to defer this issue for two weeks so he could provide
documents to the Board. Mr. Pat Riley said that in a meeting with City Attorney Stephen
Giles, the City's appraiser Betty Riley, Mrs. Sara Stephens, and Jimmy Moses, it was
proposed to him that if he would accept their figure for the land, they would agree to pay
$56,467 for the billboard. Director Hinton moved to delay the vote on the Resolution
for two weeks. The motion was seconded by Director Adcock and unanimously
adopted. Therefore, the Resolution was deferred to November 2, 1999.
The next presentation was Resolution No. 10,672, described as:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF INTENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS AND DILLARD STORE
SERVICES, INC., PERTAINING TO THE ISSUANCE OF INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS; AND PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS
RELATING THERETO.
7
558
Minutes
October 19, 1999
Mr. Paul Benham, an attorney with the Friday Law Firm, speaking on behalf of
Dillard's, briefly explained the project as being a new design, production, and technology
center to be constructed at Dillard's current location on Cantrell Road which will bring
approximately 600 new jobs to the City of Little Rock. The projected completion is April
2001. The Resolution was then read. Responding to a question by Mr. Don Darnell,
Mayor Dailey said there is no liability to the City in the issuance of Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds. The City is simply a conduit. Director Kumpuris moved
for the adoption of the Resolution. Director Keck seconded the motion and the
Resolution was unanimously adopted.
Introduced next was Ordinance No. 18,109, described as:
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A GOLF COURSE
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED IN THE
AMOUNT OF $646,800 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHASE I
IMPROVEMENTS AT FIRST TEE; (Located at the old Rock Creek golf course
behind Asher and University.)
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 Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly,
Adcock and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Item 25 on the Agenda was a proposed Resolution titled: "A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH THE FIRST TEE FOR A FACILITIES AGREEMENT AND A
LICENSING AGREEMENT." City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated the contract was
not ready, and asked that the Resolution be deferred until the reconvened meeting on
Tuesday. Whereupon, the Resolution was deferred until the reconvened meeting on
October 26, 1999.
The next presentation was Resolution No. 10,673, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A CONTRACT WITH RONALD SURRATT CONTRACTING, INC., TO
DEMOLISH AND REMOVE ELEVEN (11) TORNADO DESTROYED
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Adcock moved for its adoption. The
motion was seconded by Director Kelly, and the Resolution was unanimously adopted.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 18,110, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE DISPENSING WITH COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A SOLE SOURCE
CONTRACT FOR A 30 -DAY PERIOD WITH FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY,
INC. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $636.65; (To provide crisis intervention and
outreach services.)
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 Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly,
Adcock and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
The next presentation was Resolution No. 10,674, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY
TO PROVIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM OUTREACH SERVICES TO
LITTLE ROCK RESIDENTS. (Not to exceed $43,194.71.)
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Adcock expressed concern that there
was only one applicant for the contract. Ms. Barbara Osborne, Community Programs
Department, said over 400 notices were sent out, but only one bid was received. One of
Minutes
October 19, 1999
559
the provisions of the RFP is that the applicant have five years experience in providing
services to domestic violence victims. Director Adcock wanted to know why there is a
requirement of five years experience. Director Kelly then moved for adoption of the
Resolution. Director Keck seconded the motion and the Resolution was adopted by a
voice vote of 10 ayes and 1 no (Director Adcock).
Introduced next was Ordinance No. 18,111, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK, CODE SECTION 2 -243
(1988) TO DECLARE ENTERTAINMENT PROMOTION A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES;
— and the Ordinance was read the second time, having been read the first time on October
5, 1999. The rules were suspended to provide for the third and final reading 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 and Mayor Dailey — total 10; Noes —
Director Pugh — total 1; Absent — None. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared
PASSED.
Item 30 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance described as:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING
FOR MODIFICATIONS OF ALLOWABLE USAGE OF ALLEY AND LOADING
ZONES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
The Ordinance was read the first time and left on the calendar for second reading on
November 2, 1999.
Item 31 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDIN CE TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO SLAUGHTER ANIMALS
WITHIN TY OUTSIDE OF A PROPERLY ZONED
SLAUGHTE OIUSE TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
The Ordinance was read the first time and left on the calendar for second reading on
November 2, 1999.
Item 32 on the Agenda was a proposed Ordinance described as:
AN ORDINANCE TO PERMIT HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES WITHIN
THE CITY; TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION CODE ACCORDINGLY;
TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
The Ordinance was read the first time and left on the calendar for second reading on
November 2, 1999.
Consideration was then given to Resolution No. 10,675, described as:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS FOR THE LAND EXCHANGE
ADJACENT TO FIRST TEE PROPERTY ALONG UNIVERSITY AVENUE.
(Deed to Boyd G. Montgomery Trust.)
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Adcock moved for its adoption. The
motion was seconded by Director Keck, and the Resolution was unanimously adopted.
Introduced next was Resolution No. 10,676, with the title being:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS FOR THE LAND EXCHANGE
ADJACENT TO SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER.
Following the reading of the Resolution, Director Adcock moved for its adoption. The
motion was seconded by Director Keck, and the Resolution was unanimously adopted.
9
560
Minutes
October 19, 1999
The next presentation was Item M -1 on the Agenda Modifications, being
Ordinance No. 18,112, described as:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE RATE OF TAXATION OF
PROPERTY FOR CITY PURPOSES FOR THE YEAR 2000 FOR VARIOUS
FUNDS OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK;
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 Pugh, Hinton, Lichty, Cazort, Keck, Stewart, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly,
Adcock and Mayor Dailey — total 11; Noes — None; Absent — None. Therefore, the
Ordinance was declared PASSED.
Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 18,113, with the title being:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK CODE SECTION 2 -243
(1988) TO DECLARE GROWTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
At the request of Director Keck, this Ordinance was placed on the Agenda for
reconsideration, after having failed on October 5, 1999. (See motion before Consent
Agenda. Also see Minutes of October S, 1999.) The Ordinance was again read the third
time. Director Kumpuris said he found it a little frustrating that an idea he put forward to
try to resolve some of the frustrations that Director Kelly spoke of regarding annexation
has become such an issue. He said that since FUTURE -Little Rock he had watched this
issue cloud and divide this city every time it comes up. After some comments regarding
Paul Tischler's report related to FUTURE- Little Rock, Director Kumpuris asked that the
Board not vote on the Ordinance at this meeting; but wait two weeks. He asked that
during that time Director Kelly examine this issue and give the Board some indication, if
this Ordinance passes, whether he would be willing to work with that and move ahead on
the issue. Director Kelly then said if this passes he would be willing to work on it
because he was committed to trying to resolve it. Director Kumpuris said some felt that
if Paul Tischler were to review the growth issues today, his report might be different. He
also said that from the very start he had made it plain that he wanted to get Mr. Tischler
back because it would save some time and wouldn't cost a lot. After additional
comments by Directors Kumpuris, Kelly, Cazort, and Hinton, 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, Adcock, and Mayor
Dailey — total 9; Noes — Directors Pugh and Kelly — total 2; Absent — None. Whereupon,
the Ordinance was declared PASSED.
City Manager Cy Carney gave his Activity and Project Report, which consisted
of the announcement of the eight candidates for Police Chief; an update on the Public
Works Director selection process; and the resignation of Finance Director Harold Boldt
effective January 10, 2000.
Mayor Dailey assured the Board that he had been staying in very close
communication with North Little Rock Mayor Pat Hayes, Pulaski County Judge Buddy
Villines, and Bob Russell and others regarding the problems with the Alltel Arena which
is being constructed in North Little Rock.
No one had registered to speak at the time allotted for Citizen Communications.
There being no further business to be considered, the Board of Directors recessed
at 12:03 o'clock A.M. to reconvene on Tuesday, October 26, 1999, at 4:00 o'clock P.M.
to consider a Resolution authorizing The First Tee Agreement.
ATTEST:
City Clerk Robbie Hancock
10
PROVED:
yor Jim Dailey