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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-08Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING City Hall — 500 W. Markham March 18,2008- 6:00 PM The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in a regular session with Mayor Stodola presiding. Nancy Wood, City Clerk, called the roll with the following directors present: Hendrix, Keck, Wyrick, Fortson, Adcock, and Vice Mayor Hurst, Richardson, Cazort, Kumpuris, and Mayor Stodola. Director Wright was absent. Director Fortson gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Stodola asked the Board to consider the listed modification: DEFERRAL: 21. RESOLUTION - Deferred to April 1, 2008 - To call upon sub -prime mortgage lenders and services for properties located in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to voluntarily agree to a six (6) -month moratorium on foreclosures; and for other purposes. A motion was made by Director Richardson, seconded by Director Cazort, to defer Item 21 to April 1, 2008. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the item was deferred. PRESENTATIONS: NCAA Official Welcome /Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Arkansas Literary Festival — Katie McManners Consent Agenda (Items 1 -6) 1. MOTION - To approve minutes of Board of Directors Reconvened Meetings of: February 12, 2008 and February 26, 2008. 2. RESOLUTION 12,666 - To approve the use of $59,074 for the construction of the River Market Pedestrian Bridge Stairways; and for other purposes. Synopsis: A resolution to authorize the City Manager to contribute funding to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for a project to construct stairs linking the River Market Pedestrian Bridge to connect Clinton Avenue through to the new Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Nature Center and the River Market Promenade. 3. RESOLUTION 12,667 - For Little Rock, Arkansas, as a Host Community, to approve the permitting of construction or operation of a new landfill within twelve (12) miles of an exiting high- impact solid waste facility, the Little Rock Landfill; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The landfill will contribute to the community infrastructure by being a permitted facility to accept recycling. 4. RESOLUTION 12,668 - To appoint the Rose Law Firm as Bond Counsel for the proposed 2008 Capital Expenditures Short -Term Financing Project; to express the City's intention to finance Capital Expenditures with the proceeds of tax - exempt short term bonds; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 5. RESOLUTION 12,669 - To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Cleveland Bailey as part of the Mid -City Targeted Neighborhood Enhancement Plan. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Mr. Cleveland Bailey is purchasing the property located at 2222 South Oak Street in Mid -City Targeted Neighborhood Enhancement Plan (TNEP) area. Mr. Bailey is requesting $13,982 in TNEP funds as part of the $70,160 rehabilitation project. The balance of the funds required for construction is provided through loan funds secured by Mr. Bailey. The application has been reviewed and is recommended for funding. 6. RESOLUTION 12,670 - To authorize the City Manager to extend the current contract with American Solutions for Business for the purchase of Fire Department clothing for departmental personnel. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The Little Rock Fire Department is requesting approval to authorize the City Manager to extend the current contract with American Solutions for Business for the purchase of Fire Department T- shirts for department personnel. The extension will be for a period of one (1) year. The consent agenda, consisting of Items 1 -6 was read. Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda and by majority voice vote of the Board Members present, Items 1 -6 were approved. Director Hendrix wished to abstain in voting on approval the Minutes for the February 26, 2006 Reconvened Meeting. Vice Mayor Hurst and Director Wright were absent. The Consent Agenda was passed. The Grouped items consisted of Items 7 -130 7. ORDINANCE 19,930 - A -313 — Annexation of certain territory located within Tract 98, Maumelle Orchard Addition to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County, Arkansas; five (5) acres of property ( Maumelle Orchard Annexation). Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Annexation of approximately five (5) acres to the west of the Bouresse Drive / Bouresse Court intersection, surrounded on parts of all four (4) sides by the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. 8. ORDINANCE 19,931 - Z -8296 — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Office District titled Trice Surgery Center Short -Form POD, located on the southeast corner of Kanis Road and Labelle Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is proposing a rezoning of this site from R -2, Single- Family to POD, to allow the construction of a medical office /surgery center on this 1.99 acres site. 9. ORDINANCE 19,932 - Z- 3769 -C — Repealing Ordinance 14,211 and revoking a Planned Zoning District titled The Wright - Holman Estate PRD, located at 3 518 Hill Road, in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant requests that the existing PRD zoning be revoked and the property revert to its original R -2, Single - Family District zoning. 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 10. ORDINANCE 19,933 - Z- 6808 -A — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Office District titled Robertson Properties, LLC Revised Short -Form, POD, located at 14109 Taylor Loop Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is seeking a revision to the previously approved POD to allow an approximately 1,750 square foot addition of office space to the rear of the structure and additional parking. 11. ORDINANCE 19,934 - LU- 08- 03 -01— To amend the Land Use Plan (16,222) in the West Little Rock Planning District at 7801 Cantrell Road, south of Biscayne Drive and west of Watt Street, from Office to Mixed Office Commercial; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A Land Use Plan Amendment in the West Little Rock Planning District from Office to Mixed Office Commercial for future development. 12. ORDINANCE 19,935 - Z -8310 — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Office District titled Smith Development Short -Form POD, located at 7801 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is proposing a rezoning of the site from 0-3, General Office District and C -3, General Commercial District to POD to allow the redevelopment the site in a two (2) phase development allowing for office and commercial uses. 13. ORDINANCE 19,936 - Z- 6204 -B — Approving a Planned Zoning Development and establishing a Planned Office District titled Reality of the Gospel World Outreach Short - Form, POD, located at 9101 Lew Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is seeking a rezoning of the site from its present R -2, Single - Family to POD zoning to allow the existing building to be used as a ministry headquarters to house executive offices and a small studio /chapel for prayer and worship services. Director Cazort seconded by Director Richardson made a motion to add items 19 and 20 to the list of grouped items. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number the items were added to the list. The ordinances (Items 7 -13 and Items 19 and 20) were read the first time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinances were passed. Vice Mayor Hurst and Director Wright were absent. 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 14 —15) 14. ORDINANCE 19,937 - LU07 -16 -02 — To amend the Land Use Plan (16,222) in the Otter Creek Planning District from Single - Family to Neighborhood Commercial; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Deferred from 3 -4 -08. Synopsis: Land Use Plan amendment in the Otter Creek Planning District from Single Family to Neighborhood Commercial for future development. 15. ORDINANCE - Held on 1St Reading - Z -8286 — Reclassifying property located on the east side of Vimy Ridge Road, approximately 250 feet north of County Line Road, from R -2 to C -1. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Deferred from 03- 04 -08. (Three readings were held on 3 -4 -08, but no vote action was taken). Synopsis: The owner of the 2.519 acre tract located along the east side of Vimy Ridge Road, approximately 250 feet north of County Line Road, is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -2 to C -1. There was lengthy discussion regarding items 14 and 15. Director Wyrick stated this is a narrow road with deep ditches and did not see extending the area to more commercial development any further into the residential area. She stated there had been questions at the last meeting regarding the drawings that were presented at that time. In particular the land use map, which showed to be more of a square area; and the rezoning area to be more of a trapezoid, and asked if staff had reviewed this, and if they could overview their findings. Mr. Tony Bozynski stated on the original sketch from Planning, it showed a square area, and this is due to staff generalizing the area, as they have in the past, and just drew a representative plan. Planning staff did review this, and have drawn a new sketch which shows a little better sketch of what was representative in regard to the land use planning amendment. He stated the zoning map is based on a land survey and it is very close to what was shown on the original drawing at the last meeting. He stated the rezoning map is more accurate than the map which was modified to be more in keeping with the request. He stated the applicant is present, and was prepared to make some more restrictive amendments to the ordinance, and move the development further away from the residences. Mr. Bozynski stated the applicant has asked for amendments to the ordinance which included a 25 foot area along the rear of the property line which would be left in the current state with additional vegetation added to create the necessary screening. He also proposed a thirty -five foot building set back which runs along the property line for some distance and then bumps out as it gets closer to the north property line, to about one hundred and fifty feet. Director Cazort asked if the ordinance had been amended to reflect this. Mr. Bozynski stated no, that he believed that the applicant was prepared to offer the amendments tonight. Director Hendrix asked Mr. Bozynski if the applicant is in compliance. Mr. Bozynski stated the applicant had complied with all the necessary steps to get the item to the Planning Commission and to this Board. Director Adcock stated in looking at the drawings this development looked really close to the residents, and stated they have tried to keep the area residential due to the closeness of the proposed development. She said these properties have a common boundary and then there is also the issue of the ditch along the property line. Director Hendrix asked Mr. Bozynski if there had been any citizen input regarding this development. Mr. Bozynski told the Board that all the required notices had been done, and that there had been very few calls from citizens to staff regarding this development. 11 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 His staff reported that most of the calls received were in support of the development because they believed there was a need for neighborhood commercial development in this neighborhood. H stated that there was no one who spoke in opposition at the Planning Commission meeting. Mayor Stodola recognized the applicant, Mr. Bob Roberts. Mr. Roberts proposed a thirty -five foot building line form the rear property line and one hundred and fifty feet from the corner property line which screens the back yards of the residences. He said there would be no permanent building in this corner, but they would possibly use it for parking, or there may be some grading of the area. He offered a proposal of twenty -five foot of landscaping and would improve the areas where it is not as dense between the two property lines. He asked for an amendment to include the twenty -five foot landscape buffer and the thirty -five foot building line, and stated no vegetation would be destroyed, but rather would be added to. Mayor Stodola asked what buffer would be required. Mr. Bozynski stated the buffer is to function as a screen, and would require a dense or evergreen planting and or a fence. Mayor Stodola asked how high a fence would be required. Mr. Bozynski answered that he didn't know off hand, but that a fence is typically 6 feet. Director Cazort, seconded by Director Fortson made a motion to make the proposed amendments to the ordinance by the applicant; a thirty -five foot setback building line, and a twenty -five foot landscape buffer consistent with a six foot fence, or as referenced by the land ordinance. Director Adcock said she did not have a problem with no buildings in the corner lot area close to the residences, but she did have a problem with it possibly being a parking lot, which in her opinion would create a lot more problems because of the noise created by the opening and closing of vehicles, the voices of people in the lots, big trucks coming in to load and unload merchandise, and said this development was to close to residential homes. Director Wyrick expressed appreciation to the applicant for coming forward, but said that this is really close to Irish Spring Estates, and this is a fragile neighborhood, which has several houses for sale now, and felt any action bring in more trucks and cars, and with the way sound travels, did not think this was a good fit. She went on to say, that this development would benefit more of the people living in Saline County than in Little Rock because of the location; that there were hundreds of homes being built not too far from this site that were not in the city, but would benefit more than the citizens in the immediate area. Mayor Stodola called for a roll call vote on the amendment as proposed by the applicant. Keck Kumpuris, Fortson, Cazort, Hendrix, Richardson, Wyrick voted yes. Directors Adcock and Wyrick voted no. The amendment was added to the ordinance. Vice Mayor Hurst and Director Wright were absent. The Ordinance (Item 15) was read the first time. A motion was made by Director Cazort, seconded by Director Fortson to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. Mayor Stodola called for a roll call vote which was taken and recorded as: Directors Hendrix, Richardson, Cazort, Keck, Kumpuris, Fortson voting yes, and Directors Adcock and Wyrick voting no. Vice Mayor Hurst and Director Wright were absent. 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 Director Cazort called for the question on Item 14 since all three readings had already taken place, Director Richardson seconded the motion. Mayor Stodola asked for a roll call vote which was taken and recorded as: Hendrix, Richardson, Cazort, Keck, Kumpuris, Fortson voted in favor. Directors Adcock and Wyrick voted in opposition. Vice Mayor Hurst and Director Wright were absent. The motion failed and the item was left on first reading. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Items 16 —18) 16. PUBLIC HEARING &ORDINANCE 19,938 - G -24 -020 - To abandon a ten (10) —foot wide utility easement located in Lots 7R, 8R and 9R of Mystery Manor Addition Planning Commission: 8 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owners of the subject property are requesting abandonment of a ten (10) — foot wide utility easement located within the property at 9101 Lew Drive. Mayor Stodola opened the public hearing. There were no speakers present to speak in favor or in opposition to the item. Mayor Stodola closed the public hearing. 17. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE - Deferred to April 1, 2008 - G -23 -395 — To abandon portions of Crosby Drive, Ventura Avenue, Bedford Drive and East 10th Street and alleys located within and adjacent to Blocks 36 and 43, Industrial Park Addition, Little Rock, Arkansas. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Little Rock National Airport, adjacent property owner request to abandon portions of Crosby Drive, Ventura Avenue, Bedford Drive and East 1Oth Street and alleys located within and adjacent to Blocks 36 and 43, Industrial Park Addition, Little Rock, Arkansas. 18. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE - Deferred to April 1, 2008 - G -23 -396 — To abandon portions of Corning Drive, Selma and East 10th Streets and alleys located within and adjacent to Blocks 6 and 15, Industrial Park Addition; Little Rock, Arkansas. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Little Rock National Airport, adjacent property owner, request to abandon portions Corning Drive, Selma and East IOth Streets and alleys located within and adjacent to Blocks 6 and 15, Industrial Park Addition; Little Rock, Arkansas. A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Adcock to defer Items 17 and 18 for two weeks. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the motion carried and the items were deferred to April 1, 2008. OTHER BUSINESS (Items 19 - 22) 19. ORDINANCE 19,939 - To authorize the Little Rock Police Department to purchase cellular video surveillance camera systems in the amount of $74,870 as part of the COPS Methamphetamine Initiative Grant Project. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The Little Rock Police Department is requesting approval to purchase new covert surveillance systems which feature Sony wireless transmitters and enhanced video reproduction from a sole source vendor as part of the COPS Methamphetamine Grant Project. The amount of the purchase is $74,870. 20. ORDINANCE 19,940 - To authorize the Little Rock Police Department to purchase mobile audio and video equipment in the amount of $70,797.35 as part of the COPS Methamphetamine Initiative Grant Project. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The Little Rock Police Department is requesting approval to purchase new mobile audio and video recording equipment from a sole source vendor as part of the COPS Methamphetamine Grant Project. The amount of the purchase is $70,797.35. (See Grouped Items) 0 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008 21. RESOLUTION - Deferred to April 1, 2008 - To call upon sub -prime mortgage lenders and services for properties located in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to voluntarily agree to a six (6) -month moratorium on foreclosures; and for other purposes. (See Grouped Items) 22. EXECUTIVE SESSION & RESOLUTION 12,671 - To make appointments to the City of Little Rock Land Bank Commission and the City of Little Rock Racial Cultural Diversity Commission. Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort made a motion to recess to go into executive session to make appointments to the City of Little Rock Land Bank Commission and the City of Little Rock Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was recessed at 7:15 PM. The meeting reconvened at 9:20 PM and the meeting was called back in session by Mayor Stodola. Mr. Bruce Moore, City Manager made the following nominations for appointments: Racial Cultural Diversity Commission: Judy Green, appointment to a 3 year term, Christopher Love, appointed to a three year term, Teresa Belew Sporles, appointed to a three year term, Voumna El- Sabaa, appointed to serve an unexpired term left vacant by the resignation of Hatim Smouni, Charles Armstrong, appointed to serve an unexpired term representing the Little Rock School Board. Land Bank Commission: Little Rock Housing Authority, H. Bradley Walker, Little Rock Community Housing Board, Mike Robinson, Low /Moderate Income Housing, Andrew V. Francis, Housing Industry, Willis Smith, Financial Institution, Hillis Schild, At Large Position, Grace Hayes Blagdon (Ward 1), At Large Position, Susan Chan (Ward 3 position), At Large position, Arlen Jones (Ward 5 position),At Large Position, Keith Wingfield (Ward 4 position).A motion was made by Director Cazort, seconded by Director Kumpuris to accept the nominations and make the appointments. - By majority voice vote of the Board members present, the appointments were made. Director Richardson voted no on the nomination and appointments to the Little Rock Land Bank Commission. The resolution to make the appointments was adopted. There was no one present who wished to speak during Citizens Communications. A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Cazort to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. ATTEST: Nancy ood, FNfC City Clerk APPROVED: Mark Stodola Mayor 7