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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-08Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — July 1, 2008 MINUTES BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING City Hall — 500 W. Markham July 1, 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, Wright, Wyrick, Fortson, Adcock, Richardson, Cazort, Vice Mayor Hurst (enrolled at 7:20 PM), and Mayor Stodola. Director Kumpuris was absent. Director Wyrick gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATION: Citizens Protecting Maumelle Watershed (July 1, 2008). Spokespersons were Herb Dicker, Berry Haas, Kate Althoff Mr. Graham Rich was present to represent Central Arkansas Water. The Consent Agenda consisted of Items 1 -3. 1. MOTION - To approve minutes of the Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting held June 3, 2008. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 12,720 Awarding a contract to Construction Management and Maintenance for Vehicle Traffic Signal Detection Loops at various locations Citywide. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement with Construction Management and Maintenance for traffic signal vehicle installation of vehicle detection loops. Bid No. 08- 236. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 12,721 - Authorizing the City Manager to execute renewal of the current policy with Midwest Employers Casualty Company for Worker's Compensation stop /loss coverage for a period of two (2) years, effective July 1, 2008. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The incumbent provider of this coverage has offered a renewal for the two (2) -year period at premium rates for both years, lower than the current year's premium. The Consent Agenda was read. A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Richardson to adopt the Consent Agenda. By voice vote of the Board Members present the consent agenda was passed. Director Kumpuris was absent. Vice Mayor Hurst was absent at the time of the vote. CITIZENS COMMUNICATION Speaker: Annie Abrams, Sue Marsh, Kathy Wells, Craig Wood and Clayton Johnson Topic: Opposing the reappointment of Ms. Jane Dickey to the Central Arkansas Water Commission, as well as the nominating process. Most criticism was directed at Ms. Dickey concerning her participation in settling a condemnation lawsuit with a developer whose land lies in an area by Lake Maumelle where the utility wants to limit development. The Citizens Protecting Maumelle Watershed said the ordinance proposed by Pulaski County does not include several requirements the plan adopted last year had suggested. 1 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — July 1, 2008 CITIZENS COMMUNICATION (cont) They asked the Board of Directors to press the Central Arkansas Water Commission and the Pulaski County Quorum Court, to improve the draft so it adequately protects Lake Maumelle. The group contended it would cost more for the rate payers to go with the county's ordinance, because the water utility would have to buy more land to make up for the ordinance's shortcomings. The utility's plan had recommended placing a maximum capacity of 100,000 gallons per day on all subdivision wastewater lines pumping out of the watershed. It also required five acres per house in low slope areas. County Officials removed that section to avoid the appearance of taking a person's property without compensation. Ms. Wells and Ms. Abrams presented letters which were read into the record and are attachments to the minutes. Speaker: Peggy Burns Topic: Complaint about property at 1309 W. 281h Street being unmaintained and unkempt. The Grouped Items consisted of Items 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10. Items 7 and 8 were held separately for discussion purposes. 4. ORDINANCE NO. 19,986 - LU- 08 -19 -01 - To amend the Land Use Plan (16, 222) in the Chenal Planning District from Multi- Family to Neighborhood Commercial and Community Shopping; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: A Land Use Plan Amendment in the Chenal Planning District along Champagnolle Drive, west of the future extension of Rahling Road, from Multi- Family to Neighborhood Commercial and Community Shopping. 5. ORDINANCE NO. 19,987 - Z- 4807 -I — Reclassifying property located on the north and south sides of Champagnolle Drive, west of Rahling Road from R -2 and MF -24 to OS, C -1 and C -2 (with conditions); amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the property located along the north and south sides of Champagnolle Drive, west of Rahling Road, is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -2 and MF -24 to OS, C -1 and C -2 (with conditions). 6. ORDINANCE NO. 19,988 - Z- 6957 -J — Reclassifying property located on the west side of Talley Road, 1,000 feet south of Colonel Glenn Road, from C -3 to C -4; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 9 ayes, I nay, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of the 11.4 -acre property located on the west side of Talley Road, 1,000 feet south of Colonel Glenn Road, is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from C -3 to C -4. 2 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — July 1, 2008 7. ORDINANCE NO. 19,989 - To amend Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, providing for a reduction of Master Street Plan Right -of -Way Dedication Requirements for University Avenue; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 7 ayes, 0 nays, 4 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes a reduction of Right -of -Way Dedication Requirements on the west side of University Avenue for the length of the property for the Park Avenue Long - Form PCD located on the northeast corner of St. Vincent Circle and University Avenue. 8. ORDINANCE NO. 19,990 - 4953 -B — Establishing a Planned Zoning District titled Park Avenue Long -Form PCD, located at the northwest corner of St. Vincent Circle and University Avenue. Planning Commission: 6 ayes, I nay, 2 absent, 2 recusals. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The applicant is seeking a rezoning of the site from C -3, General Commercial District to PCD as required by the Mid -Town Design Overlay District for new development. Several Directors and residents including Ruth and Jim Bell and Craig Wood, commended Strode Property (Applicant) for working within the city's design overlay district that prohibited backs of buildings from facing roads and limiting parking spaces, which are intended to promote an urban feel in midtown. Mr. Chuck Keller, representing Strode Property, said that parts of the project, a Target Store, could be open by October of 2009. Mr. Keller stated that over the months the design of the project has changed several times, with a new plan that rearranges parking, locates residential space over retail to a building at the corner of South University Avenue and St. Vincent Circle, and adds a two -story parking garage for the residential units at the same corner. Mr. Keller estimated that the investment in the property would range in the $70 million to $85 million range. The ordinances (Items 7 and 8) were read the first time. A motion was made by Director Adcock, seconded by Director Richardson to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time. A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Richardson to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present being two - thirds in number the ordinances (Items 7 and 8) were passed. Director Kumpuris was absent. 9. ORDINANCE NO. 19,991 - Condemning certain structures in the City of Little Rock, as structural, fire and health hazards; providing for summary abatement procedures; directing the City Attorney to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove said structures; declaring an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Two (2) residential structures in dilapidated and /or burned condition causing a negative environmental impact on the residential neighborhoods in which they are located. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 19,985 - Providing for the issuance and sale of a series of library construction and improvement bonds for the purpose of funding acquisition, construction and equipping of Library Capital Improvement Projects; pledging library tax revenues sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds; authorizing the execution and delivery of a trust indenture; authorizing the accomplishment of the projects; approving an official statement; prescribing other matters relating thereto; and declaring an emergency. 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — July 1, 2008 The ordinances (Items 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10) 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. The rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two thirds in number, the ordinances and emergency clauses in Items 9 and 10, were passed. Director Kumpuris was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS included Items: 11 and 12. 11. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE NO. 19,992 - To form the City of Little Rock Municipal Property Owners' Multipurpose Improvement District No. 706 -08 (Longleaf Recreation District Project); and for other purposes. 12. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE NO. 19,993 - G -23 -399 -To abandon Witry Court as public Right -of -Way. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owners of nine (9) residential properties abutting Witry Court are requesting that the street be abandoned as public right -of -way. The street will become a private street with a gated entrance. Mayor Stodola stated that he had not received any speaker cards in favor or in opposition of Items 11 and 12, and if the Board agreed, they could be grouped. There was no objection from the Board. Mayor Stodola opened and closed the public hearings. The ordinances (Items 11 and 12) were read the first time. Director Adcock, seconded by Director Cazort, made a motion 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 Keck, to suspend the rules and place the ordinances on third reading. The rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two thirds in number, the ordinances (Items 11 and 12) passed. Director Kumpuris was absent. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Stodola asked the Board to consider deferring, as they have done in the past, the Board and Commission appointments. He added that Director Kumpuris was absent and had expressed a desire to vote on the Central Arkansas Water Commission appointment. He requested that the meeting be recessed, and the appointments be made on July 8, 2008. Director Richardson, seconded by Director Cazort, made a motion to defer the appointments until July 8, 2008. A roll call vote was taken and recorded as follows: Directors Fortson, Richardson, Cazort and Keck voted yes. Directors Adcock, Hendrix, Wright, and Wyrick voted no. Vice Mayor Hurst and Director Kumpuris were absent. The motion failed. 11 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — July 1, 2008 Director Cazort, seconded by Director Richardson, made a motion to defer only the appointment to the Central Arkansas Water Commission. A voice vote was taken, and the majority was in favor. Director Wyrick voted no. The motion passed. Director Cazort, seconded by Director Richardson, made a motion to go into executive session to make Board and Commission appointments. The meeting recessed at 7:55 PM. Mayor Stodola called the meeting back in session at 8:05 PM. 13. EXECUTIVE SESSION & RESOLUTION NO. 12,722 - To make appointments to various City of Little Rock Boards and Commissions: Synopsis: Museum Board of Discovery, Arkansas Arts Center, Central Arkansas Water Commission, Little Rock Port Authority. Bruce Moore, City Manager, announced the nominations to the following Boards and Commissions: Museum of Discovery: Holt McConnell (appointment); Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees: Rush Harding (reappointment), Belinda Schultz (reappointment), Lisa Warren (reappointment), Jay Cranford (appointment), Jack Grundfest (appointment), Phillip Jett (appointment), and H. W. Wilson (appointment); Little Rock Port Authority: Jon Wickliffe (reappointment). Director Richardson, seconded by Director Cazort, made a motion to approve the nominations for appointment and reappointments. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number, the appointments were made. A motion was made by Director Cazort, seconded by Director Richardson, to recess the meeting to July 8, 2008, to discuss the Water Management Plan and consider appointments to the Central Arkansas Water Commission. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number the meeting was recessed at 8:10 PM. ATTEST: APPROVED: Nancy Wood, CMC Mayor Mark Stodola City Clerk 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — July 1, 2008 Director Cazort, seconded by Director Richardson, made a motion to defer only the appointment to the Central Arkansas Water Commission. A voice vote was taken, and the majority was in favor. Director Wyrick voted no. The motion passed. Director Cazort, seconded by Director Richardson, made a motion to go into executive session to make Board and Commission appointments. The meeting recessed at 7:55 PM. Mayor Stodola called the meeting back in session at 8:05 PM. 13. EXECUTIVE SESSION & RESOLUTION NO. 12,722 - To make appointments to various City of Little Rock Boards and Commissions: synopsis: Museum Board of Discovery, Arkansas Arts Center, Central Arkansas Water Commission, Little Rock Port Authority. Bruce Moore, City Manager, announced the nominations to the following Boards and Commissions: Museum of Discovery: Holt McConnell (appointment); Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees: Rush Harding (reappointment), Belinda Schultz (reappointment), Lisa Warren (reappointment), Jay Cranford (appointment), Jack Grundfest (appointment), Phillip Jett (appointment), and H. W. Wilson (appointment); Little Rock Port Authority: Jon Wickliffe (reappointment). Director Richardson, seconded by Director Cazort, made a motion to approve the nominations for appointment and reappointments. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number, the appointments were made. A motion was made by Director Cazort, seconded by Director Richardson, to recess the meeting to July 8, 2008, to discuss the Water Management Plan and consider appointments to the Central Arkansas Water Commission. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, being two - thirds in number the meeting was recessed at 8:10 PM. ATTEST: N cy Woo , CMC ity Cler APPROVED: W'�e4 Mayor Mark Stodola 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Reconvened Meeting— Minutes — July 8, 2008 Director Fortson, seconded by Director Adcock, made a motion to instruct the Mayor to begin negotiations with the City of North Little Rock to amend the agreement to provide for selection of commissioners by the governing body of both cities and provide also for a reevaluation of term limits. Director Cazort, seconded by Director Adcock, made a motion to adjourn. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: Na ey Woo , C C Ci Clerk 2 APPROVED: / 7 Mark Stodola Mayor