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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-09Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM Little Rock Board of Direc ors Meeting February 17, 2009 6:00 PM The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in regular session with Mayor Mark Stodola presiding. C ty Clerk Nancy Wood called the roll with the following Directors present: Hendrix; Cazort; Adcock; Richardson; Kumpuris; Wright; Hurst; Vice Mayor Fortson; and Mayor Stodola. Direc I ors Wyrick and Keck were absent. Director Cazort delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Director Cazort made a motion, seconded by Director Adcock, to defer Item 13. Mayor Stodola stated that he had a card f om an individual who wished to speak on the item regarding the deferral, and there was no o jection from the Board. Mr. Joseph Busby stated that the property in question belongs to an individual who lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and that he makes a practice out of repeatedly de erring items, in an attempt to wear down the neighborhoods, so that that will they quit coming to the meetings to voice their opposition. Mr. Busby felt that this was a technique utilized by the individual in an attempt to have his items passed without opposition. The item had been deferred from December 22, 2008, to February 17, 2009, and this would be the second deferral. Director Cazort stated he did not object to the deferral; however, the hearing date should be certain. There was Board discussion with input from the Planning Department Director. The Board set March 3, 2009, as the date of the next public hearing. By unanimous voice vote of the Board members present, Item 13 was deferred, and the public hearing date was set for March 3, 2009. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1— 6): 1. RESOLUTION NO. 12,932: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Aercor Wireless, Inc., for the purchase of NetMotion Communication Software for 200 remote devices utilized by the Little Rock Police Department, Housing & Neighborhood Programs Department and Planning & Development Department in the amount of $63,300, plus fees and taxes; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: To purchase NetMotion communication software for 200 remote devices from Aercor Wireless, Inc. This software will create the required secure connections from these devices to the City's network for the Little Rock Police Department, Housing & Neighborhood Programs Department and Planning & Development Department. 2. RESOLUTION No. 12,933; G -23- 370 -A: Setting the date of public hearing for March 3, 2009, as the date of hearing on the petition to abandon a portion of Block 3, Fairview Addition and adjacent rights -of -way, Little Rock, Arkansas, as public right -of -way; and for other purposes. Planning Commission 10 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The property owner requests to abandon the remaining portions of the undeveloped streets and lots platted within the northwest portion of Block 3, Fairview Addition and return them to acreage description. 1 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM 3. RESOLUTION NO. 12934; G -23 -405: Setting the date of public hearing for March 3, 2009, as the date of hearing on the petition to abandon the east twenty (20) feet of the eighty (80) -foot wide Candlewood Drive Right -of -Way, running north of Cantrell Road for approximately 600 feet, Little Rock, Arkansas, as a public right -of -way; and for other purposes. Planning Commission 10 ayes, 0 nays and I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The adjacent property owners are requesting to abandon the east twenty (20) feet of the eighty (80) -foot wide Candlewood Drive right -of -way, running north of Cantrell Road for approximately 600 feet. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 12,935: Authorizing the City Manager to purchase nine (9) mid -size, pursuit -rated police vehicles from Bale Chevrolet, the awarded vendor through the 2009 State Contract SP -09 -0028; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manger to purchase nine (9) mid -size, pursuit -rated Police Cars from Bale Chevrolet, for a total of $169,902. 5. RESOLUTION NO. 12,936: Authorizing the Finance Department Director to enter into a rental contract with Xerox Corporation, through the State of Arkansas Contract 4072190900, for rental of a color copier for the Print Shop; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Approval for a three (3) -year rental of a Xerox Docucolor 252 Color Copier for the Print Shop. This contract will be through the State of Arkansas Contract #072190900. The contract will have funding out clause; therefore, the City is only obligated for one (1) -year and the contract may be cancelled if funding is not available. 6. RESOLUTION NO. 12,937: Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with IBM Corporation, through the Arkansas State IBM WSCA Computer Contract 4A63311, to provide a SAN Storage System for the purpose of remote back -ups for all City Departments; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: To purchase a SAN Storage System for the purpose of remote back -ups from the IBM Corporation. This system will add disaster recovery support to all the City Departments. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to adopt the Consent Agenda. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Consent Agenda was adopted. CITIZEN'S COMMUNCIATION: There were no speakers present to speak at the Citizen's Communications. GROUPED ITEMS (ITEMS 7 — 8): 7. ORDINANCE NO. 20,076; Z- 7799 -A: Reclassifying property located in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes; 0 nays; and I absent. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: The owner of 2.88 acres of property located at the northeast corner of Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road, at the Northeast corner of Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road, is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from 0-2 to C -3. 0J Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM 8. ORDINANCE NO. 20,077; Z -8395: Reclassifying property located at 6723 Colonel Glenn Road from C -3 to C -4 (with conditions) in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 7 ayes; 0 nays; 2 absent, 2 open positions. Staff recommends approval. (Deferred from December 22, 2008) Synopsis: The owner of the 4.14 -acre property located at 6723 Colonel Glenn Road is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from C -3 to C -4 (with conditions). The ordinances were read the first time and Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Hurst, 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. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Hurst, 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, the ordinances were approved. SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 9 —11): 9. RESOLUTION NO. 12,938: Of support of Senate Bill 9, an Act to establish an income tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures located in Arkansas; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Senate Bill 9 establishes an income tax credit and an insurance premium tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures located in Arkansas. The maximum credit is 25% of the total qualified rehabilitation expenses. 10. RESOLUTION NO. 12,939: In support of House Bill 1060, an Act to establish an income tax credit for the rehabilitation and development of central business improvement districts; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: House Bill 1060 establishes a state income tax credit for rehabilitation and development of central business improvement districts. Mayor Stodola stated that Items 9 and 10 are separate; however, they should be grouped together in regards to Resolutions in support of Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 1060 to address the establishment of an income tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures in Arkansas. According to the Mayor, the past policy for the City Board was for the City to advocate on behalf of particular legislation at the State Capitol; however, there needs to be unanimity among the Board Members regarding the support. Director Cazort asked that both of the items be held separately on the Agenda. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Kumpuris, to adopt the Resolution. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the resolution was approved. 3 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM 11. ORDINANCE NO. 20, 078: An ordinance condemning certain structures in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, as structural, fire and health hazards, providing for summary abatement procedures, directing the City Manager to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove said structures, declaring an emergency, and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. Synopsis: Twenty -one (21) residential structures in dilapidated and /or burned condition causing a negative environmental impact on the residential neighborhoods in which they are located. The first reading of Item 11 was held and Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Hendricks, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the third time. Sandy Magness, 4111 South Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, addressed the Board regarding the property located at 2205 South Taylor Street. In July 2007, Ms. Magness sold several properties to a young investor who completed some rehab on the properties purchased. Due to an increase in insurance premiums, and the fact that lightening struck the property in the spring of 2008, the repairs were not completed. Ms. Magness stated that the structure was boarded and that she had obtained a permit that day to initiate repairs on the structure. In addition, Ms. Magness received a letter resending the contract with the investor. Director Wright asked if the work could be completed within thirty (30) days, as compared to a year. Ms. Magness stated that if the weather cooperated, her contractor said the work should be completed. Director Richardson made a motion, seconded by Director Wright, to remove the address from the list. Motion was approved. Director Richardson asked that Code Enforcement Staff conduct a site visit and complete an assessment of the property. Mr. Cliff Jackson, 1011 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, addressed the Board and stated that the property did in fact need to be demolished; however, he was capable of demolishing his own property. Mr. Jackson stated that the property in question was located adjacent to Butler Park, and that this property, along with an additional parcel, would be a great addition to the park. Mr. Bennie Brown, 1802 Allis Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, addressed the Board and stated that he had been working on the property which had been gutted. Mr. Brown stated that he would like to repair the structure; however, he did not want a lean on the property. Lover Finley and Luvone Coakley addressed the Board regarding the property located at 4127 Arapaho Trail, Little Rock, Arkansas, which burned in March. The property is tied up in litigation, and Wells Fargo and the couple were under contract with this property. Director Adcock asked if the property could be held on the condemnation list for an additional thirty (30) days. Thelma Chandler, 4425 West 24th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, addressed the Board and stated that she did not understand why her house was included on the list. Ms. Chandler stated that due Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM to the death of her husband and grandson the previous year, she did not have the funds to tear the structure down. City Manager Bruce Moore stated that staff would work with Ms. Chandler to obtain the finances to have the house torn down. Young Capbell, 3117 Fulton Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, addressed the Board and stated that the house had not been burned, but has been vandalized. Mr. Capbell, stated that he had maintained the house and kept the yard cut, and would like to have the opportunity to restore the structure. Mayor Stodola suggested that Mr. Capbell visit with Code Enforcement Staff regarding bringing the structure into compliance, but that as of now, this home was not on the demolition list. Mr. Coakley re- addressed the Board and asked what was to become of his properties. City Manager Moore stated that if the structure remains on the list, it will be contracted for demolition. Past practice is that once the list is approved, the bids will be forwarded to a contractor for demolition. Staff is determining if the structure can be included in a pilot program, which would allow City Staff to complete the work; saving money and expediting the process. The first reading of the amended Item 11 was held and Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on second reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinances were read the second time. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by Director Hendricks, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the ordinance was read the third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance was approved. The emergency clause was approved. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Items 12 —13): 12. ORDINANCE NO. 20,074: Authorizing the construction of betterments and improvements to the Sewer System of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; authorizing the issuance of a Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2009A for the purpose of financing the cost thereof; providing for the payment of the principal and interest on the bond; and prescribing other matters relating thereto. (I "' and 2"d Readings February 3, 2009) (3rd Reading will be held on March 3, 2009) There were no speakers present to speak at the Public Hearing. Mayor Stodola set the third and final reading for March 3, 2009. 13. Z -8385 (Item was Deferred Until March 3, 2009): Approving a Planned Residential District titled 2105 South Taylor Street Short-Form PD -R located at 2105 South Taylor Street, Little Rock, Arkansas; amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 0 ayes, 9 nays, 0 absent, I recusal, and I open position. Staff recommends denial. (Deferred from December 22, 2008) (Deferred to March 3, 2009). Synopsis: The request is an appeal of the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial of a rezoning of this site from R -3 to Single - Family to PD -R to allow three (3) residential units on the site. 5 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM OTHER BUSINESS (Items 14 -15): 14. RESOLUTION: To Declare a Moratorium on the Demolition of Buildings and Structures from the 1 st Block of Main Street to the 10th Block of Main Street in downtown Little Rock: and for other purposes. Staff recommends denial. Mayor Stodola stated that had several cards on this item; however, he felt that it would be appropriate for the owner to make a presentation to the Board regarding the plans for Main Street. Director Adcock asked if City Attorney Tom Carpenter would read the Resolution since the citizens have not had an opportunity to review the resolution. City Attorney Carpenter explained that for some time, the City had been interested in maintaining Main Street and that extraordinary measures, such as the Facade Grant Program, had been implemented. The suggestion was to implement a six (6) -month Moratorium on any demolition permit that was applied for in regards to the One Hundred Block of Main to the Ten Hundred Block of Main, including any demolition permits previously issued. However, if certain conditions, such as having a plan of development or redevelopment of the area, could be met then demolition could occur. The suggestion was made that if the Resolution was approved, development plans should be made publicly available for thirty (30) days prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. Director Kumpuris stated that his family owned the building across the street, in the four hundred block from the property in question, and asked City Attorney Carpenter if he needed to recuse himself from the discussion. City Attorney Carpenter stated that he did not need to recuse himself. City Attorney Carpenter stated that there is a long history regarding the development of the City utilizing its Urban Use Plan. City Manager Moore was asked if the demolition permit area was according to the Resolution that was previously approved to maintain the historical and structural preservation of this area. Planning and Development Department Director Tony Bozynski presented the checklist which is given to any applica t requesting permits for construction and /or demolition. Mr. Bozynski stated that the existing zoning, which is Urban Use (UU), is what controls the development along Main Street and in Downtown. In 1999, the Downtown Frame Work Plan determined that the current zoning pattern was inadequate, which ultimately set up the framework for the UU District. At this time, t is area of Main Street does not have any specifics or controls regarding the demolition, and the applicant is not required to state what is going to be built in the demolished site. The Planning Department keeps all the updated Resolutions for each corridor to provide to all applicants with the proper information. In order for Main Street to become a special district, it has to be codified. David Knight, Stephens Inc., General Council, spoke to voice his opposition regarding a moratorium on the property. The company is planning to develop a quality project on Main Street which is something that the City can be proud of and a benefit to the community. The company needs to move forward with the demolition. There is a possibility that they site may 0 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM contain a government building with parking; however, if the project occurs, another plan will be implemented with the respect to the Land Use. Vanessa Norton, Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, made a brief statement regarding the preservation of historic structures. The Alliance Board recommended the development of a policy that would employ preservation and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Jimmy Moses, Moses Tucker Real Estate, addressed the Board regarding his company's involvement in downtown preservation. Mr. Moses stated that there needs to be a catalyst, or major property owner, to begin revitalization of the area and that in order to revitalize the area, new and old structures needed to be integrated. Roger Williams, Quapaw Quarters Association Executive Director, stated that a development plan of the Main Street Corridor was lacking, and that the plan should include not only urban uses, but business, retail and living space for the growth of the City in commerce and function. Dickson Flake, 17 St. John's Place, stated that the most important issue is that someone has applied and completed the process of obtaining a demolition permit and that with the rules of the proposed moratorium; the City would be changing the project in mid - stream. Jay Chesshir, 17200 LaMarche Boulevard, stated that he concurred with Mr. Flake, and that the City would be sending a negative message to developers that might be interested in revitalizing areas within the downtown area. Director Richardson thanked everyone for their input regarding the revitalization of the Main Street Corridor. Director Adcock asked that the Board appoint a committee, or work group, to study the Main Street Corridor and that Director Kumpuris chair the project. Director Adcock announced her intention to withdraw the Moratorium. Item 14 was withdrawn without objection. EXECUTIVE SESSION & RESOLUTIONS (Item 15): 15. RESOLUTION NO. 12,940: To ratify the appointments of John A. Meyer to the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Arts Center. RESOLUTION NO. 12,941: To ratify appointments of Jennifer Schueck, Deborah French and Don Crabbe, and reappointments of Betty Meyer, Roy Snook, Eddie Martin and Eric McDuffie to the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to adopt the Resolution. By a unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the Resolution was approved. 7 Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting Minutes February 17, 2009 6:00 PM MISCELLANOUS: Vice Mayor Fortson requested that a Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding the future of Ray Winder Field be issued within the time frame provided by law. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Fortson, and seconded by Director Wright, for an RFP to be provided and brought to the Board as early as possible. There was Board discussion regarding what to do with the dollars that would be captured with the sale of Ray Winder Field, and the question was raised as to if the funds would go back into the park fund. The Mayor stated that the intention was for any proceeds to be placed back into War Memorial Park; however, the City had never discussed the policy of what to do with park land. Several citizen committees have studied this project; however, none of the recommendations were to sell off park land. The request was made for the Parks Commission to study the recommendations regarding the sale of park land; and if so, under what circumstances and conditions the sale should be made and where the proceeds would be placed. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Fortson, and seconded by Director Wright, to direct the City Manager to prepare and issue an RFP as expeditiously as possible under the existing law for the potential sale, or future use, of Ray Winder Field. Once the RFP's are received, the Board will make a decision regarding Ray Winder Field; including the decision of whether funds derived from the possible sale of the property would be placed back into Parks Capital Improvements. In addition, the decision would be made in concurrence with the Parks Commission preparing a brief to address the future of the parks system and a policy for dealing with park land. The motion passed with 7 ayes, 2 absent and 1 present. Director Kumpuris made a motion, seconded by Director Wright, to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: Susa n�2t, Acting City Clerk APPROVED: Mark Stodola, Mayor 0