HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-09Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in a regular meeting
with Mayor Mark Stodola presiding. City Clerk Nancy Wood called the roll with the
following Directors present: Hendrix; Richardson; Hurst; Adcock; Cazort; Wyrick;
Wright; Kumpuris; Keck; and Mayor Stodola. Vice Mayor Fortson was absent. Director
Adcock delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
City of Little Rock Retirement Recognition - Little Rock Fire Department Assistant Chief
J.T. Cantrell: City Manager Moore presented Assistant Chief Cantrell with a medallion
in recognition of his thirty -five (35) years of service.
Kanis Park Partnership — Johnny Johnson: Mr. Johnson expressed his appreciation to the
City of Little Rock for the partnership with the Little Rock School District in the
development of a location for several of the high school baseball teams to play.
Central Arkansas Corvette Club Weekend — Carol Dolan: Ms. Dolan introduced David
Gulley, President of the Central Arkansas Corvette Club, who gave an overview of the
Corvette Club Weekend.
MODIFICATIONS
The following items were deferred from the agenda:
8. ORDINANCE; MSP2008: Approving a Master Street Plan for the Little Rock
Planning Area and related matters, repealing Ordinance No. 19,152; and for other
purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Staff recommends approval. Deferred at
staff's request until June 2, 2009.
Synopsis: A new draft of the Master Street Plan to update the document as a whole to ensure the
plan is current.
11. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE: Providing for the issuance and sale of
Capital Improvement Construction and Refunding Revenue Bonds for the purpose of
funding the acquisition, construction and equipping of Zoo, Park and recreational
improvements in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; for the purpose of refunding
outstanding Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds (Parks and Recreation Projects) Series
1998A; pledging revenues sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds;
authorizing the execution and delivery of a Supplemental Trust Indenture; authorizing the
accomplishment of the Zoo, Parks and Recreation projects; approving an Official
Statement; prescribing other matters relating thereto; and declaring an emergency.
Deferred at staff's request
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
Director Cazort asked if a date certain had been set for the public hearing. Mayor
Stodola stated that a date certain had not been set; however, it should be within the next
thirty (30) days.
Director Keck made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to defer Items 8 and
11. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the motion passed.
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1— 2)
1. MOTION; Z- 1703 -A: To set the date of public hearing for May 19, 2009, on an
appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of a Conditional Use Permit to allow retail
sales and a special event center in the existing building on the I -2 and C -4 zoned property
located at 3224 Mabelvale Pike. Planning Commission: 0 ayes, 8 nays, 2 absent, I abstention. Staff
recommends denial.
Synopsis: The applicant is appealing the Planning Commission's denial of a Conditional Use Permit
to allow retail sales and a special event center in the existing building on the I -2 and C -4 zoned
property located at 3224 Mabelvale Pike.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 12,971: Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with
the agencies of the Pulaski Area Geographic Information System (PAgis), adding the
City of Jacksonville to this continuing joint effort; and for other purposes. Staff recommends
approval.
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 COMMUNICATION
Shawn Porch: Voiced his concerns regarding the possible placement of a Homeless Day
Resource Center at the old Job Corp Building, which is located in Ward One.
Carol Tabron President of the Pettaway Neighborhood Association: Expressed the
concerns from the Pettaway Neighborhood Association regarding the proposed Homeless
Day Resource Center.
Carrie Young: Expressed her concern that none of the members of the Pettaway
Neighborhood Association were not on the Mayor's Taskforce on Homelessness. She
requested that the Mayor and Board Members come and visit with the Pettaway
Neighborhood regarding the proposed Homeless Day Resource Center.
Ken Gould: Voiced his support for the Arkansas River Trail and stated that the east loop
of the trail needed to be completed.
Dr. Rob Lambert: Stated that it was time for the City and the Clinton Foundation to
make the Rock Island Bridge open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
Bert Parker: Stated that he worked for Garver and Garver Engineering Firm and that they
had built their new headquarters down near the River Trail. Mr. Parker stated that in
order to promote fitness and wellbeing among their employees, the new headquarters
included a bicycle storage area and showers for those individuals that wanted to bike to
work or to utilize the trail during lunch.
Jess Askew, III: Stated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2001 had five (5)
elements: bridge; archives; library; Choctaw Station and the improvements to the
grounds. Mr. Askew stated that four (4) of the elements were put into a lease, which
resulted in the $15 million swap of land to the Clinton Presidential Foundation. Mr.
Askew stated that eight (8) years later there is still no agreement for the bridge.
Bruce Thalheimer: Mr. Thalheimer, owner of the Chainwheel Bicycle Shop, stated that
he had many customers from out of town that were very impressed with the Big Dam
Bridge and that he would like to see the Rock Island Bridge completed to bring more
visitors to the area.
French Hill: Stated that the commitment made by the Clinton Foundation to renovate the
Rock Island Railroad Bridge needs to be honored. Mr. Hill stated the Arkansas River
Trail is the single most integrated location within the City of Little Rock, in terms of all
its diversity.
Gene Pfeifer: Stated that the Clinton Foundation had built a beautiful library that had
been an economic boost to the downtown area and the Clinton School of Public Service
continued to bring distinguished speakers into the community. Mr. Pfeifer stated that for
seven (7) years the citizens have heard promises that the bridge would be completed;
however, nothing has been completed.
Bill Cobb: Stated in the original RFP, it was indicated that the construction on the bridge
would begin in the fourth quarter of 2001; with an expected completion date of 2004. Mr.
Cobb stated that the completion of the bridge renovation would be a huge benefit to the
City of Little Rock and Central Arkansas.
Pat Gee Southwest Revitalization Project Chair: Wanted to publicly thank City Staff for
their assistance with the Southwest Little Rock Clean -Up Project, which occurred in
April.
GROUPED ITEMS (Items 3 — 6)
3. ORDINANCE NO. 20,101; A -318: Accepting the Independence Farms North
Annexation, adding certain lands to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other
purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The annexation of some 3.23 acres to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, north of Kanis
Road between Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway at 17424 Kanis Road.
4. ORDINANCE NO. 20,102: Amending Chapter 36. Section 36- 203(g) of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, to extend the Sunset Provision an
additional five (5) years to July 19, 2014, for portable classroom buildings used by the
Little Rock School District; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I
absent. Staff recommends approval.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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Synopsis: The Little Rock School District is requesting approval of an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance that will extend the Sunset Provision for portable classroom buildings an additional five
(5) years, through July 19, 2014.
5. ORDINANCE; Z -8443: Reclassifying property located at 6104 Nova Lane from R -2
to C -3. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, I absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The owner of the 0.23 acre property located at 6104 Nova Lane is requesting that the
zoning be reclassified from R -2 to C -3.
6. ORDINANCE NO. 20,103: To dispense with the requirement of competitive bidding
and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with F1eet.Safety Equipment Inc.,
for the purchase of police mobile data computer and digital video systems; and for other
purposes. Staffrecommends approval.
Synopsis: The Little Rock Police Department is requesting approval to award a Sole Source contract
to Fleet Safety Equipment, Inc., for the Purchase of thirty -five (35) new Police Mobile Data
Computer & Digital Video System.
The ordinances were read the first time. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, 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 Keck, 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 7 and 9)
7. ORDINANCE: To establish a goal of proportionate minority participation on City
Boards and Commissions; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Director Keck stated that it was his understanding that after the meeting from last week,
there was some discussion regarding possible amendments that were to be made to the
previously circulated draft of the ordinance. Director Keck asked if the amendments had
been incorporated into the copy of the ordinance that the Board Members had received
for the meeting. City Attorney Carpenter stated that this was the last draft of the
ordinance.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Richardson made a motion, seconded by
Director Keck, 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
ordinance was read the second time. Director Richardson made a motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading.
Director Keck asked the City Attorney why this being presented as an ordinance instead
of a resolution. City Attorney stated that Director Hendrix had asked that it be an
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
ordinance. Director Adcock stated that she had been on the Board for seventeen (17)
years; participating in many Executive Sessions to appoint Boards and Commissions and
she felt like the Board had always been very conscious of encouraging minority
participation. Director Hendrix stated that she felt that a resolution was just a piece of
paper with writing on it; as opposed to an ordinance, which was a command.
Director Cazort stated that had read through the ordinance and he didn't think that it
required the Board to do anything they weren't already doing. Director Cazort stated that
the language in the ordinance states that the Board will make every effort to appoint
minorities. Director Cazort stated that the term `every effort' is a very vague and loose
term and if not defined, it's not much of a command. Director Keck asked if there would
be a legal issue if the City asked individuals making application to Board and
Commissions to provide their race. City Attorney Carpenter stated no.
Director Wright stated that she didn't feel that the ordinance was necessary or needed;
however, she did not see what it could hurt, other than the ramifications that could occur
if the goal was not met. Director Richardson stated that even if the ordinance was
symbolic at best, he thought it would make a statement to those individuals that are not
privy to the unwritten policy of the Board regarding the appointment of minorities to the
City's Boards and Commissions.
Director Wyrick stated that when she thought of the term minority, she also thought of
females, which was not mentioned in the ordinance. Director Wyrick stated that she
would like to see the term "females" included along with the African - American and
Hispanic populations. Director Richardson stated that the addition of the term "females"
would be a welcome addition, in addition to the terms, "Asians" and "Pacific Islanders."
Director Richardson stated that he felt the ordinance was defining the community as
African- American, Caucasian and Hispanic, and that the Board needed to be more
mindful to the fact that the community was made up of more than just those three (3)
categories. City Attorney Carpenter stated that the three (3) classifications utilized were
selected due to the fact that the last Census data showed that those three (3)
classifications were statistically significant, at least for employment purposes. City
Attorney Carpenter stated that as far as the gender situation; females outnumber males
within the City of Little Rock between 49% - 51 %, what was not known was the
percentage of females of voting age within the various classifications.
Director Wright asked that if in the interest of time, could the question could be called.
Mayor Stodola indicated that he cards from four (4) individuals that wanted to speak on
the issues. Mayor Stodola asked for a vote on calling the question. By voice vote of the
Board Members present the vote was a follows: 0 Ayes; 9 Nays.
Mayor Stodola stated that he applauded the goals of the ordinance; however, the Board
needed to recognize that there were some circumstances where individuals served by
virtue of Ward representation, organizational representation, and by professional
representation and that would substantially complicate the ability to meet those
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
designations based on who applies. Director Richardson asked that City Manager Moore
weigh in on the issue and give the Board his thoughts. City Manager Moore stated that
he had participated in Executive Sessions for the past seven (7) years and that he agreed
that it had been the utmost importance of the Board over that time that the makeup of the
Boards and Commissions to reflect the makeup of the City.
Director Hurst asked if there would every be an instance of possible litigation related to
the language, "every effort to promote." City Attorney Carpenter stated that the
language, "every effort to promote" basically stated that the Board would make every
effort that could reasonably be made to try to develop the goal of proportionate minority
participation on City Boards and Commissions. City Attorney Carpenter stated that there
was no constitutional requirement in terms of Boards and Commissions service.
Director Kumpuris asked the Mayor if the ordinance passed what would be his number
one criteria for appointments. Mayor Stodola stated that if the ordinance passed, he
would direct the City Clerk to make a baseline regarding race and gender for each of the
Boards and Commissions. In addition, as the appointments come up, the Mayor and
Board would be placing changes into the applications to ensure that the race and gender
of each applicant was understood. Mayor Stodola stated that he would make every effort
to meet the ratios that are mandated in the ordinance. Director Kumpuris asked would
the first criteria be race. Mayor Stodola stated that it certainly would be until the
percentages were met. Director Kumpuris stated that he felt that the City was getting
dangerously close to a disservice to the citizens of Little Rock, whatever their race or
gender, in that the Board would start looking for individuals to serve on the Boards and
Commissions based on their race; not their qualifications.
Director Keck stated that he thought that it was appropriate to talk about race and gender
in the makeup of the Boards and Commissions; however, he also thought it was
appropriate to talk about age. Director Keck stated that there were a number of young
professionals that have repeatedly applied for Boards and Commissions and have never
received appointment. Director Keck asked that Director Hendrix withdraw her
ordinance so that the Board could continue with the discussion in determining the best
way to meet the goal of proportionate minority participation on City Boards and
Commissions. Director Hendrix stated that she would not withdraw the ordinance.
Director Wright asked if the goal of proportionate minority participation was not
achieved, would it hinder the Boards and Commissions from functioning and would the
positions stay vacant. City Attorney Carpenter stated that there was no wording in the
ordinance that would cease any of the Boards and Commissions from functioning. City
Attorney Carpenter stated if there were no minority applicants for a position or the goal
could not be met, the position could still be filled.
Cheryl Warden, 2723 Chester Street: Wanted to thank the City for giving her the
opportunity to participate in the Board Meetings and with the Citizen's Academy.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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Dennis Burrow: Thought that the ordinance would ensure the increase of minority
participation in the City's Boards and Commissions.
Wesley Hunt: Stated that as a Commissioner of the Racial and Cultural Diversity
Commission he enthusiastically supported that passing of this ordinance. Mr. Hunt stated
that the only mandate in the ordinance was the placement of accountability on the Racial
and Cultural Diversity Commission to implement efforts to increase the applicant pool
for Boards and Commissions, and without increasing the applicant pool, there was no
way to achieve the goal of proportionate minority participation.
Annie Abrams, 1925 Wolfe Street: Commended Director Hendrix for bringing this
ordinance to the Board for consideration.
Director Hendrix made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to call the question to
vote on the ordinance. By roll call vote of the Board Members present, the votes were as
follows: Ayes: Hendrix and Wright. Nays: Adcock; Richardson; Hurst; Cazort; Keck
Wyrick; and Kumpuris. Absent: Vice Mayor Fortson. By a vote of 2 ayes and 7 nays;
the motion to call the question to vote on the ordinance failed.
Mayor Stodola asked if any of the Board Members had a comment that they would like to
make regarding any of the dialogue that had taken place. Director Kumpuris stated that
this was a significant issue and that he felt the Board had unanimously strived for since
he had served on the Board. Director Kumpuris stated that he would like to see the issue
tabled for two (2) weeks and have the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission develop
a plan on increasing the pool of applicants.
Director Keck made the motion, seconded by Director Adcock, to table the issue until the
first meeting in June and that in the interim the Board work with the City Manager, City
Attorney and Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission to develop language that would
incorporate many of the issues discussed at the meeting. By voice vote of the Board
Members present, the ordinance was tabled until the first meeting in June.
9. ORDINANCE NO. 20,104; Z -8444: Reclassifying property located east of Arch
Street Pike, South of Interstate 30 from R -2 to M. Planning Commission: 10 ayes, 0 nays, 1
absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The owner of the 44.128 acres of undeveloped property located east of Arch Street Pike,
south of Interstate 30, is requesting that the zoning be reclassified from R -2 to M.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Hurst made a motion, seconded by
Director Keck, 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
ordinance was read the second time. Director Richardson made a motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading.
The Mayor stated that he had several cards for individuals that wanted to voice their
disapproval of the ordinance. Dana Carney, Planning and Development Zoning and
Subdivision Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed change, stating that the
property was shown as mining the City's adopted Land Use Plan, and was adjacent to the
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
mining property on the west and south. Director Adcock asked if the property was
adjacent at any point to Fourche Creek, and if so would the applicant be agreeable to
zoning that part of the property as 0-3. Mr. Carney stated that no portion of the property
was adjacent to Fourche Creek. Director Adcock asked City Attorney Carpenter if the
Board could ask the applicant to zone the property 0-3 instead of M -1; City Attorney
Carpenter stated no.
Director Hendrix asked was the property located to residential homes. Mr. Carney
indicated that staff had utilized GIS and from the property, the closest residences to the
east would be on 38th Street; approximately a mile from the property. Director Hendrix
asked what type of trauma would be placed on those residents living a mile away from
the property. Mr. Carney stated that he could not answer that question. The applicant,
Haskell Dickenson, President of McGeorge Contracting Company, stated there would be
no damage at all to any of the residences from blasting a mile away.
Jackie Randall; 36 Whitmore Circle: Expressed her concern regarding the damage that
the mining will do to the homes of the residents in the Whitmore Circle area, some of
who have lived in the area for over fifty (50) years.
Estella Hayes; 19 Avon Place: Stated that she felt that the blasting from the existing
mine was damaging her home and that her son had experienced sinus problems, which
she attributed to the dust in the air from the mines.
Stephany Fields President of the Granite Mountain Neighborhood Association; East 38th
Street: Ms. Fields stated that she grew up in the area and as a young child; she felt the
tremors from the mining. Ms. Fields stated that her home had experience structural
damage as a result of the mining.
Mary Alford; 3024 Center Street: Stated that several years ago, she had $25,000 worth
of repair work completed in her house as a result of cracks in the walls, which she
attributed to the blasting.
Mayor Stodola asked why none of the residents voiced their opinion at a previous Board
Meeting where there was a rezoning application for mining on the agenda. Director
Hendrix stated that the neighborhoods were not notified. Mr., Carney reported that the
zoning application was filed on February 23, 2009, and notices to the various
neighborhood associations were sent out on February 25, 2009. According to Mr.
Carney, notices were sent to the Southend Neighborhood Association, Southwest Little
Rock United for Progress, Upper Baseline Neighborhood Association, and at the Board's
request, a notice was sent to the Granite Mountain Neighborhood Association. Mr.
Carney stated that it was just brought to his attention that the contact information that the
City has for the Southend Neighborhood Association was incorrect. Mayor Stodola
stated that it was important for the neighborhood associations to provide updated
information to the City regarding a change in contact information.
Director Wyrick asked how far Interstate 530 was from the property in question. Mr.
Carney estimated that the distance from the edge of the property to Interstate 530 was
approximately 200 — 300 feet. Director Wyrick stated that one of the Interstate 530
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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6:00 PM
overpasses crossed over the railroad tracks and asked if the Arkansas Highway and
Transportation Department (AHTD) was notified regarding the proposed zoning change.
Mr. Carney stated that if AHTD ownership was depicted on the abstract map, they would
have received notification; however, he did not have the map with him at that point in
time.
Director Kumpuris stated that all the blasting was occurring on the south side of Interstate
30 and most of the residents that had spoken live north of the Interstate. Director
Kumpuris stated that if damage was occurring to those homes, then it would be damaging
the Interstate that runs between the blasting sites and the neighborhoods. In addition,
Director Kumpuris stated that several of years ago, in an effort to determine if the
blasting was damaging any of the homes, the City asked the Granite Mountain
Neighborhood Association to participate in an independent study. The Missouri School
of Mining was brought in as an independent observer and studied the records from all the
parties involved; and their opinion was that the blasting was not causing damage to the
neighborhoods. Mr. Dickinson stated that they had been mining next to the Interstate
highway since it was constructed and had never received a complaint from AHTD.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and
the ordinance was read the third time. By roll call vote of the Board Members present,
the votes were as follows: Ayes: Hurst; Cazort; Keck; Wright; Kumpuris; and Mayor
Stodola. Nays: Adcock; Hendrix; Richardson; and Wyrick. Absent: Vice Mayor
Fortson. By a vote of 6 ayes and 4 nays; the ordinance was approved.
PUBLIC HEARING (Item 10)
10. PUBLIC HEARING & ORDINANCE NO. 20,105; G- 24 -23: To abandon certain
sanitary easements located within Lots 1 -4, Block 7, Thalheimer's Subdivision of Block
7, Glendale Addition, located at 4400 West Markham Street. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The owners of the subject properties are requesting abandonment of specifically described
sanitary sewer easements located within the properties. The abandonment is not to become effective
until the existing sewer facilities have been relocated and new easements are dedicated.
Mayor Stodola opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone present that
desired to speak to the issue. None being present, Mayor Stodola closed the public
hearing.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by
Director Keck, 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
ordinance was read the second time. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by
Director Cazort, 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 voice vote of the Board Members present, the
ordinance was approved.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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OTHER BUSINESS (Items 12 —13)
Mayor Stodola requested that the Board deal with Item 13 first.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 20,106: To amend Little Rock, Arkansas, Revised Code §28 -1
to §28 -32 (1988) to add a new Section §28 -20a to regulate the disposal of drill cuttings
originating from drilling operations that use oil based drilling fluids; to declare an
emergency; and for other purposes. staffrecommends approval.
The ordinance was read the first time. Director Keck made a motion, seconded by
Director Richardson, 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
ordinance was read the second time. Director Adcock made a motion, seconded by
Director Keck, 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.
Mayor Stodola asked Steve Fallon, BFI Landfill Manager, to provide an update regarding
actions that BFI had taken since the September 28, 2009, Board Meeting. Mr. Fallon
stated that over the past three (3) weeks, BFI had spent tens of thousands of dollars in an
attempt to address the odor issue at the landfill. Mr. Fallon stated that they had reduced
the exposed area on top of the landfill by 90% and had reduced the intake of the drill
cuttings. On April 29, 2009, test shipments were conducted with the eco- absorb gel that
was applied to the trucks prior to leaving the source. With the nasal ranger, it was
determined that the odor from the treated loads, ten (10) feet from where the trucks
emptied, was cut by 50 %, and fifty (50) to 100 yards away from where the loads were
dumped, there was no detectable odor on the treated loads. Mr. Fallon reported that all
the waste was now being covered on a daily basis with native soil. Mr. Fallon stated that
as of April 30, 2009, all loads were treated with the eco- absorb gel and the test results
were the same. Mr. Fallon stated that BFI continues to run odor neutralizing misters at
the site, and since the treatment started, air quality monitors set up around the perimeter
of the landfill continue to indicate that no diesel vapors are leaving the landfill. Mr.
Fallon reported that only one (1) complaint call had been received at the hotline number
that BFI had published. Mr. Fallon reported that the results of the test taken in the
Fourche Creek tributary indicated that the sheen was an iron -based bacteria or stagnate
water, not diesel.
Dr. John Kind stated that when he first visited the landfill approximately two (2) weeks
ago, he noticed the strong diesel odor on the top of the landfill, near where the product
was being applied. Dr. Kind stated that now, since the odor control procedures had been
implemented, odor is not detectable 100 yards away from the landfill. Dr. Kind stated
that he had examined the test results of the water sampling that the Arkansas Department
of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) had taken, and because there was no diesel present,
the drill cuttings had no impact on Fourche Creek or its tributaries.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
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6:00 PM
Director Wyrick stated that she had received several complaints from the residents
regarding the flooding in the Fourche Creek area as a result of the recent heavy rains.
Director Wyrick asked if the collection ponds at the landfill had overflown into Fourche
Creek. Mr. Fallon stated that the due to the size of the collection ponds, it would have
taken very substantial rainfall for that to occur. Director Adcock asked if the recent
flooding in Benny Craig Park was a result of overflow from the BFI Landfill. Steve
Beck, Public Works Department Director, stated that he and two (2) staff members and
smelled diesel when they drove out to the landfill earlier that afternoon. Mr. Beck stated
that the water had begun to recede in Benny Craig Park; however, no oil or sheen was
present on the water.
Chuck Nestrud, outside council for BFI, stated that he wished that all his environmental
clients were as responsive as BFI had been in dealing with the recent odor issue.
Craig Douglass, BFI Consultant, stated that the corrective steps taken by BFI had been
fully implemented as of April 30, 2009, and testing had been on- going. Mr. Douglass
stated that since the steps had been implemented, the odor issue had been resolved;
however, more time would be needed to determine if the steps implemented were
working. Mr. Douglass asked that the Board defer action on the ordinance for two (2)
weeks, during which time testing would continue, on -site visits from the City and ADEQ
would be welcomed, the hotline number would remain open for complaints and BFI
could visit with City Staff regarding possible impact fees.
Pat Gee, 8409 Dowan Drive: Stated that she lived in the area and that the odor was
terrible. Ms. Gee urged the Board to pass the ordinance.
Director Richardson stated that he was not in favor of delaying this issue any longer.
Director Keck made the motion, seconded by Director Hurst, to call the question. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the question was called.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance passed. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause passed.
12. RESOLUTION: To direct the City Attorney to pursue a nuisance action against
BFI Waste Services of Arkansas, LLC., and any other necessary defendants for the
disposal of drill cuttings that originated from drilling operations that use oil based drilling
fluids because of the noxious odors that have been caused by such disposal in a land fill
within the corporate limits of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes.
As a result of the passing of the ordinance, Director Cazort made the motion, seconded
by Director Keck, that Item 12 be removed from the agenda. By unanimous voice vote
of the Board Members present, Item 12 was removed from the agenda.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
May 5, 2009
6:00 PM
A motion was made by Director Keck, seconded by Director Wright, to recess the
meeting until May 12, 2009, to consider amendments to the 2010 Consolidated Plan. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting was recessed.
ATTEST:
C�4
Susan qng�y, Ac ' g City Clerk
12
APPROVED:
Mark Stodola, Mayor