HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-12Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
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 Susan Langley called the roll with the
following Directors present: Hendrix; Richardson; Cazort; Hines; Wright; Wyrick; Fortson;
Adcock; Vice Mayor Kumpuris and Mayor Stodola. Directors Absent: Hurst. Director
B.J. Wyrick delivered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADDITIONS:
M -1 RESOLUTION: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with
Redstone Construction Group, Inc., in the amount of $49,400.00 for demolition and
planting work for such services; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of
$49,400, plus 10% authorized for possible change orders, with Redstone Construction Group, Inc.,
for the demolition of old asphalt, sidewalk, curb and gutters and the planting of a hydroseed base for
parking on a property obtained by the Little Rock Zoo through the sale of Ray Winder Field.
M -2 RESOLUTION: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with United
Fence and Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $67,445.00; and for other
purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract for $67,435, plus 10% to
allow for possible change orders, with United Fence and Construction Company, Inc., for fencing
and gate installation on property obtained by the Little Rock Zoo through the sale of Ray Winder
Field.
M -3 ORDINANCE: To condemn a certain structure in the City of Little Rock, Arkansas,
as a structural, fire and health hazard; to provide for summary abatement procedures; to
direct City Staff to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove said structure;
to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: One (1) residential structure in dilapidated and /or burned condition causing a negative
environmental impact on the residential neighborhoods in which they are located.
DEFERRAL:
4. RESOLUTION: To authorize the City Manager to accept title to real property and
permanent construction easements as needed to complete the 2012 3/8 -Cent Drainage
System Improvements at various locations located throughout the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. (Deferred at Staffs Request)
Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to accept title to real property and permanent construction
easements as needed to complete 2012 CENT Drainage System Improvements.
Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to add Items M -1
and M -2 to the Consent Agenda, to add Item M -3 to the Separate Items and to defer
Item 4. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, Items M -1 and M -2
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
were added to the Consent Agenda, Item M -3 was added to the Separate Items and
Item 4 was deferred.
Vice Mayor Kumpuris made the motion, seconded by Director Adcock, that Item 14 be
listed as and voted on as an ordinance instead of a resolution.
Vice Mayor Kumpuris stated that the content was exactly the same; however, he had
heard from several individuals who felt that a resolution did not have the power of an
ordinance. Director Richardson asked if this was a proper process. City Attorney Tom
Carpenter stated that the item was already on the agenda and that only the form was
being amended; therefore, it was appropriate.
By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Richardson voting in
opposition, the motion was approved.
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 — 3, Item 5 and Items M -1 & M -2)
1. RESOLUTION NO. 13.518: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with North Point Ford, in the total amount of $333,668.00, for the purchase of eighteen
(18) Ford F -150 Pick -Up Trucks and four (4) Ford F -250 Pick -Up Trucks, for use by
Housing and Neighborhood Programs, utilizing the Arkansas State Purchasing Contract;
and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval. (Funding from the 2012 318 -Cent Sales Tax)
Synopsis: Approval of a resolution, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with North
Point Ford in the amount of $333,668.00 to purchase eighteen (18) Ford F -150 Pick -Up Trucks at
$14,670 each and four (4) Ford F -250 Pick -Up Trucks at $17,402.00, for a total of $333,668, for the
Housing and Neighborhood Programs Department, utilizing the Arkansas State Purchasing Contract.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 13.519: To authorize the offering of up to $30,000,000 of City of
Little Rock, Arkansas Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2012; Authorizing the execution of
a Bond Purchase Agreement; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 13.520: To accept title to property donated to the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas, by warranty deed, to be used for neighborhood revitalization programs;
and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: In an effort to increase the number of properties held by the land bank and maximize the
City's revitalization efforts, staff would like to accept the donation of the property located at 3221
West 23rd Street. Property Details: The parcel is a 5,880 square -foot lot with no structure.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 13.521: To express the willingness of the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, to commit local match funding for the Federal Aid Project, Geyer Springs Rail
Separation; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: Authorizes the City Manager to execute agreements and to commit funding for the local
share of the Geyer Springs Railroad Crossing in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
M -1 RESOLUTION NO. 13.522: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with Redstone Construction Group, Inc., in the amount of $49,400.00 for demolition and
planting work for such services; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract in the amount of
$49,400, plus 10% authorized for possible change orders, with Redstone Construction Group, Inc.,
for the demolition of old asphalt, sidewalk, curb and gutters and the planting of a hydroseed base for
parking on a property obtained by the Little Rock Zoo through the sale of Ray Winder Field.
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
M -2 RESOLUTION NO. 13.523: To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract
with United Fence and Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $67,445.00; and for
other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract for $67,435, plus 10% to
allow for possible change orders, with United Fence and Construction Company, Inc., for fencing
and gate installation on property obtained by the Little Rock Zoo through the sale of Ray Winder
Field.
Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to approve the Consent
Agenda. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Wyrick voting in
opposition on Item 2, the Consent Agenda was approved.
GROUPED ITEMS (Items 6 - 9)
6. ORDINANCE NO. 20,595: Z -8761: To approve a Planned Zoning Development and
establish a Planned Commercial District tilted Hearne Short-Form PCD, located at 1853
Ringo Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of
Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 9 ayes; 0 nays; and 2
absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The request is a rezoning from R-4, Two - Family, to PCD, Planned Commercial
Development, to allow the use of this existing building as administrative office space for the
adjacent Hearne Fine Arts art gallery and frame making business and as a plant nursery/exhibit
garden.
7. ORDINANCE NO. 20.596: Z -8763: To approve a Planned Zoning Development and
establish a Planned Commercial District titled Estate of Lindsey East Short -Form PCD,
located at 101 North Woodrow Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official
Zoning Map of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning
Commission: 9 ayes; 0 nays; and 2 absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The request is a rezoning from C -3, General Commercial District, to PCD, Planned
Commercial District, to add One (1) and Two (2)- Family as an allowable use for the property.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 20.597: Z -8765: To approve a Planned Zoning Development and
establish a Planned Residential District titled Lake Nixon Short -Form PD -R, located at
18511 Cooper Orbit Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, amending the Official Zoning Map of
the City of Little Rock, Arkansas; and for other purposes. Planning Commission: 9 ayes; 0
nays; and 2 absent. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: The request is a rezoning of 0.44 acres from AF, Agriculture and Forestry, to PD -R,
Planned Development Residential, to allow for the placement of a manufactured home on the
property.
9. ORDINANCE NO. 20.598: To dispense with competitive bids; to award a dark fiber
connection agreement to Windstream Communications, in the amount of $416,644.00;
and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Synopsis: This ordinance waives competitive bidding for the purchase of equipment and services to
connect to a fiber -based telecommunications network owned by Windstream Communications.
The ordinances were read a first time. Director Adcock made the motion, 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 a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
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 a third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the ordinances were approved.
SEPARATE ITEMS (Items 10 —14 and Item M -3)
10. ORDINANCE NO. 20.599: To condemn certain structures in the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas as structural, fire and health hazards; to provide for summary abatement
procedures, to direct the City Manager to take such action as is necessary to raze and
remove structures; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. staff recommends
approval.
Synopsis: The four (4) commercial structures have become run -down, dilapidated, unsightly,
dangerous and detrimental to the public welfare of the citizens of the City of Little Rock.
City Attorney Carpenter stated that there had been a bankruptcy action filed earlier that
day with an automatic stay regarding the property located at 2820 Asher Road, and he
felt that the property should be excluded.
Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to amend the
ordinance and remove the property located at 2820 Asher Avenue. By unanimous voice
vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance was amended.
The ordinance was read a first time. Director Adcock made the 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
ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by
Director Richardson, 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 a third time.
Undra Franks, 9471 Tall Timber Boulevard: Stated that he represented the Greater
Trinity Church of God in Christ and asked the Board for additional time so that they could
demolish the building themselves.
Director Richardson made the motion, seconded by Director Hendrix, to give the owner
an additional sixty (60) days so that they could demolish the structure themselves. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the motion was approved.
Director Adcock made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to approve the
ordinance as amended. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the
ordinance was approved as amended. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
Members present, the emergency clause was approved.
Director Hendrix stated that the owner of the property at 2810 Arch Street was in the
audience; however, he hadn't filled out a card. Director Cazort stated that although the
Board had already voted on the ordinance, he asked that the gentleman be allowed to
speak and if the Board wanted to take action on the property, they could do so
afterwards.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
Charles Evans: Stated that he was the owner and asked the Board for an additional
ninety (90) days to demolish the structures located at 2810 Arch Street themselves.
Director Wright made the motion, seconded by Director Hendrix, to give the owner an
additional ninety (90) days so that they could demolish the structures themselves. By
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the motion was approved.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 20.600: To condemn certain structures in the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas, as structural, fire and health hazards; to provide for summary abatement
procedures; to direct City Staff to take such action as is necessary to raze and remove
said structures; to declare an emergency, and for other purposes. staff recommends
approval.
The ordinance was read a first time. Director Adcock made the 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
ordinance was read a second time. Director Adcock made the 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 a third time.
Marion Elliot, 7312 Knollwood Road: Stated that she was supportive of the ordinance
and asked that the Board condemn the property located at 7318 Knollwood Road and
have it demolished as quickly as possible.
Ramon Guaiardo, 20001 Valmar Street: Stated that he purchased the property less than
one (1) -year ago and completed repairs on the inside of the structure. Mr. Guajardo
stated that he owned a electrical and remodeling company and he needed additional
time to show significant repair on the structure.
Director Hendrix asked if staff had inspected the interior of the structure. City Manager
Bruce Moore stated that staff had been inside the structure and had pictures of the
interior, with the work appearing to be substandard.
Director Richardson stated that according to a memo from City Manager Moore, Mr.
Guajardo also owned the property located at 1510 South Cedar Street, which had been
included on the April 3, 2012, condemnation ordinance. Director Richardson stated that
the Board had granted Mr. Guajardo a sixty (60) days extension to submit a
rehabilitation plan and to -date. the plan had not been received. Mr. Guajardo stated that
he had been working on the property located at 1510 South Cedar Street. Director
Richardson stated that according to the memo, no permits had been pulled for the
property. Mr. Guajardo stated that he had attempted to pull a permit; however, he had
been told by Permit Staff that the property had been flagged; therefore, a permit could
not be issued. Director Richardson stated that the sixty (60) -day extension was
contingent upon the submission of a rehabilitation plan. Mr. Guajardo stated that he had
painted the structure located at 1510 South Cedar Street and was preparing to paint the
interior as well. Director Richardson asked if he was in fact completing the work without
a permit; Mr. Guajardo stated that he was working without a permit.
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
City Manager Moore stated that in 2010, the Board passed an ordinance that
established a Limited Rehabilitation Permit Program, which allowed individuals to submit
a rehabilitation plan to the City in an effort to obtain a limited permit to complete work on
a condemned structure. City Manager Moore stated that Mr. Guajardo's property was
still flagged due to the fact that he had not submitted a rehabilitation plan; even though
he had been given additional time to do so. Housing & Neighborhood Programs
Department Director Andre Bernard stated that when an individual requests a time
extension from the Board, if granted they are told that they must submit a rehabilitation
plan. In addition, Mr. Bernard reported that when an individual attempts to try and obtain
a permit on a condemned structure, they are informed by Permit Staff that they must
contact Housing & Neighborhood Programs Staff before a Limited Rehabilitation Permit
can be issued.
Director Wright made the motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Kumpuris, to give Mr.
Guajardo and additional thirty (30) days to rehabilitate the structure. By roll call vote, the
vote was as follows: Ayes: Wright; Wyrick; and Vice Mayor Kumpuris. Nays: Hendrix;
Richardson; Cazort; Hines; Fortson and Adcock. Absent: Hurst. By a vote of three (3)
ayes, six (6) nays and one (1) absent, the motion failed.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the ordinance was approved.
By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the emergency clause was
approved.
Mayor Stodola stated that he had overlooked a card from an individual that wanted to
speak in regards to the condemnation ordinance.
Melvin Jones, 9412 Covenant Lane: Stated that he owned the property located at 90
Broadmoor Drive. Mr. Jones explained that he had experienced legal issues with a
contractor that he hired to rehabilitate the structure.
Director Wright stated that she had received numerous complaints from individuals that
lived in close proximity to the structure and she asked when the initial damage occurred.
Mr. Jones stated that the structure burned on July 8, 2011, and he had received a quote
from a construction company for $45,000 to rehabilitate the structure.
Director Cazort stated that unfortunately Mr. Jones had dealt with a disreputable
contractor that had made the condition of the structure worse and the bank had an
interest in the property and was working to resolve some of the issues. Director Cazort
made the motion, seconded by Director Fortson, to rescind the vote that approved the
condemnation ordinance.
Director Adcock stated that every time she attended a neighborhood meeting in the
Broadmoor area, the residents complained about the condition of the property. Director
Adcock stated that the property was located near the entrance of the neighborhood and
it was unfair that the residents had been forced to look at the burned out structure for
almost a year. Mr. Jones stated that he was waiting on a ruling from the Third Division
Court before he could proceed any further with the rehabilitation of the structure.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
Director Hines asked if the Board could take action on a property that was tied up in
litigation. City Attorney Tom Carpenter stated that Board action would not jeopardize
any counter -suit and there was no injunction that would keep the City from demolishing
the structure.
By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Adcock and Wright voting in
opposition, the motion to rescind the vote was approved.
Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to amend the
ordinance and the property located at 90 Broadmoor Drive. By roll call vote, the vote
was as follows: Ayes: Richardson; Cazort; Hines; Fortson; and Vice Mayor Kumpuris.
Nays: Hendrix; Wrights; Wyrick; and Adcock. Absent: Hurst. By a vote of five (5) ayes,
four (4) nays and one (1) absent, the motion failed.
By roll call vote, the vote to approve the condemnation ordinance was as follows: Ayes:
Hendrix; Wright; Wyrick; and Adcock. Nays: Richardson; Cazort; Hines; Fortson; and
Vice Mayor Kumpuris. Absent: Hurst. By a vote of four (4) ayes, five (5) nays and one
(1) absent, the ordinance failed.
City Manager Bruce Moore stated that since the ordinance failed, staff would have to
reissue notice to all the properties before they could be brought back to the Board for
consideration of condemnation.
Director Wyrick made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to rescind the vote in
which the condemnation ordinance failed.
Director Richardson asked if the motion was appropriate. City Attorney Carpenter stated
that he was not sure if the Board could rescind the vote a second time on an ordinance
and would have to research the validity of the motion.
Director Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, for the Board to take a
fifteen (15) minute recess in order for the City Attorney to research the issue before he
could make that determination.
Mayor Stodola stated that he would like for the Board to take action on Item M -3 before
the Board recessed.
M -3 ORDINANCE NO. 20, 601: To condemn a certain structure in the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas, as a structural, fire and health hazard; to provide for summary
abatement procedures; to direct City Staff to take such action as is necessary to raze
and remove said structure; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes. Staff
recommends approval.
Synopsis: One (1) residential structure in dilapidated and /or burned condition causing a negative
environmental impact on the residential neighborhoods in which they are located.
The ordinance was read a first time. Director Adcock made the 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 a second time. Director Adcock made the motion, seconded
by Director Cazort, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a third time. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the ordinance was approved. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
Members present, the emergency clause was approved.
Director Hines made the motion, seconded by Director Adcock, for the Board to recess
for fifteen (15) minutes. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the
motion to recess for fifteen (15) minutes was approved.
City Attorney Carpenter reported that he had determined that the Board could have
second motion to rescind the vote on the condemnation ordinance.
Director Wyrick made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to rescind the vote in
which the condemnation ordinance failed. By unanimous voice vote of the Board
Members present, the motion was approved.
Director Cazort made the motion, seconded by Director Richardson, to amend the
ordinance and remove the property located at 90 Broadmoor Drive. By unanimous voice
vote of the Board Members present, the motion to amend the ordinance was
approved.
Director Richardson made the motion, seconded by Director Wright, to approve the
condemnation ordinance as amended. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members
present, the ordinance as amended was approved. By unanimous voice vote of the
Board Members present, the emergency clause was approved.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 13.524: To recommend an amendment to Ark. Code Ann. § 21-
8 -708 to require the members of all statutory entities with the power of eminent domain
to file statement of financial interest; and for other purposes. Staff recommends approval.
Rev. Wendell Griffen, 6120 West 32nd Street: Stated that it was a simple matter of good
government for an entity that had the power to take land be required to publicly indicate
their financial interests and that he was in support of the resolution.
Director Richardson made the motion, seconded by Director Cazort, to approve the
resolution. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the resolution
was approved.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 20.603: To prohibit the use of capital improvement sales tax
monies to be transferred to the Central Arkansas Technology Park Authority or other
City assets, to purchase residential housing through the power of eminent domain; and
for other purposes. Staff recommendation pending.
The ordinance was read a first time. Director Richardson made the motion, seconded by
Director Hendrix, 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 a second time. Director Richardson made the motion, seconded
by Director Hendrix, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on third reading. By
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the rules were suspended and the
ordinance was read a third time.
Mayor Stodola stated that he had received cards from individuals that wanted to speak
on Item 13 independently and from those that wanted to speak on Items 13 and 14.
Mayor Stodola stated that he would first call on the individuals that wanted to speak on
Item 13.
Annie Abrams, 1925 Wolfe Street: Stated that she was in support of the proposed
ordinance.
Kathy Wells: Stated that she was the President of the Coalition of Greater Little Rock
Neighborhoods and that they were in support of the proposed ordinance.
Kaitlin Lott, 906 Apperson Street: Stated that she was a member of the We Shall Not Be
Moved Coalition and Occupy Little Rock and was strongly in favor of the proposed
ordinance.
Dr. Akasha Hull: Stated that she was the Vice Chair of the Little Rock Racial & Cultural
Diversity Commission and that they were in support of the proposed ordinance.
Donna Massey, 1410 South Tyler Street: Stated that she served on the Pulaski County
Quorum Court, representing District Six, and that the three (3) sites being considered for
the Technology Park were located in her District. Ms. Massey stated that she was in
support of the proposed ordinance.
Robert Nunn, 1 River Oaks Circle: Stated that he was in support of the proposed
ordinance.
Mayor Stodola stated that the Board would now hear from the individuals that wanted to
speak on Items 13 and 14.
Rohn Muse. 822 Lewis Street: Stated that he was Co -Chair of the We Shall Not Be
Moved Coalition and was in support of both Items 13 and 14.
Gregg Deckelman, P.O. Box 2362: Stated that he was a member of the We Shall Not Be
Moved Coalition and Occupy Little Rock and was in support of both Items 13 and 14.
Director Richardson stated that since the Board was allowing individuals to speak on
Item 14, he thought the ordinance should be read. Director Richardson made the
motion, seconded by Director Hendrix, to read Item 14. By voice vote of the Board
Members present, with Director Adcock voting in opposition, the motion was approved.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 20.602: To request further study on the selection of a site for the
Central Arkansas Technology Park Authority; to request the development of a list of
sites to be reviewed publicly; and for other purposes.
The ordinance was read a first time. Director Richardson made the motion, seconded by
Director Hendrix, 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 a second time. Director Richardson made the 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 a third time.
Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
Dr. Anika Whitfield, 4501 West 16th Street: Stated that she was in support of Item 13
and against Item 14.
Rev. Wendell Griffen, 6120 West 32 "d Street: Stated that he was in support of Item 13
and against Item 14 and asked why there was not a staff recommendation for Item 13.
Director Richardson asked what staff's recommendation was for Item 13. City Manager
Moore stated that he chose not to put a staff recommendation on Item 13 or Item 14 due
to the fact that it was very early in the process and that it was premature to be taking
action, especially due to the fact that a final determination had not been made as to
where the park would be located. City Manager Moore stated that the City had
committed $22 million to the Research Park; however, the commitment was over a ten
(10) -year period. City Manager Moore reminded the Board that before the twenty (20)-
acre Clinton Presidential Library and Park was built, the City acquired all but one (1)
piece of property that it needed before they utilized eminent domain as a last resort. City
Manager Moore stated that during the acquisition process, in some instances, the City
paid more than fair market value for the properties.
Director Richardson asked what staff's recommendation would be for Item 13 in its
current form. City Manager Moore stated that he would recommend deferral.
Joyce Elliot, 1715 Fair Park Boulevard: Stated that she was in support of Item 13 and
against Item 14.
Dr. Creshelle Nash, 4301 West Markham Street: Stated that she was an Assistant
Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of
Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health and Internal Medicine and had
taught a service learning course that semester. Dr. Nash stated that she wanted to
share some of the research that was gathered during the course regarding community
views concerning neighborhoods and health in regards to the proposed technology park.
Ashley Bachelder, 5908 C Street: Stated that she was a student in Dr. Nash's class and
gave a brief overview of the research gathered.
Dr. Mary Good, 14300 Chenal Parkway: Stated that she was a member of the Research
Technology Park Authority and appreciated all the comments and viewpoints that had
been shared that evening. Dr. Good stated that the objective of the Authority was to
develop a research park that would serve the owners and the universities and their
students in the area and not to waste public funds on legal fees involving eminent
domain. Dr. Good stated that it was very early in the process and a final decision had
not been made regarding the location and asked that the Board give the Authority time
to move the process forward.
Director Hendrix asked if the park had to be located at one of the three (3) proposed
sites. Dr. Good stated that the Authority had conducted a large amount of research
regarding the success of technology parks and it was important that they be located in
close proximity to the institutions that would utilize them.
Director Wright stated that she understood the angst of individuals that lived in the area;
however, she had also heard from individuals that were anxious to move out of the area
of the proposed sites. Director Wright stated that she thought Board action was
premature and that Item 13 needed to be postponed.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
Director Wright made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, to defer Item 13 for six (6)
months.
Director Richardson stated that he had not heard from anyone that was in opposition to
the proposed ordinance. Director Richardson stated that the ordinance dealt specifically
with neighborhoods and the utilization of City tax dollars for acquisition through eminent
domain.
Director Hendrix made the motion, seconded by Director Hines, to call the question on
the vote. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the question to
vote was called.
By roll call vote, the vote was as follows: Ayes: Cazort; Hines; Wright; Fortson; Adcock
and Vice Mayor. Nays: Hendrix; Richardson; and Wyrick. Absent: Hurst. By a vote of
six (6) ayes, three (3) nays and one (1) absent, the item was deferred for six (6)
months.
Mayor Stodola stated that Item 14 ordinance had been read three (3) times and asked if
anyone wanted to speak regarding the ordinance. Vice Mayor Kumpuris stated that he
was convinced Item 14 was necessary and was against utilizing eminent domain. Vice
Mayor Kumpuris stated that when site selection is discussed, it takes at least six (6)
months to locate and evaluate a site. Vice Mayor Kumpuris stated that the purpose of
the ordinance was to recommend to the Authority that they to take the time to talk to
people and get their input and suggestions
Director Richardson stated that he didn't think that the ordinance was necessary and
that if the Board mandated the Authority to talk with the neighborhood, the residents
would not see that as sincere.
Director Wright made the motion, seconded by Director Adcock, to call the question on
the vote. By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Richardson voting
in opposition, the question to vote was called.
By voice vote of the Board Members present, with Director Richardson voting in
opposition, the ordinance was approved.
CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATION
Cornelius Brown, 1913 Valentine Street: Saving my house at 1913 Valentine Street
Ulysses Davis. 2710 Longcoy Street:
Kaitlin Lott, 906 Apperson Street: The families behind Pop -A -Top
Joyce Elliot, 1715 Fair Park Boulevard:
Rohn Muse, 822 Lewis Street: Dr. Good comment in error as to sites.
Director Hines made the motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Kumpuris, to adjourn the
meeting. By unanimous voice vote of the Board Members present, the meeting
adjourned.
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Little Rock Board of Directors Meeting
June 19, 2012
6:00 PM
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Dean KL4fdpuris, Vice Mayor
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