Board of Directors

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, HELD SEPTMBER 19, 2023 The City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, met in regular session at the City of Siloam Springs Administration Building on September 19, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Judy Nation. Roll Call: Allen, Carroll, Hunt, Rissler, Blair- Finn, Wiles, Smiley— Present. City Representatives Present: Allan Gilbert, City Administrator; Renea Ellis, City Clerk; Chief Jeremey Criner, Fire Department; Interim Chief Scott Miller, Police Department; Kevin Moore, Interim Community Development Director and City Engineer; Ben Rhoads, Sr. City Planner and Maegan Thomas, Planner I. Opening prayer. Director Carroll led the opening prayer. The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. The mayor asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item not on the City' s agenda. James McGuirk, 412 W. University, pointed out again that there are city employees not wearing seat belts when driving city vehicles. Blake Jones, 1105 Courage, informed the Board that he had filed a federal lawsuit against several members of the police department and that the felony charges against him in Benton County Circuit Court had been nolle pros' d. Katie Rennard, 702 E. Delaware, asked the Board to please speak loudly into the microphones as some were very hard to hear; she asked them to consider the East Main Street redesign, gave the number of vehicles traveling East Main Street from an ARDoT traffic study and reminded them it is the entryway to our downtown. The mayor asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item on the Consent Agenda. Jeff Farmer, 21923 Davidson Road, asked the Board not to pass Item" F" due to still unresolved drainage issues. Consent Agenda: A. Town Hall Meeting Minutes/ August 24, 2023 B. Regular Meeting Minutes/ September 5, 2023 C. Dedication of Utility Easements/ 3300 Block of South Elm Street D. Resolution 52- 23 / Final Plat Development Permit/ Stubbs Subdivision/ 2603 South Lincoln Street E. Resolution 53- 23 / Final Plat Development Permit/ The Commons Addition/ 2000 Block of Dawn Hill Road F. Resolution 54- 23 / Final Plat Development Permit/ Mission Hill Phase 2/ 4000 Block of North Country Club Road Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 12 September 19, 2023 G. Resolution 55- 23 / Final Plat Development Permit/ Fox Meadow Subdivision/ 600- 700 Block of East Lake Francis Drive H. Resolution 56- 23 / Setting Hearing Date for Easement and Alleyway Vacation/ 800 Block of East Jefferson Street I. Resolution 57- 23 / Waive Signage Ordinance/ Approve MOU Runway Group J. Pre- Agenda Meeting Minutes/ September 13, 2023 Director Allen asked that Items E and F be removed from consent. Travis Chaney, Parks and Recreation Manager asked that Item I be removed from consent. Director Hunt asked that Item D be removed from consent. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to approve the remaining Consent Agenda items. Nation asked for a roll call vote. Motion passed unanimously. Item D. Hunt asked about comments previously made about drainage issues. Blair indicated they were being addressed. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to approve the item. Motion passed unanimously. Item E. Allen asked if there was any way to have the size of the proposed homes made public. Ben Rhoads explained that it is not a city regulation to disclose the size or design of the homes and State Statutes prevent mandatory requirements for design; he went on to say that the size of the home was generally in correlation with the lot size. Smiley asked about covenants; Kevin Moore stated covenants don' t apply. Allen also asked that disturbance to use of sidewalks not happen in the future. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to approve the item. Motion passed unanimously. Item F. Allen expressed concern over passing Phase 2 when problems with Phase 1 had yet to be resolved. Rissler asked about specific problems. Kevin Moore stated the problems with Mr. Taylor' s property had been resolved and that the sandbags that had been placed were to stop erosion. Taylor Lemming, Crafton Tull, explained that passing this will not affect drainage on Phase 1; that there is no more water there than was before due to the detention pond holding the increased runoff and releasing it at a slower rate; that the design met city requirements; he showed the Board a copy of the plat map and the flow of water. Kevin Moore also pointed out that these ponds were over- sized and met the new requirements the city has implemented. Farmer stated that the runoff is cutting into his land and creating a mosquito problem where they can' t enjoy their back yard. Allen said we must protect established homes. David Ewing, Developer, also stated that Phase 1 is not affecting the current issue; that the Taylor and Sled issues had been resolved; and he was surprised about this as he was only informed about it by Mr. Farmer at 4: 11 pm yesterday, and have spent a considerable sum of money to deal with car light issues, and explained the sandbags or waddles, are put down to filter sediment; explained the outlet structure which slows down the release of water; and said he believed we' ve taken a lot of steps to mitigate the issues. A motion was then made by Carroll and seconded by Smiley to approve the item. Motion passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 13 September 19, 2023 Item I. Travis Chaney told the Board that there were slight changes in the wording to the agreement that was presented but caused no significant change to the agreement itself. Allen stated concern as to the placement of the HUB for gravel biking due to parking and believed the corner of Jefferson and Maxell would be a better location for it; Wiles and Blair agreed. Chaney explained how the location was determined; close to bathrooms, businesses are more visible. JT Geren or Guerin, Deputy Director of communication for Runway Group, pointed out that the intent to bring economic benefits to communities; that" The Graveler" ride would go from Fayetteville to Jonesboro all on gravel roads; that it is more popular than mountain biking and ... Carroll said he loved the location of the HUB. Smiley said she liked gravel riding. Garner said he was happy to relocate the HUB. Gilbert said the item could be tabled to allow for rewording. d A motion was by Wiles and seconded by Smiley to table the item to the October 3` made meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Item K: Administrator' s Report: Gilbert reviewed the Administrator' s report attached hereto, and asked for feedback about the possibility of changing the Board meeting time. Several expressed an opinion but the general consensus was to set it at 6:00 pm. Blair asked the audience to email with a preference. The Mayor pointed out a couple of milestones in the community; Jet Stream for celebrating 75 years in Siloam and La-Z-Boy celebrating 50 years in Siloam; stated the Hispanic Heritage Festival was great, with beautiful weather; and thanked staff for their work as well as Main Street and the Chamber. Directors reports: Allan congratulated La-Z-Boy and thanked it for the donation of land for the ball fields; thanked Jet Stream, saying it was a great company with great benefits; said he attended the WOKA pre- opening and congratulated Crossland, GRDA, and the Walton Family Foundation, saying it was a wonderful facility; and thanked staff for their work on the pre- agenda meeting. The mayor pointed out that Tom Gregory was hired right out of high school to sell Hula Hoops and retired as plant manager. Smiley asked the Board to keep E. Main project and Sager Creek project in mind; congratulated La- Z-Boy and Jet Stream stating they contribute a lot; asked for donations at the animal shelter and volunteers to walk the dogs; and pointed out Main Street would be holding Trick or Treat downtown. Carroll gave a shout out to Discover Siloam stating it was an awesome collaboration and how it tells our story. Rissler also congratulated La-Z- Boy and Jet Stream and the Rotary Club for celebrating 100 years. Blair pointed out the AV that was approved last year should start being implemented in the near future; also encouraged people to pick up things for the shelter when they buy for they own pets; pointed out that you could leave it on a bench out front if not open and encouraged volunteers to walk dogs; and told the audience the Sr. Center was going to the Health Expo in Bentonville Thursday and pointed out other activities that it offers. Wiles echoed the sentiments previously stated; said while on a walk he had noticed the colors changing; stated that we live in a great place; and said how city staff is appreciated. Hunt said we need to improve E. Main Street and Sager Creek; she appreciated staff looking for grant opportunities; that these would have a positive impact on the downtown area; we need to enhance the heart of downtown as thousands enjoy the downtown amenities; that she would like to see a time when we didn' t have to choose Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 14 September 19, 2023 between wants and needs, and she hopes to get past either or; that drainage areas, streets and sidewalks will always be in need of repair, but she hoped we ignore opportunities to enhance the heart of our town; there are people who love the downtown area as much as those who dislike it; thousands of Siloam citizens have enjoyed various activities in the downtown area; the Heritage Festival was great and that she and everyone enjoyed it; pointed out that Main Street Siloam was also supported by many as well; and that we are supposed to be friendly and welcoming and we need to meet that claim with mutual respect for each other. With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Hunt and seconded by Allen. Nation called for a voice vote. Motion passed unanimously. moo•' G0•' 4. ''' i Meeting adjourned. S' A 1 1' hST: APPROVED: co• N SPR••• 4- 4 fly immuinittot Renea EElllis, City Clerk, CAMC/ CMC Nation, ayor ookimiuniuNi CITy Gs, ARKP ronnunm + a,°  rill Siloam m Springs Y' ll1b Administrator' s Report September 19, 2023 Expenditures: In excess of$ 30, 000 36, 820.48/ 8000 gallons 100LL fuel/ Airport Per Resolution 34- 23 83, 550/ 7500 rolls 1/ 3 Neutral Primary Domestic Wire/ Electric Department 99, 840/ 260 AMI Water Meters/ Water Department d 1. The 2" annual Hispanic Heritage Festival was a success, attracting approximately 2, 500 attendees— that' s a nearly 60% increase over last year. Those attendees stayed 30 minutes longer than last year as well. Participants and vendors alike reported being very pleased with the event. We look forward to learning what works so that the festival continues to grow. 2. The popular Fall Cleanup service will be October 2"d through 6th this year. Approved items will be collected from the curb on residents' regular trash day that week. A list of items is available on our website. 3. The beautiful new WOKA whitewater park officially opened last weekend. 4. This months' 4th Friday event is themed Hometown Heroes and features 449 Rewind on the stage at Chautauqua Amphitheater. 5. The first ever Love Siloam event takes place this Saturday, September 23' d. This service day is an initiative of a collaboration of local nonprofits and businesses, united with the goal of inspiring Siloam Springs residents to make a positive impact on their community. 6. Would the Board consider starting Board of Directors meetings at 5: 30pm instead of 6: 30pm? If so, I will start the ordinance change process. 7. Update: Attorney Lancaster. Two resolutions have been sent to the AML for review: a. Veto resolution b. Resolution ratifying payments made to date to Main Street Siloam Springs If AML completes their review in time, the resolutions will be put on the October 3rd Board meeting agenda. Page 1