Board of Directors

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, HELD NOVEMBER 21, 2023 The City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, met in regular session at the City of Siloam Springs Administration Building on November 21, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Judy Nation. Roll Call: Allen, Smiley, Carroll, Hunt, Wiles, Rissler, Blair— 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, City Engineer; Ben Rhoads, Sr. City Planner; Kris Paxton, Community Development Director; Tony Brown, Wastewater Plant Superintendent; Christina Petriches, Finance Director; and Maegan Thomas, Planner 1. Opening prayer. Director Wiles 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. Arthur Hulbert, Chamber of Commerce, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; invited participants to the" Holly Jolly Decorating Contest, and gave the deadline to enter; pointed out the" Pool of Siloam" would be returning this year with a target date of December 10th, and thanking everyone who was involved in making it happen; and said he was grateful for the City and Board. The mayor asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item on the Consent Agenda. No one came forward. Presentation. 2022 Audit/ Landmark CPA' s/ Christopher Cluck. Christina Petriches, Finance Director, introduced Chris Cluck with Landmark CPA' s. Cluck presented the results of the 2022 audit and announced an unmodified opinion. Director Allen asked that the audit come sooner in the future. Consent Agenda: A. Regular Meeting Minutes/ November 7, 2023 B. Pre- Agenda Meeting Minutes/ November 15, 2023 C. Appointment/ City of Siloam Springs, AR Public Education Facilities Board( John Brown University)/ Tim McCord( reappointment) D. Appointment/ Benton County Regional Solid Waste Management Board/ Jason Davis E. Appointments/ Parks Advisory Board/ Candy Alfano and Todd Williams F. Appointment/ Planning Commission/ Tony Williams, Chris Salley, Issac McKinney G. Approve the 2023 Auction List and Dwayne Craig Auction Service Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 12 November 21, 2023 H. Annual Chemical Bids / Public Works Department/ Water- Wastewater Divisions / Multiple Vendors/ Costs I. Resolution 65- 23 / Setting Hearing Date for Easement Vacation/ 816 East Main Street. Director Rissler asked that Item G be removed. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. Item J. Ordinance 23- 25 / 2" d Reading/ Amending City Municipal Code/ Chapter 54 Land Use Minor Subdivisions. Ben Rhoads briefed the item. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Wiles to place Ordinance 25- 23 on its second reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 53 of the Municipal Code with Respect to Platting and Minor Subdivision Review; was read on its second reading. Item K. Ordinance 23- 26/ 2" d Reading/ Amending Section 102- 21 of the City Municipal Code Rezoning from G- I to I- 1 / 2200 Block of S. Lincoln Street. Ben Rhoads briefed the item. Allen said since the Board should be made aware of the future use of the land. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to place Ordinance 23- 23 on its second reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending Section 102- 21 of the Siloam springs Municipal Code( City Zoning Map); Rezoning( From G- I to I- 1) Property Located at the 2200 Block of South Lincoln Street; was read on its second reading. Item L. Ordinance 23- 28/ 2nd Reading/ Amending Section 102- 21 of the City Municipal Code Rezoning from A- 1 to C- 2/ 3861 Hwy. 412 E. Maegan Thomas briefed the item. The mayor pointed out that the applicant had appeared at the last meeting and asked that this item be heard on its second and third reading tonight. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Carroll to place Ordinance 23- 28 on its second and third reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending Section 102- 21 of the Siloam Springs Municipal Code ( City Zoning Map); Rezoning( From A- 1 to C- 2) Property Located at 3861 Highway 412 East; was read on its second and third reading. A motion to adopt was made by Allen and seconded by Smiley. Motion passed unanimously. Item N. Ordinance 23- 29/ 2" d Reading/ Amending Section 102- 21 of the City Municipal Code/ Rezoning from R- 2( H- 1) to C- 2( H- 1)/ 500 Block of S. Britt St. Maegan Thomas briefed the Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 13 November 21, 2023 item. Carroll asked since this would be two different zonings close together, would there be any requirements to separate the commercial from the residential. Thomas indicated there were and what the developer' s plans were. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Smiley to place Ordinance 23- 29 on its second reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Amending Section 102- 21 of the Siloam Springs Municipal Code( City Zoning Map); Rezoning( From R- 2 to C- 2) Property Located at the 500 Block of South Britt Street; and Amending the Future Land Use Map of the Siloam Springs 2040 Comprehensive Plan; was read on its second reading. Item N. Ordinance 23- 30/ 1st Reading/ Annexation of 114. 43 acres/ 2700 East Block of Keck. Road. Maegan Thomas briefed the item. Carroll asked who would maintain the park once completed, and Rissler asked if it would be a public park. Thomas stated it would be a private park for the residents and would be maintained by the same. Allen announced he would abstain from voting due to a family relation. Daniel Friede, Expedient Engineering, on behalf of the applicant, asked that the 2" d and 3` d reading be combined at the next meeting. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to place Ordinance 23- 30 on its first reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: An Ordinance Accepting the Annexation of Certain Territory at the 2700 Block of Keck Road to the City of Siloam Springs, AR and Assigning the same to a Ward; was read on its first reading. Item O. Staff Response to Town Hall Meeting Comments. Ben Rhoads reviewed the responses previously provided to the Board. Following lengthy discussion, the consensus was that the board was agreeable to moving things more quickly for applicants, but still allowing the citizens a say so, and that they were not willing to give up items coming to the board for approval and allowing the Planning Commission the autonomy described in item 9 of the responses, at this time. Administrator' s Report: Gilbert reviewed the Administrator' s report attached hereto and thanked the Board for working together and coming to the extra meetings. He announced the Williams Law Firm had been hired to represent the city through the end of the year, and introduced Jay Williams and Joel Kurtz. He thanked staff for all the work they do; said God bless everyone and Happy Thanksgiving. The mayor wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; reminded the audience that the Light Up Siloam Christmas Parade would be December 2" d; you can enter a float until December 1 S` on our website or with the Heritage League, welcomed Jay and Joel and said she looked forward to working with them. Directors reports: Carroll thanked everyone for sticking with us through the year; reminded the audience through the holiday season to be mindful of family; and mindful of the unity as a Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 14 November 21, 2023 community we possess. Smiley wished a Happy Thanksgiving and reminded the audience to think about their neighbor; thanked everyone for the parade; for staff for the Christmas decorations throughout the city; and the Planning Commission for the job it does. Allen said he appreciated the work the Planning Commission does; enjoyed reading their minutes; welcomed Jay and Joel as city attorney firm; said he was looking forward to the Pool ofSiloam returning; again, asked that the audit be provided earlier; wished Happy Thanksgiving; and asked that we include everyone in the Middle East in our prayers. Hunt said he appreciated the Heritage League for the work it does to put on the parade; that Breakfast with Santa was that morning and to get your tickets soon; and wished Happy Thanksgiving stating we have so much to be thankful for. Wiles said we are blessed and so much to be thankful for; that there are those less fortunate that we need to be aware of; and wished Happy Thanksgiving. Blair pointed out it' s a difficult time of year and that we have the Genesis House and Manna Center for those who need help; that the animal shelter is always in need of supplies and to consider adoption; thanked Hulbert and all who are involved with the Pool ofSiloam and she looked forward to sharing it with her nieces and nephew; and wished a Happy Thanksgiving. Rissler welcomed Jay and Joel; asked about the Unified Development Code and a committee; (Rhoads indicated there would be public meetings for feedback); said how the Veteran' s Parade was a great success and thanked the veterans for all they do; thanked the Chamber for the Pool ofSiloam and said she thinks it will bless many; thanked the Rotary Club for the Healing Garden and encouraged everyone to check it out; asked for an update on Lake Frances Drive. It was explained that it would be such a long process that will affect 911 addressing; people' s mail deliveries including billing; having to change their driver' s licenses; and how government documents were historically spelled with an e" but plats and surveys referred to it with an" I" expect in case where it is still referred to as Rose Bud Drive; that it' s not feasible to change the name; Williams said it could be done, but it would be a long process. Rissler wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. A motion to adjourn was made by Blair and seconded by Allen. Nation called for a voice vote. Motion passed unanimously. r'4rq 9RP.9 ,4 Meeting adjourned. 6' o ',As) ATTEST: APPR ED: s'°/ • 1. 7)(.."_. tips 0 _V , 2' L/'/.. 4 SPS\ Renea Ellis, City Clerk, CAMC/ C Judy ion, ayor i unimnoiAim" o couAt% igli L. Q . mnt o  CI11 Ul Suoaril Spnngs Administrator' s Report November 21, 2023 Expenditures: In excess of$ 30. 000 36, 095/ 1500 Dodge Ram SSV Crew Cab 4x4 Truck/ Warehouse/ January 2024 Delivery 49, 000/ Back Deck Addition for Station 3/ Fire Department Per Resolution 34- 23 80, 988/ 4 Pole Top Reclosure/ Electric 1. The Light Up Siloam Springs Christmas Parade is coming up on December 2"d at 5: 30 PM. The parade kicks off on Tulsa Street by the Siloam Springs Middle School. The parade route has been posted on the City website. Choir and music at 4PM, parade begins at 5: 30PM. 2. We are excited to announce that the Major Projects Tracker is now live on our City website. This new tool offers information about recent and ongoing projects in the community. Projects are categorized into Residential and Significant Development and include interactive maps that are simple to use. 3. Presented by Discover Siloam Springs, the 4'h Annual Deck the House Decorating Contest is back. Embrace the holiday spirit and join residents citywide in this annual holiday celebration. a. Registration is now open until December 12' h. That is when judging will begin. b. Entry is entirely free. Participants can register at discoversiloam. com. c. Four champions will emerge, one from each city ward, each awarded$ 100. The winners will be announced on December 24'h. d. Additionally, the community will help crown the Crowd Favorite Winner on social media, who will receive an additional$ 100! e. Let' s light up Siloam Springs together and share the joy of the season. Page 1