Board of Directors

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, HELD DECEMBER 5, 2023 The City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, met in regular session at the City of Siloam Springs Administration Building on December 5, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Judy Nation. Roll Call: Allen, Smiley, Carroll, Hunt, Wiles, Rissler,— Present. Blair— Absent. 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; James Harris, Airport Manager; Jason Davis, Public Services Director; and Maegan Thomas, Planner 1. Opening prayer. Director Carroll led the opening prayer. The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. Before public comment, the mayor introduced Boy Scout Pack# 3766 who were in attendance to earn a merit badge by observing how city government works; asked them to stand; and led applause. The mayor then turned the floor over to Fire Chief Jeremey Criner. Criner commented on the Fire Departments Annual Awards Banquet and introduced the following: Firefighter of the Year, Landon Cottrell; Paramedic of the Year, Jordan Littrell; Company of the Year, Station 1," C" Platoon, accepted by Josh Spencer; the Meritorious Service Award recipient, Josh Spencer; and the Chiefs Choice Award winner, David Bethea. All recipients received applause from the audience. The mayor asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item not on the City' s agenda. Tyler Carroll, 102 S. Carl, asked if a public workshop could be held to remind everyone of the" power structure" within the city as at some of the pre- agenda meetings it was confusing as to who was in charge. Blake Jones, 1105 E. Courage, addressed the audience while reviewing a recent article published in the newspaper, regarding former police officer, Michael Anderson, and the events that led to his resignation; and thanked the board for their service. The mayor asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item on the Consent Agenda. No one came forward. Consent Agenda: A. Regular Meeting Minutes/ November 21, 2023 B. Pre- Agenda Meeting Minutes/ November 29, 2023 C. Revised Ground Lease/ Airport/ Upward Investment, LLC D. Grant Acceptance/ Grand River Dam Authority- Community Development Grant/$ 15, 000 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 12 December 5, 2023 A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Allen to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously. E. Budget Amendment and Contract Approval/ Parks& Recreation Division/ Rec Center Feasibility Study/ WER/$ 228, 240. The mayor announced that staff requested the item be tabled until further information could be obtained. F. Joint Use Agreement/ Siloam Springs School District/ SSHS Tennis Courts/$ 135, 973. 00. Jason Davis briefed the item. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler, to approve the item. Motion passed unanimously. Item G. Ordinance 23- 25/ 3' 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 Rissler to place Ordinance 23- 25 on its third 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 third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 23- 25 was made by Smiley and seconded by Carroll. Motion passed unanimously. Item H. Ordinance 23- 26/ 3rd 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. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Wiles to place Ordinance 23- 26 on its 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 G- I TO I-1) PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE 2200 BLOCK OF SOUTH LINCOLN STREET; was read on its third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 23- 26 was made by Smiley and seconded by Allen. Motion passed unanimously. Item I. Ordinance 23- 29/ 3` 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 item. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler to place Ordinance 23- 29 on its 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 R- 2 TO C- 2) PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE 500 BLOCK OF SOUTH BRITT Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 13 December 5, 2023 STREET; AND AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE SILOAM SPRINGS 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; was read on its third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 23- 29 was made by Smiley and seconded by Allen. Motion passed unanimously. Item J. Ordinance 23- 30/ 2nd Reading/ Annexation of 114. 43 acres/ 2700 East Block of Keck Road. Maegan Thomas briefed the item and reminded the board that the applicant had requested the item be heard on its second and third reading at this meeting. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Wiles to place Ordinance 23- 30 on its second and third reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed 5- 1 with Allen abstaining. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY A THE 2700 BLOCK OF KECK ROAD TO THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, AR AND ASSIGNING THE SAME TO A WARD; was read on its second and third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 23- 30 was made by Smiley and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed 5- 1 with Allen abstaining. Item K. Ordinance 23- 31 / 1st Reading/ Amending City Municipal Code/ Chapter 22 and Chapter 102/ Short-Term Rentals( STR). Ben Rhoads briefed the item. Gilbert pointed out if legislation changed, the ordinance would be revised if needed to be in line with state laws. Rissler read the attached email from Joey Planz; stated she wanted facts; pointed out the tax revenue that would be generated from the STR' s; Allen agreed with Rissler' s comments and stated he was not in favor of the changes; Smiley asked why the changes; Rhoads indicated to be more business friendly; Hunt asked why the limited number to own was included; Rhoads indicated to keep large companies from buying up large numbers of homes at one time, limiting the need for availability in the local housing market; Thomas pointed out this was to protect property owners to allow them the opportunity to have STR. Wiles stated more discussion was needed and made a motion to table the item. The board asked for comments from the audience. Todd Varnado, 507 N. Madison, stated he owned STR' s and managed several STR' s for various owners; that STR' s make sense to some homeowners; and that the current process takes too long to receive a permit. James McGuirk, 412 W. University, asked what business it was for Planning to tell him what he could or couldn' t do with his property if he purchased 25 homes, and that he was against the changes. Allen seconded Wiles motion to table indefinitely. Motion passed unanimously. Item L. Ordinance 23- 32/ 1st Reading/ Amending City Code Section 70- 3.- Discharge of Firearms or Weapons. Scott Miller briefed the item. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Wiles to place Ordinance 23- 32 on its first reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 14 December 5, 2023 An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 70- 3 OF THE SILOAM SPRINGS CITY CODE WITH RESPECT TO DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS WITHIN CITY LIMITS; was read on its first reading. Item M. Ordinance 23- 33 / 1st Reading/ Amending City Municipal Code/ Chapter 54 Land Use Code/ Significant Development Definition. Maegan Thomas briefed the item. James McGuirk, 412 W. University, asked what was and was not allowed to be stored in the hangars. Jason Davis, Director of the airport, and Harris, airport manager, had previously left the meeting and weren' t available to answer questions. It was pointed out this was only the first reading and more information would be available at the next meeting. A motion was made by Smiley and seconded by Allen to place Ordinance 23- 33 on its first reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CODE SECTION 54- 11 TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANT PROJECT; was read on its first reading. Item N. Ordinance 23- 34/ 1st Reading/ Vacation of Utility Easements and Alleyway/ 800 Block of East Jefferson Street. Maegan Thomas briefed the item. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Carroll to place Ordinance 23- 34 on its first reading, suspending the rules and reading title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING UTILITY EASEMENTS AND RIGHT- OF- WAYS AT 800 BLOCK OF EAST JEFFERSON STREET; was read on its first reading. Item O. Resolution 66- 23/ Significant Development Permit/ 801 East Lake Francis Drive( Sager Creek Crossing, Phase 2). Ben Rhoads briefed the item. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Smiley to approve Resolution 66-23. Motion passed unanimously. Item P. October Financials. Gilbert pointed out that a copy of the October financials had been provided, and any questions should be directed to Christina Petriches. Administrator' s Report: Gilbert asked Miller to come up. Miller provided clarification on comments made by Blake Jones in the public input section of the meeting. Gilbert congratulated Rhoads on his 20- year anniversary with the city; announced that a crossing guard was struck by a vehicle earlier in the week and asked that they be kept in prayer; explained that the E. Main Street grant received by the Walton Family Foundation was coming to a deadline and that an extension for time would be submitted; and reviewed the Administrator' s report attached hereto. The mayor wished everyone a Merry Christmas as she wouldn' t be at the next meeting; commented on the parade stating how amazing it was and thanked the Heritage League for all its work in preparing for it and all those who had assisted in its success; pointed out that the Chamber Choir was one of three in the state to be invited to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall along with a guest director they invited from the U of A; what an honor and privilege it was Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 15 December 5, 2023 and asked for support, either through prayer or financially; pointed out the HS Chamber Choir had a concert scheduled for December 12th and the JH Chamber Choir had a concert scheduled for the 14th and if you get a chance you should go listen to them. Directors reports: Allen stated he hoped everyone had a good Thanksgiving; that he was excited to see the" Pool of Siloam" returning; congratulated the Fire Department award recipients and said that Criner had done a great job; thanked the scouts for being here; told the mayor he appreciated all she does for the city, wished her the best and safe travels; and pointed out that the 12th Anniversary of" Dustin' s Dream" would be held Saturday at Camp Siloam starting at 5: 30 pm. Hunt thanked staff for being proactive and that she was happy for a [ STR] workshop; that Tyler Carroll' s idea was great about structure; congratulated Rhoads; thanked the Heritage League, staff and all who participated and attended the parade; the Mothering Matters Home Tour was fun; that there was still time to sign up for the" Holly Jolly" decorating contest; congratulated all the fire department awardees, and said she appreciated all they do; and reminded the audience that the American Legion would be placing wreaths on veteran' s graves Oak Hill Cemetery Saturday at 9am with assembling at 3p at Parks& Rec, and the public was encouraged to volunteer as a way to honor veterans. Wiles said how good staff is and there are unsung heroes; stated the fire department' s banquet was an amazing experience; that citizens don' t understand when they hear sirens what the fire department, and police department, go through to do their jobs; that they have life-changing roles, and he appreciated them and the invitation. Rissler said she appreciated the invitation to the banquet; that there are a lot of people behind the scenes, including those who work during ice storms, and fall and spring cleanup thanked the Scout Pack and the audience for their presence; said the Pool of Siloam would start on December 10th at 6 and 7: 15pm and she was looking forward to seeing it come back. Carroll gave a shout out for the parade; said he looked at the parade differently this year; it was a tremendous collaboration with the Heritage League and Main Street among others; that when the lights came on, you could hear a hushed" ahhhhh" and that following the parade, city crews were behind the horses cleaning up immediately. Cammie Hevener said the Chamber was looking for volunteers to sell popcorn and hot chocolate during the" Pool of Siloam" starting with prelude music and ending with the Hallelujah Chorus. Smiley said she moved here 34 years ago and the second day here was the parade; she thought how inspirational it was; that' s why she loves this season and community so much; the parade was great and thanked the Heritage League; said the comradery in this town was great; that Breakfast with Santa is wonderful for the kids; that she looks forward to seeing the" Pool of Siloam" and thanked staff for all that they do to help the Board, and she that she appreciates it. ootionnotai A motion to adjourn was made by Smiley and seconded by Allen. Nation called for a voic\* o ' Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned. O .'••tq% W `•: ATTEST: APP OVED/ NQ'S .,.•: e I rinnrnnmtnn Renea Ellis, City Clerk, CAMC/ CMC, Nation, Mayor c SEAS :* I  EXTERNAL_ Siloam Springs STR Ordinance Joey Planz < joey. planz@airbnb. com> Thu 11/ 30/ 2023 12: 21 PM To: Lesa Rissler < Irissler@siloamsprings. com> Director Rissler, My name is Joey Planz and I handle government affairs for Airbnb in Arkansas. I was watching the most recent commission meeting and noticed the discussion regarding the city' s proposed STR ordinance. While we have remained neutral on the proposed ordinance as of now, I was hoping to speak with you in the near future on some of the points you had raised on the ordinance. Specifically, I wanted to underscore the discussion on how the free market helps regulate not only the amount of STRs in an area, but also the destiny of those units as well. Across the world, we have seen that hosts themselves have been able to effectively cap the amount of STRs due to their daily average rate vs a number set in code. If the number of STRs increases higher than the demand for STRs, hosts tend to either upgrade their house or simply take it off the market and convert to long term since they can not afford to pay their bills. Additionally, I am hoping there will be some flexibility towards allowing owners to obtain more than 2 STR permits if there are open permits available for a calendar year. Short term rentals grant residents the opportunity to compete in the hospitality industry that has been historically inaccessible for those unable to build a hotel or motels. In the proposed ordinance, the city will still have the ability to deny a permit if there the density of STRs increase in one area. If the Board is open to feedback, in lieu of the prohibition on more than 2 licenses, changes could be made to section ( a) 6d that would allow for a denial of a permit if there is a history of zoning or code violation at a specific property or if the owner of the property has received violations on any other STR they have obtained a license for. This would ensure that if someone operates 2 STRs without any issues, they can be afforded the opportunity to expand which would ensure you hosts are being good stewards of their neighborhood. Regardless of the two items above, I do want to clarify that the city' s approach to limiting licenses per year and not in totality is a revolutionary new approach. If the ordinance does pass as it is currently written, I would love to work with you and city staff to see the impact of the ordinance and hopefully use this concept to help cities like Fayetteville, Hot Springs, and Bella Vista manage their growth in a more flexible way. If you have time in the coming week, I would love to speak with you more in depth on this proposal and hopefully work with you all to ensure that Siloam Springs is a leading example of how to address STRs fairley and using concrete data rather than knee jerk reactions. Please let me know if you have any availability for a call and I look forward to speaking with you soon! Best, Joey Planz Public Policy Associate 813) 610- 0547 This message is from an EXTERNAL source. Please consider CAREFULLY before clicking any links_  Siloam Sprmgs Report December 5, 2023 Administrator' s Expenditures: In excess of$ 30, 000 51, 020/ Circuit Switcher 72. 5kV/ Electric 39,984/ Emergency Vehicle Preemption Equipment/ Electric Per Resolution 34- 23 None 1. The annual Christmas Parade was a resounding success, drawing in nearly 11, 000 attendees and marking an impressive 8% increase in participation compared to last year. 2. Our next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be held at the Library while the Board room sound system update is taking place. 3. Utility Commissioner Jody Wiggins' term expires December 31'. Advertising will be going out soliciting applications. Page 1