Board of Directors

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, HELD APRIL 15, 2025 The City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, met in regular session at the City of Siloam Springs Administration Building on April 15, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Judy Nation. Roll Call: Hunt, Wiles, Blair, Rissler, Carroll, Burns and Allen— present. City Representatives Present: Kevin Moore Interim City Administrator; Jene' Fain, City Clerk; Jay Williams, City Attorney; Scott Miller, Chief of Police; Kris Paxton, Community Development Director; Seagan Morrow, Assistant City Clerk and Admin. II; Ben Rhodes, and Senior Planner; Maegan Thomas, Planner II. Director Wiles led the opening prayer. Mayor Nation led the Pledge of Allegiance. At this time, Mayor Nation asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item not on the City' s agenda. She also pointed out that the city was made aware of Cox internet issues so many will have trouble viewing the meeting. Jason Lanker, 308 E. Jefferson St., wanted to invite everyone to the annual sunrise Easter service that all the local pastors put together at Chautauqua Amphitheater at 6: 30am. If it rains, they will have their service at First Christian Church. Rebecca Wyatt, 1109 E. Jewell St., read many scriptures to the board and said a prayer over all people and those in authority. Diana Whorton, 23063 Lawlis Rd., challenged the board not to make a quick decision regarding city decisions and the next leadership. Presentations Scott Miller/ Police Department/ Introduction of New Officer/ Nathaniel Lee Chief Miller introduced the new officer, Nathaniel Lee, to the board. He came to us from the Benton County Sheriffs Office. The mayor asked if there were any comments on an item on the Consent Agenda. There were none. Consent Agenda A. Regular Meeting Minutes/ April 1, 2025 B. Special- Called Meeting Minutes/ April 1, 2025 C. Budget Amendment/ Police Department/ Vehicle Purchase/ Contract Approval/ Equitable Lease Program Contract/$ 55, 736. 64 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 12 April 15, 2025 A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Rissler and seconded by Carroll. Motion passed unanimously. 1' Quarter 2025 Non- Profit Reports History Museum— Mary Nolan, Director of Operations, spoke to the board about the first quarter being low in attendance for the museum, but that that is normal around this time of year. They are working on a new brochure that will be distributed soon to visitor' s centers and other partnering organizations. She wanted to refresh the boards memory on what the museums mission and role is within the community, mention that they still have a 3 year strategic plan in the works, and will have summer fundraising events to be announced at a later date, including something for the 250th birthday of America. They had historian, Rick Parker, come and do a presentation on the Battle of Pea Ridge and commented on what a great job he did. The museum is updating their website as well as their exhibitions. The board made a recommendation to Mary for the museum to video tape the historian presentations. The museum has been obtaining the technology to be able to do that in the future. Main Street Siloam Stacy Morris, Executive Director' s report was given to the board. Springs— She was unable to be present due to illness. Chamber of Commerce— Arthur Hulburt, President, explained what the Chamber' s role is in the city. He also mentioned that they have been working on a lot of initiatives including sending letters of support to various entities, hosting meetings and training, and working on the Dogwood Festival. He also mentioned that they are working on a Siloam Springs to Sulphur Springs race with the Western Benton County Partnership. Item G: Ordinance 25- 10 / 3rd Reading / Vacation of Right- of-Way / 201 North College Street. Maegan Thomas briefed this item. There being no comments, there was a motion made by Allen and seconded by Blair, to place Ordinance 25- 10 on its third reading, suspending the rules and reading by title only. Motion failed 4- 3 and the Ordinance was read in its entirety. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABONDONING RIGHT- OF- WAY AT 201 NORTH COLLEGE STREET was read in its entirety on its third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 25- 10 was made by Allen and seconded by Burns. Motion passed 4- 3. Item H: Ordinance 25- 11 / 2nd Reading/ Amending Section 102- 21 of the City Municipal Code/ PD Zone Amendment/ 3500 Block of East Kenwood Street. Ben Rhoads briefed this item. The board did remind everyone of the request from Mr. Chavez to approve this on the 2° d and 3rd reading at the same time, but there was no motion made regarding this request. Mark Long, 811 Eastgate St., spoke to the board about how there were plans in the city to make a master street plan and there were talks later about a bypass. He wanted to remind the board that in the original plan, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 13 April 15, 2025 there was a designation on this area. He wanted to remind the board that if they closed this door on the thoroughfare, that there will not be another opportunity to do this in the future. He believes that this town needs this. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Burns, to place Ordinance 25- 11 on its second reading, suspending the rules and reading by title only. Motion passed unanimously. Item I: Ordinance 25- 12/ 1st Reading/ Amending the Master Street Plan/ Required Street Improvements/ Curbs, Gutters, and Sidewalks. Kevin Moore briefed this item with the additions of the residential infill and waived sidewalk fee rules. The board wanted everyone to know that they would be consulting significant players in the development of this. He also brought up that there was a replacement bridge with a side path on Lincoln Street on the original plan that has not been brought to the board yet, but it will in the future. He also mentioned a lot of connectivity pieces that will be put into place in the future with regards to WOKA and our trail systems. There was also mentioned that this is for the next generation and the future of tourism, with the trend of biking being so prominent. Jim Caldwell (609 S. Oak Hill) wanted to thank the board for considering all of this and his appreciation to the staff for their work on this ordinance. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Blair, to place Ordinance 25- 12 on its first reading, suspending the rules and reading by title only. Motion passed unanimously. Rissler excused from voting. Item J: Ordinance 25- 13 / 1st Reading/ Amending Section 87- 36 of the City Municipal Code/ Subdivision Street. Design Specification/ Frontage Improvements. Kevin Moore briefed this item in conjunction with Item I. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Carroll, to place Ordinance 25- 13 on its first reading, suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion passed unanimously. Rissler recused from voting. a Item K: Ordinance 25- 14 / 2° Reading/ Amending Section 98- 65 of the City Municipal Code/ Power Cost Adjustment. Phil Stokes briefed this item. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Carroll, to place Ordinance 25- 14 on its second reading, suspending the rules and reading by title only. Motion passed unanimously. Item L: Ordinance 25- 15 /1st Reading/ Amending Section 54- 26 of the City Municipal Code/ Altering Approved Applications. Maegan Thomas briefed this item. There was a suggestion made by the board to read this ordinance on all three readings to allow the administrator to make the necessary changes and help developers move forward. There was also clarification that this change was more in compliance with state law and discussion around the issue with New Life church and their project being held up if all three readings were not pushed through. Ron Homeyer with Civil Engineering spoke to the board about the twelve- month restriction and things that are currently scheduled that cannot be postponed, but will have to be moved if not approved, which could delay the project by a couple of months. Kris Paxton, Director of Community Development wanted the board to be aware that this has gone through multiple public input sessions through the Planning Commission. Tim Estes, 18317 Osgood Lane, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 14 April 15, 2025 mentioned to the board that a master plan was submitted and they later realized that there was a traffic problem when church was released. He believes that this change would help the church a great deal and help with traffic control. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Rissler, to place Ordinance 25- 15 on all three readings, suspending the rules and reading by title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CODE SECTION 54- 26 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITH RESPECT TO THE ALTERING OF APPROVED APPLICATIONS was read on all three readings. A motion to adopt Ordinance 25- 15 was made by Allen and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed unanimously. A motion to instate the emergency clause was made by Rissler and seconded by Allen. Motion passed unanimously. Item M: Resolution 16- 25 / Significant Development Permit/ 816 East Main Street( Retail Grocery Store). Ben Rhoads briefed this item. The board had discussions around the fee in lieu because of projects such as the East Main project since there is no reason to have them construct a portion of those improvements only to have it demoed and redone. There was also clarification that that site would be leveled. A motion was made by Burns and seconded by Rissler, to approve Resolution 16- 25. Motion passed unanimously. Item N: Resolution 18- 25 / Significant Development Permit/ 400 Block of North Hico Simmons Expansion). Maegan Thomas briefed this item. The board shared their appreciation for Simmons and all they do for the community. There was general concern about the water impact management in the parking lot. It was confirmed that there would be a slow- release plan and detention along the west side of the lot. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Burns, to approve Resolution 18- 25. Motion passed unanimously. Item 0: Resolution 19- 25 / Contract with Williams Law Firm/ Prosecuting Attorney Fees. Kevin Moore briefed this item. The board discussed the" not to exceed" amount as it stands currently for recommendation for$ 100, 000. There was also confirmation that this has been renewed yearly in the past and the prosecuting attorney has been trying to catch up on a backlog of items from previous years. Currently there are two staff and two supervisory roles for this position. There was confirmation that the board does approve the prosecuting attorney position and emphasized that individual board members can make requests for ordinances and resolutions. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Burns, to approve Resolution 19- 25. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator' s Report — Administrator' s Report is attached. Kevin had three expenditures to report in excess of$ 30, 000. One was for the electric department, one was for Parks and Recreation, and one was for the street department. He wanted to remind the board that city offices will be Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 15 April 15, 2025 closed on Friday, April 18`f' in observance of Good Friday and will reopen Monday, April 21' The 2025 Memorial Park Music Series has been announced, and the series will kick off with Uncrowned Kings on May 23` d at 6: 30pm. He invited the board to join us for Bells Across America for fallen firefighters that have died in the line of duty. This event will be on May 4th at the Chautauqua Amphitheater. He also reminded the board to take the tourism survey. Directors Reports— Mayor — She wanted to thank the Chamber for all their work on the Dogwood Festival, congratulate the Police Department for all that received awards at the banquet, and wanted to honor our telecommunicators for national public safety telecommunicator week. She also read the announcement of the University of Arkansas basketball team bringing in Coach Cal to host a satellite basketball camp this summer in Siloam. Hunt— She expressed her excitement for the Dogwood festival and hopes we are working with residents and businesses about this event. She shared her appreciation for our telecommunicators and is excited about the 4th Friday events returning. Wiles — He wanted to thank the Police Department for the invitation to the awards banquet and wanted to express his excitement about the Dogwood festival. Blair— She wanted to remind everyone about the adult development center service and if anyone has any work for them to do, they are always looking for more work. She mentioned that they are landscaping their building and need help from the community whether that be through donation of products or other yard supplies. Rissler— She wanted to point out the huge economic impact to the city that the Dogwood festival is. She had a wonderful time at the Police Department awards banquet and wanted to give a shoutout to the chief for all his work regarding the bill to look for funding to implement a statewide program to prevent office suicide. She mentioned that it was the last day of the session and all the hard work the representatives have done this year. Carroll — He mentioned it was good to see spring, as it reminds him of the beauty in Siloam. He thanked the Police Department for all their work and is looking forward to the Dogwood Festival. Burns — He wants to mention that we should continue to support the Police Department in the budget with all of their efforts, would like to see us stay on track with the UDC in the midst of all of the transition, and encourage downtown businesses to navigate the change with the Dogwood festival. He wanted to reiterate the flow chart of communication from citizens to the city and would like to get back to how the flow chart was intended for. Allen— He apologized to the citizens for the emails that went to the junk folder in support of the deck issue. He expressed his thankfulness for the Dogwood festival and all it does for the city and Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 16 April 15, 2025 that we are fortunate for our chamber. He wanted to thank Mary Nolan for always giving such a good report to the board. He encouraged everyone to take the tourism survey and apologized to Kevin for having to read the full ordinance that failed on his first meeting as interim. He mentioned that the Police Department awards banquet was impressive and inspiring and congratulated the first. female lieutenant. He read the communications post about seasons of change aloud to the citizens and mentioned how encouraging it was to see employees continuing to work hard and loving what they do. He wanted everyone to know that the board did support the previous city administrator, read an appreciation post to the board from the Police chief, and wanted everyone to know that everything will be ok with the city moving forward. A motion was made to go into executive session by Rissler and seconded by Burns at 8: 18pm. The motion passed unanimously. The board returned from executive session at 9: 33pm. A motion was made to retain Susan Kendall with Harrington Miller for legal purposes related to reviewing the job description and contract for the City Administrator by Allen and seconded by Rissler. The motion passed unanimously. With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Allen and seconded by Blair. Meeting adjourned. A 1- 1' BST: APPROVED: lik Je• '. i... / in, City Clerk at, Jud ation, M or 111/41 au I1DIAgl/////// SsottiIIIIIIIIIIIi!/// y CI- Osc llo p G qr , a., G Tics ,, y y cy'*. z*: SILOA .• SEAL c SPRINGS GS : y PRINGS, PQ''` p,F ,***• o``  rill Siloam' Springss Op Sp ' Administrator' s Report April 15, 2025 Expenditures: In excess of$ 30, 000 30, 502/ Ground Zero Construction/ Digging and installing conduits/ Electric 38,256.60/ Fay- Ark Lawn/ Landscaped beds maintenance/ Parks Dept. 46, 117. 50/ Grant Garrett Excavating/ Asphalt for Tulsa Overlay/ Streets Dept. Per Resolution 11- 25 None 1. Reminder: City offices will be closed this Friday in observance of Good Friday. Offices will reopen on Monday at 8: 00 a.m. 2. The 2025 Memorial Park Music Series has been announced. The series kicks off with a performance by Uncrowned Kings on May 23` d at 6: 30 p.m. 3. Join us for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters as we honor those who died in the line of duty. The Siloam Springs event will be May 4th at 2: 00 p. m. at Chautauqua Amphitheater. 4. If you' ve not yet taken the tourism survey, please share your opinions! The survey will be open through May 1st.