Board of Directors

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF SILOAM SPRINGS, BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, HELD JULY 15, 2025 The City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, met in regular session at the City of Siloam Springs Administration Building on July 15, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Judy Nation. Roll Call: Hunt, Wiles, Blair, Rissler, Carroll, Burns, Allen— present. City Representatives Present: Christina Petriches, Interim City Administrator; Jene Fain City Clerk; Scott Miller, Chief of Police; Dustin Kindell, Fire Chief; Dennis Kindy, Public Works Director; Jason Davis, Community Services Director; Kris Paxton, Administrative Services Director; Travis Chaney, Parks & Recreation Manager; Ben Rhodes, Senior Planner. Director Blair-Finn led the opening prayer. Constitution Camp Children led the Pledge of Allegiance. Directly after they led the Pledge, Tyler Dees went directly into a presentation reciting the preamble, a message from the Arkansas Governor Sanders, and presenting a faux resolution for Siloam Springs' favorite candy. At this time, Mayor Nation asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding an item not on the City' s agenda. There were none. The mayor asked if there were any comments on an item on the Consent Agenda. There were none. Presentation Jason Davis/ Community Services/ Sanitation/ Waste to Energy John, with Olsson, presented the findings from the Waste to Energy study they did for Northwest Arkansas. There was general discussion from the board regarding the impact on other cities and other cities that use this type of facility, its technology, and the ROI. Consent Agenda A. Regular Meeting Minutes/ July 1, 2025 A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Hunt and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 12 July 15, 2025 2nd Quarter 2025 Non- Profit Reports History Museum — Mary Nolan wanted everyone to know about the major event that is going to celebrate the 250th birthday of America. Maggie Smith that did the bicentennial book about Siloam, will be honored at a banquet in November. Main Street Siloam Springs — Abby Trinidad is working on the continued collaboration of the planning for 4th Friday with the City and the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber of Commerce— Lindsey Taylor just reminded everyone that it was Arthur' s last day and there should be more exciting news as they fill the roll. Item D: Contract Amendment/ Parks & Recreation/ Twin Springs Renovation Engineering/ Freese& Nichols/$ 71, 540. Travis Chaney briefed this item. A motion was made to approve the contract amendment by Allen and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed unanimously. Item E: Contract Amendment/ Public Works/ Street Division/ First Star Construction/ Adding 4500 Linear Feet 6" French Drain with Filter Fabric/ Sager Creek Addition( Bird Streets) Rebuild NotTo Exceed $ 78, 750. Dennis Kindy briefed this item. A motion was made to approve the contract amendment by Rissler and seconded by Burns. Motion passed unanimously. Item F: Ordinance 25- 19/ 3`d Reading/ Naming of Siloam Springs Memorial Park. Kris Paxton briefed this item. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Allen to place Ordinance 25- 19 on its third reading, suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE NAMING THE PARKS LOCATED AT 205 EAST JEFFERSON STREET AND ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES, PROPERTIES, AND HOURS OF OPERATION THERIN. was read on its third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 25- 19 was made by Allen and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed unanimously. Item G: Ordinance 25- 20/ 3`d Reading/ Vacation of Utility Easement/ 311 North Simon Sager Ave. Ben Rhoads briefed this item. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Carroll to place Ordinance 25- 20 on its third reading, suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 13 July 15, 2025 An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING UTILITY EASEMENTS AT 311 NORTH SIMON SAGER AVENUE was read on its third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 25- 20 was made by Rissler and seconded by Burns. Motion passed unanimously. Item H: Ordinance 25- 22 / 3` d Reading/ Amending Section 102- 21 of the City Municipal Code/ Rezoning from P- D to I- 1 / 500 Block of North Progress Avenue. Maegan Thomas briefed this item. There was discussion from the board about the asset that it can be for a city and the issue that Berryville with shells not getting into the wastewater that we need to be mindful of moving forward. They also discussed the cleanliness of the Berryville facility, and the robotics used. The board also discussed the support of this being an I- 2 zoning rather than an I- 1. Donald Stoner Knoxville, TN) wanted the board to know that they do not use ammonia and run a system like grocery stores in town. There was also discussion between the board and Donald about traffic concerns and working around the school schedule to help mitigate those concerns. The board also discussed opportunity zoning. Ryan Gill ( Rogers, AR) explained the variance on I- 2. There was also discussion around the look of the building and the landscaping. Emails were read from citizens with concerns regarding the property including lengthy discussion from the board regarding the location. Chief of Police Scott Miller addresses the traffic concerns and how they are working to help alleviate potential issues. Chief of Fire Dustin Kindell addresses ammonia use in the area and how the fire department responds to such situations. There was lengthy discussion regarding the explanation of different zones and their uses. Shane Patrick, Superintendent of Siloam Schools states that he has done research, and the schools would not be in support of an I- 1 designation. Rebekah Wyatt( 1109 E. Jewel St.) stated that she has concern about the zoning change to an industry of any kind. Diana Whorton( 23063 Lawlis Rd.) encourages the board to listen to citizens and their opinions. Nick Braschler, Chamber President thanked the board and feels it is a wonderful opportunity to bring this business into the community as an asset. Mike Whorton ( 23063 Lawlis Rd.) appreciates the work of the board but has concerns with only minimum requirements being met and encouraging the right things be done. Don Clark ( 2135 Mont Claire) would like guidance and direction if the item is tabled. Ryan Gill (Rogers, AR) explains the proposed plan he submitted to the board of the exact layout. A motion was made to amend the rezoning from I- 1 to I- 2 was made by Hunt and seconded by Blair. Motion passed 6- 1. A motion was made by Hunt and seconded by Blair to place Ordinance 25- 22 on its first, second, and third readings, suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion failed 4- 3. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Hunt to place Ordinance 25- 22 as amended on its first suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion passed 6- 1. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 14 July 15, 2025 Item I: Ordinance 25- 23 / 3` d Reading/ Amending Section 102- 21 of the City Municipal Code/ Rezoning from P- D to C- 2 / 600 Block of North Progress Avenue. Maegan Thomas briefed this item. A motion was made by Carroll and seconded by Rissler to table Ordinance 25- 23 to the August 5th meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Item J: Ordinance 25- 24 / 3' d Reading/ Vacation of a Utility & Drainage Easement/ 407 & 505 Buffalo Gap Drive. Maegan Thomas briefed this item. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Allen to place Ordinance 25- 24 on its third reading, suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING UTILITY EASEMENTS AT 404 & 505 BUFFALO GAP DRIVE was read on its third reading. A motion to adopt Ordinance 25- 24 was made by Rissler and seconded by Allen. Motion passed unanimously. Item K: Ordinance 25- 25 / 2" d Reading / Amending City Municipal Codes / Repeal of City' s Planning Area Boundary. Ben Rhoads briefed this item. A motion was made by Burns and seconded by Rissler to place Ordinance 25- 25 on its second and third readings, suspending the rules and ready by title only. Motion passed unanimously. An ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 54- 11 OF THE SILOAM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND REPEALING THE CITY PLANNING AREA BOUNDARY TO CONFORM TO STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY was read on its second and third readings. A motion to adopt Ordinance 25- 25 was made by Hunt and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made to place an emergency clause on Ordinance 25- 25 by Wiles and seconded by Rissler. Motion passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page 15 July 15, 2025 Item L: Resolution 27- 25 / Grant Application / Parks & Recreation / Community Building Restoration/ Arkansas Economic Development Commission/ $ 1, 514, 510. Travis Chaney briefed this item. A motion was made by Burns and seconded by Wiles to approve Resolution 27- 25. Motion passed unanimously. Item M: Resolution 28- 25 / Final Plat Development Permit / Lawlis Ranch, Phase 3 Addition / 23006 Lawlis Rd. Ben Rhoads briefed this item. A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Rissler to table Resolution 28- 25 until the August 5`h meeting. Item N: Resolution 29- 25 / Preliminary Plat Development Permit/ Oak Brook, Phase 2 Addition 2200 Block of North Chanae Street. Ben Rhoads briefed this item. There was discussion about concerns with property management and drainage, which the consultant city engineer explained in more depth. Ron Homeyer, Civil Engineering, mentioned that they are trying to work through and find the right size culvert to follow FEMA flood plane regulation. Rebekah Wyatt( 1109 E. Jewell St.) wanted to know if Homeyer has ever had projects like this that has caused flooding around. Mike Whorton ( 23063 Lawlis Rd.) offers corrections that property runs west of Carl, on the west side is a subdivision. He states that there is a ditch level with the road eight feet deep and feels water will flow through there. His neighbor must get a pump out to drain his yard. He mentioned the increase in traffic that needs to be managed with a lot of speeding and racing. There was discussion about the history of this area and referred to previous discussion about annexation prior to now. A motion was made by Carroll and seconded by Burns to approve Resolution 29- 25. Motion passed 6- 1. Item 0: Resolution 30- 25 / Preliminary Plat Development Permit / Winding Springs, Phase 1 Addition / 20000 Block of Bruce Rutherford Road. Ben Rhoads briefed this item. There was discussion from the board regarding the dangers around the collector streets. Rebekah Wyatt( 1109 E. Jewell St.) mentioned that Ron worked here for 25 years and never had flooding issues with areas he has worked on. She wants to make sure this will be of the same quality. Taylor Lindley, Crafton Tull & Associates, wanted to mention that the lot count is unknown and there are conversations being had to discuss the potential of a roundabout and if one makes sense in this area. He agreed they need to look at driveways and collector streets in future phases. There was also discussion on the board about detention ponds and the direction to go in the future with those. A motion was made by Rissler and seconded by Burns to approve Resolution 30- 25. Motion passed 6- 1. Administrator' s Report—Administrator' s Report is attached. Christina mentioned the upcoming 4th Friday event on July 25th with Art in Motion as its theme. She mentioned that Siloam Springs has been ranked # 9 in Arkansas on the latest PeopleForBikes. org city ratings, which highlights cities that are working to make biking better and more accessible for everyone. She mentioned the recent technology for looking at burial records at Oak Hill cemetery. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Page J 6 July 15, 2025 Directors Reports— Rissler— Thanked the directors for letting constitution camp come in and participate. Blair- Finn— Goodnight. Wiles— No comment. Hunt— Mentioned that we know how to clear out a room and goodnight. Burns— AML has youth council development on the 10`h and 12th Carroll —God Bless. Allen — Thanked the organizers of constitution camp and the importance of it. And thank you to Arthur and all he does. With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Burns and seconded by Carroll. Meeting adjourned. ATTEST: APPROVED: ain, City Clerk Ju y atio , Mayor outunawo QCQORATFS.,,, SILOAM SEAL € 3 • E oq Q SPRINGS : co  Siloam Springs A Administrator' s Report July 15, 2025 Expenditures: In excess of$30, 000 None Per Resolution 11- 25 None 1. Upcoming event: 4th Friday, Art in Motion, is July 25 at 4- 8 PM in Memorial Park. Copper Flats will be at the Chautauqua Amphitheater at 6: 30 PM. Other festivities include the chalk it up art competition, art camp gallery in the library, bike decorating and parade, food trucks, and dozens of vendors. 2. Siloam Springs has been ranked# 9 in Arkansas on the latest PeopleForBikes. org city ratings. This ranking highlights cities that are working to make biking better and more accessible for everyone. We' re proud to see Siloam Springs on the list, alongside other communities helping create safe, fun, and connected places to ride. 3. You can now search burial records and navigate Oak Hill Cemetery right from your phone. New signs at the cemetery feature a QR code that opens an online map with GPS walk- to- grave directions and burial information. Just scan the code with your smartphone camera to get started. You can also visit www.cemify.com/cem/ oak- hill- cemetery to access the records anytime. 4. Be sure to check out the sunflowers in bloom by the Transfer Station. Community Services teams planted those this spring.