Benton, City of

The meeting agenda included establishing a quorum, affirmation of FOIA compliance, and addressing items concerning the Board of Adjustments, specifically variances for side setback at 7709 Shoreline Blvd and variance for BFE at 5912 Riviera Drive. The Planning Commission items primarily involved consideration of multiple rezoning requests, including 2011 Watts Road (R1 to R5), 15228 I-30 (C3 & R5 to C3), 2319 Kelso Circle (R2 to C2), 825 N Main Street (R2 to C1), and Silica Heights Rd (AG to C2). Preliminary and Final Plats were also scheduled for review, namely Scott Salem Rd Village, Cottage Walk Phase 1, The Grove @ Centennial Valley Phase 5, and Panther Cove. Other business included a vote needed on Rezone/Conditional Use Fee and Notice Updates, and a discussion only item regarding proposed ordinance changes.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on several key financial and operational matters. For Benton Utilities, the CFO reported revenues over expenses for March, noting year-to-date improvements, while explaining that comparisons to the previous year are skewed due to the new billing system. Updates were provided on the ongoing waterline project, which is projected to finish sooner than the original six-month schedule, and discussions covered the expenditure of federal funds by the 2026 deadline and higher than expected capacity costs for power adjustments. The committee subsequently approved the renewal of the management contract for the Benton Senior Center with CareLink for another year under existing terms, as adequate proposals were not received in a recent RFP process. Furthermore, the committee approved a budget amendment to allow the Parks department to make the fifth and final payment to pay off the loan for the Tyndall Softball field lights early. Resolutions were passed authorizing the police department to auction two surplus vehicles, recognizing Curtis Wood with his duty weapon and badge after 30 years of service, and presenting Cissy Brown with a wooden bench after 46 years of service. Finally, the committee accepted the donation of a K-9 named Cash to the Police Department, with subsequent discussions detailing training, certification costs, and the acquisition of necessary equipment, including a ballistic vest.

Key discussions included an ordinance clarifying the assessment of stormwater fees by removing the limitation of one charge per physical address to correct issues with duplexes and apartments having multiple units under a single fee. Another item involved an ordinance waiving competitive bidding for the purchase and installation of a replacement valve for water treatment equipment, as the valve is original to the 1964 piping system and ensures proper fit. The committee also reviewed a Planning and Zoning ordinance concerning a zoning change from Heavy Industrial to R5 Multi Family District for a property on Normandy Street to allow for the construction of a duplex. Finally, condemnations for properties at 1600 Gum Street, 2319 Kelso Circle, and 2502 Gattin Road were noted.

Key discussions included the approval for a Resolution to vacate the alley in the Allen Addition off Market, as the alley was never utilized. The committee reviewed a request to continue the Hester Street abandonment, noting that the southern portion would be abandoned following a public hearing where concerned citizens could voice their opinions. A Resolution was approved to apply for a Federal TAP Grant for sidewalks on 4th Street from North to Sevier, which operates on an 80-20 matching basis. Project updates were provided covering manhole leveling, downtown waterline installation, and the Congo-Shenandoah Round-a-bout. Finally, a citizen's request regarding the naming of the 2nd Street overpass was deferred to a later date.

The agenda for the Benton City Council meeting included multiple committee reports and proposed resolutions and ordinances. Key items involved establishing council meeting times and rules (Resolution No. 1 of 2026). Several resolutions addressed condemnation and subsequent code enforcement action to raze structures at 723 Denton Street and 1205 Shady Lane, along with placing a certified lien against the Denton Street property. The Finance Committee agenda included approving an audit contract with Ellis & Moore CPAs and expressing willingness to utilize Federal-Aid Transportation Alternatives Program and Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds. Additionally, there were resolutions authorizing advertisement for offers to purchase the old Senior Center and old Animal Services Building. An ordinance was proposed to modify the City of Benton's pay structure for various department employees, and another ordinance provided for conditional use of a youth home. Finally, the reappointment of Carl West to the Benton Planning Commission was presented for ratification.