Sandy Button

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the presentation of a Life Saving Award to Benjamin Millard. A Public Hearing was held regarding an appeal from Robert L. Mader Jr. concerning a Planning Commission denial for a property rezoning request (Parcel No. 13-00019-000 from Agriculture to Residential Estate). The Council adopted Ordinance Number 937 regarding this rezoning, and also adopted Ordinance Number 933 amending the Municipal Code Chapter 5.20, and Ordinance Number 934 amending Chapter 8.20 (Speed). Additionally, Ordinance Number 935, accepting the final plat of Lexington Subdivision Phase 1 and associated dedications, was adopted under an emergency clause. The Council approved advertising for bids for the Charles Street Extension Project, adopted Resolution Number 575 amending the 2025 Amended Budget, and passed resolutions appointing an Attorney (Resolution 578) and a City Prosecuting Attorney (Resolution 579). Furthermore, the Council approved a $1.25 per hour increase for all employees (2.8% COLA equivalent) and increased Mayor See's yearly income by $5,000 for cost of living.

The agenda for this meeting included several significant items. Key discussions and actions involved approving Resolution 580, which authorizes the Rules of Order and Procedure for the Council. The Council planned to open bids for solid waste collection and approve advertising for ambulance bids. Further actions included the transfer of a 2016 cabin chassis from the Fire Department to the Street Department and the appointment of 2026 Planning Commission members. Several ordinances were addressed, including amending zoning for property near Captain Miller Boulevard from Agriculture to R-1, correcting a typo in the legal description for Ordinance 939, and accepting the final plats and dedicating public ways for Wellington Hills Phase 3 and Rolling Meadows Phase 2 subdivisions. The meeting also covered asset dedication for Tractor Supply and approval of permanent easements and right-of-way grants.

The Benton County Hazard Mitigation Plan aims to update and revise hazard mitigation activities for Benton County and its 28 participating jurisdictions, including municipalities, a college, and school districts. Its primary strategic outcomes are to reduce loss of life and property from natural disasters and to foster coordinated mitigation efforts across government, public, and private sectors. The plan achieves this by identifying and characterizing hazards, assessing risks, examining and prioritizing mitigation opportunities, implementing actions, and considering long-term planning.

The council approved a resolution authorizing the pursuit of capital funding for a new water tank and transmission line, with Stephens Financial identified as the preferred option. An ordinance amending the municipal code regarding water rates and special assessments was adopted, along with an emergency clause. Additionally, a resolution to proceed with engineering services for the construction of a new water line was approved. The council also updated the capital plan and level of service standards for water and sewer impact fees through another ordinance, which included an emergency clause. Furthermore, the final plat of Walnut Hills Phase 6 was accepted, along with the dedication of utility easements and public ways. A bill from the Arkansas Municipal League for service charges and the Municipal Legal Defense Program was also approved.

The council discussed and accepted the Audited Financial Statements for the City of Pea Ridge Waterworks and Sewer System. They approved a Right of Way Utility Relocation Easement for the North Detention Facility. An ordinance amending the "Landscape Regulations" section of the Pea Ridge Municipal Code was introduced and adopted. The council authorized the surrendering of a 2006 Chevy Silverado and a 1995 WHGM Dump Truck and approved advertising for bids for painting the water towers. Announcements included gratitude for the response to tornados in neighboring cities and help at the Pea Ridge Community Fair.