Terence Cox

The Board of Directors approved several contracts, including purchases for sanitary landfill top soil, firefighter physicals, fire station furniture, and bond counsel services. The Board also authorized a land donation for a new fire station, extended an employee assistance program contract, renewed a neighborhood resource center lease, and continued a lease for baseball facilities. Multiple zoning developments were approved, including reclassifications for a hair salon and several short-term rentals, and landfill tipping fees were increased. A public hearing was held for the approval of projected 2024 CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA funding. The Board additionally convened in an executive session for appointments to city boards and commissions.

The Board of Directors approved a resolution to rename a portion of Arch Street in honor of former City Manager Bruce T. Moore. Consent agenda items included authorizing a public agency service agreement for fleet maintenance services with the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, renewing a gunshot detection service contract with ShotSpotter, Inc., amending an architectural design contract for Fire Station No. 9, and making appointments to the Central Arkansas Library System Board of Trustees. Additionally, the Board discussed and approved various franchise fee ordinances for utility and telecommunication service providers. Citizen communications addressed topics such as landlord-tenant disputes, leash laws, and property code concerns.

The meeting featured several presentations, including an employee retirement recognition, a proclamation for International Building Safety Month, and an introduction of scholarship recipients. Key business included the approval of various contracts for firing range equipment, Big Dam Bridge restroom construction, and several street and drainage improvement projects. The Board also reviewed zoning and land-use ordinances, including annexations and planned developments, and held a public hearing regarding the dissolution of a sewer improvement district. Additionally, the Board addressed structural hazard abatement, approved budget and policy items such as an Open Data Policy, and authorized interlocal agreement extensions for emergency medical services.

The Board of Directors held an executive session to conduct the annual performance evaluations for the City Attorney and the City Manager. Following the evaluations, the Board approved a 2.5% pay raise for both officials, retroactive to the beginning of the year. Additionally, the Board verified the annual accrual of PTO hours for the City Attorney.

The commission reviewed and approved a request to rezone property located at 8900/8916 Colonel Glenn Road from a combination of general commercial and two-family districts to a planned commercial district. The approval allows for the development of a pre-owned automotive sales business, including a sales office and a small shop building for vehicle detailing and repairs. The project involves site improvements such as building demolition, new construction, parking area development, landscaping, and adherence to specific city ordinance requirements regarding traffic safety, right-of-way dedications, and stormwater management.