Thomas M. Carpenter

The document details the review process for File No. Z-9855, concerning a proposal to rezone a 0.16-acre site from R-3 to PD-R to construct a two-family residence (duplex) and a detached garage with a rear apartment, totaling three units. The initial staff analysis did not support the PD-R rezoning, citing concerns about the site being overdeveloped, insufficient parking, and being out of character with the surrounding area, recommending denial. The Planning Commission initially deferred the item due to an insufficient number of Commissioners present. Subsequently, following applicant presentation and opposition testimony regarding traffic and overcrowding, the Commission voted to approve the application.

The meeting included presentations, such as one for Jazz in the Park. The Consent Agenda involved approvals for several resolutions, including authorizing agreements for a Cultural Intelligence Basic Assessment and Diversity Training for the Police Department, leasing undercover vehicles for the Police Department, purchasing database software for the Gun Crimes Intelligence Unit, and awarding contracts for various infrastructure projects such as the 9th Street at College Street Widening Project, Kavanaugh Boulevard at Jackson Street Drainage Improvements, sidewalk construction, and the Pennbrook Cloverhill Drainage Improvement Project. Appointments were made to the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission. Grouped items involved ordinances related to rezoning requests for a short-form Planned Zoning Development (Little Rock Funeral Home) and a Planned Commercial District (Paradise Heights Revised), as well as an ordinance to waive competitive bidding for Computer-Aided 911 Dispatch System maintenance. Separate items included an ordinance to condemn dilapidated structures, with an amendment to defer action on one specific property for six months pending owner updates, and an ordinance adopting energy conservation standards for new residential structures. A public hearing was held regarding an appeal of a Planning Commission denial for a Planned Commercial Development at 8409 Geyer Springs Road, which ultimately failed. Finally, the Board voted to add discussion regarding an appeal of a Judge Fox decision on campaign fundraising to the subsequent agenda.

The meeting agenda included the addition of a resolution to authorize payment to the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau for rental fees related to conducting Board meetings and COVID-19 coordination between March 2020 and August 2020. Several zoning ordinances were addressed, including requests to amend a Conditional Use Permit for the Little Rock Maumelle Wastewater Treatment Plant and rezone properties for commercial and residential development, though some were deferred to subsequent meetings. The Consent Agenda covered resolutions for the purchase of a backhoe for Public Works, funding for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), extensions for Positive Prevention Programs, funding for Day Labor Program changes, contracting Bond Counsel for Capital Improvement Bonds, and the payment authorization for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Grouped Items included the approval of amendments to the Land Use Plan, property reclassifications for commercial and mixed-use developments, and approval of a sole-source annual contract for Pierce Fire Truck Parts and Service. Separate Items involved a resolution concerning financing a new parking deck through Capital Improvement Bonds, which failed to pass, and an ordinance related to a Planned Zoning Development for Hamilton Station, which also failed. Finally, an ordinance to approve a Planned Zoning Development for Club Empire Private Club and Event Center, concerning a private club license transfer and expanded hours, was approved despite opposition. Discussions were held regarding the 3/8-Cent Proposal and options for renewing the 2012 Millage.

The meeting commenced with recognition of Boy Scout troops. The Consent Agenda included several resolutions: setting a hearing date for CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA Funding uses; authorizing an annual purchasing contract with Summit Truck Group for fleet batteries; declaring intent to issue Library Bonds for capital improvements; authorizing a grant agreement with the Arkansas Development Finance Authority for the Elderly Home Repair Program; authorizing a contract with OPTIV Security for firewall license renewal; and awarding a contract for the Citywide Traffic Signal Loop Program. Citizen communication covered topics such as the Complete Streets Policy, traffic concerns, employee raises, and the renaming of Springer Boulevard. Grouped items involved approving ordinances related to condemning a dilapidated structure (with an emergency clause), and allowing Low Impact Development (LID) techniques as an option for Stormwater Management in non-residential developments. Separate items included the approval of a Planned Zoning Development amendment for First Deliverance Temple to allow use of one building for church services, which required discussion regarding life safety violations and necessary repairs, and establishing a new schedule of sewer rates and charges for Little Rock Wastewater, which was met with public testimony both for and against the increase. Public hearings were held and closed regarding the formation of the City of Little Rock Property Owners' Multipurpose Improvement District No. 2015-318 (The Villages at Ison Creek) and the establishment of the Center Street Multipurpose Improvement District No. 2015-319, both of which were approved. A discussion was held regarding the Parking in the Yards Ordinance fine structure, specifically whether court costs should be applied when the violation fine is paid in advance, requiring further legal research.

The meeting included presentations on Spark Tank Award Winners, Women's Citizen's Police Academy Recognition, and Smart Mobility. Several Resolutions were added to the agenda and subsequently approved as part of the Consent Agenda, authorizing contracts for a Starbucks concession amendment, the purchase of three Flex Wing Grooming Mowers for Parks and Recreation, the purchase and installation of a CNG Compressor, and the renovation of an Oil Change Facility for Fleet Services. The Consent Agenda also covered approvals for construction contracts, annual uniform purchases, software maintenance agreements, healthcare services including Meals on Wheels, and an extension to the Parking Citation Management Services Agreement. Grouped Items involved ordinances related to zoning amendments for the Cedar/Pine Street Overlay District and reclassifications, as well as an ordinance to establish a Planned Commercial District for the Donaghey Building. An ordinance authorizing a planting contract for War Memorial Golf Course greens and an ordinance regarding a pilot program for solicitation in medians were also approved. Separate items involved the approval of Summer Programs for Little Rock Youth. Action was deferred for one month on a resolution seeking analysis from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Commission regarding the proposed 30 Crossing Project, specifically concerning park considerations and funding assurances. An ordinance providing a five-year deferral for Master Street Plan Construction Requirements for property at Arch Street and West 28th Street was approved. An ordinance establishing a Planned Commercial District for 14910 Cantrell Road was approved. Public hearings were held concerning the rescission of approval for the Chenal Lofts High-Rise Multifamily Development, which ultimately failed upon a Board vote, and the establishment of Municipal Property Owners' Multipurpose Improvement District No. 2016-322 (Ranch West Villas District), which was approved. The Board subsequently entered Executive Session to address appointments and reappointments to various City Boards and Commissions.