Bentonville City Council and Committee of the Whole Combined Meeting - November 25, 2025

On November 25, 2025, the Bentonville City Council held a combined Committee of the Whole and regular meeting at City Hall, beginning at 6:00 PM. The council adopted the 2026 budget, discussed Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) service changes, tabled public art code and policy amendments to revise the public input process, and approved numerous consent items including grants, contracts, and equipment purchases.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved unanimously the minutes of November 10, 2025.
• Consent Items (approved en bloc):
  • Resolution authorizing purchase of outdoor furnishings for Bentonville Public Library from Innovative Business Interiors ($47,000).
  • Resolution accepting updated McKissic Creek Trail construction grant from Walton Family Foundation ($2,565,274.76) and a budget adjustment.
  • Change Order with CEI, Inc. for McKissic Creek Trail construction administration/observation ($66,000).
  • Change Order with Milestone Construction Company for final phase of McKissic Creek Trail ($1,261,935.83).
  • Resolution awarding bid for half marathon finisher hoodies to Skyline Printing & Merchandise.
  • Resolution for 2026 janitorial services at Bentonville Community Center with Pritchard Industries.
  • Resolution for purchase of Fire-Dex PPE (bunker gear) from Siddons-Martin ($64,239.65).
  • Resolution for Fire Station #1 roof replacement with Terra Firma Restorations ($300,000).
  • Budget adjustment and change order for IFB-25-44 street overlay ($13,254.38).
  • Resolution for purchase of 2026 tandem axle dump truck from MHC Kenworth Volvo ($351,167.15).
  • Resolution accepting Arkansas Division of Aeronautics grant for Bentonville Municipal Airport taxiway rehabilitation ($300,000).
  • Work Order 6 with Garver for VBT West Taxiway Pavement design ($49,200).
  • Resolution for VBT West Taxiway Pavement rehabilitation with Custom Pavement Maintenance and Safety ($141,630).
  • Utility Board items: Amendment 4 to professional services agreement with Hawkins-Weir Engineers (increase $5,994,400 to $15,138,400) and amendment with Crossland Heavy Contractors (increase $32,398,479.62 to $130,056,395.61).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rebecca Clark (1307 SE 22nd Street) thanked council for their participation in a recent transportation/accessibility activity and offered to present her capstone project results. She clarified that the sidewalk budget is not reduced; a year-over-year increase exists (about $120,000), and additional funds may bring the total to $2.5 million once third-party approvals are received. She also reported a door issue at City Hall where a door closed on a person with a walker; staff noted lighting adjustments and a new door installation.
• Public Art Item Testimony (prior to tabling):
  • Alyssa Durkey (Director of Oz Art) advocated for a defined public feedback window immediately after city council approval of public art but before fabrication, to ensure cost-effective modifications and clear timelines for artists.
  • Rod Bigelow stressed the importance of early community dialogue on public art and supportive processes.

Discussion Items

• Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) Budget and Service Modifications (Committee of the Whole): Joel (ORT representative) presented the 2026 budget: city’s request is $700,327 (37% of the total $1.8 million service package, matched by federal and Walton Family Foundation funds). The cost per transit hour is $98.23, lower than comparable systems (e.g., New York $265.30, Little Rock $132.37, Springfield MO $147.16, Tulsa $96.68, Denton TX $135.25, Reno $137.06, University of Arkansas $98.63). A 23% increase from 2025 is driven by reduced federal apportionment, higher driver wages, 20% medical insurance increases, and new software for ADA paratransit (moving to VIA, enabling same-day bookings). Joel recommended keeping on-demand service on Saturdays rather than converting to fixed route, and expanding the paratransit buffer from 0.75 miles to 1.75 miles to cover the current on-demand zone. Council members discussed simplifying service by expanding paratransit to all city residents who are low-income, elderly, or disabled, but Joel cautioned that such a change needs careful implementation and cannot be overpromised. Council agreed to pass the budget as is and work out contract details later.
• In-House Operations: Concrete Truck and Mill/Overlay Program (Committee of the Whole): Council member Bill raised concerns about buying a concrete truck ($250,000+) versus subcontracting sidewalk repairs. He argued the city should not get into the concrete business without comprehensive cost analysis. Staff presented data from the in-house mill and overlay program, showing costs (without depreciation ~$5.15/sq yd; with depreciation ~$5.95/sq yd). Council decided to include the concrete truck in the budget but delay purchase until staff provides full analysis of IDIQ contract pricing for concrete repairs. The dump truck purchase (agenda item 15) was discussed as a replacement; staff explained it is specially equipped for winter maintenance and paver compatibility, and unlike other city dump trucks, it can handle plow and spreader equipment.
• Public Art Code and Policy (Items 2-3): The council tabled both the ordinance amending the public art code and the resolution adopting the public art policy. Extensive discussion focused on replacing the current reconsideration process with a public hearing before final council approval (similar to vacation procedures), and whether to retain any post-approval challenge opportunity. Council members expressed a desire for a clear 30-day public input window after council approval but before installation. Concerns were raised about future societal changes and the ability to revisit art decisions; some advocated for retaining a limited reconsideration avenue (e.g., after a set period tied to contract display life). Staff will revise the policy and bring options back for a future vote.
• 2026 Budget Adoption (Item 1): The 2026 budget resolution was adopted unanimously. During discussion, Council member Bill stressed the need for substantially larger ongoing maintenance funding for water and sewer infrastructure, noting that the current $2 million capital line item is insufficient. Utility Director Preston acknowledged the issue and reported that a comprehensive CIP and risk assessment (with Ferris & Nichols) will produce a prioritized replacement plan by Q1 2026. Council member Bill emphasized that without higher maintenance allocations, the city will face the same infrastructure deficits after the current construction wave.
• Flood Damage Prevention Code Amendment (Planning Item 4): The ordinance was approved. Staff explained it cleans up language and clarifies that where BFE (Base Flood Elevation) and FEMA maps conflict, the more restrictive standard applies. It separates flood damage prevention into its own code chapter (Chapter 34) as the Unified Development Code is finalized.
• Utility Board Water Meters (Items 1-4): Waivers of competitive bidding for water meters and decorative lighting were approved. Council member Bill asked about meter testing; staff confirmed that meters are now tested by the manufacturer and the city also tests a percentage internally.

Key Outcomes

• Budget & Major Approvals:
  • Approved the 2026 budget (7-0).
  • Approved all consent items unanimously.
  • Approved waiver of competitive bidding for fitness services with Ann O'Sullivan (7-0).
  • Approved vacation of utility easement VAC25-0029 (7-0).
  • Approved utility board water meter and decorative lighting purchases (7-0 each).
  • Approved planning items: two property line adjustments, one rezoning (R-2 to DE), and the flood damage prevention code amendment (all 7-0).
• Directives:
  • ORT budget adopted; further contract modifications on service model to be negotiated.
  • Staff to present detailed analysis of IDIQ concrete repair pricing before any concrete truck purchase.
  • Public art policy to be revised with a public hearing process prior to final council approval; staff to provide options for post-approval reconsideration tied to contract display period.
• Next Steps & Meeting Schedule:
  • Special informational meeting on December 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM (Wednesday) to share documents.
  • December council meetings: likely December 22 (Monday) to replace the usual December 23 meeting; a special meeting may be needed for approvals.
  • Staff to provide sidewalk budget project details at the Active Transportation Advisory Board meeting on December 15.
  • Employee appreciation event on December 4 (5:00-7:30 PM) at the Library.
  • City holiday parade float on December 13; council members invited to participate.