Bentonville City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Bentonville City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall in a combined Committee of the Whole and City Council meeting. The Council adopted numerous resolutions and ordinances, accepted a resignation, discussed vacancy procedures, and approved multiple public works and planning items.

Proclamations

• National Lineman Appreciation Day: The Council proclaimed April 18, 2026 as National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring Bentonville Electric Utility staff.
• National Library Week: The Council proclaimed April 19–25, 2026 as National Library Week, celebrating the Bentonville Public Library.

Consent Calendar

The Council approved the following items via consent agenda (items 7, 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, 21–26, and utility board items 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8):

• Resolution approving budget adjustment to purchase property at 910 SE 14th Street
• Resolution to surplus a police vehicle and transfer ownership to Arkansas Municipal League
• Resolution to accept $51,550 in insurance funds for a replacement police vehicle
• Resolution setting a public hearing for a utility easement vacation (VAC26-0025)
• Resolution accepting an award from the Arkansas Site Development Program
• Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Carroll Electric
• Resolution approving a contract with FUSE Corps for an Executive Fellowship
• Resolution approving an amended agreement with Hight Jackson for Parks Maintenance Facility
• Resolutions authorizing grant applications for the Eagle Way Trail Project (CRP, RTP, STBGP-A, TAP)
• Resolution accepting an FAA grant for the Bentonville Municipal Airport
• Utility: Resolution revising Bella Vista Village wholesale water contract
• Utility: Resolution awarding bid for Aluminum Sulfate to Chemtrade Chemicals
• Utility: Resolutions awarding bids for sanitary sewer improvements (CIPP lining, pipe bursting, open cut, manhole rehabilitation)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alec (unclear name) spoke in favor of establishing specific decibel limits for low-frequency sound, stating that current general limits allow speakers to shake his windows, and recommended fines for violations pursuant to Arkansas Code 14-53-504.

Discussion Items

1. Resignation of Councilmember Gayatri Richardson and Vacancy (Item 3): The Council accepted the resignation and declared a vacancy. A lengthy discussion ensued on whether to appoint someone until the next election or hold a special election. Councilmembers debated the incumbent advantage of an appointment, legal options for a special election (possible in August or November), and costs. The Council decided to seek information from the county and will decide at the next meeting (May 12, 2026) whether to appoint or hold a special election. Any applications received by May 11 will be considered.
2. Library Fee Ordinance (Item 4): The Council approved the ordinance establishing 2026 fees. A typographical discrepancy ($30 vs. $25) in a memorandum was clarified—the correct non-resident library card fee is $25 per household for two years, consistent with the ordinance spreadsheet. An emergency clause was added for immediate effect.
3. Library Advisory Board and Library Code Amendments (Items 5, 6): Approved without discussion.
4. Resolution Accepting Arkansas Site Development Program Grant (Item 17): The Council approved acceptance of a $142,500 grant for environmental studies and due diligence on a 100-acre I-2 zoned city-owned property. Some councilmembers raised concerns about potential industrial development, but staff clarified the grant does not lock the city into a specific use; future sales or development would require council approval. The land has been difficult to market, and this grant helps make it shovel-ready.
5. Change Order with CEI Engineering for McCollum Sidepath (Item 20): The Council approved a $144,000 amended agreement for bidding and construction services. A councilmember inquired about a "project backlog" mentioned in the agenda; staff explained that two purchasing agents left, causing delays, and outsourcing to engineering was a solution. Approximately $1 million of the project is grant-funded.
6. Utility Board Items:
   • Item 1: Waiver of bid to purchase 750 copper underground wire from Stuart Irby for an estimated $863,053.13, citing market volatility. Approved with emergency clause.
   • Item 4: Waiver of bid to purchase a direct replacement compost grinder from JWC Environmental for $54,750. Approved with emergency clause.
   • Item 2 (consent): A councilmember thanked staff for negotiating a revised wholesale water contract with Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association.
7. Planning Items:
   • Item 1: Lot split of Hanwa Addition (LS22-0051) approved.
   • Item 2: Lot split of McKissic Springs Addition (LS26-0006) approved.
   • Item 3: Rezoning of 306 SE 2nd Street from DN-3 (Downtown High Density Residential) to DN-4 (Downtown Mixed-Use Residential) (RZ26-0021) approved after discussion. A councilmember expressed concern about height transitions adjacent to single-family homes; staff noted the new code includes height transition protections within 50 feet. The area is developing rapidly and street improvements will be required.
   • Item 4: Rezoning of 101 Oakhurst Street from A-1 (Agriculture) to R-1 (Low Density Single-Family Residential) (RZ26-0022) approved.

Key Outcomes

• Vacancy declared: The Council accepted Gayatri Richardson's resignation and will decide on appointment or special election at the May 12 meeting.
• Library fee ordinance passed with a correction to non-resident card fee ($25/2 years).
• Arkansas Site Development Program grant accepted ($142,500) for industrial property due diligence.
• CEI Engineering amendment approved ($144,000) for McCollum Sidepath Phase 2.
• Utility purchases approved: Copper wire (up to $863,053.13) and compost grinder ($54,750), both with emergency clauses.
• All planning items approved: two lot splits and two rezoning requests.
• Consent agenda approved (20+ items covering police vehicle replacement, grant applications, utility contracts, etc.).
• Next meeting: May 12, 2026 (Councilmember to participate remotely, not vote).