Bentonville City Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting – July 14, 2026

The meeting began with a brief Committee of the Whole (no agenda items), followed by the City Council meeting. The Council approved minutes from June 23, 2026, suspended the three-reading rule for ordinances, and took up 19 agenda items plus a planning rezoning. Most items were approved by consent or unanimous vote. Council members also shared updates on city boards, events, and facilities.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved unanimously (June 23, 2026 City Council meeting).
• Consent Agenda (New Business Items 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Approved en bloc with a single motion and vote. These items included:
  • Resolution awarding a code compliance mowing contract to Luttrell Enterprises (Item 2).
  • Resolution supporting a grant application for Highway 71B corridor transit-oriented development planning and committing up to $50,000 local match (Item 3).
  • Resolution setting a public hearing for an alley right-of-way vacation (Item 8).
  • Resolution authorizing purchase of Laserfiche document management software from MCCI for $121,513.75 (Item 9).
  • Resolution awarding a bucket truck bid to All Around MFG for $200,000 (Item 10).
  • Resolution authorizing Amendment #2 with Meshek for SW Nutmeg drainage improvements ($78,568) (Item 12).
  • Resolution authorizing Amendment #1 with Olsson for NW Tiger & G Street improvements ($25,000) (Item 13).
  • Resolution reassigning a truck purchase to Olathe Ford Sales Inc. ($139,574) (Item 14).
  • Resolution increasing the Milestone IDIQ contract for sidewalks/concrete work by $550,000 (Item 15).
  • Resolution awarding Phase 2 of the McCollum Sidepath project to Sandridge Construction ($741,058) (Item 16).
  • Resolution accepting a Walton Family Foundation grant for pedestrian improvements on John DeShields Blvd and Memorial Park ($30,000) (Item 17).
  • Resolution accepting a contribution from Runway for the same pedestrian infrastructure ($30,000) (Item 18).
  • Resolution closing out a Walton Family Foundation grant and refunding $100,000 in unused funds (Item 19).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during any of the public hearings (Items 4, 5, 6, 7, Planning).
• For Planning Item 1 (rezoning), the only public comment received in the packet stated “no objection.”

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – June 2026 Residential Landscape Award: Brian Butler and Clara Mestrik presented the award to the property at 1106 NW 11th Street, selected by the Tree & Landscape Advisory Committee. A council member asked how to nominate properties; staff directed them to an online form.
• Items 4-7 – Right-of-Way Vacations and Utility Easements: Four ordinances (VAC26-0026, VAC26-0027, VAC26-0030, VAC26-0031) for vacation of rights-of-way and establishment of utility easements. All were approved unanimously after public hearings were opened and closed with no speakers.
• Item 11 – Ordinance Waiving Bid for Mastic Seal Change Order #1: Councilmember Patterson raised concerns about crack sealing and weed growth on Southwest Ellington, noting that the current seal work stops short of two blocks. He urged staff to also seal cracks and burn weeds to prevent winter damage. Staff responded that they typically do not seal the edge between gutter and pavement but will seek additional advice. The ordinance approved a $140,217.42 change order with Innovative Roadway Solutions LLC and included an emergency clause to become effective immediately, as the contractor would be in the area within two weeks.
• Planning Item 1 – Rezoning (RZ26-0030): Ordinance to rezone 1201 and 1203 SW I Street from T2.1 Rural to T5.2 Town Center High. The Planning Commission had voted 6-0 to recommend approval. A council member confirmed the only public comment received was a “no objection.” The ordinance was approved unanimously on second reading (the first reading was waived).

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All items that required a vote were approved unanimously (7-0 or 8-0). No dissenting votes were recorded.
• Emergency Clause: The emergency clause for Item 11 (mastic seal change order) was approved by separate roll call vote, also unanimously.
• Committee of the Whole: No items were placed on the committee for the next meeting; a finance committee report and water leak update were suggested for future agendas.

Other Business & Announcements

• Traffic and Signage Committee: Reported on event approvals: a Spooky Spirit Race (expected 250 participants) was tabled due to route conflicts; a Culler race from the Bendel Library was approved; a Goblin Run at Dave Peel Park and a Lifetime event for 1,000+ people were also approved. The committee may consider redefining its role given new event software.
• Airport Board: New airport manager, Catherine, has been hired – she is a pilot with procurement and aviation experience. An airport board field trip is planned.
• Tree & Landscape Advisory Committee: Meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026.
• Parks and Recreation: Council members complimented the Fourth of July fireworks show and the opening event at Dave Peel Park. Staff noted that a sign indicating “Playground Coming” should be placed at the new park section to manage expectations. Council also discussed working with local businesses to place signs on netting around the construction area.
• Library Updates: An additional baby story time has been added due to popularity; teens are learning to cook healthy snacks in partnership with the school district; the maker space is frequently full; and the library has coordinated with the recreation center on special lectures and crafts for patrons over 50.
• Arts: The 250th Art Project for 7th–12th graders has been extended to October; artwork may be displayed in the library. Council members were given informational handouts.