Fayetteville City Council Regular Meeting - September 16, 2025

The Fayetteville City Council met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, for a regular meeting. The council approved a consent agenda, adopted ordinances on property tax levies, easement vacation, and zoning changes, and discussed several development proposals. Two items were tabled to the October 7 meeting, and two items were left on first reading to allow for further review or community input.

Consent Calendar

• A1: Approval of the September 2, 2025 City Council meeting minutes
• A2: Resolution to award RFP 25-3 and contract with Partwise LLC ($125,000) for artist David Eaton to create the sculpture “Camburata” for the Upper Ramble
• A3: Resolution to terminate agreement with Prime Sanitation for solid waste hauling
• A4: Resolution to award bid 25-43 and authorize contract with Kinkok Constructors ($4,697,184.26) for Walker Park Improvements Phase 1, recognizing $613,685 in park land dedication funds, approving $255,000 contingency, and a budget adjustment
• A5: Resolution to approve three-year lease with Elite Aircraft Services (EAS Flight Training) for airport terminal office space ($1,200/month year one)
• A6: Resolution to approve three-year lease with Skydive Fayetteville for airport terminal office space ($1,041.25/month year one)
• A7: Resolution to approve three-year lease with SkyTime Aviation for airport terminal office space ($437/month year one)
• A8: Resolution to approve amendment 1 to cost share agreement with Greater Productions LLC ($160,729) for sewer and storm drainage upgrades serving the park hotel and downtown developments
• A9: Resolution to approve budget adjustment ($190,000) for sales tax inventory items within the water and sewer fund
• A10: Resolution to approve amendment 1 to contract with Galls LLC for uniforms, equipment, and quartermaster services
• A11: Resolution to establish a franchise fee special revenue fund
• A12: Resolution to approve budget adjustment (up to $70,000) from the franchise fee fund, contingent upon the Salvation Army’s award of an Emergency Solutions Grant
• A13: Resolution to authorize contract with CERV Northwest Arkansas (New Beginnings NWA) for homelessness assistance services ($150,000 with $15,000 contingency)

The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Item C5 (Planned Zoning District – North Raven Lane)

• Lillian Glass (student): Asked whether a traffic study had been done or would be required.
• Wesley Bates (1022 South Balm Avenue): Opposed the development, calling it “tone-deaf” and stating it did not provide truly diverse housing.
• Conrad Shimmick (324 East Huntsville Road): Echoed concerns about missed opportunities adjacent to Underwood Park.
• Jim Irwin (2925 West Topaz): Expressed opposition, stating the developer had not lived up to earlier promises of neighborhood-serving uses (e.g., clinics, offices) and that the proposed high-end rental units did not constitute affordable housing.

On Item C8 (Rezoning at 3070 West Mount Comfort Road)

• Jake Hertzog (2278 North Gooseberry Lane): Representing multiple residents, he summarized opposition to NSG zoning due to traffic safety, lack of a turning lane, and incompatibility with the single-family neighborhood. He acknowledged discussions with the developer and a tentative agreement on RSF-18, but expressed remaining concerns about traffic.
• Cynthia Smith (2299 Gooseberry Lane): Opposed commercial zoning, citing narrow, sidewalk‑less streets, lack of parking, and safety. She noted the neighborhood’s walkability and existing new commercial development elsewhere.
• Brian Teague (address not stated): Supported NSG zoning, arguing it could enable a “rural main street” feel and improve walkability by adding destinations.
• Kathy Freeman (2327 Gooseberry Lane): Supported continued residential zoning and thanked the developer for dialogue. She opposed commercial uses and emphasized the neighborhood’s desirability.
• Carl Zach (2246 Gooseberry Lane): Opposed commercial zoning, citing several traffic accidents at the intersection.
• Rebecca Smith (2299 Gooseberry Lane): Opposed NSG, expressing concerns about safety, traffic, and loss of community character. She noted existing commercial development farther down Mount Comfort Road.
• Burke Russell (2395 Gooseberry Lane): Supported neighbors’ opposition and urged continued discussion.

Discussion Items

Nominating Committee Report

Councilperson Bob Stafford presented recommended appointments to city boards. Appointments included:

• Animal Services: No applications received
• Board of Adjustment: Peter Norman (public at large term ending March 31, 2028)
• Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals: Andrew Brooks and Kelly Freeman (member at large terms ending March 31, 2030)
• Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees: (public at large term ending April 1, 2029, name not stated)
• Planning Commission: Ashland Holyfield (citizen at large term ending March 31, 2029)
• Town and Gown Advisory Committee: Elizabeth Gunderman (U of A student living off campus term ending September 30, 2027)
• Urban Forestry Advisory Board: Carlo Bertani and Joe Donahue (resident at large terms ending December 31, 2027 and 2026) The council approved the appointments unanimously.

Item C1: Property Tax Levy Ordinance

Ordinance levying 6.8 mills on real and personal property for 2025 (collected in 2026): 2.3 mills for general fund operations, 0.4 mills each for fire and police pension funds, 2.5 mills for Fayetteville Public Library operations, and 1.2 mills for library expansion. Staff (Stephen) noted the rates have not changed since 2016. Councilmember Moore asked about unused millage capacity; staff responded the city can levy up to 5 mills for the general fund. Councilmember Jones inquired about remaining debt on library expansion; staff estimated 4–5 years left. No public comment. The council suspended rules and passed the ordinance unanimously.

Item C2: Easement Vacation (322 South Walker Avenue)

Ordinance approving vacation of 0.03 acres of utility easement to allow an accessory dwelling unit. Staff recommended approval with a condition that any damage or relocation of facilities be at the applicant’s expense. No public comment. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Item C3: Holt Village Planned Zoning District Amendment

Ordinance amending the Holt Village PZD to adopt a new site plan, reduce Neighborhood Zone A from 9.9 to 6.1 acres, increase Neighborhood Zone B from 6.9 to 7.72 acres, and reduce minimum lot width in Zone B from 24 to 22 feet. Staff noted a clerical inconsistency in the legal description and recommended amending exhibits. The council amended the ordinance to adopt corrected maps and legal descriptions, then passed the amended ordinance unanimously. Applicant Mary McGetrick (Buffington Homes) explained the changes were driven by detailed construction design.

Item C4: Rezoning at 3900 West Dinsmore Trail (NC to CS)

Ordinance to rezone 9.9 acres from Neighborhood Conservation (NC) to Community Services (CS). Staff and applicant Blake Jorgensen supported the change, emphasizing its consistency with the original intent to create a mixed-use corridor along Rupple Road. Council discussion included questions about allowed uses (e.g., five‑story buildings, liquor store proximity to schools) and hopes for a walkable, commercial hub. No public comment. The council suspended rules and passed the ordinance unanimously.

Item C5: Planned Zoning District – North Raven Lane (Next Chapter Neighborhood)

Proposal for a PZD on 49.2 acres for a market‑rate “build‑to‑rent” community (approx. 300 units, 22.36 acres open space). Staff recommended leaving the item on first reading to allow review of a new PCD booklet. Applicant Andrew Meltzer presented the project, highlighting amenities, connectivity to Underwood Park, and a reduction of 200 units from what is allowed by current zoning. Council questions addressed private vs. public streets, tree preservation, stormwater management, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. Public comment included opposition from neighbors citing traffic and density concerns, as well as a student’s query about a traffic study. The council left the item on first reading.

Item C6 & C7: Annexation and Subsequent Rezoning

Applicants requested both items be tabled to the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting. The council voted unanimously to table.

Item C8: Rezoning at 3070 West Mount Comfort Road (RSF-4 to NSG)

Ordinance to rezone 0.4 acres from Residential Single‑Family (RSF-4) to Neighborhood Services General (NSG). Staff recommended approval, but the Planning Commission had denied the request (3‑6). Applicants Wes Bates and Conrad Shimmick proposed a split: NSG for the existing house and RSF-18 for the remainder, and requested to leave the item on first reading to continue neighbor discussions. Public comment was strongly opposed to NSG, with residents citing traffic, safety, narrow streets, and incompatibility; one resident supported NSG for walkability. Council discussion acknowledged the need for compromise. The item was left on first reading.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Nominating committee appointments approved unanimously.
• Property tax levy ordinance (6.8 mills) passed unanimously.
• Easement vacation at 322 South Walker Avenue passed unanimously.
• Holt Village PZD amendment passed unanimously.
• Rezoning at 3900 West Dinsmore Trail (NC to CS) passed unanimously.
• PZD for North Raven Lane left on first reading; further review and community discussion anticipated.
• Items C6 (annexation) and C7 (rezoning) tabled to October 7, 2025 meeting.
• Rezoning at 3070 West Mount Comfort Road left on first reading; applicants to continue dialogue with neighbors.