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Record of Proceedings

Fayetteville City Council Agenda Session Summary - October 14, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, October 14, 2025
BodyFayetteville, Arkansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, October 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:40:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Kiss for a 30.

0:01

We are gonna get started with the um agenda for the Tuesday.

0:06

This is Tuesday, October 14th, but we'll be going over to the agenda for next week's council meeting.

0:11

And just a reminder if we have um uh members of the public here.

0:17

Um this is not a voting meeting or a business meeting, it is settled stage for next week's council meeting.

0:24

And we will run through um first and foremost.

0:29

We will um dive into the consent agenda.

0:34

So I will read that and then stop after each one if you all can ask questions and we can um hear more about that from the staff.

0:42

Should you have uh should you like to?

0:45

A one is approval of document destruction lists, um, a resolution to authorize the destruction of certain documents pursuant to relevant sections of the Arkansas Code related to maintenance and destruction of accounting and other city records.

1:00

Clark Maxon, would you like to speak to that a little bit?

1:02

So this is a process that we go through each year, and we include information in your agenda packet that shows the documents that are required your approval before we can destroy as well as well as uh for transparency purposes.

1:19

We also include the documents that do not require your approval because we want to make sure that we're putting all that information out there.

1:28

Thanks.

1:29

God bless council members for witnessing the destruction of the records that require witness year after year after year.

1:37

No, I can drink my coffee.

1:38

Take one for the same months.

1:41

Well, the settings of this job.

1:45

Thank you.

1:46

Clark Pyson.

1:47

A2 is the I-49 and Stephen Cart interchange.

1:51

It's a resolution to approve task order number 18 with Michael Baker International in the amount of 97,850 for evaluation of alternatives for improvements to the Stephen Carr Memorial Boulevard and I-49 interchange and to approve the related budget adjustments.

2:08

And I know Chris is here to speak to that one if you have questions.

2:12

I really appreciate just um a summary of that.

2:17

Sure.

2:18

Uh, this interchange, we see a lot of uh traffic backups on uh Mount Comfort Road in the in the morning.

2:24

So uh looking at ways to improve the efficiency of that interchange.

2:29

Uh city selected Michael Baker International.

2:33

Uh there are their national firm, they have a local office.

2:36

Uh they've been selected, and uh the first phase of the work is uh to study and come up with alternatives, work with RDOT uh to see what we can get permitted uh through their process.

2:48

Uh and then once that's done, then we'll go through with final design and uh then move forward to construction.

2:54

Uh, this does have federal aid funding uh through regional planning.

2:58

Uh so we're paying 20% of the cost uh of this contract.

3:03

Of course, it's been on the um on the west side or the east side.

3:08

Um both sides.

3:10

Yeah, the the biggest problem at that interchange is the the left turn movement of the uh eastbound or southbound left turn getting on to go north.

3:18

Uh so that's where we see the largest backup.

3:22

Um so just looking at alternatives to improve that turning movement and uh push more traffic through there.

3:29

You say left turn south then left turn northbound.

3:33

Okay, so it'll just be one size side of I-49, they'll be evaluated.

3:38

Well, they're gonna look at all of that as a system, um, and they'll be looking at uh roundabouts, uh looking at possible additional signal additional lanes, um, and then there are some other kind of more exotic um intersection treatments that that might be used as well.

3:53

They're gonna look at all the alternatives.

3:56

They'd be looking at um southbound.

4:01

The uh well, the the southbound uh the to get the the southbound I-49 that you're talking about, that absolutely will be included in the in the design.

4:11

We're not gonna leave that out.

4:12

That's not really the the problem area, uh, but definitely they'll be looking at back up to it's if you want to get on I-49 going south in the morning.

4:23

It's almost all the way back to local.

4:26

Sure, yeah.

4:26

The the the uh the eastbound Mount Comfort traffic is is the problem.

4:31

Yeah.

4:31

Um but the but the pinch point is really that left turn at uh uh to get onto the highway to get on the north.

4:39

If open up a moment, and we can help clear that up, then that uh that will improve everything.

4:44

But they'll they'll be looking at that intersection plus the one um on the on the north side of the highway and the Shiloh and Mount Comfort intersection as well.

4:53

Okay, all of those will be looked at.

4:55

They all have to work together.

4:56

Thank you.

4:59

Thanks, Chris.

5:01

The next item is water sewer work truck replacements.

5:05

Oh no through Olafa fleet.

5:12

Okay, a resolution to approve the purchase of two Ford F550 work trucks from Olaytha fleet in the total amount of 178,583 dollars pursuant to a source-weld cooperative purchasing contract, plus any applicable surcharges, brake charges, freight charges and delivery fees.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing█████████████████████████████29%
Zoning And Land Use███████████11%
Public Transportation████████8%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Active Transportation███████7%
Animal Welfare██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Transportation Safety████4%
Public Facilities████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Fayetteville City Council Agenda Session Summary - October 14, 2025

The Fayetteville City Council held an agenda session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to prepare for the upcoming council business meeting. This was a non-voting, non-business meeting focused on reviewing agenda items, hearing staff presentations, and discussing future actions. Topics included consent agenda approvals, unfinished business items, and a preview of the November bond election.

Consent Calendar

  • A1: Document Destruction – Approval of annual document destruction list per Arkansas Code. (Staff: Clark Maxon)
  • A2: I-49 & Stephen Carr Memorial Blvd Interchange Study – Resolution to approve Task Order No. 18 with Michael Baker International for $97,850 to evaluate improvements, with 80% federal aid funding. (Staff: Chris)
  • A3: Water/Sewer Work Truck Replacements – Purchase of two Ford F550 work trucks from Olathe Fleet for $178,583 via cooperative contract. (Staff: Ross)
  • A4: Police Training Division Vehicle Replacement – Purchase of a Ford Explorer from National Auto Fleet Group for $41,277.95 via cooperative contract. (Staff: Ross)
  • A5: Fire Department Uniforms – Purchase from Galls via cooperative contract on an as-needed basis through 2028 with renewal options. (Staff: Steve)
  • A6: Hain Stream Trail Bridge Purchase – Award bid 25-46 to Scurlock Industries for $197,766.76 for a concrete trail bridge; concrete chosen to withstand flooding. (Staff: Chris, Matt)
  • A7: FY2026 Historic Preservation Grant – Resolution to apply for $90,000 Certified Local Government grant for Phase 2 of a citywide windshield survey. (Staff: Kylie Paul)
  • A8: Agreement with Advertising & Promotion Commission – Five-year agreement to collect hotel/motel/restaurant taxes for the A&P Commission at a 2% fee, renewed automatically. (Staff: Stephen)

Discussion Items

  • Unfinished Business
    • PCD 2025-3 (North Raven Lane) – Applicant requested a table; left on agenda. (Council noted applicant expressed desire to table.)
    • RZN 2025-27 (West Mount Comfort Road) – Appeal of planning commission denial for rezoning 0.4 acres from RSF-4 to NSG/RSF-8. Staff working on updated exhibits; applicant may offer a bill of assurance. Extensive discussion about traffic on narrow streets.
    • Lake Fee Modifications (Lakes Fayetteville, Sequoyah, Wilson) – Ordinance to allow flexible marina hours (peak season 8am-8pm, shoulder 8am-6pm, winter 10am-4pm) and transition from daily permits to day-use passes to align with Arkansas Game & Fish community fishing program. Lake access remains sunrise to sunset. New marina contractor contract under negotiation.
  • Connected Communities Workshop (Agenda Session Presentation) – Proposed all-day workshop on November 7, 2025, for elected officials and staff, featuring e-bike tours of bike/pedestrian infrastructure in Fayetteville, Rogers, and Bentonville. Organized by Lane Shift (Ryan Hale). 13 seats available; includes light breakfast, lunch, dinner. Council expressed scheduling concerns (budget meeting same week). Staff noted the workshop is a professional development opportunity, not a competitive ride.
  • Housing Update (Marley Stark, Chief Housing Officer) – Overview of housing production, preservation, and partnerships.
    • Production: On track to close 6-year housing deficit by 2026. Permit-ready design program launching in November. City-owned land RFP released in September for four parcels (Eastgate Plaza, Church & Center, etc.) for mixed-income housing, with goal of units affordable below 60% AMI. Council debated requiring minimum affordable percentages vs. flexibility; staff emphasized negotiation in selection committee. Eastgate Plaza site specifically noted for mixed-use potential.
    • Preservation: Home repair/rehabilitation program has invested ~$200,000 across 14 low-income households; exploring partnership with stormwater for flood-prone home repairs (initial estimate $300,000).
    • Partnerships: Permanent supportive housing program (HEARTH) at capacity (41 adults, 10 children). $150,000 to New Beginnings for bridge housing; $70,000 contingent to Salvation Army. Fayetteville Housing Authority (FHA) cleared prior debt with $200,000 city investment; focusing on Willow Heights and Lowe's Addition redevelopment. Public Facilities Board reconstituted to issue revenue bonds for housing/community development; current ordinance limits scope; staff exploring expansion to include residential rehabilitation and broader populations.
  • New Business (Preview for Next Week)
    • C1: National League of Cities SCEI Implementation Grant – Apply for $60,000 (max) with $60,000 local match (to be secured by end of 2027). Funds will pilot a housing preservation and workforce development program (“Development Squared”) based on resident pitch competition from September housing co-create event. Program maps vacant properties and creates training for preservation work. Council moved to keep as new business (not consent) for visibility.
    • C2: Bond Election Ordinance – Call for special election on sales/use tax capital improvement bonds (continuation of existing 1% tax, not new tax). Six ballot questions presented:
      1. Refunding (Question 1) – Up to $40M; must pass for other questions to be valid.
      2. Water & Sewer (Question 2) – Up to ~$80M (final amount includes issuance costs). Breakdown: Nolan Treatment Plant upgrades (critical infrastructure, two phases), $10M for 36-inch waterline repairs (aging 60-year-old line), $10M for water tank rehabilitation.
      3. Parks & Recreation (Question 3) – Funding for aging park upgrades, new park development, land acquisition.
      4. Animal Services Facility (Question 4) – New shelter to replace 50+ year-old facility; feasibility study recommended ~$22M, but amount reduced to bond figure. Location undecided but likely on city-owned land; council discussed transportation access, mobile services, and value engineering. Design will be via construction manager at risk.
      5. Pedestrian Infrastructure & Trails (Question 5) – Continued expansion of trail network, replacement of aging asphalt with concrete, leveraging 80/20 federal grants. In-house trail crew can build efficiently.
      6. Transportation (Question 6) – Streets and roads, intersection improvements, signal tech, downtown improvements, complete streets. Council noted transit (Ozark Regional Transit) funding is from operating budget, not bonds; need dedicated revenue stream for expanded fixed-route service.
      7. Sustainability (Question 7) – $1.05M for west side recycling drop-off facility and permanent household hazardous waste facility.
      8. Aquatic & Recreation Center (Question 8) – Year-round aquatic facility; feasibility study (2,854 survey respondents) showed insufficient capacity (1 municipal pool for 100k+ residents).
      9. Fire Facilities & Equipment (Question 9) – One new fire station, training facility expansion on existing property, and one fire truck. Fire department uses regional training partnerships; population projected to increase 46% over 20 years.
    • C3: Vacation 25-21 (Joyce Blvd) – Ordinance to vacate 2.2 acres of general utility easement at 1923 W. Joyce Blvd.
    • C4: Rezone Appeal (Rockwood Trail) – Ordinance to rezone 0.33 acres from RSF-4 to NC (neighborhood conservation). Applicant seeks to develop three lots instead of two. Council requested traffic accident data and utility impact information.
    • Proposed Agenda Addition: VAC 25-19 (West Hugh Street) – Vacation of 656 sq ft of street right-of-way; planning commission approved on consent. Council added to end of next week's agenda.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda (A1-A8) will move forward as a block to the next meeting unless council members remove items for discussion.
  • PCD 2025-3 (North Raven Lane) will remain on the agenda with applicant likely requesting a table at the meeting.
  • RZN 2025-27 (West Mount Comfort) exhibits to be updated; applicant may present bill of assurance. Council to tour site if needed.
  • Lake Fee Ordinance (Unfinished Business) will be voted on next week; staff to finalize hour schedules and contract with marina operator.
  • Connected Communities Workshop set for November 7, 2025; council members to RSVP. Budget meeting scheduling conflict to be resolved.
  • City-Owned Land RFP closes November 18, 2025; selection committee to negotiate affordable housing requirements. Council encouraged minimum standards for affordability and duration.
  • NLC Implementation Grant application to proceed; local match to be identified from CLG grant and other sources by end of 2027.
  • Bond Election Ordinance will be introduced next week; public hearing and vote scheduled. Council discussed each question; staff to provide additional information on transit funding, animal shelter location, and fire station siting.
  • Rezone Appeal (Rockwood Trail) to be voted on next week; staff to provide traffic and utility data.
  • Vacation 25-21 and 25-19 will both be on next week's agenda as consent or separate items.

Meeting Transcript

Kiss for a 30. We are gonna get started with the um agenda for the Tuesday. This is Tuesday, October 14th, but we'll be going over to the agenda for next week's council meeting. And just a reminder if we have um uh members of the public here. Um this is not a voting meeting or a business meeting, it is settled stage for next week's council meeting. And we will run through um first and foremost. We will um dive into the consent agenda. So I will read that and then stop after each one if you all can ask questions and we can um hear more about that from the staff. Should you have uh should you like to? A one is approval of document destruction lists, um, a resolution to authorize the destruction of certain documents pursuant to relevant sections of the Arkansas Code related to maintenance and destruction of accounting and other city records. Clark Maxon, would you like to speak to that a little bit? So this is a process that we go through each year, and we include information in your agenda packet that shows the documents that are required your approval before we can destroy as well as well as uh for transparency purposes. We also include the documents that do not require your approval because we want to make sure that we're putting all that information out there. Thanks. God bless council members for witnessing the destruction of the records that require witness year after year after year. No, I can drink my coffee. Take one for the same months. Well, the settings of this job. Thank you. Clark Pyson. A2 is the I-49 and Stephen Cart interchange. It's a resolution to approve task order number 18 with Michael Baker International in the amount of 97,850 for evaluation of alternatives for improvements to the Stephen Carr Memorial Boulevard and I-49 interchange and to approve the related budget adjustments. And I know Chris is here to speak to that one if you have questions. I really appreciate just um a summary of that. Sure. Uh, this interchange, we see a lot of uh traffic backups on uh Mount Comfort Road in the in the morning. So uh looking at ways to improve the efficiency of that interchange. Uh city selected Michael Baker International. Uh there are their national firm, they have a local office. Uh they've been selected, and uh the first phase of the work is uh to study and come up with alternatives, work with RDOT uh to see what we can get permitted uh through their process. Uh and then once that's done, then we'll go through with final design and uh then move forward to construction. Uh, this does have federal aid funding uh through regional planning. Uh so we're paying 20% of the cost uh of this contract. Of course, it's been on the um on the west side or the east side. Um both sides. Yeah, the the biggest problem at that interchange is the the left turn movement of the uh eastbound or southbound left turn getting on to go north. Uh so that's where we see the largest backup. Um so just looking at alternatives to improve that turning movement and uh push more traffic through there. You say left turn south then left turn northbound. Okay, so it'll just be one size side of I-49, they'll be evaluated. Well, they're gonna look at all of that as a system, um, and they'll be looking at uh roundabouts, uh looking at possible additional signal additional lanes, um, and then there are some other kind of more exotic um intersection treatments that that might be used as well. They're gonna look at all the alternatives. They'd be looking at um southbound. The uh well, the the southbound uh the to get the the southbound I-49 that you're talking about, that absolutely will be included in the in the design. We're not gonna leave that out. That's not really the the problem area, uh, but definitely they'll be looking at back up to it's if you want to get on I-49 going south in the morning. It's almost all the way back to local. Sure, yeah. The the the uh the eastbound Mount Comfort traffic is is the problem. Yeah.

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