Fayetteville City Council Regular Meeting - March 5, 2026

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Fayetteville City Council convened for a regular meeting. The meeting included a sales tax report, a monthly financial report, and several land use and claims items. Key actions included approval of a utility easement vacation, tabling of a sewer damage claim, and leaving multiple rezoning items on reading for further consideration.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda as presented at agenda session was approved unanimously (vote: 7-0, with two members absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item B1 (North Crossover Road PCD): Kelly Stewart (3306 East Zion Rd) expressed concerns about traffic impacts from a new grocery store, especially with the new school at Joyce and Crossover, and stormwater management issues. Nick Anthony (3301 East Zion Rd) raised concerns about water runoff, flooding, and the need for a comprehensive drainage plan showing integration with the existing Chandler Crossing development. David Joseph (4859 Pasco Dr) pointed out that seven grocery stores exist within an eight-minute drive of the site, questioning the need for additional retail.
• Item B2 (Sewer damage claim): Chris Skaroki, the claimant, described the December 8, 2025 incident where a directional boring company damaged a sewer main due to incorrect city marking, causing raw sewage to overflow into his home. He requested full compensation, noting damages of approximately $198,700 and criticizing the city's initial $4,000 offer. His mother, Candy Spacey, urged the council to restore her son's home. Lindsay Irvey emphasized the city's responsibility. Jeannie Romine shared her own history of sewage issues and the health impacts she suffered. Beth Hall supported creating a separate category for extraordinary claims. Aaron Caldwell (on Zoom) stressed the need for the city to make Mr. Skaroki whole.
• Item C3 (900 East Ash Street rezone): Several residents opposed the rezoning. Kenneth Ruege (1908 North Wheeler Ave) expressed concerns about parking, property values, and neighborhood character. Elizabeth Bainbridge (1735 North Wheeler Ave) argued the plan does not meet affordable housing needs and would harm street aesthetics. Lark Hodzek (820 East Ash St) worried about reduced privacy and property values. Kathy Loone (1840 North Jimway Terrace) cited traffic, parking, and safety issues. Barbara Cowan (1751 North Wheeler Ave) stated the NC zoning would not preserve the existing streetscape. Rainey Ruis (on Zoom) opposed the rezoning, citing upcoming school construction nearby. In support, Aaron Caldwell (on Zoom) asked "if not here, then where?" for infill housing. Nathan McCloskey (on Zoom) supported the project for providing gentle density.

Discussion Items

• Sales Tax Report (December 2025): CFO Steven Dawson reported taxable sales of approximately $325 million in December, a 1% increase year-over-year. Key sectors: manufacturing up 24%, wholesale trade up 17%, professional/scientific/technical services up 19%. Retail trade was flat. Tax rebates affected construction ($5.3M) and education services ($4.1M). Combined city/county sales tax collections were up 1.32% compared to December 2024, but 1.6% below budget ($94,000 shortfall). Council members questioned the rebates and requested better data from schools and the university.
• Monthly Financial Report (January 2026): General fund was 2% below budget. Sales tax down 2%, alcoholic beverage fees down 7%, building permits up 1%. Street fund met expectations. Parking fund down 14% (seasonal). Parks development fund (HMR tax) down 4%. Water and sewer fund up 2%. Stormwater fund up 4%. Recycling/trash fund up 3%. Airport fund: gas sales down 1.5% but flight operations up 1.9%.
• Item B1: PCD on North Crossover Road (PZD 2025-5): Mayor Ron recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest (husband's employer) and did not participate in discussion or vote. The applicant (Will Kelstrom) presented updated plans including a trail crossing and additional trees, and asked to leave the item on second reading pending full council attendance. Staff (Jonathan Kurth) addressed four outstanding issues: PCD amendments, plat entitlements, intersection design, and traffic study. Council members requested more details on drainage, floodplain interactions, and a map of existing grocery stores. The item was left on second reading without a vote.
• Item B2: Sewer Damage Claim at 516 North Fallon Avenue: The council considered a resolution to pay $100,000 (the maximum allowed under code) for damages caused by a city-locator error. Total damages estimated at approximately $130,483 after insurance. The claimant presented evidence of $198,700 in total costs. City attorney clarified that paying more than $100,000 would require a code change. Council discussed potential ordinance amendments to create different tiers for catastrophic vs. routine claims. After public comment, the council voted unanimously to table the item to the April 21, 2026 meeting to allow time for ordinance review and additional documentation.
• Item B3: Rezone at 416 South Willow Avenue (RZN 2025-71): Staff presented a modified proposal for a portion of the property to be zoned UN (Urban Neighborhood) and the rest RIU. The applicant provided new legal descriptions that day. Council members expressed discomfort with last-minute information and preferred to wait. The item was left on second reading.
• Item C1: Utility Easement Vacation at 18 East Center Street: Staff recommended approval of the vacation of approximately 250 square feet of utility easement. No public comment. Council suspended the rules and passed the ordinance unanimously (7-0).
• Item C2: Rezone on South Dead Horse Mountain Road (RZN 2025-69): Staff recommended approval for 42.31 acres (37.7 acres NC, 4.7 acres UN) of a 157-acre parcel within the Stonebridge golf course area. The applicant (Mark Marquis, Riverwood Homes) described plans for approximately 180 single-family homes and 40 townhouses, with connections to the preserve and golf course. Concerns from previous meetings about sewer capacity, water lines, and traffic were addressed (sewer line found to be 12-inch instead of 8-inch; lift station operating within capacity). Council members discussed the need for a traffic signal at Huntsville and Stone Meadows. The item was left on second reading to allow absent council members to review.
• Item C3: Rezone at 900 East Ash Street (RZN 2025-75): The applicant (Conrad Sheimick) sought to rezone a 0.34-acre lot from RSF4 to NC to build a 500-square-foot small house in the front yard, stating it would provide affordable housing and is similar to an ADU. Staff and the housing officer supported the rezoning for gentle density. Council members expressed mixed views; some cited compatibility concerns, while others emphasized the need for infill. The item was left on first reading after substantial public comment and will be heard again on March 17, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item B1 (North Crossover PCD) left on second reading; no vote.
• Item B2 (Sewer damage claim) tabled unanimously to April 21, 2026, to allow for potential ordinance changes and further documentation.
• Item B3 (416 South Willow rezone) left on second reading.
• Item C1 (18 East Center Street easement vacation) passed unanimously (7-0) after suspending the rules.
• Item C2 (South Dead Horse Mountain rezone) left on second reading.
• Item C3 (900 East Ash rezone) left on first reading; will be heard again March 17, 2026.
• Announcement: The city's $ bond election (largest municipal bond in state history) passed; staff will begin implementation.