Fayetteville City Council Agenda Session – April 14, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council held an agenda session on April 14, 2026, beginning at 4:30 PM, to review items for the upcoming regular council meeting. Staff presented numerous resolutions and ordinances, and council members discussed key items, asked clarifying questions, and outlined next steps, including possible tabling and amendments. No formal votes were taken.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution to waive competitive bidding for audio-visual equipment and repair services from The Field Shop Inc. (through December 2026).
• Resolution to approve purchase of a tandem axle utility trailer from 36 North Collective for $21,385 plus fees.
• Resolution to approve purchase of three Bobcat Mini Excavators from WT Transfer Holdings for $340,711.71 via cooperative contract.
• Resolution to waive competitive bidding for one excavator attachment from ACME Trenchless for $52,493.43 (requires budget amendment).
• Resolution to approve purchase of one automated side loader refuse truck from Arkansas Municipal Equipment Inc. for $384,700 via Source Well cooperative contract.
• Resolution to approve Amendment #2 to engineering services agreement with Garver LLC ($2,974,800) for design of Noland Water Resource Recovery Facility improvements from 30% to 70% (eventual total project estimated at $98 million).
• Resolution to approve Task Order #2 with Garver LLC ($49,300) for hangar infrastructure improvements at Drake Field, funded by a $300,000 state grant.
• Resolution to approve Task Order #3 with Garver LLC ($117,800) for design of North General Aviation Apron rehabilitation at Drake Field (future FAA grant).
• Resolution to terminate franchise agreement with Onstot LLC (Red Box dumpsters) for nonpayment since September 2025.
• Resolution to approve purchase of smart city technology (Routeware) for eight new recycling trucks ($45,400) via cooperative contract, funded by grant; includes tablets and software; anti-contamination detection module may be added later.
• Resolution to amend reappropriations resolution (4826) reducing the amount rolled to 2026 budget by $21,340,684 (year-end closeout).
• Resolution to award bid for construction of bus stop concrete pads (21 locations) to NEC Inc. for $116,397.50 plus $50,000 contingency (may allow up to 30 stops).
• Resolution to waive competitive bidding and contract with Sweetster Construction for drainage inlet work at Sunbridge and College (Phase 1) for $155,295 plus $25,000 contingency.
• Resolution to approve a new resident-requested traffic calming policy (revised scoring system to reflect 20 mph speed limits).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during this agenda session.

Discussion Items

Traffic Calming Policy (A15):

• Dane (staff) explained that the revised policy adjusts scoring to better align with lower speed limits and resident expectations. Councilmember Moore asked about transitioning from temporary rubber devices to permanent concrete, raising concerns about losing flexibility for evaluation. Staff noted that long-term maintenance is outside this policy but could be discussed further. Councilmember Turk expressed support for the revised policy.

Raise and Removal – 20 North School Avenue (B2):

• Jonathan Kurth (Development Services) reported an advanced state of disrepair at a former dry cleaner. The property owner has since applied for a demolition permit, and staff may request a tabling if progress is shown.

Raise and Removal – 848 North Jackson Drive (B3):

• Code officer Billy Bryan stated the owner initiated contact and a meeting is scheduled for later in the week. Staff may also request a tabling. Councilmember Moore asked about connecting property owners to resources like CDBG, and staff acknowledged the challenge due to high repair costs. Councilmember Jones and Moore clarified that formal notices were sent via certified mail.

Unfinished Business – Insurance Claim Ordinance (C1 & C2):

• Councilmember Burno reported that a meeting is scheduled for April 15 to discuss the ordinance amending code to allow payment of claims over $100,000 by unanimous council consent. He expects the process to be complex, and both C1 and C2 (payment of $100,000 to Chris Scaraki for sewer damage) will likely be tabled.

Unfinished Business – CCR Zoning District Detention/Retention Ponds (C3):

• Councilmember Turk noted that the EAC discussion favored prohibiting ponds on CCR-zoned land, and this is a compromise. A developer has a rezoning request pending. She plans to add an emergency clause at the regular meeting. Jonathan Kurth explained the balance between conservation and practical drainage needs.

Unfinished Business – Farmers Market Ordinance (C4):

• Councilmember Turk and Moore indicated confusion over alcohol sales provisions (sale, service, and consumption). The mayor’s office and councilmembers plan to meet with market representatives to clarify and potentially offer an amendment specifying vendor limits.

New Business – Appeal of Preliminary Plat PPL 2025-05 (Liarly Lane/Velma Drive):

• Councilmember Turk sponsored the appeal on behalf of neighbors. Staff and the Planning Commission both recommended approval of the 82-lot subdivision (voted 7-0). Jonathan Kurth noted connectivity constraints and a variance for block length. Council agreed to a property tour on Friday, April 17, to view the site, especially concerns about springs. City Attorney Kit Williams clarified that the appeal is de novo and requires five affirmative votes to succeed.

New Business – Rezoning 620 South Crossover Road (D2):

• Request to rezone 2.46 acres from RSF-4 to UT (Urban Thoroughfare). Staff and Planning Commission (8-0) recommend approval. No questions.

New Business – Rezoning 325 South Washington Avenue (D3):

• Request to rezone 0.3 acres from NC to RIU (Residential Intermediate Urban). Planning Commission forwarded 7-1, with one member concerned about potential inclusion in a future local historic district. Jonathan noted the house may be eligible for historic designation, but no district is in place. Councilmember Stafford asked if this is a tandem lot situation, to be clarified on Tuesday.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes took place; this was a preparatory session for the regular council meeting on April 21.
• Traffic calming policy is expected to be considered at the regular meeting.
• Insurance claim items (C1 & C2) are likely to be tabled pending further negotiations.
• Raise and removal items (B2 & B3) may be tabled if property owners demonstrate progress.
• Farmers market ordinance may be amended to clarify alcohol provisions.
• Property tour for the plat appeal will be held on Friday, April 17.
• Staff will provide additional details on the historic district implications and lot split nature of the Washington Avenue rezoning at the regular meeting.