OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fayetteville City Council Agenda Session – May 12, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 12, 2026
BodyFayetteville, Arkansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:43:28

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Okay, let's get started with the agenda session.

0:04

Today is Tuesday, May 12th, and we're going over the agenda for next week, Tuesday, May 19th.

0:13

Um presentations for next week.

0:17

Uh we'll start right out of the gate with the consent agenda after the approval of two sets of minutes.

0:24

We'll go into item A3.

0:26

Um and these first one, two, three, four, actually, these first five items are all from Jared.

0:33

So I what I would like to do is read all of them, have him come up and then treat them, speak of them more generally.

0:41

So item A3 is a resolution to award bid 26-26 and authorize a contract with Emory SAP and Sons Inc.

0:49

for pavement crack repair at the airport in the amount of 142,393 and 23 cents, and to approve a 10% project contingency.

1:01

Item A4 is a resolution to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to authorize continued installation, operation, and maintenance of FAA owned navigational communication and lighting facilities on the airport property.

1:18

A5, a resolution to authorize an application for an Arkansas Department of Aeronautics grant and the amount of $300,000 to fund 80% of the costs for the terminal apron rehabilitation project.

1:33

Also, this is one that led to a little bit of confusion in the memos.

1:36

You will notice it talks a lot about ADA grants at the airport.

1:40

In this particular instance, that ADA refers to Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, not Americans with Disabilities Acts, as which is what we typically talk about.

1:49

So to be fair.

1:51

A6 is a resolution to authorize an application for an Arkansas Department of Aeronautics grant and the amount of 200,000 to fund 90% of the costs for the North General Aviation Apron rehabilitation project at the airport.

2:05

Those two work in tandem.

2:07

And then finally from Jared A7, a resolution to authorize Mayor Ron to convey a utility easement, Southwestern Electric forgive me, to convey a utility easement to Southwestern Electric Power Company for the relocation of electrical infrastructure serving the airport terminal.

2:25

Jared, can you discuss with since you have several coming, what can you kind of give us an overview, please of this?

2:33

Absolutely.

2:34

So first of all, I apologize for having this many.

2:36

And we can't hear you.

2:37

Do you mind to there you go?

2:38

Better.

2:38

That is a little bit better.

2:39

So I have a lot more than normal tonight.

2:41

Normally I have one or two.

2:42

But uh what we have tonight are good.

2:46

Two ADA grants, which again, Arkansas Department of Aeronautics.

2:50

Uh those are both for ramp rehab projects.

2:54

These are existing ramps that we have on the field that they've reached their useful life.

2:57

They need some uh upkeep.

2:59

Uh and then we have the SWEPCO utility easement.

3:02

Uh that one is a hangar project that's already happening.

3:05

We found some utilities weren't quite where we expected them to be.

3:08

So SWEPCO has graciously agreed to relocate those, uh, but we do need to update their easement uh out of the way of the current footprint of the hangar.

3:16

And then the MOA with the FAA, the memorandum of agreement.

3:20

Uh this is a renewal of a roughly 20-year-old document.

3:23

Uh it doesn't really have any changes from the previous version.

3:26

It's just expired and up for renewal, but this allows the FAA to maintain our navigational equipment on the field.

3:32

Uh we there's no cost to us for that.

3:35

It provides uh navigational equipment to the flying public.

3:38

And uh this is just a renewal of that current agreement that gives them access.

3:45

Thank you, Mayor.

3:47

So Jared, you said the 20 UL contract is just up for renewal.

3:51

Have we had legal or you have legal someone to look at it to ensure that some of the verbiage didn't need to be changed or are talking about automation in alignment with 2026?

4:04

Gotcha.

4:04

So yes, this went through the standard staff approval process.

4:07

So it's been through legal.

4:13

Oh, thank you, Mayor.

4:14

Um on the uh tie downs, sorry, there's so many items, so I might kind of jump around.

4:20

Um on the A5.

4:21

I just was gonna try to better understand as OSM comes on.

4:26

Um it sounds like you know, the justification is like the tie-down need for that expansion that's happening.

4:32

Um do you have um a kind of a at least a ballpark idea of additional investments that we might be looking at and seeing going forward with OSM coming on board here kind of with our first fleet and kind of into the future.

4:45

I know you may not have full specifics to kind of get a better idea of what kind of investments we might be looking at.

4:51

Sure.

4:52

So this is not strictly for OSM.

4:54

Uh there's actually two sets of tie downs that we're rehabilitating.

4:57

Uh we have existing tie-downs right now, they're just an older style.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████████21%
Economic Development███████████████15%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████13%
Waste Management███████████11%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Environmental Protection████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Fayetteville City Council Agenda Session – May 12, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council held an agenda session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to review items for the regular meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The session covered a wide range of airport projects, infrastructure grants, a major recycling program launch, development fee updates, zoning appeals, and an economic development quarterly report. Key decisions included authorizing multiple airport contracts and grants, setting the stage for the cart-based recycling rollout, and introducing a new fee structure for development services.

Consent Calendar

  • Airport Items (A3–A7): All from Jared. Items included: a resolution to award bid 26-26 to Emory SAP and Sons Inc. for pavement crack repair at the airport ($142,393.23 plus 10% contingency); a resolution to approve a memorandum of agreement with the FAA for continued installation, operation, and maintenance of FAA-owned navigational equipment (renewal of a 20-year document with no changes); a resolution to authorize an application for an Arkansas Department of Aeronautics (ADA) grant of $300,000 (80% funding) for terminal apron rehabilitation; a resolution to authorize an application for an ADA grant of $200,000 (90% funding) for the North General Aviation Apron rehabilitation; and a resolution to authorize Mayor Ron to convey a utility easement to Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) for relocation of electrical infrastructure serving the airport terminal.
  • A8 – Clabor Creek Bridge Replacement: Resolution to express willingness to utilize federal aid funds. Staff committed to complete streets design, including side paths or sidewalks across the bridge.
  • A9 – Joyce Boulevard Safety Improvements: Resolution to authorize an application for an 80/20 federal aid grant through the Safe Streets for All program (up to $7,200,000) to complete safety and mobility improvements on Joyce Boulevard from College Avenue to Vandage Street and from Old Missouri to Crossover Road. Anticipated construction in 2030.
  • A10 – Bruckner's Truck & Equipment Contract: Resolution to amend professional services contract to adjust labor rates for heavy truck and fire apparatus repairs (pursuant to Resolution 47-25).
  • A11 – Fire Apparatus Purchase: Resolution to approve purchase of a Spartan Pumper Tanker from Delta Fire and Safety for $1,370,800 (plus up to 10% surcharges) via cooperative contract, with a budget amendment.
  • A12 – Fire Department Administrative Policies: Resolution to approve updates, including a new policy on recruitment and retention.
  • A13 – Lake Sequoia Drive Bridge: Resolution to award bid 26-31 to Mobley Contractors for $599,219.77, plus a $100,000 contingency.
  • A14 – Recycling Processor Contract: Resolution to award bid 26-28 to Cards Holdings LLC (dba Eco Waste Solutions) for processing commingled recyclables: $50,000 for the remainder of 2026, then an estimated $4,100/month starting 2027. Two-year contract with two one-year extensions; includes revenue share and a $140/ton processing fee. Facility in Springdale operated by Total Recycling; no glass accepted. Rollout of 28,000 carts began May 11, with delivery continuing through May 20; program launch June 1.
  • A15 – ARPA Funds Return: Resolution to commit $1,447 in returned ARPA funds from the Fayetteville Public Library and $7,518 in accrued interest to the child care assistance program.
  • C5 – Right-of-Way Dedication (West Lyarley Lane): Resolution to approve a request not to dedicate additional right-of-way along West Lyarley Lane for Magnolia Place Phase 5, since the street and sidewalk are already built to the 2019 standard (which had a 5-foot green space for trees versus the current 6-foot requirement). Unanimous planning commission recommendation. Placed on consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments or testimony were recorded during the agenda session.

Discussion Items

  • Item A16 – Planning Division FTE Additions (originally on consent, pulled): Resolution to authorize two new full-time planner positions in the Development Services Department, funded by new development fees. Support expressed for improving permit review times; discussion centered on needing holistic metrics and a future workshop on staffing and budget.
  • Sewer Damage Claim – 516 North Fallon Avenue: Staff presented an updated settlement offer (adjuster-recommended amount) for claimant; lodging receipts still not provided despite multiple requests. Council to vote on May 19.
  • C1 & C2 – Rezones on North Hall Avenue: Two contiguous parcels (0.4 acres and 0.3 acres) proposed for rezoning from RSF-4 to Urban Neighborhood (UN). Staff recommended approval; planning commission voted 7-1. Public concerns about traffic and potential non-residential uses were noted.
  • C3 – Appeal of Large Scale Development (LSD 2025-19): Councilmember Turk’s appeal of a large-scale development south of North Marks Mill Lane and Northeast Ash Street (Ramey Jr. High area). Discussion deferred to May 19 regular meeting; staff to provide updated traffic study.
  • C4 – Development Fees Alignment: Ordinance to implement phases 2 and 3 of the user fee study (completing all three phases) in one vote. Changes include creating a simpler, lower-cost grading permit for small projects and adding a fee for over-the-counter same-day permit review. Councilmember Whitaker requested future automatic cost-of-living adjustments.
  • C6 – Appeal of Swarm Arrow Business License: Resolution to overturn the Board of Adjustment’s decision (3-1) and classify Swarm Arrow (aerospace R&D and drone manufacturing at 3660 South School) as Use Unit 22 (Manufacturing) rather than Use Unit 23 (Heavy Industrial). Staff toured the facility and reaffirmed the classification. Discussion focused on the appropriate use unit and the legal preemption of odor and air quality considerations.
  • Economic Development Quarterly Report (Q1 2026): Presented by Devin Howland. Highlights: 60 new business licenses, 181 new full-time jobs, over $250 million in employer investment announced (Conagra, Packaging Specialties; excludes OSM and Givingtons). 191 unique businesses assisted, 42 women/minority/veteran-owned; 18 events with 1,500 attendees. Focus areas include South Fayetteville Economic and Employment Corridor, healthcare cluster analysis, and small business survivability. Report to be published quarterly.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar Approved: All consent items were approved unanimously without separate discussion.
  • Item A16 Pulled: The resolution to add two planner positions was pulled from consent by Councilmember Moore to allow public comment and holistic discussion; vote scheduled for May 19.
  • Sewer Claim: Staff will provide a final settlement number; claimant must provide lodging receipts before May 19.
  • Rezones (C1, C2): To be voted on May 19.
  • Appeal (C3): To be heard May 19; staff to provide updated traffic study.
  • Fee Alignment (C4): To be voted on May 19; includes a request for automatic cost-of-living adjustment.
  • Swarm Arrow (C6): To be voted on May 19; staff to provide examples of past Use Unit 22/23 classifications.
  • Economic Development Report: To be issued quarterly; Q2 report will include business survivability rates and deeper sector analysis.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, let's get started with the agenda session. Today is Tuesday, May 12th, and we're going over the agenda for next week, Tuesday, May 19th. Um presentations for next week. Uh we'll start right out of the gate with the consent agenda after the approval of two sets of minutes. We'll go into item A3. Um and these first one, two, three, four, actually, these first five items are all from Jared. So I what I would like to do is read all of them, have him come up and then treat them, speak of them more generally. So item A3 is a resolution to award bid 26-26 and authorize a contract with Emory SAP and Sons Inc. for pavement crack repair at the airport in the amount of 142,393 and 23 cents, and to approve a 10% project contingency. Item A4 is a resolution to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to authorize continued installation, operation, and maintenance of FAA owned navigational communication and lighting facilities on the airport property. A5, a resolution to authorize an application for an Arkansas Department of Aeronautics grant and the amount of $300,000 to fund 80% of the costs for the terminal apron rehabilitation project. Also, this is one that led to a little bit of confusion in the memos. You will notice it talks a lot about ADA grants at the airport. In this particular instance, that ADA refers to Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, not Americans with Disabilities Acts, as which is what we typically talk about. So to be fair. A6 is a resolution to authorize an application for an Arkansas Department of Aeronautics grant and the amount of 200,000 to fund 90% of the costs for the North General Aviation Apron rehabilitation project at the airport. Those two work in tandem. And then finally from Jared A7, a resolution to authorize Mayor Ron to convey a utility easement, Southwestern Electric forgive me, to convey a utility easement to Southwestern Electric Power Company for the relocation of electrical infrastructure serving the airport terminal. Jared, can you discuss with since you have several coming, what can you kind of give us an overview, please of this? Absolutely. So first of all, I apologize for having this many. And we can't hear you. Do you mind to there you go? Better. That is a little bit better. So I have a lot more than normal tonight. Normally I have one or two. But uh what we have tonight are good. Two ADA grants, which again, Arkansas Department of Aeronautics. Uh those are both for ramp rehab projects. These are existing ramps that we have on the field that they've reached their useful life. They need some uh upkeep. Uh and then we have the SWEPCO utility easement. Uh that one is a hangar project that's already happening. We found some utilities weren't quite where we expected them to be. So SWEPCO has graciously agreed to relocate those, uh, but we do need to update their easement uh out of the way of the current footprint of the hangar. And then the MOA with the FAA, the memorandum of agreement. Uh this is a renewal of a roughly 20-year-old document. Uh it doesn't really have any changes from the previous version. It's just expired and up for renewal, but this allows the FAA to maintain our navigational equipment on the field. Uh we there's no cost to us for that. It provides uh navigational equipment to the flying public. And uh this is just a renewal of that current agreement that gives them access. Thank you, Mayor. So Jared, you said the 20 UL contract is just up for renewal. Have we had legal or you have legal someone to look at it to ensure that some of the verbiage didn't need to be changed or are talking about automation in alignment with 2026? Gotcha. So yes, this went through the standard staff approval process. So it's been through legal. Oh, thank you, Mayor.

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