Fayetteville City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council met on October 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM to address a consent agenda, several unfinished and new business items, including a compensation study, zoning changes, a major appeal of a large-scale development for a Jiffy Trip gas station, and an ordinance permitting mobility scooters on city trails. All items were decided with the exception of the appeal, which was tabled to November 5, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was passed unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dennis Cobb (Sherlock Avenue) spoke in opposition to the Jiffy Trip development (Item C7), citing 25 years of unmet requests for sidewalks, traffic safety concerns, light and noise pollution, environmental impacts, and the proximity of the gas station to residences (40 feet from one home). He argued the fee-in-lieu of sidewalks ($10,147.50) would expire in seven years and that the neighborhood has been forgotten.
• Rob McGathy (Holmes Drive) opposed the development, raising concerns about stormwater drainage, denied driveway variances that could prevent fuel truck access, traffic safety on Stonebridge Drive, and insufficient buffering. He requested denial of the appeal.
• Don Rose (representing Jiffy Trip) stated the store would operate 5:30 AM to midnight (not 24 hours), that they had met all city staff and planning commission requirements, and expressed willingness to meet with neighbors and consider additional buffering (e.g., a fence). He learned of the appeal only the day before.

Discussion Items

• Items B1 and B2 (Unfinished Business): Ordinance to annex 11.17 acres (ANX 25-002) and planned zoning district PZD 2025-006 for 51.4 acres near West Weir Road and Rupel Road were both tabled unanimously to November 5, 2026, at the applicant's request to work on a bill of assurance.
• Item C1 – Compensation Study: The council adopted the McGrath Human Resources Group Compensation and Benefits Study and approved the recommended pay structures. Key details: one-time adjustments of approximately $556,000 effective October 26, 2026; a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective first pay period of 2027, costing about $5.5 million; annual budgeted COLAs starting January 2028; merit-based increases possible mid-year 2028. Passed unanimously (9-0).
• Item C2 – City Officials Compensation: Ordinance amended Chapter 31 to change "aldermanic" to "mayor-council" form of government, revised council member and mayor compensation formulas, and aligned city clerk treasurer and city attorney pay with the new compensation plan. Passed unanimously (9-0) after suspension of rules.
• Item C3 – Vacation of Easement: VAC 2026-0013 for 3,958.66 sq. ft. of general utility easement at South Magnificent Loop was approved unanimously to allow a building permit for a house. Staff recommended approval, no utility objections.
• Item C4 – Vacation of Right-of-Way: VAC 2026-0014 for 0.19 acres of right-of-way near West Center Street and South Razorback Road was approved unanimously, with condition to dedicate a 10-foot utility easement for a gas line. The right-of-way was platted but not used as a street.
• Item C5 – Rezoning: RZN 2026-31 rezoned 3.92 acres at 1295 and 1299 West Van Ash Drive from RA (Residential Agricultural) to CS (Community Services) to align with the urban center future land use designation. Unanimously approved.
• Item C6 – Rezoning: RZN 2026-32 rezoned 24.34 acres at northeast of East Joyce Boulevard and North Old Missouri Road from RA to CS. Applicant Hugh Jarrett committed to preserving a minimum 100-foot tree buffer along the northern boundary. Passed unanimously.
• Item C7 – Appeal of LSD 2026-16 (Jiffy Trip): The council considered an appeal of the large-scale development approval for a gas station at Stonebridge Road and Huntsville Road. After extensive discussion, the council tabled the appeal to the November 5, 2026 meeting (8-0) to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors and address concerns about sidewalk connectivity, buffering, lighting, and traffic. The applicant expressed willingness to negotiate.
• Item C8 – Mobility Scooters on Trails: Ordinance added new section 71.172 to allow mobility scooters (including enclosed) on city trails for qualified users with disabilities. Conditions include maximum speed 15 mph, yielding right-of-way, and safety equipment. Unanimously approved (9-0) after suspension of rules.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda passed unanimously.
• Items B1 and B2 (annexation and PZD) tabled to November 5, 2026.
• Items C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8 all passed unanimously (9-0) with no dissenting votes.
• Item C7 (appeal of LSD 2026-16) tabled to November 5, 2026 (8-0). The motion to table included directions for staff to provide additional site plans and code requirements. The public works traffic study on Stonebridge Drive is ongoing.
• Announcement: Budget review meeting scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM at City Hall. Deadline for board/committee applications is October 23, 2026.
• The council took responsibility for failing to notify the applicant of the appeal in a timely manner.