Springdale City Council Regular Meeting - August 28, 2025

The Springdale City Council held a regular meeting on August 28, 2025, with a quorum present. The meeting covered a wide range of items including public comments, multiple rezoning requests, waivers, and various resolutions from the planning commission and finance committee. Key decisions involved an appeal of a denied rezoning, approval of several planned unit developments (PUDs), and adjustments to September committee meeting dates.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jane Franks (6984 Slongbird Circle) spoke in strong support of the Springdale Fire Department, recounting personal stories of their care for her late husband and ongoing assistance. She urged the council to provide for the fire department as they are an invaluable community resource.

Discussion Items

• Appeal of Rezoning Denial (R25-39) : The council considered an appeal of the Planning Commission's 4-3 denial to rezone 4617 Levine Avenue from Agricultural (A1) to Medium Density Multifamily (MF12). The authorized representative, Brandon Resch of Engineering Services, proposed a compromise to include a 50-foot strip on the east side zoned MF4 (lower density) as a buffer. Neighbors (Victoria Gammel, Rhonda Coot, Jeff Honstead, Judith McCann, Brett Sparkman, and others) expressed concerns about property values, traffic, drainage, privacy, lighting, and fire safety. After discussion, the council voted 5-2 to overturn the denial, with an amendment to include a 50-foot MF4 buffer on the east and south sides. The rezoning will proceed to ordinance preparation and return for first reading in September.
• Downtown Form Based Code Amendment (FB25-07) : The council approved a change from NC1 to NC2 for parcels between Poplar and Harris Streets, allowing more flexibility for mixed-use and residential options. This was previously approved by the Planning Commission unanimously. The emergency clause passed 6-1.
• PUD at Don Tyson and Haberton Road : A rezoning to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a nearly 20-acre tract was approved unanimously with emergency clause. The project will include covenants and design standards.
• Canopy Cottages PUD (R25-43) : A rezoning to PUD for 43-44 single-family homes (1,300 sq ft average, price $250K-$295K) on West Morris Avenue was approved unanimously. The developer committed to improving Morris Avenue (curb, gutter, sidewalk). Emergency clause passed 7-0.
• C5 Rezoning for Community Event Center (R25-44) : A request to rezone 2143 Worth Lane from General Commercial (C2) to Thoroughfare Commercial (C5) for a community event center passed 5-2, but the emergency clause failed (5-2 vote), meaning the zoning will take effect in 30 days.
• Other Rezonings: The council unanimously approved several other rezoning requests: to Light Industrial (I1) at 327-331 East Robinson and 555 Gage Place (emergency clause passed); downzone from C6 to C5 at 5950 West Sunset Avenue (emergency clause passed); to Medium High Density Multifamily (MF16) at east of 1581 East Emma Avenue (emergency clause passed); to Large Product Retail (C6) at Jennifer Terrace (emergency clause passed); and to General Commercial (C2) at 1310 Oak Grove Road (emergency clause passed).
• Waivers: Four waivers of street improvements and sidewalk requirements were approved:
  1. Sidewalk waiver for 2357 Reed Avenue (single-family home) – option 1, passed 7-0.
  2. Sidewalk waiver for Red Barn Bakery on East Robinson (reducing 10-ft to 8-ft sidewalk to match adjacent property) – option 1, passed 7-0.
  3. Sidewalk waiver for old Breshears building at 71 and Church Hill Avenue – option 1, passed 7-0.
  4. Fee-in-lieu of sidewalk for 1106 West Robinson Avenue – option 3, passed 6-0.
• Finance Committee Items: The council approved:
  • Grant of utility easements for East Emma Avenue Streetscape Project (7-0).
  • Grant of utility easements for Fire Station #4 (7-0).
  • Lease agreement for a beauty shop at the senior center (7-0).
  • Temporary use agreement on city property for the Suny Hotel project construction (6-1).
  • Additional funds ($260,000) to acquire property at 203 Sunset Avenue for the Sunset Extension project (6-1).
  • Additional funds ($48,700) to acquire property from MBW Farms for the Gene George Boulevard Extension (6-1).
  • Purchase of a new mini track loader for Public Works (7-0).
  • Appraisal services agreement ($274,500) for Sunset Avenue extension (7-0).
  • Construction manager agreement ($269,329) for pre-construction services on Sunset Avenue and Powell Street (7-0).
• September Committee Meeting Dates: The council voted to move the first September committee meeting to Wednesday, September 3rd (due to Labor Day) and the second to Thursday, September 18th (due to the DC fly-in and staff unavailability). Both changes were approved by voice vote or show of hands.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning Appeal (R25-39) : Overturned the Planning Commission's denial; approved with MF12 and 50-foot MF4 buffers on east and south sides. Vote: 5-2.
• Downtown Form Based Code (FB25-07) : Adopted with emergency clause. Vote: 6-1.
• PUD at Don Tyson/Haberton: Adopted with emergency clause. Vote: 7-0.
• Canopy Cottages PUD: Adopted with emergency clause. Vote: 7-0.
• C5 Rezoning (Worth Lane): Adopted without emergency clause. Vote: 5-2 (ordinance), 5-2 (emergency failed).
• All other rezonings and waivers: Approved as noted, with emergency clauses generally passing.
• Finance resolutions: All approved as recorded.
• Committee dates: September 3rd and 18th approved.

Additional Updates

• Public Works Director Ben provided an update on the Emma Street roundabout project: the single-lane east/west roundabout was causing congestion, and the city decided to convert it to a two-lane roundabout in all directions. Construction to revert to two-lane roundabout is expected by Tuesday after Labor Day (September 2, 2025).
• Councilmember Brian praised the fire department for their service, referencing Jane Franks' testimony.