Springdale City Council Meeting - June 26, 2026

Note: This meeting was recorded as June 26, 2026; however, the transcript references Tuesday, June 23, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.

The Springdale City Council convened for a regular meeting chaired by Mayor Sprouse. All seven council members were present at roll call. The meeting included resolutions on a housing authority agreement, a special election to fill a council vacancy, a downtown parking structure study, several road improvement projects, and architectural services for Rabbit Foot Lodge. Most items passed with strong support; some had divided votes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 5): Approved unanimously.
• Procedural Motions (Item 6): Approved unanimously (vote 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the citizen comment period.

Discussion Items

• Item 7A – Housing Authority Resolution: Authorized the housing authority of Lonoke County to exercise powers within Springdale city limits for operating Northwest Acres. Passed 7-0 after a brief explanation from the city attorney.
• Item 7B – Special Election for Ward 2 Vacancy: Resolution to call a special election on November 3, 2026, to fill the Ward 2, Position 2 council seat. Passed 7-0. Council then discussed how to fill the seat for the remainder of 2026; some members preferred appointing a qualified former council member with no intention to run in the special election, while others advocated for a public application process. The matter was deferred to the July 6 committee meeting.
• Item 8A – Property Acquisition for Sunset Avenue Extension: Resolution to acquire property from Nathan and Jennifer Stout for $49,700, including appraisal costs. Passed 6-1.
• Item 8B – Downtown Parking Structure Study: Resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Hutton Corporation for a conceptual study of a parking structure. Two options were presented: Option 1 ($25,000) for a basic concept, Option 2 ($72,200) including geotechnical and survey work. After debate—some council members preferred Option 1 due to cost—the motion for Option 2 passed 4-3.
• Item 8C – ARDOT Partnership for Springdale Bypass Sidewalks: Resolution to partner with the Arkansas Department of Transportation to upgrade sidewalks from 5-foot to 10-foot paths at the I-49/Highway 71B and 265 interchanges, at a city cost of $600,000. Passed 6-1.
• Item 8D – Cox Utility Relocation: Resolution for reimbursing Cox Advanced Services $18,056.29 to relocate utilities for the Sunset Avenue extension. Passed 7-0.
• Item 8E – Transit-Oriented Development Planning Funds: Resolution committing up to $50,000 in local match for a regional application for federal transit planning funds along the Highway 71B corridor. Passed 6-1.
• Item 8F – Railroad Crossing Agreement: Resolution authorizing an agreement with AM Railroad for crossing gate and signal improvements at the Sunset Avenue extension, cost $393,520. Passed 7-0.
• Item 8G – Meadows Avenue Design Amendment: Resolution amending the professional services agreement with McClellan Engineers for drainage improvements and utility location, adding $112,250. Passed 7-0.
• Item 8H – Property Acquisition for Albright Road Extension: Resolution to acquire property from the King family for $118,097, including $5,000 savings from fence removal. Passed 7-0.
• Item I – Vacancy Resolution: No action taken; effectively deferred.
• Item J – Rabbit Foot Lodge Architectural Services: Resolution authorizing an agreement with Clements and Associates for interior design of the historic lodge (phase 3), cost $53,000. Passed 6-1.

Key Outcomes

• Passed Unanimously (7-0): Items 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 8D, 8F, 8G, 8H.
• Passed with One Dissent: Items 8A (6-1), 8C (6-1), 8E (6-1), 8J (6-1).
• Passed 4-3: Item 8B (Option 2).
• Deferred: Appointment to fill Ward 2 council vacancy until July 6 committee meeting.
• Upcoming Events: America 250 time capsule burial (July 1), mural unveiling, Rodeo of the Ozarks parade (June 24 morning), and a free concert at Luther George Park.
• Updates: Greenhouse at the city is operational; Lake Springdale pipe lining expected in 6-8 weeks; silt removal from the spring area to be pursued during pipe work.