Public Meetings - Springdale, Arkansas

Note: The transcript states the meeting occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, but the provided meeting timestamp is May 29, 2026. This summary uses the given date. The Springdale City Council met in regular session on May 29, 2026, with Mayor Doug Sprouse presiding. All council members were present: Brian Powell, Emilia Taldell, Jeff Watson, Mike Overton, Mike Lawson, Aaron Huntley, Randall Herman, Mark Foodruse, and Garrett Harlan. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Mark Foodrews. The council approved a series of reappointments, zoning changes, waivers, and financial resolutions, all by unanimous 6-0 votes. A highlight was the presentation of a proclamation honoring former City Attorney Ernest Kate for 28 years of service. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the citizen comment period for items not on the agenda. Proclamation for Former City Attorney Ernest Kate - Mayor Sprouse read a proclamation honoring Ernest Kate for nearly 28 years of distinguished service, including his tenure as Deputy City Attorney (1998), Senior Deputy City Attorney (2006), and City Attorney (2013–2026). He was re-elected in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and served as Springdale District Court judge (2011–2012). - Kate thanked the council, noting that he was never denied a request and expressed confidence in new City Attorney Garrett Harlan. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously. - Procedural Motions (Items 6A and 6B): Approved 6-0. Discussion Items - Reappointment to Advertising and Promotion Commission (Item 8A): Resolution reappointing Rick Cole was approved 6-0. - Planning Commission Report (Item 9): Director Sharon Tromberg presented four items: - R26-10: Rezoning 1365 West Sunset Avenue from SF2 (low-medium density single-family) to C2 (general commercial) to correct split zoning. Approved 6-0 with emergency clause. - R26-19: Rezoning 2.94 acres at the northwest corner of Wagon Wheel Road and Robins Road from C2 to C5 (thoroughfare commercial). The property had a prior denied rezoning 18 months ago; this is a substantially different request. Approved 6-0 with emergency clause. - R26-21: Rezoning property south of 3501 West Huntsville Avenue from SF2 and A1 (agricultural) to MF12 (medium-density multifamily, 8 units per acre by right) for infill development. Approved 6-0 with emergency clause. - W26-15: Waiver of street improvements, drainage, curb, gutters, sidewalks, and street lights for Wildwood Lane in connection with a non-large scale development (plant nursery relocation). Approved 6-0. - Committee of the Whole (Item 10A): Resolution authorizing an application for the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program (Heart/MOVE initiative) for approximately $2 million for genetic testing blood panels and supplements for city employees. Approved 6-0. - Finance Committee (Items 11A–E): - 11A: Resolution to partner with a developer to mill and overlay portions of Water Street, Johnson Avenue, and Graham Street, costing $70,000 from the street fund. Approved 6-0. - 11B: Resolution for a Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination grant application to construct an overpass at County Line Road and close the Randall Wobey crossing, with local match to come from bond, general fund, or street fund. Approved 6-0. - 11C: Resolution to provide an additional $7,238 for emergency access to Butterfield Gardens from Ford Avenue (original partnership approved November 2025 for $25,681; actual cost $32,919). Approved 6-0. - 11D: Payment of $1,258,413.51 to Any Sap & Son for the Watkins Avenue Bridge project. Approved 6-0. - 11E: Payment of $1,513,855.67 to NAB Holtz Excavation for the Sunset Avenue project. Approved 6-0. - Police and Fire Committee (Items 12A–C): - 12A: Resolution to reclassify firefighter positions (captain and driver) to staff Fire Station 10. Approved 6-0. - 12B: Resolution reclassifying one captain to battalion chief and two battalion chiefs to division chief, with budget amendments. Approved 6-0. - 12C: Resolution to waive bidding and purchase vehicles for the Fire Department at a locally found lower price than state contract. Approved 6-0. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (6-0). - All four planning items (three rezonings and one waiver) passed with emergency clauses where applicable. - The council authorized the submission of a $2 million state health grant application for city employees. - The council approved $70,000 in street improvements, $1.25 million for bridge work, $1.51 million for street work, and $7,238 for emergency access. - The Fire Department received authorization to reclassify positions and purchase vehicles. - No other comments from council or staff; the meeting adjourned.

The Springdale City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time (20:35 UTC). The meeting was called to order by Mayor Sprouse after the pledge and invocation. All council members were present. The council approved the consent agenda items (minutes and procedural motions) unanimously. Planning Commission Report and Recommendations Sharon Tromberg, Director of Planning and Community Development, presented four items from the Planning Commission. She noted two corrections: the title of item B should refer to Ingram Street (not Schmeeting Avenue), and item C involves two single-family homes (not one). All items were approved 7-0. - Item A (Ordinance accepting replat RP 26-05): Combined two commercial lots into one (1.34 acres on Hale Lane) in Hammett EOF Business Center. Planning Commission approved 8-0 with no public comment. The council adopted the ordinance and the emergency clause (7-0). - Item B (Resolution approving waiver W2610): A waiver of street improvements for 200 feet of a 900-foot frontage on Ingram Street in connection with a non-large scale development (1,200 sq ft office addition to an existing 6,000 sq ft commercial building). The applicant agreed to all improvements in the improved zone. Planning Commission passed 9-0. The council approved the resolution (7-0). - Item C (Resolution approving waiver W2619): A sidewalk waiver for two single-family dwellings at 323 Cottle Avenue downtown. The planning commission recommended a 5-foot sidewalk with a 6-foot green space, but the city engineer may allow modifications for transitioning to existing sidewalks. Ken Hall, representing the applicant Campus Edge, requested discretion to adjust the green space width near the property edge to tie into the neighbor's existing sidewalk. The council approved the resolution (7-0) with understanding that engineering can work out the transition. - Item D (Resolution approving waiver W2620): A sidewalk waiver for a single-family dwelling at 3440 Arkansas Highway 112, citing ongoing ARDOT improvements to the highway. Planning Commission recommended approval. The council approved (7-0). Finance Committee and Recommendations Councilman Jeff Watson presented three items from the Finance Committee, all recommended for approval and passed 7-0. - Item 8A (Resolution authorizing property acquisition from Gerardo and Irma Garcia): For the Sunset Avenue Extension and Powell Street Improvement Project (project 23BPS6). The city's estimate was $218,100; the landowners' expert appraised the loss at $56,000 higher. After negotiation, the city agreed to $235,835 (a difference of $17,735, or about $3,300 per parking spot due to conversion of eight private spots to public). Approved 7-0. - Item 8B (Resolution authorizing property acquisition from Morelli Investments LLC): For the same Sunset Avenue project, adjacent parcel with identical compensation issue. The city negotiated the counteroffer down by 50% from the experts' initial demand. Approved 7-0. - Item 8C (Resolution creating temporary deputy director of animal services): Due to the resignation of Courtney (effective June 1, 2026), a temporary position was created for a few weeks to train a new director. Maximum budget impact $3,908. The position will be eliminated June 1, 2026. Approved 7-0. Other Business - Councilman Randall Herman clarified that the approved options for items B and D were the Planning Commission's recommended option one. For item C, the modified recommendation (5-foot sidewalk with green space) was approved. - Councilman Brian Powell formally announced his candidacy for reelection for Ward 2, Position 1. Key Outcomes - All four Planning Commission items (A, B, C, D) were approved unanimously (7-0) with the noted corrections and modifications. - All three Finance Committee items (8A, 8B, 8C) were approved unanimously (7-0). - The council will announce Courtney's replacement for Animal Services within the next week. - Meeting adjourned without further business.

The Springdale City Council convened on May 5, 2026, after a recess from an earlier April 28 session due to a lack of quorum for procedural votes. The meeting included a future land use plan presentation, a series of rezoning and conditional use approvals, sidewalk waiver decisions, an update to the downtown form-based code, and several budget amendments. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Procedural Matters - Roll call showed eight council members present; the mayor was absent. Councilman Mike Overton was elected pro tem by voice vote. - Minutes from the April 14, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - The April 28 meeting was recessed to May 4 because only five council members were present, making it impossible to achieve the two‑thirds vote needed to read ordinances by title only. The meeting reconvened on May 5 with a full quorum. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Coger (4310 South Thompson) raised five interconnected issues: 1. Wireless infrastructure preemption: Cited FCC actions eliminating 1,108 rules and asserted federal preemption of local tower siting. Asked the council to pass a resolution reasserting local authority. 2. Water and industrial demand: Noted strain on Springdale's water system from industrial processing and population growth. Requested a public cost accounting and a moratorium on new industrial hookups until the accounting is completed. (Council noted the Water and Sewer Commission operates independently.) 3. Microplastics in pipes: Stated he submitted formal notice on April 3, 2026, about PVC, HDPE, and PEX pipes. Asked for a written response from the Springdale Water Department by May 3. 4. Fire code and small retail: Requested a formal code interpretation and variance process for small retailers under 10,000 sq ft, arguing that NFPA data shows sprinklers cause more water damage than fires in such settings. 5. Public record: Asked that all issues be formally logged in the meeting minutes. Future Land Use Plan Presentation - Sharon Tromberg (Planning Director) and Juliet Ritchie (Garver) presented the draft 2026 Future Land Use Plan, updating the 2010 plan. Key points: - Non‑regulatory “vision board” for 5–10 years, guiding zoning and development decisions. - Parcel‑by‑parcel mapping using GIS, replacing the previous corridor‑based approach. - New land use categories: neighborhood mixed‑use, community mixed‑use, trades and services, and three distinct corridors along Highway 71 (North Thompson, Thompson/Downtown, South Thompson). - Public input via survey (QR code) and a workshop on May 19 at the library. Final adoption expected in July/August. - Councilman Watson expressed concern that parcel‑by‑parcel mapping could constrain future rezonings. Staff clarified the plan is a policy document, not zoning. Rezonings (All passed unanimously 8-0 with emergency clauses) 1. R26-13 – 4346 North Oak St: A1 (Agricultural) to C2 (General Commercial). Unanimous planning commission recommendation; no development plans filed. 2. R26-15 – 4300 block S. 48th St: A1 to C2. Public comments cited traffic and pedestrian safety; planning commission approved 9-0. 3. R26-16 – 312 & 3130 N. Thompson St: C6 (Large Product Retail) to C5 (Thoroughfare Commercial). This is a zoning downgrade to allow a broader range of uses. 4. R26-17 – 552 S. 48th St: C5 to MF24 (High Density Multifamily). Adjoins a site rezoned to institutional earlier. 5. R26-18 – 556 B & C S. 48th St: A1 to MF24. Part of the same project as R26-17. 6. FB26-06 – 521 Caudle Ave: C2 to NC2 (Neighborhood Center Type 2). Mixed‑use neighborhood context. 7. FB26-07 – 323 Caudle Ave: MF12 to NR2 (Neighborhood Residential Type 2). Only residential allowed. Conditional Use Permits (All passed 8-0 unless noted) 1. Manufactured Home (Colby Dean Drake) – 8788 W. Gibbs Rd: Approved with extensive conditions (e.g., appearance standards, foundation, removal of wheels). 2. Food Truck (Gringo’s Burritos) – 3503 Elm Springs Rd: Approved 7-1 (one abstention). Conditions include hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.), parking, waste disposal. 3. Home Occupation – Coffee Roasting (Mile 59 Coffee) – 1102 Bronco Ln: Approved 8-0. Uses 13% of heated space; no customers on site; online sales only. 4. Church (Spirit of Truth) – 1853 FedEx Dr: Approved 8-0. Church has operated for over a decade; now brought into zoning compliance. 5. Home Occupation – Flower Farm (Alice’s Garden) – 3534 Laurel Ridge: Approved 7-1 (one abstention). Discussion on HOA covenants; council determined approval does not enforce private covenants. Sidewalk Waivers 1. W26-13 (Jake’s Fireworks) – 48th St: Waiver from 8‑ft to 5‑ft sidewalk approved 8-0. The business operates seasonally (up to 180 days) under a tent structure. 2. W26-16 (Martin Flores Rodriguez) – 805 West End: Waiver from 8‑ft to 5‑ft sidewalk approved 8-0. 3. W26-17 (Our Lady of Sorrows) – Graham Rd: Withdrawn by applicant; no council action needed. 4. W26-18 (Justina Maha) – 1414 Christian Ave: Motion to deny the waiver (option 2) passed 8-0, requiring the applicant to build a 5‑ft sidewalk on Christian Ave and keep the existing 5‑ft sidewalk on West End (no waiver for the 8‑ft standard). Public comment from resident Olivia King urged denial to ensure pedestrian safety near schools. Downtown Form‑Based Code Update - Sharon Tromberg presented a comprehensive update after months of work. Key changes: - Parking: Visible surface parking prohibited on Emma Street; use‑unit parking lots require conditional use in NC1 and NC2. - Building types: Carriage houses and ADUs allowed in all form‑based code residential areas. - Frontage: Sidewalk cafes (shop front, cafe) now approved via Technical Plat Review instead of public hearing. - Workforce housing density bonus: Extra floor allowed in NC1, NC2, NR3 if a percentage of units are workforce housing (80–120% AMI). - Corrections: Use table fixed to allow food trucks, churches, and correct definitions. - Approved on first reading 7-0 with emergency clause. Finance Committee Items (All approved 7-0) 1. City Attorney Office Reorganization: Eliminate 4 single‑function positions (discovery clerk, victim advocate, hot check coordinator, receptionist) and create 4 multi‑function positions. Budget increase of $17,990.65 reimbursed from a special fund. 2. Retirement Payouts: Budget amendment to pay vacation/sick leave for two retiring city attorney employees. 3. Shiloh Museum Grant: Accept $9,500 from the Smithsonian Institution; budget amended accordingly. 4. Airport Hail Damage: Budget amendment to use insurance proceeds for hangar/terminal repairs. 5. Animal Control Vehicle Purchase: Replace a 2010 truck with over 200,000 miles; funded from the unrestricted general fund. 6. Animal Control Equipment: Purchase and installation of equipment for the new vehicle; funded from general fund. Key Outcomes - All rezoning ordinances passed 8-0 with emergency clauses. - All conditional use permits passed: Gringo’s Burritos 7-1, Alice’s Garden 7-1, others 8-0. - Sidewalk waiver W26-18 denied; other waivers approved. - Downtown form‑based code update passed on first reading 7-0 with emergency. - All finance committee resolutions passed 7-0. - Meeting adjourned.

The Springdale City Council held its regular meeting on April 15, 2026, with Mayor Sprouse presiding and all six council members present. The meeting covered routine approvals, planning commission recommendations, committee reports, and an executive session for a civil service appointment. All votes were 6-0 unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meeting. - Procedural motions (Items A and B) approved. - Resolution authorizing temporary operation of a carnival (annual rodeo-related). - Resolution approving reappointment to the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Springdale. - Resolution authorizing destruction of old accounting records. Planning Commission Report - Rezoning for Springdale Water Utilities (R26-14): Ordinance passed to rezone two non-conforming lots at 520 and 514 North Shiloh Street from SF-2 (low-medium density residential) to P-1 (institutional) to allow vehicle coverings. Planning commission recommended unanimously (9-0). Emergency clause adopted. - Final Plat for Brentwood Village Phase 2 (FP26-02): Ordinance accepted the final plat for a 30-acre, 124-lot single-family subdivision by DR Horton. The PUD spans 106 acres total with four phases, no commercial, minimum 1,300 sq. ft. homes, and a trail with lighting. Emergency clause adopted. Committee of the Whole - 707 Hill Street Demolition: Ordinance was tabled for 60 days after the owner obtained a demolition permit (approved and paid for). The owner has 10 days to start and 30 days to complete demolition. The tabling provides a cushion to avoid re-filing if delays occur. - 4001 and 4003 East Robinson Demolition: Ordinance passed ordering demolition of two structures and a swimming pool. The owner has not communicated recent progress; the property remains boarded but with some boards removed. Emergency clause adopted. Finance Committee - Albright Road Extension Property Acquisition: Resolution passed authorizing expenditure of funds to acquire property from Jeffrey and Katherine Metzner. Original appraisal was $150,500 for right-of-way and construction easement; the property owners obtained a cost estimate for fence replacement, which was deemed reasonable by the mayor. - Watkins Trail TAP Funds Application: Resolution passed expressing willingness to utilize federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds for the middle section of Watkins Trail (from Highway 412 to the youth center). Total project cost is $1.2 million with an 80/20 match. - 2026 Parks and Recreation Budget Amendment: Resolution passed to amend the vehicle budget for hail storm recovery for six or seven trucks, funded by insurance proceeds. Parks and Recreation Committee - Trail Route Naming: Four trail routes officially named: Peaceful Valley Trail (along 40th Street), Rabbit Foot Trail (at JB Hunt Park), Shiloh Trail (from library to Butterfield Coach Road), and County Line Trail (to be built with the county line road project). Resolution passed. - Goose Control Services: Resolution passed to amend the 2026 parks budget and contract for goose control services at Shaw Park. $7,200 added to buildings and grounds account. Similar service already in place at Murphy Park. - Scoreboard Purchase: Resolution passed authorizing purchase of a new scoreboard for the parks department (project 2NE3DPP7) after the previous one failed. Executive Session and Appointment - Council entered executive session to interview two applicants for the Civil Service Commission. Upon return, a resolution was passed appointing Brian Klinksdale to the commission. The other applicant, Joseph, was thanked and encouraged to apply for future openings. Key Outcomes - All votes were passed unanimously (6-0) except the 707 Hill Street demolition was tabled for 60 days (also unanimous). - The 707 Hill Street property owner has a demolition permit and must complete work within 30 days; the council will revisit if not completed. - The 4001/4003 East Robinson demolition order is effective immediately due to the emergency clause. - The city will apply for federal TAP funds for the Watkins Trail. - The parks department will contract for goose control at Shaw Park and purchase a new scoreboard. - Brian Klinksdale was appointed to the Civil Service Commission. - Planning Director Sharon Tromberg announced a joint meeting with planning commissioners on May 4, 2026, for a land use plan update presentation from Garber. Note: The transcript of the meeting indicates the date as April 14, 2026, but the official meeting date provided is April 15, 2026. This summary uses the latter as instructed.

The Springdale City Council met for a regular meeting on April 1, 2026, at 20:22:06 UTC. The transcript's opening remarks give the date as "Tuesday, March 31st, 2026"; this summary uses the provided timestamp. The council approved the minutes, several rezoning ordinances and a waiver, budget and grant resolutions, the 2026 CDBG action plan, and a utility easement vacation, and received quarterly financial, economic development, and community provider reports. Public Comments & Testimony - No residents spoke during the non-agenda public comment period. - A public hearing was opened for the ordinance vacating a portion of utility easement on Moose Hollow Terrace; no one appeared to be heard, so the hearing was closed and the ordinance was taken up later as item 14. Quarterly Financial Report - Chief of Staff Colby Fulford and Finance Director Cody presented the quarterly financial snapshot. - Preliminary fund balances included: street fund about $6 million; library/Shiloh Museum fund $3.6 million; advertising and promotion about $1 million; ballpark fund $428,000; airport fund $15 million with $4 million in cash and the remainder in grants and insurance proceeds; sanitation about $600,000; and the employee health fund. The total unrestricted general fund was about $25 million as of the last day of February. - January expenditures were front-heavy, leaving expenses about $2 million above revenues, partly due to vehicle purchases; the city expected to catch up as tax revenues arrive. - Councilman Watson asked for a historical trend chart of the unrestricted general fund and information on amounts added to it; Fulford agreed to provide it. - Sales tax was negative for three consecutive months, with March down 8.36% against a record March last year (up 18%); another city, transcribed as "Benville" [likely Bentonville], was down 20%. The city budgets conservatively at 2.5% growth and spends about 95% of budget, so staff expected a surplus. - The payment-in-lieu reserve was reduced from over $900,000 to $331,000 after reimbursing the street/general funds for past qualifying projects; about $37,000 will be refunded to payers for projects no longer planned. Cody described the tracking and annual review process. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report - Jay Seago, VP of Economic Development, reported that the chamber's top three supported projects added nearly 600 new jobs and $72 million in capital investment in 2025; the city ended 2025 with more than 2,100 new jobs created in 12 months and a 3.4% unemployment rate as of December. The city processed 44 commercial and 443 residential permits. - He highlighted 2026 Tyson investments in the former Fuller building downtown and the former Cargill facility, upcoming ribbon cuttings (Tesla Software on April 9; Ozark Point Place on April 16; UAMS clinic topping April 24; Fire Station 4 around April 24), downtown projects (AQ's, Emma, Sundry Hotel), chamber support for the city's EDA grant for the airport, and Freeman Health System's acquisition of Northwest Health. Appointments, Rezonings, and Waivers - Item 10A: Council approved the appointment of Kevin Owenby to the Springdale Water and Sewer Commission by a 7-0 vote. The mayor praised the commission as one of the best water utilities in Arkansas. - R26-06 (2544 Butterfield Coach Road): Rezoned from A1 to MF-12 and C1; passed 7-0; emergency clause passed 7-0. - R26-07 (West Gibbs Road, Benedetto Phase 3): Rezoned from A1 to SF-2; the ordinance vote was recorded as "six one ... one abstention"; the emergency clause passed 7-0. - R26-08 (East Emma Avenue school district property): Rezoned from C2 to P1; passed 7-0; emergency clause passed 7-0. - R26-09 (1400 West Robinson Avenue): Rezoned from P1 to O1 for counseling office use; passed 7-0; emergency clause passed 7-0. - R26-12 (1804 Powell Street): Rezoned from MF-12 to C2; passed 7-0; emergency clause passed 7-0. - W26-11: Council approved a full waiver of street improvements, drainage, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and street lights for Tract One, with option one, by a 7-0 vote. Planning commission had already approved a two-year bill of assurance for Tract Three. Discussion noted Tract Two would receive full improvements, Tract One may be sold, and the 100-foot power line makes the property difficult to develop. A council member praised the developers for working on the site. Finance Committee Resolutions - 12A: Budget amendment for City Attorney Ernest Kate's retirement option under the 251 fund; the administration line item increased by $53,720 from $136,368. Passed 7-0. - 12B: Engineering services contract with Garver for Dean's Trail Phase 3B environmental clearance, $59,100. Passed 6-0 with one abstention. - 12C: Federal aid application for Watkins Trail design from 48th Street to the youth center; $125,000 grant with 80/20 match ($25,000 local). Passed 7-0. - 12D: TAP grant application for $500,000 construction from Highway 412 to the library, with $100,000 local match. Passed 7-0. - 12E: Grant application for East Emma Streetscape, estimated $5.2 million request with $1.04 million local match from bond funds, potentially freeing about $4 million in bond funds. Passed 7-0. - 12F: Co-applicant with City of Johnson for Gene George Phase 3 (city limits to Johnson Mill Boulevard); $3 million in existing STBG funds plus $4.08 million request, with $1 million match from Johnson. Passed 7-0. 2026 CDBG Action Plan and Nonprofit Presentations - Dean Allen, CDBG program manager, presented the 2026 action plan. Representatives from BTX Sports, Compassion House, Feed 479, CASA of Northwest Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care, Freedom Finder, Samaritan Church, Family Network/Diaper Collective, and the VFW described their services and requested continued funding. - Notable figures included Feed 479's 275 food distribution services in Springdale in 2026; CASA's 642 children served by 333 volunteers; Continuum of Care serving about 70–80 individuals in Springdale; the Diaper Collective serving about 1,600 children per month; and VFW assistance to 1,430 people, seven families moved into permanent housing, and 37 new veterans connected to disability benefits. - Council members discussed the 15% public-service spending cap, with one council member suggesting deeper review of allocations; Dean Allen explained the application timeline, 501(c)(3) requirement, public comment periods, and that CDBG public service funding rose from 9% before COVID to the cap after COVID money. A council member asked for earlier updates at committee; Allen agreed. - The resolution approving and adopting the 2026 action plan passed 7-0. Utility Easement Vacation - Item 14: Ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of utility easement on Moose Hollow Terrace passed 7-0, and the emergency clause passed 7-0. City Attorney Garrett said the emergency relates to pending construction and the meeting being rescheduled from spring break. Council Administrative Matters - Mayor Sprouse said Civil Service Commissioner Bob Downham's second term expires the next day. Two resumes were provided for the vacancy; additional applicants will be accepted until the agenda for the April 14 council meeting is published. The council plans to interview applicants in executive session that night, and a council member moved to set that cutoff. - The mayor gave a "heads up" about upcoming council vacancies from members moving out of districts. He outlined state rules on appointments versus special elections, noting appointments would run through 2028, the 70-day special-election timing restriction, and the August deadline for the November ballot. Council discussed but took no action. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes and procedural motions A/B (7-0). - Approved all zoning and waiver items; most votes were 7-0, with the West Gibbs Road ordinance recorded as 6-1 with one abstention and the Dean's Trail contract as 6-0 with one abstention. - Approved all finance resolutions and grant applications. - Approved the 2026 CDBG action plan and utility easement vacation. - Set an April 14 executive session interview process for the Civil Service Commission vacancy.

Note on date discrepancy: The user-provided timestamp indicates the meeting took place on March 11, 2026, but the mayor stated during the meeting that it was Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This summary uses the date provided by the user but notes the conflict. The Springdale City Council held its regular meeting on March 11, 2026, at 7:22 PM. The meeting included a presentation from Upskill NWA, a report from the Downtown Springdale Alliance, several planning commission items, committee reports, and the mayor's annual State of the City address. Numerous resolutions were passed, including contracts, property acquisitions, and grant agreements. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously (8-0). - Procedural Motions: Both items A and B under procedural motions were approved (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No residents came forward to address the council on items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - Upskill NWA Presentation: Carol Morales and Brad Sikorsky presented an update on the Upskill NWA program, which provides tuition support, coaching, and mentoring to non-traditional students (aged 24+, income <80% AMI) in Northwest Arkansas. They requested $250,000 from the city's reserves to support Springdale residents over a three-year period (2027-2029). The funds would be part of a larger $7.5 million pool. The program has served 420 residents since 2022, with 28% being Springdale residents. The mayor expressed reservations about the cost per beneficiary (approximately $3,200 per Springdale resident) but supported referring the request to the finance committee. The council voted 8-0 to refer the matter to the first committee meeting in April. - Downtown Springdale Alliance Report: Executive Director Paxton Roberts presented the 2025 contract performance and the proposed 2026 contract. Key metrics: 350+ events, 38,000+ attendees, estimated $1.2 million economic impact, 91 event applications processed (72% increase from 2024), 45 new businesses served. The proposed contract is a two-year performance-based service agreement. The council voted on the contract later under finance committee items. Planning Commission Recommendations - Replat of Success Subdivision (Housing Authority): A replat to combine 14 lots into three, allowing redevelopment of nine duplexes (18 units) into 60 multifamily residential units (two 24-unit buildings and one 12-unit building) with 106 new parking spaces. The ordinance was adopted 8-0, including the emergency clause. - Final Plat of Nature Walk Phases 2 & 3: A 56-lot single-family subdivision on 30+ acres, with dedicated rights-of-way for future street connections. The ordinance was adopted 8-0, including the emergency clause. Committee Reports - Committee of the Whole: - Resolution endorsing participation in the sales and use tax refund program for Keatronic (approved 8-0). - Resolution authorizing destruction of district court records (approved 8-0). - Finance Committee: - Resolution renewing contract with Downtown Springdale Alliance (approved 7-1). - Resolution authorizing property acquisition from BS Crutcher Warehouse LLC for Powell Street project (approved 7-1). - Resolution authorizing property acquisition from Lordis Ayala for Powell Street project (approved 7-1). - Resolution authorizing engineering services for 2026 bridge maintenance (approved 8-0). - Resolution authorizing payment for relocation of electric infrastructure for East Emma Streetscape (approved 8-0). - Resolution accepting Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for Dean's Trail Phase 3B ($5.19 million grant, $1.3 million city match) (approved 8-0). - Police and Fire Committee: - Resolution authorizing purchase of replacement generators for fire stations (not to exceed $252,000) (approved 8-0). - Item 13: Resolution amending hearing date for utility easement abandonment (from March 24 to March 31) (approved 8-0). Key Outcomes - Upskill NWA Funding: Referred to finance committee for April meeting; motion passed 8-0. - Downtown Alliance Contract: Approved 7-1. - All property acquisitions and engineering contracts passed with majority support (7-1 or 8-0). - Next Council Meeting: Postponed to March 31, 2026, due to spring break. - Mayor's State of the City: Mayor Sprouse highlighted strong financial health, major projects (senior center, library expansion, Don Tyson Parkway, Gene George roads, East Emma project, Sunset/Powell project), regional cooperation on wastewater and solid waste, and the National Guard coming to Springdale. He also noted upcoming proposals for a downtown parking deck and sports facility.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, but the supplied timestamp is 2026-02-25 20:29:09 UTC. This summary uses the given date and notes the discrepancy. The Springdale City Council held a regular meeting on February 25, 2026, addressing zoning changes, property acquisitions, utility rate adjustments, and community projects. The meeting included public comments from judicial candidates, multiple rezoning approvals, and decisions on street improvement waivers. Public Comments & Testimony - Seth Creed (candidate for Circuit Court Judge Division 2) spoke about his values (Christian faith, family, hard work) and legal background as a career public servant with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, emphasizing his civil and criminal jury trial experience. - Wendy Howerton (candidate for Circuit Judge in Washington Madison County) highlighted her 20 years of practice, civil jury trial experience, and role on the professional conduct committee. She noted that this bench handles 15% family law docket, no criminal cases, and never federal matters. Discussion Items Zoning and Planning (Item 9 – Planning Commission Report) - Residential Rezone off Mountain Road: Rezoned parcels from agricultural to low-medium density single-family residential (approved 8-0 with emergency clause). - Brentwood Village PUD Revision: Revised planned unit development to include a monument sign and dedication of floodplain area to the city for conservation/stormwater management as part of a CPRG grant. Phase 3 preliminary plat (townhome style) was approved by planning commission. (Approved 7-1 with emergency clause.) - Oak Grove Road Rezone: Rezoned undeveloped land to general commercial for additional parking for a nearby computer group office (approved 8-0 with emergency clause). - Correction of Legal Description: Corrected an error in Ordinance 6147 regarding a prior rezoning (approved 8-0 with emergency clause). - Conditional Use – Artistic Home Occupation: Approved conditional use for Madame Artensaw at 1700 Ridge Crest Street (online art sales, no customer traffic). Conditions include no alteration to exterior, no inventory beyond 10% of accessory floor area, and no separate entrance. (Approved 8-0.) - Waiver of Street Improvements – United Auto Group: Approved waiver for street improvements (sidewalks, curbs, gutters, lights) on Thompson Road with option 3 (payment in lieu). City plans to add sidewalk to the north property line as part of future road project. (Approved 8-0.) - Waiver for Fellowship Bible Church: Approved waiver with option 1 (no improvements required) because existing sidewalks and bike lanes are adequate. (Approved 8-0.) - Waiver for Larry Stucco on 412 East: Approved waiver with option 1 (no upgrade to 10-foot sidewalk) despite proximity to a future tunnel for the greenway. Council expressed interest in filling sidewalk gaps in the area. (Approved 8-0, 7-1 on emergency clause? Actually voice vote: 7-1 for option one? Transcript says "Carries 371 option one" unclear but passed.) Finance Committee (Item 10) - Sunset Avenue Extension Property Acquisitions: 1. Resolution to purchase easement from Edgar Hernandez and Afonso Hernandez for an additional $3,000 (approved 8-0). 2. Resolution to purchase property from Fort Worth Partners LLC for $102,000 (city estimate $85,000; owner appraisal $113,267; negotiated down $17,764). Approved 7-1. Discussion about driveway access and future development. Ordinance Committee (Item 11) - Water Rate Freeze for Seniors 65+: Ordinance amending Ordinance 6022 freezes the minimum water rate ($14.80/month) for seniors inside city limits at 2025 levels, preventing the October 2026 increase. Senior trash rate recipients automatically qualify. (Approved 6-2.) - Sanitary Sewer Rate Freeze for Seniors 65+: Corresponding ordinance to freeze sewer rates for seniors. (Approved 6-2.) Parks & Recreation (Item 12) - Naming of Trail: Resolution adopted naming the trail from Lake Springdale Trailhead to AGFC Nature Center as "Spring Creek Trail." (Approved 8-0.) Other Items (Items 5-8, 13) - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from prior meeting approved (voice vote). - Public Hearing on Sewer Rates: No public comments; hearing closed. - Procedural Motions: Items A and B approved (8-0). - Appointments: - Eddie Chancellor reappointed to Springdale Water & Sewer Commission (7-1). - Matthew Philpot appointed to Springdale Planning Commission (7-1). - Resolution Setting Hearing Date: Public hearing set for March 24, 2026 on petition to abandon a portion of utility easement (approved 8-0). Key Outcomes - All zoning and waiver items passed; emergency clauses approved for most rezoning. - Water and sewer rate freeze for seniors passed 6-2. - Property acquisitions for Sunset Avenue extension approved (one with minor opposition). - Council discussed tracking "payment in lieu" funds; financial update promised. - Staff reported: - Closure of 56th Street from Bob Mills Road to County Line Road for 48-inch water line installation through April 2027; gravel bypass provided. - Award of $5 million Safe Streets for All grant for Dean’s Trail from Don Tyson Parkway to Lake Fayetteville; grant agreement pending. - Meeting adjourned after council and department head comments.

The Springdale City Council held its regular meeting on February 11, 2026, with all seven council members present. The meeting covered appointments, property acquisitions, a contested median break, budget amendments for the city attorney transition, a BUILD grant application, trail lighting, a new ambulance, and an increase in ambulance fee set-aside. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. - Procedural Motions: Items A and B were approved. - Public Facilities Board Reappointment: A resolution reappointing a member was approved. - Library Board Appointment: Mandy French was appointed to the Springdale Library Board. - Planning Commission – Sandy Heights Replat: An ordinance accepting the replat of Sandy Heights Edition, Lots 14 and 15, was approved with an emergency clause. Discussion Items Harbor Avenue Median Break - Council considered a resolution overturning the Traffic Committee’s decision denying a median break on Harbor Avenue for a new subdivision. Two options were presented: 1) deny the appeal, or 2) allow the break with the developer paying all engineering and construction costs. Councilmember Brian Powell raised concerns about sight distance standards and the road’s design speed (45 mph, posted at 30 mph). City Engineer Ben clarified the design would be reviewed against the “green book” standards and that if unsafe, the matter could return to council. The motion was amended to require design approval by the city’s engineering department. Option 2 was adopted unanimously. Albright Road Extension – Property Acquisition - Councilmember Mike Overton inquired about the total number of properties to be acquired for the Albright Road extension (Butterfield Coach Road to Hilton Road). City Attorney Ernest Kate stated there would be approximately eight to eleven parcels, including a full taking of a residence. The resolution authorizing expenditure of funds to acquire property from the Roger and Anna Wade Trust was approved. City Attorney Transition - City Attorney Ernest Kate announced his retirement at the end of April 2026. A resolution creating a new position in the city attorney’s office (with a $26,900 budget impact) to allow a successor to be hired early for transition was approved. Subsequently, a resolution appointing Garrett Harlan as City Attorney effective May 1, 2026, was also approved. Kate thanked the council for supporting continuity. Ambulance Fee Set-Aside Increase - Fire Chief Blake presented an ordinance increasing the percentage of collected ambulance revenues allocated to a restricted fund from 10% to 15% to keep pace with rising ambulance costs. The ordinance was approved with an emergency clause. Other Committee Reports (all approved unanimously) - Finance Committee: - Settlement of condemnation lawsuit (Brad Smith and Christy Smith) for Don Tyson Parkway extension – $870,935 settlement approved. - Matching funds for a BUILD grant application (tunnel designs under Highway 71 and Highway 265, and trail extension) – $625,000 grant with $125,000 match from street fund approved. - Purchase of solar lighting for JB Hunt Park Trail (Cimarron Trail) from FLT for $47,160, waiving competitive bidding – approved. - Police and Fire Committee: Purchase of a new ambulance for the Springdale Fire Department, waiving competitive bidding – approved. - Ordinance Committee: Amendment to Section 38-60 increasing ambulance fee set-aside to 15% – approved with emergency clause. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and ordinances listed above were approved by a vote of 7-0. - The median break on Harbor Avenue was approved under Option 2 (developer pays, subject to engineering review). - Garrett Harlan was appointed City Attorney effective May 1, 2026. - The ambulance fee set-aside was increased to 15%.

The regular meeting of the Springdale City Council was called to order on January 28, 2026, with Mayor Sprouse presiding and a quorum of six council members present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Councilmember Mark Fujarus. Mayor Sprouse commended Public Works Director James Smith and his crews for clearing roads in challenging winter weather. The council reviewed and approved minutes from the previous meeting, procedural motions, and addressed seven planning and zoning items, three finance items, a cleanup lien ordinance, and a retirement announcement from the City Attorney. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 5): Approved unanimously. - Procedural Motions (Item 6, A and B): Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the open comment period for non-agenda items. - During discussion on the NC2 rezoning (Item 7a), one resident spoke, echoing previous traffic concerns raised at the December meeting. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Report (Sharon Tromberg): - Item 7a – Ordinance FB 26-01 (Downtown District Form-Based Code): Rezoning a 1.69-acre tract north of Huntsville from NR1 to NC2 (Neighborhood Center Type 2) to allow more diverse housing types (triplex, four-plex, row homes). Planning commission voted 7-0 for approval. Mayor Sprouse expressed concern that the applicant initially sought a less dense zone (NR1) and returned a month later for NC2, putting the city in a difficult position with residents who were told the maximum would be duplexes. He noted support for the zoning itself but urged developers to present their final plan initially. The council adopted the ordinance and the emergency clause with a 6-0 vote. - Item 7b – Rezoning R26-01 (Church at 8718 Carry Smith Road): Rezoning 8 acres from A1 to P1 (Institutional) for a historic church site. Planning commission approved 7-0. Council adopted the ordinance and emergency clause 6-0. - Item 7c – Rezoning R26-02 (Neighborhood Commercial near 48th Street): Rezoning from A1 to C1 for low-intensity commercial. Planning commission approved 7-0. Council adopted the ordinance and emergency clause 6-0. - Item 7d – Rezoning R26-03 (Car Sales at 3161 N. Thompson Street): Rezoning 1.76 acres from C2 to C6 for auto sales. Planning commission approved. Council adopted the ordinance 5-1 and the emergency clause 6-0. - Item 7e – Waiver W26-01 (Don Tyson Parkway Street Improvements): Waiver of street improvements (sidewalk, street lights) for the Chester Place preliminary plat, citing future RDOT/city partnership that would affect the frontage. Council approved option one 6-0. - Item 7f – Waiver W26-02 (Old Missouri Road Street Improvements for Paramount Metals): Waiver of required 10-foot sidewalk improvements, allowing retention of the existing 5-foot sidewalk, after the applicant agreed to build an 8-foot sidewalk on Old Wire Road. Council approved option one 6-0. - Finance Committee Report (Chair Jeff Watson): - Item 8a – Professional Services Agreement for Sunset Avenue Improvements: Authorizing a construction phase services contract with Garver. Council approved 5-0 with one abstention. - Item 8b – Guaranteed Maximum Price for Sunset Avenue Construction: Approving a $22,419,975 construction contract with Nabholz Construction. Council approved 5-0 with one abstention. - Item 8c – Engineering Services Amendment for Smart School Connections: Increasing the contract to include $400,000 in additional TAP funding for sidewalk connectivity at three elementary schools. Council approved 6-0. - Item 9 – Cleanup Lien Ordinance (2753 Lenox Court): Authorizing a lien for overgrown brush and debris removal. Council adopted the ordinance and emergency clause 6-0. - Item 10 – Council Comments: City Attorney Ernest Kate announced his retirement effective at the end of April 2026 after 28 years with the city (14 as City Attorney). A resolution to fill the vacancy for the remaining eight months of the year will be brought to committee the following week. Key Outcomes - All consent items and procedural motions were approved unanimously. - Six planning and zoning ordinances/resolutions adopted: Items 7a (6-0), 7b (6-0), 7c (6-0), 7d (5-1 on ordinance, 6-0 on emergency), 7e (6-0), 7f (6-0). - Three finance resolutions adopted: 8a and 8b with one abstention each, 8c unanimously. - Cleanup lien ordinance adopted with emergency clause (6-0). - City Attorney’s retirement announced; a resolution to address the vacancy will be considered at the next committee meeting.