The July 8 Eureka Springs City Council meeting continued discussion of a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a gun shop within city limits. Owner Keeling Grubb previously went through the 20 steps needed to acquire the permit, however the Planning Commission and Circuit Judge Scott Jackson had denied his application.
Two people spoke, and three letters from citizens were read by City Clerk Ida Meyer, all opposed to the gun shop saying it did not represent the town. Several commenters said they were gun owners and supported the second amendment but didn’t think a gun shop would appeal to tourists or make them feel safe.
Alderman Autumn Slane said she knew Grubb and thought that if Eurekans wanted to promote themselves as “Free to Be” that should include gun shops. Alderman Terry McClung agreed and said that he respected constituents’ opinions but couldn’t go against the law if Grubbs had met the requirements. McClung made a motion to approve the permit.
Alderman Harry Meyer said nearly all his constituents were against it, and asked if McClung would recuse himself from the vote since McClung’s brother owns the building that would house the gun shop. McClung snapped back that he wasn’t making any money from the deal and would not recuse.
Council voted four to two against, so the permit was denied.
Public Works Director Simon Wiley updated council on sewer and water issues, saying that he had submitted an application for priority funding for the wastewater plant. Water that was to be shut down Tuesday for repairs was moved to Wednesday, July 10, for between 30 minutes and two hours.
A water leak on Kingshighway will also be worked on this week. Meyer asked Wiley what was happening with the campground where a water meter was to be installed on a private well to track water usage. Wiley said the state inspector still hadn’t come, nor had he heard back from the owners about arranging to install the meter.
The matter of Bridgeford House led to creation of an ordinance revoking the parking district because, according to City Attorney Forrest Jacobi, the original ordinance had been poorly written and there was no way to ensure enforcement. A motion was made to have a workshop with the Planning Commission and make a new ordinance that would meet the needs of residents, put in place a means of enforcement, and require that legally non-conforming businesses follow the rules.
A decision was also made to revise wording on the proposed ordinance for a permanent entertainment district that would limit it to two years, or an agreed upon time limit, as well as making a clause that if the property was sold the new owner would have to reapply for the designation.
Ordinances to vacate a portion of Peerless Street and an alley between lots three and four of the Clayton Survey were approved by reading the title only.
Alderman Steve Holifield said that the City Advertising and Promotion has three positions open after Chris Jones and Chair Chris Clifton resigned. Following the sudden resignation of Finance Director Scott Bardin, that position also needs filling,