At the August 22 meeting, city council had voted 3-2-1 on approving CAPC commissioner Damon Henke’s re-nomination, thereby denying retention of his CAPC seat. During Public Comments Monday evening, Henke told council he wanted to introduce himself so he could clear up misinformation aldermen might have heard.
Henke said he owns Ozark Mountain Vacation Rentals and Eureka Suites, which he turned into affordable apartments. He also owns a Bed & Breakfast where he resides. He has participated in the Eureka Springs Downtown Network, has been a CAPC commissioner for more than two years, and stepped in to help the Chamber of Commerce as Interim Director in May 2015 where he served until January 2016, “to keep the tourism flowing.” He commented he had no involvement with Ordinance 2223, an anti-discrimination ordinance that passed last year.
Henke said he would be interested in serving another term on the CAPC if council would reconsider its vote. At a Sept. 6 special meeting, CAPC commissioners tabled a vote until the Sept. 14 meeting on whether to re-nominate Henke, pending further research on legalities and the opinion of Municipal League attorneys. Also applying for the position are Brandon Cox and former commissioner Bobbie Foster.
Paul Arnold said he was a tenant and neighbor of Henke’s at Eureka Suites. Arnold, a born-again fundamentalist Christian, had asked Henke about Ordinance 2223, and Henke did not influence him in any way. “He said we can’t discriminate,” Arnold stated. He called Henke “the least greedy landlord I’ve ever had.”
Alderman James DeVito mentioned that any aldermen who voted No or abstained could bring Henke’s nomination up again for another vote, but no one did.
Council must approve whoever is nominated.
Other items
- Berry read a proclamation designating Sept. 17 – 23 as U.S. Constitution Week.
- He also recognized the several Boy Scouts attending the meeting who were working on their Civics and Government merit badges.
- Council approved the 2013 and 2014 legislative audits. Finance Director Lonnie Clark said this year’s audit is almost complete and the exit interview should come soon.
- Council also approved Resolution 689 known as the 2016 Mid-Year Budget Resolution that listed budget adjustments discussed at the recent budget workshop.
- The third reading of Ordinance 2246 was approved. This ordinance vacates a portion of Hickory Street in exchange for a portion to be used by Parks for its urban trail system.
Next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. preceded by a budget workshop at 5 p.m.