Moyer revisits city vision plan

Alderman Rachael Moyer returned to the issue of city visioning at Monday’s city council meeting and presented a report explaining that she had been reaching out to city officials and departments to compile existing plans and identify gaps. Moyer noted that she has received more citizen feedback on this topic than “literally anything else.”

She said she met with representatives from surrounding cities to learn about their visioning processes, which she emphasized are distinct from planning. She noted two primary reasons for plans often going unfulfilled: no one group is assigned accountability for carrying out such plans, and insufficient funding.

While she said she was encouraged by the recent workshop with the Planning Commission, she acknowledged that commissioners may be at capacity and recommended forming an ad hoc committee, following the practices of other cities. She requested forming such a committee at the next meeting to work on a comprehensive vision plan.

Mayor Butch Berry responded saying that city council is a legislative body, not a planning agency, and that the Planning Commission would be the resource in forming such a committee.

Offer on city property put under the microscope

Berry said he had been approached by Rodney Slane of Landmark Eureka Springs LLC, who offered the city $50,000 for the purchase of 1.9 acres of city-owned land near Queen Anne Mansion. The proposal includes plans to build ten vacation cottages to help maintain the Queen Anne property, and .3 acres dedicated for the city’s trail systems. The parcel in question is land-locked, partially adjacent to an easement owned by the Community Center and backing up to Black Bass Lake.

Parks Director Sam Dudley said the steep terrain was not exactly ideal for trail building, but doable. The potential trail would be for anyone, not just bikers, and would connect to the Bluff Trail. He said parking rights would be necessary in the contract so visitors could use the Queen Anne parking lot.

Council discussed how the sale might affect surrounding businesses, the community, and whether a formal appraisal would be necessary. Alderman David Avanzino noted that lodging businesses are already struggling to “keep heads in beds,” and asked about a feasibility study.

Alderman Terry McClung said he was under the impression that the city was required to conduct a formal appraisal and public advertising when selling property, but legal counsel clarified that was not mandatory. McClung said he’d like to get more input and receive guidance from local Realtors. Alderman Susane Gruning emphasized the importance of knowing the fair market value and said she wished someone from Queen Anne had been present to answer questions.  

 “We’re stewards of that land,” Moyer said. “That it is not our land, it’s the citizen’s land, and we should do our due diligence to find out what it’s worth before we sell it. They’re talking about building ten units on a flat piece of property that the city owns, when a month ago when we talked about where we’re gonna develop housing, nobody could figure out any place there was to put houses. If ten cottages can go on that land, that land has value. If it’s landlocked there’s probably a way to figure around that– but I think that should be said out loud.”

Alderman Steve Holifield made a motion to have a local Realtor determine the fair market value on the property, and council concurred.

Two Planning ordinances move right along

Planning Commission Chair Ferguson Stewart along with City Planning Director Cassie Dishman presented two ordinances for council approval.

The first, a fencing ordinance, establishes regulations for building new fences outside the historic district and in agricultural zones, and pertains to new construction, extensions, and improvements. Some aldermen expressed concern about overregulation and maintaining the city’s unique character.

Stewart assured council that the commission would bring code adjustments forward as needed to ensure reasonable regulation. Alderman Terry McClung said he wanted “to be reasonably comfortable that they won’t end up in front of us,” saying he didn’t want to see people having to do that. Dishman clarified that for an existing fence repair of less than 50 percent, the same materials would be allowed. Ordinance 2378 establishing fence regulations for non-historic properties was approved on its first and second readings.

The second was a revised ordinance to allow construction metal buildings for commercial use within city limits. The ordinance prohibits corrugated or ribbed metal on the front of new buildings. Dishman said its purpose is to “reflect better what we have going on in the city and what people have brought to us – to keep the look of our town while also being more flexible in our building options. Ordinance 2379 will undergo its second reading at the next meeting.

Public comments to remain public comments

Alderman Harry Meyer discussed limiting public commentary to pertain only to city business. Holifield said he was “dead-set against this” and questioned how comments could be regulated anyway. “As representatives of the city’s population elected by the people, I welcome any opportunity for anybody to get up and say what they want to say to city council.” Avanzino agreed. Meyer said that part of this initiative was because members of council have encouraged people to come and speak against other council members. Moyer pointed to the importance of encouraging folks to participate in their government.

In closing comments, Meyer accused Avanzino of contacting Meyer’s neighbor– “or having someone else do it” to verbally “attack” Meyer during public comments. Meyer said he had filed harassment charges against the neighbor, who had been advised not to speak.

Moyer expressed appreciation for civil discourse at the table and recognized Michael Akins for his work on the financials, and Avanzino commended the hospital for doing a “phenomenal” job during his recent visit to the ER.

Other Business:

• At the budget meeting preceding the regular meeting, City Financial Director Michael Akins presented the annual cleanup budget review. Revenue was up for September and October, resulting in a total increase of $60,000 over projections. Moyer noticed differences in water sales and purchase rates, and it was noted that the city is saving money as Public Works repairs water leaks, resulting in less water purchased.
• Public Works Director Simon Wiley reported the wastewater plant is running smoothly, that they are reviewing the 1999 Master Plan, and repairing a sewer line collapse on S. Main.
• Water repairs, including meter replacements had 30 left to complete, and Public Works is preparing for water tower inspections soon.
• Wiley reported they are filling potholes and repairing parking lots for the hospital and community center. Gruning asked about digital speed signs, and Holifield said he loved the one on Magnetic. When asked what prompted the placing of the digital sign on Magnetic, Wiley responded that there had been a close call with the Parks Director, whom he adores and must protect. “I’m a delicate flower,” Dudley quipped.
• Sidewalk discussion brought by Gruning to come up with solutions to improve city safety, was deferred until next meeting.
• In Public Comments, Ferguson Stewart announced a Gunsmoke-themed Harvest Festival and Open House at the Baptist Church at 100 Spring St. on Halloween night. He also announced a Veteran’s Day parade Nov. 8, beginning at the ES Carnegie Library at 1 p.m. All veterans welcome, no politics please.
• Resolution 892, adopting the 2025 Cleanup Budget was approved.
• Ordinance 2377 for annual property tax levy was passed on third and final reading. There are no changes since last year, this levy is passed annually.