Permitting process suggestion tabled

Former County Judge Richard Williams had reserved a place on the miscellaneous agenda at the August 15 Quorum Court meeting, and he introduced attorney Matt Bishop, who told JPs they could act without concern for lawsuits. He said they would not be personally liable, and the Association of Arkansas Counties would represent them.

 Bishop noted that the JPs had already taken a step toward county-wide regulations.  An ordinance passed in July set requirements in case someone wants to operate a data processing facility here for use in crypto currency. These centers have a history of noise creation.

That ordinance was copied from a Boone County ordinance. Bishop closed by suggesting the JPs could set a moratorium or take other steps to slow the project.

Robert Holtcamp had also obtained a place on the miscellaneous agenda. He said tourism is not much of a factor in the area south of Green Forest. This project would bring a lot of money, both for property owners and the school districts. He objected to having city residents weighing in on county issues, since county residents do not have a voice in city governments.                    

When the JPs finally had a chance to address the issues, JP Harrie Farrow asked to withdraw a separate item from the agenda “until people can discuss without a lot of lies about what I propose.” She said the permitting process she introduced would not install zoning but would give the county and its residents more information about new projects.

Farrow said her proposal would require a company to come before the quorum court for a big project “not common to the county.” Existing uses, including poultry farms and industrial plants, would be exempt. Farrow did not get into detail on what types of projects would have to come before the JPs and did not explain how the new restrictions would be enforced. After initial confusion, JPs voted six to five to table Farrow’s proposal indefinitely. Later, during JP comments, Farrow asked County Judge David Writer to notify JPs if he learned of new projects affecting the county.

JP Jack Deaton’s proposed ordinance was introduced as an emergency measure, and that required the six-page ordinance to be read in its entirety, which took 15 minutes. The ordinance listed setback requirements from neighboring properties and set noise limits. Deaton said the ordinance had nothing to do with county zoning. “This just makes sure that if you build any kind of tower, it has to be done safely,” he said. He explained his first responsibility is to his Holiday Island district, which he described as a “retirement and resort” community.

Deaton and Farrow voted with JPs Bruce Wright, Kellie Matt, and Jerry King in favor of the ordinance, which was defeated six to five.

In other business:

• JPs approved three readings of an application for a Private Club Permit for Jonesy’s Sports Bar and Grill, located west of Eureka Springs on U.S. Hwy. 62.
• The first reading of an ordinance approving an application for a Private Club Permit for Trail Ahead, at 10 Mint Ridge Rd., was approved.
• The JPs approved spending $49,000 for a new voice recorder for 911 Dispatch. The ordinance also included $1,500 for new cordless headsets.
• The purchase of software and the conversion of data and documents for the county clerk was approved. The funds will come from the clerk’s Automation Fund, not from county general.
• The committee working toward a new judicial building for the Eastern District will meet again soon. JP John Howerton said the quorum court has been setting aside money for this project, which will not require new taxes.
• Mike McKelvey, with the Office of Emergency Management, reported on a meeting of stakeholders preparing for the total eclipse in April. The county’s population is expected to triple during the several days surrounding the eclipse, presenting potential problems with traffic and trash control. County residents will be advised to stock up on groceries and fuel in advance of that event. Writer said, “The thing is to be prepared, to look ahead and know this is coming.”