The Jan. 13 meeting of the Planning Commission featured a light agenda, but the meeting lasted well over an hour, as commissioners ventured into several areas of concern. Those topics included sidewalks, an improved city map, outdoor retail displays, and updating the city’s vision plan.
As a primary project for the coming year, commissioners voted to pursue a comprehensive new city map. Commissioner David Buttecali described an accurate map with overlays for land use, zoning, and traffic patterns. He emphasized the need for a detailed map of city-owned properties. Some of those city properties are in use, but others could be sold.
Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, reminded everyone that Buttecali had already suggested hiring an abstract firm to review city property. Dishman said Mayor Butch Berry has agreed with that.
A new map should also include a water and sewer map, and utility locations. Dishman said she is acquiring maps of the city’s system of trails.
As a next step, Commissioner Susan Harman suggested having Dishman work with the mayor on a request for proposals from abstract companies to identify city properties and note which are presently utilized.
Commissioners discussed the possibilities of obtaining grants to pay for an updated interactive map. Buttecali suggested hiring a professional grant writer, noting that a proposed revision of the city’s vision plan would also incur significant costs.
Vision plan
Commissioner Mike Welch asked to have a recurring workshop devoted to updating the city’s vision plan. He suggested a full review of the existing plan. Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee agreed, although she said the commission should have a clearer focus on the process before asking for money to fund a new vision plan.
Outdoor retail
Buttecali said pursuit of a new vision plan will involve tackling some “sacred cows,” but he insisted that maintaining the status quo would not lead to growth. While reviewing the present vision plan, Buttecali said he saw an immediate need to “clean up what we have.” As an important step towards beautification, he asked to remove merchandising displays in front of businesses or in parking areas. “It should not be allowable to offer merchandise outside a retail building without a permit,” he said. Buttecali suggested leaving an opportunity open for temporary events but insisted that “if an ongoing part of your business uses an area in the parking lot in front of your business, it’s not good for the city.”
Commissioner Scott Price agreed. “It looks trashy to have merchandise outside,” he said. “Is that the image we want to present to the public?”
Harman mentioned outdoor seating, which she described as less of a problem than the outdoor sales. Dishman said she will research any relevant ordinances.
In other business:
- Sitting as the Board of Zoning Adjustment, commissioners approved the removal of one live tree and one dead tree at 11 Ridgeway Ave., for owner Leigh Turner. Pictures showed the live tree leaning toward the house.
- In addition to the above topics, the agenda for the coming year will include an ongoing discussion of nuisance properties.
- Dishman said city council has agreed to have the commission hold a workshop on sidewalks, with recommendations about possible changes. Dishman said she would seek a date for that workshop when Building Inspector Paul Sutherland could attend.
- Dishman clarified the mayor’s view that legal questions should go through his office to the city attorney. Harman asked that answers to legal questions to the city attorney or the Municipal League should go to all commissioners.
- Price asked for a list of items approved directly by the building inspector. Dishman said she would ask Sutherland, but noted that most of the items he approves are inside of buildings and the Planning Commission only has authority over exteriors.
- Officers were elected for 2026. Fergie Stewart will remain as chairman, with Ann Tandy-Sallee as vice-chairman and Buttecali as secretary. Before Buttecali accepted the nomination, Dishman reminded him that the secretary will now have to produce meeting minutes.
- The commission has a vacancy, after city council did not reappoint former commissioner Tom Buford to another term. Harman said, “I’m going to really miss having him on this commission.”
- The commission voted to continue operating under a relaxed version of Robert’s Rules, as suggested by the Arkansas Municipal League.