At the June 11 meeting, Tracy Johnson invited council to attend celebrations going on around town because it was important they get out among their constituents. She also questioned the process for adding items to the agenda because it sometimes precludes public participation. She also asked what was the hurry to vote on a new Parks commissioner at the most recent meeting when a name was announced, then voted in immediately. She asked if there were any collusion. She said citizens want inclusive change and kind-hearted people in office.
Fergie Stewart stated the city has lost some of its employees because of the sub-standard rate of pay.
James DeVito commented on the idea of developing the basement as a space for city meetings and said Berry developed plans 20 years ago for a meeting space down there for 50 with two offices, and the plan would not need an elevator or extra bathrooms. He also pointed to a newspaper article about the dearth of affordable housing which is one reason Eureka Springs can be a hard place to live for some. He spoke against the “conversion of even one more residential to commercial property” and was in favor of getting rid of the CUP.
Dorothy Guertin said she has seen all kinds of changes in town, and right now the Parks Commission is making important changes. Parks is bringing folks to town and giving residents the opportunity to be healthier. She implored council to leave Parks alone and allow them to work with the Community Center. She said the city should take care of infrastructure and let Parks take care of the parks.
Glen Crenshaw thanked everyone who attended the opening of the Community Center, which will be followed soon by opening of the downhill trails at LLCP and the new ECHO Village. He said no other town in the state can match that kind of progress.
Robin Miller stated it would be more important to have access by fire equipment onto Point Street than save a few parking spaces. “It is silly for them not to be able to get there,” she said.
Bob Jasinski said it was a waste of money for the City Advertising and Promotion Commission to advertise in the Northwest Arkansas edition of the Democrat Gazette, plus there was no mention of weddings in Eureka Springs. He also contended Planning needed access to competent legal advice. He said their new proposed ordinances won’t matter anyway because the commissioners will grant variances.
Henry Branstetter said he lives on Washington right at the entrance to Point Street, and wants to make sure there is fire service for all who need it. He urged council not to make concessions “with someone who doesn’t live there.” He said he stood with the recommendations of ESFD.
Chris Fischer again expressed concerns with a proposal for constructing a residence and duplex on Fuller Street, which might entail removal of 61 trees. He cited the potential damage caused by “the increase of storm water discharge onto the gravel surface of Fuller Street” and continuing to Leatherwood Creek. He was also concerned about how the city reviewed applications as they move between commissions. He requested that council help improve and clarify the current process for how site plans for extensive tree cuts are submitted and reviewed.
Judy Montgomery complimented Tracy Johnson on her remarks and said she was also opposed to agenda items being added at the meeting unless there were an emergency. She said the public pays attention to what is on the agenda, and [Parks Director] Justin Huss, in the midst of it all, keeps Parks moving forward.
Mitchell takes his hat out of the ring
David Mitchell said it was the time for folks to decide whether they intend to run for office, and he wanted everyone in Ward 1 to know his seat would be available as he will not be seeking a fourth term. He said a voter should not be swayed by platitudes, but by character and background.
Other business
- Council passed Res. 730 referred to as the 2017 Clean-up Amended Budget Resolution.
- Regarding an appraisal of 25 Norris so it can be put on the market, Berry said he spoke with two appraisers. One is not available for two more weeks and the other is too busy. He said he would keep looking.
- Council approved changing Res. 727 to 729. This resolution adopts Fireman’s Pension Review Rule #4.
Next meeting will be Monday, June 25, at 6 p.m. There will be a budget workshop at 5:15 p.m.