Alexander council approves development "concept"

The Alexander City Council has approved the initial "concept" for a new residential subdivision along Arkansas Highway 111. The proposal is to build a subdivision on a former cattle farm, which was recently sold by its owners Steve and Pam Scroggins.

The five to three vote supporting the, "Concept to continue planning" the subdivision was taken during a special meeting held Monday, December 22. Voting for the "concept" were aldermen Ceola Bailey, Lonny Chapman, Samuel Gregory, Faye McKeon, and Farren Wadley. Voting against was Alderman Juanita Wilson. Aldermen Andrea Bearden and Kenneth Miller were absent so they were each counted as a "No" vote.

Present at the meeting were Layne Penfield with Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors, the company handling the sale of the property; and Bob McKeon, representing Saline County Water Works (formerly known as Woodland Hills Water and Sewer). Penfield told council members the "Approval of concept" is needed so the developers know they can continue the design phase of the development and take advantage of low interest loan rates before the end of the year.

The approximate 200-acre farm is divided by the highway with the largest portion on the west side. Aldermen were told the initial plan is to build 200 homes on the largest portion first, with another 100 homes to possibly be added later. There is an agreement with the Scroggins that if after two years the developers don't build on the east side of the highway, which is the location of their home, the Scroggins can keep that portion of the property. The development plan also includes keeping most of the wooded area and providing a walking trail.

Bob McKeon said he has been working with the developers for the past few months. He added the developers and water and sewer district have come to an agreement that if the subdivision begins to overwhelm water or sewer capacity the developers will fund any needed expansion of the system.

There seems to be a question as to whether the property is zoned for "Agriculture" or "Residential" use. It was reported in a previous article the property was still zoned "Agriculture" but according to Alderman Faye McKeon it's zoned "Residential."

The property was annexed by the City of Alexander in 2006 to allow the Woodland Hills area to also annex to the city. Alderman Juanita Wilson said she was under the impression the annexation of the farm was allowed by the Scroggins providing it remained zoned "Agriculture" until such time they sell the property. Alderman McKeon claims the farm was zoned "Residential" when it was annexed but the Scroggins were allowed to still operate as a farm until they sell it. Neither alderman were on the council at the time of the annexation and no documents were provided to establish how the property is currently zoned.

Wilson wanted to postpone the vote until the city attorney could be consulted. She questioned whether the council can approve a "Concept to continue planning" if the property isn't already properly zoned. This drew a negative reaction from some council members. Alderman Samuel Gregory said he was, "Ready to vote." City Attorney Kevin M. Lemley was unable to attend the meeting.

Besides not knowing how the property is zoned aldermen were left in the dark as to the type of housing to be built. No information was provided concerning the cost range of the proposed houses, or lot sizes.

2014 Budget extended one month

Council members approved extending the 2014 budget to, "January, 2015." The six aldermen present voted "Yes." Aldermen Andrea Bearden and Kenneth Miller were absent so they were each counted as a "No" vote.

State law requires the mayor to submit a proposed budget on December 1. Outgoing Mayor Michelle Hobbs failed to meet that requirement. A budget committee also has not been established.

This is expected to be the last time Hobbs and this council will meet. Beginning January 1, the mayor and six of the eight aldermen will no longer serve the city due to the recent General Election and run-off election.

Mayor Michelle Hobbs will be replaced by former Mayor Paul Mitchell who defeated her in a run-off election November 25. Ward-1 aldermen Ceola Bailey and Farren Wadley will be replaced by Louis E. Hobbs (the current mayor's husband) and Jeffery S. Watson. Ward-2 aldermen Kenneth Miller and Juanita Wilson will be replaced by Stephanie Beck and former Alderman Andy Mullins. Ward-3 Alderman Samuel Gregory will be replaced by former Alderman Dan Church. Ward-4 Alderman Faye McKeon will be replaced by Melissa Ratliff.

Miller and Wilson were the only incumbents to lose in the November 4 election. Bailey, Gregory and McKeon did not submit petitions to be on the ballot. Wadley was a candidate for mayor and therefore could not run for an alderman position. Ward-3 Alderman Andrea Bearden and Ward-4 Alderman Lonny Chapman ran unopposed. The term for mayor is four years and an alderman's term is two years.

The new council and mayor will have to get to work right away. The first item of business will be the budget for 2015. State law requires a budget be approved by February 1.