Alexander council passes only one of three agenda items

With only a quorum present, the Alexander City Council was able to pass one of three agenda items. Council members approved a resolution amending the current 2019 budget, while two ordinances were given their first public readings.

Attending the September 16 meeting were council members Joe Pollard (Ward-1), Juanita Wilson (Ward-2), Harold Timmerman (Ward-3), and Lonny Chapman (Ward-4). Absent were Elizabeth Bland (Ward-1), Joy Gray (Ward-2), Dan Church (Ward-3), and Jeff Watson (Ward-4). Since five members are needed for a quorum, Mayor Paul Mitchell can be counted as the fifth member under state law.

The ordinances receiving their first public readings are, “An ordinance designating places for the posting of council meetings, ordinances, and other matters related thereto” and “An ordinance establishing fees required by the City of Alexander, Arkansas Subdivision Rules and Regulations and Zoning Regulations ordinances.” Under state law ordinances require three public readings. If necessary that requirement can be suspended by a vote of two-thirds of the council members. For an eight-member council that requires six council members present. Since there were only four the most Mitchell could do is read each ordinance and move on to the next agenda item. The next reading will be at the October meeting.

The ordinance establishing locations to post meeting announcements and ordinances for public viewing is an option used by cities and towns that don’t have a local newspaper. Under the current ordinance public notices are posted at Alexander City Hall, the Alexander Post Office, Hess Gas Station, Elmo’s Grocery, and the Dollar General Store.

Since adding Dollar General to the list Mitchell says someone with Dollar General decided to ban postings at their stores. Because five locations are needed it’s been decided to add the Citgo Flash Market Gas Station, located at the Highway 111 and I-30 interchange. Mitchell says Dollar General will remain on the list while he works his way up the corporate ladder seeking approval to post city announcements.

The ordinance establishing fees required by the Subdivision Rules and Regulations Ordinance and the Zoning Regulations Ordinance is needed to establish fees referenced in the two ordinances, which were passed earlier this summer. The fees include submitting a Preliminary Plat, submitting a Final Plat, Rezoning Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Variance Application, Planned Unit Development Application, submitting a Small-Scale Commercial plan, and submitting a Large-Scale Commercial plan.

The ordinance was written and submitted by the City of Alexander Planning Commission for approval and was reviewed by the city attorney. Commission Chairman Michael Huck explained to council members the commission took portions of fee plans used by other cities such as Bryant and Conway. He also said some of the pricing was adjusted to be more reasonable for Alexander.

The budget resolution made adjustments to expected revenue and spending approved by the council that was not included in the original budget. Mitchell said their will be at least one more budget resolution by the end of the year.

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, October 21 at 6 PM in the courtroom in city hall. The public is invited to attend.