On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Bentonville City Council voted on over 25 items. Here are some of the highlights:
Future Land Use Map
Plan Bentonville’s Future Land Use Map heads back to the Planning Commission after City Council members provided city staff with feedback. The Future Land Use Map was brought to City Council as a discussion item only rather than a vote.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Planning Commission voted to approve the adoption of the Future Land Use Map with two amendments. After receiving feedback from the City Council on Tuesday, city staff are working to present a finalized version of the map to the Planning Commission for another vote. After Planning Commission approval, the map will then head back to the City Council for final approval.
City Recognizes Retired Police Officer
The City Council opened the meeting on Tuesday by recognizing the service of Corporal Guary Morgan, who is retiring from the Bentonville Police Department. Morgan spent over 32 years in law enforcement, with 24-plus years at the Bentonville Police Department, serving in various capacities such as undercover narcotics officer, explosives K-9 handler and field training officer.
Mayor Stephanie Orman presented Morgan with a copy of the resolution recognizing his service.
“Can I go to Florida now?” Morgan said, after receiving a standing ovation.
Community Development Block Grant Funds
The City Council approved resolutions allowing Community Development Block Grant funds to be awarded to three local organizations.
The Boys and Girls Club will receive $10,000 to provide scholarships to children and teens from low-income families and in foster care in Bentonville for its after-school and summer programming.
Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care will receive $10,000 for homelessness services and outreach.
Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center will receive $15,000 to support their scholarship programs.
The program, managed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, awards federal funds to the city annually intended to benefit low-income individuals and families.
The city of Bentonville is holding a public hearing and update on the status of its Community Development Block Grant program on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 305 SW A St., from 11 a.m. to noon.
The meeting will provide opportunities for the community to provide feedback on current program performance and suggest priorities for future grant funding.
Lighting Replacement at Memorial Park
The city will pay $174,800 to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC for sports lighting replacement at Memorial Park after damages from the Memorial Weekend storms. Property insurance will cover up to $200,000 for the repairs.
The storm damaged a sports light pole on Field #9 at Memorial Park, making it a safety risk and requiring its removal. Because the existing lights are outdated and no longer available, all the lights on the field must be replaced with new LED lights to ensure a safe playing environment, according to a staff memo.
Court Mediation Program Receives Grant
The Bentonville District Court was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee to grow its mediation program for small claims and civil cases. The program offers the services of a certified mediator prior to going to trial with disputes. A mediator may resolve disputes in a manner that results in a greater sense of satisfaction to both parties.
Bentonville City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, where they pass local laws and ordinances, approve development projects, establish policies and more. The Council typically covers a dozen or more agenda items each meeting, so we try to pick the items we think residents would be most interested in. City Council meetings are open to the public. Find the most recent agendas and minutes here.
