Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
Tuesday’s Batesville City Council meeting covered a range of issues, including a new project on Main Street, police vehicles, and speed bumps.
Rezoning and Infrastructure
At the request of property owner James Bone, the council tabled a proposed ordinance to rezone property at the southwest corner of East College Avenue and 14th Street for future commercial development. However, the council approved another rezoning ordinance for property at 1257 N. Central Ave., facilitating its transition to commercial use.
The council also passed a resolution for the city to accept the low bid and enter into a contract with Wagner General Contractor, Inc. to construct the “Boardwalk Section of the Batesville Greenway” on Main Street. The total contract amount is $1,282,548 and will be funded by the City of Batesville’s Operating Budget and the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Grant Program.
Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh told the council the streetscape construction will start at the Main Street entry sign, located at the intersection of East Main Street and South 12th Street (by the Batesville branch for the Bank of Cave City — see the above image).
Appointments & Vacancies
During an executive session, the council discussed a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission made by Dr. Ken James, as he has recently taken on the role of the Batesville School District superintendent. A recommendation was made and approved by the council for Joey Markoswki to fill James’ position on the commission.
After conducting interviews with applicants wishing to fill Dr. Doug Matthews’ position on the city council for the Ward 2 Position 2 seat following his recent resignation, the council approved council member Fred Krug’s recommendation to have Rob Roberts fill the vacancy.
Faulty Street Light, Speed Tables
The council planned to contact Entergy regarding an ongoing street issue with a streetlight on Bluff View Drive. The city will ask the utility about possibly relocating the light rather than removing it entirely.
During the previous council meeting, Eagle Mountain Property Owners Association President Kyle Christopher proposed the installation of speed tables in the neighborhood. He explained that the increased foot traffic and complaints about speeding cars had prompted the neighborhood to seek safety measures. Christopher told the council that the property owners’ association would pay for the total cost of the speed tables, with the city likely providing assistance with the installation.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Elumbaugh asked members for feedback on approving the installation of the speed tables after visiting another neighborhood in the Southside area that utilizes them.
“It’s unusual, but I see it works,” said Krug. “It’s a funny feeling. You’ll slow down.”
Council member Scott Fredricks suggested finding a more formal way to gauge the Eagle Mountain homeowners’ opinions on installing the speed tables, noting many residents in the neighborhood might not be aware of the property owners association’s plans to install the tables.
“There’s a handful of folks that attend the Eagle Mountain POA meeting, and that’s usually all that’s there over the last 25 years I’ve lived in that neighborhood,” said Fredricks. “Those handful of folks are the ones that are saying ‘Yeah, everyone’s for it,’ but I think what happens is, first you install those (the speed tables), and then the complaints are going to roll in of ‘Why are these in here?’, and all that.”
Elumbaugh suggested the association initially install one speed table, where the Batesville Greenway connects to the neighborhood on Aberdeen Street, as a test run.
City Engineer Damon Johnson agreed, echoing Frederick’s concerns.
“I know Kyle said they communicated (the proposed speed table installations) on social media, but a lot of people up there may or may not pay attention to social media, so my biggest concern is how many people are going to come out of the woodwork and say ‘I didn’t know this is happening,’” said Johnson.
Ultimately, a decision was made for Johnson to visit with Christopher for more detailed plans before approval.
In other council business, a motion was made and passed to add Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery, to the city’s list of holidays.
Batesville Police Vehicles
A motion was approved to utilize the city’s alcohol tax to assist in purchasing four new police department vehicles. Batesville Police Chief John Scarbrough said the new vehicles will replace units with 75,000 to over 100,000 miles on them.
Scarbrough said the new units will be better equipped to enforce speeding regulations and more economical than the ones being replaced.
The chief also took a moment to present Krug with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in acquiring donations to assist in furnishing the new Batesville Police Department headquarters.
Comments from Citizens, Recognizing Matthews
After previously expressing their opinion to the council, three residents returned to share their opposition regarding the upcoming “Batesville PRIDEfest 2024,” scheduled for June 15 on Main Street.
One Batesville resident, Mark Greenwood, expressed his concerns about the event.
“I’m not coming to you as a morality police, or a moral elite,” said Greenwood. “I’m asking you guys to please put a stop, specifically for the kids, entertaining adult entertainment for children. That’s what I’m really concerned about.”
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In a moment of recognition, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh presented Dr. Doug Matthews, a former council member with over 19 years of service, with a plaque and keys to the city, honoring his outstanding commitment and service to the community following his recent resignation.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for June 25.
Image: Gena Tate, White River Now
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