The City of Benton Community Services Committee will meet Tuesday, August 9, at 5:30pm – or immediately after the Parks Committee meeting.
See below for the agenda, along with support documentation for some Code Enforcement items on the agenda. The draft minutes from the July meeting are below that.
Community Services/Animal Control Meeting Agenda
August 9, 2022
Immediately Following Street Department Meeting
Committee Members:
Evelyn Reed, Chair
Judd Hart
Jeff Hamm
Frank Baptist
Robin Freeman
John Parton, Community Development Director
Terry Parsons, Animal Control Director
- Establish a Quorum / Call to Order
- Recognition of Attendees
- Reading of Civil Statement
- Approval of July 12th, 2022 meeting minutes
- Community Services
- Condemnations
- 814 Denver Street – Ward 3
- Liens
- 34 Azalea Circle – Ward 3
- Condemnations
- Animal Control
- Adjournment
Previous Committee Meeting Minutes:
COMMUNITY SERVICES / ANIMAL CONTROL COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 12th, 2022
In Attendance:
Committee Members:
Council Member Evelyn Reed
Council Member Jeff Hamm
Council Member Judd Hart
Council Member Frank Baptist
John Parton, Community Development Director
Bruce Thomas, Community & Economic Development Staff Liaison
Council Members present:
Council Member Shane Knight
Council Member Bill Donnor
Council Member Steve Brown
Council Member Steve Lee
Council Member Jeff Morrow
Guests:
Mayor Tom Farmer
Council Chair Evelyn Reed declares a quorum and calls the meeting to order. Introductions are made around the room.
Council Chair Evelyn Reed asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the June 12th, 2022 meeting.
Council Member Jeff Morrow made a motion to approve. Council Member Steve Knight seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Community Services Agenda:
Item 5 – Condemnations
Community Development Director, John Parton approached the podium with two properties that the condemnation process has been initiated for. They are 200 Pearson Street and 1219 West Smith Street. Mr. Parton advised that the packets provided to them had the information outlining the process and where what stage they are in for condemnation. Mr. Thomas indicated that they have made contact with the owner of 200 Pearson Street stating that the owner is aware of the process. He indicated that the owner is in the process of trying to sell the property. Mr. Thomas told him that the city will continue to go through with the process and that he needed to disclose that this is going on with the potential buyer. Code Enforcement has been in contact with the buyer as well and everyone is in agreement that the house needs to come down. Mr. Thomas said his hope is that they’ll step up and do it but the condemnation process needs to stay in an active status for this property.
The next property up for discussion was 1219 West Smith Street. The house is falling in on itself. The owners live in Bentonville. Contact with the owners was made and agreed that the house needs to come down. The owners asked if they’d have time to get the house torn down before action is taken. Mr. Thomas explained the process and how the dates fall. Mr. Thomas stated that he hopes there is a response and the city doesn’t have to take action but, in the meantime, we can’t just sit and wait and that action had to be taken pretty swiftly due to the number of squatters being found in this house. Council Member Hart asked Mr. Thomas how many houses he thought might have squatters in them around the city. Mr. Thomas estimated about 60% or more. Council Member Baptist asked if these homeless people were utilizing any kind of utilities in these homes and he replied for the most part, no. No additional questions were asked.
Council Chair Evelyn Reed asked for a motion for condemnation on both properties, 200 Pearson Street and 1219 West Smith Street to go before the full council at the next council meeting
Council Member Jeff Hamm made a motion to approve, Council Member Shane Knight seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned.
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