The City of Benton Community Services Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, in the Council Chambers at the Benton Municipal Complex, immediately following the Parks Committee, which begins at 5pm. The agenda for the August 13th meeting and the draft minutes from the July 9th meeting are attached.
Agenda
Committee Members:
Chair – Evelyn Reed
Vice Chair – Ann Spencer-Cole
Staff Liaison – John Parton, Director of Community Development
I. Establish a Quorum / Call to Order
II. Recognition of Attendees
III. Approval of July 9, 2024 minutes
IV. New Business
A. Condemnations/Liens
1. 1719 Deerfield Rd (Lien)
2. 2737 Ranchwood Dr (Lien)
3. 1206 Misty Dr (Lien)
4. 708 Burton St (Lien)
5. 1203 Burton Dr (Lien)
6. 313 E North St (Lien)
7. 603 W South St (Lien)
V. Old Business
VI. Discussion
1. Allowable Zones for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
2. Rezone Discussion
3. Trash Collection Service and Renters/Landlords
VII. Other
A. Monthly Development Review Committee (DRC) Report – July 2024
(review only)
VIII. Adjourn
Minutes
In Attendance:
Committee Members:
Council Chair – Evely Reed
Council Members present:
Council Member Bill Donner
Council Member Jeff Morrow
Council member Jeff Hamm
Council Member Judd Hart
Council Member Steve Brown
Council Member Frank Baptist
Tom Farmer – Mayor
John Parton – Community Development Director
Bruce Thomas – Code Enforcement
Council Chair Evelyn Reed declares a quorum and calls the meeting to order. Introductions are
made around the room. Council Chair Reed made a motion to entertain approval of the June
11th minutes, Alderman Jeff Morrow made a motion to approve, Alderman Jeff Hamm
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Community Services Agenda:
NEW BUSINESS –
CONDEMNATIONS
719 SOUTH MARKET STREET – This property was formally a trailer park down on Market
and Jackman. There’s one partially demolished trailer that’s still sitting on the property and
Code Enforcement hasn’t had any luck with the owner finishing the job of getting it removed.
The reason for going through the condemnation process is due to getting the utilities
disconnected.
300 NORTH 2nd STREET – This is the first house south of Sevier Street. It’s been vacant since
2010. A large tree fell through the home causing major structural damage. Mr. Thomas has
spoken to the property owner and he agrees it’s a total loss. The owner did request additional
time and was told that the city would work with him as long as progress is being made.1206 MISTY DRIVE – This property has sustained a small fire and utilities were cut in 2021.
There’s no one staying in the property. There’s a hole in the roof and the house as well as the
pool house have been unsecured. Code is having to deal with landscaping and structural issues
over the last 5 years. The house has been foreclosed on. There is a property management
company that has taken over and code enforcement is in close contact with them and with the
mortgage company. Mr. Thomas expects this to be fully resolved.
Council Member Jeff Morrow made a motion to approve all 3 condemnations, while Council
Member Jeff Hamm seconded the motion. Motion carries.
LANDLORDS INCORPORATING TRASH PICKUP COST INTO LEASE
AGREEMENTS
Mr. Thomas indicated that they’d love to see landlords be responsible for trash collection on
their properties. He stated that we have the option to require the size, type of container, and
frequency of pickup. This will give us the opportunity to better regulate this type of issue which
is very important. Mr. Thomas has spoken to several landlords in town to get feedback and half
would like to give it some thought while 20-30% think it’s a great idea and 20% don’t really care
for the idea.
Council Member Steve Brown asked about the trash situation at the Revive (Chapel Ridge)
Apartments. Mr. Thomas stated that they go out there every Monday to check it out. The
complex has a compactor but it’s very limited to what it can do. Mr. Thomas said dealing with
their issues is an ongoing battle.
OLD BUSINESS – None
MEETING ADJOURNED
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