Bella Vista public meetings in 2024
26 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will vote to adopt the 2025 city budget, allocating funds for city operations. Council members will also consider an ordinance to join Benefit Program 4 of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System for eligible firefighters and police officers. Additional items include setting residential and commercial solid waste collection rates and approving an amended animal services contract with Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Inc. The meeting also includes appointments to the Advertising and Promotion Commission and reappointments to the Public Library Advisory Board.
- Resolution: adopting the city budget for 2025
- Resolution: establishing residential and commercial solid waste collection rates
- Resolution: authorizing the eleventh amended animal services contract with Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Inc.
- Ordinance: authorizing participation in Benefit Program 4 of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System
- Resolution: appointing Mayor John Flynn to the Bella Vista Advertising and Promotion Commission
Planning Commission
The Bella Vista Planning Commission will consider dedicating a portion of Oniell Drive and approve the schedule for its 2025 meetings. The session begins immediately after the Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting.
- Consideration of right-of-way dedication for Oniell Drive
- Approval of the 2025 Development Calendar for Planning Commission dates
- Review of November 12, 2024 regular meeting minutes
- Reminder regarding Statement of Financial Interest filing deadline
- Announcement of upcoming City Council meetings
Board of Zoning Adjustment
The Board of Zoning Adjustment will hold a public hearing on variance request ZVR-2024-56672. The request seeks to change the accessory‑structure setback requirements for a proposed shop at 17 Pease Drive, parcel 16‑02902‑000, filed by Catherine Barnes and presented by Planner LaRue. The board will also consider the minutes from the November 12, 2024 meeting and address any unfinished business. The meeting will conclude with open discussion and announcements about the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
- Public hearing on variance request ZVR-2024-56672 for accessory‑structure setback at 17 Pease Drive (applicant Catherine Barnes)
- Consideration of regular meeting minutes from November 12, 2024
- Review of any unfinished business (details not specified)
- Open discussion period for board members and public
- Announcement: Planning Commission regular meeting will start immediately after this meeting
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council work session will consider several resolutions, including reappointing members to the public library advisory board, setting residential and commercial solid waste collection rates, authorizing an amended animal services contract, and adopting the city budget for calendar year 2024. Each resolution will be voted on during the meeting.
- Resolution: Reappoint Barbara Knotts, Susan Santos, and Sally Benson to the City of Bella Vista Public Library Advisory Board (terms ending Dec. 31, 2028)
- Resolution: Establish residential and commercial rates for solid waste (trash) collection
- Resolution: Authorize the mayor and city clerk to enter into an eleventh amended animal services contract with Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Inc.
- Resolution: Adopt the city budget for Bella Vista for calendar year 2024, appropriating funds for all expenditure items
City Council
The City Council is holding a work session to discuss the proposed 2025 budget. Director of Finance Kim Hall will lead the discussion.
- Proposed 2025 Budget discussion
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will approve the October 28 meeting minutes and review the monthly financial report. It will consider multiple ordinances moving to a third and final reading, covering department renaming, new septic permit requirements, definitions of septic failure for water service, and creation of a deputy city clerk position. The council will also vote on resolutions about retirement benefits for police and fire personnel, council voting procedures, and the 2025 meeting schedule.
- Ordinance to rename the Department of Community Development Services to the Department of Planning and Development (3rd reading)
- Ordinance requiring septic permits before installation, repair, or replacement of septic systems (3rd reading)
- Ordinance defining septic failure criteria for potable water provision (3rd reading)
- Ordinance creating a Deputy City Clerk position (3rd reading)
- Resolution authorizing participation in Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Benefit Program 4 for eligible firefighters and police officers
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will consider ordinances to reorganize the Department of Community Development Services into the Department of Planning and Development, and to rezone three properties from residential to neighborhood commercial districts. The meeting also includes a discussion on the 2025 budget.
- Rezoning of Tanyard Creek Parking area to C-1 district
- Rezoning of Kingsdale parking lot to C-1 district
- Rezoning of a portion of County Parcel 16-18693-000 to C-1 district
- Amending city code to rename Community Development Services to Planning and Development
- Discussion of the 2025 Budget
Planning Commission
The Bella Vista Planning Commission meeting on November 12, 2024 includes a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Development Ordinance Sec. 103-189. The amendment would require a permit for septic system installations, repairs, and related activities, as requested by Councilman Wilms and presented by Director Robertson. The commission will also consider the October 14, 2024 meeting minutes and note that the Planning Commission work session scheduled for November 27, 2024 is canceled.
- Public hearing on Development Ordinance amendment (Sec. 103-189) to require septic permits
- Consideration of regular meeting minutes from October 14, 2024
- Cancellation of Planning Commission work session on November 27, 2024
- Announcement of City Council Work Session on November 18, 2024 at 5:30 pm
- Announcement of City Council Regular Meeting on November 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Board of Zoning Adjustment
The Board of Zoning Adjustment will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a property in the R-1 Zoning District. The board will determine if the 3-foot maximum fence height requirement in front yards can be waived for the applicants.
- Public Hearing ZVR-2024-56293: Variance request for front yard fence height at 33 Melanie Circle
Planning Commission
The Bella Vista Planning Commission will hold a work session to consider a proposed amendment to the Development Ordinance that would require permits for septic system installations and repairs. The meeting will also cover unfinished business and include announcements for upcoming City Council and Board of Zoning Adjustment meetings.
- Consideration of October 14, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes
- Discussion on proposed septic system permit requirements (Sec. 103-189)
- Upcoming Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting on November 12, 2024
- Upcoming City Council Work Session on November 18, 2024
- Upcoming City Council Regular Meeting on November 25, 2024
City Council
The City Council will discuss amending the 2024 budget to address a cybersecurity incident and review three residential-to-commercial rezoning petitions. The body is also considering a new police vehicle purchase and a 2025 employee health insurance plan.
- Budget amendment of $132,849.76 for IT cybersecurity expenses
- Three rezoning petitions from R-1 to C-1 (Parcels 16-70260-003, 16-03465-000, and 16-18693-000)
- Contract with National Auto Fleet Group for one 2024 Ford F-350 truck not to exceed $65,000.00
- Approval of health insurance and benefit plan for city employees starting January 1, 2025
- Renaming the Department of Community Development Services to the Department of Planning and Development
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will vote on an ordinance to appropriate an additional $132,849.76 to the 2024 city budget for information technology to cover unforeseen cybersecurity expenses. It will also consider three rezoning petitions that would change parcels from R‑1 residential single‑family to C‑1 neighborhood commercial, rename the Department of Community Development Services, and approve contracts for a police‑department truck and a new health‑insurance benefit plan. Additional discussion items include pension treatment for volunteer police and firefighters, the draft 2025 city budget, and a sewer feasibility study.
- Ordinance: add $132,849.76 to the IT budget for cybersecurity incident response
- Ordinances: rezone parcels 16-70260-003, 16-03465-000, and 16-18693-000 from R‑1 to C‑1
- Ordinance: rename Department of Community Development Services to Department of Planning and Development
- Resolution: approve purchase of one 2024 Ford Super Duty F‑350 4WD truck up to $65,000 for police use
- Resolution: approve a health insurance and benefit plan for city employees beginning Jan 1 2025
Planning Commission
The Bella Vista Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three applications to rezone single‑family residential parcels to neighborhood commercial (C‑1). It will also consider two waiver requests for site‑specific design standards and an update to the commission bylaws. Decisions will be made during the regular meeting on October 14, 2024.
- RZN‑2024‑55647: Rezone 6.30‑acre parcel (16‑70260‑003) east of Nature Trail Lane & W. Lancashire Blvd from R‑1 to C‑1; applicant Bella Vista POA.
- RZN‑2024‑55729: Rezone 2.65‑acre parcel (16‑03465‑000) near 2 Kingsdale Lane from R‑1 to C‑1; applicant Tom Judson, Bella Vista POA.
- RZN‑2024‑55458: Rezone 2.36‑acre parcel (16‑18693‑000) near Trafalgar Rd. & Leyland Dr. from R‑1 to C‑1; applicant Tom Judson BVPOA.
- WVR‑2024‑55799: Waiver request for pedestrian, drive width, and arterial access standards at 101 Chelsea Road (parcel 16‑40660‑000).
- WVR‑2024‑55902: Waiver request for tree and landscape preservation at 36 Westmorland Drive (parcel 16‑32188‑000).
Board of Zoning Adjustment
The Bella Vista Board of Zoning Adjustment will consider two public‑hearing variance applications. One request seeks a variance for lot‑side setbacks and septic separation setbacks for a non‑residential accessory structure at 89 Cranfield Drive, Parcel 16‑03567‑000, submitted by Richard Redford. The second request seeks a variance to install a permanent freestanding off‑site sign in the R‑1 zone on Parcel 16‑40236‑000, submitted by Tom Judson of the Bella Vista Property Owners Association. The meeting will also include a bylaws update presented by Director Robertson.
- Variance request ZVR-2024-55966 for lot‑side and septic setbacks at 89 Cranfield Drive (Parcel 16‑03567‑000) – applicant Richard Redford
- Variance request ZVR-2024-55731 to install a permanent off‑site sign in the R‑1 zone (Parcel 16‑40236‑000) – applicant Tom Judson (BVPOA)
- Bylaws update presented by Director Robertson
- Consideration of BZA meeting minutes from August 12, 2024
- Open discussion
Planning Commission
The Bella Vista Planning Commission will consider requests to rezone three residential properties to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial and two development projects for waivers on landscaping and road requirements. The meeting will also include an update to the commission's bylaws.
- RZN-2024-55647: Rezoning 6.30 acres to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial east of Nature Trail Lane and W. Lancashire Boulevard
- RZN-2024-55729: Rezoning 2.65 acres to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial near 2 Kingsdale Lane
- RZN-2024-55458: Rezoning 2.36 acres to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial southeast of Leyland Drive and Trafalgar Road
- WVR-2024-55799: Waiver request for pedestrian accommodations and access drive requirements at 101 Chelsea Road
- WVR-2024-55902: Waiver request for tree and landscape preservation requirements at 36 Westmorland Drive
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will hold a public hearing and move to a third‑and‑final reading of an ordinance that authorizes the issuance and sale of a $5,407,352 capital improvement revenue bond. The bond will finance facility improvements for fire department station 1 and related city administration upgrades. The bond is to be sold to Regions Equipment Finance Corporation at par, bears 4.13% interest, and is secured by pledged franchise‑fee revenues.
- Public hearing on the bond issue (Agenda III.A).
- Ordinance authorizing issuance and sale of a $5,407,352 capital improvement revenue bond (Agenda III.B).
- Bond terms: 4.13% interest, matures Dec 1 2034, secured by pledged utility franchise fees.
- Sale of the bond to Regions Equipment Finance Corporation at par price.
- Bond designated as a qualified tax‑exempt obligation.
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will consider waiving competitive bidding to authorize a contract for two police vehicles and amend the 2024 budget to allocate funds for storm cleanup.
- Waive competitive bidding for two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoes for the Police Department (up to $143,000)
- Approve a private club alcohol permit for Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association
- Amend 2024 budget to appropriate $10,000 for street department storm cleanup
- Authorize the 2024 property tax millage rate to be collected in 2025
- Approve art leases to commence in 2025
City Council
The City Council will meet for a work session to discuss several ordinances and resolutions, including police equipment purchases and budget amendments. The body will also discuss a $5.4 million revenue bond and a proclamation for SmartSeptic Week.
- Contract with Superior Automotive Group not to exceed $143,000 for two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles
- Private club alcohol permit application for Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association, Inc.
- Budget amendment of $10,000 for Street Department storm clean-up expenses
- Levying the 2024 ad valorem real and personal property tax rate for collection in 2025
- Discussion of a $5.4 million revenue bond
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review a property line adjustment and a related waiver request for parcels in the Coventry Subdivision. These items involve the creation of new lots and a drainage and utility easement.
- PLA-2024-54234: Property line adjustment of Lots 5 and 6, Block 5 of Coventry Subdivision to create Lots 5A and 6A
- WVR-2024-55329: Waiver request for 20 foot front drainage and utility easement at 8 Manchester Drive
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a property line adjustment and a related drainage and utility easement waiver for two parcels at 8 Manchester Drive. The commission will also discuss a proposed tree and shrub recommendation list.
- WVR-2024-55329: Waiver request for 20 foot front drainage and utility easement at 8 Manchester Drive
- PLA-2024-54234: Property line adjustment of Lots 5 and 6, Block 5 of the Coventry Subdivision
- Discussion of Proposed Tree and Shrub Recommendation List
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will approve the minutes from the July 22, 2024 meeting. It will receive the monthly financial report for June 30, 2024, and updates from the Streets Department and the fire station #1 and City Hall construction project. The council will consider a new contract for storm debris disposal services up to $150,000, waiving formal competitive bidding and amending the 2024 city budget.
- Approval of July 22, 2024 regular meeting minutes
- Monthly Financial Report for June 30, 2024
- Streets Department report by Superintendent Hunt and Assistant Superintendent Downing
- Fire Station #1 and City Hall construction update by Chief Sims
- Waiving competitive bidding to authorize a storm debris disposal contract not to exceed $150,000 and amend the 2024 budget
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council work session discussed a development code reform update, a youth council meet‑and‑greet event, and financial projections through 2027. The council voted to authorize a contract with Leo M Ellebracht Company of Wentzville, Missouri, for $63,999.34 to purchase turn‑out gear for the fire department. Minutes from the July 2024 regular meeting were reviewed and approved.
- Resolution authorizing a $63,999.34 contract with Leo M Ellebracht Company (Wentzville, MO) for fire department turn‑out gear
- Mid‑project update on the Development Code Reform presented by Planning Manager Robertson and Freese & Nichols
- Youth Council Meet & Greet Sandwich Supper scheduled for September 23, 5:00 pm in the Police Training Room
- Financial projections through 2027 presented by Council Member Doug Fowler
- Review and approval of July 2024 regular meeting minutes
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a large-scale development proposal and a related waiver for a building at 504 Memorial Drive. The body will also review two requests for six-month development permit extensions.
- LSD-2024-54538: Proposed 1,085 square-foot operation building at 504 Memorial Drive
- WVR-2024-54672: Waiver request for pedestrian accommodation at 504 Memorial Drive
- LSD-2023-51885: Six-month extension for Razorback Greenway Extension Phase III (Mercy Way to Riordan Road)
- LSD-2024-52811: Six-month extension for Republic Services Maintenance Building at 36 Bella Vista Way
Board of Zoning Adjustment
The Board of Zoning Adjustment will review two variance requests. First, it will consider a request to modify interior parking lot landscaping and outdoor lighting at 504 Memorial Drive. Second, it will hold a public hearing on a request to reduce the minimum rear setback for a non‑residential accessory structure at 8801 Bethnal Road. Both items are presented by Planner Workman.
- ZVR-2024-54671: variance for interior parking lot landscaping and lighting at 504 Memorial Drive
- ZVR-2024-55150: public hearing on rear‑setback variance for accessory structure at 8801 Bethnal Road
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review two unfinished items: a waiver request for pedestrian accommodation installation at 504 Memorial Drive and a large‑scale development adding an operations building to the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel at the same address. A new waiver request concerning retaining wall placement at 3 Zennor Circle will also be considered. An update on the Development Code Reform will be announced at a separate meeting on August 19.
- Waiver request (WVR-2024-54672) for pedestrian accommodation at 504 Memorial Drive, Parcel 16-40224-000 (Applicant: Cathy Barnes).
- Large‑scale development (LSD-2024-54538) for an operations building addition to the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel at 504 Memorial Drive, Parcel 16-40224-000 (Applicant: Cathy Barnes).
- Waiver request (WVR-2024-55013) for retaining wall placement at 3 Zennor Circle, Parcel 16-34035-000 (Applicant: Laura Jones).
- Mid‑Project Update for the Development Code Reform scheduled for August 19, 2024 at 5:30 pm.
- Announcements of upcoming City Council and Planning Commission meetings in August and September.
City Council
The Bella Vista City Council will consider a third reading of an ordinance requiring municipal candidates to file campaign finance reports with the city clerk before early voting begins. The body will also authorize a contract for fire department turnout gear and discuss a new city logo.
- Ordinance requiring candidates to file campaign finance reports with the city clerk
- Resolution authorizing a $63,999.34 contract for fire department turnout gear
- Presentation of the new Bella Vista logo design
- Discussion on the purchase of sculptures
- Discussion on the Cooper Chapel sidewalk