Russellville public meetings in 2025

City Council

The council approved the November 20, 2025 minutes and confirmed two new airport commissioners and a City Corp board member. It adopted several finance resolutions, including the 2026 General Fund budget amendment, the special‑funds budget, a reimbursement request for $53,076.17, and the Energy Efficiency grant agreement. The council also moved forward with a zoning‑code amendment and accepted dedication of rights‑of‑way for the Hunt Estates subdivision.

• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes (voice vote 8-0)
• Approved Francis Lewis and Sean Wojtek to the Airport Commission (voice vote 8-0)
• Approved Jerry Bradford to the City Corp Board (voice vote 8-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2388 amending the 2026 General Fund budget (voice vote 8-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2389 adopting the 2026 special‑funds budgets (voice vote 8-0)
• Approved $53,076.17 reimbursement request for the Alliance for Economic Development contract (voice vote 8-0)
• Approved suspension of rules to read Ordinance No. 2443 amending the zoning code (roll‑call vote 8-0)
• Approved suspension of rules to accept dedication of rights‑of‑way for Hunt Estates subdivision (roll‑call vote 8-0)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission will meet to review the annual year-end report and November 2025 financial status. The board will also discuss cemetery conditions and county access to the ossuary.

• Annual Year End Report for Russellville Oakland Cemetery
• Financial report status update for November 2025
• Update on tree plantings and fence damages/repairs
• Update concerning Ossuary Access for County

Russellville Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting by voice vote. It approved the doors installed at 203 N. Commerce Avenue (PP0158) as installed, with one dissenting vote. The revised Certificate of Appropriateness for the Federal Building at 115 S. Denver Avenue (PP0201) was also approved by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved doors at 203 N. Commerce Ave (PP0158) as installed (passed with a single dissenting vote)
• Approved revised COA for Federal Building at 115 S. Denver Ave (PP0201) (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Board of Adjustment

The Russellville Board of Adjustment will meet on Dec. 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. After approving the November 6, 2025 minutes, the board will consider a variance request submitted by Braum’s Inc. for the property at 916 N Arkansas Ave., covering parking layout and landscaping requirements.

• Approval of minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting
• Variance request (VARI-0825-000665) for parking layout (Article 3.22.6) and landscaping (Articles 5.8.4, 5.7.2) at 916 N Arkansas Ave., submitted by Braum’s Inc.

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the variance request (VARI-0825-000665) submitted by Braum’s Inc. for a new restaurant at 916 N Arkansas Ave., with staff‑recommended conditions on planting shrubs and trees.

• Approved November 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance VARI-0825-000665 for Braum’s Inc. at 916 N Arkansas Ave. with conditions (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Russellville Planning Commission will meet on December 2, 2025 to review several new business items. Items include special use permits for a day‑care family home at 5920 N Arkansas Ave and a drive‑through restaurant at 916 N Arkansas Ave, a minor subdivision for Hunt Estates at 111 Amy Lynn Place, a preliminary plat for Wynnwood Gardens along the 1100 block of S Vancouver, and a zone text amendment to adopt proposed changes to the city’s zoning and land subdivision development code. No unfinished business is listed for this meeting.

• Special Use Permit – Day Care Family Home, 5920 N Arkansas Ave (R‑1 zone)
• Special Use Permit – Drive‑Through Restaurant, 916 N Arkansas Ave (C‑4 zone)
• Minor Subdivision – Hunt Estates, 111 Amy Lynn Place
• Preliminary Plat – Wynnwood Gardens, 1100 block S Vancouver
• Zone Text Amendment – changes to Russellville Zoning and Land Subdivision Development Code

The commission approved the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes. It granted a Special Use Permit for a Day Care Family Home at 5920 N Arkansas Ave. It also approved a Special Use Permit for a drive‑through restaurant at 916 N Arkansas Ave. Finally, it approved an incidental subdivision for Hunt Estates at 111 Amy Lynn Place.

• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for Day Care Family Home at 5920 N Arkansas Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for Drive‑Through Restaurant at 916 N Arkansas Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Minor Subdivision for Hunt Estates at 111 Amy Lynn Place (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Airport Advisory Commission will review October 2025 fuel sales and financial reports. The body is scheduled to conduct interviews for commissioner candidates and receive an update on the Krue Project.

• October 2025 Jet-A sales: 8,792 gallons ($33,128.94)
• October 2025 AVGAS sales: 3,340.65 gallons ($15,433.04)
• Commissioner candidate interviews
• Krue Project update
• Review of accounts receivable aging for October 2025

The commission accepted the previous month’s minutes and the manager’s financial report, both by unanimous vote. Commissioners Zach Wojtek and Francis Lewis received a unanimous vote to pursue a live‑stream camera at the weather station, with the FAA contacted about it. The December meeting was cancelled and a Christmas party was scheduled for Friday, Dec 19.

• Accepted last month’s minutes (motioned by Lance Oakley, seconded by Brad Hopkins)
• Accepted the manager’s financial report unanimously (motioned by Lance Oakley, seconded by Julie Zelnick)
• Unanimous vote to approve live‑stream camera option (Zach Wojtek and Francis Lewis)
• Cancelled the December meeting; scheduled a Christmas party on Dec 19

Civil Service Commission

The commission will approve the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting. It will review the engineer promotional list and note that an engineer test was given to Micah Piker in December due to a schedule conflict with a military order. The commission will also discuss the trial for the dismissal of Brian Chandler. No new business was scheduled for the police department.

• Approve minutes of the October 28, 2025 meeting
• Review engineer promotional list
• Engineer test given to Micah Piker in December (schedule conflict with military order)
• Discuss trial for dismissal of Brian Chandler

The Civil Service Commission voted to accept the October 28 minutes after correcting an error about a former member. No other formal votes or approvals were recorded during the meeting.

• Approved corrected October 28 minutes (vote passed)

City Council

The City Council will review the 2026 budgets for the General and Street Funds. The body is also considering several appropriations for city employees, police vehicles, and airport repairs.

• Adoption of 2026 General Fund and Street Fund budgets
• Appropriation of $429,088.63 for 5 Police SUVs
• Appropriation of $213,361 for repairs to seven hangar roofs at Russellville Municipal Airport
• Appropriation of $213,008.75 and $29,065.50 for winter stipends for General Fund and Street Fund employees
• Proposed increase of monthly health savings account contributions to $200 for individual and $380 for family plans

The council approved the minutes from the October 7 and October 16, 2025 meetings. It adopted the 2026 General Fund and Street Fund budgets and authorized a $429,088.63 purchase of five police SUVs. The council also approved winter stipend appropriations for General Fund and Street Fund employees, an electronic funds payment ordinance with an emergency clause, and a $213,361 appropriation to repair airport hangar roofs. Additional actions included reimbursing the Boys & Girls Club for $34,572.48, increasing employee health‑savings‑account contributions, and amending the land subdivision code.

• Approved October 7 and October 16, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote 7‑0)
• Adopted Finance Item 1 reimbursing Boys & Girls Club $34,572.48 (voice vote 7‑0)
• Appropriated $213,008.75 from General Fund for winter stipend (voice vote 7‑0)
• Appropriated $29,065.50 from General Fund for street fund winter stipend (voice vote 7‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2547 to implement electronic funds payment procedures and enacted its emergency clause (voice vote 7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2382 and appropriated $213,361 for airport hangar roof repairs (voice vote 7‑0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2385 to adopt the 2026 General Fund Budget (voice vote 7‑0)
• Approved purchase of five police SUVs for $429,088.63 from the 2021 Sales Tax Capital Fund (voice vote 7‑0)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission will review financial reports and cemetery maintenance updates. Members will discuss a proposal to place an ossuary in the center of the Columbarium for use by the County Coroner’s Office.

• Proposal for an ossuary within the Columbarium for the County Coroner’s Office
• Financial report status update for October 2025
• Update on tree plantings and fence damages/repairs
• Results from the November 15th Workshop
• Discussion of community service recognitions

The commission accepted the October 21 minutes and approved an increase in cemetery improvement funding to $5,086.70. A proposal to create an ossuary for unclaimed cremated remains was tabled for future discussion. The board also approved a Community Service Recognition awards program for workshop volunteers.

• Accepted October 21 minutes (motion approved)
• Approved increase of funding to $5,086.70 for cemetery improvements (motion approved)
• Tabled ossuary proposal for future discussion (no decision made)
• Approved Community Service Recognition awards program (motion approved)

Board of Adjustment

The Russellville Board of Adjustment will meet on November 6, 2025 to approve minutes from the October 2 meeting and to consider two variance requests. The first request, submitted by Bill and Dorris Lawrence for 522 S Jonesboro Ave, is being removed from the agenda by staff. The second request seeks permission to build a 7‑foot fence, exceeding the 6‑foot limit, submitted by Andy and Shirley Hatley.

• Approve minutes from the October 2, 2025 Board of Adjustment meeting
• Remove from agenda the variance request for 522 S Jonesboro Ave (Bill and Dorris Lawrence)
• Consider variance to allow a 7‑foot fence despite the 6‑foot requirement (Andy and Shirley Hatley)

The board approved the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes. It removed a separate fence‑height agenda item. It then approved a variance allowing a 7‑foot fence at 1205 S. Houston Ave, with conditions on the fence plan and storm‑water clearance.

• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Removed agenda item for fence‑height variance at 522 S. Jonesboro Ave (unanimous)
• Approved 7‑foot fence variance at 1205 S. Houston Ave with conditions (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Russellville Airport Advisory Commission will accept last month's minutes and hear the manager's report, which includes September fuel sales and accounts receivable aging. An update on the Krue Project will be presented as old business. New business includes discussion of commissioner vacancies and miscellaneous items.

• September 2025 Jet‑A sales: 7,534 gallons ($28,047.57)
• September 2025 AVGAS sales: 2,690.84 gallons ($12,597.91)
• Accounts receivable aging for October 2025: $12,510.81 (0‑30 days), $1,046.74 (31‑60 days), $14,792.97 (>90 days)
• City hangar occupancy in October 2025: 100% city enclosed and shade hangars, 65% private hangars
• Hangar waiting list: 31 aircraft

The commission approved the previous month’s minutes and accepted the manager’s financial and operations report without dissent. Commissioners also requested resumes for open commissioner positions and reported that the FAA has been contacted about installing a live‑stream camera at the weather station. No other formal actions were taken at this meeting.

• Accepted last month’s minutes (motioned by Dwight Talbert, seconded by John Baker)
• Accepted manager’s report (unanimous, motioned by Julie Zelnick, seconded by John Baker)
• Commissioner vacancies: resumes requested and applicants asked to attend the Nov 25 meeting
• Live‑stream camera option: FAA contacted for approval

Civil Service Commission

The Russellville Civil Service Commission will approve the minutes from its August 26 meeting and distribute new rules and regulations. Commissioners will hear a report on the police department’s new‑hire testing process and review the new‑hire list. The commission will discuss engineer promotional testing scheduled for November 5 and will receive paperwork concerning the dismissal of a fire department employee and state law on civil‑service appeals, including setting a trial date.

• Approve minutes of the August 26, 2025 meeting
• Engineer promotional testing scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025
• Police department report on new‑hire testing process and review of new‑hire list
• Review and distribute paperwork on dismissal of a fire department employee
• Review state law on civil‑service commission employee appeals and set trial date

The commission approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. It scheduled a December 6 hearing for the appeal of a dismissed firefighter. The minutes also noted volunteer observers for upcoming engineer promotional testing.

• Approved August 26 meeting minutes (motion moved by Lea, seconded by Ramsey)
• Set December 6 as the date for the firefighter appeal hearing

Russellville Historic District Commission

The Russellville Historic District Commission will review two Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications: one for stucco repair and brick repointing at 309 West Main Street, and another for replacing historic windows at the Federal Building, 115 S. Denver Avenue. The meeting will also discuss future training opportunities, conference proposals, and an update on design‑guidelines revision. A public tour of the Latimore Home is scheduled for Saturday, November 1.

• Review COA for stucco repair and brick repointing at 309 West Main Street (1885 building)
• Review COA to replace historic windows at the Federal Building, 115 S. Denver Avenue (1925 building)
• Discussion of future training opportunities and conference proposals
• Update on design guidelines revision
• Public tour of Latimore Home on Saturday, November 1, 10 am–noon

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission will meet on October 21, 2025, to approve minutes from September and discuss the cemetery's conditions. The meeting will be held at City Hall in Russellville.

• Approval of September 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial report status update for September 2025
• Update on overall conditions of Oakland Cemetery
• Results from the October 18th workshop
• Public comment period

The commission approved the minutes from the September 23, 2025 meeting. The board also agreed to keep the issue of road‑paving height hazards in mind for possible mitigation measures next year. No public comments or new business items were presented.

• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Agreed to consider mitigation measures for road‑paving height hazards next year

City Council

The council will discuss several financial matters, including a reimbursement request of $51,450.73 for the Alliance for Economic Development and a resolution to apply for a 90/10 ADA Grant for airport hangar repairs. It will hold a second reading of an ordinance amending the Land Subdivision and Development Code. New business includes an ordinance to form a coalition with neighboring jurisdictions to seek a U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant, with an emergency clause authorizing the mayor and clerk to sign agreements.

• Resolution to authorize the mayor and city clerk to apply for a 90/10 ADA Grant for hangar roof repairs and spray‑foam insulation at the municipal airport
• Reimbursement request for third‑quarter expenses to the Alliance for Economic Development in the amount of $51,450.73
• Second reading of an ordinance amending the Land Subdivision and Development Code (Ordinance No. 2444)
• Ordinance to establish a coalition with Pope County, Atkins, and Dover to apply for a U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant, including an emergency clause authorizing grant actions
• Discussion of Mayor Fred Teague’s veto of the Russellville Playhouse

The council adopted Ordinance No. 2546 to create a coalition with Pope County, Atkins and Dover for a U.S. EPA Brownfields grant, naming Russellville the lead agency and adding an emergency clause. It also approved several finance items, including a $15,000 reimbursement for Main Street Russellville, a $154,749.29 appropriation for a Pope County 911 expense, a $200,000 line‑item transfer to the Economic Development Fund, and a resolution to apply for a 90/10 ADA grant for airport hangar repairs. Additional approvals covered a $51,450.73 reimbursement for the Alliance for Economic Development and a procedural suspension for reading a land‑subdivision ordinance.

• Approved $15,000 Main Street Russellville reimbursement (voice vote 6-0)
• Approved scheduling budget meetings for Oct 29 and Nov 5 (voice vote 6-0)
• Appropriated $154,749.29 for Pope County 911 expense (voice vote 6-0)
• Approved $200,000 line‑item transfer from General Fund to Economic Development Fund 27 (voice vote 6-0)
• Approved resolution to apply for 90/10 ADA grant for airport hangar repairs (voice vote 6-0)
• Approved $51,450.73 reimbursement for Alliance for Economic Development contract (voice vote 6-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2546 establishing Brownfields grant coalition with emergency clause (roll call vote 6-0)
• Approved suspension of rules to read land‑subdivision ordinance (roll call vote 6-0)

City Council

The council will appropriate $41,479.10 from the Economic Development/Capital Fund to purchase a UPS battery backup system. The council will consider a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk‑treasurer to sign a lease agreement with the Russellville Playhouse at 210 South Boulder Ave., and for other purposes.

• Appropriation of $41,479.10 from Economic Development/Capital Fund for UPS battery backup system
• Resolution to authorize mayor and city clerk‑treasurer to sign lease with Russellville Playhouse, 210 South Boulder Ave.

The council appropriated $41,479.10 from the Economic Development/Capital Fund to purchase a UPS battery backup system. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk‑treasurer to sign a lease agreement with the Russellville Playhouse at 210 South Boulder Avenue. Both motions passed, the first by voice vote 8‑0 and the second by roll‑call vote 5‑3.

• Approved $41,479.10 appropriation for UPS battery backup (voice vote 8-0)
• Authorized mayor and city clerk‑treasurer to sign lease with Russellville Playhouse (roll‑call vote 5-3)
• Motion to adjourn passed

Board of Adjustment

The Russellville Board of Adjustment will meet on October 2, 2025 to review two variance requests. The board will decide whether to postpone a staff‑requested variance for a fence height requirement at 522 S Jonesboro Ave. It will also consider a variance allowing an accessory structure to be placed closer to the front property line at 2695 S Elmira.

• Request to postpone staff variance (VARI-0725-000651) for fence height at 522 S Jonesboro Ave
• Variance (VARI-0825-000665) to allow accessory structure closer to front line at 2695 S Elmira

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting. It unanimously postponed the fence‑height variance (Vari-0725-000651) for 522 S. Jonesboro Ave. It unanimously approved the variance (Vari-0825-000665) allowing an accessory structure at 2695 S. Elmira to be placed closer to the front property line.

• Approved September 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed fence-height variance for 522 S. Jonesboro Ave (Vari-0725-000651) (unanimous)
• Approved accessory-structure variance for 2695 S. Elmira (Vari-0825-000665) (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Russellville Planning Commission will meet on October 2, 2025. It will vote on the election of a Vice Chair. It will also review a license to temporarily close W “C” Street and N Fargo Ave adjacent to 201 N El Paso, submitted by Barrett & Associates for Sugar Creek Foods.

• Election of Vice Chair position
• License to temporarily close W “C” Street and N Fargo Ave near 201 N El Paso (SPUP-0825-000663) submitted by Barrett & Associates for Sugar Creek Foods

The commission approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes by a unanimous vote. The body then considered a proposal for a License in Land to temporarily close portions of W “C” Street and N Fargo Avenue, with staff recommending that the Memorandum of Understanding be forwarded to the City Council for approval. No vote was taken on the temporary‑closure proposal.

• Approved September 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Considered temporary‑closure License in Land proposal; no decision taken

Airport Commission

The Russellville Airport Advisory Commission will review the manager's report, including August fuel sales totaling $40,189.60 and financial aging data, as well as aircraft movement statistics and city hangar occupancy rates.

• Jet-A Sales: $211,251.13 YTD
• AVGAS Sales: $93,169.57 YTD
• City Hangar Occupancy: 100%
• Aircraft Movements: 7,116 YTD
• Hangar Waiting List: 31 aircraft

The commission unanimously approved a motion to promote Bill Rowlett from Vice Chair to Chairperson, effective October 1 through December 31, 2025. The body also accepted the prior month’s minutes and the manager’s financial report. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Bill Rowlett promoted to Chairperson (unanimous vote)
• Accepted last month’s minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted manager’s financial report (motion passed)
• Discussed schedule change for future meetings (no decision recorded)
• Reviewed KRUE project updates and River Valley Rally plans (no decision recorded)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission will meet on September 23, 2025 at City Hall. The board will approve the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes, receive a financial status update for August 2025, and hear an update on overall cemetery conditions. The meeting includes a public comment period and an open floor for items not on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting (Secretary Steven Muha)
• Financial report status update for August 2025 (presented by Vice Chairperson Schwartz)
• Update on overall conditions of Oakland Cemetery (presented by Director Warwick)
• Public comment period for community concerns and suggestions
• Open floor for items not on the agenda

The commission approved the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes. They approved allocating up to $3,000 for grounds improvements at the cemetery. The Finance Committee and City Council approved extending the current grounds‑maintenance contract with After Hours Lawn Care for two years starting Jan. 1, 2026. No public comments or new business items were presented.

• Approved acceptance of August 19, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved allocation of up to $3,000 for grounds improvements (motion passed)
• Finance Committee and City Council approved two‑year extension of After Hours Lawn Care contract (effective Jan 1 2026)

City Council

The City Council will review proposed changes to the city's zoning and land subdivision codes. The body is also considering several infrastructure contracts and appropriations for fire department equipment and facility improvements.

• Appropriation of $166,863.70 for Rescue Unit 1 extrication equipment
• Appropriation of $57,895.80 for Fire Station 2 parking lot improvements
• Appropriation of $10,000.00 for demolition of house at 215 East Circle Drive
• Proposed ordinance to increase fixed assets inventory minimum threshold from $2,500 to $5,000
• Proposed lease agreement with Russellville Playhouse for 210 South Boulder Ave.

The council adopted a resolution levying millage taxes on all property for 2025. It also approved multiple contracts and appropriations, including a downtown streetscape amendment, a purchase of cardiac monitors for the fire department, and funding for parking‑lot lighting, EV chargers, a new turf field, and fire‑station parking improvements. All actions passed by voice vote with a 6‑0 tally.

• Approved Resolution No. 2374 levying millage taxes on all property (voice vote 6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2368 amending the Downtown Streetscape Plan (voice vote 6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2369 waiving formal bidding for five cardiac monitors for the fire department (voice vote 6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2371 authorizing contract for downtown parking‑lot lighting and EV chargers (voice vote 6-0)
• Appropriated $116,413.49 from Fund 27 for downtown parking‑lot lighting and EV chargers (voice vote 6-0)
• Appropriated $419,308.44 from EMS Services Fund (Fund 10) for new cardiac monitors (voice vote 6-0)
• Appropriated $355,800 from Parks & Rec Special Fund and General Fund for GeoSurface turf at the Russellville Soccer Complex (voice vote 6-0)
• Appropriated $57,895.80 from Economic Development/Capital Fund (Fund 27) for Fire Station 2 parking‑lot improvements (voice vote 6-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Russellville Board of Adjustment will meet on September 4, 2025, to consider requests to modify fence height, pylon sign height, and sidewalk requirements. The meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.

• Variance for fence height at 522 S Jonesboro Ave.
• Variance for pylon sign height at 401 E Harrell Drive.
• Variance for sidewalk and lot width at 703-715 S Glenwood.
• Election of the Vice-Chair position.
• Approval of minutes from August 7, 2025.

The Board of Adjustment approved the August 7 minutes, postponed a fence‑height variance at 522 S. Jonesboro Ave, and confirmed new officers. It then unanimously approved a variance to raise the sign height at 401 E Harrell Drive. All actions were taken with unanimous votes.

• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed fence‑height variance (Article 4.1) at 522 S. Jonesboro Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Josh Stroud as Vice‑Chair (unanimous)
• Approved Justin Cothren as Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved sign‑height variance (Article 7.8) at 401 E Harrell Drive (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Russellville Planning Commission will meet to discuss updates to the city's Zoning Code and Land Subdivision Development Code. The body will also review three special use permit requests and elect a Vice Chair.

• Zone Text Amendment to the Russellville Zoning Code and Land Subdivision Development Code
• Special Use Permit for a Child Care Center at 5920 N Arkansas
• Special Use Permit for a golf cart and trailer sales business at 1215 E 14th Street
• License in Land for temporary closure of W “C” Street and N Fargo Ave near 201 N El Paso
• Election of Vice Chair position

The commission approved the June 5, 2025 minutes unanimously. A motion to elect a Vice Chairman was tabled unanimously due to insufficient members present. The commission unanimously approved a special use permit for a child care center at 5920 N Arkansas Ave with staff‑recommended conditions. The commission also unanimously approved a special use permit for a golf‑cart and trailer sales business at 1215 E 14th Street with conditions.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Vice Chairman election due to member absence (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for child care center at 5920 N Arkansas Ave with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for golf‑cart and trailer sales business at 1215 E 14th Street with conditions (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Russellville Airport Advisory Commission is meeting to review the Manager's report and financial data for July 2025. The body will discuss the Krue Project and commission term limits.

• July 2025 Jet-A sales: 4,963 Gallons ($18,385.46)
• July 2025 AVGAS sales: 3,413 Gallons ($16,049.31)
• Hangar waiting list: 31 aircraft
• Krue Project update
• Discussion of Commission Term Limits

The Russellville Airport Advisory Commission accepted the minutes from the previous meeting after a motion by John Baker and a second by Brad Hopkins. The commission also accepted the manager’s report unanimously after a motion by Julie Zelnick and a second by John Baker. No other formal actions were taken.

• Accepted last month’s minutes (motioned by John Baker, seconded by Brad Hopkins)
• Accepted the manager’s report unanimously (motioned by Julie Zelnick, seconded by John Baker)

City Council

The Russellville City Council will discuss several capital appropriations for parks, airport, and fire facilities. The body is also considering lease agreements, private club permits, and historic site recognitions.

• Purchase of turf and backstops for two softball fields at Shiloh Park for $676,135.95
• Appropriation of $143,173.96 for Dalton King Building parking lot maintenance
• Appropriation of $68,788.82 for live fire training facility enhancements at 3036 E. 16th Street
• Appropriation of $59,660.00 for an airport equipment shop building
• Private club permit ordinances for OG Russellville 6538, Inc. and Apple Hop R, Inc.

The council approved a $676,135.95 purchase of GeoSurface turf and new backstops for Shiloh Park’s softball fields. It also appointed Teri Klir to the Board of Adjustment and adopted several appropriations, including $9,000 for recreation programs and $59,660 for an airport equipment shop. Resolutions were passed to close two special‑fund bank accounts, and a lease with the Russellville Playhouse was tabled. All actions were approved by voice vote of 6‑0.

• Appointed Teri Klir to the Board of Adjustment (voice vote 6-0)
• Approved $9,000 appropriation for Parks & Rec recreation programs (voice vote 6-0)
• Closed Special Fund 2 bank account (Resolution 2358, voice vote 6-0)
• Closed Special Fund 31 bank account (Resolution 2359, voice vote 6-0)
• Tabled lease agreement with Russellville Playhouse (Finance Item 1, voice vote 6-0)
• Approved $676,135.95 purchase of turf and backstops for Shiloh Park (Resolution 2360, voice vote 6-0)
• Approved $59,660 for construction of airport equipment shop (Finance Item 3, voice vote 6-0)
• Approved $68,788.82 for fire department live‑fire training facility enhancements (Finance Item 9, voice vote 6-0)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The commission accepted the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved allocating up to $2,000 to repair fence panels damaged near 10th St/Detroit Ave. The next monthly meeting was rescheduled to September 23, 2025.

• Accepted July 15, 2025 minutes (motion approved)
• Allocated up to $2,000 for fence repair (motion approved)
• Rescheduled next meeting to September 23, 2025 (motion approved)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment unanimously adopted the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a variance for 75 Round Rock Rd allowing a 4‑ft fence and a 54‑ft driveway. A second variance for 2103 Timberwood Lane permitting an 8‑ft fence was approved unanimously. The variance request for 522 S Jonesboro Ave was tabled unanimously pending additional information.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance VARI-0725-000648 at 75 Round Rock Rd (unanimous)
• Approved variance VARI-0725-000653 at 2103 Timberwood Lane (unanimous)
• Tabled variance VARI-0725-000651 at 522 S Jonesboro Ave (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The commission approved the May 27, 2025 meeting minutes. Commissioners Lykins, Lea, and Brown were appointed to a subcommittee to revise the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The subcommittee will announce its meeting so the public can attend.

• Approved May 27 minutes (vote recorded)
• Appointed Lykins, Lea, and Brown to subcommittee to update Rules and Regulations

City Council

The City Council approved several finance items, including a $456,930.60 appropriation for ADA restrooms and new skate features at the Russellville Skate Park. It also approved a $122,489.50 pavilion for Washburn Park, accepted a bid to renovate Hangar One West at the municipal airport, and adopted an ordinance changing the ambulance fee schedule. Additional actions included a release agreement with Phoenix Innovations, a private club permit for Apple HOP R, Inc., and a fiscal‑code amendment raising the fixed‑asset threshold.

• Approved $456,930.60 skate park improvement (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $122,489.50 pavilion for Washburn Park (voice vote 7-0)
• Accepted bid from McConnell Construction for Hangar One West renovation (voice vote 7-0)
• Appropriated $211,640 for Hangar One West renovation (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2535 amending ambulance fee schedule (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted release agreement with Phoenix Innovations Inc. (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved private club permit for Apple HOP R, Inc. (roll call vote 7-0)
• Amended fiscal code to raise minimum fixed‑asset threshold to $5,000 (roll call vote 7-0)

Airport Commission

The Russellville Airport Advisory Commission approved the previous month's minutes without objection. The manager’s financial report was accepted unanimously. A draft Standard Operating Procedure was approved as written, also unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted last month's minutes (unanimous, no objections)
• Accepted manager’s financial report (unanimously)
• Approved SOP update as written (unanimously)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission approved the minutes from the June 16, 2025 meeting. The commission reviewed a financial report showing an operating account balance of $125,959.01 and a Perpetual Care Fund balance of $259,134.29. Updates were given on cemetery workshops, flag display, arch removal, roadway work, and Magnolia trimming, with no public comments recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

• Approved June 16, 2025 minutes (motion approved)

Airport Commission

The commission reviewed the status of the apron reconstruction, equipment shop bid, runway rehabilitation grant, and other ongoing projects. They discussed scheduling changes, hangar renovations, and the upcoming River Valley Rally. No motions were adopted, seconded, or voted on, so no approvals or denials were recorded. Open action items were assigned to the airport director.

City Council

The Russellville City Council confirmed two major parking projects, allocating $381,860 for a parking addition at the Old Post Road Soccer Complex and $191,231 for a new downtown parking lot. It also approved appointments to the Airport Commission, adopted several personnel items, and authorized multiple contracts and appropriations, all by voice vote.

• Approved appointment of Lance Oakley to the Airport Commission (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved appointment of Bradley Hopkins to the Airport Commission (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted new civilian position "Investigative Services/Front Desk Specialist" (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2336 to fund parking addition at the soccer complex ($381,860.38) (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2333 to fund new downtown parking lot ($191,231.70) (voice vote 7-0)
• Authorized resurfacing and repaving of Phoenix Innovations, Inc. parking lot (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $27,758.50 appropriation for a K‑9 unit replacement (voice vote 7-0)
• Authorized lease agreement with Bribec Properties for downtown public parking land (voice vote 7-0)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The commission accepted the May 20 minutes. A motion to remove the damaged north‑end arch on Drive #1 near 8th Street, lop it at the railing, cap the posts, and similarly remove the south‑end arch near 11th Street was approved. No public comments were received and the meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted May 20 minutes (motion approved)
• Approved removal, lopping, and capping of north‑end arch on Drive #1 near 8th Street
• Approved removal, lopping, and capping of south‑end arch on Drive #1 near 11th Street
• Sought storage for the removed arches (included in motion approval)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the minutes from the May 1 meeting. It also unanimously approved a variance allowing a 190 sq ft off‑premise sign at 108 Marina Road, exceeding the 150 sq ft limit. The variance requests for 3421 Riverview Road and 295 N Elmira Ave were discussed but no action was taken.

• Approved May 1 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved sign variance at 108 Marina Road, 190 sq ft (unanimous)
• No action on variance request for 3421 Riverview Road (discussed, no vote)
• No action on variance request for 295 N Elmira Ave (discussed, no vote)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved a license to install a fence in the alley at 505 S Greenwich Ave. Finally, the commission unanimously approved a special‑use permit for an auto‑sales business at 619 E 4th St.

• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Approved License in Land for fence at 505 S Greenwich Ave (unanimous vote)
• Approved Special Use Permit for auto‑sales business at 619 E 4th St (unanimous vote)

Russellville Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved several design changes for the Handlebar project, including the awning attachment, lighting, bulkhead material, entry tile, and transom window. Commissioners agreed to appeal the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program’s delisting of the First Presbyterian Church. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved flat metal awning attachment to parapet and roof
• Approved recessed can lights under the awning
• Approved use of salvaged stone for bulkhead instead of cut stone
• Approved hex tile with Handlebar logo for exterior entry
• Approved frosted glass addition to transom window
• Agreed to appeal AHPP delisting of First Presbyterian Church
• Motion to adjourn passed by voice vote

Civil Service Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 29 meeting. It voted to suspend competition to hire Lindsey Moses as a police officer. It also voted to suspend competition to interview firefighter Christopher Blake for a RFD position.

• Approved April 29 meeting minutes (vote passed)
• Suspended competition to hire Lindsey Moses for RPD (motion approved)
• Suspended competition to interview Christopher Blake for RFD (motion affirmed)

Russellville Historic District Commission

The commission accepted the meeting minutes by voice vote. It then approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for 203 N. Commerce Avenue, replacing double entry doors and adding a shed awning, with a 5‑to‑3 vote. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote at 6:13 PM.

• Approved meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved COA for 203 N. Commerce Ave. (5-3)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Airport Commission

The commission provided updates on apron reconstruction, taxiway rehabilitation, equipment shop bidding, and runway rehabilitation plans. No motions were adopted, and no votes were recorded. The meeting focused on scheduling changes, hangar renovations, and SOP considerations.

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission voted to accept the minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were voted on; discussions covered workshop scheduling and tree maintenance but resulted in no recorded decisions.

• Approved acceptance of April 15, 2025 minutes (motion approved)

City Council

The council adopted several finance items, including a $798,250 appropriation to buy five acres and a structure at 1801 S Knoxville Avenue and a $1,500 appropriation for appraisals of that site. It approved reimbursements of $15,000 for Main Street expenses and $44,825.76 for the Alliance for ED contract. Resolutions were adopted for the Apple Developer program authority, a Blackstone Construction amendment, and Burns & McDonnell traffic‑signal improvements. Ordinance No. 2531 amending the city zoning code was also approved.

• Approved $798,250 purchase of five acres & structure at 1801 S Knoxville Ave (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $1,500 appraisal funding for 1801 S Knoxville & 210 S Boulder Ave (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $15,000 reimbursement for Main Street Russellville Q1 expenses (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $44,825.76 reimbursement for Alliance for ED contract Q1 expenses (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2326 granting IT authority for Apple Developer Program (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2327 amending agreement with Blackstone Construction for downtown streetscape (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2328 authorizing Burns & McDonnell traffic‑signal and pedestrian improvements at N. Arkansas Ave & Reasoner Ln (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2531 amending the city zoning code (voice vote 7-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the minutes from the February 6, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved variance VARI-0325-000620 for 215 W Tacoma NB, allowing the applicant to omit the required sight‑obscuring fence if trees are planted to mitigate visual impact. The July 1 meeting was cancelled and members were invited to the fourth Annual Historical District Ice Cream Social.

• Approved Feb 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance VARI-0325-000620 for 215 W Tacoma NB with tree‑planting condition (unanimous)
• Cancelled July 1 meeting

Russellville Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting by voice vote. They also approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for reinstalling a new awning on the Hamilton Building at 311 West “C” Street, meeting the historic district guidelines, with the motion passing by voice vote. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved April 24, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved COA for awning reinstallation at 311 West “C” Street (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the April 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a special use permit for an off‑premise sign at 108 Marina Road, a replat of Lots 5 & 6 Block 111 at 301 E H Street, and a vacation of ten feet of the S Greenwich right‑of‑way adjacent to Lots 6 & 7. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved April 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for off‑premise sign at 108 Marina Road (unanimous)
• Approved replat of Lots 5 & 6 Block 111 at 301 E H Street (unanimous)
• Approved vacation of 10 ft of S Greenwich right‑of‑way adjacent to Lots 6 & 7 (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 1 meeting. It adopted the proposed changes to Russellville Fire Department new‑hire testing, including new bonus‑point rules and a revised failure time. The commission declined an applicant’s request to take the test and interview separately due to a high‑school graduation conflict. It also set the schedule for Russellville Police Department new‑hire testing in May.

• Approved April 1 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Adopted revised RFD new‑hire testing changes (motion passed)
• Denied individual applicant’s request for separate test and interview
• Scheduled RPD written test for May 1 and PAT/interviews for May 3

Russellville Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting by voice vote. Greg Barborek was elected Vice‑Chair after a nomination and voice‑vote approval. The commission confirmed Betsy McGuire as Chair and Judy Galloway as Secretary by voice vote. A motion to postpone discussion of a COA application revision to the May 1 special meeting was approved, and the meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved February 27, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Elected Greg Barborek as Vice‑Chair (voice vote)
• Confirmed Betsy McGuire as Chair (voice vote)
• Confirmed Judy Galloway as Secretary (voice vote)
• Postponed COA application revision discussion to May 1 special meeting (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:00 PM (voice vote)

Airport Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting. They also approved the manager’s April financial and operational report without dissent. No other formal actions were voted on; the meeting included updates on apron reconstruction, taxiway rehabilitation, and hangar renovations.

• Accepted last month's minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted manager's April report (unanimous)

City Council

The Russellville City Council approved several appointments and appropriations. Key actions included reappointing Chase Smith to the Housing Authority Board and Greg Baborek to the Historic District Commission, and appointing Regina Watkins and JP Leonard to the Historic District Commission. Major funding decisions were the $211,640 renovation of Hangar One West, a $55,500 grant for downtown historic‑district design guidelines, $19,995 for a pressure‑washer trailer, and $3,000 each for basketball and pickleball programs. A proposal to purchase a small tract of land was tabled.

• Reappointed Chase Smith to the Russellville Housing Authority Board (voice vote 7-0)
• Reappointed Greg Baborek to the Historic District Commission (voice vote 7-0)
• Appointed Regina Watkins and JP Leonard to the Historic District Commission (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $211,640 renovation of Hangar One West (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $55,500 grant for Downtown Historic District design guidelines (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $19,995 purchase of Mud Dog pressure‑washer trailer (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved $3,000 basketball program line items (voice vote 7-0)
• Tabled Finance Item 4 concerning land conveyance (voice vote 7-0)

Oakland Cemetery Commission

The Oakland Cemetery Commission accepted the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting. It approved a $40 allocation for snacks and water for the April 26, 2025 spring gravestone cleaning project. The board agreed that the gravedigger’s burial fee increase from $500 to $600 was reasonable. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (motion approved)
• Approved $40 allocation for snacks and water for April 26, 2025 spring gravestone cleaning project (motion approved)
• Board agreed gravedigger’s burial fee increase to $600 is reasonable

City Council

The council discussed a parking‑lot repair offer from Phoenix Innovations. A motion to have the city pay half of the $77,500 expense was proposed, then modified. The council voted 8‑0 by voice to table SB Item 1 until the April 17, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Table SB Item 1 (parking‑lot repair) until April 17, 2025 – passed 8‑0 voice vote
• Motion to adjourn – approved

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes. It approved a large‑scale development for a 36‑unit apartment complex at 808 W E Street, subject to site‑plan, drainage and fire‑code conditions. It also unanimously approved two special‑use permits: one for an auto‑sales business at 4151 E Main Street and another for an auto‑detail and limited‑sale business at 125 W 6th Street, each with specific conditions.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Large Scale Development for 36‑unit apartment complex at 808 W E Street with site‑plan, drainage and fire‑code conditions
• Approved Special Use Permit for auto sales at 4151 E Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for auto detail and limited sales at 125 W 6th Street with vehicle limit conditions (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The commission approved the February 25 meeting minutes. It set fire‑department new‑hire testing dates for May 10 (Tier and PAT) and May 17 (written test and interviews). It scheduled Russellville Police Department written testing for May 1, PAT and interviews for May 3, and promotional testing for June 5. The commission also voted to suspend competition to hire certified officer Christopher Benjamin Knight.

• Approved February 25 minutes (motion moved by Lea, seconded by Ramsey)
• Set fire‑department Tier and PAT testing for May 10
• Set fire‑department written testing and interviews for May 17
• Scheduled RPD written test for May 1
• Scheduled RPD PAT and interviews for May 3
• Scheduled RPD promotional testing for June 5
• Suspended competition to hire officer Christopher Benjamin Knight (motion by Camacho, seconded by Bachman, passed)

Airport Commission

The commission approved last month's minutes after a motion by John Baker and a second by Julie Zelnick. The manager's report was accepted unanimously following a motion by Julie Zelnick and a second by John Baker. The commission also adopted a new schedule, moving future meetings to the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

• Approved last month's minutes (motion by John Baker, seconded by Julie Zelnick)
• Approved manager's report unanimously (motion by Julie Zelnick, seconded by John Baker)
• Changed meeting schedule to the fourth Tuesday of each month at 18:00

City Council

The council approved the February 20 minutes and adopted several resolutions authorizing street and alley improvements. It transferred $794,506.25 from the General Fund to the Capital Asset Fund for Phase 1 of the airport apron reconstruction and allocated $9,500 for a skate‑park design. Additional ordinances approved rezoning, a sewer extension, and a private club permit.

• Approved February 20, 2025 minutes (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2313 to authorize street improvements on Waterloo Avenue (voice vote 7-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2314 to authorize alley improvements between East 7" and East 8" Streets (voice vote 7-0)
• Transferred $794,506.25 from General Fund to Capital Asset Fund for Airport Apron Reconstruction – Phase 1 (voice vote 7-0)
• Allocated $9,500 from 2021 Parks & Rec Special Fund for Russellville Skate Park design services (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved private club permit for La Union Social Club, Inc. (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved ordinance rezoning property at S Vancouver Ave & West 12th St (voice vote 7-0)
• Approved ordinance extending sewer to 1285 East Gum Street (voice vote 7-0)