Council approves 2020 audit; Previously approved wedding venue and event center moves forward with modifications; Annexation request for 46 acres along White Oak Crossing and Short Marche Road
To begin this week’s meeting, the council had a presentation from our auditing firm regarding our 2020 financial audit. This audit was accepted and brings the city back into compliance with timely reporting of our financial audits. Municipalities have a year and a half to finalize their audits after the end of the fiscal year. While the 2020 audit was overdue, our finance department has worked tirelessly to improve processes that makes our reporting functions more automated. The 2021 audit is already underway with much of the work completed so I expect that report to be given soon. Following that, the 2022 audit will begin and be completed later this year.
In new business, the council appointed two individuals to serve on the Maumelle Planning Commission. Hall Ramsey currently serves, and he applied for a new term and was approved. Tracy Gill put forward his name to serve on the commission and he was appointed to his first term on the Planning Commission. Thanks to Mr. Ramsey for his years of service so far and his willingness to continue in this role. I look forward to Mr. Gill joining the commission and lending his knowledge and experience to help Maumelle.
Next in new business, the council unanimously approved a conditional use permit and development plan for an event center that is going to be located on the site of the old water treatment plant. This site is directly behind the clubhouse of Maumelle Country Club. This project had been previously approved by a unanimous vote of the council back in early 2022. It came back for another approval since the ownership structure changed which required a new conditional use permit in the name of the new entity that will own the center. Additionally, they were requesting to change the design of the building and move it further back on the property. The size of the building also increased by 4,000 sq ft, but this is mostly due to a basement that will be constructed for storage. The overall footprint of the building is not much bigger than what was previously approved in 2022.
An annexation request for land to be incorporated into the city was submitted by Ascent Development. This land totals roughly 46 acres and is to the north of White Oak Crossing and to the west of Short Marche Road. Most of this land will be zoned as floodway and open space in White Oak Bayou. By annexing this land into the city, we’ll be protecting that acreage and the trees from being harvested so it can remain natural. There is a very small portion of the acreage on the north-east corner that touches Short Marche which will be zoned residential.
For the last item of new business, the council approved a preliminary development plan for Cypress Bend, a new neighborhood located along White Oak Crossing. This development will consist of smaller homes with a lower price point that can serve as starter homes for young families or those who want a smaller home. In Maumelle, this is a needed housing option since we have very few new neighborhoods that offer homes in this size or price range. To have a growing, vibrant city, we need to offer housing options that appeal to a variety of current and future residents. This option will help fill the need for smaller homes. The land in front of this neighborhood, directly along White Oak Crossing, will be commercial and allow for future business development in our city.
Note, Maumelle city offices and city services will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20 for President’s Day. Due to this, the next council meeting will be held the following Tuesday, Feb. 21..
Thanks, Chad 501-529-1336, chad4maumelle@gmail.com
Maumelle: City Council Report
Maumelle: City Council Report
Maumelle: City Council Report
Council approves 2020 audit; Previously approved wedding venue and event center moves forward with modifications; Annexation request for 46 acres along White Oak Crossing and Short Marche Road
To begin this week’s meeting, the council had a presentation from our auditing firm regarding our 2020 financial audit. This audit was accepted and brings the city back into compliance with timely reporting of our financial audits. Municipalities have a year and a half to finalize their audits after the end of the fiscal year. While the 2020 audit was overdue, our finance department has worked tirelessly to improve processes that makes our reporting functions more automated. The 2021 audit is already underway with much of the work completed so I expect that report to be given soon. Following that, the 2022 audit will begin and be completed later this year.
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In new business, the council appointed two individuals to serve on the Maumelle Planning Commission. Hall Ramsey currently serves, and he applied for a new term and was approved. Tracy Gill put forward his name to serve on the commission and he was appointed to his first term on the Planning Commission. Thanks to Mr. Ramsey for his years of service so far and his willingness to continue in this role. I look forward to Mr. Gill joining the commission and lending his knowledge and experience to help Maumelle.
Next in new business, the council unanimously approved a conditional use permit and development plan for an event center that is going to be located on the site of the old water treatment plant. This site is directly behind the clubhouse of Maumelle Country Club. This project had been previously approved by a unanimous vote of the council back in early 2022. It came back for another approval since the ownership structure changed which required a new conditional use permit in the name of the new entity that will own the center. Additionally, they were requesting to change the design of the building and move it further back on the property. The size of the building also increased by 4,000 sq ft, but this is mostly due to a basement that will be constructed for storage. The overall footprint of the building is not much bigger than what was previously approved in 2022.
An annexation request for land to be incorporated into the city was submitted by Ascent Development. This land totals roughly 46 acres and is to the north of White Oak Crossing and to the west of Short Marche Road. Most of this land will be zoned as floodway and open space in White Oak Bayou. By annexing this land into the city, we’ll be protecting that acreage and the trees from being harvested so it can remain natural. There is a very small portion of the acreage on the north-east corner that touches Short Marche which will be zoned residential.
For the last item of new business, the council approved a preliminary development plan for Cypress Bend, a new neighborhood located along White Oak Crossing. This development will consist of smaller homes with a lower price point that can serve as starter homes for young families or those who want a smaller home. In Maumelle, this is a needed housing option since we have very few new neighborhoods that offer homes in this size or price range. To have a growing, vibrant city, we need to offer housing options that appeal to a variety of current and future residents. This option will help fill the need for smaller homes. The land in front of this neighborhood, directly along White Oak Crossing, will be commercial and allow for future business development in our city.
Note, Maumelle city offices and city services will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20 for President’s Day. Due to this, the next council meeting will be held the following Tuesday, Feb. 21..