The Pine Bluff City Council will meet on Monday to discuss and vote on a series of proposed ordinances and resolutions that could significantly affect the city’s infrastructure and zoning.
Among the key items on the agenda are an updated stormwater management plan, a rezoning proposal and a resolution to address street repairs.
One of the most significant items on the agenda is the ordinance that proposes the adoption of the updated city of Pine Bluff Stormwater Management Plan for the years 2025-2029. This ordinance, up for its third and final reading, aims to comply with federal and state regulations concerning water pollution.
The 17-page plan outlines six minimum control measures, including public education and outreach; public participation; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction site runoff control; post-construction management; and pollution prevention/good housekeeping. The plan details various strategies, such as storm drain marking, city-wide clean-up days and employee training, to improve stormwater quality and prevent pollution.
Also up for its third and final reading is an ordinance concerning the rezoning of property at 1010 N. Short Cedar. The proposal seeks to rezone the property from R-3, Residential, to B-6.2, University Overlay District – Tier 2. This rezoning, which was discussed at a Planning Commission hearing on Jan. 28, would align the property with the zoning regulations of the University Overlay District. This change is intended to support the development and expansion of university-related facilities and activities in the area.
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Another ordinance, which will be up for its second reading, proposes amending Subsection (b) in Section 26-113 of Article IV of Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances, specifically addressing prohibited driving acts. The amendment aims to add a new paragraph defining and penalizing “drag racing” on public streets. The ordinance outlines fines for first, second and subsequent convictions within a 12-month period, ranging from $300 to $1,000.
In addition to the ordinances, the council will consider two resolutions. The first resolution authorizes the mayor to grant an easement to the city of Pine Bluff Convention Center and Hotel Public Facilities Board. This easement is needed to facilitate ingress and egress to the hotel project adjacent to the Pine Bluff Convention Center. A survey will determine the exact description of the easement, and the city attorney’s office will prepare the easement agreement.
The other resolution proposes waiving competitive bidding and authorizing an agreement with Natural State Asphalt Repair, Inc. for street repair and related services. The resolution cites the need for regular and frequent street maintenance due to external factors and acknowledges resident complaints about street conditions.
The agreement with Natural State Asphalt Repair, an Arkansas corporation, comes with a one-year warranty. The resolution highlights the optimal weather conditions for commencing repairs and Natural State’s readiness to begin work.
The meeting will be held at the City Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. and will also include public comments on agenda items and committee reports.