BELLA VISTA — The Bella Vista City Council on Monday considered an amendment to the city's parking ordinance and a resolution to delay the creation of a street department.
The proposed amendment was taken off the table, and the resolution was defeated 4-2. Aldermen Rooney and Pat Cox voted for the resolution, with George Holmes, Arline Hutchinson, Earl Berdine and Doug Farner voting against.
Farner pointed out the planning for the street department was two years in advance, and that it was always the council's intention for negotiations between Mayor Frank Anderson and the Property Owners Association General Manager Tommy Bailey to continue.
Berdine said the original ordinance, approved last month, to begin land acquisition in 2011, had flexible time frames built into in so Anderson could adjust as needed.
Holmes said until the council passed the resolution to begin the street department, it had not had any indications from former Chairwoman of the Board Roberta Dale or Bailey that they were agreeable to negotiations about the land and buildings for a street department.
Residents were concerned about the monetary expenditure.
"I feel we have already paid for (a street department)," said Linda DeShon. She urged the council to explore all options with the POA.
Anderson will be meeting with Bailey to discuss the issue.
Some residents were not pleased with the proposed amendment to the parking ordinance.
It would have prevented the parking of motor homes on residents' property unless it could be screened with a maximum 8-foot privacy fence or not be visible from any city street.
Recreational vehicles owners spoke against the ordinance.
"Why are we being treated so poorly and golfers get carte blanche? It's not fair," said Rick Herbold.
The ordinance excludes trailers less than 5 feet by 10 feet, the typical size of a golf cart trailer.
"Is this a widespread problem in Bella Vista?" asked Helen Peltier. She also said that the ordinance did not allow more natural methods of screening and that was of concern to her.
Council members unanimously voted to table the ordinance amendment. Public input meetings will be held on the matter.