The first reading of a proposal to regulate hunting on Property Owners Association land passed at the association’s board meeting Thursday, although a motion to declare an emergency and skip the second reading was rejected.
The association has no policy about hunting within its boundaries, but Bella Vista prohibits hunting with a firearm. The proposal incorporates city and state regulations.
When it was presented at a board work session, the policy prohibited hunting within 100 yards of a residence or an amenity. After listening to several bow hunters discuss safety issues at a work session, the board amended the policy to match the state’s 50-yard buffer zone from a residence or amenity.
Although bow hunting season is under way, the policy wouldn’t take effect until the board passes it on second reading in October.
An ad hoc committee led by Ed Morgan, board chairman, has been meeting with Mayor Frank Anderson to discuss the leases of three association buildings used by the city for fire and police, but the details of the talks weren’t released.
At the last work session, Charlie Teal, board member, reminded the board the membership voted in 2007 to turn over the personal property and equipment associated with fire and police services and lease the real estate. He said the cover letter that accompanied the 2007 ballot explained the real estate would be leased “at a nominal fee that would cover ongoing expenses, such as maintenance, taxes and insurance.”
Tim Hull, a board and committee member, said at the work session the association should negotiate for the fair market value of the buildings rather than a nominal rate.
Morgan said the mayor heard the committee’s proposal and would discuss it with the City Council, but it wasn’t fair for the board to discuss it at an open meeting.