Centerton City Council Recap - May 13, 2025

Tuesday’s council meeting was packed with major updates on local projects, planning codes, infrastructure investments, and even a peek at Centerton’s future recreation center. Here’s a detailed recap of what moved forward.

Quick Votes and Reports

• Minutes from past meetings and department reports were approved

• Councilmember Joshua Hagan gave a shout out to local small business Brimstone & Brass after seeing a post on the Centerton Neighbors Facebook group about a child whose scooter had gone missing. The child had worked hard to save up and purchase the scooter on their own, and was understandably devastated when it went missing. Brimstone & Brass stepped up without hesitation and offered to replace it. Councilman Hagan recognized them publicly as an example of the kind of community we’re lucky to have here in Centerton—a local business that leads with heart.

• April financial reports show revenue at 39%, expenses at 35% — a typical early-year imbalance now starting to level out

• FEMA reimbursements have boosted the Street Fund, which currently reflects 59% revenue

Public Comment

• Resident John Box addressed the Council regarding the city's solicitation policy. Referring to an item later on the agenda, he voiced concern about potential legal threats from the Rose Firm over the city’s current regulations. He recommended Centerton consider adopting a more restrictive approach like the City of Rogers, which enforces a 'sun-up to sun-down' rule. He also suggested the city resume providing 'No Soliciting' signs to residents at no cost, as a way to support those who prefer not to receive door-to-door visits.

Ordinances

🔹 Ordinance 2025-19: Waive Bidding Requirements for Public Works Woodchipper

• Approved trade-in and purchase of commercial-grade BC 1000XL woodchipper

• Storm cleanup needs revealed the city’s old chipper wasn’t up to task, and the city is planning ahead this season to be better prepared

• Props to Public Works Director Anthony Martinez for securing a top-dollar trade-in value, helping the city get more out of the upgrade

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Ordinance 2025-20: Bliss & Keller Rezoning

• Final step in rezoning 6.9 acres at the southeast corner of Bliss Street and Keller Road

• Originally proposed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD), the application was revised to request straight zoning: R3-SF (single-family), R3-MF (multi-family), and a small 1-acre C-3 (Neighborhood Commercial) corner

• The updated zoning provides more clarity and predictability for both the developer and future homeowners

• The commercial lot is located near the Keller Road and Bliss Street intersection, envisioned for a neighborhood-scale use such as a coffee shop or small retail

• No formal development plan has been submitted yet, but future access and pedestrian connectivity are expected to align with the upcoming community center nearby

• Landscaping and street improvements will be reviewed as site plans come forward under the new zoning

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Ordinance 2025-21: ROW & Utility Dedications – Terra Rose (Seba & Main)

• Accepts right-of-way and utility easements related to a previously approved administrative lot split on a corner parcel at Seba Rd and Main St

• These dedications are required for proper infrastructure planning and to support the city's transportation and utility layout in the area

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Ordinance 2025-22: Utility Easements – Mercy Health

• Formalizes utility easements for parcels within the Willow Crossing subdivision, specifically supporting the expansion of the existing Mercy Health Clinic at 1225 E. Center Boulevard

• The expansion includes a 6,918 sq ft addition to the current facility, along with 44 new parking stalls, enhanced landscaping, lighting upgrades, and new sidewalk connections to Highway 102

• Drainage has been coordinated with the existing Willow Crossing infrastructure, and a fence and landscaping will screen the site from neighboring residential uses

• These easements ensure water, sewer, electric, and franchise utility providers can install and maintain necessary services to support the clinic’s growth and the surrounding infrastructure

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Ordinance 2025-23: Amend 2024 Budget

• Final amendment to the 2024 city budget, used to officially close the books for last fiscal year

• Incorporates carry-over adjustments and reconciliations, including Act 833 funding (used for fire department equipment), final grant reimbursements, and interest revenue not previously allocated

• Clarifies budget line items for audit compliance and positions the city to finalize annual financial reporting

• The emergency clause was added to allow the budget amendments to take effect immediately, enabling the city to complete its year-end reconciliation and reporting processes without delay

• ✅ Approved with Emergency Clause

🔹 Ordinance 2025-24: Full Replacement of Title 15 – Subdivision & Development Code

• Replaces the city's outdated 16-page code with a comprehensive, modernized 133-page version designed to streamline the development process and set clear expectations for all parties

• Developed in partnership with Garver engineers, city department heads, and with multiple rounds of public feedback over the past year

• Provides new user-friendly tools: a clickable table of contents, flowcharts, diagrams, definitions, and clearly written requirements to reduce misinterpretation and delays

• Covers everything from landscaping standards to utility connections, access management, pedestrian connectivity, and administrative site plan review

• Allows for minor site improvements to be handled administratively—freeing up Planning Commission time for larger-scale projects

• Adds block length and street layout standards that support long-term walkability and traffic flow

• Aligns Centerton’s expectations with those of other rapidly growing NWA cities, supporting responsible and sustainable growth

• A severability clause was included to help protect the code’s validity as new state laws take effect later this year

• ✅ Approved Unanimously

Resolutions

🔹 Resolution 2025-19: Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project

• Authorizes the city to enter into a contract with Tri-Star Contractors for sidewalk installation funded by a Safe Routes to School grant originally awarded in 2014

• Includes nearly a mile of new sidewalk: along the west side of Gamble Road from Seba to Bliss, and along the south side of Bliss from Sun Meadow to D Street

• A crosswalk will be installed at Sun Meadow to connect students to the Gamble corridor

• The project is expected to begin within 60 days and aims to improve walkability before the next school year begins

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Resolution 2025-20: Culvert Lining in Sienna Estates

• Authorizes work with Hubbard Contracting to install structural liners inside failing stormwater culverts under two homes in Sienna Estates

• The metal pipes, now over 25 years old, have deteriorated significantly, causing sinkholes

• Traditional replacement would destabilize home foundations; this innovative lining method avoids excavation, saves significant cost, and provides a projected 50-year solution

• ✅ Approved (Pending final legal review)

🔹 Resolution 2025-21: Hwy 102 Driveway Improvements – CEI Engineering

• Authorizes CEI to develop construction plans for driveway and access improvements along Hwy 102 tied to Walmart’s traffic signal installation at Sienna Blvd

• Improvements include driveway updates near Sonic and McDonald's and support Centerton’s long-term traffic flow plans

• Walmart has agreed to reimburse the city up to $30,000 for project costs

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Resolution 2025-22: LOMR Study – McKissic Creek Floodplain

• Approves additional funding to complete a multi-phase floodplain revision study (LOMR) for the downtown McKissic Creek area

• Updated floodplain data will help reduce insurance rates and unlock new development options downtown

• Work is already underway and supported by FEMA guidelines; added funding rolls over from prior planning phases

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Resolution 2025-23: Flooring Upgrades – Community Room

• Authorizes contract with Bodak Builders to install new waterproof commercial-grade flooring in the city’s community room

• Also includes removal of the old raised podium, sanding and refinishing wall trim, and repainting the space (painting to be completed by volunteers)

• Work is expected to begin within 30 days, pending contract finalization

• ✅ Approved (Pending final legal review)

Centerton Recreation Center – Design Preview

WER and SAPP Architecture unveiled schematic designs for the future Centerton Recreation Center, a major community investment years in the making.

🏛️ Design Concepts & Features

• A major element of the Recreation Center planning process is defining a distinct identity for Centerton—a vision that stands on its own within Northwest Arkansas. During the meeting, architects and city staff shared how public feedback has emphasized the desire for Centerton to develop a unique sense of place—something that reflects its agricultural heritage, family-oriented values, and growing economic opportunity.

• Amenities include: a multipurpose community room, fully equipped fitness areas, a gymnasium, indoor aquatics featuring a leisure pool and lazy river, walking track, party rooms, and a supervised child watch area

• Future expansion zones are already planned, allowing for a competitive lap pool, an outdoor amphitheater, and expanded trail connectivity — though Phase 2 will require future funding and is not currently budgeted

• The design prioritizes visibility and transparency within the building for better security and operational flow

• The pool will include zero-entry for accessibility, splash play elements, and areas for both recreation and lap swimming

• More than 600 residents provided feedback that directly influenced the facility layout and programming priorities

• The site plan includes expanded parking, green space preservation, and pedestrian-friendly access

• Construction drawings are expected to begin soon; additional design updates and engagement opportunities will be shared at the May 29 Community Engagement Meeting Join city leaders to discuss the Recreation Center at the Centerton Court Facility. This is your opportunity as a Centerton resident to make your voice heard before final designs are set—so don't miss the chance to share your thoughts and help shape this exciting project!

Other Council Business

🔹 Drug Fund Cash on Hand Increase Request

• Council approved increasing the amount of physical cash that can be kept on hand in the police department’s drug enforcement fund

• This fund is used for active investigations and controlled operations, and the increase reflects the department’s expanded capacity and ongoing enforcement efforts

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Parks & Recreation Staffing Reallocation

• The Council approved converting a previously budgeted, position from the Street Department into a new full-time administrative role

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Planning Commission Reappointments

• Ben Lewis, Craig Langford, and Brandon Swoboda were reappointed to the Centerton Planning Commission, with new terms extending through June 30, 2028

• All three have served in recent years and were recommended for reappointment based on their continued engagement and experience

• ✅ Approved

🔹 Centerton Fire Department Station 2 Rank Structure

• Council formally approved a proposed rank structure for Fire Station 2 to align with upcoming hiring needs and expansion

• This action ensures clearer pathways for leadership and internal promotion as the department prepares to onboard new personnel

• ✅ Approved

🔹 No Solicitation Policy Discussion

• Council revisited the city’s current solicitation ordinance after receiving a letter from the Rose Law Firm on behalf of Urbanex, suggesting the existing rules could potentially violate the First Amendment by being overly restrictive on commercial speech.

• Councilman Hagan opened the discussion by highlighting comments from residents, including a public comment made earlier in the meeting, expressing concerns about door-to-door solicitation occurring after dark.

• The council discussed potential updates to the current policy, including:

  • Adopting a modified curfew of 'sundown or 9 PM—whichever comes first,' a concept that considers both natural lighting and reasonable evening limits for residents

  • Sundown would be marked by a definable weather-related indicator, as discussed during the meeting, to help create a consistent and enforceable threshold

  • Reintroducing the option for residents to receive free 'No Soliciting' signs from the city, a practice done previously but no longer available

  • Clarifying definitions within the ordinance to avoid unintended legal exposure while still honoring residents' right to privacy

• No final decisions were made during the meeting, but city staff were tasked with reviewing ordinances from nearby cities and returning with potential updates or recommendations for further Council consideration at a future date.

Final Takeaways

📌 A major update to Centerton’s Subdivision & Development Code (Title 15) brings clearer, more consistent expectations for developers, city staff, and residents alike.

📌 The city is planning proactively—from woodchippers and budget reconciliation to new sidewalk projects and driveway improvements tied to long-term growth.

📌 The Centerton Recreation Center took a major step forward, with the public still encouraged to provide feedback before final design plans are locked in.

📌 Conversations about transparency, neighborhood quality of life, and resident privacy—including door-to-door solicitation rules—remained front and center.

Want more local insight? Bookmark this blog and check back after every Council and Planning Commission Meeting for all things Centerton — brought to you by me, Allie Verdery, The Blue Haired Broker with Engel & Völkers NWA.