Trash service, Crystal Cove cleanup, Old City Hall plans, Youth Council, road improvements, parks, public safety, sewer updates, and a downtown input session coming next month

Some City Council meetings are about one big thing.

This one was more of a “city operations are growing up” kind of meeting.

Trash service was finalized.
Crystal Cove plats were cleaned up.
A D Street property moved toward neighborhood commercial.
Old City Hall took another step toward becoming a more active community space.
A Youth Council was created.
A road improvement agreement moved forward near The Pines.
Firefighter physicals were approved.
McKissic Station Park is getting swings.
The Police Department may help staff a School Resource Officer at Grimsley.
And sewer capacity, downtown planning, and the future Recreation Center all came back up during other business.

If that sounds like a lot, it was.

But the throughline was pretty clear:

Centerton is growing, and the city is trying to keep the practical pieces moving.

Services.
Roads.
Parks.
Staffing.
Safety.
Public communication.
Infrastructure.
Downtown planning.

Here’s what happened and why it matters for residential real estate.

Opening Business

The meeting opened with the pledge, prayer, and roll call.

Council members present included:

• Cliff Thompson
• Wendy Henson
• Josie Reed
• Joshua Hagan
• Cody Miles

Justin Cowgur was absent.

Mayor Bill Edwards was present.

Council approved the April 14 and April 27 City Council minutes and acknowledged receipt of:

• Water and Sewer Commission minutes from March 17
• Planning Commission minutes from April 7 and April 21

Financial Report

The city was 33 percent through the year.

Revenue was at 37 percent, and expenditures were right at 33 percent.

Mayor Edwards noted that building permits are still down, but said the recent sewer capacity movement could hopefully help that in the future.

He also noted:

• City sales tax is on track
• County sales tax is on track
• Departments are generally tracking in line
• Street fund revenue is at 50 percent
• Street fund expenditures are at 26 percent, with more spending expected as projects move forward

The financial report and court report were approved.

What this means for homeowners

This is one of those quiet but important items.

When a fast growing city’s finances are tracking close to budget, it gives the city more room to plan, maintain services, pursue projects, and respond to growth.

The building permit slowdown still matters because permits are tied to construction activity, city revenue, and the pace of new housing inventory.

But if sewer capacity releases allow more projects to move again, that could eventually help building activity pick back up.

Public Comment

Three people spoke during public comment.

Mike Davis

Mike Davis introduced himself as a candidate for District 15 Justice of the Peace.

He said District 15 likely includes a large portion of Centerton residents and expressed interest in working closely with Centerton leadership if elected.

Cindy Zenstein

Cindy Zenstein spoke about Planning Commission bylaws.

Her main concerns were:

• Planning Commission being self governing
• The current appointment and reappointment process
• Whether seats should open for applications when terms expire
• Whether term limits should be reviewed

She said Centerton has many residents who may want to serve and asked City Council to review those issues before the bylaws are approved.

Mayor Edwards noted that Planning Commission had already discussed this at its last meeting and would be reviewing the bylaws again at the next Planning Commission meeting.

Chris Mooney

Chris Mooney also spoke about appointed commissions.

He said Centerton has a lot of talent and encouraged council to consider some type of rotational system for appointed commissions like Planning Commission and Water and Sewer Commission.

He also shared a personal story about his mother in law falling and needing emergency help.

He said Centerton paramedics arrived within about five minutes, the Fire Department was there quickly, and police also responded because an alarm was triggered.

His message was simple:

Centerton has strong emergency services, and residents should continue supporting them.

What this means for residents

Public comment showed two very different but important sides of city life.

One was about civic participation and how residents get the opportunity to serve.

The other was about emergency response and the value of having strong local services when something happens at home.

Both matter in a growing city.

Ordinances

Council voted to read ordinances and resolutions by title only and suspend the rule requiring ordinances to be read on three separate occasions.

Ordinance 2026-06

Solid Waste Collection Services

This was the Waste Management contract that had been tabled at previous meetings while legal language was being finalized.

This time, the contract was ready to move forward.

Council approved the residential solid waste and recyclable material service agreement with changes from the city attorney to clean up language that had previously referred to it as a first amendment.

Council also approved the emergency clause because the previous solid waste agreement had already expired, and interruption of trash service would affect public health, safety, and welfare.

Outcome

Approved unanimously among members present.

What this means for homeowners

Trash service is one of those basic city services people only want to think about when it goes wrong.

Finalizing the agreement helps keep service stable for residents.

For homeowners, this is practical quality of life.

Ordinance 2026-14

Crystal Cove Phase 2 Amended Final Plat

Council approved the amended final plat for Crystal Cove Phase 2.

This amended plat updates the zoning district and setbacks for lots 69 through 128.

This item had already gone through Planning Commission, where it was recommended for approval.

Outcome

Approved unanimously among members present.

Ordinance 2026-15

Crystal Cove Phase 3 Amended Final Plat

Council also approved the amended final plat for Crystal Cove Phase 3.

This amended plat updates the zoning district and setbacks for lots 129 through 208.

Like Phase 2, this had already gone through Planning Commission and was recommended for approval.

Outcome

Approved unanimously among members present.

What this means for residential real estate

Crystal Cove Phase 2 and Phase 3 are townhome related plat cleanup items.

These approvals are about making the paper trail match the zoning and setback changes that Planning Commission reviewed.

That matters because setbacks, easements, and plat notes affect how homes are built, how lots function, where fences can go, and what future owners inherit.

It may sound technical, but this is the kind of detail that can become very real for a buyer or homeowner later.

Ordinance 2026-16

Wieneke Family Trust Rezone

199 North D Street
R2 Medium Density Residential to C3 Neighborhood Commercial

Council approved rezoning the Wieneke Family Trust property at 199 North D Street from R2 Medium Density Residential to C3 Neighborhood Commercial.

This property had gone through Planning Commission on May 5.

The request originally came in as C1, but after discussion with Planning Commission and the applicant, it was reduced to C3 Neighborhood Commercial.

Mayor Edwards described the property as basically a vacant lot with a shop building on the back.

There was no in person public comment at Planning Commission, though one email was submitted with concerns, mainly around traffic.

Wendy Henson recused herself from the vote because she was involved with the applicant.

Outcome

Approved, with Wendy Henson recused.

What this means for nearby homeowners

This is a good example of zoning intensity mattering.

The property did not move into the more intensive C1 category originally requested. It moved into C3 Neighborhood Commercial instead.

That matters because C3 is meant to be a softer commercial transition.

For nearby homeowners, the rezone does not tell us exactly what business will go there. That will come later if a specific development or use requires additional review.

But it does shift the property toward small scale commercial potential near the Centerton Boulevard corridor.

The things to watch later will be:

• Traffic
• Parking
• Drainage
• Lighting
• Buffering
• What type of business use is proposed

Resolutions

Resolution 2026-16

Old City Hall Remodel Bid

Council approved accepting a bid for remodeling the city building at 290 North Main Street.

This is the Old City Hall building, which is also used for community functions.

The city received eight bids.

The recommended base bid was $348,700.

The mayor also included alternates in the total price:

• New ceiling tiles and LED light fixtures: $35,700
• New luxury vinyl plank flooring: $2,200
• Water heater replacement: $3,800
• 5 percent contingency: $20,000

The maximum price listed in the resolution was $410,400.

The total budget is $500,000, with $250,000 coming from grant funding and $250,000 appropriated by the city.

Council approved the resolution contingent on city attorney review of the final agreement.

What the Remodel Includes

The mayor showed the planned layout and explained that the front entrance will be adjusted to include a covered outdoor seating area.

Inside, the building is expected to include:

• Library area
• Community room space
• A white boxed retail or shop space
• Potential future coffee shop, retail shop, or similar small business

The white boxed area will require a separate process later before any tenant is selected.

Library Discussion

Council asked about the library space.

Mayor Edwards said he plans to speak with the Bentonville Library about whether they might be interested in some type of satellite presence or book drop option.

Ideas mentioned included:

• A small satellite library concept
• A book return box
• Allowing residents to reserve books through Bentonville Library and pick them up locally
• A sharing library if a formal library option does not move forward

No final decision was made on the library concept.

The goal for the remodel is completion by December 31.

What this means for residential real estate

This is a downtown activation item.

Old City Hall sits in a key part of Centerton’s older core.

Turning it into a more useful public space with library access, community gathering space, outdoor seating, and possible small retail helps create the kind of everyday destination that makes a city feel more complete.

For homeowners, these spaces matter because they affect quality of life and community identity.

For buyers, especially relocating buyers, downtown activity and public amenities can help a place feel more established.

Resolution 2026-17

Creating a Centerton Youth Council

Council approved creating a Youth Council committee.

Mayor Edwards explained that a student from Haas Hall had been working with the city on the idea for several months.

The plan is for the Youth Council to meet monthly and include no more than 15 students.

The city intends to reach out to schools including Life Way, Bentonville West, and Haas Hall for potential student participants.

There is no city funding required for the Youth Council.

Students may also attend City Council meetings as part of the program.

Outcome

Approved unanimously among members present.

Why this matters

This is a long term civic investment.

Getting young people involved in local government helps them understand how decisions get made, why city meetings matter, and how they can have a voice.

For a fast growing city, that matters.

The next generation should not just inherit Centerton’s growth.

They should understand it.

Resolution 2026-18

Agreement with Schuber Mitchell Homes for CP Rakes Road Improvements

Council approved an agreement with Schuber Mitchell Homes for roadway improvements on CP Rakes Road, near The Pines Phase 7.

City Engineer Alan Craighead explained that the subdivision design required half street improvements.

The developer is doing the full half street improvement on its side, including curb and gutter for drainage.

But that would leave a new strip of asphalt beside gravel.

The concern was that the road would not hold up well if only part of it was improved, since drivers would naturally use the new asphalt and the edge could get beaten up quickly.

So the city and developer worked out a cost share to pave the other half of the road.

The city attorney still needed to review final language, so the approval was contingent on legal review.

Josie Reed abstained because of a relationship with Schuber Mitchell.

Outcome

Approved, with Josie Reed abstaining.

What this means for homeowners

Road improvements are one of the most practical parts of growth.

When subdivisions are built next to older or rural roads, the transition from gravel to paved streets, half street improvements, drainage, and maintenance responsibility can get complicated.

This agreement is meant to make the road more functional and durable instead of leaving a patchwork condition.

For nearby residents and future homeowners, that matters because road quality affects daily life, access, drainage, and neighborhood perception.

Resolution 2026-19

Firefighter Physical Services

Council approved an agreement with Northwest Hospitals LLC for physical services for the Centerton Fire Department.

These are annual physicals for firefighters.

The physicals cost a little over $900 each and are detailed.

The mayor explained that the cost is budgeted, but because the total amount gets close to the mayor’s spending limit, it was brought to council for approval.

Outcome

Approved unanimously among members present.

What this means for residents

Firefighter health is public safety infrastructure.

A strong fire department is not just trucks and buildings.

It is people.

Making sure firefighters receive detailed physicals supports readiness, health, safety, and long term service quality.

That affects every resident.

Employee Leave Policies

Council approved updates to the Employees Helping Employees policy and emergency leave policies.

The discussion focused partly on military related absences.

The city is seeing more military activity and training needs, and the policy update allows an employee to use up to 12 hours per week of sick time to help cover employee paid benefits during qualifying military related leave.

If the employee does not have their own time available, they may be able to request help through the Employees Helping Employees program.

The city would continue covering its portion of benefits.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

Why this matters

This is a staff support item.

It helps the city be more prepared when employees are called away for military training or similar circumstances.

In a growing city, employee retention and support matter because city services depend on having people in place to do the work.

Surplus Public Works Vehicles

Council approved surplusing four Public Works vehicles.

The vehicles listed on the agenda included:

• 2010 Chevy 1500
• 2012 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2017 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2001 Ford F-450

The mayor explained that Public Works received new trucks that were already in the budget, and these older, high mileage vehicles are ready to be sold or otherwise handled as surplus.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

Surplus Fire Department Equipment

Council also approved surplusing Fire Department air packs and other equipment.

The equipment is no longer serviceable for Centerton’s needs, but some smaller fire departments may still be able to use parts or equipment.

The discussion included the possibility of donating usable surplus items to smaller nearby departments that may not have the same funding.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

Why this matters

This is good stewardship.

If equipment no longer works for Centerton but can still help a smaller department, that is better than throwing it away.

It also reflects the regional nature of emergency services.

Communities around us often support one another.

Grimsley Junior High School Resource Officer Position

Council discussed a School Resource Officer position for Grimsley Junior High for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

The Police Chief explained that Bentonville Schools approached Centerton about filling the Grimsley SRO role.

The position is currently filled by a county deputy, but the Sheriff’s Office will not continue filling that spot.

Two Centerton officers had applied and were expected to interview with the school.

If one is selected, the Police Department would lose that officer from patrol unless an additional position is approved.

The city would be compensated for the SRO time during school hours, including salary, benefits, and some vehicle sharing costs.

The city would still absorb costs during breaks and summer.

Council ultimately approved adding a position so patrol staffing is not reduced if Centerton fills the Grimsley SRO role.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

Additional School Safety Discussion

Council also asked about Gamble Elementary.

The Police Chief explained that Centerton does not currently have an SRO at Gamble because that is Bentonville Schools’ choice. He said the department would staff one there if the district allowed it.

He also said every day shift officer is required to get out and walk that school daily.

What this means for homeowners

School safety and police staffing matter deeply to families.

Adding the ability to cover Grimsley without reducing patrol helps protect both school safety and general city coverage.

For residential real estate, strong public safety and school support are part of what makes a community attractive to families.

McKissic Station Park Swing Set

Council approved the purchase of a swing set for McKissic Station Park.

The mayor explained that the cost is above his spending limit, so council approval was needed.

The funds will come from the parks bond.

The swing set will connect to the existing bear playground area and be located north of it.

The plan includes extending the border around the playground area and adding shade over the swings to mimic the existing playground shade structures.

The mayor said the area gets heavy use, and it will likely get even busier once the splash pad opens.

There was also discussion that the second bridge on Allen will eventually replace the wooden bridge, and concrete stairs have already been added so people can walk down to the splash pad area without walking through the creek.

The swing set has an estimated 8 to 10 week lead time, with installation after that.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

What this means for residential real estate

Parks matter.

They are one of the most visible quality of life amenities for families.

Small park improvements add up over time, especially in a city with so many young families and new neighborhoods.

For buyers, parks and playgrounds help a city feel livable.

For homeowners, they strengthen neighborhood appeal.

Temporary Planning Assistant Position

Council approved a temporary Planning Assistant position at $17 per hour.

The city has a policy allowing temporary help at $15 per hour, but the mayor and Planning Director Lorene Burns requested $17 due to the duties involved.

The temporary help is needed while someone in the Planning Department is on leave, with the time period discussed as July through December 31.

The mayor said the person has city experience and has worked in another department before.

The budget impact is expected to be about $2,000 and can be absorbed within the Planning Department budget.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

Why this matters

Planning staff workload matters in a fast growing city.

Every rezone, plat, conditional use, development plan, code update, and public meeting depends on staff capacity.

If the Planning Department falls behind, development review slows, public communication suffers, and applicants and residents get frustrated.

Temporary staffing is not flashy, but it keeps the process moving.

Vehicle Related Charges

Council approved writing off $466 in vehicle related charges.

The mayor explained that the city had tried to collect the amount and that some of the individuals involved no longer work for the city.

Outcome

Approved unanimously.

Other Business

Pantry, Nonprofit Use of City Property, and Possible Future Policy

During other business, council discussed an email related to a pantry at Cornerstone or Cornerwood Park and whether there should be clearer rules around nonprofit items on city property.

The mayor explained that the pantry has been in the park for about five years and was originally donated to the city by a resident.

The city had maintained it at first, then Centerton Cares began helping promote, stock, and maintain it.

There has been some recent vandalism, and the pantry was described as closed at the time of the discussion.

The larger issue was not just one pantry.

The city also has other community boxes and projects on city property, including book boxes, a gift box type project, and Boy Scout projects.

The city attorney suggested the city may need some type of policy or ordinance for how nonprofits or community groups place and maintain items on city property.

The concern is that while many nonprofits do good work, the city needs consistent criteria so it is not handling requests informally as the community grows.

Council also discussed whether there could be an appearance issue because Wendy Henson is associated with Centerton Cares. She stated she is not compensated, is not a voting member of the board, and that the pantry predates her time on council.

The issue was sent to the Municipal League for input, and the city may bring back a policy later.

Why this matters

This is a governance item.

As Centerton grows, informal arrangements become harder to manage.

A clear policy can help the city support helpful community projects while also protecting fairness, consistency, and public trust.

Vandalism and Flock Cameras

The pantry discussion led into vandalism and cameras.

The Police Chief explained that the live view Flock cameras are still not fully operational.

Power has been connected, and Flock has been notified, but the city is still waiting on final installation steps.

The mayor and council discussed whether temporary camera options could help with vandalism, but no formal action was taken.

Downtown Study and Coffee with the Mayor

The next Coffee with the Mayor was announced for June 13 at 9 AM at the Community Building, 290 North Main Street.

This one is expected to include public input for the downtown study.

Mayor Edwards encouraged council members to help spread the word and said they want a good crowd.

Why this matters for homeowners

This is one to watch.

The downtown study could shape future commercial activity, public spaces, walkability, housing patterns, and investment around Centerton’s core.

Public input matters now because these plans influence what kind of place Centerton becomes later.

FUSE Corps Update

Council asked about the FUSE Corps fellowship process.

Mayor Edwards said the city had a recent call and that FUSE is starting the recruiting process.

They have not advertised yet, but the search is expected to be both national and local.

This ties back to the city’s earlier approval of FUSE fellows for economic development and stormwater or floodplain related work.

Recreation Center Update

The mayor also gave an update on the Recreation Center.

He said the city has ADH approval and that the project team’s goal is to start July 1.

The project will be allowed to move concurrently with upgrades to the collection system because it is expected to be about a 500 day build.

The city is also planning road improvements tied to the project, including sidewalks, widening the road, and adding a turn lane.

The mayor also said he would like to do a groundbreaking event so the community can come out and celebrate the start.

What this means for residential real estate

The Recreation Center is one of Centerton’s biggest quality of life projects.

It will not be finished immediately, but movement toward construction is a major milestone.

For homeowners, amenities like this can strengthen community appeal.

For buyers, especially families, recreation options matter.

GoGov Update

Council asked about the GoGov city app.

The mayor said setup is underway and that it may take about 90 days.

There is still behind the scenes work and training to complete.

This app is expected to improve how residents receive city updates.

Sewer and Decatur Update

Council also asked for a sewer update.

Staff said developers had been notified after the April 27 special meeting.

ADH has been sending letters with contingencies, and approvals are moving forward.

There was also discussion about Decatur and the appeal related to the sewer issue.

The understanding shared at the meeting was that the appeal request was for a hearing and did not ask for a stay, so it was not expected to stop the current projects from moving.

Council asked about Decatur’s remaining expansion work, including membrane related work, and staff said they could ask for more information at the next Water and Sewer Commission meeting.

There was also discussion about the red sewer project.

The city has awarded the contract and is waiting on ARDOT approval before construction can start.

Once ARDOT gives the go ahead, the project is estimated at 12 to 15 months.

What this means for residential real estate

Sewer is still the quiet driver behind a lot of Centerton’s housing market.

Even when it is not the main agenda item, it affects:

• Which projects can move forward
• How quickly subdivisions can connect
• When builders can start
• Whether permits rebound
• Future inventory
• Pricing pressure
• Commercial and community projects

The good news is that capacity letters are moving and projects are being coordinated.

The hard part is that infrastructure still takes time.

My Takeaways for Centerton Homeowners

This meeting had several residential takeaways.

1. Basic city services are being stabilized

The solid waste contract was finally approved.

That may not be exciting, but every household depends on it.

2. Crystal Cove cleanup protects future owners

The amended plats for Crystal Cove Phase 2 and Phase 3 help align setbacks, zoning, and plat details.

Those details matter for townhome construction, fences, easements, and long term homeowner expectations.

3. Small scale commercial transitions are continuing

The Wieneke property on D Street moved from residential to neighborhood commercial.

This could support small business activity near the Centerton Boulevard corridor, but nearby residents will want to watch future site design, traffic, parking, lighting, drainage, and buffering.

4. Old City Hall is becoming more useful

The remodel of 290 North Main Street could bring new life to an important city owned building.

A library concept, community space, outdoor seating, and possible small retail or coffee shop use all support the larger downtown conversation.

5. Public safety remains a major priority

Firefighter physicals, SRO staffing, daily school walkthroughs, and emergency response praise all point to the same thing:

Centerton is investing in people and systems that keep residents safe.

6. Parks keep improving

The swing set at McKissic Station Park is a smaller item, but it will be very visible to families.

Quality of life improvements like this matter.

7. Sewer is still shaping the market

Building permits are down, but capacity releases and sewer coordination may help projects move again over time.

This will continue to affect future inventory, new construction timelines, and market pressure.

8. Downtown planning is entering a public input phase

Coffee with the Mayor on June 13 will include downtown study input.

That is a big opportunity for residents to weigh in on what Centerton’s core should become.

What This Means for Residential Real Estate

This meeting was a great reminder that residential real estate is not just about listings.

It is also about:

• Trash service
• Public safety
• Parks
• Roads
• Plat details
• Zoning transitions
• Downtown planning
• Sewer capacity
• City staffing
• School safety
• Community gathering spaces
• How well the city communicates with residents

All of those things affect how people experience living here.

They influence buyer demand.
They influence neighborhood appeal.
They influence long term property value.
They influence how Centerton grows from here.

That is why I keep watching these meetings.

Because the decisions that shape the market usually happen before most people see them in a listing, a showing, or a sales price.

Let’s Talk Strategy

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Centerton, or if you want to understand how nearby development, infrastructure, city services, or downtown planning could affect your home’s value or future plans, let’s talk.

I follow the details so you do not have to.

Allie Verdery, The Blue Haired Broker
Centerton Luxury Real Estate Advisor
Engel & Völkers Bentonville

314.517.3196
allie.verdery@evrealestate.com
thebluehairedbroker.com

Bookmark the blog and check back after the next meeting. I’ll keep translating City Council into real world real estate context.