[1. CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:05]
W OULD YOU ALL IN THE ORANGE SHIRTS LIKE TO COME UP? I DID GET THE MESSAGE ON THE ORANGE SHIRT. WELL, WE WANT TO WELCOME OUR VISITORS TONIGHT.
AND I THINK IN A WEEK OR SO, WE HAVE A BIG EVENT PLANNED FOR MOMS DEMAND ACTION.
AND SO, LET ME PRESENT THIS PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS.
I DON'T KNOW WHO THAT IS, BUT IT'S NOT ME. WHEREAS EVERY DAY, 125 PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES ARE KILLED BY GUN VIOLENCE, AND MORE THAN 260 ARE SHOT AND WOUNDED, WITH AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 19,000 GUN HOMICIDES EVERY YEAR.
AND WHEREAS PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES ARE 26 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE BY GUN HOMICIDE THAN PEOPLE IN OTHER HIGH INCOME COUNTRIES, AND WHEREAS ARKANSAS HAS 658 GUN DEATHS EVERY YEAR, WITH A RATE OF 21.8 DEATHS PER 100,000 PEOPLE.
THAT'S A LOT OF MATH FOR ME, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT Y'ALL.
A CRISIS THAT COSTS THE STATE $8.2 BILLION EACH YEAR, OF WHICH $181.4 MILLION IS PAID BY TAXPAYERS.
TAXPAYERS. ARKANSAS HAS THE 10TH HIGHEST RATE OF GUN DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES.
AND WHEREAS GUN HOMICIDES AND ASSAULTS ARE CONCENTRATED IN CITIES WITH MORE THAN HALF OF ALL GUN HOMICIDES IN THE NATION OCCURRING IN 42 CITIES. AND WHEREAS COUNTIES ACROSS THE NATION, INCLUDING IN PULASKI COUNTY, ARE WORKING TO END THE SENSELESS VIOLENCE WITH EVIDENCE BASED SOLUTIONS. AND WHEREAS SUPPORT FOR THE SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF LAW ABIDING CITIZENS GOES HAND IN HAND WITH KEEPING GUNS AWAY FROM THOSE WHO ARE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. AND WHEREAS PULASKI COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL VIOLENCE INTERVENTION ACTIVISTS AND RESOURCES WHO KNOW THEIR COMMUNITIES BEST ARE THE MOST FAMILIAR WITH LOCAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AND HOW TO ADDRESS IT AND OUR BEST POSITION TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO KEEP THEIR CITIZENS SAFE.
AND WHEREAS WE ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO WEAR ORANGE ON JUNE 6TH, THE FIRST FRIDAY IN JUNE OF 2025 TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE. AND WHEREAS, BY WEARING ORANGE ON JUNE 6TH, 2025, PEOPLE ACROSS THE UNITED STATES WILL RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE AND HONOR THE LIVES OF GUN VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS.
NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE MOTION OF PULASKI COUNTY JUDGE BARRY HYDE, THE COUNTY OF PULASKI OFFICIALLY DECLARES THE FIRST FRIDAY IN JUNE TO BE NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY IN PULASKI COUNTY TO HONOR AND REMEMBER ALL VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF GUN VIOLENCE, AND TO DECLARE THAT WE AS A NATION AND COUNTRY MUST DO MORE TO END THIS PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS.
[00:05:16]
CALL TO ORDER OUR MAY QUORUM COURT MEETING FOR PULASKI COUNTY, AND I WANT TO WELCOME ALL OF OUR GUESTS AND WELCOME OUR DIRECTORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES OF THE COUNTY ESPECIALLY.WE HAVE A LARGE CONTINGENT OUT OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND DETENTION TONIGHT.
SO WELCOME EVERYONE AND WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE INVOCATION, AS IS OUR TRADITION FROM JUSTICE PERSON.
AND THEN JUSTICE LEWISON WILL LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
SO IF YOU'RE ABLE TO PLEASE STAND AND JOIN US IN THE INVOCATION.
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING US HERE TOGETHER TO DO THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNTY.
THESE BLESSINGS WE ASK IN YOUR NAME. AMEN. AMEN.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
MADAM CLERK , WHEN YOU'RE READY, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? HELLO? ALL RIGHT.
15 PRESENT, ZERO ABSENT. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
MEMBERS, IN YOUR PACKET YOU RECEIVED LAST WEEK, OR?
[5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES]
WELL, I GUESS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LAST WEEK. YOU SHOULD HAVE HAD THE MINUTES FROM OUR APRIL MEETING, AND HOPEFULLY YOU'VE HAD TIME TO LOOK OVER THEM. WHEN YOU'RE READY, I'LL ACCEPT A MOTION TO ADOPT.SO MOVED. SECOND. YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION. YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS FROM THE MINUTES FOR LAST MONTH'S MEETING? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? NO. THANK YOU. AND, MADAM CLERK , NOW READ FOR US THE COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE AGENDA.
[6. COMMITTEE REPORT: Agenda Committee ]
MAY 27TH, 2025. TO THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE PULASKI COUNTY QUORUM COURT.WE, YOUR COMMITTEE OF THE AGENDA TO WHOM WAS REFERRED ITEMS 25-I-29, 25-I-30, 25-I-31, 25-I-32, 25-I- 33, 25-I-34, 25-I-35, 25-I-36, 25-I-37, 25-I-38 BEG LEAVE TO REPORT WE'VE HAD THE SAME UNDER CONSIDERATION.
AND HEREWITH RETURN THE SAME WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF DO PASS.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, CURTIS A., KEITH, CHAIR.
THANK YOU. NOW THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT REPORT. MR.
[7. LEGISLATIVE AUDIT REPORT: Mr. Mike Hutchens, Comptroller]
HUTCHENS, YOU WANT TO GIVE US THAT REPORT? PLEASE USE A MICROPHONE.I'M TALKING ABOUT MR. HUTCHENS AT THAT TABLE, THANK YOU.
SORRY. THIS IS A PRETTY QUICK REPORT. WE HAVE NO FINDINGS, SO.
I GUESS IT WAS. THIS IS GOING TO BE . NO, THIS IS FOR 23.
GREAT. NO. THANK YOU, MIKE. MADAM CLERK , I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY
[00:10:05]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS. OKAY. NOT THAT YOU'RE AWARE OF EITHER? NOT THAT I'M AWARE AS WELL. OK, WE'LL MOVE ON TO NEW BUSINESS, AND WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE, WILL YOU READ FOR US RESOLUTION 25-I? DID WE HEAR THE. I UNDERSTAND. DID WE HEAR THE COMMITTEE REPORT? IF WE DID, IT WENT SMOOTH OVER MY HEAD. I THINK SO.I'M SORRY. OKAY. SORRY, JUDGE. MADAM CLERK , PLEASE READ FOR US NOW
[25-I-29 A RESOLUTION OF THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY TO REAPPOINT MR. DWIGHT HARSHAW TO THE PULASKI COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION FOR A THREE YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE MAY 2028.]
RESOLUTION 25-I-29. TO REAPPOINT MR. DWIGHT HARSHAW TO THE PULASKI COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION FOR A THREE YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE MAY 2028.JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. YOU HEARD THE MOTION, YOU HEARD THE SECOND.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING RESOLUTION 25-I-29.
THERE BEING NONE. MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 25-I-29.
MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. MISS YOUNG-BAKER.
YES. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON ? AYE. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS DAVIS? YES. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU PASSED YOUR RESOLUTION AND MEMBERS THAT MOVES US INTO ORDINANCES.
[24-I-60B AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE FINDINGS OF THE COUNTY-WIDE LAND USE STUDY AND PLAN FOR THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS.]
AND SO, MADAM CLERK , WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE READ FOR US FOR THE THIRD AND FINAL READING, ORDINANCE 24-I-60B. AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE FINDINGS OF THE COUNTY-WIDE LAND USE STUDY AND PLAN FOR THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS.JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. YOU´VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.
ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING 24-I-60B? MR. STOWERS, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED. THANK YOU, SIR.
MY VOTE THIS EVENING ON THIS ITEM WILL BE A REFLECTION OF THE MANY CONVERSATIONS THAT I'VE HAD OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS WITH THE CONSTITUENTS IN MY DISTRICT, BOTH IN PUBLIC FORUMS WHERE MANY OF US HAVE BEEN THERE, AS WELL AS ONE ON ONE CONVERSATIONS CONCERNING THIS PROPOSED LAND USE PLAN. THE MAJORITY OF DISTRICT 13 THAT I HAVE THE HONOR TO REPRESENT IS UNINCORPORATED, AND I'VE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR FROM MY RURAL CONSTITUENTS THAT THEY CHOOSE TO LIVE OUT IN THE COUNTRY, AS MY GRANDPA USED TO CALL IT.
THEY EMPHATICALLY DO NOT WANT THE GOVERNMENT PLANNING THE USE OF THEIR PROPERTY FOR THEM.
THE LAND USE PLAN, EVEN ITSELF, SPEAKS TO THIS RESISTANCE IN THE NORTH QUADRANT OF THE COUNTY.
AND IF I WAS WALKING IN A VOTING BOOTH AND CLOSING A CURTAIN, VOTING ONLY ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND NOT 27,000 PEOPLE, MY VOTE MAY BE DIFFERENT. HOWEVER, I'VE DONE MY BEST TO ASCERTAIN THE WILL OF THE ELECTORATE IN DISTRICT 13, AND MY VOTE THIS EVENING IS A REFLECTION OF WHAT I DISCERN TO BE THE GENERAL CONSENSUS OF THE UNINCORPORATED CONSTITUENTS IN DISTRICT 13.
AND WITH THAT I YIELD, JUDGE. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SEEING NONE. MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 24-I 60-B.
MISS DAVIS? NO. CAPPS? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES.
MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON ? YES. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? AYE. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS WARD? NO. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MR. ROBINSON? NO. MR.
[00:15:08]
MCCOY? NO. MR. STOWERS? NO. MR. ELLIOT? YES. MISS MEDLOCK? NO.NINE AYES, SIX NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE.
MADAM CLERK NOW, WHEN YOU'RE READY, READ FOR US, PLEASE. 25-I-30.
[25-I-30 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE 8TH AND 10TH DIVISION CIRCUIT COURTS’ AOC COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) GRANTS.]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET.PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE 8TH AND 10TH DIVISION CIRCUIT COURTS´ AOC COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) GRANTS. JUSTICE PERSON YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. HEARD THE MOTION. DO I HEAR A SECOND? SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-30? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-30.
MISS MEDLOCK? STOWERS? YES. MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE.
MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. CAPPS? YES. MISS DAVIS? YES. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU AGAIN, MADAM CLERK .
JUSTICE PERSON, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 25-I-30.
AND NOW LET'S KEEP MOVING, M ADAM CLERK WITH 25-I-31.
[25-I-31 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE 8TH AND 10TH DIVISION CIRCUIT COURTS’ AOC JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANTS. ]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET.PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE 8TH AND 10TH DIVISION CIRCUIT COURTS, AOC JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANTS. JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 25-I-31? MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-31.
MISS DAVIS? YES. MISS CAPPS? YES. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON ? YES. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? AYE. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE.
MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. ELLIOT? YES. MISS MEDLOCK. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK . AND JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 25-I-31.
THANK YOU. JUSTICE STOWERS, I'M SORRY, I'M AHEAD OF MYSELF.
MADAM CLERK , PLEASE READ FOR US NOW ORDINANCE 25-I-32.
[25-I-32 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE CONTINGENCY FUNDS (FUND 1807) FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES IN THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 2025 (ANNUAL BUDGET.PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE CONTINGENCY FUNDS (FUND 1807) FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES IN THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. JUSTICE STOWERS, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? MOVE THE ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ON ORDINANCE 25-I-32? MADAM CLERK, THERE BEING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-32.
MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON ? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS DAVIS? YES. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
THE ONLY RECORD RECORDS IF IT CAN HEAR YOU. I APPRECIATE THAT, THANK YOU.
NOW, MADAM CLERK , READ FOR US, PLEASE, ORDINANCE 25-I-33.
[25-I-33 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 17-OR-12 AS AMENDED (PULASKI COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY) TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE COUNTY’S APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM FOR VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS.]
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 17-OR-12 AS AMENDED (PULASKI COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY) TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE COUNTY'S APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM FOR VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS. JUSTICE ROBINSON, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION?[00:20:05]
MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING 25-I-33? MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-I-33.MISS DAVIS? YES. MISS CAPS? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? AYE. MR . KEITH? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? AYE. MR . ROBINSON? AYE.
MR . MCCOY? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. ELLIOT? YES. MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
[25-I-34 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS FOR THE CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT.]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS FOR THE CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT. JUSTICE ROBINSON, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION OR QUESTIONS CONCERNING 25-I-34? MADAM CLERK , THERE BEING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-I-34.
MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? AYE. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS DAVIS? YES. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
JUSTICE ROBINSON, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE. AND WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE, MADAM CLERK ,
[25-I-35 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE ACT 442 911 RURAL ENHANCEMENT GRANT FUNDS FOR THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.]
WILL YOU PLEASE READ 25-I-35. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET.PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE ACT 442 911 RURAL ENHANCEMENT GRANT FUNDS FOR THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
JUSTICE DAVIS, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION? MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. YOU'VE HEAR THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 25-I-35? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-I-35.
MISS DAVIS? YES. MISS CAPS? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? AYE. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE.
MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
JUSTICE DAVIS, YOU'VE PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 25-I-35 AND, MADAM CLERK, READ FOR US WHEN YOU'RE READY,
[25-I-36 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 17-OR-12 (PULASKI COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY) AS AMENDED, TO CREATE EXEMPTIONS FOR THE HIRING OF CRITICAL PUBLIC SAFETY POSITIONS.]
ORDINANCE 25-I-36. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 17-OR-12 (PULASKI COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY) AS AMENDED, TO CREATE EXEMPTIONS FOR THE HIRING OF CRITICAL PUBLIC SAFETY POSITIONS.JUSTICE BLACKWOOD, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THAT MOTION.
MOVE FOR ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD A SECOND.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 25-I-36? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-I-36.
MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? ABSTAIN. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS DAVIS? YES. 14 AYES, ONE ABSTENTION. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK AND JUSTICE BLACKWOOD, YOU PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE.
MADAM CLERK , WHEN YOU'RE READY NOW, PLEASE READ FOR US ORDINANCE 25-I-37.
[25-I-37 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE CONTINGENCY FUNDS (FUND 1807) FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES FOR THE SHERIFF’S DETENTION AND ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS. ]
AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE CONTINGENCY FUNDS (FUND[00:25:04]
1807) FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES FOR THE SHERIFF'S DETENTION AND ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS.JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.
YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU HEARD THE MOTION, YOU HEARD THE SECOND.
ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE 25-I-37.
THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK , CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-37.
JUSTICE DAVIS? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? AYE. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MR. ROBINSON? ABSTAIN.
MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. ELLIOTT ? YES. MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. 14 AYES, ONE ABSTENTION, ZERO NAYS.
THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK, AND JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU'VE PASSED YOUR ORDINANCE 25-I-38.
MADAM CLERK , PLEASE READ FOR US THE LAST REGULAR ORDINANCE HERE, 25-I-38.
[25-I-38 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS) TO APPROPRIATE CONTINGENCY FUNDS (FUND 1807) FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES FOR THE SHERIFF’S DETENTION AND ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS.]
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 24-OR-41 (2025 ANNUAL BUDGET.JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU´RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.
YES, I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND. ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON 25-I-38? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK , CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 25-I-38.
MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. YOUNG-BAKER? MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE.
MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES . MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS DAVIS? ABSTAIN.
14 AYES, ONE ABSTENTION, ZERO NAYS. JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU NOW HAVE PASSED 25-I-38 AS WELL. MEMBERS, WE HAVE A LATE FILING, SO I THINK EVERYBODY'S AWARE OF THAT.
IT TAKES TEN VOTES, NON-DEBATABLE. I WILL ACCEPT A MOTION IF I CAN GET ONE.
MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. MOTION? DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE APPROVAL.
YOU KNOW WHAT? WELL, NO. GO AHEAD AND CALL THE ROLL.
LET'S GET IT ON THE RECORD. OKAY. MISS DAVIS? NO. MISS CAPPS? AYE. LEWISON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? ABSTAIN. MR. KEITH? YES.
WARD ? YES. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. MR. MCCOY? NO. MR. STOWERS? NO. MR. ELLIOTT? NO. MISS MEDLOCK? AYE.
TEN AYES, FOUR NAYS, ONE ABSTAIN. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
MEMBERS, WE'VE ACCEPTED THE LATE FILINGS. I'M GOING TO TAKE SOMETHING OUT OF ORDER.
[Additional Item 1]
IT´S A RESOLUTION? THE RESOLUTION I'M ASKING YOU TO READ, 25-I-40, IT'S A RESOLUTION. THE QUORUM COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, AUTHORIZING THE PULASKI COUNTY JUDGE TO SUBMIT[00:30:03]
AN APPLICATION TO THE ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR AN ARKANSAS COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANT.OKAY. MR. KEITH, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR THE MOTION.
MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR RESOLUTION 25I-40? ARE YOU TRYING TO ASK A QUESTION? MADAM. CAPPS.
NATALIE, I WAS GOING TO GET THERE. I WAS GOING TO GET THERE.
COULD WE JUST HAVE A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RESOLUTION? I THINK THERE'S WE WOULD APPRECIATE THAT. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION? YES. THE ARKANSAS STATE AEDC CAME OUT WITH A GRANT OFFERING OF TEN $1.5 MILLION GRANTS FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMUNITIES.
AND IT'S FAIRLY BROAD AND WE WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY AND ALL GRANTS THAT WE CAN.
AND SO WE WANT TO HURRY TO THE FINISH LINE AND GET THAT THAT APPLICATION IN.
AND I HAVE NOT SEEN THE DETAILS OF THE GRANT YET, BUT I ANTICIPATE, AS MANY DO, A RESOLUTION OF THE COURT IS NOT REQUIRED, IS CERTAINLY ADVISED TO ACCOMPANY THAT GRANT.
AND THAT'S SIGNALING THAT IF WE´RE AWARDED THE GRANT WE'LL COME UP WITH THE MATCH MONEY.
T HE MATCH MONEY WOULD BE $300,000. THANK YOU, I YIELD.
RESOLUTION, JUDGE. YES. I'M SORRY? RESOLUTION, NOT ORDINANCE.
I CALLED IT AN ORDINANCE AGAIN? [LAUGHTER]. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GET ME OUT OF HERE QUICK.
C ALL THE ROLL FOR 25-I-40, A RESOLUTION. MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR . ELLIOTT? YES. STOWERS? YES.
MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS DAVIS? YES. 15 AYES, ZERO NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
JUSTICE KEITH, YOU PASSED YOUR RESOLUTION 25-I-40.
AND NOW, MADAM CLERK , WHEN YOU'RE READY, PLEASE READ FOR US ORDINANCE 25-I-39.
[Additional Item 2]
AN ORDINANCE ZONING. I'M SORRY. AN ORDINANCE ZONING THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS TO REQUIRE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OF A FIRING RANGE OR OTHER SHOOTING FACILITY.JUSTICE YOUNG-BAKER, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION.
I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION. SECOND. HEARD THE MOTION.
ARE THERE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON THIS ORDINANCE? JUDGE. WHO IS FIRST? JUSTICE STOWERS YOU'RE RECOGNIZED.
THANK YOU, SIR. I BELIEVE THAT MAYOR MARY JO HEYE-TOWNSELL FROM THE CITY OF SHERWOOD IS HERE WITH US THIS EVENING AND I'M ASKING THAT YOU WOULD ALLOW HER TO APPROACH AND GIVE US THE PERSPECTIVE ON THIS FROM THE CITY OF SHERWOOD.
SO I'M AHEAD OF MYSELF ONCE AGAIN. SO WE'LL HOLD ON THAT.
THERE'S AN AMENDMENT THAT COMES WITH THIS ORDINANCE.
AND BEFORE WE HEAR THE ORDINANCE, WE MUST TAKE UP THE AMENDMENT.
SO, MADAM CLERK , PLEASE READ FOR ME, NOW THAT WE'VE READ THE ORDINANCE, READ FOR ME THE AMENDMENT.
DID YOU FIND ALL THAT IN YOUR PACKAGE? YES, I DID, THANK YOU.
ADJUSTMENTS SHOULD DO A BETTER JOB OF PUTTING THAT TOGETHER FOR YOU, I AGREE.
I AGREE, JUDGE. AN ORDINANCE ZONING THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS TO REQUIRE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OR OPERATION OF A FIRING RANGE OR OTHER SHOOTING FACILITY.
JUSTICE YOUNG-BAKER, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED FOR A MOTION TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE.
THE AMENDMENT, JUDGE . THE AMENDMENT. I MOVE.
I NEED SOMEBODY TO COME SIT NEXT TO ME. HOLD MY HAND, PLEASE.
I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. SECOND.
[00:35:01]
YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING THE AMENDMENT FOR 25-I-39? THERE BEING NONE, MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OR ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT FOR ORDINANCE 25-I-39.
MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MR. STOWERS? NO. MCCOY? PRESENT.
MR. ROBINSON? AYE. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MISS WARD? YES. MR. KEITH? YES. MISS CURRY? AYE. MISS. MASSEY? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS DAVIS? YES. 13 AYES, ONE NAY, ONE PRESENT. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK . OKAY, MEMBERS, YOU'VE APPROVED THE AMENDMENT FOR ORDINANCE 25-I-39, WHICH WILL FROM HERE ON BE CONSIDERED AS 25-I-39, AS AMENDED.
SO WE'VE ALREADY READ IT. MISS YOUNG-BAKER, CAN I GET A MOTION TO APPROVE 25-I-39, AS AMENDED.
I MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-39 AS AMENDED.
THANK YOU. DO I HEAR A SECOND? SECOND. MEMBERS, YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD THE SECOND.
ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS REGARDING 25-I-39, AS AMENDED? SO ARE YOU TRYING TO GET RECOGNIZED, MR. STOWERS, OR ARE YOU READING? I WAS ASKING TO BE RECOGNIZED. YOU'RE RECOGNIZED, SIR.
THANK YOU. SO WE'VE HAD A LATE ITEM COME BEFORE US IN A HOLIDAY WEEKEND WHEN MOST OF US WERE WITH FAMILY AND DOING THINGS.
AND NOW AN AMENDMENT THAT WE'VE JUST FIRST SEEN TONIGHT WHEN WE GOT HERE THAT I THINK MOST OF US HAVE PROBABLY NOT BEEN ABLE TO READ THROUGH THE ENTIRE THING. I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE REFER THIS ITEM BACK TO THE AGENDA COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
THAT'S MY MOTION. DO I HAVE A SECOND? SECOND? Y OU'VE HEARD A MOTION, YOU'VE HEARD A SECOND.
MADAM CLERK , GO AHEAD AND CALL THE ROLL FOR APPROVAL OF THAT MOTION.
OKAY, JUST ONE SECOND. LET ME FIND THAT. THE MOTION WOULD BE NON-DEBATABLE, WOULDN'T IT? JUSTIN? HE'S READING. I THINK THAT MOTION IS NOT DEBATABLE.
IT'S NOT DEBATABLE. MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THAT MOTION.
CAN THE MOTION BE RESTATED? YEAH. THE MOTION WAS TO REFER ITEM 25-I-39, AS AMENDED BACK TO THE AGENDA COMMITTEE. THANK YOU MA'AM.
YOU GUYS READY? ALL RIGHT. MISS DAVIS? YES. MISS CAPPS? NO. MISS LEWISON? NO. MISS BLACKWOOD? NO. MR. PERSON? NO. MISS MASSEY? NO. MISS CURRY? AYE.
MR. KEITH? NO. WARD? NO. MISS YOUNG-BAKER? NO.
MR. ROBINSON? NO. MR. MCCOY? YES. MR. STOWERS? YES. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MISS MEDLOCK? NO.
FIVE AYES, TEN NAYS. THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK .
THAT TAKES US BACK TO QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING THE PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE 25-I-39? YOUR MOTION TO RETURN IT TO AGENDA HAS BEEN DENIED.
I PRESSED MY BUTTON. I'M SORRY? I PRESSED MY BUTTON, DID YOU GET IT? WELL, YOU GOT TO WAVE YOUR HAND AT ME. THIS IS HIGH TECH ELECTRONICS HERE.
[00:40:06]
AND THEY DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS GOING TO OCCUR.SO THAT'S WHAT MY VOTE WILL BE REFLECTIVE OF.
I APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT, MA'AM. OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON THIS SIDE? QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? MISTER MCCOY, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED.
THANK YOU, JUDGE. SORT OF LIKE PHIL STOLE SOME OF MY THUNDER, BUT WE GOT THIS ITEM ON THURSDAY, THAT'S WHEN I BECAME FIRST CHANCE I HAD A CHANCE TO BE AWARE OF IT.
IF, IN THE EVENT THAT WE WERE DOING THE PREVIOUS ITEM, A GRANT FOR PROVIDENCE PARK, SO FORTH.
NO ONE'S CALLED ME TO OPPOSE IT. THERE'S BEEN NO CONTROVERSY ABOUT IT WHATSOEVER.
I'M NOT PICKING SIDES NECESSARILY, BUT I THINK THIS PROCESS IS MOVING REALLY, REALLY FAST.
SO I WOULD LIKE US TO VOTE THIS MEASURE DOWN TODAY AND HAVE MORE TIME TO FIGURE IT OUT.
I KNOW SOME OF US WOULD CLAIM THAT, WELL, THE PROCESS THAT WAS TAKEN WASN'T FAIR, WASN'T TRANSPARENT, WHATEVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT. THIS PROJECT IS NOT GOING TO BE DONE NEXT WEEK.
AND SO I THINK IT'S HASTY TO DO ONE OR THE OTHER ESPECIALLY HASTY ON OUR PART TO ADOPT THIS MEASURE, THIS ORDINANCE FORCING THE PROJECT TO BE HALTED.
I THINK WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US VOTE THIS DOWN.
IT DOES NOT. IT DOESN'T EVEN SHUT DOWN THE CONSTRUCTION ON THE SHOOTING RANGE.
IT STOPS THE SHOOTING RANGE THAT'S IN BETWEEN THE OLD DUMP AND AN IMPOVERISHED MINORITY NEIGHBORHOOD TO NOT BE OPERATED UNTIL THEY HAVE MET WITH THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, OR PLANNING BOARD.
EXCUSE ME. AND NEGOTIATE THE TERMS O F WHAT THE OPERATION OF SUCH A FACILITY WOULD BE.
JUST TO CLARIFY THAT THIS DOESN'T. LET ME DOUBLE CHECK.
MR. A TTORNEY? AM I RIGHT ABOUT THAT? THIS DOES NOT STOP THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.
CORRECT? THAT'S MY UNDERSTANDING. YES. THANK YOU.
SO, JUDGE, WOULD IT BE CLEAR THEN THAT THE PROJECT CAN PROCEED, BUT IT CANNOT BE USED, IF THIS MEASURE IS ADOPTED TONIGHT? THE PROJECT CAN PROCEED AND IT CAN BE USED IF IT IS COMPLETED.
ACCORDING TO. THE EXCEPTION OF THE EXTERIOR, THE OUTDOOR GUN RANGE LOCATED BETWEEN THE IMPOVERISHED MINORITY NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE OLD DUMP. OKAY BACK TO MY LAST REQUEST, THOUGH, BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY TIME WE'RE GOING TO HEAR THIS ITEM, IT SEEMS LIKE I'D LIKE FOR SOMEONE FROM THE CITY OF SHERWOOD TO COME AND ADDRESS THE I THINK I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT. YEAH, CHIEF, IF YOU COULD, JUDGE, IF THAT'S OKAY? YEAH. THANK YOU. POINT OF ORDER. HANG ON. CHIEF.
YES, SIR. I HAVE A POINT OF ORDER. IF WE'RE GOING TO OPEN UP COMMENTS, ARE WE OPEN UP COMMENTS TO PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS TOPIC? I THINK WHAT WE'LL DO IF THE COURT IS IN AGREEMENT WITH ME IS WE'LL ALLOW ONE PERSON FROM THE FOR AND ONE PERSON FROM THE AGAINST TO COME FORWARD AND TESTIFY.
IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO Y'ALL? IF SHE'S STILL IN THE AUDIENCE. I WOULD LIKE.
SO YOU'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM TWO FOR AND TWO AGAINST, OR YOU'D LIKE THE MAYOR TO SPEAK FOR SHERWOOD? YES. IS THAT CLEAR? ANYBODY? ANYBODY CAN DECIPHER THAT FOR ME? WELL, LET'S GO BACK TO TO ONE PERSON FROM SHERWOOD, AND IF YOU'D LIKE TO PROPOSE THAT IT'S THE MAYOR.
SO I'M FLEXIBLE. I WANT TO BE. I UNDERSTAND, BUT YOU REALIZE THE PROBLEM? THE REASON FOR THAT CAUSE IS THE LACK OF ANY, ANY PUBLIC OUTREACH FOR THIS FACILITY. THIS OUTDOOR GUN RANGE, THERE WASN'T A MEETING CALL,
[00:45:09]
THERE WASN'T A PUBLIC OUTREACH DONE, THERE WASN'T ANYTHING DONE.SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT A SURPRISE THAT'S WAKING UP ONE DAY AND HAVE A GUN RANGE IN YOUR BACKYARD? I AGREE, JUDGE, I WAS SURPRISED ABOUT A LOT OF THIS MEASURE JUST TODAY.
GREAT. MR. CHAIR, I'D LIKE TO ALSO SAY, FOR LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN NOT WITH IT COMING TO US ON THE WEEKEND LIKE IT DID, THERE'S STILL A LOT OF UNKNOWNS THAT WE DIDN'T KNOW.
SO IN ALL FAIRNESS, TO HEAR FROM JUST SOME OF THE PEOPLE.
MR. PERSON? YES, I'M HEARING ABOUT WE DIDN'T KNOW IT'S A LATE FILING.
WELL, WE KIND OF HAMSTRUNG OURSELVES WITH THE ORGANIZATION ORDINANCE GOING FROM 24 HOURS TO 2 HOURS.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE, JUDGE. I'M READY TO HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE.
WELL, GREAT, WELL, WHY DON'T WE DO TWO ON EACH SIDE? OKAY, GREAT. AND WE CAN OPEN IT UP FOR EVERYBODY, I'M OKAY WITH THAT.
I HAD DINNER BEFORE I CAME. THAT WASN'T MY REQUEST.
NO, BUT I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM BOTH SIDES. STEVE, IF YOU'D LIKE TO SPEAK? AND THOSE WHO ARE OPPOSED TO THIS, I SURE WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU'D BE GATHERING AND FIGURING OUT WHO YOU WANT TO SPEAK TO THIS.
THE CHIEF AND THE MAYOR, RIGHT? THE CHIEF AND THE MAYOR. THE CHIEF AND THE MAYOR. THE CHIEF AND THE MAYOR. HOW MANY PEOPLE? MA'AM, SIT DOWN, SIT DOWN. EXCUSE ME? SIT DOWN, I HAVEN'T RECOGNIZED ANY OF YOU YET, OTHER THAN THE CHIEF.
SO MEMBERS OF THE COURT, SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT YOU ALL WANT TO DO.
ARE WE? THE TWO IS FINE, I THINK WE AGREED WITH THAT.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? GREAT. CHIEF, YOU'RE WELCOME TO SPEAK.
WE NORMALLY TRY AND HOLD THESE TO ABOUT THREE MINUTES, AND I'D APPRECIATE IF YOU WOULD DO THE SAME.
AND I'M ASSUMING, MAYOR, THAT YOU ALL ARE FIGURING OUT WHO YOUR OTHER SPEAKER WILL BE.
MY NAME IS JEFF HAGAR, I'M THE CHIEF OF POLICE AT SHERWOOD.
I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU.
SO THIS PROJECT, WE PURCHASED THIS LAND A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.
I'M SORRY. THERE YOU GO. OKAY. AS FAR AS LACK OF COMMUNICATION, THERE WAS NO ILL INTENT IN THAT.
W E WERE NOT AWARE THAT THAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT.
WE HAD, MATTER OF FACT, A MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT IN THAT AREA, AND I WAS ASKED TO COME SPEAK AND EXPLAIN WHAT THE PLANS FOR THE RANGE AND THE USAGE OF THE RANGE WOULD BE. AND I ACCEPTED THAT INVITATION TO GO SPEAK AT THAT.
WE'RE NOT TRYING TO HIDE ANYTHING. SO JUST REALLY QUICKLY, THE PURPOSE OF THIS RANGE, WE HAVE BEEN IN MY TIME AT THE SHERWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT, WE'VE NEVER HAD A RANGE.
WE HAVE TO BEG, BORROW AND STEAL RANGE TIME FROM AGENCIES EVERYWHERE.
FOR YEARS WE DROVE TO CABOT TO SHOOT. WE HAVE TO GO TO WRIGHTSVILLE TO SHOOT AT TIMES.
AND IT'S JUST A BURDEN ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR OUR PEOPLE TO BE OUTSIDE THE CITY.
AND SO WHEN THIS OPPORTUNITY CAME TO PURCHASE THIS LAND THAT WAS CLOSE TO US, AND TO BE ABLE TO BUILD THIS PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY AND ON THE BACKSIDE, BUILD A RANGE, IT SEEMED LIKE A VERY GOOD DEAL FOR US AND A VERY GOOD USE OF THAT LAND THAT'S BEEN SITTING THERE UNINHABITED. THIS IS A RANGE THAT'S GOING TO BE, IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGE.
THIS IS GOING TO BE FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY.
THE PURPOSE OF THE RANGE IS FOR US TO DO THE MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS THAT WE HAVE TO DO EVERY YEAR.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT DAYTIME HOURS. FOUR HOURS A WEEK, MAYBE SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BE, YOU KNOW, GUNFIRE OUT THERE ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. AND WE PLAN TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS. I MEAN, WE PLAN TO GIVE PLENTY OF NOTICE ON IF WE EVER DO ANYTHING THAT'S OUTSIDE OF THOSE TIME LIMITS. WE ARE REQUIRED TO DO A NIGHT FIRE ONCE A YEAR.
[00:50:07]
AND WHEN I SAY REASONABLE HOUR 8:00- 9:00. SO WE'RE NOT DISTURBING ANYBODY ANY LONGER THAN WE HAVE TO, AND THAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THIS RANGE. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BE USED ALL DAY, EVERY DAY.
IT'S JUST FOR THE PURPOSE OF US DOING REQUIRED TRAINING.
I'D BE GLAD TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT ANY OF YOU MIGHT HAVE.
YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU'D LIKE TO ADD FOR THE CHIEF? WELL, I'LL DEFER TO JUSTICE PERSON FIRST. YES, SIR.
CHIEF HAGAR, I JUST HAVE A QUESTION. WAS KENT ROBINSON EVER AN OPTION TO DO YOUR PRACTICE FIRE OR TRAINING? YES, SIR. WE DO USE CAMP ROBINSON FROM TIME TO TIME.
SOMETIMES THE RULES THAT THE ARMY HAS ARE NOT CONDUCIVE TO WHAT WHAT WE DO ON OUR RANGES.
SO THAT FORCES US TO GO OUT TO OTHER PLACES AT TIMES.
YES, SIR. I YIELD. DO YOU MIND IF I ASK A QUESTION? SO, CHIEF, IT SOUNDS LIKE, AND I THANK YOU FOR STEPPING UP, THAT YOU'RE CERTAINLY WILLING TO DISCUSS THE LIMITATIONS ON HOW THE FACILITY IS USED AND WHEN IT'LL BE USED AND HOURS OF USE AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.
IS THAT CORRECT? THAT IS CORRECT. SO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS EXACTLY WHAT DOES THAT.
IT BRINGS Y'ALL OR SOMEONE ELSE IN A SIMILAR SITUATION TO THE PLANNING BOARD TO DISCUSS AND WORK OUT THE DETAILS AND THE LIMITATIONS THAT WOULD BE PLACED ON SUCH A FACILITY.
SO, MEMBERS, WHAT'S BEFORE YOU IS EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
AND I'M DISAPPOINTED TO SAY THAT WE'VE HAD A HARD TIME, NOT WITH THE CHIEF, OF GETTING TO THIS POINT WHERE WE COULD DISCUSS HOW IT WOULD BE USED AND HOW WE´D BE GOOD NEIGHBORS. SO YOU NOW HAVE THAT INFORMATION AS WELL.
MISS YOUNG-BAKER, YOU HAD A QUESTION? WELL, I JUST WANT TO SAY, FIRST OF ALL, I OWN PROPERTY THAT'S LESS THAN 500FT FROM THIS FIRING RANGE. AND WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR, YOU GUYS WERE NOT A GOOD NEIGHBOR TO ME.
YOU TALK ABOUT USING THE RANGE FOR FOUR HOURS A WEEK AND IT BEING A BURDEN TO GO OUTSIDE YOUR CITY.
WHY DO YOU CHOOSE NOT TO USE JACKSONVILLE? BECAUSE YOU HAVE CAMP PROMISING, YOU HAVE JACKSONVILLE.
YOU'VE BEEN GOING TO CABOT, YOU USE WRIGHTSVILLE.
SO WHY COME TO AN AREA THAT IS OUTSIDE YOUR CITY? THE QUICK ANSWER TO THAT, MA'AM, IS WE DON'T HAVE CONTROL OVER JACKSONVILLE'S RANGE FOR US TO BE ABLE AND WITH ALL OF THESE OTHER RANGES, WE HAVE TO SCHEDULE WITH THEM. AND THERE ARE SCHEDULING CONFLICTS BECAUSE OTHER ENTITIES USE IT.
AND I'LL TELL YOU, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE ARE IN A PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTH LITTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT AND A POLICE ACADEMY, AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL. NORTH LITTLE ROCK DOES NOT HAVE A RANGE EITHER, THEY'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE.
SO, YOU KNOW, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL BENEFIT THEM AS WELL.
OUR GOAL HERE IS TO JUST SIMPLY PROVIDE THE TRAINING AND OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR OFFICERS AND TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE CITY'S MONEY AND TIME ON OUR OFFICERS DRIVING 45 MINUTES TO WRIGHTSVILLE AND 45 MINUTES BACK, NOT COUNTING THE RANGE TIME. IT'S JUST BURDENSOME, AND IT TAKES OUR OFFICERS OUTSIDE THE CITY, AND SO THIS IS MUCH CLOSER. IT IS IN THE COUNTY, BUT IT IS VERY CLOSE.
IT'S JUST OUT RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE CITY LIMITS, SO IT'S DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE CITY.
SO YOU SAY FOUR HOURS, I GOT AN EMAIL THAT SAID SIX HOURS.
YOU GUYS QUOTED IN THE PAPER 4 TO 8 HOURS. NOW YOU'RE SAYING NORTH LITTLE ROCK IS GOING TO USE, ORIGINALLY I WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO JUST BE SHERWOOD.
SO WHAT'S THE TRUTH HERE? THIS IS WHY I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH TRANSPARENCY WITH YOU GUYS.
[00:55:01]
THE OTHER ISSUE THAT I HAVE IS IF, IN FACT, YOU'RE GOING TO ONLY USE IT FOR FOUR HOURS AND YOU SAY FOUR HOURS IS BURDENSOME TO THE SHERWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT, IS IT NOT BURDENSOME TO THE HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS THAT HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE NOISE THAT AFFECTS THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE? DO YOU NOT THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT SUFFER FROM PTSD AND HAVE TO LIVE AND LISTEN TO GUNFIRE? ARE YOU GUYS SERIOUSLY? ARE YOU THAT SELFISH? NO, MA'AM, WE ARE NOT THAT SELFISH.I'M A VETERAN MYSELF, AND I'M VERY AWARE OF PTSD, AND I WISH THAT ON NOBODY. THAT WAS NEVER THE INTENT. THAT WAS NEVER THE ISSUE. IT WAS WE PURCHASED PROPERTY. WE DID NOT KNOW WHEN WE PURCHASED THAT PROPERTY THAT THERE WAS A REQUIREMENT.
WE WERE UNAWARE OF A REQUIREMENT THAT WE NEEDED TO GO OUT AND TALK TO NEIGHBORS.
I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IF THAT WAS WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF US, I CAN TELL YOU I DID NOT KNOW THAT. AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE WAS NO STIPULATION THAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT.
AND IF THAT'S THE CASE, YOU KNOW, THAT WAS AN OVERSIGHT ON OUR PART.
IT WAS JUST WE PURCHASED PROPERTY, WE WERE NOT AWARE OF RESTRICTIONS.
IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THIS GUN RANGE IS BEING BUILT.
AND WHILE I UNDERSTAND IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF SHERWOOD, IT DOES NOT NEGATE THE PAIN AND THE WORRYING OF THE RESIDENTS IN BRUSHY ISLAND COMMUNITY.
IT DOES NOT EXCUSE THE BEHAVIOR. I YIELD, JUDGE.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, JUDGE, I DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE CHIEF, I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT I DID REACH OUT TO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE EARLIER TODAY AND TALKED TO, I THINK IT'S A LADY OVER THERE WHO GOT IN TOUCH WITH GARY SIPES, I BELIEVE IS HIS NAME.
AND I BELIEVE HE'S WITH THE CHIEF OF POLICE ASSOCIATION.
YES, SIR. AND I GOT WORD BACK FROM THEM THAT 99% OF ALL THESE GUN RANGES ARE OUTDOOR.
LOTS OF CITIES HAVE THEM. I CAN'T TALK ABOUT HOW ALL THIS WENT DOWN.
I CANNOT TALK ABOUT HOW ALL THIS WENT DOWN FROM THE CITY AND THE COUNTY.
I'M IGNORANT WHEN IT COMES TO ALL THAT STUFF.
BUT I'M JUST NOT SEEING THE PROBLEMS WHEN ARGUABLY HUNDREDS OF CITIES I'VE BEEN TOLD EVEN SMALL CITIES HAVE THEIR OWN OUTDOOR GUN RANGE. I'M JUST NOT SEEING OR HEARING THE SPECIFIC ISSUES OF WHY A GUN RANGE IS BAD.
SO THANK YOU. JUSTICE, COULD I ASK YOU, IS THERE AN OUTDOOR GUN RANGE IN SHERWOOD? NO. OKAY. JUST ASKING. CHIEF, HAS BECAUSE YOU NEEDED A GUN RANGE, AND MAYBE, ACTUALLY, IT EVEN WENT TO THE COUNCIL, AND THE COUNCIL WASN'T RECEPTIVE TO SUCH AN IDEA? HAS THAT EVER OCCURRED IN SHERWOOD? YES, SIR.
SO WE DO NEED TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS. AND WHAT'S WHAT'S ON THE TABLE HERE, AS A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WOULD USE IN YOUR CITY FOR A USE THAT MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE CITIZENS IF IT GOT OUTSIDE CERTAIN PARAMETERS.
AND SO THANK YOU, AND SO WHILE WE'RE BITCHING AT YOU, LET ME STEP BACK IN AND SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND THANK YOUR SERVICE IN THE MILITARY AS WELL. THANK YOU, SIR.
PAUL? JUSTICE ELLIOTT, I'M SORRY, JUSTICE ELLIOTT, I'M SKIPPING OVER JUSTICE ROBINSON AGAIN HERE.
GO AHEAD. THANK YOU. SO I JUST WANT TO SEE IF I GOT ALL THIS.
[01:00:08]
A LITTLE BIT LESS. IS THERE ANY OTHER CITIES THAT YOU ALL HAVE TALKED TO THAT YOU PLAN ON TRYING TO ALSO USE THE FACILITY, OR IS IT JUST YOU TWO? NO, SIR, THE USE I WAS DISCUSSING WITH NORTH LITTLE ROCK HAS TO DO WITH THE JOINT ACADEMY THAT WE USE. W E HAVE TO HAVE TIME ON THE RANGE TO QUALIFY THOSE OFFICERS.SO THAT WOULD BE THE USE I WAS SPEAKING OF. SO IT'S JUST AN ACADEMY? YES, SIR. OKAY. THANK YOU. I YIELD. JUSTICE ELLIOT , YOU'RE RECOGNIZED.
WHAT IS THE NUMBERS-WISE ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR SHERWOOD RIGHT NOW? PATROLMEN AND EVERYBODY THAT WOULD BE SHOOTING, HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE? WE HAVE 83 OFFICERS SWORN. SO YOU HAVE 83 WHO´D BE SHOOTING NOW? YES, SIR. OKAY. YOU HAVE BEEN OUT THERE AND LOOKED AT THAT AREA, I KNOW? YES, SIR. AND I'VE HEARD IT'S BEEN, WHAT, 500FT FROM THE POLICE RANGE WOULD BE, RIGHT? I MEAN, CLOSE TO IT, TO A HOUSE OR LAND OR ANYTHING? WELL, THAT'S WHAT I'M TRYING TO GET AT. HOW MANY SQUARE FEET DO YOU NEED? SO IT WON'T BE CLOSE TO ANY HOUSE OR BUILDING? I'M NOT SURE OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE HOMES.
THE RANGE. 600FT. THE RANGE IS GOING TO BE ON THE, IT'S THE BERM WHICH HAS HAS STARTED TO BE ERECTED. IT'S GOING TO BE ABOUT 30 TO 35FT HIGH.
THEY'RE AT ARCH AND DIXON, IT'S ALSO IN THE COUNTY AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS, IT IS ABOUT THE SAME DISTANCE TO RESIDENCES, IS WHAT THIS IS. AND AGAIN THIS WAS PART OF THE, IN THE PLANNING PROCESS, THAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS WE DID NOT THINK THAT THAT WAS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM.
SO, YOU KNOW, AND WE ARE WILLING TO LIKE I SAY, WE WANT TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS.
WE JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE TRAINING FOR OUR OFFICERS THAT'S NEEDED AND REQUIRED BY LAW.
I UNDERSTAND THAT, I USED TO BE IN THE POLICE WORK, SO I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY.
THANK YOU. YES, SIR. JUSTICE... CURRY. JUSTICE CURRY, YOU´RE RECOGNIZED.
YES. THANK YOU. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A PERMIT ISSUED EARLY ON.
WAS IT A PERMIT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION? WAS THIS THE FIRST DISCUSSION? OKAY. I JUST WASN'T SURE ABOUT.
DID IT EVER GO TO THE PLANNING? THERE'S AN APPLICATION FOR BASICALLY A BUILDING PERMIT, REALLY IT'S AN ADDRESS AND A CHECK ON WHERE THEY'RE LOCATED IN THE WATERSHED OR COMPLIANCE WITH FLOOD REGULATIONS.
AS YOU WELL KNOW, THE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING, WHICH IS A HOT TOPIC AROUND THIS TABLE FOR THE LAST YEAR OR TWO. AND THIS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF WHY YOU NEED ZONING SO THAT YOU FLUSH THESE THINGS OUT ON THE FRONT END INSTEAD OF AFTER CONSTRUCTION HAS ALREADY STARTED. THANK YOU, I YIELD.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? YEAH, I GOT A QUESTION. MISS WARD, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED.
YES, CHIEF. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW, DO YOU KNOW IF WHEN THE INITIAL PLANS WAS PUT IN PLACE, WAS A GUN RANGE PART OF THE INITIAL PLANS? YES, MA'AM.
OKAY, SO ALL THAT WAS PUBLIC NOTICE? NO. I'M NOT SURE.
I'M SORRY, I'M NOT A PERMITTING PLANNING PERSON, I'M NOT REALLY SURE HOW THAT.
I KNOW THAT WHEN THE ORIGINAL, WHEN WE SENT THIS OUT TO BID FOR EVERYTHING AND WHEN THE PLANS WERE SUBMITTED, A SHOOTING RANGE WAS ALWAYS IN THAT PLAN. OKAY.
WE DON'T PERMIT, LIKE, A CITY PERMITS. OKAY. WHERE WE REVIEW THE FOUNDATION AND THE PLUMBING, AND YOU DON'T HAVE THAT IN THE COUNTY AT THIS TIME.
OKAY, OKAY. THANK YOU. OTHER COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? CHIEF, THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING YOUR TIME, AND WE'D LIKE YOU TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR,
[01:05:04]
TOO. SO GOING FORWARD, MAYBE WE CAN FIGURE THAT OUT.THE FOURTH. YES, SIR, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. JUDGE HYDE AND JP´S, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ME.
CHRIS EAST, GOOD TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN, WITH CROMWELL ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS.
WE ARE THE ARCHITECT OF RECORD. AND LET ME JUST START OFF ALSO BY SAYING WE WANT TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS, TOO. SO WE WANT EVERYBODY TO FIND A WAY TO FEEL INVOLVED AS PART OF THIS PROCESS AND FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE DIRECTION THAT IT'S HEADED.
SO I THINK WE'RE ALL TRYING TO HEAD THAT DIRECTION TO BEGIN WITH, IN TERMS OF THE ALLOWABLE USAGE, AS JUDGE HYDE MENTIONED BEFORE, THERE IS NO ZONING FOR THIS AREA, SO THE SHOOTING RANGE WOULD TECHNICALLY BE CONSIDERED AN ALLOWABLE USE. AND BECAUSE OF THAT THERE WAS NO REQUIREMENT FOR BASICALLY A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A PERMIT. SO WHAT WAS APPLIED FOR? IT WAS ALL IN THE PUBLIC. WHAT WAS RECEIVED PERMIT EVEN INCLUDED ON THEIR SHOOTING RANGE.
SO WE HAVEN'T TRIED TO HIDE ANYTHING. I THINK IT'S BEING A PART OF JUST FOLLOWING WHAT WE UNDERSTOOD TO BE THE RULES THAT WERE IN PLACE.
THE ONE THING THAT PROBABLY DID RAISE AN EYEBROW IS THE VARIANCE REQUEST THAT WE HAD FOR A SIDEWALK BECAUSE WE DID NOT INCLUDE A SIDEWALK, WHICH IS A REQUIREMENT OF PULASKI COUNTY ZONING.
WE DID NOT PUT THAT IN THERE BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SIDEWALKS ALONG FLANDERS ROAD.
BUT NOW THAT THIS HAS COME UP, WE'RE FINDING THAT THE VARIANCE THAT WE HAD FOR THE SIDEWALK WAS DENIED AND SINCE THEN HAVE AMENDED THAT, RESUBMITTED IT AND HAVE NOW COME INTO COMPLIANCE, AT LEAST WITH EVERYTHING THAT THE COUNTY ZONING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES, SO SITE PLAN REVIEW REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET.
WE ALSO HAVE A SHOOTING RANGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN EAST CAMDEN AS WELL, NEAR SAU-TECH AND SPRINGDALE, RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF SPRINGDALE, IN A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT'S DEVELOPING AT THE MOMENT.
SO THESE AREN'T UNFAMILIAR FACILITIES FOR WHAT WE FIND IN OTHER CITIES.
SO, MR. REESE, THAT BEGS THE QUESTION. CAPPS.
NATALIE. MISS CAPPS, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED. THANK YOU FOR COMING, WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
TELL ME A LITTLE BIT IN THE. PULL YOUR MICROPHONE UP. YEAH. IN THE INTEREST OF THE CITY OF SHERWOOD WANTING TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS TO THE ADJACENT COMMUNITIES, WHEN DID YOU GUYS LEARN ABOUT THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE SHOOTING RANGE FROM THE COMMUNITY OR THE NEIGHBORS? FRANKLY, NOT UNTIL AFTER CONSTRUCTION. OKAY, SO GIVE ME A GUESS.
I'M JUST TRYING TO CATCH UP HERE.
MAYBE A MONTH AGO. OKAY, AND SO WHAT ACTIONS HAVE YOU ALL TAKEN TO TRY AND REMEDY THOSE CONCERNS AND BE GOOD NEIGHBORS? WELL, A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT WE DID JUST INTUITIVELY AS PART OF THE DESIGN IS, AS CHIEF HAGAR MENTIONED, WE DO HAVE, I GUESS FIRST OF ALL, THE GUN RANGE IS POINTED AWAY FROM THE HOUSES.
IT IS POINTED TOWARDS THE EAST, SORT OF NEARLY RIGHT NEXT TO THE THE OLD DUMP, AS YOU SAID, SO IT DOES NOT FACE THE NEIGHBORHOOD AT ALL. WE TYPICALLY BUILD A 20 FOOT BERM TO BASICALLY CATCH ALL OF THE BULLETS THAT ARE BEING SHOT. THIS ONE IS OVER 30FT AND IT ACTUALLY CREATES A C SHAPE.
BUT IT'S I MEAN, I WOULD INVITE YOU ALL TO COME OUT AND SEE IT.
[01:10:02]
OKAY. AND IT'S NOT FOR PUBLIC USE, I MEAN, THIS IS TRAINED OFFICERS.WAS THERE EVER A CONSIDERATION TO PUT THE GUN RANGE ON A DIFFERENT LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY? I UNDERSTAND IT'S A BIG PIECE OF PROPERTY. IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY? IT'S AS FAR BACK AS YOU CAN GET. IT'S NOT VISIBLE FROM THE STREET, NOT VISIBLE FROM 630 FROM LANDERS ROAD.
YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE SITE THROUGH TWO GATES IN ORDER TO EVEN GET TO IT.
SO, UNLESS YOU HEARD IT, YOU WOULD NOT KNOW IT WAS THERE.
THANK YOU, I YIELD. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR MR.? MISS BAKER? YES? BREATHE. OKAY, I´M BREATHING.
WAS A SOUND ATTENUATION STUDY DONE? NO. OKAY.
NO, WE'VE NEVER DONE ONE OF THOSE. A SOUND ATTENUATION? WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN DONE? WE HAVE A HYDROLOGICAL STUDY, BUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN FOR THE EXISTING SITE, AS IN STUDY TO SEE IF IT HAS ASBESTOS OR THOSE SORT OF THINGS, NO, WE HAVE NOT DONE THAT.
OKAY, SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THE STANDING WATER.
WHAT DID THE PLAN SAY ABOUT THE STANDING WATER? WE ARE DETAINING IT, AND I'M NOT THE ENGINEER.
HE'S RIGHT BEHIND ME, SO I'LL PROBABLY USE DETAIN ENGINE, RETAIN ENGINE INCORRECTLY, BUT WE ARE RETAINING AND DETAINING ALL THE WATER ON SITE, EXCEPT FOR WHAT IS ACTUALLY A US WATERWAYS, WETLANDS, WHICH WE'RE NOT TOUCHING.
OKAY. WAS IT QUOTED THAT YOU GUYS WERE NON-COMPLIANT REGARDING THE WETLANDS? NO. ARE YOU SURE? I HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING THAT SAID THAT WE WERE NON-COMPLIANT. WELL, I HAVE AN EMAIL WHERE THE CIVIL ENGINEER QUESTIONS THE MAYOR ABOUT NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE WETLAND. WHICH CIVIL ENGINEER? HALFF? THEY'RE NOT THE CIVIL ENGINEER OF RECORD, I'M AFRAID, THOUGH. OKAY, WELL, WHOEVER BRIAN IS, WITH HALFF, QUESTIONED THE MAYOR REGARDING THE WETLANDS AND BEING NON-COMPLIANT. SO I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WATER ISSUES AND RUNOFF AND LEAD POLLUTANTS, AND YOU GUYS ARE STANDING HERE TALKING ABOUT YOU HAVEN'T DONE CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS THAT WILL AFFECT THE COMMUNITY.
DO YOU GUYS HAVE WETLAND ISSUES AT YOUR OTHER SHOOTING RANGES? NO. RIGHT. SO IT'S NOT A ONE SHOE FITS ALL. I GUESS I SEE THEM AS TWO SEPARATE ISSUES BECAUSE WE DON'T.
I GET IT, I UNDERSTAND IT. BUT IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD, IT DOES NOT MIRROR WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON AT YOUR OTHER PROJECTS. SO MAYBE SOME THINGS SHOULD BE DIFFERENT BECAUSE THIS IS A HISTORICAL IMPOVERISHED BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD.
YES, MA'AM. I YIELD. THANK YOU, MISS ELLIOTT.
JUSTICE STOWERS, YOU'RE RECOGNIZED. YEAH, I JUST HAVE A QUESTION, AND I KNOW THERE ARE SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HERE, AS WELL AS THE SHERIFF HIMSELF. AND SO, MY UNDERSTANDING, AND SOMEBODY FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IF YOU LIVE IN THE COUNTY, ANY PROPERTY OWNER AND YOU GUYS OWN THAT PROPERTY, RIGHT? THE CITY OF SHERWOOD. OKAY. ANY PROPERTY OWNER HAS THE LEGAL RIGHT TO DISCHARGE FIREARMS ON THEIR PROPERTY.
THAT'S WHY THERE'S HUNTING CLUBS IN THE AREA, I JUST.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT. THAT'S MY UNDERSTANDING. YES, SIR.
IS EVERYONE DONE? SO, A QUICK QUESTION. IF I MAY BE ALLOWED THAT COURTESY.
[01:15:01]
WHEN A SHOOTING RANGE SHOWS UP NEXT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU KNOW, EVEN IF IT IS A POOR ONE, DOES THAT AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY? HOW ABOUT THE MARKETABILITY? I'M NOT A REALTOR, SIR, SO I CAN'T REALLY. I CAN HELP YOU THAT IN A CASE IN JACKSONVILLE WHERE THE SKEET RANGE WAS PUT UP THERE WAS A PROPERTY OWNER PROBABLY ABOUT 600FT, PROBABLY MORE THAN 600FT AWAY.WHO ACTUALLY WAS ABLE TO WIN AN AUCTION ADJUSTING THE VALUE IN BOTH TAX ASSESSMENT AND IN A TAKING OF VALUE. SO IT DOES AFFECT, I MEAN IF IT DIDN'T AFFECT, I IMAGINE THIS GUN RANGE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS OVER THERE IN SHERWOOD, BECAUSE WHEN IT WAS PROPOSED IN SHERWOOD, THE NEIGHBORS RAISED HELL. THAT'S A FACT. SO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, MR. EAST.
IT DOESN'T WORK, YOU HAVE TO WAVE A HAND AND SAY HELLO.
BUT NOT WHEN IT'S 600FT FROM PEOPLE'S HOMES. AND SHERWOOD, THE OWN CITY, DID NOT WANT THIS GUN RANGE, SO IT WAS PURPOSEFULLY BROUGHT TO THE COUNTY WHERE THEY KNEW THEY COULD GET AWAY WITH IT WITHOUT PEOPLE BEING NOTIFIED.
SO MY VOTE IS REFLECTIVE OF THAT, NOT AGAINST GUN RIGHTS OR SHOOTING IN THE COUNTY.
AND I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT THE NEAREST HOUSE IS NOT 600FT AWAY.
IT IS ACCORDING TO THE VARIANCES THAT YOU GUYS GOT THAT EVERYBODY WAS NOTIFIED THAT WAS 500FT OR LESS. NO, THAT'S TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. SO THE 500.
PARDON ME. THE 500FT OR LESS IS WHO NEEDS TO BE NOTIFIED OF A VARIANCE REQUEST.
SO OUR VARIANCE REQUEST IS WHAT BROUGHT US HERE BEFORE YOU RELATED TO THE SIDEWALK.
AND THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE NOTIFIED AS PART OF THE TYPICAL VARIANCE REQUEST PROCESS.
I DID RECEIVE IT, THAT'S WHY I WAS THERE. I UNDERSTAND THAT.
AND JUST SO YOU GUYS KNOW IF THE VARIANCE REQUEST.
THE CITY OF SHERWOOD REQUESTED NOT TO BE ABLE TO DO THE SIDEWALKS AND THE PEDESTRIAN ROUTE.
MY RESPONSE TO THAT WAS, OF COURSE, MR. EAST WAS THERE.
HE REPRESENTED THE CITY OF SHERWOOD, AND THEIR POSITION WAS THAT IN A FOUR MILE RADIUS ON LANDERS AND WARDEN, THERE WERE NO SIDEWALKS. SO THEY SHOULDN'T BE MADE TO DO IT EITHER.
MY RESPONSE TO THAT IS, JUST BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE IT, DOES NOT MEAN WE SHOULDN'T DO IT, BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED BY THE COUNTY NOW, BUT ALSO SHERWOOD REQUIRES IT.
THE MAYOR IS AN ADVOCATE OF SIDEWALKS, BICYCLE CROSSINGS.
SHE'S AN ADVOCATE. SHE TALKS ABOUT HOW IT'S A WONDERFUL QUALITY OF LIFE, BUT YOU COME TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND YOU SAY, WE DON'T WANT TO PUT THAT OVER THERE. DO WE NOT DESERVE THE SAME QUALITY OF LIFE? MA'AM, EVERYBODY DESERVES A WONDERFUL QUALITY OF LIFE.
WELL, YOU GUYS ARE THE ONES THAT CAME TO PLANNING AND SAID, WE DON'T WANT TO DO IT.
THANK YOU, MR. REESE. DO WE KNOW WHO'S GOING TO SPEAK, OR ONE PERSON WHO'S GOING TO SPEAK AGAINST THIS PROJECT? I GET TWO. THEY GET TWO. PICK TWO.
[01:20:03]
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT PEACE I EXPERIENCED, FREEDOM FROM THE NOISE AND ANXIETY THAT COMES WITH GUNFIRE HELPED ME SUCCEED AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN SAINT LOUIS, AND LATER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD FOR GRAD SCHOOL.HOME IS THE WELLSPRING OF PERSONHOOD. IT IS WHERE OUR IDENTITY TAKES ROOT AND BLOSSOMS. IT'S WHERE CHILDREN IMAGINE AND ADULTS BUILD A LIFE.
AND THAT IS WHAT IS AT STAKE HERE. I SPEAK FOR OVER 280 RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN BRUSHY ISLAND, AND THAT'S COMING FROM KRISTINA GULLEY. THANK YOU.
GET UP AND LEAVE. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, WOULD YOU PLEASE ESCORT THIS LADY FROM THE ROOM, PLEASE? THANK YOU, JUSTIN. OKAY. I SPEAK FOR OVER 280 RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN BRUSHY ISLAND AND ON LANDERS, WHO HAVE SIGNED A PETITION STATING THAT THEY ARE OPPOSED TO SHERWOOD'S OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGE.
ASK YOURSELF, PLEASE, HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF A HIGH IMPACT, NOISY, TOXIC FACILITY WAS PLANNED RIGHT NEXT TO YOUR HOME WITH NO SOUND OR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, NO NOTICE AND NO INPUT? SORRY. IF YOUR KIDS HAD TO HEAR GUNFIRE EVERY WEEK.
IF YOUR AGING PARENTS LOST THE PEACE OR LOST THE PEACE THEY'D KNOWN FOR 50 YEARS.
IF YOU WERE UNDERGOING DIALYSIS TREATMENT AND HAD TO HEAR POW POW WHILE TRYING TO REST.
IF YOU WERE A VETERAN TRIGGERED BY NOISE OR SOMEONE PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND UNABLE TO ESCAPE IT.
IF YOU'RE HONEST, YOU'D FEEL ANGRY, FRUSTRATED AND SCARED.
THAT'S HOW HUNDREDS OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS FEEL.
THESE AREN'T ABSTRACT WORRIES. THEY'RE OUR FUTURE, IF THIS RANGE IS BUILT WITHOUT ANY CONDITIONS.
LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO GUNFIRE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO RAISE STRESS HORMONES.
SORRY, THIS MAKES ME EMOTIONAL. HAS BEEN SHOWN TO RAISE STRESS HORMONES, DISRUPT SLEEP, WORSEN PTSD, AND HARM CHILDREN'S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION CLASSIFIES ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE AS A SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH RISK.
IT BECAME A NATIONAL CASE STUDY AND HOW AND WHERE NOT TO CITE A POLICE FIRING RANGE.
MY PARENTS ALWAYS SAID, WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, YOU DO BETTER.
AND NOW WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACT ON IT.
SHERWOOD, HOWEVER, SEEMS CONTENT TO REPEAT THOSE SAME MISTAKES .
THEY'VE CONDUCTED NO SOUND STUDY, NO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, HAVE HAD NO GENUINE PUBLIC OUTREACH.
AND WHEN I RAISED MY CONCERNS WITH MAYOR MARY JO, SHE TOLD ME, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO LIVE NEXT TO A GUN RANGE, MOVE TO THE CITY. HER COMMENTS IN THIS ENTIRE PROCESS ARE OFFENSIVE AND ANTITHETICAL TO THE VALUES OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS.
THIS REGION STANDS FOR RESPECT, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP, AND PROTECTING VULNERABLE POPULATIONS.
AND LET ME BE CLEAR THIS RANGE IS NOT NECESSARY.
SHERWOOD POLICE OFFICERS ALREADY TRAIN AT CAMP ROBINSON, AND THEY HAVE ACCESS TO JACKSONVILLE, BOTH LESS THAN 20 MINUTES AWAY. THIS ISN'T ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY.
IT'S ABOUT CONVENIENCE AT THE DIRECT EXPENSE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
MY COMMUNITY'S HEALTH, PEACE AND FUTURE. IT ALSO DEFIES BASIC PLANNING PRINCIPLES.
MEANWHILE, OUR AREA IS GROWING. FAMILIES ARE BUILDING LIVES HERE, INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY AND APPROVING OR ALLOWING A LOUD, HIGH IMPACT FACILITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT GROWTH WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS THREATENS EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE BUILT.
THIS IS MORE THAN A BAD IDEA. IT'S A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT.
HOW YOU RESPOND TODAY WILL SAY A LOT ABOUT WHAT PULASKI COUNTY STANDS FOR, WHETHER WE PROTECT FAMILIES OR DISMISS THEM, WHETHER WE LEARN FROM HISTORY OR REPEAT IT. BECAUSE OUTDOOR GUN RANGES DON'T BELONG NEAR HOMES WITHOUT CONDITIONS.
MORE THAN 280 RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS AGREE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
WE'RE NOT ANTI-POLICE, WE'RE NOT ANTI TRAINING.
WE'RE ASKING FOR WHAT ANY REASONABLE PERSON WOULD.
BASIC DECENCY AND COMMON SENSE. PLEASE STAND WITH US.
LISTEN TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS. PROTECT OUR HOMES, OUR HEALTH AND OUR FUTURE.
[01:25:13]
I DON'T SEE A SECOND PERSON STANDING UP. OKAY.MR. JEFFRIES? YES? CONTACT THAT WOULD HAVE ON MY GRANDKIDS AND OUR OTHER COMMUNITY GRANDKIDS.
HAS ANYBODY CHECKED THE NATIONAL HEALTH CONDITION THAT COULD OCCUR FROM THIS GUN RANGE? I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT SHERWOOD AND THE COUNTY GET ON NATIONAL RESEARCH ON THE IMPACT THAT THIS WILL OCCUR IN, AND ALL OTHER GUN RANGES OCCUR IN CLOSE COMMUNITIES.
MY GRANDCHILD COME UP WITH CANCER, OTHER DISEASES.
THAT'S MY SPIEL. AND, LIKE I SAID, JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO TRY AND GET THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND DO THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AND GET WITH US BEFORE THEY DO THIS THING. AND, SHERWOOD, I WISH YOU WOULD DO THE SAME.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MR. JEFFRIES. ARE YOU WAVING AT ME HELLO, OR?.
WE'VE HEARD TWO AND TWO. IS THERE DESIRE TO EXTEND THAT OR EXPAND THAT, OR DO YOU FEEL LIKE WE'VE HEARD THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE CITY OF SHERWOOD? THANK YOU. SO MEMBERS, CALL THE QUESTION IS NON-DEBATABLE, DOES EVERYBODY UNDERSTAND? WE'RE CALLING THE QUESTION IN ORDER TO STOP DEBATE AND VOTE.
SO ALL THOSE IN FAVOR TO CALL THE QUESTION INDICATE SO BY SAYING AYE.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? OBVIOUSLY WE'RE GOING TO CALL THE QUESTION.
REMIND EVERYONE WHAT'S ON THE FLOOR IS ORDINANCE 25-I-39, AS AMENDED.
MADAM CLERK , PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ADOPTION OF 25-I-39, AS AMENDED.
CERTAINLY. MISS DAVIS? YES. MISS CAPPS? AYE. MISS LEWISON? YES. MISS BLACKWOOD? AYE. MR. PERSON? YES. MISS MASSEY? AYE. MISS CURRY? AYE. YES. MISS WARD? YES. YOUNG-BAKER? YES. MR. ROBINSON? AYE. MR. MCCOY? NO. MR. STOWERS? ABSTAIN. MR. ELLIOTT? YES. MISS MEDLOCK? AYE. 13 AYES, ONE NO, ONE ABSTENTION.
AS AMENDED. THAT COMPLETES OUR BUSINESS CALENDAR.
DO WE HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS HERE AT THE BOARD?
[Announcements ]
JUSTICE MASSEY, YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT? YOU WANT TO WHISPER IT TO ME OR YOU WANT TO USE YOUR MICROPHONE? YEAH, I CAN GO EITHER WAY, BUT THE BUSINESS IS OVER, SO I CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO.I JUST WANTED TO KNOW THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A COMMENT OR FILLED OUT A CARD, WILL THEY BE ABLE TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? YES. WELL, SO NEXT, AS WE ALWAYS DO AFTER THIS, WE'LL GO TO.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, THAT'S ALL.
THANK YOU. ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS? ANYONE? GREAT.
THAT MOVES US TO PUBLIC COMMENT. DO WE HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT CARDS?
[01:30:01]
MR. BLAGG. YOU WERE GOING TO FIND ME ANOTHER BOTTLE OF WATER TOO, REMEMBER THAT?[Public Comment ]
THANK YOU.GARY GRAHAM? CHRIS EAST, YOU ALREADY SPOKE. KENNEDY YOUNG ? OH, YOU ARE. OKAY, MA'AM, NOW YOU HAVE YOUR CHANCE, COME ON UP.
THANK YOU, JUDGE. I'M DIANE SCOTT, AND I'M FROM AN UNINCORPORATED NEIGHBORHOOD.
AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TRANSPARENCY, WE ARE NOT GETTING IT IN THE UNINCORPORATED NEIGHBORHOODS, AND THIS PARTICULAR NEIGHBORHOOD YOU'RE REFERRING TO, BRUSHY ISLAND.
I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN [INAUDIBLE] THAT OWNED PROPERTY OUT THERE.
THERE IS HUNTING. HUNTING, ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO, THERE WAS NO ISSUE RAISED ABOUT A GUN BULLET THAT WENT THROUGH ON PETTUS LANE. AND THIS PERSON LIVES REALLY MAYBE 3 OR 4 HOUSES DOWN, BUT NOTHING WAS MENTIONED.
BUT WHEN THIS GUN RANGE COME INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, WHICH I FEEL LIKE IS UP HIGHER AND IT'S A GOOD WAY, IT'S FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD. I DON'T FEEL LIKE THE CITY OF SHERWOOD WOULD BE DUMB ENOUGH TO PUT A GUN RANGE WHICH WOULD PUT IN DANGER A NEIGHBORHOOD. I JUST DON'T AGREE WITH THAT. THERE IS GUN RANGES ALL AROUND, AND IT'S CLOSER THAN THE ONE THAT THEY'RE BUILDING IN SHERWOOD.
SO WHAT I'M SAYING, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT SPEAKING FOR THE WHOLE 200 SOMETHING NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING FOR EVERYBODY IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.
YOU GOT A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WON'T SPEAK UP ABOUT IT.
BUT WE HAVE HUNTED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THERE ARE SHOOTINGS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
NOTHING IS BEING SAID. BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN, WHEN SHERWOOD DECIDED TO BUILD A LEGAL GUN RANGE, THEN THERE WAS A LOT OF DRAMA, WHICH IS A MESS, AND I FEEL LIKE IT'S JUST BEING, IT'S JUST NOT REALLY RIGHT.
I DON'T SEE THAT BECAUSE I'M AN OLDER ADULT. I WAS RAISED OUT THERE, BEEN OUT THERE.
THERE IS NO TRANSPARENCY WITH AVENUE JP, I'M JUST LETTING YOU KNOW .
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE TO LET US KNOW ABOUT THESE THINGS THAT'S COMING TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? IS IT THE COUNTY OR WAS IT SHERWOOD? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD SHOOTINGS IN UNINCORPORATED NEIGHBORHOODS.
WE HAVE ALL KIND OF FLOODINGS. WE HAVE ALL KIND OF STUFF GOING IN UNINCORPORATED NEIGHBORHOOD.
AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE WANT TO HOLLER ABOUT TRANSPARENCY? AND THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD? WHERE WERE YOU ALL TEN YEARS AGO? TWO YEARS AGO? ALL OF A SUDDEN WE'RE HOLLERING ABOUT THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD.
AND THERE'S OTHER SHOOTINGS THAT GOES ON OUT THERE THAT'S CLOSE TO THE BAKER'S PROPERTY.
THERE IS ALSO SHOOTINGS GOING ON IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT OTHER PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT.
SO WHY ARE WE HOLLERING TRANSPARENCY? BECAUSE I DON'T FEEL LIKE SHERWOOD WOULD BE DUMB ENOUGH TO PUT A SHOOTING RANGE THAT WOULD ENDANGER 200 AND WHATEVER AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE THERE.
AND WHO'S RESPONSIBLE TO LET THE NEIGHBORS KNOW ABOUT A SHOOTING RANGE? WHO? OKAY´D THIS? WHAT BIDS DID WE GET? WE DIDN'T GET ANYTHING IN WRITING AS A RESIDENT IN AN UNINCORPORATED AREA. SO WHY ARE WE HOLLERING TRANSPARENCY WHEN THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN TRANSPARENT? AND I'M AN OLD LADY, AND I KNOW I'VE LIVED IT.
AND YOU TALK ABOUT A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD? YOU COME OUT THERE AND SEE HOW QUIET IT IS.
WHEN IT'S HUNTING TIME, IT'S NOT QUIET OUT THERE.
[01:35:04]
EVERY DAY IS NOT QUIET OUT THERE. YOU GOT DEAD BODIES OUT THERE.YOU GOT PEOPLE HUNTING. SO HOW CAN YOU SAY IT'S A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD? IT IS NOT A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD. MA'AM, DO YOU REPORT THAT GUNFIRE THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT? DO YOU REPORT THAT TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE? YES WE DO, WE S URE DO.
WHEN WE CALL THE COUNTY ABOUT THIS SHOOTING AND THEY CHECK IT OUT.
AND ONE PARTICULAR OFFICER THAT I WANT TO GIVE A REFERENCE TO IS GARBER.
WHEN WE CALL WITH THESE SHOOTINGS GOING ON, GARBER RESPONDS.
NOW THIS TALKING ABOUT NOT BEING TRANSPARENT.
IT'S A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON RIGHT NOW IN BRUSHY ISLAND THAT HAS NOT BEEN TRANSPARENT.
SO WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY WAS IT TO LET THE RESIDENTS KNOW ABOUT A SHOOTING RANGE? BECAUSE I WAS HERE LAST YEAR, I THINK IT WAS, AND THEY MENTIONED IT.
SO IT'S NOT LIKE WE DIDN'T KNOW. IF YOU HAD BEEN COMING TO QUORUM COURT, YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THE CITY OF SHERWOOD HAD LET US KNOW. BUT IF YOU DON'T GO TO THE MEETINGS, YOU WON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.
SO I WON'T PUT ALL THE BLAME ON SHERWOOD, OKAY? WE ARE NOT TRANSPARENT WITH OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS.
AND I CAN SPEAK, AND I'M NOT SPEAKING FOR THE WHOLE 280 PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS.
BUT THERE'S A LOT OF STUFF GOING ON NOW THAT WE ARE NOT TRANSPARENT WITH.
WE ARE NOT LETTING THE NEIGHBORS KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.
WE GOT FLOODING. WE GOT SHOOTINGS. YOU GOT DEAD BODIES ON PROPERTIES.
AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU WANT TO HOLLER AT TRANSPARENCY IN THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD.
WHAT ABOUT THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD FIVE YEARS AGO? WHAT ABOUT THE FLOODING IN THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD? I'M VERY DISTURBED ABOUT THAT. SO, MA'AM, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
AND HASN'T BEEN BEFORE? NO SIDEWALKS. GRASS GROWING UP TO THE CEILING.
WHY DON'T WE ENACT IF WE SO WORRIED ABOUT SHERWOOD , WHAT THEY DOING.
THEN MAYBE WE WOULD BE NOTIFIED ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, THERE'S NO TRANSPARENCY IN BRUSHY ISLAND.
THANK YOU, MA'AM. MEMBERS, WE'RE ADJOURNED. THAT WAS OUR LAST COMMENT.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.