Comprehensive master plan discussed at board meeting
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The board of directors meeting for the Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association on Wednesday lasted more than two hours, and was dominated by discussion of a comprehensive master plan, along with the 2018 budget overview, both presented by CEO Lesley Nalley.
She said this will be the first time for HSV to generate a plan of this scope, which will be utilized as a blueprint for growth that prioritizes the use of funds, allowing the community to remain relevant.
A large part of its development will be brought about by member input. Nalley called this a “pathway” for citizens to participate in the Village’s future. The plan will protect public investments, enable continuity of actions, and promote economic development.
At this time, three firms have submitted proposals to the POA, and Nalley said all members in good standing are welcome to look over them and discuss any thoughts or concerns with her.
Board members had previously read through the three submissions, and each agreed on the superiority and fit of a proposal authored by the Crafton Tull firm. Representatives from its Little Rock office will be asked to present to the board during the Sept. 7 budget meeting.
Director of Placemaking and Development Stephanie Heffer spoke on how the public’s input will be gathered via design charrettes.
These intensive meetings will include both HSV members and the design team, and are intended to identify areas of member disagreement on the front end, then move toward consensus.
There will be a one- to two-week period of public collaboration, and during the process, updates will be provided through digital and social media platforms.
Though the comprehensive master plan could cost up to $500,000 to develop, Nalley said it will have monetary benefit by creating and protecting the Village’s value through sustainable growth.
That concept of growth is also the driving force behind the development of the 2018 budget. Nalley said this process will be done differently than in the past. One change will be the identification of actual metrics for each department or area, instead of simply looking back at what had been done in previous years. She said she thinks understanding the needs of non-resident property owners is also important.
All department supervisors will make presentations to the board next week, and the budget will be adopted during the October regular board meeting.
Board member Marcy Mermel said planning for this year’s Senior Expo is underway, and it will be held during the first half of October. The event will feature both more activities and information than 2016’s inaugural expo.
Member Mike Medica asked for patience from residents when it comes to HSV building and infrastructure repairs.
In her financial report, Nalley said Director of Agronomy Gary Myers will be creating the first comprehensive multiyear plan for all HSV golf courses.
She also noted the more than $3 million associated with increased assessments has not been spent, and will continue to be frozen until the Garner case is ruled upon.
In her COO’s report, Linda Mayhood first introduced new POA Communications Manager Kate Chagnon.
Mayhood said the Water Tank Rehabilitation Project is underway, and is expected to reach completion in October.
Two positives she mentioned were that pavement markers are being refreshed in several places, and no new hydrilla growth has been seen in Lake Balboa.
Under current business, all three items voted on passed unanimously, including a Governance Committee Charter, the Wastewater Treatment Plan Bond Project, and the Culvert Rehabilitation Project.
For new business, board member Tom Weiss spoke on the conduct of a board in a governance role, and encouraged meeting attendees and the public to voice any concerns or questions to the board before a vote is taken at the September regular meeting.
Community events were recognized by Board Chairman John Weidert as he issued two proclamations. The first was to name Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in Hot Springs Village, with the second proclaiming Sept. 30 as Village Walk for Cancer Research Day.
There was also a presentation to members of Hot Springs Village’s Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build team. Habitat Executive Director Cindy Wagstaff said more than 200 volunteers helped with the latest houses in Hot Springs, and some 80 percent of those were Village residents. The dedication ceremony for two homes will take place Saturday on Lincoln Street, and the public is welcome to attend.