City Council code change eases historic district repairs

ROGERS — The City Council approved a measure making it easier for property owners in the city’s historic district to make minor repairs to their property.

The ordinance amending sections of the Historic Protection and Preservation code was on Tuesday’s agenda.

The issue was first discussed in the council’s Community Environment and Welfare Committee.

Ethan Hunter, Rogers’ district planner, presented the proposal to the committee and council.

Hunter said proposal changes the language and streamlines the process for property owners wanting to make minor repairs to their property in the district.

Hunter said property owners will still have to go before the Rogers Historic District Commission for the minor repairs to property, but there are now lesser requirements for public hearings concerning minor repairs.

Alderman Jerry Carmichael, who’s chairman of the environment committee, said the change is more user friendly than what the city had before.

The committee voted in favor of proposal in a meeting before the council meeting.

Hunter presented the amendment change to the council and told the group the change restructures and consolidates language of the code.

The council voted to approve the change.

Mayor Greg Hines said the change removes some of the red tape from the code.

Hines recommended Jessica Hester’s appointment to the Rogers Public Art Commission to fill the unexpired term of Bill Schoop. Hester’s term will expire Oct. 28, 2017.

The council also voted to ■ Authorize Rogers Waterworks and Sewer Commission to issue a notice of intent to renew a water purchase contract with Benton County Water Authority No. 4.

■ Spend $ 41,461 from the ICE Forfeiture Fund Reserve to renovate a police briefing room and patrol sergeant’s room and authorize a contract with Pick-It Construction and Moser Office Furniture.

■ Amend the 2017 budget to buy a street cleaning vehicle for $219,567.