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The Mountain Home City Council will consider rezoning 6.5 acres in Big Creek Estates from single-family to multi-family use to allow townhouse construction at its Thursday meeting.
The council will vote on the second reading of an ordinance to change the property east of Silzell Drive and west of Phase III of Big Creek Estates from R-1 to R-4 zoning. Mountain Land Group requested the change for what the petition calls Phase IV of Big Creek Estates.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning at its May 12 meeting. A public hearing on the rezoning was held May 15.
In other business, the council will consider vacating a utility easement on parts of lots 54 and 56 of Big Creek Estates Phase 1B. Clay Maxey and Heather Maxey, trustees of the Maxey Family Living Trust, requested the change. The petitioners will grant the city a new sewer easement in exchange.
The city will also:
- Consider opening a new checking account for water and sewer grant funds
- Accept the Water/Sewer Department’s 2024 audit
- Discuss canceling the June 19 meeting due to the Juneteenth holiday and the Arkansas Municipal League conference in Little Rock
The Mountain Home Police Department has two patrol officer positions open, with three candidates undergoing background checks and hiring expected next week, Police Chief Eddie Griffin told the Public Safety Committee.
Three new patrol vehicles have arrived and are being outfitted for service. Overall police activity was down last month, mainly due to the department’s relocation to its new facility at 650 South Street, though school resource officer activity remained steady. The department held an open house at the new building Tuesday.
The fire department responded to 277 calls for service in April, compared to 291 during the same period in 2024, Fire Chief Kris Quick reported to the committee. From January through April, the department has handled 1,208 calls, up from 1,158 last year.
The new fire station should open by early June. Monthly calls are down, but annual totals are up 50%, Quick said.
One new fire engine is expected around July, with a new tanker due by December. Equipment delays and price increases continue, with a possible federal investigation into industry practices.
The city’s current recycling services end June 30 due to staffing and funding issues. Options for continued service are under review, and a representative may address the council about the issue.
The county is reviewing bids and grants for tornado siren replacements. Nine sirens exist in the area, with two or three needing replacement. Costs have increased, and long-term viability is under discussion.
Six Flock license plate readers are scheduled for installation pending permits. The cameras will aid investigations and send alerts. The prosecutor will cover 50% of the costs. Future integration with private camera systems is being considered.
The May 15 council meeting minutes show the council approved:
- A bid waiver allowing the Street Department to purchase a 2025 Dodge Ram 3500 chassis from Ultimate Auto Group for $47,976, which was $4,608 less than the state bid price
- Landscape and drainage variances for the Mountain Home Saddle Club to build new restroom facilities at the arena in time for the Red, White & Blue rodeo in June
- A list of surplus items to be sent to auction in early June
A public hearing on the utility easement will be held at 4:55 p.m. before the regular 5 p.m. council meeting in the council chambers at 720 Hickory Street.
