Language in the ordinance would establish minimum requirements or the amount of green space needed and layouts of large parking lots, a requirement the Mayor hopes will deter rolling asphalt or concrete lots, which often cause draining issues and traffic problems with speeding.
Street Director Arnold Knox told the council the plan was developed in conjunction with local partners, such as developers, engineers and naturalists.
The measure will advance to a second reading at the council’s next April meeting and could not be adopted until a third reading in May. With no emergency clause, the ordinance would not take effect until June.
Photo: Courtesy Mountain Home Fire Department
The Mountain Home City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Thursday evening allowing the restructuring of a command system for the city’s fire department.
The ordinance redefines the job classifications and compensation plans for the department, establishing the department’s positions as lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and fire marshal. Chief Kris Quick told the council Paragould is the only other city of similar size in the state that did not have battalion chiefs in its departments.
The lack of command structure also limits the opportunities for advancement in the department, according to Mayor Hillrey Adams.
The Mountain Home City Council will consider a sweeping ordinance to establish development regulations for areas such as parking lots, landscaping and drainage at its April monthly meeting Thursday evening.
The ordinance contains extensive protocols for approval, monitoring and enforcement on projects concerning land development in the city. The ordinance will be presented by Street Director Arnold Knox and Building Inspector Greg Ifland.
An ordinance to amend previous ordinances involving the pay scale at the fire department will also be under consideration. According to the meeting agenda, the ordinance would expand and redefine the job classification and compensation plans in order to enhance efficient management with the departments of the city of Mountain Home.