Web posted
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
City ready to pass window rules
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
Boarded-up windows may someday not exist in Arkansas City.
The first step is expected to happen tonight when the City Commission plans to approve an ordinance that would set rules for windows in the city.
The city started to act a couple of months ago, but decided to let downtown building owners come up with an alternative plan on their own. Roger Sparks, who headed the committee, said the group was too polarized to come up with an alternative plan, so the group disbanded.
He said the split was between those who wanted to fix up their buildings and those who did not want to be told what to do with their property.
The ordinance will require that window openings be covered with "a rigid transparent" material. Another option will be to fill in the space with a material that looks like the same material as the building.
This will cover the entire city, though there may be some more restrictions in the historical downtown area set by the State Historical Commission.
People will be able to apply for a hardship exemption through the director of building, planning and codes. This would allow people to use banned materials temporarily and to get a deadline extension.
The Arkansas City Building, Planning and Codes Director Matt Rowland said as long as people have a plan and are working on this plan, they will be considered in compliance. He would have to approve the plan.
In other matters the commission is expected to:
* Proclaim May 11-17 as Police Week, and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
* Proclaim May 10 as NALC National Food Drive Day.
* Proclaim May 2008 as Older Americans Month.
* Hold a public hearing and consider ordinance authorizing an economic-development tax exemption for Creekstone Farms for equipment bought in 2005 and 2006.
* Consider a resolution authorizing acceptance of property from USD 470. This is a part of Brock Park the city has maintained for several years. It was recently discovered that the school district owns the property. The district wants to turn it over to the city.
* Authorize a conditional-use permit at 618 W. Cedar for a double-wide, mobile-home type structure.
* Authorizing design contract for West Madison Avenue KLINK project.
* At Monday's work session they discussed matters related to the upcoming budget. Commissioners discussed funding for programs it helps finance such as the library, museum and other agencies.
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