[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6037681,"mediaKeyId","3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5","parentId",3858736,"title","Centerton council opens discussion on no‑soliciting rules, asks staff to draft ordinance","audioSeconds",2105,"startMs",6718000,"endMs",8823000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5&start=6718&end=8823","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5/thumbnail_6718000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6037681/Centerton-City/Benton-County/Arkansas/Centerton-council-opens-discussion-on-nosoliciting-rules-asks-staff-to-draft-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037681-e390da270645c5945d3528ae1e38365b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196903&Signature=bIMk16oM2IwGf0d1RwQ~6t5k3ubUQxFyWjJlBoE7qA9yE7YeIrDIUank1Qi6an9AX1Y4KiqUlkS3p9GWILtVNiQ9XNAXSTLq9tcRjJZcrxnlGq75kgPT~rdHi4VbPFWSK90ZRo7Squ1IEL-xY5xle0xyUHeqw8DoBaEKmcWht68G2~PhJdHM7-NRNyE8v~dDu1t4SKEYtqC3aMc3zpA2GvbXuq9hdW5ZBDpm23FZMkkWTbNlRVbpZVwGIro5N17EzRBUuTuVZvZDtjjwHelHhnvTjAgintAI6y~uECctOKAKYqGXsGkxjZ-vH5uKPAbuTsvmA36eJ6QmzW526cUV4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Centerton City, AR","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","Centerton — The Centerton City Council discussed changes to the city’s no‑soliciting policy on Sept. 13 after a company continued door‑to‑door activity in residential neighborhoods past the hours set by the city and the company threatened legal action.

Resident John Box raised the issue during public comment and recommended Centerton emulate Bentonville’s program of supplying free no‑soliciting signs to residents. Council and staff recounted repeated calls to the company and said the city had suspended the company’s solicitor permit after repeated violations.

Council members heard from city legal and administrative staff about constitutional and practical limits on regulating door‑to‑door speech. City staff noted the Municipal League’s view that a 7 p.m. cutoff — the city’s existing rule — may be vulnerable to a constitutional challenge and presented examples of nearby cities whose policies set limits such as 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or sunrise/sunset approaches.

What council asked staff to do: Council members generally agreed to direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance for a future meeting that would (a) set solicitor hours using a test of 9 a.m. to sunset (sunset as published by NOAA or equivalent astronomical tables), (b) offer a standardized city‑issued “No Soliciting” sign free to residents while allowing homeowner‑supplied signs, and (c) review the solicitor permit fee and enforcement provisions. Council discussed stronger penalties and permit suspension for repeat violations and asked staff to research whether permit revocation should apply to individual solicitors or the company that employs them.

Legal context: City staff and the city’s legal representative explained the constitutional tradeoffs in restricting time, place and manner of speech; staff recommended a narrowly tailored approach and added transparency about how sign and hours enforcement would operate. The council asked the city attorney‑role staff to return with recommended ordinance language and fee adjustments.

What the city will do next: Staff will prepare a proposed ordinance for council consideration at a future meeting, including suggested permit fees, rules for background checks or permit conditions and draft penalty language for repeat violations. Staff also will research costs for a standardized city sign stock and options for distribution to residents.

Ending note: Council members emphasized both residents’ privacy after dark and the need for a clear, enforceable rule that balances constitutional considerations and neighborhood safety; the matter will return for an ordinance vote in a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Centerton City Council Meeting 5-13-25","oneSentenceSummary","After complaints about late‑evening door‑to‑door solicitations and a threatened legal challenge, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance updating hours and sign requirements. Council favored requiring a no‑soliciting sign and limiting solicitor hours to 9 a.m. until sunset, and asked staff to propose revised fees and permit rules.","taxTitle","Centerton City, Benton County, Arkansas","taxId",52185,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037686,"Centerton unveils schematic design for new community center; officials estimate multi‑phase build and annual operating subsidy",1999,4001000,6000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5&start=4001&end=6000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5/thumbnail_4001000.jpg","/articles/6037686/Centerton-City/Benton-County/Arkansas/Centerton-unveils-schematic-design-for-new-community-center-officials-estimate-multiphase-build-and-annual-operating-subsidy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037686-accd54ac51e80faf7e7813d40fdb6cad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196903&Signature=LH0DKwBLsa0biCqEqUZXdynh04fz3QGZtV1g7uQtKzBx9F8B9r9d6eovNxA1fxKxiCl0Lek0OoyIAS3~EXmJuu04WfNSQgRtG65bcp63B4QZmn3oeF3PsbtrGlD95emuEWhOAcBTQMQGXOdimEOT8O4zJpbIK1VGetB9Jwx29fNcc~S~d04qQBHqh6D6~YWfvMP8alPyNS-MVNmzkImnXGca35TxQi2Mp6SRyQ2~ffAf1UKucAkpHiVja4v2nJRqPu0Q3i0PNdUjuCNZ5U1RmWdEwx1u~kk0Wk3z4OPluZFfA-XDrq7~LmXVzRbijKiTvFFu4opZQuqNu16CrEzmhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Centerton — City officials and the project team presented the schematic design and program for a new Centerton community center at the Sept. 13 council meeting, showing a two‑story facility with indoor aquatics, a gymnasium, group‑exercise and fitness areas, party rooms, community space and room for future expansion.

Design consultants WER and Crossland Construction described a phased approach: the initial build includes a leisure pool and water play, a gym/court, a fitness mezzanine, community and party rooms, locker/cabana areas and space for administration and child care. The site plan reserves adjacent land for future competition pools, outdoor courts and trail connections as the city grows.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said the center will serve families, seniors and youth and aims to become a civic gathering place. The design team emphasized durable, low‑maintenance materials and a layout that allows future additions without disrupting initial operations. The project team reported more than 600 community survey responses and public forums informed the program.

Operational and schedule details: Ballard King, the center’s operational consultant, provided an early operating analysis. The team estimated Centerton could face an annual operating shortfall “anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000” depending on hours, fees and staffing choices; consultants will refine revenue and expense projections as design advances. Crossland and the design team estimated substantial completion and occupancy in spring 2027 if the city approves a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) later in the year and construction proceeds on schedule.

Facility highlights: The Phase‑1 program includes a 0‑entry leisure/water play area, lap lanes and space for a short slide, deck area for programming and pool guard/first‑aid support; a multi‑use gymnasium built to expand in later phases; a walking track and second‑floor fitness area with views to the main lobby; a community room with veranda that seats about 150 for public events; two dedicated party rooms; and family‑style locker cabanas for families and caregivers. Presenters noted the leisure pool will be warmer for family programming while a future competition pool would be kept at a lower temperature for athletes.

Public safety and storm shelter question: Council members asked whether the building would serve as a formal storm shelter. The design and consulting team said the facility is not an ICC 500‑rated safe room. Staff said the city submitted a FEMA Notice of Interest for a hardened safe‑room grant but that FEMA’s application screening can take many months. Consultants recommended identifying a “best available refuge area” inside the building under FEMA guidance for short‑term sheltering but cautioned that designation is not equivalent to an ICC 500 storm shelter.

Next steps: The design team will continue schematic and design development with Crossland and staff and return to the council in late 2025 with construction cost certainty and a proposed GMP. The team will also refine operations assumptions with Ballard King and discuss user fees, hours and staffing with city staff.

Ending note: Council members praised the collaborative design work and illustrations in the code package; the council scheduled an additional public community engagement meeting for May 29 and expects more public outreach as the design progresses.","City and consultants presented site plan and schematic design for a community center that will include indoor aquatics, gymnasium, group exercise, community room and future expansion space. Ballard King estimated annual operating subsidy of $200K–$300K; construction anticipated to start after GMP in late 2026 with occupancy projected spring 2027.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037691,"Centerton council adopts rewritten Title 15 subdivision and development code",1256,1354000,2610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5&start=1354&end=2610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3858736-cedfc0f16e4c98ec3ece8ca49aed9fa5/thumbnail_1354000.jpg","/articles/6037691/Centerton-City/Benton-County/Arkansas/Centerton-council-adopts-rewritten-Title-15-subdivision-and-development-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037691-3302cbe787f93524eaa34e08ba543136/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196903&Signature=cF-GRqG1HSiw-EIRN25q1g0VucslXnwFZc3D00e0e3DAkA1yY27COSUlqF5qOrQivaVEmd9e0mBfigjUjuUvi5gS~phnwnQVvlRMTfptuFXRW~aCLQCFMCtrF-UPtucMPhlXRmgGVZ7t37TnwTpbtfTOhlww9MfttqfPhGhWzDRy9L8D~XtDWJuX08GhuiJfyE3u5OLaqRXPYsG2BdnDxn2TzI7UAT3fvk211tcookNkS3XLwTymycdWRUpODdzpO2sKixwnk70ZpztNoUS6~vxV-zAn9igkBrVGEtuHB~INeGEvyERO2sJDkDErTBxtVmifN0VWX4tWy9hLXWsuRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Centerton — The Centerton City Council voted to adopt a comprehensive rewrite of municipal code Title 15, the city’s subdivision and development regulations, on Sept. 13, approving a 133‑page document the city says will align local regulations with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and modern development practices.

The updated code, which the council approved with an added severability clause, is intended to clarify permitting and infrastructure requirements for developers and staff and to consolidate plan‑submission requirements into a single, user‑friendly chapter. City staff and outside consultants from Garver presented the draft and said the rewrite grew from interdepartmental work and Planning Commission recommendations.

City officials said the new Title 15 updates subdivision procedures, street and sidewalk standards, drainage and floodplain coordination, and administrative review pathways so applicants can more easily see what materials are required for a complete submittal. Juliet, a planner with Garver who led parts of the presentation, said the rewrite is “grounded in state code, reflects current needs of the city, [and] provides an orderly process for subdivision and development.” Council members and the planning consultant emphasized graphics, charts and a clickable table of contents to help applicants find requirements quickly.

Why it matters: Centerton has been one of the fastest‑growing cities in northwest Arkansas. Council members and staff said the existing code — a small, fragmented packet of standards — left gaps that produced inconsistent permitting and caused delays. The new code is intended to give staff and developers clearer standards to speed reviews and reduce costly surprises during project design and construction.

Supporting details: Planning staff and Garver highlighted a number of changes during the council meeting, including: a comprehensive plat and plan requirement chart; clearer street cross‑section and block‑link standards to improve connectivity; administrative review rules for smaller projects; and illustrations clarifying tree setbacks from overhead utilities. The Planning Commission forwarded the rewrite to the council with a positive recommendation in May.

Local legal and policy context: Council discussion included the fact that the state legislature recently changed statutes that affect municipal planning areas; staff told the council those state changes do not take effect until August of the following year and advised leaving planning‑area language in the local code for now while municipalities and the Municipal League consider options. City attorney‑role staff (referred to in the meeting as Bridal) recommended adding a severability clause to prevent the entire code from being invalidated if a single provision is later found unlawful. The council adopted that clause before voting to adopt the code.

Council action: The council moved to adopt Ordinance 2025‑24, the Title 15 rewrite, including the added severability language. The motion passed on roll call vote. The ordinance formally replaces the prior Title 15 and will be published and implemented per the adopted ordinance schedule.

What’s next: Staff and the consultant team said they will continue to work with the city and with nearby jurisdictions and the Municipal League on any follow‑up amendments required after the state law changes become final. The council and staff flagged ongoing coordination with Benton County and neighboring jurisdictions as a priority to manage planning‑area transitions.

Ending note: Supporters at the meeting described the revision as bringing Centerton’s development rules into alignment with comparable cities of the same size and providing more predictability for developers and residents. The council’s adoption closes a multiyear drafting process and puts a new regulatory tool in place for the city’s immediate development needs.","The Centerton City Council unanimously adopted a 133-page rewrite of municipal code Title 15, updating subdivision and development rules to reflect the 2040 comprehensive plan and current state law while adding severability language to reduce legal risk.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Centerton council opens discussion on no‑soliciting rules, asks staff to draft ordinance

Centerton unveils schematic design for new community center; officials estimate multi‑phase build and annual operating subsidy

Centerton council adopts rewritten Title 15 subdivision and development code