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Ward council approves nonprofit permitting, water-line rules and fishing limits; adopts staff contracts and bonuses
Summary
At its Sept. 17 meeting the Ward City Council adopted a package of measures: a non-fee permit process for nonprofits to ensure fire inspections (Ordinance 20247), clarified water-meter and wastewater-line responsibilities (Ordinance 20248), and rules for Willow and Busby Lakes (Ordinance 2024-21). The council also approved year-end bonuses, a Safe Routes to School design contract, and renewed the property millage.
Ward City Council on Sept. 17 approved several ordinances and resolutions affecting permitting, utilities and parks at City Hall.
Nonprofit permitting (Ordinance 20247): Council adopted a non-fee permitting process intended to ensure that nonprofit properties, including houses of worship, are scheduled for required annual fire inspections. Council members stressed the permit is intended to place buildings on the fire-department inspection list, not to prohibit a church's existence. The ordinance passed on second reading; council waived remaining readings and adopted it, effective in 30 days.
Water meters and wastewater lines (Ordinance 20248): Council approved a second-reading amendment clarifying access to water meter boxes and establishing ownership and responsibility rules for wastewater lines. The ordinance includes a statement that if damage or blockage results from a contractor's or homeowner's negligence, the city reserves the right to seek reimbursement and, if warranted, pursue criminal charges. The ordinance passed its second reading and will return for final action as scheduled.
Willow and Busby Lakes regulations (Ordinance 2024-21): Council updated local regulations for Willow and Busby Lakes to consolidate older ordinances, set posting requirements (e.g., sunrise-to-sunset at Willow), and align community pond limits with Game and Fish guidance. Discussion focused on whether to publish numeric catch limits in the ordinance or to reference the Game and Fish Commission publication and post limits on signs at the lakes. Staff noted Game and Fish guidance and biological surveys (University of Pine Bluff assistance noted) will inform any future changes. Council voted to adopt the ordinance and waived additional readings; signs will be posted to inform the public.
Other actions: Council approved Resolution 202442 authorizing year-end bonuses for qualified employees (one recorded ‘‘no’’ vote from Council Member Brooke). The council approved Resolution 202443 authorizing a contract with Half Associates Inc for design and bid services for Safe Routes to School Phase 5 and renewed the city’s five-mill real property millage rate. Staff also reported a water-tank inspection contract was signed within the city manager’s spending authority and the Department of Health approved the inspection approach.
Why it matters: The package addresses safety and regulatory clarity—ensuring nonprofits are inspected for fire safety; making it clearer who is responsible for water and wastewater repairs; and setting enforceable rules and signage for community lakes. Budget and implementation details—such as signage, posting and future biological studies—were left to staff and future council action.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 20247 (nonprofit permitting) — adopted (roll call votes recorded as unanimous on adoption); Ordinance 20248 (water/wastewater) — approved for second reading; Ordinance 2024-21 (Willow/Busby Lakes) — adopted and readings waived (effective 30 days); Resolution 202442 (employee bonuses) — approved, Council Member Brooke voted no; Resolution 202443 (Safe Routes contract) — approved; millage renewal — approved by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff to publish procedures and signage where required; Game and Fish guidance and biological surveys will inform any future amendments to lake limits.
