Newport council appoints Wendell Green, approves NEDC renovation agreement and rezones Commerce Boulevard property

NEWPORT, Ark. — The Newport City Council on Aug. 5 appointed Wendell Green to fill the Ward 3, Position 1 seat and approved a series of land‑use and administrative measures including a resolution to pursue an EDA grant for renovation of the NEDC building.

Mayor Ratliffe presented Green as a Ward 3 resident and said Green retired from Entergy after more than 30 years of service and serves on the Newport Housing Authority Board. Regina Lake moved to appoint Green to the remainder of Kathy Green’s term through Dec. 31, 2024; Donnie Ivie seconded and the motion carried 6–0 with Michael Allen, Julie Moss, Donnie Ivie, Andy May, Regina Lake and Leroy Mansko voting yes. Mr. Green then joined the council table.

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter an administrative agreement with White River Planning and Development District, Inc. to pursue an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for renovation of the NEDC building. NEDC Executive Director Chadwell provided an overview of the planned renovations during the meeting; the resolution language and the agreement were approved on a 7–0 vote. The council record does not specify the requested grant amount or a project schedule.

Council members also approved a zoning variance for R3 Strategies, LLC to allow construction and operation of a travel trailer park on parcel 013‑00090‑001. The resolution affirmed the findings of the Board of Zoning and passed 7–0.

Attorney Edward Boyce described a rezoning request for property at 2590 Commerce Boulevard. The council suspended its rules to read the ordinance by caption only, approved changing the parcel from Agricultural‑1 to Residential‑3 and adopted an emergency clause; each motion carried unanimously, 7–0.

The council read and approved an ordinance permitting the city to conduct business with Malcolm Haigwood, identified in the ordinance as a non‑paid member of the Newport Airport Commission. That ordinance passed on a 7–0 vote after the council suspended rules to forego additional readings.

During routine reports Mayor Ratliffe said electronic copies of the June 2024 financial statements were distributed with the council packets and invited members to direct questions to City Clerk/Treasurer Hembrey. He also reported July sales‑tax receipts: City $175,048; County $113,110; NEDC $87,524.

Votes at a glance: • Appointment — Wendell Green to Ward 3, Position 1: motion by Regina Lake, second by Donnie Ivie; outcome: approved 6–0 (Allen, Moss, Ivie, May, Lake, Mansko yes). • Resolution — Administrative agreement with White River Planning to pursue EDA grant (NEDC building): motion by Michael Allen, second by Donnie Ivie; outcome: approved 7–0. • Resolution — Zoning variance for R3 Strategies, LLC (parcel 013‑00090‑001, travel trailer park): motion by Michael Allen, second by Donnie Ivie; outcome: approved 7–0. • Ordinance — Rezoning 2590 Commerce Boulevard (Ag‑1 to R‑3): motion to suspend rules and approve by Michael Allen (motion to suspend rules recorded as moved by Allen and seconded by Mansko); outcome: ordinance approved 7–0; emergency clause approved 7–0. • Ordinance — Permit city to conduct business with Malcolm Haigwood (Newport Airport Commission): motion by Julie Moss, second by Michael Allen; outcome: approved 7–0.

The council adjourned with no additional business. The council record shows no formal motions failing or votes against the measures listed above.