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Bull Shoals advances zoning rewrite, golf-cart ordinance and AI policy; sign-fee updates approved
Summary
The Bull Shoals council moved a comprehensive zoning code amendment forward, approved a golf-cart ordinance second reading, adopted an AI policy for employees, and updated sign-permit fees; board nominees were also confirmed.
Bull Shoals city council on Feb. 26 advanced a suite of regulatory updates, approving a second reading of a golf-cart ordinance and moving a comprehensive zoning-code amendment through additional readings while adopting related resolutions on zoning-board nominees, an AI policy and sign-permit fees.
Councilman Bolen moved and Councilman Meinking seconded the second reading approval for Ordinance 2026-03 (golf carts); the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. Councilman Webb presented Ordinance 2026-04, a broad zoning update covering definitions, single-family rules including short-term rentals, commercial and light-industrial districts, parking, signs and fences. The council voted to accept the ordinance and then suspended the rules to read the second and third readings by title only (motions passed 6-0), moving the measure forward for final consideration.
The council also approved Resolution 2026 R01 naming five nominees to the Board of Zoning Adjustment. A potential conflict-of-interest question was raised concerning Merle Fawcett, who had been hired earlier as part-time Public Works Director; City Attorney Mr. King advised the council that the conflict did not preclude the appointment.
Resolution 2026 R02 adopted an Artificial Intelligence policy for city employees and officials to comply with state law, specifying training and disciplinary procedures; council discussion clarified language distinguishing mandatory training from encouragement. Resolution 2026 R03 updated annual sign-permit fees and added penalties for late payment and linkages between business licensing and sign permits; that resolution also passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2026-03 (Golf carts) — second reading approved (motion Bolen; 2nd Meinking) Yes 6, No 0 — outcome: advanced to third reading. - Ordinance 2026-04 (Zoning code amendments) — accepted and rules suspended to allow 2nd and 3rd readings by title (motion Webb; 2nd Bolen/Meinking) Yes 6, No 0 — outcome: advanced for further readings. - Resolution 2026 R01 (Board of Zoning Adjustment nominees) — approved (motion Hutchison; 2nd Meinking) Yes 6, No 0 — outcome: nominees confirmed. - Resolution 2026 R02 (AI policy) — approved (motion Meinking; 2nd Howell) Yes 6, No 0 — outcome: adopted. - Resolution 2026 R03 (Sign permit fees) — approved (motion Meinking; 2nd Webb) Yes 6, No 0 — outcome: adopted.
City Attorney Mr. King answered a question about potential conflicts and the mayor and council signaled continued review of ordinance language before final adoption where appropriate. Several items will return to the council for third readings or further procedural steps.
