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February 19, 2026 Update
Early voting is now open for Maumelle Residents at the Community Center. I just had my fastest voter experience ever. No lines and plenty of open voter booths.What's important about this primary is that Maumelle's Bond initiative is on the ballot for residents. The first item is the Bond itself.
If voters do not approve a temporary extension of the 1/2 cent sales tax that funded Maumelle's third interstate entrance, then the votes on the subsequent measures are moot.
Other items include a new third entrance Fire Station (helping to keep insurance costs down), enhancing the proposed training facilities for Police and Fire, enhancing our parks,
lakes, and trails, as well as our streets, and most important to many residents who have been asking for this for decades--the indoor therapy pool at the senior Center by the Lake,
which will include an enlarged parking lot (27,000 meals served in 2025). Each of these measures are voted on individually.
More details can be found at the City's website: https://www.maumellebond.com/
February 17, 2026 Update
Tonight’s meeting of the Maumelle City Council was three members short, but still had enough for a quorum. All unanimous votes will show on the record as 5 to 3,
since absentee votes always count as a No.
The Mayor gave his State of the City report about the present state and future of Maumelle. Highlights of his speech focused first on “The places that brings Maumelle together,”
and the development of Millwood Park, which already has five full-time food trucks lined up for the opening. The Park will connect to the redesign of the Club Manor corridor,
which is intended to become “The Maumelle Mile” where people can walk between the different parks that include Lake Willastein and expanded trails leading into the City Center.
The (Senior) Center on Lake now serves 2000 members and served over 27,000 meals last year. New trails will also provide connectivity to the surrounding businesses and will
open up the bayou.
$3.1M has already been set aside for Police and Fire readiness training. Forward thinking planning like this enables the City to set clear directions for the future and helps
secure grant funding that enables the City to enhance improvements without spending taxpayer monies.
Just last week the City was awarded a $300K grant from Metroplan. Other projects include an upcoming vote on coordinated steps to improve Maumelle’s infrastructure,
such as replacing the Lake Valencia boardwalk and doing a Bathymetry Study of Lake Willastein.
Another part of the Bond proposal includes improvements to our roadways.
The City will have a new website launching soon, that will include Parks and Recreation and the Police and Fire departments. In the past they each had their own websites.
“The goal is a Maumelle that stays strong and improves its character.” Residents should be able to rely on steady vision from their leadership.
“The bar is rising… to build the best version of Maumelle.”
A printed version of his report was announced which will be available around the end of the month and will include a lot of financials and details about the different City Departments.
The Mayor then introduced Brad Ashford as Maumelle’s new Financial Manager. Brad has been a resident for around 20 years, and has vast experience in accounting over the last forty years.
He then gave the financials for the month of January. The first month of the year is always a little different from the rest of the year due to the cutoff from the previous year,
and the resulting juggling of payments and other delayed recording. Generally we were in line with 2025. 2025 also had a lot of expenses incurred that will not be part of 2026.
We still have funds of $225K over the minimum balance that will be increasing significantly as payments and grant funds are recorded in the coming months.
The Street Fund has a buffer of $3.1M. Sanitation is anticipated to begin paying back loans received from the General Fund.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1170 Amends the City’s Master Street Plan at Millwood/Odom. There was no discussion.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1171 amending Chapter 90 (dealing with vegetation) of City Code, and to abate pending prosecutions. This Ordinance replaces the one that was
indefinitely tabled at the last meeting. City Attorney Andrew Thornton spoke about removal of the tree preservation line being the principal change.
Council Member Holt made a motion to have all three readings done at once. The Mayor pointed out that the motion could not pass because there were not enough Council Members present
to achieve a two-thirds majority. Realizing that the motion would fail, Member Holt withdrew his motion.
Mayor Norris then spoke about a plan being developed on how to spend another new $40K grant to plant trees along the Boulevard. In the next week we should be hearing about other
grants that have been applied for.
Mayor Norris said that he also did advance voting, and pointed out that people can vote on the Bond issues now at the Community Center.
Member Shinn then asked Police Chief Pickard about the problems with kids on electric bikes at Lake Willastein. The Chief and Mayor said they are trying to be proactive
on this problem. The Mayor mentioned that instead of reporting these problems on Facebook, residents should call the police directly to report on the non-emergency line 501-851-1337.
If you don’t remember that number, then call 9-1-1.
February 2, 2026 Update
The February 2 meeting of the Maumelle City Council was one member short, so all unanimous votes will be recorded as 7 to 1 since absentees count as a No vote.
Mayor Norris spoke about recent activities in the Mayor’s office. He and another member of the accounting department are getting certifications processed, and after multiple
interviews a new Finance Director has been selected and will be introduced next week. He also spoke of his satisfaction that James has been doing a great job with Public Works,
especially dealing with the recent snow and ice storms. New techniques to better deal with ice in the future are being considered. He discussed several other initiatives that
are progressing how City Hall operates. The new trash truck naming contest generated 100 potential names. That was narrowed down to ten and voted on by the crews. Grit and Grime
were the winning names selected by Public Works. The City website redesign is expected to launch next quarter. The first quarterly publication from the Mayor’s office will be
released later this month. New lighting funded by grant monies for Odom will start being installed in the next month. The Mayor discussed many other upcoming projects.
The Club Manor roundabout project is still being reengineered, and the new Millwood park is nearing a March 13th opening.
Council Member Booker asked if there are ways to improve the City’s handling of the snow and ice. Mayor Norris replied that we’re doing everything we can with the current equipment,
and could possibly stockpile more sand in the future. They are also exploring pre-treatment options. There are certain roads that even the sand trucks cannot safely navigate.
Plus, we don’t have enough employees and trucks to get to every road.
Member Gardner said he had also gotten complaints. The last time we had snow on the ground this long was back in 1918. This was a historically unique event.
Member Shinn asked how many miles of road there are in Maumelle. An exact number was not immediately available. It was estimated at 115 miles.
Member Gardner gave the Planning Commission report about agenda items that will be on tonight’s Council agenda. Other items were pulled while waiting to see what happens with
new ordinance changes being voted on during tonight’s meeting.
The third Reading of Ordinance 1164 amending Chapter 90 (Vegetation) of the Maumelle City Code. Member Gardner said he would be sponsoring a new ordinance to deal more with this
in the future. Member Williams asked for a recap of previous discussions that the current Ordinance was better than nothing, and should be adjusted in the future.
By voting Yes it would enable the developer to continue moving forward.
I suggested that we might want to avoid “paralysis by perfection” and make adjustments down the road with the new ordinance. It was then clarified that the applicant had
pulled their request. It was voted unanimously to table the Ordinance indefinitely.
The third Reading of Ordinance 1165 to amend section 94-448 (Conditional Uses in Planned Commercial Districts) of the Maumelle City Code. The Ordinance passed unanimously.
The third Reading of Ordinance 1166 to amend Maumelle City Code regarding Grading and Clearing Activities. The Ordinance passed unanimously.
The third Reading of Ordinance 1167 to amend the City’s Zoning Map for 47.948 acres at Zajac Road. The Ordinance passed unanimously.
The third Reading of Ordinance 1168 to amend the City’s Master Street Plan at CCA Phase 15 Curb Cut. The Ordinance passed unanimously.
The third Reading of Ordinance 1169 Amending the City’s Master Street Plan at CCA Phase 15 Collector. The Ordinance passed unanimously.
Resolution 2026-05 requires an annual audit to be performed in accordance with the guidelines and format prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
We will be using the same auditor that we’ve employed the last several years. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution 2026-06 approves an Economic Development Service Contract between the City of Maumelle and Metro Little Rock Alliance (MLRA). Jack Thomas with MLRA addressed the
Council to describe the Alliance. Their function is to bring in new businesses and jobs, and in 2025 represented Maumelle in 12 different trade shows. They also host meetings
with site location consultants. One new business that they facilitated locating in Maumelle will bring in over 100 new jobs. There are more people working today in Central Arkansas
than have ever been employed before.
I asked if the exodus from Rust Belt state and states with high taxes was bringing new business into Arkansas. Mister Thomas replied that all the new business coming into the state
was a result o those factors.
Member Gronwald made a motion to table the measure until the next meeting, to give more time for her to do research.
Member Gardner asked when the current contract ends. This is something we do every year.
City Clerk Timmons mentioned that the information had not changed from last year.
The motion failed.
The Resolution passed unanimously.
The first Reading of Ordinance 1170 ammending the City’s Master Street Plan at Millwood/Odom. Director of Planning and Permits Scott Grummer discussed how this was based on an upcoming
development that is being proposed. The goal is to allow easier access for people living on the far west side of the City into the City Center. The Planning Commission gave this a
Do Pass recommendation.
Member Gardner spoke about how he lives in that area and expressed excitement for the plan. He confirmed that this would be a two-lane road. There would be no changes to Odom.
This would connect Lake Valley to Millwood. Mayor Norris suggested changing the North side Millwood Circle to another name since with will never connect to the Milllwood
Circle in the town center.
City Clerk Timmons pointed out that the next City Council meeting will be on a Tuesday.
January 20, 2026 Update
Tonight’s meeting of the Maumelle City Council had a full quorum in attendance.
Adrian Kitchen addressed the Council about a common area behind his home that he has taken care of for many years and is asking the City to redraw the boundaries to
allow him to fence it in. He said he had been paying taxes on it, and a pair of neighbors have been erecting their own fences to claim sections of the area.
The mayor referred him to the City Attorney.
Mayor Norris gave the financial review. He said he had finished doing reviews for a new Director of Finance and would hopefully be making an announcement soon.
He then gave an unofficial, preliminary year-end review, reporting better numbers than had originally been anticipated. “The results aren’t great but not as bad as
we had anticipated.” We are in a strong position with the General Fund balance being $1.7M above the minimum required. The Sanitation Fund continues to improve.
Resolution 2025-45 Approves A Preliminary Development Plan that was previously tabled for a proposed new subdivision, Windwood HeightsAddition, Phase I.
Tommy Wright was the first person to address the Council about the Resolution. He has owned the land for nearly 40 years and is excited about selling it.
He also spoke about how the City needs more affordable housing, and he supports the changes being proposed by the City Staff.
David Nance spoke again about how he doesn’t like the idea of the property being developed, but acknowledged that accommodations had been made out of consideration of the
community’s concerns. He was also worried about losing parking in front of his house.
Director of Planning and Permits Scott Grummer then addressed the changes that had been made to the Plan since the previous Council meeting. One new proposal would be to
make the road through the subdivision into a one-way street.
I suggested putting a No Through Traffic Sign at both ends of the road, to discourage anyone from trying to make the neighborhood into a short cut. Both he and Developer
Eric Holloway seemed to indicate this would be doable. I also asked the Mayor about having a police car park at the No Entrance sign to discourage people taking short cuts.
Council Member Gardner asked about the striping to indicate that this is a one way street.
Developer Eric Holloway gave those details.
Member Holt talked about a guided tour that he was given of the area by Mister Grummer.
His question was the possibility of a hundred cars traversing a one-way street, and was curious if this might hamper City Fire and Police Services.
Holloway replied that the street would be wide enough to accommodate two way traffic.
Director Grummer added that even with the striping that the road could still be used as a two lane. If it was later determined that the residents would prefer the
road to be two way, then it would be a simple matter to remove the striping.
The resolution passed unanimously.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1164 Amends Chapter 90 of the Maumelle City Code amending Chapter 90 (Vegetation) of the Maumelle City Code.
Deborah Conrad addressed the Council first about this. She is the developer, but is opposed to the Ordinance because she feels the ordinance does not go far enough to
give businesses visibility. She advocated a 25 foot setback as opposed to the proposed 50 foot. She felt the changes to not accomplish what is needed.
Kellie Walls from the Chamber also spoke about the concerns of businesses and their needs for visibility. She said the City has lost businesses because of visibility concerns,
and that Maumelle has a reputation of being hard to deal with. She advocated strengthening the tax base with new businesses.
Member Gardner said he was still trying to understand what was being proposed. He expressed concerns about 50 feet of commercial property being taken away from the properties
to be used as a screen.
Director Grummer spoke about how Section 90-84 detailing Road setback lines had not been consistently enforced in the past. He felt the new language would better address
future needs for variances in situations due to grading. He also spoke about how Maumelle has lost a lot of development to Little Rock because of our existing code.
Member Gardner expressed a concern for future lawsuits because the rules are being changed that will affect property owners along the Boulevard, for which this ordinance is
specifically being written.
Member Williams spoke about how difficult Maumelle has made it in the past for businesses to come into the City.
Member Holt also spoke about the difficulties local businesses have had with City ordinances.
Mayor Norris mentioned how the goal of the ordinance was an attempt to establish a compromise between both sides. If we turn this ordinance down,
we would return to the old City ordinance.
Member Gronwald agreed with the Mayor and expressed the concern of fulfilling our responsibilities to both the City and residents.
She feels the City needs to prioritize encouraging businesses to come in.
I spoke about the importance of visibility to businesses, and spoke about my own experiences as a business and Commercial property owner, and how draconian rewrites of
zoning laws by North Little Rock chased me out of the City after doing business and owning commercial property there for 40 years.
Member Gardner asked Director Grummer about what the City can do to make sure that any new commercial development is operating on an equal playing field.
Director Grummer said he would recommend striking Section 90-84 and let the landscaping design handle things.
Mayor Norris agreed with removing Section 90-84 just for commercial zoning. Industrial and residential would not be changed.
Member Shinn talking about how we would need to do a lot of changes to compete with NLR. He spoke about how the recent building of Hampton Inn a dozen years or so ago took
twice as long than it would have cost to build across the street in NLR.
Member Holt suggested withdrawing a citation issued for violating 90-84. City Attorney Thornton said that abating the prosecution would have to come from the City Council.
Mayor Norris said that notice was given not to clear that buffer, but it was cleared anyway.
Member Gronwald talked about going ahead and passing the ordinance and make adjustments in the future.
Mayor Norris said that removing 90-84 would take the ordinance back to the first reading.
The passing of this ordinance allows the process of the development to continue, and restrictions could be removed in the future.
Member Williams expressed her support of the removal of 90-84.
Member Gardner suggested going to third reading, and if it passed immediately start the process of rewriting 90-84.
Attorney Thornton suggested that we would not have to go through the planning commission. A new ordinance could be drafted and presented at the next meeting.
There was a pause when the YouTube video of the meeting crashed.
This was followed with a discussion about how best to alter the language of 90-84.
It was determined to allow the ordinance to go to a third reading at the next meeting while immediately starting work on a new rewrite.
This would allow the business developer to proceed with their work.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1165 Amends Section 94-448 of Maumelle City Code (Conditional Uses in Planned Commercial Districts). There was no discussion.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1166 Amends City Code regarding Grading and Clearing Activities. There was no discussion.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1167 Amends Zoning to amend the City’s Zoning Map for 47.948, at Zajac Road. There was no discussion.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1168 Amends Master Street Plan at CCA Phase 15 Curb Cut. There was no discussion.
The Second Reading of Ordinance 1169 Amending Master Street Plan at CCA Phase 15 Collector. There was no discussion. Yeah… we were all talked out,
and the gallery seemed very relieved that we were.
Planning Commission Appointments Mason Gates and David Nance were asked to address the Council. Mason Gates introduced himself first. Then David Nance,
who had spoken earlier, addressed the Council once more.
Resolution 2026-04 Amending Grant & General Fund Budget to re-appropriate grant funding that was unanimously approved.
This involved the movement of monies into their proper accounts.
I complimented the Mayor and his staff on their good work getting so many Grants approved.
The Mayor responded that they are working on three more.
January 5, 2026 Update
Tonight’s first meeting of the year for the Maumelle City Council had a full quorum.
Today was Public Works Director Mike Hogan’s final day, so the scheduled public works department did not happen. Mayor Norris discussed the search for his replacement.
He has appointed James Johnson as the interim director for a 90 trial period.
Director James Johnson was formerly the Maintenance supervisor, and he addressed the Council.
The Financial Report that was postponed from previous meeting. We have received a dozen or so applications for the open Director position and interviews are being scheduled.
So we were given the computer numbers of the Financial Report for November 2025 by Mayor Norris. Revenues were down in 2025 due to the fact that the City did not have
the significant insurance reimbursement from Ice Storm damage like we did in 2024. The Sanitation Fund is starting to improve, thanks to the recent changes in the fees charged.
Planning Commission Report by Council Member Booker. Since most items were on tonight’s agenda, he did short summaries of them. Other agenda items were withdrawn by the applicants.
Council Meeting Protocol was reviewed, which is required by State Law during the first Council meeting every year.
Resolution 2025-45 that was previously referred back to the Planning Commission for changes to be made, and scheduled to be returned to the Council during this meeting,
was not ready and will be delayed further to give City Staff more time to work on solutions.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1164 amending Chapter 90, dealing with Vegetation, of the Maumelle City Code. This will affirm a setback of 50 feet along boulevard commercial sites,
and old growth retention requirements. Residential along the boulevard is a 25 feet setback with a requirement to retain 6 inch trees and larger—but there is no undeveloped
residential land left along Maumelle Boulevard in the City limits.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1165 amends section 94-448 dealing with Conditional Uses in Planned Commercial Districts of the Maumelle City Code. Director Grummer announced
that Jason Lyons has taken Planning Director position in Benton, so he will be leaving Maumelle soon. Mister Lyons said this deals with language about retirement homes in a PCD zoning.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1166 amends the Maumelle City Code regarding Grading and Clearing Activities. This requires plans to be filed with the City before any clearing is done.
Mayor Norris complimented Director Grummer for his efforts to update obsolete or inaccurate code that no longer work as intended.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1167 amends the City’s Zoning Map for 47.948, at Zajac Road. The land use would stay the same as it is for a single family,
but the zoning would be switched to the new Agricultural Zoning.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1168 amends the City’s Master Street Plan at CCA Phase 15 Curb Cut. This would move the curb cut for the new proposed collector road to be opposite
the existing median cut at Riverland.
The First Reading of Ordinance 1169 amends the City’s Master Street Plan at CCA Phase 15 Collector. This deals with the road connected to the curb cut in Ordinance 1168.
Previously it was proposed that this road would connect with Paul Eels road. That is no longer the case, and no connection with North Little Rock roads are planned at this time.
Planning for the route of the new road into Maumelle can be worked out later. If approved then ARdot (Highway department) would also need to approve the curb cut.
Right now there are two businesses interested in locating in the area that would require a curb cut to open access to the property. The curb cut is the first domino that
needs to fall in order to begin to develop the property.
Council member Gardner expressed his opinion that connecting Paul Eels to Riverland is something that needs to happen in the future, to support new businesses in the area.
Resolution 2026-01 expresses a willingness to utilize Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Funds for Multi-Use Trail Construction. The City has been very active and successful in
qualifying the City for grants. This one is a 100% grant with no monies required from the City.
Resolution 2026-02 expresses a willingness to utilize Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Funds to Purchase and Plant Trees. This is part of the same grant as Resolution 2026-01.
This is an application to increase the number of trees along the highway.
Resolution 2026-03 expresses a willingness to utilize Federal-Aid Transportation Grant Funds. This is an application for an 80/20 grant to connect the City’s trails and connectivity
to the Community Center and schools.
Mayor Norris recommends that everyone check out the bond webpage dealing with the vote to be taken in March. Go to:
maumellebond.com
Member Shinn discussed electric vehicles on the Lake Willastein trails. He has had more complaints from citizens being bullied by youth. A police report was filed about their habit
of blocking one bridge from being crossed. A resident in another location said they are getting water and sewer pipes being installed along county land next to their property.
Shinn then asked about food trucks signing up to be vendors at the upcoming Millwood park. Mayor Norris said the ribbon cutting is planned for March.
Member Gronwald suggested all council members meet at the bridge tomorrow to confront the hooligan bullies.
City Clerk Tina Timmons announced that applications are open for two positions on the Planning Commission. Drop off your applications with her office by the 14th.
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2025.
Maumelle City Council
2025
Maumelle City Council 2022 notes.
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2022.
Maumelle City Council 2021 Notes.
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2021.
Maumelle City Council 2020 Notes
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2020.
2025
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2024.
Maumelle City Council
2024
Maumelle City Council2023 Notes:
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2023.
2024
Maumelle City Council2023 Notes:
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2023.
Maumelle City Council 2022 notes.
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2022.
Maumelle City Council 2021 Notes.
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2021.
Maumelle City Council 2020 Notes
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2020.
2019 City Council Notes:
Here is a link to all my notes pertaining to Maumelle's City Council during 2019.Here is a link to my 2018 Campaign page.
photo by Shannon Odom
MAUMELLE Wards MAP
MAUMELLE WARD MAP
Click on the map below to find your voting ward:
The State of Arkansas has it's own long-range planning, called Long Range Intermodal Transportation Plan (LRITP), with a vision that reaches to 2040. You can access the public record of this plan on the following link:
http://www.arkansashighways.com/Trans_Plan_PolicyARDOT_LRITP_ExecSummary_Final.pdf
Here is Maumelle's current long-range plan.
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