There are four City Council members elected from two wards dividing voters in the Pea Ridge city limits. Two council members are elected from each of the two wards. For several years, city officials have broached the subject of increasing the number of City Council members.
City Council members met with department heads, the mayor, the city attorney and Jeff Hawkins from Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning in a committee of the whole meeting to learn more about what would be involved in increasing the size of the council.
Hawkins presented the council with two maps -- one showing the current division of wards and another showing proposed redistricting. He explained that it's in the public's best interest to have population as nearly equal as possible in the wards.
There was much discussion among city officials, with the mayor saying he did not see a need to increase the size of the council.
"The good thing is, we've talked about this for a long time, it needs to be looked at," Mayor Jackie Crabtree said. "But me personally, I don't think it's something that needs to be done now... I feel like y'all are representing the folks out there.
"You get the calls. I think y'all make some really good informed decisions. We may need to do more committee of the whole meetings or meet more often," he said, explaining that some cities have committee of the whole meetings on the Monday preceding the council meeting.
City Clerk Sandy Button said there is no cost to the city for committee of the whole meetings. Council members are paid for special and regular meetings.
Hawkins said: "It all comes down to the wording, whenever you think it's in the interest of the public -- it's totally in your discretion."
"More representation with newer ideas," said council member Bob Cottingham. "I realize I'm up against 'that's the way it's always been done.'"
"I think it's an attitude of the way it's working right now," Crabtree said.
"I think we need more representation," Cottingham said.
"This was really just to get Jeff up here and get clarity," Crabtree said.
City attorney Shane Perry asked Hawkins what, in his experience, he would recommend.
"The representation view is valid, from what I see in other cities of this size," Hawkins said. "There's a lot to be said for what works. I don't know which would be better. It's within their discretion. Most cities in this size do have three; even have some smaller that have four."
Hawkins said Pea Ridge is the only first class city in the state with only two wards.
"There's nothing in the law that says you have to have a certain number," he continued. "Some have as many as six. Most have three wards."
Hawkins explained that voting requires two thirds of the aldermen to pass items. He said the 2010 census shows a population in Pea Ridge of 4,794 and the current estimated population is 5,903. "So you've grown a pretty good bit."
Hawkins also explained that some cities have council members serve three-year terms, some have council members elected at large and some have elections by ward.
"We don't have to do this, it's just an option... what we think would be best," Crabtree said
Button asked whether there was an average number of residents per aldermen recommended. Hawkins said there wasn't but state law does require wards when a city's population is more than 500.
"When Garfield went to 502, they went with three. That's what most cities have," Hawkins said. "That could be Little Flock which has 2,585 -- they decided they would stay second class for the past 25 years. They've got to have wards as well."
"There are times when somebody can't make the meeting or we don't have a quorum," Cottingham said, adding that the mayor has to break any vote that ends in a tie.
Button said it's been two wards ever since she's been here (40 years).
"The city was formed with four aldermen," Crabtree said.
"The population has grown from 1,000 to 6,000," Cottingham said, explaining that makes each council member represent a great number of people. "Most council men work full time."
Council member Ray Easley said the cost to the city would be a negative aspect to increasing to three wards.
"Sometimes we have trouble finding people to run for positions," Button added.
"I already know of two people who want to run for City Council," council member Lance Sanders said.
"There are a lot more younger citizens who might be inclined to become involved," Cottingham said. "I'd like to see more community involvement."
"We have openings right now they have not been able to fill -- stuff is out there," Button said.
The mayor said there is a position available on the Library Board, the Park Commmission, the Planning Commission.
Turning to Cottingham, Button said: "Do you feel like the city is being represented well now? Because I do."
"I would just like to see some more representation -- what kind of advertising could we do?" Cottingham said.
"I don't think it matters what kind of advertising you do. Unless that individual is concerned about something going in his back yard, they don't get involved," Crabtree said.
Sanders said: "I think we've been doing a pretty good job, but more heads provide more information."
General News on 06/20/2018