Bentonville Combined Committee of the Whole and City Council Meeting - 4th Tuesday of the Month

The City of Bentonville, Arkansas held a combined Committee of the Whole and City Council meeting on March 31, 2026, focusing heavily on zoning, development, and infrastructure issues. Key procurement-related actions included contract approvals for security software with Heartland Business Systems ($334,815), mowing services with Empire Group Property Management ($67,053), and sports lighting installation at Memorial Park with Musco Sports Lighting LLC ($551,800). Additionally, a professional services agreement with Olson, Inc. was authorized for $165,000. The council discussed grant-funded capital improvement projects for road and intersection upgrades using federal aid surface transportation block grant program funds administered by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. Significant deliberations centered on zoning changes, annexation, and the adoption of the Bentonville Community Code, with detailed discussions on development costs, infrastructure requirements, and the impact of zoning on housing density and affordability. The council voted to table some items for further review, including the community code and overlay district map, with plans to revisit them at the next meeting. Public concerns about noise pollution and community engagement in planning processes were also raised.