Ash Grove public hearing on property variance gets heated

Residents speak against allowance for smaller than normal lots
 

The city of Ash Grove held a public hearing prior to the Ash Grove Board of Aldermen meeting the evening of Monday, Aug. 3. The hearing began with residents voicing concerns about a property variance requested by Alderman Pat Hurley; the hearing ended with Alderman Troy Watts—who presided over the evening—reining in a lively argument that included local business owner Marc Schwenn all but calling the entire board liars.
Variance discussed
Hurley has his sights on parceling off a piece of property, at 505 East Prairie Lane, into three tracts. The variance he’s seeking would allow two potential lots to be 69.92 feet wide, just shy of the city’s minimum width of 70 feet.
One after one, neighbors spoke against the allowance, citing unhappiness with what would end up being small lots, and more importantly, the exacerbation of an already existing water runoff problem.
 In the absence of Mayor Les Gardner, Chairman of the Board Watts heard from five individuals regarding the proposition, all of whom hoped the city would tamp out the idea before it went any further.
Watts allowed each person their time to speak directly to the board. After their time was up, unyielding to any decorum or rules, many continued making comments to Watts, which he politely received. The board repeated that they didn’t know what Hurley had in mind for the lots and that the hearing was just to hear community input.
With the comments slowing, local business owner Marc Schwenn asked the board if they took an oath of office to tell the truth. They replied in the affirmative. Schwenn then went on to accuse the board of being dishonest by, “choosing to forget the facts.” Schwenn said the board knew full well that Hurley had plans for building homes on the lots because Schwenn was there when the board was shown the plans.
Multiple board members immediately corrected Schwenn, saying the plans they were shown was for a development on the east side of town. Schwenn conceded he was mistaken on that example, but didn’t concede his original point.
Alderman Bill Wagner didn’t back down, taking umbrage at the accusation of being dishonest. Wagner returned Schwenn’s verbal jab with some of his own, and at a few more decibels.
Watts eventually called for an end to the discussion and hearing.
Overnight parking
During the business meeting portion of the evening, the board discussed a current issue at Ash Grove City Park. Recently, unsavory types have been staying the night in the park. By law, the city isn’t allowed to remove those simply sleeping. Although they are allowed to arrest them for other infractions, which they have, four times.
Even if the city were able to produce a code that could keep the ne’er-do-wells at bay, the code would likely prohibit bicyclists from staying at the park as well, whom the city welcomes.
AGPD’s Jacob Marler and Chief Darin Chance spoke on the matter saying it is imperative that witnesses to the lawbreakers must take action, and be heard.
‘Witnesses need to sign a complaint and show up in court,” Marler said. “We’re going to need people to stand up if need be.”
“Please call 911,” said Watts. He added that having records of the incidents will help the police in their crackdown. He also said that taking pictures of the wrongdoing is also recommended, if possible.
In action during the meeting, the board voted 4-0 to:
- Accept the 2020- 2025 emergency management mitigation plan;
- Pay assistant city clerk Jennifer Martin overtime for work involving the Greene County CARES Citizen Advisory Council;
- Allow a final pool day of the season for dogs called Bark in the Park, the details of which are still pending, however, owners will be charged $3 for each dog entering the pool.