Key Takeaways
- The Malvern City Council met for their first regular monthly meeting of 2026 and approved several ordinances
- The council approved new camping regulations for city-owned property, increasing the price of camping permits from $5 to $50 per day
- The council tabled discussion on the city’s 911 service contract with the county, which is still being negotiated
- A new downtown entertainment district ordinance was introduced, which could allow limited outdoor consumption of alcohol in a designated area
- The council approved the purchase of city insurance coverage through the Arkansas Municipal League, waiving competitive bidding
Introduction to the Meeting
The Malvern City Council held their first regular monthly meeting of 2026 on Monday night, addressing several important issues and approving new ordinances. The meeting began with the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes and city departmental reports, setting the stage for a productive evening. The council then moved on to old business, taking up the issue of camping regulations on city-owned property. This marked the beginning of a series of discussions and votes that would shape the city’s policies and procedures for the coming year.
Camping Regulations
The council opened old business with a third and final reading of an ordinance establishing new regulations governing camping on city-owned property, specifically Paradise Park. The ordinance repealed the city’s prior camping regulations, making significant changes to the pricing and deposit policies. Under the new regulations, the price of camping permits would increase from $5 to $50 per day, with a one-day required deposit applied toward the total camping fee. This change aims to update the city’s policies and ensure that camping fees are more in line with current costs. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance, demonstrating their support for the new regulations.
Insurance Purchases
Under new business, the council heard a first, second, and third reading of an ordinance waiving competitive bidding for the purchase of the city’s vehicle, property, and health insurance coverage. The city would be purchasing these services through the Arkansas Municipal League, taking advantage of their expertise and resources. The ordinance included an emergency clause, making it effective immediately upon passage. This allowed the city to move forward with the insurance purchases without delay, ensuring that they have the necessary coverage in place. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance, demonstrating their support for the city’s insurance needs.
911 Service Contract
The council also discussed the city’s 911 service contract with the county, which has been the subject of months-long negotiations over cost sharing formulas. The county’s proposed contract would break up the total bill of $163,335.99 into four quarterly payments due at the end of March, June, September, and December. However, the council decided to table acceptance of the agreement, opting to continue discussions with the county. This decision reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring that the city’s needs are met and that the contract is fair and equitable. Further negotiations will be necessary to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Downtown Entertainment District
In addition to these issues, the council introduced a new downtown entertainment district ordinance, which could allow the limited outdoor consumption of alcohol within a designated area downtown. This proposal has the potential to enhance the city’s nightlife and attract more visitors to the area. However, the specifics of the ordinance and its potential impact on the city will require further discussion and consideration. The council’s introduction of this ordinance marks the beginning of a new conversation about the city’s entertainment options and how to create a more vibrant downtown area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Malvern City Council’s first regular monthly meeting of 2026 was a productive and significant one, with several important issues addressed and new ordinances approved. The council’s decisions on camping regulations, insurance purchases, and the 911 service contract reflect their commitment to ensuring that the city’s needs are met and that its policies and procedures are up to date. The introduction of the downtown entertainment district ordinance marks the beginning of a new conversation about the city’s entertainment options and how to create a more vibrant downtown area. As the city moves forward into 2026, these decisions will shape its development and growth, and the council will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
