Highfill Highlights
May 13, 2026
The Highfill City Council met Tuesday evening for its regular monthly meeting at City Hall. Here’s what your local government accomplished for our community.
Approved Items
Last night’s City Council meeting focused heavily on growth, future development, and how Highfill balances expansion while protecting long-term community needs.
- April 14, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Mintues
- Ordinance 2026-8 Final Plat Savannah Park Subdivision Phase I
- Ordinance 2026-9 Residential Estate (RE) Zoning District
- Ordinance 2026-10 Pinkley Annexation
- Resolution 2026-17 Water and Sewer Appointment
- Resolution 2026-18 Planning Commission Appointment
- Resolution 2026-19 National Opioid Settlement
- Resolution 2026-20 Memorandum of Understanding between City of Highfill and Friends of Highfill
- April 2026 Financials
New Residential Estate Zoning Approved
The Council approved a new Residential Estate (RE) zoning district after discussion about preserving larger residential lots and providing additional housing options within the city. Council members discussed how the district could support lower-density development while still fitting within Highfill’s long-term planning goals.
Savannah Park Phase 1 Final Plat Approved
The Council also approved the final plat for Savannah Park Subdivision – Phase 1. During discussion, city staff confirmed required infrastructure inspections had been completed and that maintenance bonds and utility requirements were in place before approval.
A large portion of the conversation centered on future commercial development within Savannah Park. Residents spoke during public comment about the importance of preserving commercial property opportunities instead of converting too much land into residential use. Several comments focused on the need for future businesses, local services, and long-term sales tax growth as the city continues to expand.
Council members discussed balancing residential growth with economic development opportunities and acknowledged concerns about maintaining space for future commercial investment.
Pinkley Annexation Approved
The Council approved the Pinkley Annexation, officially bringing the property into Highfill city limits and assigning it to Ward 3. The discussion included future service planning and how annexations continue to shape the city’s growth patterns.
Water & Sewer Committee Appointment Approved
The Council approved the appointment of Keith Gray to the Highfill Water & Sewer Committee through Resolution 2026-17. During discussion, officials also agreed to extend the board term through June 30, 2028, to better align with other city board appointments.
Director of Public Works Dustin explained that Highfill’s population growth has increased demands on the utility system and led the advisory board to move from quarterly meetings to monthly meetings. He said the board plans to begin meeting monthly before July as the city prepares for its next rate study.
Dustin also explained that the advisory board reviews customer concerns, discusses utility operations, and makes recommendations to the City Council, while the Council retains final authority on decisions.
Officials noted that longtime board member Bob Reams stepped down after 12 years of service, while another member resigned due to scheduling demands created by the transition to monthly meetings.
Planning Commission Appointment Filled
The Council also filled an open Planning Commission seat after Elise moved from the commission to the City Council, creating a vacancy.
Several applicants expressed interest in serving. During public remarks, applicant Ryan DeClerk spoke about the importance of balanced growth, thoughtful decision-making, and protecting the quality of life for both current and future residents.
DeClerk emphasized the need for honest debate and careful consideration as Highfill continues to grow. Council members discussed the applicants before ultimately approving the appointment.
Opioid Settlement Participation Approved
The Council approved participation in the final phase of the National Opioid Settlement through Resolution 2026-19.
City Attorney Jay Williams explained that Highfill previously joined statewide opioid litigation coordinated through the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and had already participated in earlier settlement agreements. According to Williams, opting out of the settlement would leave the city responsible for pursuing litigation independently against remaining defendants.
Officials explained that settlement funds are restricted to specific uses, with many funds supporting specialized public safety and police department-related projects.
Friends of Highfill Partnership Approved
The Council approved Resolution 2026-20, establishing a memorandum of understanding between the City of Highfill and Friends of Highfill Inc., a newly formed nonprofit organization created to support parks, events, and other city-related projects.
Organizers explained the nonprofit could:
• Accept community donations
• Apply for grants unavailable to the city directly
• Help fund park improvements, community events, fireworks, and special projects
• Potentially assist with one-time purchases or infrastructure improvements that reduce pressure on the city budget
Council members asked detailed questions about liability, project oversight, ownership of improvements, and what would happen if nonprofit-funded projects encountered construction or funding issues mid-project.
The conversation repeatedly returned to accountability and making sure future projects clearly define when responsibility transfers to the city. Supporters of the agreement emphasized that the memorandum itself only establishes a framework for cooperation and does not authorize any specific project at this time.
City leaders also discussed how the nonprofit could create new opportunities for donations and grants while helping Highfill continue improving services and amenities without relying solely on tax revenue.
Department Head & Committee Updates
Police Department Accreditation Effort Underway
Chief Webb informed the Council that the Police Department will soon bring updated department policies forward for approval as part of the city’s effort to become an accredited law enforcement agency through the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police.
Officials explained the policies have already undergone extensive legal and professional review and are designed to strengthen liability protections, improve professionalism standards, and establish clearer operational guardrails for the department.
Chief Webb described accreditation as a major undertaking that could:
• Improve liability protection for the city
• Strengthen department professionalism and accountability
• Assist with future grant opportunities
• Provide additional operational standards and auditing procedures
City Attorney Jay Williams stressed the importance of maintaining updated policies to protect the city from legal exposure.
Children’s Shelter Partnership Continues
Chief Webb also updated the Council on the city’s ongoing partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter through the School Resource Officer program.
A renewed memorandum of understanding will come before the Council next month. Officials explained the agreement continues the city’s partnership while adding provisions for potential future cost-sharing if financial circumstances at the shelter change.
Chief Webb emphasized the importance of the partnership and said shelter staff plan to attend next month’s meeting to discuss the positive impact Officer Golden has had on the program.
New Speed Feedback Signs Being Installed
The city received new speed feedback signs that display vehicle speeds and collect traffic data.
Council members discussed several possible locations before agreeing to begin installation along Mason Valley Road and near the park entrance, where concerns about speeding and increased pedestrian activity have grown as park usage increases.
Officials said the city may expand the program in the future as additional funding becomes available.
Road & Infrastructure Updates
Public Works official provided several project updates during the meeting:
• Brush removal started last week
• Pothole repairs are underway on Rocky Comfort Road
• Paving work has started on Bryant Road
• Repairs are planned at the intersection of Highway 12 and Aubrey Long due to heavy truck traffic damage
• Additional paving is planned along Pianalto to the city limits
Officials also reported progress on the park parking lot expansion project at the City Park.
Traffic & Neighborhood Concerns Discussed
Council members and residents discussed several ongoing traffic and neighborhood concerns, including:
• Missing stop signs on county roads
• Speed limit signage in neighborhoods
• Traffic speeds on Vaughn Road and Mason Valley
• Increased traffic volume tied to growth and development
Officials noted that some roadway issues involve county jurisdiction and said additional follow-up with county officials is planned.
Mayor’s Report & Future Planning
Former Sewer Plant Property Proposed as Future Park
Mayor Holland announced plans to begin formally designating the city’s former sewer plant property as a future public park.
The property includes approximately 54 acres near Bryant Road that officials described as largely unusable for other development purposes following the removal of the former sewer system.
City leaders discussed several long-term possibilities for the property, including:
• Ball fields
• Walking and biking trails
• Regional trail connections
• Future recreational facilities
• Expanded park space for community events and activities
Officials also discussed the possibility of connecting future trail systems from Rocky Comfort Road to Douglas Cemetery and eventually back toward the existing city park to create larger recreational loops for walking and biking.
Mayor Holland said formally designating the property as park land would allow the city to begin pursuing grants, developing long-term concepts, and preparing phased master plans for future improvements.
Public Works Director Dustin explained that some remaining sewer infrastructure still needs to be removed from the property before future development occurs, though officials noted much of that work could potentially be included in future grant-funded projects.
Council members expressed strong support for beginning the planning process now, even if full development remains several years away.
Master Plan Review Moving Forward
Mayor Holland also announced the city’s updated master plan will return to the Planning Commission later this month following revisions based on previous citizen feedback.
Officials explained the process will include:
• Additional public review opportunities
• Planning Commission review and recommendations
• Final City Council consideration later this summer
City leaders emphasized that residents will continue receiving updates through Facebook, the city website, and public meetings as the process moves forward.
Upcoming Community Events
Officials also announced several upcoming meetings and events, including:
• Parks Advisory Committee Meeting – May 19 at 6:00 PM
• Planning Commission Meeting – May 26 at 6:00 PM
• Freedom Fest – June 27
• National Night Out – October 6
Mayor Holland noted that Freedom Fest attendance has continued growing each year and could become one of the city’s largest annual community events.
Council Discussion & Community Updates
Silver Meadows Park Property Transition Discussed
Council members discussed the transition of newly dedicated park property at Silver Meadows into city ownership and what maintenance responsibilities would look like moving forward.
Officials explained they are confirming final recording details before city crews begin routine maintenance on the property.
New Business Announced in Highfill
Councilmember Justin Allen announced a new business venture, Wooden Spoon Frozen Foods manufacturing near Kaleidoscope Coffee, will be opening soon.
During discussion, council members emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses as Highfill continues growing. Leaders encouraged residents to shop locally and help existing businesses succeed during the city’s transition into a larger commercial community.
Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Discussions Continue
Councilmember Justin discussed ongoing conversations surrounding the proposed Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and reflected on recent public discussions involving the topic.
Justin explained that over the past several weeks he has continued meeting with landowners, elected officials, and community stakeholders to better understand both the opportunities and concerns tied to the proposal.
He acknowledged that the topic has generated strong opinions from multiple perspectives but said he appreciated the level of respectful public discussion that took place in Highfill compared to many surrounding communities facing similar conversations.
Officials emphasized that no immediate vote is planned and that additional research, public discussion, and due diligence will continue before future decisions are considered.
Chamber of Commerce Effort Underway
Councilmember Shai also announced efforts to begin organizing a future Chamber of Commerce for Highfill in partnership with local businesses and community leaders.
Officials said the effort could help:
• Support existing businesses
• Attract future businesses to Highfill
• Create additional networking and partnership opportunities
• Work alongside Friends of Highfill and other community organizations
Council members described the Chamber effort as another step toward preparing Highfill for continued long-term growth and economic development.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the meeting, discussions repeatedly returned to infrastructure capacity, future planning, responsible growth, and maintaining Highfill’s character while accommodating continued development.
Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke during public comment, and stayed engaged in the future of Highfill.
To stay informed, residents can:
The City has posted audio and video recordings, along with approved agenda items, on the website under Government – Public Documents & Resources.
Understanding the City Council’s Role
The City Council makes decisions about Highfill’s policies, budgets, and community projects. Residents are invited to speak during the Public Comment section on any topic, not just agenda items. The City posts agendas and supporting materials in advance so residents can review them before meetings.
Highfill City Council works for you — stay informed, get involved, and help shape the future of our city!
It’s My Town!