Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Jonesboro Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) convened on October 20, 2026, to deliberate on two formal variance requests and an additional fence variance. The board approved a lot coverage variance for an ARCare clinic drive-through, denied a variance for Summit Utilities to waive landscaping and sidewalk requirements, and approved a modified fence variance for a commercial property on E Nettleton Avenue. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the September 16, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony Item VR-26-31: ARCare Drive-Through Variance - Bear Davidson (Davidson Engineering) and Justin Harris (Delta Blue) requested a variance for an additional 6% lot coverage (from the existing 72% to 78%) at 2211 Fowler Avenue. They explained the variance was needed to add a drive-through lane for a pharmacy at a new ARCare health clinic. Davidson stated the primary use of the facility is a health clinic and that the drive-through would improve accessibility for elderly and disabled patients. Item VR-26-32: Summit Utilities Sidewalk & Landscaping Variance - Darrell Martin (Summit Utilities) requested a variance to eliminate a required sidewalk and reduce required landscaping (18 trees and 54 shrubs) by two-thirds. He cited that the costs were not budgeted for the current project year. Board member Mr. Gilmore immediately challenged this premise, stating the board does not grant variances based on cost or lack of budgeting. Martin offered a compromise to delay the work until 2027. Fence Variance at 5435 E Nettleton Avenue - Paul Moss, representing the property owner, requested a variance for a solid 6-foot privacy fence extended 30 feet beyond the front building line towards the road, with the finished side facing the owner. He argued this was to block the view of a neighboring property that was unsightly and had frequent police activity. Discussion Items VR-26-31 (ARCare): - The board and staff discussed stormwater drainage impacts. Staff member Kevin Smith asked how the applicant would address the 20% reduction in impervious area required by code. The applicant confirmed they understood they would need to provide detention and that the variance vote was a preliminary step before completing full civil engineering drawings. - The board clarified the drive-through served the clinic's pharmacy primarily for patients. The applicant confirmed this. VR-26-32 (Summit Utilities): - Mr. Gilmore expressed strong opposition, stating it was inappropriate for a corporation to seek a variance based on budget constraints. Staff member Daryl Smith noted the property had a recent history of a parking lot variance. - The board discussed using a temporary Certificate of Occupancy (CO) to allow Summit time to budget for the work. Staff expressed hesitation, citing past experiences where temporary COs led to indefinite delays of required improvements. - The board concluded it would vote on the variance as presented, and if denied, the requirements would be enforced by staff through the standard CO process. Fence Variance (5435 E Nettleton Avenue): - The board expressed concern about the fence extending too far forward towards the road and blocking sight lines. The applicant offered to accept a reduced setback. - The board discussed requiring the finished side to face outward. It ultimately reached a compromise: a 15-foot setback from the power line easement and the finished side facing outward (or a shadow box design). Key Outcomes VR-26-31 (ARCare) – APPROVED - A motion to approve the variance as written was made and seconded. - Vote: Roll call vote: Yes (Millard, Bailey, Caples, Casey). Unanimous. - Result: The variance was granted. The applicant must now submit full civil site drawings to city engineering to address drainage requirements. VR-26-32 (Summit Utilities) – DENIED - A motion to approve the variance as requested was made and seconded. - Vote: Roll call vote: No (Millard, Bailey, Caples, Casey). Unanimous. - Result: The variance was denied. The landscaping and sidewalk requirements must be met through the city's standard Certificate of Occupancy process. Fence Variance (5435 E Nettleton Avenue) – APPROVED WITH STIPULATIONS - A motion to approve the variance with stipulations was made (Casey) and seconded (Kevin). - Stipulations: The fence must be set back 15 feet from the power line easement, and the finished side must face outward or a shadow box fence must be used. - Vote: Roll call vote: Yes (Millard, Bailey, Caples, Casey). Unanimous. - Result: The variance was granted with the stipulated conditions.

The Jonesboro City Council met on October 20, 2026, to consider several ordinances, receive reports from the mayor and city council, and hear public comment. Key actions included the passage of a penalty ordinance update and the rejection of a private club permit for a proposed restaurant near an elementary school. The mayor also announced significant grant awards and gave updates on city projects. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted unanimously with no changes noted. Unfinished Business (Second Readings) - Ordinance 26038 (amending park rules to prohibit camping outside designated areas): Moved to third reading without discussion. - Ordinance 26039 (placing traffic signs as determined by the Traffic Control Committee): Moved to third reading without discussion. - Ordinance 26040 (description not specified): Moved to third reading without discussion. - Ordinance 26041 (rezoning property at 3030 Whitman Creek Drive from C to I1 Limited Use Industrial and C3 General Commercial, requested by Jeremy Bevel on behalf of Heartland Self Storage LLC): Councilman Moore raised a concern about traffic impacts raised by a resident at a previous meeting. City planner Darrell explained that the street was always intended to extend, improving connectivity and reducing traffic on major streets. No further public comments were made. The ordinance moved to third reading. Business on Third Reading - Ordinance 26036 (amending general penalty to match state law): Adopted. The city attorney explained the change increases the range of fines a judge can set to align with state law, without altering any specific penalties. - Ordinance 26037 (private club permit for 141 Prime Restaurant): Defeated after extensive discussion and public testimony. Councilman Coleman stated his opposition due to proximity to a school (Math & Science Elementary School). Councilman Moore noted the school superintendent had asked the council to decline the permit, but argued that proximity to a school had never been a determining factor in past approvals and that the city's established procedure should be followed. Chief Elliott said the police department's review only covers the applicant's criminal history. Public comment included: James Elwin Hines (opposed), Patty Lack (questioned address discrepancies on the application), Bryce Cook (opposed, citing traffic and lacking details), Martin Lilly (expressed support for the applicant and noted precedent), Haley Clifton (expressed support for growth), Shannon Key (the applicant, stated reinvestment in the community), Sarah Beth Cook (opposed due to proximity to elementary school and traffic), Devlin Duke (future manager, stated zero problems at other locations), Sherry Arnder (opposed liquor license near school), Sherry Foster (opposed due to traffic and safety), and Bob Kelly (opposed on principle). After public testimony, the council voted and the motion to adopt did not carry. Mayor's Report & Council Reports - Mayor reported on numerous city initiatives: Caraway Road expansion groundbreaking; rail crossing elimination study survey completed; adopt-a-shelter-pet month; fire prevention week (burn ban continued); National Night Out success; Arkansas Graveler event; Meet Me on Main; street improvement updates; United Way Day of Caring (600+ participants); Sandy (company) ribbon-cutting with up to 150 new jobs; NEA Fair; Chamber of Commerce annual meeting; Downtown BBQ Festival; Let's Go Joe app; E911 facility construction update; airport runway overlay/extension near completion; Magnolia Road neighborhood cleanup (11.37 tons of junk, 60+ tires); Employee of the Month Paige Cook. - Steve Pertee presented the 17th consecutive clean audit for the city, detailing the rigorous financial controls (multiple layers of approval for accounts payable, competitive bidding for purchases over $35,000). - Mayor announced two new grants: $922,000 TAP grant for a pedestrian pathway from Craighead Forest Park to Southern Hills Boulevard, and a $1.3 million BRIC planning grant for flood mitigation plans for Lost Creek. - Mayor urged support for the public safety sales tax on the ballot (Safety First Initiative), arguing it is needed to sustain and improve public safety staffing and equipment. - Council reports: Councilman Coleman thanked police for National Night Out; Councilman Bryant asked about panhandling signs; Councilman Miller encouraged early voting and supported the public safety sales tax; Councilman Street also supported the public safety sales tax; Councilman Moore praised the new police administration building and the finance department. Public Comments - James Selwyn Hines asked about the next city council meeting date (adjusted due to elections). The mayor confirmed the change. - Abe Foster raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the city skate park (concrete crumbling, lack of lighting). He requested maintenance and improvements. The mayor suggested he meet with Jim (parks director) to discuss further. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted. - Ordinances 26038-26041 moved to third reading. - Ordinance 26036 (penalty update) adopted. - Ordinance 26037 (private club permit for 141 Prime Restaurant) did not carry (defeated). - $922,000 TAP grant and $1.3 million BRIC planning grant received. - 17th consecutive clean audit presented. - Council members expressed support for the public safety sales tax (vote to occur on election day, not at this meeting). - Public input on skate park will be followed up with parks staff.

The Public Safety Council Committee of the Jonesboro City Council met at the Municipal Center, 300 S. Church Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The agenda lists the meeting at 5:00 PM; the supplied meeting timestamp is 2026-10-20 11:00:00+00:00. Five committee members were present. The committee unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes, recommended a traffic-sign ordinance and a property condemnation resolution to the full City Council, and received updates on park-ranger signage and the new police station. Approval of Minutes - The committee considered minutes from the September 15, 2026, Public Safety Committee meeting (MIN-26:090). A motion to adopt was made and seconded; all five members present voted in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the committee during the public comments portion of the agenda. Discussion Items - Ordinance ORD-26:042 (Traffic signs): Sponsored by Engineering, the committee reviewed an ordinance to install stop signs at designated locations recommended by the Traffic Control Committee, specifically on Lazar Drive at Buck Drive, on Bayou Court at Skinner Court, and on Maple on Red Maple Way at Orchard Pass, and to establish 25 mph speed limits on West Oak Avenue, Kingsbury Street, and Watergate Street. The ordinance was recommended to the full council. - Resolution RES-26:148 (Condemnation): Sponsored by Code Enforcement, the committee reviewed a resolution to condemn property located at 600 & 602 N. Church St., Jonesboro, AR, Parcel 01-144074-10300. The resolution was recommended to the full council. - Park ranger signage (Other Business): The chair asked about signage for park rangers. Staff responded that signs had been ordered after in-house printing proved inefficient; once the signs arrive, they will be installed. Park rangers are often visible at Parker Park, Allen Park, and other locations, and they frequently assist the public unsolicited. The non-emergency dispatch number will be on the signage, while 911 remains for emergencies. Staff noted IT is exploring ways to expedite non-emergency call routing, but no separate direct line has been established in order to keep 911 as a consistent option. - New police station update (Other Business): Councilman Moore asked for an update. The Police Chief reported that the department is fully operational in the new consolidated facilities, all police services have been moved into two buildings, and the move was completed in less than two weeks. The Eboon Watson Center has been vacated except for unused furniture; Parks Director Stern will handle that, and previously budgeted kitchen renovations will follow. A grand opening date has not yet been set, but is expected within about three weeks. Remaining construction includes fire-code modifications, ADA concrete work (completed), sheetrock finishing, painting, doors, and millwork. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 15, 2026, minutes by unanimous vote (5-0). - Recommended ORD-26:042 to the full City Council by committee vote. - Recommended RES-26:148 to the full City Council by vote (5 in favor). - The committee adjourned by unanimous voice vote after no further business or public comments.

The City of Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to consider subdivision plats and a rezoning request. The meeting included unanimous approval of three plats and a denial of a rezoning after significant public opposition and commissioner concerns. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the September 22, 2026 meeting were approved as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - On the rezoning request (RZ26-16) at 2732 North Church: - Sarah Bef Cook (2915 North Culber House) opposed the rezoning, stating the proposal is vague, inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, and a safety concern due to proximity to Math and Science Elementary School. She also noted the lack of a neighborhood meeting. - Ethan Broadway (2816 North Church Street) opposed, arguing that no commercial business has succeeded in the area and that the rezoning would create traffic and safety issues. - Lisa Turner Long (2728 North Church) opposed, raising concerns about increased traffic during school pickup times and the potential for liquor sales near children. - Sherry Arnder (2704 North Church) opposed, expressing worry about children's safety and the appropriateness of a C3 general commercial zone near a school. Discussion Items - Final Plat – Orchard Phase 3 (43 lots on Woody Knoll Drive and Orchard Pass Drive): Proponent Mark Morrison reported that asphalt is complete and the bond is pending. Staff recommended approval. Motion by Commissioner Bailey, seconded by Commissioner Sofer, carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Styling–Yes, Bailey–Yes, Pointer–Yes, Cooper–Yes, Little–Yes, Sofer–Yes). - Preliminary Plat – The Landing Subdivision Phase One (53 lots on 21.55 acres at Southwest Drive and Tarmac Parkway): Proponent Jeremy Beville (Craft & Toll) stated all city comments were addressed. Staff recommended approval. Motion by Commissioner Styling, seconded by Commissioner Sofer, carried unanimously (Styling–Yes, Bailey–Yes, Pointer–Yes, Cooper–Yes, Little–Yes, Sofer–Yes). - Preliminary Plat – First Replat of Block E, Southern Hills (8 lots in PDM zoning on 20.2 acres at Southern Creek Lane and Southern Ridge Boulevard): Proponent Jeremy Beville noted the plat creates six commercial lots. Discussion focused on lot layout and shared ingress/egress. Staff recommended approval after a resubmittal showing required driveway access. Motion to approve carried unanimously (Styling–Yes, Bailey–Yes, Pointer–Yes, Cooper–Yes, Little–Yes, Sofer–Yes). - Rezoning Request RZ26-16 (2732 North Church, from R1 to C3 General Commercial, 1.4 acres): - Proponent: George Hammond stated the client owns adjacent C3 property and wants to expand. A letter was provided to keep the school's access open, and the applicant offered to make it a stipulation in the ordinance. Potential uses include an ATM and butcher shop. - Staff: Recommended approval with stipulations including that the school access must remain open and that all city engineering and site plan requirements be satisfied. Staff noted the access is not a recorded easement. - Commissioner Deliberation: Multiple commissioners expressed concern that the school access was not guaranteed beyond the current owner. One commissioner indicated he would not vote for it without a recorded easement. Another noted the access road appears misidentified on maps. Key Outcomes - The minutes, Final Plat (Orchard Phase 3), Preliminary Plat (The Landing), and Preliminary Plat (Southern Hills Replat) were all approved unanimously. - Rezoning RZ26-16: Motion to approve by Commissioner Little; roll call vote: Styling–No, Bailey–No, Pointer–No, Cooper–No, Little–Yes, Sofer–No. The motion failed, and the rezoning did not receive a favorable recommendation from the commission. - The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting on October 27, 2026, will include a presentation of the comprehensive growth plan and master street plan.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Municipal Center, 300 S. Church Street. Members present were Joe Hafner, John Street, Anthony Coleman, Charles Coleman, and Brian Emison. Members absent were David McClain and Ann Williams. City Clerk April Leggett confirmed electronic attendance. The committee voted unanimously to recommend all seven resolutions on the agenda to the full City Council, approved the prior meeting minutes, heard no public comments, and adjourned. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (MIN-26:092) by a vote of 4-0, with two members absent. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Chairman Joe Hafner stated that the first three resolution items are not new taxes, but a procedural step required every year. - RES-26:141: A resolution to levy a 1 mill tax on all real and personal property for the public library was read and recommended to the full Council. - RES-26:142: A resolution to levy a one-half (.5) mill tax for the local fire pension and relief fund was considered. The 2026 net budget appropriation was $2,404,762, with $945,491 budgeted millage revenue to offset the appropriation. - RES-26:143: A resolution to levy a one-half (.5) mill tax for the local police pension and relief fund was considered. The transcript lists the 2026 net budget appropriation as "$2,065" and budgeted millage revenue as $945,485; the minutes and agenda do not include the police pension budget figure, so this appears to be an incomplete or inconsistent transcription. - RES-26:144: A resolution to place a municipal lien on property at 823 Parkview, parcel 01-143251-00300, owned by Kyle Michael Haynie, in the amount of $275, was recommended to the full Council. - RES-26:145: A resolution to place a municipal lien on property at 1323 Haven, parcel 01-144192-05301, owned by Richard Flores, in the amount of $315, was recommended to the full Council. - RES-26:146: A resolution authorizing the City to apply for $50,500 in crisis response funding through the University of Arkansas was considered. There is no local match required. The Jonesboro Police Department would use the funds to purchase a vehicle with safety upgrades for the crisis response coordinator, an iPad for on-site data collection, and a laptop for remote work. - RES-26:147: A resolution authorizing the Grants and Community Development Department to apply for the 2026 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) through the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, was considered. The program is funded at 50% federal and requires a 50% local match. The City is seeking $1.61 million total, with $805,000 federally funded and $805,000 in local match from land donation, private donations, and city funds. The project would expand Joe Mack Campbell Park with acquisition of approximately 38 acres, walking/biking trails, an ADA accessible parking area, and demolition of a residential structure on the new property. The City must maintain the land for outdoor recreation in perpetuity. Key Outcomes - All resolutions, RES-26:141 through RES-26:147, were recommended to the full City Council by identical votes of 4-0, with John Street, Anthony Coleman, Charles Coleman, and Brian Emison voting aye and David McClain and Ann Williams absent. - The full Council will consider the recommended resolutions at a future meeting. - The meeting adjourned without any pending items, other business, or public comments.

The Jonesboro City Council met on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center, rescheduled from Tuesday due to National Night Out. Ten council members were present (Brian Emison, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, Janice Porter, John Street, Charles Coleman, LJ Bryant, Ann Williams); two were absent (Chris Moore, Joe Hafner). The meeting covered special presentations, consent agenda items including two new park playground contracts, zoning ordinances, and routine business. Special Presentations - Fire Prevention Week Proclamation (COM-26:051): Mayor Harold Copenhaver proclaimed October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week. The proclamation highlighted the National Fire Protection Association's report of an increase in battery-related fires and promoted safe charging practices for lithium-ion devices. Fire Chief Marty Hamrick accepted the proclamation. - Legislative Audit Update (COM-26:050): Mayor Copenhaver announced the city received a clean audit with no findings for the 17th consecutive year. A detailed presentation is scheduled for the next council meeting. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included routine approvals and was adopted 10-0 after removing items RES-26:131, RES-26:132, RES-26:135, and RES-26:140 for separate discussion. - Items passed on consent included: land-use agreement with Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum (property at 215 W. Monroe Ave); four sponsorship agreements with Cavenaugh Automotive Group for Parks and Recreation programs; capital improvement budget amendments for downtown pedestrian all-stops project and NARTPC Regional Safety Action Plan; low bid acceptance for street lighting circuit on Washington Avenue; two municipal liens (2612 Crawford Dr. for $275, 2106 Cotton for $315); right-of-way purchase at 3519 Aggie Road; and application for FY26 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road): Spoke on two occasions. First, she expressed opposition to resolution RES-26:131 (playground at new park on Disciple Drive), noting the $620,000 cost (equipment $304,000 plus installation $265,000) and stating final park plans were incomplete based on a FOIA response. She urged postponement in light of an upcoming November ballot measure for a tax increase to fund public safety. The mayor and Engineering Director Craig Light clarified that construction plans for the playground footprint are sufficiently defined, and the equipment order must proceed now to meet the timeline. Second, during public comments, she thanked the city for keeping TSC and moving it to the Fred’s building. - Tony Green and Robin Jordan (2604 Briar Lane): Opposed the rezoning (ORD-26:041) for property at 3030 Whiteman Creek Drive, which would allow a road connection from a proposed self-storage facility onto Briar Lane. They argued the road would increase traffic and disrupt their quiet dead-end street, and that they would not benefit from the development. They requested a circular drive within the developer's property instead. - Kenny Broadway (2923 North Church): Opposed the private club permit application (ORD-26:037) for 141 Prime Restaurant, citing that the location is near a school and in a residential area, and that a similar application was denied at KAIT Road. Discussion Items - RES-26:131 – Playground and Synthetic Turf at New Park on Disciple Drive: Approved 10-0 ($602,041 contract with ACS Playground Adventures). Discussion included a video rendering of the park, cost savings of approximately 15% by ordering before January, and future phases (splash pad, trails, natural areas). Councilmember Anthony Coleman confirmed these future phases and requested timeline and cost details later. Councilmember L.J. Bryant suggested involving parents in design. Engineering Director Craig Light estimated completion by the end of summer 2027. Mayor clarified the water feature is a splash pad, not a swimming pool. - RES-26:132 – Custom Playground Package for New Park: Approved 10-0 ($807,772.74 contract with Landscape Structures, Inc., for equipment only). Patti Lack inquired about installation costs; Mayor said he would provide that information. - RES-26:135 – Municipal Lien on 700 Melody: Postponed indefinitely after Councilmember John Street reported the $275 lien had been paid. - RES-26:140 – Motorola Solutions Radio Equipment for E-911 Center: Approved 10-0. Councilmember Bryant questioned the September 18 pricing deadline mentioned in the contract. E911 Director Ronnie Sturch explained that Motorola offered a discount valid until September 18 but extended it to the end of October after negotiations. - ORD-26:038 – Camping Prohibition in City Parks and Parking Lots: First reading held. Councilmember David McClain asked about the scope; City Attorney Carol Duncan said it applies to all city-owned parking lots and parks (except designated areas at Craighead Forest) and gives enforcement authority to park rangers and police. - ORD-26:039 – Traffic Signs at Designated Locations: First reading held. - ORD-26:040 – Rezoning 300 E Pine Street to RM-12 Multi-Family Residential: First reading held. - ORD-26:041 – Rezoning 3030 Whiteman Creek Drive to I-1 and C-3: First reading held after public testimony opposing the road connection. - ORD-26:036 – Amend Penalty to Match State Law: Second reading held. - ORD-26:037 – Private Club Permit for 141 Prime Restaurant: Second reading held after public opposition. - ORD-26:031 – Clarify Legislation Sponsorship: Third reading passed 10-0. - ORD-26:032 – Procedure for Invocation During Council Meetings: Third reading passed 9-1 (Councilmember McClain voted nay). Discussion centered on ensuring council control over who delivers the invocation to prevent unwanted content, and to provide a clear written procedure for ACLU inquiries. - ORD-26:033 – Update Timelines for Special Called Committee Meeting Notice: Third reading passed 10-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted 10-0 with four items removed. - RES-26:131 and RES-26:132 both passed 10-0, authorizing playground equipment and installation for the new park on Disciple Drive, with total cost of approximately $1.41 million. - RES-26:135 postponed indefinitely due to payment. - RES-26:140 passed 10-0 for Motorola Solutions radio equipment. - ORD-26:031, ORD-26:032, ORD-26:033 all passed on third reading with votes of 10-0 (except ORD-26:032 9-1). - November council meeting rescheduled from Tuesday, November 3 to Thursday, November 5, 2026, due to Election Day.

On October 8, 2026, at the Jonesboro Municipal Center, the Public Works Council Committee convened to consider two permanent drainage easements, routine approvals, and schedule adjustments. The meeting was rescheduled from its usual date due to National Night Out. Attendance was confirmed by City Clerk April Leggett via electronic roll call. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 1, 2026, meeting (MIN-26:086) with no changes or comments. New Business - RES-26:121 – Southern Hills Real Estate LLC Drainage Easement: A resolution was introduced to authorize the mayor and city clerk to accept a permanent drainage easement from Southern Hills Real Estate LLC for constructing and maintaining drainage improvements. The committee voted to forward the resolution to the full council. - RES-26:122 – Evelyn M. Abbott Trust Drainage Easement: A resolution to accept a permanent drainage easement from Evelyn M. Abbott Trust, John Engelhardt, Trustee, for constructing and maintaining drainage improvements. The legal description was noted as containing 0.07 acres (3,050 square feet) more or less. The committee voted to forward this to the full council as well. Pending Items / Other Business - No pending items were reported. - The committee discussed rescheduling the November Public Works meeting because the first Tuesday in November is Election Day. A motion was made and seconded to move the meeting from November 3 to November 5, 2026. - The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments - Tony Green, 2604 Briar Lane, spoke during public comments regarding a zoning change related to a connection between Whiteman Street Creek and Briar Lane. He referenced an approval from the previous day and asked if it could be discussed. Key Outcomes - The committee forwarded Resolution RES-26:121 to the full council for approval. - The committee forwarded Resolution RES-26:122 to the full council for approval. - The committee voted to move the November 2026 Public Works Committee meeting from November 3 to November 5 due to Election Day. The vote was unanimous by voice vote. Public Works Council Committee Date: October 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM Public Works Council Committee Date: October 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM Consent Calendar - None; the meeting agenda did not include a consent calendar. All items were handled individually. Public Comments & Testimony - Tony Green, 2604 Briar Lane, addressed the committee regarding a new zoning approval he said was granted the previous week. He stated that a project will connect Whiteman Street Creek to Briar Lane. He referenced an approval from the prior day (October 7, 2026). He appeared to be raising a question or concern about this connection and its implications, though no formal request for action was made. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes from the September 1, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting (MIN-26:086). Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. (Note: The posted meeting time of 5:00 PM conflicts with the raw transcript which opens mid-meeting at a roll-call confirmation point; no minutes document was included in the packet.) - RES-26:121 – Permanent Drainage Easement (Southern Hills Real Estate LLC): Committee voted to forward the resolution to the full council to accept a permanent drainage easement for constructing and maintaining drainage improvements. No discussion or objections recorded. - RES-26:122 – Permanent Drainage Easement (Evelyn M. Abbott Trust): Committee voted to forward the resolution to the full council. The easement was described as containing 0.07 acres (3,050 square feet), more or less. Committee Scheduling Change - November Meeting Date Changed: The committee voted to move the November 2026 Public Works Committee meeting from Tuesday, November 3 to Thursday, November 5, 2026, due to Election Day. The vote was unanimous by voice vote. Public Comments - Tony Green, 2604 Briar Lane, raised a question about a project connecting Whiteman Street Creek to Briar Lane and mentioned a new zoning approval from the prior day. [The transcript cuts off before the full response/discussion is recorded.] Key Outcomes - Resolution RES-26:121: Motion and second to forward to the full council; vote passed. Authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to accept a permanent drainage easement from Southern Hills Real Estate LLC for drainage improvements. - Resolution RES-26:122: Motion and second to forward to the full council; vote passed. Authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to accept a permanent drainage easement from Evelyn M. Abbott Trust, John Engelhardt, Trustee (0.07 acres / 3,050 sq ft more or less). - Meeting date change: The committee voted unanimously to move the November 2026 Public Works Committee meeting from November 3 to November 5, 2026, due to Election Day. It will be a voice vote. - The meeting was rescheduled from a previous date due to National Night Out. Key Outcomes - Motion and second to approve the September 1, 2026 minutes; approved by roll. - Resolutions RES-26:121 and RES-26:122 were forwarded to the full council. - November meeting date was moved to November 5, 2026. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Tony Green, 2604 Briar Lane, raised a concern regarding a new zoning approval related to Whiteman Street Creek connecting to Briar Lane. He indicated the city had done an approval the previous day. His comment was not on the day's agenda. No formal action was taken. Additional Notes - The agenda stated the meeting was rescheduled due to National Night Out. - The agenda and the raw transcript are consistent regarding the meeting date and resolutions. - There is no indication of the exact date for the November meeting in the raw transcript. ==================================================================

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of the City of Jonesboro met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Municipal Center. The meeting was chaired by Joe Hafner. Five members were present (Hafner, Anthony Coleman, Ann Williams, Charles Coleman, Brian Emison) and two were absent (John Street, David McClain). The committee considered 14 resolutions, recommended most to the full council, and heard one public comment on roadway construction. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 8, 2026): Passed 4-0. - RES-26:128 (Youth Soccer Sponsorship – Cavenaugh Automotive): $7,200 sponsorship for jerseys. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:129 (Admission Passes Sponsorship – Cavenaugh Automotive): $5,000 for soccer and flag football admission. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:133 (Street Lighting Circuit – Washington Avenue): Low bid accepted; purchase order to Wilkins Electric, LLC. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:134 (Municipal Lien – 2612 Crawford Drive): $275 lien against Randy and Aley Crawford. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:135 (Municipal Lien – 700 Melody): $275 lien against Ignacio & Emilee Patino. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:136 (Municipal Lien – 2106 Cotton): $315 lien against Mickaul Rolland. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:137 (NARTPC Regional Safety Action Plan Update): $125,000 budget amendment. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:139 (FY26 JAG Grant Application): $44,681 grant for police equipment. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) asked about Caraway Road expansion. Director of Engineering Craig Light explained the lane configuration: five lanes from Parker Road to Latourette, three lanes from Latourette to Glenn's Place, and two lanes from there to Fox Meadow Lane. No roadway improvements south of Glenn Place except a side path. Lack expressed concern about proximity to houses; Light confirmed the work is within public right-of-way. Discussion Items - RES-26:126 (Elementary Basketball Sponsorship – Cavenaugh Automotive): $4,500 sponsorship for jerseys. Councilmember Dr. Anthony Coleman asked how sponsors are found and whether a standardized sponsorship package exists. Assistant Parks Director Aaron Holland said the sponsorship is a continuation from prior years under City Stars, and the department is interviewing a part-time marketing specialist to develop packages. The item passed unanimously (4-0, with two absent). - RES-26:127 (Youth Basketball Sponsorship – Cavenaugh Automotive): $5,000 ($2,500 winter, $2,500 summer). Dr. Coleman stated he supports receiving funds but stressed the need for a fair, transparent sponsorship package. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:131 (Playground & Synthetic Turf – Disciple Drive Park – ACS Playground Adventures): $602,041 contract. Dr. Coleman questioned whether council had approved park plans. City Attorney Carol Duncan clarified that the council does not approve plans, only spending. Dr. Coleman voted against. Passed 3-1. - RES-26:132 (Custom Playground Package – Disciple Drive Park – Landscape Structures): Contract value not read aloud but part of the same park. Patti Lack asked about park plans and project deadline. Parks Director Jim Stearns said there is no deadline yet, but they hope to break ground within a month; a preliminary plan exists. Dr. Coleman expressed concern about spending nearly $1 million without seeing plans. Passed 3-1 (Dr. Coleman nay). - RES-26:138 (Right-of-Way Purchase – 3519 Aggie Road): Chairman Hafner asked about remaining parcels needed. Director Light said only one temporary easement remains. Passed unanimously. - RES-26:140 (Motorola Solutions E-911 Radio Equipment): $2,170,000 agreement for radio consoles, microwave tower, etc. Chairman Hafner asked about the THUD appropriation. Chief Administrative Officer Brian Richardson confirmed a $3.5 million THUD appropriation for 2025, with approval received the day before. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All 14 resolutions were recommended to the full City Council for final approval. - Next council meeting rescheduled: The regular Tuesday, October 5, 2026, council meeting was moved to Thursday, October 7, 2026, due to National Night Out. - Community announcements: Chairman Hafner promoted the National Interscholastic Cycling Association regional race (October 2–4) at Craighead Forest Park, noting 28 student-athletes on the Jonesboro composite team. Councilmember Charles Coleman reminded attendees of National Night Out on Tuesday, October 5, featuring free food and bicycle raffles. - Vote tally on two contested items: RES-26:131 and RES-26:132 each passed with a 3-1 vote (Anthony Coleman dissenting; two members absent). All other votes were unanimous among present members.