Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Jonesboro Board of Zoning Adjustments met on September 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM at the Municipal Center. The board considered one appeal case: a variance request from Weston Wagner for property at 1306 Charles Drive. The meeting included roll call, approval of minutes, and a public hearing on the variance. The variance was denied. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the August 2025 meeting. The agenda lists the minutes as MIN-25:078 for August 19, 2025, but the transcript references "the minutes of the 18th August meeting." Despite this discrepancy, the minutes were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Weston Wagner (Applicant): Mr. Wagner appeared to request a variance to divide a half-acre lot at 1306 Charles Drive into two lots for single-family homes. He explained that he has built multiple homes in Jonesboro and provided examples of his work. He noted that the lot had frontage of 52 feet and 52.78 feet on the two proposed parcels, falling 5-8 feet short of the 60-foot requirement for a replat. He stated that all other setbacks (side, rear, front) were met. He argued that the area originally required larger lots due to septic tanks, but city sewer now exists, reducing the need for large lots. When asked about an alternative of rezoning to a residential zoning that allows 50-foot lot widths (e.g., RS), he acknowledged that would take 6-8 weeks and preferred the variance to expedite construction. Discussion Items - Variance Request (VR-25-24): The board discussed the proposed lot split and the hardship justification. Board members noted that the lot width was the only non-conforming dimension. Some members expressed concern that the hardship was self-created (dividing the lot to double investment) and that the applicant had an alternative path (rezoning) without requiring a variance. Others noted the benefit of adding two single-family homes to the area and that the lot, once divided, would meet all other requirements. The applicant emphasized the need for new housing and the speed of approval via variance versus rezoning. - Alternative Considered: One board member suggested that rezoning to a residential district (e.g., RS) that permits 50-foot lot widths would eliminate the need for a variance. The applicant resisted, stating the area is zoned R1 and he wanted to keep it consistent. The board did not formally explore this option further. Key Outcomes - Vote and Decision: A motion was made to place the variance request on the floor for a vote. After a second, the board voted. The transcript indicates "Yes. No. No." – one vote in favor, two against. The chair then stated "Hard way," indicating the variance was denied. (Note: The vote tally is inferred; it appears the motion/request failed with 1 yes and 2 no.) - Next Steps: The applicant was informed he could pursue rezoning through the city council, which would take an estimated 6-8 weeks. No other business was discussed, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Jonesboro City Council met on September 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Center. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, passage of a zoning ordinance, updates from Mayor Harold Copenhaver on multiple city projects, council reports, and public comments. All votes were unanimous with 10 members present and 2 absent. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes from the September 2, 2025 City Council meeting. - RES-25:112: Authorized the Mayor to enter into a 5-year renewal agreement with Urban SDK for comprehensive speed and volume data. (Enactment No. R-EN-127-2025) - RES-25:113 through RES-25:120: Placed municipal liens on eight properties for unpaid mowing fees, each in the amount of $275 or $315, with passage on the consent agenda. (Enactment Nos. R-EN-128-2025 through R-EN-135-2025) Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) urged the city to adopt a cashless payment system for all city functions, citing Jonesboro Public Schools and First National Bank Arena as examples. She expressed concerns about the lack of accountability at park events, including the absence of receipts, numbered tickets, and identification for gate attendants at Joe Mack Campbell Park. She asked for actual crowd counts and financial totals from park events. - Jordan Carlo (575 Jill Drive), founder of the NEA Children’s Museum, requested that the city consider the Justice Complex property (410 W. Washington) as a potential location for the museum if the city cannot use the site. She noted that a feasibility study supported a downtown location and that the museum has completed a master plan and is ready to begin a capital campaign once a site is secured. Discussion Items - Mayor Harold Copenhaver’s Reports: - Justice Complex: An insurance adjuster deemed structural damage not weather-related, so no coverage. Structural engineers recommend reinforcing wooden beams with steel, which would make the building safe for only 2–3 years, not 5–10. The building is currently unsuitable for use, and short-term relocation of workers is needed. Options will be provided to the council by the end of the week. - Citizens Bank Property: The city received an appraisal of $307,000 for the corner lot (the former bank building site). The city is exploring redevelopment to create a revenue-producing area. - Turtle Creek Mall: The mall has sold, and the city looks forward to redevelopment as a regional economic boost. - Christmas Parade: The parade will again be held on Main Street, chaired by Heather Talley. - Neighborhood Cleanup: The city’s cleanup program has collected 150 tons of trash this year (up from 100 tons last year), plus 75 tons of bulky junk, 10 tons of glass (new this year), and nearly 80 tons from neighborhood cleanups. The next cleanup is October 4th at Rock Church on Johnson. - Parks and Recreation: Recent events included: Joe Mack Campbell Park – 1,200 soccer players, 350 flag football players, 52 cheerleaders, and a 34-team baseball tournament (one-day event); Southside Complex – 43 teams; Miracle League season opened with Fire Department buddies; Craighead Forest Park hosted “Market in the Park”; Earl Bell Community Center hosted a trading card show. - Traffic and Safety: A second HAWK light has been approved for Parker Park. The Mayor teased a future announcement from ARDOT Director Jared Wiley about a potential ARDOT presence in Jonesboro, which would provide immediate engineering capabilities. - St. Bernard’s Recuperative Care Center: Ribbon cutting for a grant-funded program that bridges hospital, behavioral health, emergency care, and homeless shelters, providing housing and medical/mental health support with follow-up for a full year. - Defense of Volunteer Committees: The Mayor defended city council and committee members against claims of corruption or unethical behavior, urging the public to seek firsthand information rather than rely on social media. - Council Reports: - Councilmember John Street praised the upcoming gate at Craighead Forest Park to protect the RV park and investment. - Councilmember Dr. Anthony Coleman requested updates on the audit of park finances and the status of Eastside Park. - Councilmember David McClain asked about the Aggie Road Trail; the Mayor noted ongoing discussions with ARDOT about an intersection change at Aggie Road and RedWolf Boulevard, including a possible overpass and trail connection. - Councilmember Ann Williams reported that the MPO reviewed projects including a pedestrian overpass over RedWolf Boulevard and completion of the sidewalk on the south side of Johnson Avenue between Marion Berry and Melrose, which will improve ADA accessibility. - Councilmember Chris Moore expressed excitement about the Citizens Bank property redevelopment. - Councilmember Brian Emison announced that the Bond Task Force meeting has been rescheduled to September 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM, pending receipt of a report from engineering firm Brackett-Kennerich by Thursday. - Councilmember Janice Porter thanked citizens serving on committees. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (10-0, 2 absent). - ORD-25:030 (Modifying traffic patterns near JPS campuses): Held at second reading; moved to third reading. - ORD-25:031 (Placing traffic signs): Held at second reading; moved to third reading. - ORD-25:032 (Rezoning 3412 Southwest Drive from PD-M multi-family/office/senior living to PD-M commercial, requested by Jeremy Bevill for Southern Hills Real Estate, LLC): Passed on third reading (10-0, 2 absent). Enactment No. O-EN-035-2025. - July 2025 Financial Statements: Filed. - Next Bond Task Force Meeting: September 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Councilmember LJ Bryant, seconded by Brian Emison, passed unanimously.

The Public Safety Council Committee of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center. The meeting was chaired by Brian Emison, with six members present (David McClain, Chris Moore, Brian Emison, Janice Porter, LJ Bryant, Kevin Miller) and one absent (Chris Gibson). The committee approved previous meeting minutes, recommended three property condemnation resolutions to the full council, reviewed the August 2025 Vector mosquito control report, and heard a one-year update on the Entertainment District from Police Chief Rick Elliot. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-25:074): The minutes from the August 19, 2025, Public Safety Committee meeting were approved by a motion from Chris Moore, seconded by Kevin Miller, with a vote of 5 in favor (David McClain, Chris Moore, Janice Porter, LJ Bryant, Kevin Miller) and one absent (Chris Gibson). New Business - RES-25:121 – Condemnation of 711 Burke Ave (Parcel 01-143134-03400): A motion by Chris Moore, seconded by David McClain, to recommend the resolution to the full council passed with a 5-0 vote (Chris Gibson absent). The property is sponsored by Code Enforcement and Finance. - RES-25:122 – Condemnation of 2620 Crawford Dr 11 (Parcel 01-144273-02200): A motion by Janice Porter, seconded by Chris Moore, to recommend the resolution to the full council passed with a 5-0 vote (Chris Gibson absent). - RES-25:123 – Condemnation of 2017 Belt St (Parcel 01-144171-02600): A motion by Chris Moore, seconded by Janice Porter, to recommend the resolution to the full council passed with a 5-0 vote (Chris Gibson absent). Other Business - Vector Mosquito Control Report for August 2025 (COM-25:036): Chairman Brian Emison noted several discrepancies in the report: total mosquitoes collected increased by about 550 year-over-year, but the average per day jumped from 7.3 to 73 (suspected decimal error); total inspected sites rose from 12 in 2024 to 60 in 2025; aerial sprays increased from 2 to 5, covering about 40,000 more acres. Councilmember David McClain asked about Vector's contract expiration (believed to be this year) and requested a future presentation on planned improvements. Councilmember LJ Bryant criticized Vector's reporting clarity, noting the company operates in nine states but provides no comparative metrics, and suggested the owners (described as two Harvard MBAs) could present via video conference. Chairman Emison agreed that data reporting segmentation on Vector's website is not reflected in current reports and emphasized the need for better sample reporting in any future RFP. - Entertainment District One-Year Update: At the request of Councilmember Janice Porter, Police Chief Rick Elliot presented statistics from the first year of the Entertainment District (August 2024 to September 2025). He reported 965 total calls for service within the geofenced district (including traffic stops, pedestrian issues, welfare checks, etc.), of which 146 resulted in criminal reports. Among those criminal reports, 18 were alcohol-related (e.g., DWI, public intoxication) and 30 were drug-related. Chief Elliot noted that DWIs appear down, suggesting residents are using Ubers and taxis more responsibly. Councilmember David McClain clarified that the data covers the entire district boundaries, not just downtown pedestrian areas. Councilmember Janice Porter asked about the park ranger program; Chief Elliot said rangers are now providing relief by handling welfare checks and similar calls, and the program's benefits are starting to be realized after a training phase. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (5-0, one absent). - Three property condemnations (711 Burke Ave, 2620 Crawford Dr 11, 2017 Belt St) recommended to full council (each passed 5-0, one absent). - Vector report filed with no formal vote; committee members expressed concerns about data accuracy and reporting quality, and requested improved presentations. - Entertainment District update received without a vote; committee took note of the statistics. - Meeting adjourned at an unspecified time by motion of Chris Moore, seconded by David McClain, with a 5-0 vote (one absent).

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) met on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a site plan for a U Storage facility, a withdrawn preliminary plat, a preliminary plat for Southern Oaks Phase II, and staff introductions of new planners. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the August 26, 2025 MAPC meeting were approved unanimously. (Note: The transcript erroneously referenced an 'August 2026 meeting'; the correct date per the agenda is August 26, 2025.) Discussion Items - SP-25-05 Site Plan: U Storage Facility, Elmhurst Drive – Bear Davidson of Davidson Engineering presented on behalf of the applicant. He described changes made since previous meetings: the building footprint was reduced from over 100,000 to 60,000 square feet; all overhead doors were removed from exterior walls (now interior-loaded, climate-controlled units); landscaping was added on all perimeters; and a sidewalk was added around the entire building. Davidson noted the project now falls below the 75,000 sq ft threshold for large-scale development but was voluntarily brought before the commission to address prior concerns. Commissioner Ford raised safety concerns about left turns from Elmhurst Drive onto Parker Road, suggesting traffic be directed to use the new street and Harrisburg Road. Staff noted that a traffic study for the subdivision did not require improvements. It was mentioned that Parker Road is state-controlled and has a no-left-turn sign from Parker onto Elmhurst, but the concern was turning left out of Elmhurst onto Parker. Staff agreed to bring the suggestion for a no-left-turn restriction to the Traffic Control Committee meeting on Friday, September 12. The motion to approve the site plan carried unanimously. - PP-25-08 Final Plat: Cook Minor Plat at Richardson Dr. and Limestone Dr. – This item was withdrawn prior to the meeting. - PP-25-09 Preliminary Plat: Southern Oaks Subdivision Phase II – Sam Doss of Fisher Arnold presented the request, which originally included two lots (north and south sections). The main issue is a 658-foot stretch along Southern Frontier Drive requiring a traffic calming device. The developer plans to revise plans with either a necked-down curb or a raised intersection. City staff confirmed the plat meets subdivision ordinance requirements and recommended approval. Commissioners requested that the traffic calming plan be included on the final plat. The motion to approve the preliminary plat passed unanimously. Staff Comments - City planner Michael Smith introduced two new planners: Charity (taking over the commissioner's role) and Anek (senior planner handling BZA, land bank, and addressing requirements). Key Outcomes - Approved: SP-25-05 Site Plan for U Storage Facility (unanimous). - Withdrawn: PP-25-08 Final Plat for Cook Minor Plat. - Approved: PP-25-09 Preliminary Plat for Southern Oaks Phase II (unanimous), with the condition that a traffic calming device plan be included on the final submission.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of the City of Jonesboro met on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Municipal Center. All six members were present except Anthony Coleman (absent). The committee considered one data services renewal resolution and eight municipal lien resolutions, all of which were recommended to the full City Council by unanimous votes (5-0). Discussion Items RES-25-112: 5-Year Renewal Agreement with Urban SDK for Speed and Volume Data The committee reviewed a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a five-year renewal agreement with Urban SDK for comprehensive speed and volume data. Engineering Department Director Craig Light explained that the city has had a yearly contract with Urban SDK for the past few years; this is the first five-year agreement. The service uses digital data to track vehicle speeds and volumes, updates a map monthly, and includes analytical software. The city validates the data with its own field counts and finds it to be within the same order of magnitude. The data helps prioritize roadways for physical traffic counting, saving time and equipment. The MPO also holds a separate contract with Urban SDK and uses the city’s data for county purposes. Councilmember David McClain asked about the data collection process and whether Urban SDK makes recommendations; Light confirmed they do not—the data is for internal use only. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend the resolution to the full council. RES-25-113 through RES-25-120: Municipal Liens for Property Maintenance Eight resolutions were introduced to place municipal liens on properties where the city performed mowing or other code enforcement actions. The liens ranged from $275 to $315 per property. The properties and owners are: - 654 W Washington, Michael and Barbara Pearson ($275) - 700 Melody, Ignacio and Emile Patino ($275) - 2612 Crawford, Randy & Aley Crawford ($275) - 4713 Yukon Drive, Rickie Lynn Sims, Jr. ($275) - 808 1 & 2 Richmond, E&C Investment, LLC ($275) - 212 Pecan, Sky Park Holding, LLC ($315) - 215 Pecan, Sky Park Holding, LLC ($315) - 1313 Pardew Street, Michelle Nutt ($275) No questions or comments were raised on any of these items. Each resolution passed 5-0 on a motion to recommend to the full council. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public provided comments. Key Outcomes - All nine resolutions (RES-25-112 through RES-25-120) were recommended to the full City Council by votes of 5-0. - The meeting was adjourned by a motion from David McClain, seconded by Brian Emison, with a 5-0 vote.

The Jonesboro City Council met on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Center. All 10 present members (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, Joe Hafner, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, Janice Porter, John Street, Charles Coleman, and LJ Bryant) voted on all items; David McClain and Ann Williams were absent. The meeting included a capital project update, consent agenda actions, new ordinances, third-reading votes, and public comments. Consent Calendar - MIN-25:072 – Approved minutes from August 19, 2025. - RES-25:106 – Municipal lien of $3,293,122.07 on property at 100 W. Washington (Laurel Park, LLC) – passed. - RES-25:107 – Municipal lien of $315 on property at 1400 Merrywood (Tonya R. Hinds) – passed. - RES-25:108 – Municipal lien of $275 on property at 1617 Rich Road (Randolph & Judith Reynolds) – passed. - RES-25:109 – Removed from consent agenda; postponed indefinitely due to new ownership (10-0 vote). - RES-25:110 – Municipal lien of $275 on property at 3806 School Street (Olga Hernandez) – passed. - RES-25:111 – Municipal lien of $275 on property at 1313 Pardew (Michelle Nutt) – passed. Public Comments & Testimony - James Elwyn Hinds (508 Ridgecrest): Opposed the private club permit for Bridge Street Brewery, citing area crime and proximity to a railroad overpass. - Jason Willett (1804 Starling): Spoke in favor of the permit on behalf of SHJ Concepts (Bridge Street Brewery), noting over 100 members, charitable beneficiaries (Downtown Jonesboro Association, Arkansas State Red Wolves Foundation), and the applicant's experience. - James Elwyn Hinds (public comment): Urged the city to plan for safety improvements along Culberhouse Road (from Lawson to Philadelphia Road), highlighting narrow lanes, lack of sidewalks, and heavy bicycle traffic. Capital Project Update (Special Presentation) Engineering Director Craig Light presented a detailed update on 2025 capital projects: - 2025 Overlays: 1/3 completed; work continues through fall. - Miscellaneous Street Projects: $500,000 allocated; 5 speed tables completed; new policy requires 300–1,500 vehicles/day and speeds <35 mph. - Lighting: Creath Street lighting complete; Huntington section designed (2026 construction); North Church HAWK signal equipment ordered, installation expected by year-end. - Pedestrian Improvements: Southwest Drive/Culberhouse plans at 90%; Johnson Avenue side-path and turn lane – permits obtained, 8 properties under acquisition. - Drainage: City purchased property on N. Main; Meadowlark drainage complete; Olive and Vine streets drainage work done; Maplewood Terrace and Butler Ditch re-study starting fall. - Sidewalks/Trails: Madison sidewalk complete; Culberhouse Trail stalled for utility relocation; Jefferson Avenue Trail progressing (Flint to Walnut); bond-funded. - Industrial Rail: SwitchPoint protection complete; MLK crossings under contract with Meadows Construction (awaiting ARDOT notice); Trainfo sensors being calibrated for E-911 connection; digital message boards in design. - Grant-Funded Projects: Downtown to ASTATE and Melrose sidewalk complete; Abilities Unlimited and JET Bus Stop under contract (bus stop delay due to availability); Rail Crossing Elimination Grant in negotiation; Craighead Forest Motorized Trail – permission to advertise requested; University Heights Trail – two properties left (one likely condemnation); Lacey Park Soft Surface Trail – 90% plans by November; Marion Berry Parkway Multi-use Trail – 90% plans by October; Safe for All – Johnson and North Church projects in design. - Other: Winter Wonderland renovations (60% plans September); Real Time Intelligence Center location analysis (deadline Sept. 16); South Caraway Road – two properties remaining, construction expected 2026. Councilmember Joe Hafner asked about carryover projects: University Heights Trail ($2M funding, awaiting property acquisition and ARDOT approval); 50-spot parking lot at Craighead Forest ($381,574) – shelved pending reallocation to higher priorities (pavilion replacements, Rotary Playground). Parks Director Danny Kapales confirmed the Rotary Playground (installed 2005) needs replacement due to chlorinated water damage; plans to repurpose parking lot funds. Also reported: inclusive playground at University Lions Park delivered, installation in 2 weeks; Allen Park improvements (swing sets, shade structures) ongoing. Councilmember Chris Moore inquired about Main Street restriping – presentation to Public Safety Committee but not yet forwarded to Engineering; concerns about green paint included. New Business (Ordinances on First Reading) - ORD-25:030 – Modify traffic patterns near JPS campuses – Held at first reading. - ORD-25:031 – Place various traffic signs – Held at first reading. Unfinished Business - Second Reading: ORD-25:032 (Rezone 3412 Southwest Drive from PD-M multi-family/office to PD-M commercial) – Held at second reading. - Third Reading: - ORD-25:025 (Place various traffic signs) – PASSED (10-0). - ORD-25:028 (Add Section 50-40 Park Rangers) – PASSED (10-0). - ORD-25:029 (Private club permit for Bridge Street Brewery) – PASSED (10-0) after public comments. Mayor's Reports Mayor Harold Copenhaver highlighted: - Paint the Town Red: Successful ASU spirit event; trolleys ran shuttles to football games; new Red Wolf street signs unveiled. - ASU Partnership: Lunch with new Athletic Director Chris Pezman; upcoming game vs. nationally ranked Iowa State. - Governor's 250 Committee: Early planning for nation's 250th birthday (July 2026) led by Jan Zimmerman and Craig Rickert. - Parks: East Jonesboro park planning (with $100,000 donation from Jonesboro Junior Auxiliary); inclusive playground at Lions Park; Ridge Complex pool construction on track (18-month timeline). - Infrastructure: 12 overlay projects; Johnson side-path underway. - Turtle Creek Mall: Investors to bid within 1.5 weeks after legal resolution from 2020 tornado. - Justice Complex: Inspection report pending; city using community centers for displaced personnel; no timeline for repair decision. - Art: Mural on Cate Street Avenue now complete; thanks to Dan and Casey Johnson. Council Reports - Councilmember Dr. Anthony Coleman requested updates on Race Street/Nettleton drainage and the overpass/connector road near airport; Mayor noted overpass completion November. - Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman motioned to move the October 7 meeting to October 9 due to National Night Out; approved (10-0). Also postponed RES-25:109 indefinitely. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (except RES-25:109 postponed indefinitely). - All third-reading ordinances passed unanimously (10-0). - First-reading ordinances held; second-reading ordinance held. - October 7 meeting rescheduled to October 9 at 5:30 PM. - Mayor to meet with ARDOT director to prioritize projects and address HAWK signal and truck route signage. - City Council will receive updates on Justice Complex, drainage projects, and Main Street restriping.

Date: August 26, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM Location: Municipal Center, 300 S. Church Street, Jonesboro, AR Chairman: Joe Hafner Members present: Charles Coleman, John Street, David McClain, Brian Emison, and Chairman Hafner (non-voting except in ties). Members absent: Ann Williams and Anthony Coleman. The committee considered six municipal lien resolutions, all recommended to the full council with no opposition. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from the Finance Committee meeting on August 12, 2025 were approved by a voice vote (4 ayes, 2 absent). Discussion Items - RES-25:106 – 100 W. Washington (Laurel Park, LLC) – $3,293,122.07 Councilmember David McClain asked whether funds were also being sought for the structure. City Attorney Carol Duncan clarified that because the city had already taken the building, there was no structure to place a lien on; the lien could only be placed on the underlying land. The resolution was recommended to council (4 ayes, 2 absent). - RES-25:107 – 1400 Merrywood (Tonya R. Hinds) – $315 Recommended to council (4 ayes, 2 absent). - RES-25:108 – 1617 Rich Road (Randolph & Judith Reynolds) – $275 Recommended to council (4 ayes, 2 absent). - RES-25:109 – 3801 Vickie Drive (Sharon R. Caldwell) – $315 Recommended to council (4 ayes, 2 absent). - RES-25:110 – 3806 School Street (Olga Hernandez) – $275 Recommended to council (4 ayes, 2 absent). - RES-25:111 – 1313 Pardew (Michelle Nutt) – $275 Recommended to council (4 ayes, 2 absent). Public Comments - No members of the public spoke. Key Outcomes - All six municipal lien resolutions were recommended to the full City Council for final approval. - The meeting was adjourned at an unspecified time after a motion by David McClain, seconded by John Street, passed unanimously (4 ayes, 2 absent).

The Board of Zoning Adjustments met on August 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Municipal Center. The board considered two variance requests: a fence height variance (VR-25-22) and a sidewalk requirement waiver (VR-25-23). Both were approved, one unanimously and one by a 3-1 vote. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - VR-25-22: Applicant Sherry Carter and contractor Wayne Wesley Parker testified that the existing 8-foot fence had been in place for 18 years and was being replaced with identical materials. They explained that the property is on a slope, and the taller fence is necessary for privacy to prevent neighboring houses from looking into the backyard. - VR-25-23: Applicant Charles Fletcher and his son-in-law Brad Montgomery testified that the property is on North Culberhouse, where no sidewalks exist for miles. They requested a complete waiver of the sidewalk requirement, citing the rural nature, the presence of a tree line that would need to be removed, and the lack of connectivity. Discussion Items - VR-25-22 (Fence Height Variance): The board discussed that the fence was replacing an existing 8-foot fence that had been grandfathered. The contractor noted that the property is surrounded by family-owned land. No objections were raised. A motion to grant the variance was made and seconded. - VR-25-23 (Sidewalk Waiver): The board debated whether it had the authority to waive the sidewalk fee in lieu. Staff clarified that the request came to BZA because the applicant wanted a complete waiver, not a fee in lieu. Board members noted that the MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Commission) had never waived a sidewalk fee since the ordinance took effect in 2017. The subdivision ordinance was discussed because the lot split created three lots, triggering sidewalk requirements. Brad Montgomery argued that the property had not been subdivided before. Board members expressed concern about forcing a sidewalk that would go nowhere and considered the unique rural circumstances. The board also discussed the estimated cost of the sidewalk ($16,000–$20,000) and the lack of future development in the area. Key Outcomes - VR-25-22: Motion to grant the variance passed unanimously. (All board members present voted in favor.) - VR-25-23: Motion to grant the variance passed 3-1. Board members Miles, Cables, and Gilmore voted yes; Bailey voted no. (One board member, House, did not vote or was not called during the roll call.) - The meeting was adjourned.

The Jonesboro City Council met on August 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM with 10 members present (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Joe Hafner, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, Janice Porter, John Street, Charles Coleman) and two absent (LJ Bryant, Ann Williams). Mayor Harold Copenhaver presided. Key actions included approval of a $855,000 comprehensive plan and master street plan using ARPA funds, passage of two ordinances on third reading, and several items held for further readings. Public comments addressed a private club permit, a rezoning, and concerns about the closure of the E. Boone Watson Center. Consent Calendar - MIN-25:067 – Approval of minutes from August 5, 2025. - RES-25:081 through RES-25:086 – Authorizing purchase of additional right-of-way at 3507, 3505, 3515, 3509 Aggie Road; 3700 and 3704 Blueridge Circle; and 103 Mark Street for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. - RES-25:092 – Purchase of additional right-of-way at 3509 Aggie Road. - RES-25:096 – Acceptance of a drainage easement from Patsy Sue Brown at 641 W Cherry for drainage improvements. - RES-25:101 – Acceptance of low bid from Michelle’s Excavating, Inc. for Abilities Unlimited Alleyway Improvements (Bid 2025:19). - RES-25:102 – Acceptance of low bid from Crabtree & Son, Inc. for JET Bus Shelter Upgrades (Bid 2025:20). - RES-25:103 – Acceptance and adoption of the Title VI Program for Jonesboro Economical Transit System (JET). - RES-25:104 – Authorization to apply for a FY26 matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. All consent items were approved by a 10-0 vote (two absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) spoke on Resolution RES-25:105 (comprehensive plan). She expressed concern that the existing Master Street Plan (2017/2018) still had 10–12 years left on its 20-year horizon, and questioned the timing given an upcoming impact fee study (26-week process concluding next week). She noted rapid development occurring over the next two years and suggested the city either wait a year or revisit the plan in 10 years, rather than spending $855,000 now. She also criticized the Board of Zoning Adjustment for bending rules on two items that day. - James Elwyn Hinds (508 Ridgecrest) – On Ordinance ORD-25:029 (Bridge Street Brewery private club permit) he said the proposed location was "an absolute terrible place" and "asking for crime." On Ordinance ORD-25:026 (Rock N Roll Sushi private club) he raised concerns about future traffic changes and requested the council consider traffic impacts before approving. - Shamal Carter (3118 Meador Road) addressed the recent closure of the E. Boone Watson Center to the public. He emphasized its historical significance as the site of the former Industrial High School (1924), later Booker T. Washington High School, and the African American Culture Center. He requested transparency from the city on how long the closure would last, and asked that if it will be long-term, the city consider an alternative site for the relocated division so the community can continue using the center for family reunions and museum access. Discussion Items - Resolution RES-25:105 – Comprehensive Plan and Master Street Plan ($855,000 contract with DPZ CoDesign, funded from ARPA restricted revenue replacement). Finance Director Steve Purtee confirmed the remaining ARPA balance was $1,536,000. Planning Director Derrel Smith stated the last comprehensive growth plan was 1998, the last Master Street Plan update was 2018, and the Land Use Plan was 2017. He noted the plan is typically for 20–25 years, with revision consideration around 15 years. Councilmember Anthony Coleman asked about connectivity and trailways — Smith confirmed everything would be included. Councilmember Charles Coleman asked about frequency of updates. After public comment by Patti Lack, the resolution passed 10-0. - Ordinance ORD-25:032 (First Reading) – Rezoning at 3412 Southwest Drive from PD-M (multi-family and office/senior living) to PD-M commercial use (requested by Jeremy Bevill for Southern Hills Real Estate, LLC). The rules were suspended to read by title only, and the item was held for a second reading without discussion. - Ordinance ORD-25:025 (Second Reading) – Various traffic signs as determined by the Traffic Control Committee. Held to a third reading without discussion. - Ordinance ORD-25:028 (Second Reading) – Amendment to add Section 50-40 entitled Park Rangers. Held to a third reading without discussion. - Ordinance ORD-25:029 (Second Reading) – Private club permit for SHJ Concepts, Inc. (Bridge Street Brewery). After public comment from James Elwyn Hinds opposing the location, the item was held for a third reading. - Ordinance ORD-25:026 (Third Reading) – Private club permit for Slate Association (Rock N Roll Sushi). After public comment from James Elwyn Hinds about traffic, council voted to adopt; motion passed 10-0. - Ordinance ORD-25:027 (Third Reading) – Rezoning at 500 N. Culberhouse Street from I-2 to C-3 (requested by 1st Produce and Foods). Adopted on a 10-0 vote. - Mayor’s Report – Mayor Copenhaver reported: school safety reminders and a ribbon cutting for school security officers; two additional lives saved using EMD training since last meeting; groundbreaking for a new $6 million, 13,000 sq ft airport terminal (replacing tornado-damaged infrastructure); a new mural on Cate Street; progress on revenue bonds and the Jefferson Avenue shared-use pathway (1,300 ft segment, total 5,000 ft); one-year anniversary of the Bark Park; upcoming "Paint the Town Red" events (Aug 26–30); Labor Day schedule; neighborhood cleanup stats (over 600 tires and 80 tons of trash collected in 2025); litter reduction reported by Keep Jonesboro Beautiful; update on the Justice Complex roof evaluation (structural engineer met that afternoon, report expected in 10–14 days). - Council Reports – Councilmember Anthony Coleman thanked the city for progress and requested attention to overgrown ditches on Prospect Road. Councilmember Brian Emison announced the next Bond Task Force meeting is tentatively set for September 16, 2025, pending receipt of Justice Complex information. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (10-0). - Resolution RES-25:105 – Approved (10-0) to enter into a contract with DPZ CoDesign for $855,000, using ARPA funds, for a comprehensive growth plan and master street plan. - Ordinance ORD-25:026 – Approved (10-0) granting a private club permit for Rock N Roll Sushi. - Ordinance ORD-25:027 – Approved (10-0) rezoning 500 N. Culberhouse from I-2 to C-3. - Ordinance ORD-25:032 – Held for second reading. - Ordinances ORD-25:025, 25:028, 25:029 – Held for third reading. - Public Concerns – Mayor Copenhaver acknowledged Shamal Carter’s comments regarding the E. Boone Watson Center and said updates would be provided after the Justice Complex roof evaluation is complete (within 10–14 days). - Next Bond Task Force Meeting – Scheduled for September 16, 2025, subject to change.