Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Public Safety Council Committee of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Municipal Center (300 S. Church Street). Roll call was confirmed by City Clerk April Leggett, with five members present (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, LJ Bryant, Kevin Miller) and two absent (Janice Porter, David McClain), constituting a quorum. The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes, passed Resolution RES-26:101 agreeing to the permanent closure of the Airport Road railroad crossing, received the July 2026 vector mosquito control report, and discussed stabilization of the building on Main Street. No pending items were reported. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:069): The minutes of the July 21, 2026 Public Safety Committee meeting were approved by motion and vote; no questions or objections were raised. New Business – Resolution RES-26:101 - Permanent closure of the Airport Road at-grade crossing: The resolution, sponsored by Engineering, agrees to the removal and permanent closure of the Airport Road (Arkansas Highway 351) at-grade crossing with the Union Pacific Railroad (DOT 787795S) upon completion of the grade-separated crossing at the same location. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), which constructed the overpass, is required by its agreements with Union Pacific to provide proof, via a city resolution, that Jonesboro agrees to the closure so ARDOT can finalize its obligations to the railroad. The resolution also authorizes the mayor and city clerk to take further necessary actions. - Vote: A motion by Councilmember Chris Gibson, seconded by Councilmember Chris Moore, that the resolution be passed carried with 4 recorded ayes (Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, LJ Bryant, Kevin Miller), no nays, and 2 absent (Janice Porter, David McClain); Chairman Brian Emison, though present, is not recorded as voting. A subsequent motion by Councilmember Chris Moore, seconded by Councilmember Chris Gibson, that the matter be recommended to the full council carried. The resolution was forwarded to full council. Discussion Items - Vector Mosquito Control Report (COM-26:043, July 2026): Chairman Brian Emison noted that the report showed extensive aerial spraying and that mosquito numbers were down considerably from the previous year, likely due to recent weather. - A&P mosquito control discussion: Councilmember LJ Bryant, calling himself a 'broken record' and noting that two committee members serve on A&P, asked whether A&P had further discussed mosquito control. Chairman Emison said the conversation has continued, but nothing has moved forward regarding coordination with the county, which would require an inter-municipal relationship. He referenced a possible study of additional spraying on the outskirts of the city limits, where mosquitoes breed in surrounding farming communities and fields. Chief Administrative Officer Brian Richardson stated that he has spoken with Craig Rickert, the Finance Department is involved, and a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be issued to find vendors to conduct a study on next steps; Richardson said A&P allocated funding for the effort. (The raw transcript refers to 'AMP,' to 'Rickard/Rickert,' and to 'RFB or RFQ.') - Main Street building stabilization: Councilmember Chris Moore requested an update on the building on Main Street. Engineering Director Craig Light reported that the brick facade began coming away from the building and falling off; the facade was holding up a portion supporting the second story. A structural engineer found that the interior looked worse than the exterior and recommended evacuating the building, and the road was shut until the building could be stabilized. The following Monday, contractor Ramsons, under the direction of the building owner and his representatives, shored up the building alongside the structural engineer; the building was stabilized and the road reopened that Tuesday afternoon. Light said the plan is to install steel columns and redo the storefront to make the building fully secure. Moore asked whether an engineer reviewed the temporary shoring; Light confirmed that Jordan Lane of North Delta Engineering, the structural engineer, submitted drawings for the proposed shoring plan, which were modified and signed off on by all parties before the road reopened. Light said he does not yet have a timeline for the permanent work and will provide one. - Note on the record: The minutes place the Main Street building discussion before the vector mosquito control discussion, whereas the raw transcript records it immediately after that discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Chairman Emison opened the floor for public comment on items not on the agenda. No public comments are recorded in the minutes; the raw transcript contains an incomplete, garbled portion ('Dr. […]') before the chairman moved to adjournment. Key Outcomes - Minutes of the July 21, 2026 meeting were approved. - Resolution RES-26:101 passed with 4 recorded ayes, no nays, and 2 absent, and was recommended to the full council. - An RFQ will be issued for a study on expanded mosquito control options outside the city limits, with funding allocated by A&P. - Engineering will follow up with a timeline for permanent repairs to the Main Street building. - The meeting was adjourned by motion of Councilmember Chris Gibson, seconded by Councilmember Chris Moore, with no opposition.

The Nominating and Rules Committee met on August 18, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Municipal Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The committee unanimously approved all agenda items and forwarded them to the full city council. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the May 12, 2026 committee meeting were approved by voice vote with no opposition. New Business Ordinance ORD-26:031 – Clarifying How Council Members Sponsor Legislation - Sponsored by Council Member LJ Bryant and co-sponsored by Chris Gibson. The ordinance amends Chapter 2-87 to explicitly allow any council member to sponsor a resolution or ordinance, with required review by the city attorney for legal sufficiency and format, after which the mayor or staff must assign it to a committee within five business days. Discussion clarified that the existing code detailed the process for citizen-initiated legislation but not for council members directly. The ordinance adds a timeline and clarifies procedure. Moved to full council unanimously. Ordinance ORD-26:032 – Procedure for Opening Invocation During Council Meetings - This ordinance amends Section 2-84 to establish a rotating schedule for the opening invocation. The rotation starts in January with Ward 1, Position 1, continuing through all 12 council members (each will lead twice a year). Council members may invite a designee or community member but are cautioned against repeatedly inviting the same person to avoid constitutional challenges (referencing a past lawsuit against West Memphis by the ACLU). Moved to full council unanimously. Ordinance ORD-26:033 – Correcting Outdated Language and Updating Notice Timelines - Amends Sections 2-84 and 2-87 to: (1) increase the required notice for a special called committee meeting from two to three hours before the meeting to allow time for public notification; (2) clarify the definition of “present” during a declared state of emergency; (3) change “will” to “may” in a subsection; (4) replace “Legistar” with “agenda management system” throughout. A redlined version was provided for comparison. Moved to full council unanimously. Resolution RES-26:102 – Appointments to Boards and Commissions - Recommends appointments by Mayor Harold Copenhaver: Craig County Jones to the Library Board; reappointment of Shallon Tate to a five-year term ending August 2, 2031; Darrell Dromgill to fill the unexpired term of Susan Meredith on the Stormwater Management Board ending May 17, 2028; Hayden Partee and Kim Schrantz each to three-year terms ending July 20, 2029. Moved to full council unanimously. Public Comments - No public comments were presented. Key Outcomes - All four items (three ordinances and one resolution) were passed by the committee and forwarded to the full city council for further consideration. - The meeting adjourned without any other business.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on August 11, 2026, at 7:30 PM to consider a single agenda item: variance request BR 26-23. Members present were Gilmore, Miles, Miller, Bailey, and Caples. The meeting began with approval of the previous month's minutes. Discussion Items - Variance Request BR 26-23 (William Walker for Tractor Supply Company): The applicant sought a variance from the cross-access management ordinance for a redevelopment at 4108 Poor's Hill Road, adjacent to Caraway Road. The property was an existing Tractor Supply store undergoing redevelopment, including new fencing, gates, and expanded outdoor display. The cross-access requirement would have mandated a connection to the south for future traffic flow between parcels. The applicant argued that the neighboring landowner (Tim) opposed any shared access, and that the city's access management ordinance limited frontage to one entrance (already used by large truck deliveries). The applicant offered to show a future turnout on the plan but not build it, fearing that showing it could force construction if the adjacent property redeveloped. The board insisted that simply showing the turnout on the plan would satisfy the ordinance without obligating construction. A prior variance for cross-access was noted on the north side of Caraway at Parker Road. Board members discussed precedent, with Mr. Miles expressing concern about setting a pattern. The applicant emphasized that Tractor Supply was complying with many other city requirements (covering ditches, adding sidewalks) and had invested heavily in the project. Public Comments & Testimony - Patty Lack (4108 Poor's Hill Road): Spoke in favor of the variance. She argued that the board had already approved a similar variance for a gas station and chicken restaurant at Caraway and Parker, and asked the board to consider that precedent. She noted that many older developments lack cross access and that the applicant was willing to give back to the community. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Variance BR 26-23: Moved by a member (unidentified), seconded. Roll call vote: Miles – No, Miller – Yes, Bailey – No. The motion failed 1-2, with three members present? The transcript ambiguously states "Have three either way. How's that work? Okay. It did fail." The variance was therefore denied.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission of Jonesboro met on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included the approval of previous minutes, consideration of a preliminary subdivision, and a rezoning request. Both agenda items were approved with stipulations. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the July 28, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously with no changes. Discussion Items - Untabling of PP-26-11 (The Woods at 141): The item had been tabled at the previous meeting. A motion to untable passed unanimously. - Preliminary Subdivision – The Woods at 141: George Hammond of Civil Logic, representing Nick Shaft, presented a four-lot subdivision on West Thomas Green. The plan was revised to include shared driveways (single driveways serving lots 1/2 and lots 3/4) due to roadway classification. Staff confirmed compliance with subdivision code. The applicant requested preliminary and final approval simultaneously, which was permitted by the city planner. A motion for approval with stipulations requiring notations on the plat regarding shared driveways passed unanimously (all commissioners present voted aye). - Rezoning RZ-26-12 – 1411 Southern Ridge Blvd: Jeremy Bevill requested rezoning of approximately 7.5 acres from PD-M Multi-Family to PD-M Commercial (Block E, Southern Hills PUD). Staff recommended approval with three stipulations (satisfy city engineer requirements, stormwater and floodplain compliance, submit final site plan). The applicant clarified the change maintains mixed-use character of the PUD and reduces multifamily acreage. Commissioners discussed potential developability of remaining narrow strips, but the applicant stated no further commercial rezoning is planned in this area. The motion for approval with stipulations passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered for the rezoning item when the floor was opened. Key Outcomes - PP-26-11 The Woods at 141: Approved for preliminary and final plat with stipulations regarding shared driveway notations. - RZ-26-12 (Bevill): Approved for rezoning from PD-M Multi-Family to PD-M Commercial with three staff-recommended stipulations. The applicant was advised to place the item on the city council agenda by Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of Jonesboro, Arkansas met on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Municipal Center. The meeting covered approval of minutes, multiple municipal lien resolutions, applications for state and regional grants, a contract to purchase a police facility, and associated financing. Key discussions centered on the Craighead Forest Park playground grant and the proposed purchase of a building at 1709 East Highland Drive for police operations. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:070): Minutes from the July 28, 2026 Finance Committee meeting were approved unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays). - Municipal Lien Resolutions: Six resolutions (RES-26:092 through RES-26:096) to place municipal liens on properties for code enforcement violations were forwarded to the full council without discussion, each passing 6-0. These liens were for $275 each, except one at $335. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - RES-26:097 – 823 Parkview Lien Postponed: Councilmember John Street reported the violation had been paid and moved to postpone indefinitely. The motion passed 6-0, and the item was not forwarded. - RES-26:098 – FY2027 Outdoor Recreation Matching Grant (Craighead Forest Park): Discussion focused on a $999,980 grant request with a $499,990 city match for playground and splash pad improvements at Craighead Forest Park. Grants Director Chris Richey noted the competitive nature of the grant and that it was previously awarded for Allen Park. Parks Director Jim Stearns mentioned a potential capital campaign with the Rotary Club to raise matching funds. Chief Administrative Officer Brian Richardson stated the playground is over 21 years old, sees over 100,000 visitors annually, and requires significant investment regardless of the grant. He clarified that the grant is project-specific and would not impact funding for the East Jonesboro Park project (phase one already funded at $4 million). Councilmember Dr. Anthony Coleman expressed concern about prioritizing this grant over other park needs, while Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman requested a parks maintenance priority list. The item was forwarded to full council with a 5-1 vote (Anthony Coleman voting nay). - RES-26:100 – Delta Regional Authority Community Infrastructure Fund Grant: This resolution authorized applying for $671,000 (with a 10% city match of $67,100) to retrofit the city's incinerator, which had been down due to needed heat-resistant panels. Councilmember David McClain asked about the scope; Chief Operating Officer Tony Thomas explained the procurement was complete and the grant would offset costs. The resolution passed 6-0. - RES-26:099 – Purchase of 1709 East Highland Drive for Police Department: Discussion centered on the proposed $2,750,000 purchase of the former Shelter Insurance building (14,418 sq. ft.) to consolidate police operations currently spread across five facilities, including community centers. Councilmember David McClain requested an independent inspection report and a financial analysis before voting, noting he had not received them. He moved to postpone to the next Finance meeting, but the motion lacked a second and failed. Councilmember Brian Emison read a statement from Mayor Copenhaver supporting the purchase, citing favorable location, pricing at $200/sq. ft., and the need to free up community centers. McClain expressed concerns about water intrusion and unknown repair costs. Councilmember Ann Williams reported positive community feedback. The resolution was forwarded to full council with a 5-1 vote (McClain voting nay). - ORD-26:028 – General Revenue Promissory Note for Police Facility: This ordinance authorized a $3,000,000 short-term loan (Amendment 78) at 4.83% interest over 60 months from Arvest Bank to finance the purchase and improvements at 1709 East Highland Drive. The loan was deemed essential for public safety. The ordinance was forwarded to full council with a 5-1 vote (McClain voting nay). Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (6-0). - Municipal liens (RES-26:092-096) forwarded (6-0 each). - Non-commercial public safety item: RES-26:097 postponed indefinitely (6-0) after payment. - Outdoor recreation grant (RES-26:098) forwarded (5-1, Coleman nay). - Delta Regional Authority grant (RES-26:100) forwarded (6-0). - Police facility purchase (RES-26:099) forwarded (5-1, McClain nay). - Promissory note (ORD-26:028) forwarded (5-1, McClain nay). - Adjourned (6-0). Next Steps: The full City Council will consider these items. Staff will provide the independent inspection report and financial analysis to councilmembers before the council vote. The Parks Advisory Board will meet on August 19, 2026 to develop a needs assessment and priority list for park improvements.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee and the Public Safety Council Committee held a special called joint meeting on August 6, 2026, to discuss the proposed purchase of the Shelter Insurance Agency building for use as an interim police department facility. The meeting was discussion-only; no votes were taken on the proposal itself. Members present were Joe Hafner (Chair), John Street, Anthony Coleman, David McClain, Ann Williams, Charles Coleman, and Brian Emison. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. The meeting was dedicated solely to public discussion of the Shelter Insurance building purchase. Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) expressed that she was neither for nor against the purchase but questioned whether it is the city's top priority. She raised concerns about the city's existing financial tightness, the pending November safety tax, the need to consider costs of renovating the Caraway facility, the number of officers still to be hired (17), and the lack of public transparency regarding the mayor's offer on the building. She also mentioned the unresolved Danny Kapales investigation as a trust factor for taxpayers. - Chief Rick Elliott rebutted Ms. Lack's concern about additional costs for the Caraway facility, stating that moves involve only personal effects and computers, with furniture staying in place, and that any painting is routine maintenance. He noted the Shelter building includes over $150,000 in furnishings. Discussion Items - Proposal Overview: Mayor Harold Copenhaver introduced the proposal, noting the city has searched for a suitable temporary facility for a year. The Shelter building at 14,418 square feet on 2.05 acres at East Highland Drive has 51 parking spots, is well-maintained, and includes approximately 95% of its contents (furniture, fixtures) in the sale. The purchase price is $2,750,000. - Planned Use: Chief Rick Elliott stated that 30+ officers and staff would move into the Shelter building, housing police administration, records, criminal investigations, community outreach, recruiting, and DARE. Vacated spaces (parks department, old City Hall on Washington) would consolidate into the existing Caraway facility, accommodating evidence/ICAC, patrol, mental health, training, warrants, court services, and the real-time crime center. - Financing: Finance Director Steve Purtee explained that the total cost (purchase + renovation $250,000 + IT infrastructure $80,000) is $3,000,000. The city would use a short-term Amendment 78 loan from Arvest Bank at 4.83% interest over five years, with monthly payments of about $700,000 annually. Interest cost would be $382,820, but offset by approximately $237,000 in interest earnings on the $3 million kept in reserves, resulting in a net financing cost of $145,043 over five years. Insurance savings from vacating the Justice Complex and old City Hall would be about $14,000 annually. The loan could be prepaid without penalty. - Budget Impact: Purtee noted that sales tax returns are trending ahead by about $840,000 over the previous year, with general fund revenue ahead by about $200,000. Uncommitted franchise fees of about $427,000 are also available. The obligation would be repaid from the general fund. - Timeline: Mayor Copenhaver projected the property would go to Finance Committee review on August 11, city consideration soon after, closing on or around August 21, and renovations beginning within three days. The move-in timeline is about two months, with demolition of the Washington Avenue facility possible by year-end. - Long-Term Plan: Chief Elliott confirmed the long-term plan is to build a new police station downtown, costing $20–25 million, but funding is not currently available. The Shelter building is an interim solution that could last a few years or up to 20 if the safety tax fails. - Council Questions: - Brian Emison supported the financing approach and asked about room to grow; Chief Elliott said the Shelter building will have one office left upon occupancy, with plans to add two more, and Caraway has adequate parking. - Charles Coleman expressed excitement but urged speed in giving officer raises and noted community pressure to vacate the E. Boone Watson Center; Chief Elliott said he could move out by October. - John Street asked about parking adequacy (51 spots) and supported the purchase; Chief Elliott confirmed 31 staff, no need for additional parking. - David McClain requested a full financial analysis showing the impact of the $700,000 annual payment if the department is fully staffed, and raised concerns about building inspections (roof, water spots, termite). He asked for a roof inspection report. - Kevin Miller stated the building opportunity is “very good” and supported moving forward. - Anthony Coleman asked who the appraiser was (answered: Preston King) and echoed the need for financial projections including officer salaries. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; the discussion was informational only. The proposal will be considered at the next Finance & Administration Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, followed by full city council consideration. - The city will provide Councilmember McClain with a financial analysis of the $700,000 annual impact and will consider obtaining an independent building inspection report. - The meeting adjourned with a motion by Anthony Coleman, seconded by Brian Emison, passed unanimously (6 ayes).

The Jonesboro City Council met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Center Council Chambers. The meeting began with a public hearing at 5:25 PM regarding the abandonment of a 15-foot alley between 1810 Henry Street and 1812 Henry Street, with no one speaking for or against. The council approved consent items, heard a special presentation on the NEA Children's Museum project, passed several ordinances, and received mayoral reports. Special Presentations - Lifesaver Award: Mayor Harold Copenhaver presented the Lifesaver Award to a Jonesboro police officer who, on July 10, 2026, at 9:18 PM, responded to a choking incident at 906 Caraway Road and successfully administered the Heimlich maneuver, saving a woman's life. The officer acted humbly and was recognized by Chief Elliott. - NEA Children's Museum Project Update: Jordan Carlow, President of the Northeast Arkansas Children's Museum, presented an update. The project aims to build a dedicated children's museum with exhibits on health, agriculture, and nature, estimated to cost $10–12 million (40% for exhibits). The museum hopes to attract 77,000 visitors annually. They have raised $40,000 through a 2025 fundraiser and are planning a capital campaign. Carlow requested the city donate or provide a long-term lease for the property at 215 West Monroe (current site of Winter Wonderland) before fall 2026. They proposed a clause allowing the city to regain ownership if the museum is not built. The council asked questions; no formal decision was made, but a resolution may be drafted. Mayor Copenhaver noted a previous feasibility study found the building unsuitable for an event center. Consent Calendar - Approved by a vote of 11–0 (Councilmember Chris Gibson absent). Items included: - Minutes of the July 21, 2026, council meeting. - Municipal liens on properties at 218 W. Forrest ($315), 413 Parkview ($1,240), 616 E. Oak ($275), 704 Vine ($275), 1702 W. Nettleton ($315), and 5017 Mt. Carmel ($465). - Adoption of a revised city employee handbook (July 2026). - Acceptance of the low bid and contract with RL Persons Construction, Inc. for the South Caraway Road widening project (Job No. 2026:20). Public Comments & Testimony - James Elwyn Hinds (508 Ridgecrest) spoke against two private club permit ordinances on first reading (ORD-26:026 for Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill and ORD-26:027 for My Place Hotel), stating he opposed additional liquor establishments on Southwest Drive. He reserved further comments for later readings. Discussion Items - New Business (First Readings): All four ordinances were read by title and held at first reading with no further discussion: - ORD-26:023 – Abandonment of a 15-foot alley between 1810 and 1812 Henry Street. - ORD-26:024 – Placement of various traffic signs as determined by the Traffic Control Committee. - ORD-26:026 – Private club permit for Encouraging Advancement, Inc. d/b/a Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill at 3310 Southwest Drive, Suite 7. - ORD-26:027 – Private club permit for Mataji LLC d/b/a My Place Hotel Jonesboro at 2905 Gilmore Drive. - Unfinished Business (Second Readings): Three ordinances were read and held at second reading: - ORD-26:020 – Amending Appendix 7 of the Stormwater Drainage Design Manual. - ORD-26:022 – Rezoning 2038 North Church Street from C-3 to RM-12 LUO (requested by NK & Sons Investment). - ORD-26:025 – Rezoning 1400 Southern Ridge Boulevard from R-1 to C-3 LUO (requested by Fisher Arnold). - Third Readings: Three ordinances passed unanimously (11–0): - ORD-26:017 – Modifying traffic patterns near Jonesboro public school campuses (amending Ordinance 24:037). - ORD-26:019 – Placing various traffic signs as determined by the Traffic Control Committee. - ORD-26:021 – Rezoning 2911 Browns Lane from R-3 to C-3. - Items Held in Council: ORD-26:018 – Rezoning 1004 N. Caraway Road from R-1 to Planned Development (requested by David Tapp) passed on third reading (11–0), after having been postponed on July 21. Mayor's Reports - Public Works Update: Over the past two weeks, crews repaired 75 potholes, completed bridge repairs, drainage improvements, street sweeping, mowing, and prepared streets for overlays. They also repainted sidewalk and street lines near schools. - Facility Note: The municipal building lacked air conditioning from Friday afternoon through Monday; temperatures reached 94°F in the mayor's office. Ronnie Shaver's staff worked through the weekend to restore it. - Public Safety: Jonesboro Fire Department responded to more than 1,000 emergency incidents in July. Mayor thanked all first responders. - Economic Development: Attended the reopening of Best Buy on Caraway Road, noting reinvestment after the 2020 tornado and some employees returning alongside their children. - Upcoming Events: - Keep Jonesboro Beautiful public input session on Thursday, August 6, at 6 PM at Lost Pizza. - August 11: Groundbreaking for Arkansas State University Crest Center (postponed), InnovAsian industrial groundbreaking at 9:30 AM, ASU College of Veterinary Medicine opening at 11 AM, and ARDOT public input meeting at 4:30 PM at Allen Park on the direct connector route to Osceola (with a public officials session from 3–4 PM). - Financial Statements: June 2026 financial statements were filed. City Council Reports - Councilmember John Street: Noted August is National Shooting Sports Month and encouraged using shooting ranges. Mayor added that 25 shooters from Jonesboro brought home 41 awards from a world competition. - Councilmember Joe Hafner: Announced a special joint meeting of the Finance and Public Safety Committees on Thursday, August 6, at 4 PM to discuss the Shelter Insurance building (no votes, only discussion). - Councilmember Dr. Anthony Coleman: Shared he will teach math at Nettleton schools, thanked teachers and staff, and wished for a great school year. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously (11–0). - All third-reading ordinances passed unanimously (11–0): ORD-26:017, ORD-26:019, ORD-26:021, and ORD-26:018. - First and second readings were held without votes; items will return for further readings. - No formal action was taken on the Children's Museum land request; council members will follow up with questions to the mayor's office. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.

The Public Works Council Committee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center. The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and recommended three resolutions to the full City Council, all related to trail and wetland projects. All votes were 7-0 in favor. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:059): The minutes from the July 7, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting were approved by a 7-0 vote (motion by Chris Moore, second by Charles Coleman). Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road): Noted that Resolution RES-26:090 did not list the dollar amount in the resolution text, though the attached contract showed $131,839.77. She questioned why the amount was omitted from the resolution being voted on. This prompted an amendment to add the dollar amount. Discussion Items - RES-26:089 – Marion Berry Parkway Multiuse Trail Construction Administration & Inspection Services: Engineering Director Craig Light reported that the project is waiting for ARDOT authorization to advertise for bids; plans are 100% complete. The estimated project cost is about $1,700,000, with a deductible alternate to reduce it below the originally budgeted $1,500,000. Funding includes grant money, capital improvements, and an agreement with Arkansas State University. The fee proposal with Pickering Firm Inc. is for $100,000 (hourly, cost-plus). Councilmember Anthony Coleman asked about the $303 difference between the proposal and contract – Light explained it is an hourly estimate rounded up. Coleman also asked about reimbursable expenses (mileage, meals, lodging) not included in this local firm contract. Light confirmed that reimbursables are common for out-of-town firms. Councilmember Chris Moore noted that professional services contracts cannot be awarded based on price. The resolution was recommended to Council by a 7-0 vote. - RES-26:090 – Higginbottom Trail Design Services with Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing, Inc.: Light stated this is a design contract for the Higginbottom Creek Trail, which is in the kick-off stage; construction may begin about a year later. The firm has an office in Paragould and was selected by a committee to diversify engineering capacity in Jonesboro. The contract amount is $131,839.77. Following Patti Lack’s public comment, Councilmember Coleman moved to amend the resolution to include the dollar amount, seconded by Moore; the amendment passed unanimously. The main motion to recommend to Council then passed 7-0. - RES-26:091 – Turtle Creek Wetland Partnership with University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) and Capital Improvement Budget Amendment: Light explained that Keep Jonesboro Beautiful spearheaded this project. The plan is to develop a landscape architecture studio project at the Turtle Creek detention pond, creating an outdoor classroom with boardwalks, wetland expansion, and research on aquatic species. The project aims to better engage the community and utilize the existing trail and bridge. The budget is amended by $50,000 to fund the planning phase. The resolution was recommended to Council by a 7-0 vote. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from July 7, 2026 (7-0). - Recommended to full Council Resolution RES-26:089 (Marion Berry Parkway multiuse trail administration contract, $100,000) by a 7-0 vote. - Amended and recommended Resolution RES-26:090 (Higginbottom Trail design contract) to include the dollar amount $131,839.77 in the resolution text; the amended resolution passed 7-0. - Recommended Resolution RES-26:091 (Turtle Creek Wetland Partnership and $50,000 budget amendment) by a 7-0 vote. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Center. The meeting covered approval of minutes, tabling of a preliminary subdivision, approval of two final plats, and procedural discussion. No public comments were heard. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the July 14, 2026, meeting were approved by voice vote with no amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Preliminary Subdivision PP-26-11 – The Woods at 141: The proponent was not present at the time of the item. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to table the item after noting efforts to contact the proponent earlier in the day were unsuccessful. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition. Procedural discussion followed regarding how to handle tabling when no party is present. Commissioner Pointer asked about the process, and it was clarified that the item would appear as "held" on the next agenda, and the commission could then untable it if the proponent appears. - Final Subdivision PP-26-13 – Brookshire Place, Phase III Final Plat: Mark Morris, owner, presented the final plat for the third phase of Brookshire Place. The project includes 44 lots, with asphalt complete and the subdivision ready for final approval. City planner staff confirmed it meets all city requirements and subdivision code, recommending approval. - Final Subdivision PP-26-12 – East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging 1st Replat: John Easley of Associate Engineering presented a replat of the former East Arkansas Malco site. The replat creates three lots along Highland Drive from a single lot (minor plat). Water and sewer utilities must be installed before a subsequent replat of lot four can proceed. City planner staff recommended approval, noting compliance with subdivision code. A commissioner asked about zoning references: all lots were rezoned to C3 (from some prior C2), and it was noted that some documents might still reference C2. Approval was granted. Key Outcomes - The Woods at 141: Tabled by voice vote (motion by Cooper, second by ?). Item will be held and reconsidered at the next meeting if the proponent appears. - Brookshire Place, Phase III Final Plat: Approved by voice vote (motion and second). 44 lots, final plat. - East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging 1st Replat: Approved by voice vote (motion and second). Creates three lots on Highland Drive; lot four to be replatted later after utility installation. - Meeting adjourned after discussion; no further business.