Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The meeting included the approval of previous minutes, two rezoning requests, and the withdrawal of a final subdivision application. Both rezoning items received unanimous favorable recommendations to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 24, 2026 MAPC meeting were approved unanimously without changes. Discussion Items - Final Subdivision Withdrawn: Agenda item PP-26-04, a final subdivision request by Gera Investment LLC for the seventh replat of Block E, Ridgepointe Country Club Phase 1, was withdrawn before discussion. - Rezoning RZ-26-05: Horizon Land Surveying LLC requested rezoning of property at 5925 E Johnson Ave from I-1 (Light Industrial) to C-3 L.U.O. (Commercial, with Limited Use Overlay). City planner staff reported the request met all six rezoning criteria and recommended approval with stipulations including compliance with city engineer requirements, stormwater and floodplain regulations, submission of a final site plan, and a limited use overlay prohibiting cemetery, communication tower, adult entertainment, homeless shelter, and medical marijuana dispensary. Proponent Robester of Stonebridge Construction offered no comment. There was no public input. A motion to approve with stipulations was seconded and carried unanimously. - Rezoning RZ-26-07: Applicant William Conrad requested rezoning of property at 1601 Granger Dr from RM-8 (Residential Multifamily) to RS-5 (Residential Single-Family). Proponent Jeremy Bevel, engineer with Craft and Toyol, stated the intent to place two single-family homes on the 0.44-acre lot, with the rezoning being the first step. Staff again recommended approval with the same standard stipulations. No public comment was received. A motion to approve with stipulations was seconded and carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Favorable Recommendations: Both rezoning requests (RZ-26-05 and RZ-26-07) received unanimous favorable recommendations from the MAPC. The applicants were instructed to place their items on the City Council agenda before Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM. - No Other Business: Staff comments were deferred, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of Jonesboro met on April 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Municipal Center. The committee reviewed and forwarded several resolutions to the full council, discussed tournament finances and city programs, and requested future reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 31, 2026): Moved by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0-2 (Absent: Anthony Coleman, Ann Williams). - RES-26:040 – TAP Funding Application: A resolution authorizing the city to apply for FY26 Transportation Alternatives Program funds for the Cobra House multi-use trail connector to Craighead Forest Park. The project is estimated at $2,144,639.73 with 80% federal ($1,715,711.73) and 20% local match ($428,928) plus a 1% ARDOT admin fee ($17,157 from federal share), totaling $446,085 local funding. Moved by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0-2. - RES-26:041 – Municipal Lien on 505 W. Woodrow: A lien of $5,826.87 on property owned by Thomas & Linda Bobbitt. Moved by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0-2. - RES-26:042 – Free Utility Services from City Water and Light: Requesting free utilities for city-owned property at 6106 Southwest Drive. Councilmember John Street recused himself due to his position on the CWL Board. Moved by Brian Emison, seconded by David McClain. Passed 3-0-2, with Street abstaining. Discussion Items - Tournament Finances: Councilmember David McClain questioned the financial performance of city-run tournaments. Parks Director Jim Stearns explained that a new expense report accounted for staff time (e.g., community center staffing, sports coordinator planning) which totaled $8,000 in non-cash time expenses. In real dollars, the two tournaments generated approximately $10,000 net revenue. Stearns clarified that the city is not exiting the tournament business but will shift focus to The Ridge when ready, avoiding competition. McClain requested a more detailed financial report on tournaments for a future meeting. - Gun Range Performance: McClain also requested a financial performance report on the gun range. Stearns noted that a new point-of-sale system was ordered and will be installed by April 18 or 25. He agreed to provide a report by the next meeting (April 21). - Bank Deposit Rates: McClain recommended rebidding the city's bank deposits to seek better interest rates, noting that public entities should review every few years. The chair acknowledged the suggestion. Key Outcomes - All four resolutions (minutes approval and three new business items) were recommended to the full city council. - Parks Director Jim Stearns will prepare a detailed financial report on tournaments and gun range performance for the next committee meeting on April 21, 2026. - The committee discussed but took no formal action on rebidding bank deposit rates; the matter may be revisited.

The Jonesboro City Council met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Center Council Chambers. The meeting began with a public hearing at 5:25 PM regarding a taxicab service request. The Council approved the consent agenda, passed several resolutions, heard reports from the Parks and Recreation and Engineering departments, and received public comment on the condition of the Allen Park skate place. Councilmember Anthony Coleman was absent; all 11 other members were present. Consent Calendar - Minutes (MIN-26:027) from the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting were approved. - Municipal Liens were placed on four properties: 3648 Hudson ($2,115, Needsapce Hudson, LLC), 2620 Crawford 11 ($3,257.34, Hilltop Rentals, LLC), 607 Alfred Watkins ($465, Wesley Kyle Grimes), and 1100 Huntington ($415, Vernon Wood). All lien resolutions (R-EN-051-2026 through R-EN-054-2026) were approved unanimously. Resolutions Removed from Consent Agenda - RES-26:031 – Sanitation Truck Lease: A resolution authorizing a two-year capital lease for five side-load, one front-load, and one rear-load sanitation trucks. Finance Director Steve Purtee explained that the lease includes a buyback option at 55-60% of the purchase price, and this is the third such lease cycle. The resolution passed unanimously (11-0). - RES-26:032 – Board and Commission Appointments: The resolution was amended to strike the entire CDBG Citizen Advisory Committee section due to conflicts and missing nominees. The amendment passed 7-1 (LJ Bryant opposed) with three abstentions (Councilmembers Porter, C. Coleman, and Williams, who were nominees). The amended resolution (R-EN-056-2026) passed. New Business - COM-26:018 – Taxicab Service for Gustavo Flores-Cabrera: City Clerk April Leggett noted that Mayor Copenhaver confirmed the applicant had fulfilled all requirements. The Council unanimously approved the request to establish a taxicab service. Ordinances on First Reading (all held at one reading) - ORD-26:008 – Reinstates four-way stop signs at Rains and Wilkins intersections. - ORD-26:009 and ORD-26:010 – Place various traffic signs at designated locations as determined by the Traffic Control Committee. - ORD-26:012 – Zoning change from R-1 (single-family) to C-3 (general commercial) for 13.64 acres at 6904 E. Highland Drive, with stipulations. The ordinance was read in full by Assistant City Attorney Tom Haynes. Unfinished Business - ORD-26:011 – Zoning change from C-2 to C-3 for 2005 E. Highland Drive was held at second reading. - ORD-26:006 – Traffic sign ordinance on third reading passed unanimously (O-EN-014-2026). Items Held in Council - RES-26:028 – E-911 Administrative Office Lease: Mayor Copenhaver requested indefinite postponement after securing free use of the Veterans Cottage Community Room. The motion passed unanimously (11-0). Mayor's Reports - Employee of the Month: Ryan Brashear, GOJO Marketing Coordinator, recognized for launching new transit branding. - Community Events: Ribbon cuttings for Whataburger, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund proclamation, and the Arkansas Rice in Schools program. Mayor attended a meeting with new UAMS Chancellor Dr. Lowry Barnes. - Parks and Recreation Update (Director Jim Stearns): - Tournament Financials: The Icebreaker Volleyball Tournament (Jan 17) netted $995 profit after including staff costs; the We Care Tournament (Feb 18) lost $7,500 including staff costs. Combined, two volleyball tournaments lost $6,505 in real money. A six-week youth basketball season with 975 participants and 7,717 spectators generated $3,000 profit. - Cashless Option: Parks and Recreation is implementing a cashless payment option at all point-of-sale locations (cost under $20,000) but will continue to accept cash. Councilmember Charles Coleman expressed concerns about excluding residents without cards, and Jim Stearns confirmed cash will always be accepted. - Pools: Aiming to open all pools and splash pads by May 1. Currently 19 lifeguards hired, goal of 30. New swim instruction program planned at Parker Park and the Youth Center. - Upcoming Sports: Almost 1,500 kids signed up for youth soccer, 300+ for flag football, and 90 for cheerleading. - Engineering Project Update (Director Craig Light): - 2025 asphalt overlays complete; 2026 projects awarded and bids favorable. - Active projects: Huntington Avenue lighting, sidewalks on Rains Street, drainage pipe replacement in Deerfield, Craighead Forest Motorized Trail pre-construction meeting. - Bus stop installations: 33 completed, electrical and IT work underway. - Johnson Avenue Side Path Project (bond project) to be approved in two weeks. - Southwest Drive and South Culberhouse Pedestrian Improvement Project bids open April 15. - Main Street Pilot Project (reducing Main Street to one lane from Washington to Creath) awaiting street department scheduling – estimated 3-4 weeks. - Real-Time Intelligence Center (new 9-1-1 center) bids due May 5, groundbreaking targeted for early June. - South Caraway Road project targets August bid opening; right-of-way acquired. - Prospect Side Path Trail survey started. - Winter Wonderland improvements estimated at $1.8 million; no funding currently available; discussions ongoing about alternative uses. - University Heights Link Trail (east on Aggie to Bowling Lane) – 100% plans submitted to ARDOT; hopes to advertise for bids by September. City Council Reports - Councilmember L.J. Bryant noted that federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding may be at risk; Mayor Copenhaver reported he is traveling to Washington, D.C., next week to discuss with legislators. - Councilmember Chris Moore highlighted the Main Street pilot project, new street paving in the West End, and the first veterinary class at Arkansas State University. - Councilmember Janice Porter noted the Arkansas State Supreme Court held oral arguments in Jonesboro, attended by local students. Public Comments - Steve Garrett (407 West Matthews, representing Skate Jonesboro) requested urgent repairs to the concrete at Allen Park Skate Place, citing unsafe conditions exacerbated by winter storms. He praised the Parks Department’s quick response but noted the need for funding beyond the current budget. He also asked for consistent park hours and expressed interest in expanding skate facilities to other neighborhoods. Mayor Copenhaver mentioned potential donations from previous park supporters. Councilmember Brian Emison asked about clarifying park hours; Garrett said inconsistent enforcement remains a problem. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Sanitation truck lease (RES-26:031) passed 11-0. - Board appointments (RES-26:032) passed as amended (7-1, 3 abstentions). - Taxicab service for Gustavo Flores-Cabrera approved unanimously. - Traffic sign ordinance (ORD-26:006) passed on third reading (O-EN-014-2026). - E-911 office lease (RES-26:028) postponed indefinitely. - Ordinances on first reading (ORD-26:008, 009, 010, 012) all held at one reading. - Zoning ordinance (ORD-26:011) held at second reading. - Parks and Recreation will implement a cashless option by April 18 at off-field sports, with cash always accepted; pool season target May 1 with 19 lifeguards hired. - Main Street Pilot Project striping expected in 3-4 weeks. - Real-Time Intelligence Center groundbreaking expected early June. - Allen Park skate place repairs to be addressed, with possible use of donations.

The Public Works Council Committee of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center. The committee considered three resolutions: a request for free utility services for a lighting pedestal, a contract for asphalt milling and overlays, and a contract for a sidewalk and lane reconfiguration project on Highway 91. All resolutions were recommended to the full city council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:022): The minutes of the March 3, 2026 meeting were approved by a vote of 4-0-3 (Ayes: Kevin Miller, LJ Bryant, Charles Coleman, Janice Porter; Absent: Anthony Coleman, Ann Williams, Chris Moore). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Roll Call and Attendance: The roll call showed present: John Street, Kevin Miller, LJ Bryant, Charles Coleman, Janice Porter. Absent: Anthony Coleman, Ann Williams, Chris Moore. However, Ann Williams later participated in discussions and voted on all resolutions, suggesting she arrived after the initial roll call. The chairman noted that a quorum was present despite the electronic attendance system not displaying it. - RES-26:037 – Free Utility Services for Lighting Pedestal: The committee considered a request for City Water and Light to provide free utility services for a lighting pedestal at 423U West Huntington Avenue. The motion to recommend to the full council passed 5-0-2 (Ayes: Kevin Miller, LJ Bryant, Charles Coleman, Janice Porter, Ann Williams; Absent: Anthony Coleman, Chris Moore). - RES-26:038 – Asphalt Milling and Overlays Contract (Job No. 2026:03): The committee reviewed a contract with Atlas Asphalt Inc. for $2,166,183.20 for the 2026 asphalt milling and overlays on selected city streets. Chairman John Street noted that only two bids were received; the other was from Richard Baughn Construction for $2,996,329.50. Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman asked for clarification on the bid amount, initially hearing “$1,000 or $1,000,000.” Chairman Street confirmed the low bid was $1,000,000 (though the resolution states $2,166,183.20, indicating a possible misstatement in the discussion). The motion to recommend to council passed 5-0-2 with the same voting pattern. - RES-26:039 – Highway 91 Sidewalk and Lane Reconfiguration (Job No. 2026:10): The committee accepted the low bid of $1,337,163.25 from Crabtree & Son Construction, Inc. for the Highway 91 sidewalk and lane reconfiguration project. Three bids were received; the others were Meadows Construction ($1,814,042.60) and White River Materials Inc. ($1,392,834.58). Engineering Director Craig Light explained the project scope: a turn lane from University Loop East to just past JTown Grill driveway (addressing blind spots), and a side path along the north side from North Caraway east to the Catholic Newman Center. Councilmember Ann Williams praised the recent completion of a challenging sidewalk project on Johnson Avenue and noted that the new project will address a hazardous area previously raised by Chris Gibson. The motion to recommend passed 5-0-2. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions (RES-26:037, RES-26:038, RES-26:039) were recommended to the full city council for approval. - The meeting was adjourned by a motion from LJ Bryant, seconded by Ann Williams, with a voice vote of all present (no recorded tally). - Note on Attendance Discrepancy: The official roll call listed Ann Williams as absent, but she participated in discussions and voted on all resolutions, indicating she arrived during the meeting. The minutes reflect her votes as aye.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on March 31, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Municipal Center. The committee approved minutes, introduced resolutions for a sanitation truck lease and four municipal liens, and received updates from the Parks Department on youth basketball, volleyball tournaments, and upcoming cashless payment options. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 10, 2026, Finance Committee meeting were approved unanimously (4-0, 2 absent). - Municipal Liens: Four resolutions to place municipal liens on properties for code enforcement violations were each recommended to the full council unanimously (4-0, 2 absent): - RES-26:033: 3648 Hudson, owned by Needspace Hudson LLC, $2,115. - RES-26:034: 2620 Crawford 11, owned by Hilltop Rentals LLC, $3,257.34. - RES-26:035: 607 Alfred Watkins, owned by Wesley Kyle Grimes, $465. - RES-26:036: 1100 Huntington, owned by Vernon Wood, $415. Discussion Items - Sanitation Truck Lease (RES-26:031): Chairman Joe Hafner summarized a two-year lease-purchase contract for seven new 2026 sanitation trucks (five side-load, one front-load, one rear-load). The city will make 24 monthly payments of $58,098.53, with a balloon payment of approximately $1.7 million at the end, totaling about $3.1 million ($2.9 million principal, $210,316.31 interest). Finance Director Steve Purtee clarified this is the third cycle of rotating trucks under a buyback program, which has been successful. The committee recommended the resolution to the full council (4-0, 2 absent). - Parks Department Updates: Parks Director Jim Stearns reported on the recently concluded youth basketball season: nearly 975 children participated over six weeks across 37 games (Saturdays), with 7,717 paid attendees and a net profit of $3,030.92. For two volleyball tournaments held in January/February, total revenue was about $70,000; the Icebreaker tournament netted $995 profit, but the We Care tournament lost $7,500, resulting in an overall net loss of $6,505 on those tournaments. Stearns noted the department has shifted focus from hosting tournaments to youth sports programs. - Cashless Payment Options: In response to Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman’s question about residents without credit cards, Stearns announced the Parks Department will begin piloting a cashless option on April 1, aiming to offer it at events by April 11. He emphasized the city will never go completely cashless and will continue accepting cash. Coleman expressed concern about people without cards being unable to enjoy amenities. - Pool Fees and Season Passes: Coleman asked about potential "bargain days" at the pool due to high entry costs. Stearns stated no fee changes are anticipated in the next six months. Councilmember Ann Williams asked about season passes; Stearns confirmed that season passes for field sports and the pool will be available (monthly and seasonal options) to offer savings over individual tickets. Key Outcomes - The committee recommended the sanitation truck lease (RES-26:031) to the full council. - Four municipal liens (RES-26:033-036) were recommended to the full council. - The minutes from March 10, 2026, were approved. - The meeting adjourned unanimously (4-0, 2 absent) after no public comments.

The Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) met on March 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Center. The meeting was called to order with a quorum of five members present. The commission approved minutes from the previous meeting, approved a preliminary subdivision plat, rescheduled one rezoning request, and approved another rezoning with stipulations. Public input was heard on the latter. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident living near the property at 6904 East Highland Drive expressed concern about potential noise from a factory if the rezoning were approved. The resident stated that neighbors opposed a noisy factory. The commission clarified that C-3 zoning does not permit heavy industrial uses like factories. The applicant later explained that the C-3 portion would be subdivided into small business lots to support the adjacent industrial area, alleviating concern about a factory in front of homes. Discussion Items - Preliminary Subdivision – Windsor Landing Phase IX (PP-26-03): Darren Williams of McAllister Engineering presented the final phase of the subdivision. He noted that prior issues with the plat had been resolved. Staff recommended approval as the plat meets all subdivision ordinance requirements. The commission voted unanimously to approve. - Rezoning RZ-26-05 (5925 E Johnson Ave): This item was rescheduled to the April 14, 2026 MAPC meeting at the request of the applicant, Horizon Land Surveying LLC. - Rezoning RZ-26-06 (6904 E Highland Dr): John Deal of Associate Engineering, on behalf of property owner John Stuckey, requested rezoning of a portion of the property from R-1 to C-3 (commercial) and I-2 (industrial). The property was annexed in 1986 with R-1 zoning along the road frontage; the request sought to rezone a small strip along Highway 18 and Easley Lane to C-3, while the rest remains I-2. Staff recommended approval with stipulations including satisfaction of city engineer requirements, stormwater/floodplain regulations, submission of a final site plan, and planning department approval for any change of use. The commission discussed the permitted uses in C-3. The applicant clarified that the plan is to subdivide the C-3 area into individual lots for small businesses, not a factory. The commission voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning with the stated stipulations. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 10, 2026, approved 5-0. - Preliminary Subdivision Approved: Windsor Landing Phase IX approved 5-0. - Rezoning RZ-26-05 Rescheduled: Moved to April 14, 2026 MAPC meeting. - Rezoning RZ-26-06 Approved: Approved 5-0 with stipulations. The applicant must appear before the City Council by Thursday (March 26, 2026) at 10:00 AM to schedule the rezoning ordinance. - Upcoming Events: Staff announced a comprehensive plan design week from March 30 to April 2, 2026, with open houses on Monday and Thursday evenings (5:00–7:30 PM) at the old YMCA on Nettleton. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input.

The Board of Zoning Adjustments met on March 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM at the Municipal Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and considered three variance requests. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by roll call vote. Appeal Cases VR-26-06 – Variance for Right of Way on Damron Drive - Applicant: Horizon Land Surveying LLC, represented by Danny Burns, requesting a variance to allow a building permit on a pre-existing lot without dedicated public right-of-way on Damron Drive. Discussion indicated that Damron Drive was paved with MATA funds in the late 1990s to early 2000s but was never formally dedicated as public right-of-way. The board noted that the city has prescriptive rights and the applicant is dedicating right-of-way along their frontage. No opposition was raised. The board voted to grant the variance. (Motion carried, roll call vote: 5 yes, 0 no – exact tally not completely clear but unanimous.) VR-26-07 – Variance to Repair Existing 8-Foot Tall Wood Privacy Fence - Applicant: Moss Fencing, represented by Josh Moss, requesting approval to repair a 64-foot section of an existing 8-foot tall fence at 706 Sequoia Drive that is leaning and held up by ratchet straps. The fence is located on the east side next to 213 Indian Trails. The rest of the fence is in good condition. No opposition. The board voted to grant the variance. (Motion carried, roll call vote: 5 yes, 0 no – one member noted as "long negative vote" but likely unanimous.) VR-26-08 – Variance for Minimum Lot Width for R-1 Zoning at 4104 Mount Carmel Road - Applicant: Joshua Neely of Ridge Surveying and Consulting, representing property owners Randy Lloyd and James Cook. The request is for a variance from the required 60-foot lot width for access to public road right-of-way in R-1 zoning. The property (Tract A) historically had a trailer park with access via an ingress/egress easement. The applicant plans to build a single-family residence and will obtain a 40-foot strip from adjacent property to provide road frontage. The variance is needed because only 40 feet is available. No opposition. The board voted to grant the variance. (Motion carried, roll call vote: 5 yes, 0 no.) Key Outcomes - All three variance requests were granted unanimously. - The meeting adjourned following staff comments and a motion to adjourn.

The City Council of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Center. Mayor Harold Copenhaver presided, with all 12 council members present. Key actions included approval of a consent agenda (with one item tabled), resolutions on free utility services for traffic signals and bus shelters, a contentious settlement regarding the Laurel Park demolition lien, and a land sale. Special presentations highlighted the rebranding of the transit system to GoJo, including a new mobile app and route expansions. The Mayor and Human Resources Director provided updates on an internal investigation into allegations involving the City Stars non-profit and former parks employee Danny Kapales. Public comments addressed FOIA use and trust in government. Consent Calendar - MIN-26:021 – Minutes of the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting approved. - RES-26:017 – Accepted a permanent drainage easement from Bridge District Investments, LLC for drainage improvements. - RES-26:020 – Awarded a contract to Meadows Contractors, LLC for the Craighead Forest Park ATV Trail Rehab Project (ARDOT Job No. 101148). - RES-26:021 – Authorized purchase of two vans for the transit department (JET). - RES-26:022 – Placed a municipal lien of $9,754.56 on property at 233 S. Fisher, owned by Michael Kevin Kelly. - RES-26:023 – Approved a 60-month service lease contract for 12 copy machines from Forrest Office Machines. - RES-26:025 – Authorized application for FTA Section 5339 formula grants (FY2025) for JET. - RES-26:026 – Authorized application for FTA Section 5307 formula grants (FY2025) for JET. - RES-26:027 – Awarded the low bid to Wilkins Electric, LLC for the Huntington Avenue Lighting Project. RESOLUTIONS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA - RES-26:028 (E-911 office space lease) – Tabled to the next meeting (April 7, 2026) after Mayor Copenhaver indicated the city is exploring another option. Public Comments & Testimony - Heather Talley (805 West Jefferson), Christmas Parade Coordinator, read a prepared statement from the parade planning committee. She clarified that parade funds were held in a separate account, not commingled with City Stars funds. She noted that speculation has hurt sponsorship and urged continued community support. - Donna Malone (1208 Haven Street), retired city employee, urged the public to use FOIA requests reasonably and not as a weapon, cautioning against misinformation. - Jeremy Terrell (909 Pinecrest) argued that FOIA is a necessary check on government, that trust has been lost due to the investigation, and that the city should hire additional staff to handle FOIA requests. He criticized Mayor Copenhaver for not taking responsibility and demanded council respond to his questions about the audit firm. Discussion Items - Transit Rebrand (GoJo) – Director Lee Wells, Marketing Coordinator Ryan Brasher, and Field Operations Supervisor Rachel Cook presented the rebranding of JET to GoJo. Highlights included a new mobile app (Let’s GoJo) with live bus tracking and trip planning, social media campaigns, route expansion plans (five routes by second/third quarter 2026), addition of a second campus trolley (aiming for 15–30 minute wait times), a proposed Parks Route connecting downtown to Craighead Forest Park, and shelter upgrades (45 shelters, LED/RGB lighting, digital signage, ADA accommodations, tap-to-pay fare collection starting April). - Parks & Recreation Update – Director Jim Stearns reported on spring activities: 1,000+ youth basketball participants, 37 games per Saturday, successful tournaments at Southside and Shooting Sports Complex, and a busy April ahead. - Laurel Park Settlement (RES-26:024) – Extended debate on accepting $110,000 to settle a $3.2 million demolition lien on the former Citizens Bank property. Council members discussed litigation risk, the possibility of recovering the appraised value ($300,000) versus the offered amount, and the opportunity cost of prolonged litigation. Mayor Copenhaver noted the offer was negotiated up from $55,000. After discussion, the resolution passed 8-4. - Pedestrian Safety – Councilmember Ann Williams raised the tragic death of Mike Dixon and the need for all-stop pedestrian signals (pedestrian scramble). CAO Brian Richardson confirmed engineering is studying upgrades, including at Highland/Southwest Drive, and that a video of the system will be shared with council. Councilmember Chris Gibson asked for an update on one-laning Main Street from Washington to Burke for pedestrian improvements; Richardson said EDG Engineering is preparing a striping and hard-armoring proposal expected by end of week. - Internal Investigation – HR Director Dewayne Douglas stated he investigated city park employees after allegations of receiving cash from Danny Kapales. He found a small number (6–7) received cash not exceeding $500 around Christmas, which they believed were personal gifts. No evidence of intentional wrongdoing by current employees was found, and no discipline was taken. Councilmember David McClain questioned the number and purpose; City Attorney Carol Duncan clarified that the cash was viewed as a Christmas gift from a supervisor, not for specific work. - Councilmember Reports – Brian Emison announced a review of police pay relative to other agencies. Chris Moore inquired about the Employee Rep Committee; COO Tony Thomas said Herbert Ogles chairs the group and that handbook revisions will clarify its role. Joe Hafner reported that two companies have not paid in-lieu-of sidewalk fees under a 2025 ordinance; City Attorney will research enforcement options. L.J. Bryant accused Mayor Copenhaver of spying by reading council emails in real time; IT Director Jason Ratliff stated a review of city cell phones found no Signal app outside police investigations, and that the review is about halfway done. Mayor Copenhaver defended the bulk email system as longstanding and transparent. - Mayor’s Report – Copenhaver gave a detailed statement on the Christmas parade and City Stars, asserting he did not steal money or knowingly allow theft. He said he trusted Danny Kapales as he trusts all directors. He rededicated himself to city business and will not comment further until the investigation ends. He also reported on the State of the City event (500+ attendees), the Plan Jonesboro comprehensive plan (design week March 30–April 2), monthly department reports, community cleanups (4.19 tons of trash, 68 tires), seasonal hiring, a fraudulent email scam, a bent flagpole at Municipal Center, and creation of new email addresses for elected officials. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved as amended (one item tabled). - RES-26:028 (E-911 office lease): Postponed temporarily to April 7, 2026. - RES-26:018 (free utilities for traffic signal): Passed 11-0-1 (Street abstained). - RES-26:019 (free utilities for bus shelters): Passed 11-0-1 (Street abstained). - RES-26:024 (Laurel Park settlement): Passed 8-4 (McClain, Hafner, Anthony Coleman, Bryant voting no). - RES-26:030 (land sale to Clint Jackson): Passed unanimously. - COM-26:013 (taxicab public hearing): Public hearing set for April 7, 2026 at 5:25 PM. - ORD-26:011 (zoning change, 2005 E Highland): Held at first reading. - ORD-26:006 (traffic signs): Held at second reading. - ORD-26:005 (drainage easement vacation): Passed unanimously on third reading. - ORD-26:007 (zoning change, 900 N Caraway): Passed unanimously on third reading. - Police Pay Review: Councilmember Emison will lead a cross-comparison study with other agencies. - Employee Rep Committee: Future council reports expected from new chair Herbert Ogles. - Sidewalk Fees: City Attorney will research enforcement options for unpaid in-lieu fees. - Internal Investigation: No evidence of intentional wrongdoing found; no disciplinary actions taken.

The Jonesboro Public Safety Council Committee met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The committee approved minutes from the previous meeting, introduced three traffic ordinances, and discussed two lease proposals for the Police Department. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting. Discussion Items - Ordinance 26008 – Reinstatement of Four-Way Stop at Rains and Wilkins: The ordinance amends a previous ordinance to reinstate a multi-way stop sign at the intersection. The item was an emergency measure. A council member noted that the intersection has functioned as a four-way stop for years, and the ordinance cleans up the record. The motion passed unanimously. - Ordinance 26009 – Speed Limit on Hillcrest Drive: Establishes a 25 mph speed limit on Hillcrest Drive between Nettleton Avenue and Wilkins Avenue. The committee voted to recommend this to the full council. - Ordinance 26010 – Speed Limit on Main Street: Establishes a 20 mph speed limit on Main Street from Washington Avenue to Kate Avenue. The committee voted to recommend this to the full council. - Vector Mosquito Control RFP: A council member inquired about the status of the RFP. Tony (staff) reported that the current vendor and one other have expressed interest, and proposals are expected by the deadline the next day. Committee members will receive copies. - Intersection Restriping on Cole Street: A council member raised concerns about pavement markings at the intersection of Cole Street, Wood Street, and Thomas Street. Chief Craig confirmed that markings need to be milled off and will be addressed. Lease Proposals for Police Department Facilities Assistant Chief Lynn Waterworth and Chief Craig presented two lease options to consolidate police services currently spread across multiple parks buildings. The goal is to move into two facilities: one main location and the existing Caraway Road building. Option 1: First United Methodist Church Youth Building (Union Street) - Lessor: First United Methodist Church, represented by Don Parker. - Size: 36,000 square feet (three floors, third floor unfinished). - Lease Terms: 10-year proposal; first year cost $375,000 (approximately $10.30/sq ft), escalating to $422,000 by year five. No purchase option initially, but Mr. Parker indicated the church is open to negotiation. - Renovation Cost: Estimated $1 million or more (city pays). Parking across the street (72 spots) with overflow on church lot. - Position (Chief/Asst. Chief): Would accommodate all police services except patrol and evidence. Adequate for 30–40 years. Concerns include security retrofitting (building not designed for law enforcement), parking logistics, and higher renovation costs. Option 2: Carroll Road Property (Former Park Place Inn) - Lessor: Carl Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell stated the building is for sale (asking price over $2 million) and offered a 5-year lease at $196,528 annually ($16/sq ft, flat). - Size: 12,000 square feet (half already built out with offices, bathrooms, firewalls; city can move in immediately). - Renovation Cost: $200,000 (city pays for build-out of the other half). Owner covers most other costs. - Parking: 32 spaces in front, 82 on side, plus room for expansion on 5-acre lot. - Position (Chief/Asst. Chief): Would move patrol services and displaced units to this site, keeping evidence and patrol at Caraway. Adequate for 10+ years, with room to expand. More cost-effective for short-term; purchase option provides investment for future. Council Discussion: Council members weighed the financial trade-offs. The church building offers more space for growth but requires significant upfront investment. The Caraway property is cheaper to lease and renovate, and the city could potentially own it. The Chief stated that a new police station from scratch is still the long-term goal, so the lease decision is about a 10-year solution. Mr. Caldwell confirmed the 30-day deadline on his proposal. The committee did not make a final decision; members will gather additional information and may call a special meeting. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 26008 passed unanimously (emergency ordinance, effective immediately). - Ordinances 26009 and 26010 were recommended to the full council. - The committee will continue to evaluate the two lease proposals. A special meeting within two weeks is possible to decide. - No public comments were received. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM (city council session to follow).