Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) of the City of Jonesboro met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Center. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, a rezoning request, staff comments, and scheduling updates for future meetings and public events. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (MIN-26:023): The minutes from the February 10, 2026 MAPC meeting were approved unanimously without changes. Discussion Items - Rezoning RZ-26-04: Applicant Kristie Lands requested rezoning of property at 2005 East Highland Drive from C-2 (General Commercial) to C-3 (Highway Commercial). The site was formerly the Malco Movie Theater and parking lot. Proponent John Ailey (Associate Engineering, on behalf of East Arkansas Planning) stated the change would align with adjacent properties and the neighborhood. City planner staff reviewed the request and found it met all six rezoning criteria, recommending approval subject to conditions: satisfaction of city engineer requirements, compliance with stormwater and floodplain regulations, submission of a final site plan for redevelopment, and planning department approval for any future change of use. No public comments were offered. - Future Meeting Rescheduled: A previously published item for the March 10 meeting was postponed because notification requirements were not fully met. The item will be rescheduled to March 24, 2026, pending a quorum. Commissioners noted that March 24 falls during spring break; four members indicated availability, and staff will confirm quorum by the end of the week. - Design Week Announcement: A comprehensive plan and master street plan design week will be held March 30 through April 4, 2026, at the old YMCA building. Events will include all-day sessions for the public and a steering committee session. Staff will distribute specific dates and times. Key Outcomes - Vote on RZ-26-04: The rezoning request was approved unanimously (7-0). Commissioners Zopher, Little, Cooper, Porter, Bailey, and Nelson all voted aye. The applicant was advised to place the item on the city council agenda before Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM. - Staff Direction: Staff will notify affected parties of the rescheduled item and confirm quorum for the March 24 meeting. Design week details will be circulated to commissioners.

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of Jonesboro, Arkansas met on March 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The committee reviewed and recommended several resolutions to the full council, including purchases for transit vans, a municipal lien, a copier lease, a settlement offer, transit grant applications, a lighting project, and an office lease for E-911 administrative staff. Councilmember Anthony Coleman was absent. Public comment raised concerns about email transparency and pre-meeting practices. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the February 10, 2026 Finance & Administration Council Committee meeting were approved by a 5-0 vote (Anthony Coleman absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) expressed disappointment that emails sent to aldermen@jonesboroAR.gov are also received by the mayor and administration staff, not solely councilmembers. She argued this is unfair to citizens and requested a change. City Attorney Carol Duncan explained the system has been in place since 2004 due to historical computer literacy issues and noted that a separate, direct email address for the City Council is being developed. - Patti Lack also raised concerns about the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) holding pre-meetings in a separate room rather than the council chamber, stating it lacks transparency. Discussion Items - RES-26:021 – Purchase of Two Vans for JETS: Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman asked about spare vans. JETS Director Lee Wells explained that one current paratransit vehicle is two vehicles combined into one, and the purchase will replace it and provide a spare. Councilmember Ann Williams asked about route expansion to Brookland; Wells said feasibility is being explored. Wells noted the 85% federal / 15% local cost share for ADA vehicles. Patti Lack asked for total fleet count; Wells reported 5 trolleys (2 routes), 7 buses (4 fixed routes), and 7 paratransit vehicles (operating average 8 routes/day). The resolution was recommended to council 5-0. - RES-26:022 – Municipal Lien at 233 S. Fisher: Councilmember David McClain questioned the $9,754.56 amount. COO Tony Thomas explained it was for demolition of a structure belonging to a deceased individual with no relatives. Recommended to council 5-0. - RES-26:023 – 60-Month Copier Lease for 12 Machines: Patti Lack asked if all 12 machines are non-operational. Tony Thomas said some are non-operational, and the lease option was chosen to keep equipment current and includes maintenance agreements. Councilmember David McClain asked about print volume charges; Thomas confirmed maintenance agreements are based on usage. Councilmember Brian Emison noted the lease includes toner costs. Recommended 5-0. - RES-26:024 – Settlement Offer from Laurel Park, LLC ($110,000): Councilmember David McClain opposed the offer, noting approximately $13,000 in legal fees would net under $100,000. City Attorney Carol Duncan said the land appraised at $300,000 and litigation could lead to foreclosure and sale, but the timing and legal fees are uncertain. Prior offers were $50,000, $55,000, and $70,000–$75,000. Duncan stated the mayor agreed only offers above $100,000 would be brought to council. McClain argued the property owner would also incur legal costs, encouraging a better offer. The resolution was recommended 4-1 (McClain nay, Anthony Coleman absent). - RES-26:025 & RES-26:026 – FTA Grant Applications for JETS (5339 & 5307): Combined grant requests total $1,609,805 in federal funds plus local matches. Patti Lack asked if capital projects are system-wide or city-wide; Chairman Hafner confirmed for JETS only. Lee Wells explained 5339 funds are used for capital purchases (vehicles, shelters, etc.), while 5307 funds also cover operational costs. Councilmember Ann Williams asked if 5307 capital funds could be used for bus stop shelters and sidewalks; Wells confirmed they could, noting a separate shelter grant is ongoing. Both resolutions recommended 5-0. - RES-26:027 – Huntington Avenue Lighting Project ($100,000 bid to Wilkins Electric, LLC): Patti Lack questioned why Wilkins Electric's bid was $100,000 lower than the other two bids. Engineering Director Craig Light said the other contractors may not have been familiar with the project, while Wilkins Electric previously completed the Creath Street project. Recommended 5-0. - RES-26:028 – Lease Office Space for E-911 Administrative Staff: Councilmember Brian Emison supported the $2,300/month rate for 1,700 sq ft at 624 South Main and asked about furniture; CAO Brian Richardson said existing inventory and budget line items cover miscellaneous expenses. Councilmember David McClain asked about the 6-month lease term; Richardson said it can auto-renew and allows flexibility if a temporary police complex becomes available. Patti Lack sought clarification; Richardson explained the administrative staff were displaced from the unreinforced part of the Justice Complex, with repair costs estimated at $100,000–$150,000 with no safety guarantee, making the lease the cheaper option. The resolution includes a $25,000 budget amendment. Recommended 5-0. Key Outcomes - All resolutions under new business were recommended to the full City Council, with vote tallies as noted. - The committee directed staff to research potential liability for the city being ordered to pay legal fees if unsuccessful in the Laurel Park litigation (per Councilmember McClain's request). - City Attorney Carol Duncan announced that a separate email address for direct communication with the City Council is being developed to address citizen transparency concerns.

The Jonesboro City Council convened at 5:30 PM on March 3, 2026, with Mayor Harold Copenhaver presiding. Ten council members were present (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, John Street, Charles Coleman, LJ Bryant, Ann Williams); Joe Hafner and Janice Porter were absent. The meeting featured the State of the City address, consent agenda approvals, updates on youth sports accounting, and a public comment period highlighting governance concerns. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the February 17, 2026, City Council meeting were approved. - RES-26:014 – A resolution authorizing a platform services agreement with Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc., following a competitive RFP process, was approved. - RES-26:016 – A resolution to purchase fire department safety and rescue equipment and amend the FY2026 budget was approved. - All consent items passed unanimously (10-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Daniel (2203 Doral Drive, Jonesboro) spoke during the public comments period. He stated he voted for Mayor Copenhaver and was a first-time speaker. Daniel expressed loss of confidence in the Mayor’s leadership, alleging that public statements about City Stars did not align with written records. He claimed that the proposal he presented (at the Mayor’s request) did not seek $500,000 in public funding free from oversight, as the Mayor had stated, and that city employees controlled the City Stars budget. He also noted that three city employees were paid to work City Stars leagues and events, contradicting the Mayor’s assertion of zero city contribution. Daniel urged the Council to address governance and public trust, saying "silence, inaction, deferral, and accountability are all decisions." He distributed handouts (COM-26:012). Discussion Items - State of the City Address (Mayor Copenhaver): The Mayor reported that the city ended 2025 with $28.1 million in reserves ($9.6 million required by policy), processed 107,000 transactions with a staff of 10, and received 15 consecutive clean audits. Key highlights: 150 new businesses, 232 new employees onboarded, $75 million in grants over five years, violent crime at a decade low, 11,501 fire calls (10% increase), 100,000+ dispatch calls, and 7,500 code enforcement cases (7,000 resolved). The Mayor also outlined future projects: a $5.5 million 9-1-1 public safety center, $3 million in road overlays, a new park in northeast Jonesboro, and the $20 million Ridge Athletic Center. He emphasized the need for continued investment and planning under the Destination 100K initiative. - Youth Sports Accounting Transition (Finance Director Steve Purtee): Purtee detailed the new accounting processes for youth sports, which are now under city oversight. An internal audit contract was reestablished with Mike Burroughs (retired legislative auditor). All deposits are processed at the Municipal Center; dual control and numerical accounting (tickets, armbands) are used for cash handling. Four sport categories (volleyball, basketball, soccer, football/cheer) will have separate general ledger accounts. Monthly reporting will be consistent with other city financials. A budget amendment for youth sports will be prepared for Council approval. Legislative auditors will visit the week of March 9 to review the 2025 audit. The remaining reserve from the previous fund is approximately $70,000 as of December 31, 2025; the Mayor requested it be set aside as restricted funding for future youth sports expansion. - Councilmember Reports: - LJ Bryant asked about the $70,000 reserve and the FBI investigation. City Attorney Carol Duncan confirmed no concerns expressed by the FBI; they seized cash during an initial visit and are working to return it. Bryant also expressed support for sidewalk infrastructure (noting 20% of residents don’t drive) and raised concerns about incomplete records for tournament workers and invoices to City Stars from city employee email addresses. - Dr. Anthony Coleman questioned the legality of the city taking over youth sports from the nonprofit City Stars. Duncan clarified the city did not take over the nonprofit status; the board voted to transfer funds to the city. - David McClain asked about moving to cashless transactions for youth sports. Parks Director Jim Stearns said they are assessing equipment and Wi-Fi costs; a phase one plan will be shared. McClain also asked if employees were ever paid in cash (including Christmas bonuses). Duncan explained the city refrained from asking employees questions due to the ongoing FBI investigation to avoid interference, but may reach out to the investigator to see if it is now permissible. - Chris Gibson announced he will call a special public services meeting soon. - Chris Moore asked about downtown street repairs related to City Water and Light sewer work. Mayor Copenhaver said a meeting is scheduled for Thursday (March 5) at 9 AM. - Mayor’s Reports: Recognized the passing of developer Bruce Burrow; welcomed Leadership Jonesboro class; noted the Foundation of Arts karaoke event and Junior Auxiliary charity ball (which raised $100,000 for a new park). Also recognized Roger McKinney (Living Legacy Award), Dr. Charles Coleman (Ed Way Community Support Award), employee of the month Dennis Trinidad, and thanked outgoing Communications Director Donna Malone. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (10-0). - ORD-26:006 (traffic signs) held at first reading. - ORD-26:005 (drainage easement vacation) and ORD-26:007 (rezoning at 900 N. Caraway Road from R-1 to RS-6) held at second reading. - ORD-26:004 (rezoning at 1306 Charles Dr. from R-1 to RS-7) passed on third reading (10-0 vote; enactment O-EN-011-2026). - Youth sports accounting transition is underway with new internal controls; a budget amendment will be presented to Council. The $70,000 reserve will be set aside for future youth sports programs. - No formal action was taken on the governance concerns raised during public comments; the FBI investigation remains ongoing.

The Public Works Council Committee of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Municipal Center. The committee discussed four resolutions, approved previous minutes, and addressed a request for permit data. All resolutions were unanimously recommended to the full City Council. One member, Janice Porter, was absent; however, a discrepancy exists in the minutes as Anthony Coleman, listed as absent, participated in the discussion. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6 ayes, 1 absent, with Janice Porter absent). Discussion Items - RES-26:017 – Permanent Drainage Easement: Engineering Director Craig Light explained that the easement is needed over on Cate Street to relocate a drainage pipe that is currently underneath a building and cross-connected with City Water and Light’s sanitary sewer system, causing flooding. The resolution authorizes acceptance of the easement from Bridge District Investments, LLC. The committee voted to recommend it to the full council (6-0, one absent). - RES-26:018 – Free Utility Services for Traffic Signal: This resolution requests free electricity from City Water and Light for a traffic signal at an unspecified location. No discussion occurred. Recommended to council (6-0, one absent). - RES-26:019 – Free Utility Services for Bus Shelters: The resolution requests free utilities for 45 bus shelters equipped with LED lighting and LED display screens showing bus arrival times. JETS Director Lee Wells answered questions about the shelters’ protective features (thick metal casing, integrated heater, fans, and screen protection). Councilmember Anthony Coleman asked whether all 140 bus stops would be covered; Wells clarified that only 45 shelters are being added, not all stops. The shelters are part of a grant-funded program. Recommended to council (6-0, one absent). - RES-26:020 – ATV Trail Rehab Project at Craighead Forest Park: The low bid of $144,358.70 from Meadows Contractors, LLC was accepted (the only other bid was $174,832 from Crabtree and Sons). Parks Director Jim Stearns explained the project is for emergency access (ATV trails) and will improve drainage to ensure EMTs can access the entire park. Recommended to council (6-0, one absent). - Other Business – Permit Data Request: Councilmember LJ Bryant requested a semi-annual report on commercial and residential building permit volumes. Chief Administrative Officer Brian Richardson said such a report could be easily generated from the Project Docs system, and that some statistics would be presented at the upcoming State of the City address. Engineering Director Craig Light added that the Matrix Group, which is studying the city’s permitting process, will present a report covering the last three years to the City Council in early April. Key Outcomes - All four resolutions (RES-26:017, RES-26:018, RES-26:019, RES-26:020) were recommended to the full City Council with unanimous 6-0 votes (one absent). - The committee agreed to have staff prepare a permit data report and noted the upcoming presentation from the Matrix Group. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:45 PM (motion by Anthony Coleman, seconded by Chris Moore, passed 6-0, one absent). Note on Discrepancy: The official minutes list Councilmember Anthony Coleman as absent during roll call, but he actively participated in the discussion on RES-26:019 and RES-26:020, suggesting a possible clerical error in the attendance record.

At its meeting on February 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM, the Jonesboro Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) considered three variance requests related to traffic access, driveway setbacks, and fence height. All regular board members (Gilmore, Miles, Miller, and Billy) were present, and the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:017): The board voted unanimously (voice vote) to approve the minutes from the January 20, 2026, BZA meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments (unrelated to the appeal cases) were provided during the meeting. Discussion Items VR-26-03: Variance – Cross Access Requirement at 1751 Hill Park Ave. - Applicant: Ilirida Ramadani, represented by John Easley of Associated Engineering. - Request: A variance to waive the cross access (stub-out) requirement of the Traffic Access Policy for a new commercial parking lot. - Discussion: Easley explained that the property will house a beauty salon with individual stalls/stations. Adjacent to the east is the Goddard School (playground area) and to the west is Stuart Orthodontics (an existing dental office and parking lot). The applicant argued that installing stub-outs would eliminate 5–7 parking places, which they preferred not to lose. A board member noted that the property to the west (1731 Hill Park) did not have turnbacks or cross-access stub-outs on the adjacent line. City staff (Darrell) commented that the traffic count on Hill Park Avenue is low (a couple hundred vehicles per day), and that the far side of the property lacks parking and curb cuts, making attachment impractical. The applicant requested the variance to not install stub-outs. - Outcome: A motion was made to grant the variance as applied for, received a second, and passed on a roll call vote with all four members voting "yes" (4–0). VR-26-04: Variance – Driveway Setback at 3406 Meador Dr. - Applicant: Weston Wagner, also represented by John Easley. - Request: A variance to reduce the driveway setback from 20 feet (required for commercial/triplex use) to 5 feet on the north and west sides of the property. - Discussion: Wagner is building a triplex on a corner lot (3406 Meador Dr.). Under current zoning, single-family and duplexes allow 5-foot driveway setbacks, but triplexes are classified as commercial, requiring 20 feet. The proposed development includes angle parking off Meador, with a one-way drive coming around the north side of the building and exiting onto Fairfield Avenue. Easley stated that a 20-foot setback would create a difficult turning radius. Board members clarified that the variance would be for a 5-foot minimum setback, not "5 feet or less," and that sidewalks would be installed. The board noted that the property is at the corner, and the driveway would be placed farther from the intersection—a safety improvement. - Outcome: A motion was made to grant the variance for a minimum of 5 feet off the property line. The motion was seconded and amended to include the phrase "minimum of 5 feet." The motion passed with all board members voting "yes" (4–0). VR-26-05: Variance – Fence Height and Material at 628 Burke Ave Ste 1 - Applicant: Donna Franklin, represented by Trevor Mats of Jed On General Contracting. - Request: A variance to build an 8-foot-high fence (instead of the allowed 6 feet) and to add a black fabric wrap to a chain-link fence. - Discussion: Mats explained that the fence is intended to conceal construction trailers and materials on their lot, addressing public safety (children climbing on trailers) and theft prevention (thousands of dollars of construction materials). The fence would also hide an eyesore. The board asked about the hardship requirement for granting a variance. Mats cited public safety and theft prevention as hardships beyond typical code requirements. The fence would be located on a corner lot at Burke Avenue and McClure Street, along the building line, with a 20-foot gate. The fire department had already approved the design. Several board members expressed concern about the hardship justification, noting that many businesses face similar issues. However, others observed that the lot is in the Industrial Arts district and that the 8-foot fence would be minor compared to surrounding buildings. The applicant committed to maintaining the fence in good condition and preventing the wrap from fraying or being neglected. - Outcome: A motion to approve the variance was seconded and failed on a roll call vote: 3 votes in favor, 1 opposed (Chair). The variance request was denied (3–1 is insufficient—BZA requires at least four affirmative votes to pass). The board did not adopt the variance. Staff Comments - No additional staff comments were provided beyond Darrell's remarks during the discussions. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned after the third case was decided. Key Outcomes - VR-26-03 (Ramadani): Variance granted (4–0) to waive cross access stub-out requirement. - VR-26-04 (Wagner): Variance granted (4–0) for 5-foot minimum driveway setback. - VR-26-05 (Franklin): Variance denied (3–1) for 8-foot fence with black fabric wrap.

The Jonesboro City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Center Council Chambers. Prior to the regular meeting, a Public Services Committee meeting was held at 4:30 p.m., a Public Safety Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m., and a public hearing at 5:25 p.m. regarding the abandonment of a drainage easement in Southern Hills (no public comments were made, and the hearing was closed). The regular meeting featured a special presentation on the city's self-funded health insurance plan, action on numerous resolutions and ordinances, and reports from the mayor and council. Special Presentations - Health Insurance Claims Analysis (2025) – Greg Hatcher of the Hatcher Insurance Group presented a detailed analysis of the city's transition from a fully insured plan to a self-funded plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Key points included: - In 2024, the city paid $6 million in premiums while claims totaled $10.1 million, leading to a 50% rate increase. After moving to self-funded, claims dropped to $8.7 million in 2025, despite a national healthcare trend increase of 12%. - By “script sourcing” 36 high-cost prescriptions (out of 1,000+ per month), the city saved $1.6 million. Example: a drug costing $27,000/month was sourced for $6,000/month. - Drug rebates increased by $671,000, now flowing to the city. - The self-funded model provides a 13% annual advantage (6% premium tax savings, 3% from drug rebates, 3% underwriting gain, 1% interest). - Wellness and Technology Updates – Jacob Still (Hatcher Agency) highlighted three goals achieved: increased wellness visits through on-site clinics (partnering with NYIT and Arkansas State), a cancer program for employees (over 80 cancer claims since 2023), and specialty medication management. Don Wiener (ADP) noted that the city’s three-person HR team serves nearly 800 employees (industry benchmark: 1 HR per 100 employees). New ADP technology has streamlined self-service, reducing 100 weekly employee inquiries. Scott Allison (Benefits Me) reported that 27% of employees are enrolled in a payroll-deducted purchasing program offering 70,000 products, with no interest or credit checks. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (9-0-3) with the removal of items RES-25:168, RES-26:010, and RES-26:011 for separate discussion. The following items were approved: - MIN-26:012 – Minutes of February 3, 2026 council meeting. - RES-25:219 – Right-of-way and temporary construction easement at 2400 E. Johnson Avenue for roadway improvements. - RES-26:009 – Purchase of three buses for the Transit Department (JET) at a bid price not specified in the minutes. - RES-26:013 – Application for a FY2026 BUILD Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. - RES-26:015 – Municipal lien of $275 on property at 2404 Brazos St. owned by Kingdom Assets, LLC. Items Removed from Consent Agenda - RES-26:010 – Acceptance of a permanent right-of-way at 3505 Stella Drive for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Public commenter Patti Lack noted the absence of a purchase price. Engineering Director Craig Light confirmed the right-of-way was obtained from Arkansas State University at no cost. Passed 9-0-3. - RES-26:011 – Waiver of competitive bidding to purchase 60 street lights (pedestrian-friendly fixtures) from Tech Electric. Director Light explained that 27 lights will be installed on Huntington Avenue (Union St. to Flint), with the remaining for future projects like Monroe Street to get bulk pricing. Installation bids open March 4–5, 2026. Passed 9-0-3. Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) raised concerns about the missing purchase price on the Stella Drive right-of-way (item RES-26:010) and questioned the lack of competitive bidding for street lights (RES-26:011). She also spoke against ordinance ORD-26:007, noting the applicant did not appear at the MAPC meeting and urged the council to table it until the applicant presented properly. - Nicklaus Aumann (2420 Judes Way, president of Klaus Property Management) apologized for missing the MAPC meeting, stating he works full-time as an electrician, but affirmed his intention for the rezoning at 900 N. Caraway Road. - Bob Hester (7096 CR 333) opposed both private club permits (ORD-26:002 and ORD-26:003), arguing the area is already adequately served with 70–80 alcohol outlets. He requested the council not grant the permits (procedural death) and asked for findings of fact from any motion. - James Elwyn Hinds (508 Ridgecrest) opposed the alcohol permits, stating the ABC Board cannot grant a permit without council approval. He also spoke during public comments about the need for energy audits for Jonesboro residents, noting that City Water & Light and Summit do not offer such services. - Jim Stearns (Parks & Recreation Director, 1317 Bennett Drive) provided an update on parks: the youth center pool passed health inspection in its best shape in five years; Southside Softball received praise for senior games; Disciple Drive project is 60% complete; a shared-use trail from Arkansas State to Gee Street is nearly done; over 2,000 kids signed up for youth sports (basketball begins Feb. 21, softball Feb. 28, etc.). Discussion Items Resolutions Not on Consent Agenda - RES-25:168 – Condemnation of 3806 School Street. Councilmember Kevin Miller reported the property recently sold, and Code Enforcement requested tabling. Motion to postpone indefinitely passed 9-0-3. - RES-25:169 – Condemnation of 2410 W. Matthews Ave. Passed 9-0-3. - RES-25:216 – Condemnation of 120 W. Woodrow Street. Code Enforcement Director Scott Roper noted the owner applied for a permit that day; if the structure is demolished within the time limit, the lien won't be enforced. Passed 9-0-3. - RES-26:006 – Request for free utility services from City Water & Light for a traffic signal at 6002 E. Johnson Avenue. Councilmember John Street recused himself due to his CWL board membership. Passed 8-0-3 (1 recused). - RES-26:012 – Purchase of additional right-of-way on S. Caraway Road for roadway improvements. Councilmember David McClain moved to amend the funding source from “Capital Improvement Budget” to “Capital Improvement Revenue Bond Budget.” CAO Brian Richardson clarified both refer to the same revenue bond funds. Amendment passed by voice vote; then the resolution as amended passed 9-0-3. New Business (Ordinances on First Reading) - ORD-26:005 – Ordinance to vacate and abandon a drainage easement in Southern Hills (Lot 5R, Block C). Suspended rules, held at one reading (no further action). - ORD-26:007 – Rezoning from R-1 to RS-6 for 900 N. Caraway Road (Klaus Property Management). After public comment (Patti Lack and Nicklaus Aumann), the ordinance was held at one reading (no vote). Unfinished Business (Ordinances on Second Reading) - ORD-26:004 – Rezoning from R-1 to RS-7 for 1306 Charles Drive (Weston Wagner). Held at second reading (no vote). Ordinances on Third Reading (Votes) - ORD-26:001 – Rezoning from R-1 to C-3 (General Commercial) for 2620 Alexander Drive (Paula Thompson). Applicant’s attorney Jim Gramling presented a revised ordinance with: a 25-foot buffer (as MAPC required), seven limited use overlay exclusions agreed with neighbors, and dedication of green space in the southeast quadrant. City Attorney Carol Duncan noted the revised ordinance was significantly different (added legal description and new section 3). Council voted to replace the original ordinance with the revised version (voice vote), then passed the ordinance as amended 9-0-3. - ORD-26:002 – Private club permit for Monarca’s Mexican Restaurant, LLC. After public comments (Bob Hester opposing, James Hinds opposing), council passed 9-0-3. - ORD-26:003 – Private club permit for Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Public comments (Bob Hester opposing, James Hinds opposing, and Scott Hunter correcting the address to 2809 E. Highland Drive). Passed 9-0-3. Key Outcomes - Votes on resolutions and ordinances – All passed with 9-0-3 (three absent: Chris Moore, Anthony Coleman, LJ Bryant) except RES-26:006 which passed 8-0-3 with one recusal (John Street). - Amendments – RES-26:012 amended to specify funding source; ORD-26:001 replaced with a revised version. - Tabled items – RES-25:168 (condemnation of 3806 School Street) postponed indefinitely. - Mayor's Report – Mayor Copenhaver announced: Plan Jonesboro kickoff (Feb. 12) with 120+ participants; 24 of 45 new JET bus shelters installed; incinerator repair may be pending; tornado siren locations being reevaluated; 2025 crime stats decreased; employee of the month (Christy Wall); Communications Director Donna Malone retiring March 4. - Council Reports – Councilmember Emison noted early voting began. Councilmember McClain requested answers about allegations of department heads taking cash, and about legislative audit involvement. Councilmember Hafner clarified that the A&P Commission financials are audited annually (included in the city’s legislative audit). - Public Comments – James Hinds requested energy audit services for residents. Jim Stearns provided park updates. - Next Steps – Mayor Copenhaver informed council of a preliminary proposal regarding the First United Methodist Church facility as a potential police station; documents will be distributed.

The Public Safety Council Committee of Jonesboro met on February 17, 2026, at approximately 5:05 PM in the Municipal Center. The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes, advanced an ordinance on traffic signs and a resolution for fire department equipment purchases to the full City Council, and received a detailed presentation from Police Chief Rick Elliott on 2025 crime statistics. All votes were unanimous among the four members present, with two members absent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:010): The minutes from the January 20, 2026, meeting were approved by a motion from Chris Gibson, seconded by Janice Porter. The vote passed 4-0, with Chris Moore and LJ Bryant absent. Discussion Items - ORD-26:006 – Traffic Signs Ordinance: An ordinance to place various traffic signs at designated locations as determined by the Traffic Control Committee, specifically establishing no parking on either side of South Madison Street from Jefferson Avenue to Washington Avenue. A motion to recommend the ordinance to the full City Council was made by Chris Gibson, seconded by David McClain, and passed 4-0. - RES-26:016 – Fire Department Equipment Purchase Resolution: A resolution to authorize the purchase of fire department safety and rescue equipment and amend the FY2026 fixed asset budget by $177,769.44. Equipment includes thermal imaging devices (Max Fire Seek and FirePRO 3000), extrication combi tools (Pantheon PCT 50), intake valves, batteries, and charging/mounting equipment. Fire Chief Marty Hamrick confirmed the purchases are upgrades, replacing outdated gas-powered units with more efficient battery-operated models. A motion to recommend to the full City Council was made by Chris Gibson, seconded by Kevin Miller, and passed 4-0. - Other Business – Police Department Annual Report: Police Chief Rick Elliott presented the 2025 crime statistics. He reported that crimes against persons have remained consistent between 80 and 120 cases per year over the past 19 years, despite population growth. Crimes against property have declined from peaks in 2007 and 2020. Chief Elliott attributed the downward trends to community cooperation, the Real Time Crime Center, camera and license plate reader technology, and a recent $3.5 million federal grant for further upgrades. He shared a success story of AI camera technology helping locate a missing teenager in 10-degree weather. Councilmember David McClain asked about the decline and public perception of police; Chief Elliott noted that national anti-police sentiment has not been a major local issue, and the department focuses on community engagement and continuous improvement. Public Comments - No members of the public addressed the committee. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the January 20, 2026, meeting. - Recommended ORD-26:006 (traffic signs) to the full City Council. - Recommended RES-26:016 (fire equipment purchase) to the full City Council. - Received and discussed the 2025 police crime statistics and technology updates. - Meeting adjourned by a motion from Chris Gibson, seconded by Kevin Miller, with a unanimous vote of 4-0.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Municipal Center, the Public Services Council Committee met to discuss fare collection technology, transit system updates, and a potential Sports Tourism Advisory Council. Members present: Chris Gibson (Chairman), Joe Hafner, Ann Williams, Brian Emison, and Janice Porter. Absent: LJ Bryant and Anthony Coleman. Consent Calendar - MIN-26:008 – Minutes of the January 13, 2026 Special Called Public Services Committee meeting were approved unanimously (4-0). - MIN-26:015 – Minutes of the February 3, 2026 Special Called Public Services Council Committee meeting were approved unanimously (4-0). Discussion Items - RES-26:014 – Resolution to enter into a Platform Services Agreement with Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. - JETS Department Director Lee Wells explained that the system would allow fare collection via credit/debit cards, tap-to-pay, and phone payments. It will also enable riders to load value onto refillable cards at retail locations (e.g., Walmart). - Chairman Gibson asked about ridership projections; Director Wells stated he had not seen specific statistics but expected increased convenience to attract new and out-of-town riders. - Councilmember Emison noted that each reloadable card costs approximately $14.15 and expressed concern about lost cards. Director Wells responded that the department has considered a fee for initial card purchase and replacements, and that current disposable cards are more expensive and wasteful. - Motion to recommend the resolution to the full City Council passed 4-0. - COM-26:005 – JET Transit System Update - Director Wells reported: - A-State Trolley Partnership: Routes are working well; students are discovering efficient connections. - Shelter Project: 28 of 45 shelters installed; remaining installations await concrete work, with 2-3 shelters per day possible once surfaces are ready. - Route Expansion: Staffing increases will soon support full 5-route service plus 2 trolley routes operating 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. - Streets Project (Tripspark): Resolving tracking bugs; features include real-time tracking, on-bus annunciators, and message boards. - Multimedia Project: Message centers at the transfer center and shelters will display real-time arrival information. - Mobile App: In beta testing with selected users, including Councilmember Ann Williams. The app will provide trip planning, real-time tracking, and updates to Google/Apple Maps. Williams praised its ability to offer alternative trips with walking options. - Chairman Gibson commended Director Wells for progress since the system’s early days. - COM-26:006 – Parks & Recreation Update - No Parks staff were present. Chairman Gibson led a discussion on the future of the Parks Advisory Committee and a proposed Sports Tourism Advisory Council. - Gibson recommended keeping the existing committee unchanged and considering a separate Sports Tourism Advisory Council. He noted that the A&P and Public Facilities Board have requested positions on the new council, but their legal counsel had not responded by 3:00 PM that day. - Councilmember Hafner agreed with two separate groups but stressed the need for better coordination of facility scheduling (e.g., soccer fields) and an accessible calendar established far in advance. - Councilmember Williams emphasized the critical shortage of swim facilities, noting that the National Parks and Recreation Association recommends one pool per 25,000 population, while Jonesboro’s population approaches 100,000. She also raised concerns about children not learning to swim and the need for lifeguard training. - Public comments were taken from Jay Clevenger (4842 Leesburg Drive) and Craig Rickert (A&P Executive Director). Clevenger questioned whether the Sports Commission would oversee baseball, RAC events, and external vendors, and proposed hiring a single A&P employee to vet vendors rather than forming a large committee. Rickert clarified that all events at the Ridge Athletic Center will be booked through Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and that SFC will hire the positions Clevenger referenced. He affirmed that committee input would be welcome but the primary booking authority rests with SFC. - City Attorney Carol Duncan confirmed that the current advisory body is a committee (formerly a commission) and that any naming changes are subject to future decisions. Key Outcomes - RES-26:014 was recommended to the full City Council by a vote of 4-0. - No formal action was taken on the Sports Tourism Advisory Council; the committee expressed general support for a parallel sports tourism focus while maintaining the existing Parks Advisory Committee. Further legal clarification on A&P and Public Facilities Board participation is awaited. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time (motion by Emison, seconded by Hafner, passed 4-0).

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes and one rezoning request. The commission recommended approval of the rezoning with stipulations and provided a procedural reminder for a public input session later that week. Consent Calendar - Minutes from January 13, 2026: Approved unanimously with no changes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke or offered testimony during the meeting. Discussion Items - Rezoning Request RZ-26-03 – Klaus Property Management - The applicant requested a rezoning of property at 900 North Caraway Road from R-1 (single-family residential) to RS-6 (single-family residential district). - The city planner reported that the request meets all rezoning criteria and recommended approval with the following stipulations: - The proposed site shall satisfy all requirements of the city engineer. - All requirements of the current stormwater drainage design manual and floodplain regulations regarding any new construction must be met. - A final site plan subject to all ordinance requirements must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the planning department prior to any redevelopment of the property. - Any future change of use shall be subject to planning department approval. - The commission discussed the request briefly and then voted on the motion. Key Outcomes - Rezoning Approved: The commission voted to approve RZ-26-03 with the stipulated conditions. The applicant must now appear on the city council’s agenda before Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM. - Reminder: The commission noted that a drop-in public input session would be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center. Consultants will be present to gather input and display boards.