Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

This special called meeting of the Jonesboro Public Services Council Committee, held on February 4, 2026 (note: the minutes and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on February 3, 2026, creating a discrepancy with the provided date), brought together the City Council committee, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and representatives from the A&P Commission and Public Facilities Board to discuss how to align city recreational sports and sports tourism efforts. The central theme was to create a parallel path for youth sports accessibility and sports tourism, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and collaboration after recent controversies surrounding City Stars. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were discussed; the meeting was a single discussion item. Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Daniel (civilian): Expressed support for a three-entity checks and balances system (A&P, Public Facilities Board, and City Council) to provide protection for the administration, parks department, and community. He advocated for a vendor model with tier-one priority vendors based on qualifications, and suggested that the city could run rec leagues while vendors handle tournaments. - Unnamed parent: Stressed the importance of including active parents and school representatives on any future commission, as they are directly involved with the children. - Aaron (city employee, possibly basketball coordinator): Voiced concern that if vendors take over the league operations, his job might be eliminated. The discussion clarified that the city would continue to run youth rec leagues. Discussion Items - Opening Remarks (Chairman Chris Gibson): Set the goal of aligning shared priorities between the Public Services Committee and the Parks and Rec Advisory Board to ensure infrastructure and programming for parks and sports tourism, focusing on the future rather than past controversies. - David Daniel (Chairman, Parks and Rec Advisory Board): Described the board as a “cheerleading operation” with limited authority. He emphasized the need for unity around the Ridge Athletic Center, which must succeed. He outlined three financial scenarios for the Ridge: profit-making, break-even, or loss-making, and stressed the need for a “marriage” between the city and sports tourism vendors to ensure local youth are prioritized while also attracting out-of-town teams. He noted that the Icebreaker volleyball tournament (86 teams) could move to the Ridge, reducing school district liability. - Jim Stearns (Parks and Rec Director): Presented a detailed report of parks events: 189 events last year, including 70 at Southside Softball Complex, 41 at Joe Mack Campbell, 22 at Craighead Forest Park, and 25 at Shooting Sports. He emphasized the department’s focus on youth sports accessibility and affordability. He noted the cost of tournaments (e.g., $2,200 per two-day tournament, $6,000 for mountain bike race) and the need to be better stewards of parks funds. He announced that the 2026 athletic schedule will be completed by March 1st, opening the facility calendar for other events. He also mentioned plans to hire a marketing/social media person, and was asked about ensuring bilingual outreach to the Hispanic community. - Tom Fielder (A&P Commission): Noted that recent events provide an opportunity for a “reset.” He read an email from Matt Modelski (Chairman, Public Facilities Board) proposing a restructured Parks and Rec Board that would include 2-3 members from the A&P Commission, 2-3 from the Public Facilities Board, and the remainder from City Council. The proposed board would ensure youth sports programs are inclusive, transparent, and support sports tourism without displacing recreation. It would create standards for safety, transparency, and vendor accountability. - City Attorney Carol Duncan: Confirmed that the current Parks and Rec Advisory Committee is a committee, not a commission, and any changes to membership or structure would require amending the original ordinance. She expressed concern about commingling A&P and Public Facilities Board members on a voting body due to bond financing arrangements for the Ridge, and recommended they seek approval from their private legal counsel. She also discussed existing policies on city employees working for vendors and noted that state law requires disclosure of business ownership but not necessarily for nonprofit jobs. - Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman: Called the financial management of City Stars an “elephant in the room” and stressed the need for clean audits and ethical practices. He advocated for a motion to either combine or restructure the committee with a clear timeline. - Councilmember LJ Bryant: Made a motion to work toward establishing a separate sports commission, but no vote was taken as the meeting was a special called meeting. He later suggested that a sports tourism commission could focus on “heads in beds” while the Parks and Rec Committee continues to focus on the 10-year master park plan. - Councilmember Joe Hafner and others: Discussed the practicality of vetting vendors and the risk of overstepping boundaries. - Jay Clevenger (Advisory Board): Warned against both knee-jerk reactions and taking too long, noting that two weeks is insufficient time. - Trey McKee (Advisory Board): Questioned who would control the City Stars money and who would take over the vendor role. City Attorney Duncan confirmed that the City Stars 501c3 voted to dissolve and turn over funds to the city, and youth sports are now under Parks and Rec. - Marilyn Copeland (Advisory Board): Gave background on City Stars, originally created in 1999 by the four school districts as a sliding-scale scholarship program to ensure no child was excluded from sports due to income. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken as this was a special called meeting; all decisions were deferred to the next regular Public Services meeting in February 2026. - Consensus on restructuring: Most participants agreed that the existing Parks and Rec Advisory Committee needs to be expanded to include representatives from the A&P Commission and the Public Facilities Board, though legal counsel must first clear the proposal for any voting conflicts. - City Stars dissolution: The entity is officially dissolved, and its funds and operations have been absorbed by the city. Parks and Rec will continue youth sports with city-run programs, funded through the city budget and approved by the council. - 2026 athletic schedule: Director Stearns committed to publishing the schedule by March 1, 2026, to allow outside vendors and organizations to book facilities. - Next steps: The Public Services Committee will continue discussions, examine models from other cities, and work with legal counsel to draft any necessary ordinance amendments. The chairman will circulate Matt Modelski’s email to the group for further input.

On February 3, 2026, the Jonesboro City Council convened with twelve members present to approve the consent calendar, adopt resolutions for the Water and Light election and a drainage easement public hearing, and review zoning ordinance amendments. The evening included significant discussion regarding a zoning change and extensive public comments and council reports focused on the "City Stars" controversy, a federal investigation into the organization, and the Mayor's defense of the prior non-profit arrangement. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the consent agenda carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Rogers (Neighbor): Expressed a desire to reach a mutual agreement regarding the zoning at 2620 Alexander. She stated she had spoken with a realtor that morning, indicating that the property owner behind the current proposal might be open to implementing a "limited use overlay" to address neighbor concerns. - Bill Campbell (Community Member): Expressed support for patience regarding the ongoing federal investigation into City Stars. He argued that city officials should wait for the investigation to conclude before making conclusions. He supported the Mayor's position, citing clean audits for the city and finance department, and warned against allowing "gossip" or "sick people" to dictate policy. - Anonymous Speaker (Community Member): Expressed strong opposition to the city's prior handling of City Stars. They stated it is a legal breach of fiduciary duty to knowingly do business with a 501c3 engaging in illegal activity. They argued that the city and Mayor bear responsibility for not acting when the issue was raised years ago and accused current leadership of "gaslighting" the public and failing to hold city employees accountable for conflicts of interest. - Dean McDonald (Community Member): Expressed the position that the City Stars issue is being framed as a "baseless witch hunt" and is being politicized. He stated he disagrees with the notion of whistleblowing in this context because a whistleblower should not seek enrichment. He characterized the proposal to fund coaches as "sour grapes" since the coaches did not get their requested funding. Discussion Items - Ordinance 26001 (Rezoning 2620 Alexander): Council considered a request to rezone property from R1 to C3. Councilman Hefner inquired about a 25-foot natural buffer requirement, which staff confirmed was a condition. Councilman McLean asked if adding a limited use overlay later would restart the ordinance process. Mayor Foreman indicated he would like to see the specific overlay proposals and allow for public comment before a final vote, suggesting the item might be held for a third reading with additional restrictions. - Public Safety Report: Mayor Foreman praised the street crews for working 12 to 16-hour shifts during a difficult "sandwich" of ice and snow. He also reported that the E911 crime center received a $3.5 million federal appropriation, thanks to Senator Boseman and Congressmen Crawford and Cotton. - Mayor's Remarks (City Stars): Mayor Foreman addressed the City Stars controversy by stating facts to dispel misperceptions. He asserted that City Stars was organized as an independent nonprofit in 2001, operated its own finances without city control, and received zero taxpayer funding for the proposal in question. He stated that critics misunderstood the budget and that the city's responsibility was limited to administrative oversight of facilities, not financial management of the private entity. - Council Reports & Responses: - Councilman Hefner disputed the Mayor's claim that they had spoken to multiple board members, stating he called nine members the week prior while the Mayor had only spoken to one. He argued that the original 2004 agreement intended for city officials to manage the program and expressed disappointment that the issue was allowed to fester. - Councilman McLean argued that city employees should not be working as contractors or performing duties for the city within a 501c3 without full disclosure and that the public's concern is justified given the scale of employee involvement. - Councilman Coleman stated that while he understands the fiduciary limitations, the public perception is that the program is a "City" program, and the city has a responsibility to ask questions and protect children. - Councilman Smith thanked the Mayor and stated optimism for the transition of City Stars to direct city leadership under Jim Stearns. - Other Ordinances: - Ordinance 26004 (Zoning 1306 Charles Drive) was moved to second reading. - Ordinances 26002 and 26003 (Private Club Permits for Monarchas Mexican Restaurant LLC and Walk On Sports Bistro) were approved on third reading. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26007: Adopted unanimously. Appointed officials for the Water and Light election (Judge Jamie Stahl, Linda Watts; alternates included). Polling place designated at 1212 South Church. - Resolution 26008: Adopted unanimously. Directed the City Clerk to publish public notice for a hearing on the abandonment of a drainage easement in Southern Hills scheduled for February 17, 2026. - Ordinance 26004: Moved forward to second reading. - Ordinance 26001: Deferred to a future third reading pending further details on a potential limited use overlay and public comment. - Ordinance 26002 & 26003: Adopted on third reading, approving private club permits. - Agenda Adjustment: Public comments were moved ahead of council reports via a vote. - Administrative Transition: The Mayor confirmed that City Stars officially transitioned to a city program on December 5th, with Jim Stearns appointed as the new leader.

The Public Works Committee convened on February 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM to review and recommend several resolutions to the full City Council of Jonesboro, Arkansas. The committee achieved a quorum and proceeded through the approval of minutes, the recommendation of three resolutions regarding right-of-way acquisitions, utility services, and infrastructure, and public comments before adjourning. Consent Calendar - No items were placed on the Consent Calendar; all approvals were handled individually under specific agenda items. - Minutes from the January 6, 2026, committee meeting (Minutes 26-005) were approved unanimously upon motion and second. Discussion Items - Resolution 25219: Proposed to authorize the City of Jonesboro to offer and accept a temporary construction easement at 2400 East Johnson Avenue for roadway improvements. The resolution specifies a legal description containing 3,696 square feet more or less, and a temporary construction easement of 21,397 square feet more or less. In lieu of monetary compensation, the City agreed to remove all trees in the easement and demolish one condemned house and two uncondemned houses, work valued at $39,318.27. Funding was noted to come from the capital improvement budget, with existing condemnation liens to be waived. - Resolution 2606: Proposed to request that City Water and Light provide free utility service for a traffic signal located at an unspecified address. The City affirmed that the utilities would be used for governmental or proprietary functions. During the vote, a technical issue was noted where one council member appeared to vote, but the system failed to register the ballot. - Resolution 26010: Proposed to accept a permanent right-of-way at 3505 Stella Drive for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. The property contains 0.05 acres, or 2,150 square feet more or less. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Public Comments and Testimony section. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25219: Motion to recommend to the full council was approved (carried). - Resolution 2606: Motion to recommend to the full council was approved (carried), though a voting display discrepancy occurred. - Resolution 26010: Motion to recommend to the full council was approved (carried). - The meeting was adjourned following the completion of business items and a motion by Dr. Collin. Note: Discrepancy observed in the transcript where the voting mechanism did not visually register the ballot for one member during the vote on Resolution 2606, despite the member appearing to cast a vote.

The Jan 20, 2026 meeting began with the approval of previous minutes and the election of new leadership, followed by two major variance applications involving a fence height increase and a lot width reduction. Council members emphasized adherence to existing ordinances while seeking practical compromises based on terrain and property constraints. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the December 16, 2026 meeting. - Election of Officers: The council unanimously elected William Perkins as Chair and Rick as Vice-Chair following a motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - William Perkins (Applicant): Expressed the position that a fence height increase is necessary to address a five-foot elevation drop and to maintain privacy between his property and his neighbor's driveway. He proposed a steel and wood screen wall with heights reaching up to 12 feet in certain sections to match the terrain, noting his neighbor has also requested a 10-to-12-foot fence. Perkins confirmed he notified the adjacent neighbor prior to the meeting. - Josh Neely (Applicant's Representative): Stated the position that the proposed variance is essential to allow development on a 40-foot wide R3 zoned lot, as the property cannot be replatted due to existing encroachments from a neighboring duplex. Neely argued that without the variance, the lot would remain vacant, whereas granting it would bring a single-family residence back to the neighborhood. Discussion Items - Fence Height Variance (Perkins): - Council members questioned the proposed 12-foot and 10-foot heights, noting they are double the standard 6-foot ordinance limit. - A council member expressed concern that a 12-foot fence would be an obstruction and requested alternative solutions. - The council discussed the feasibility of "stepping" the fence down in two-foot increments or sloping it to maintain a maximum 8-foot height at the lowest point rather than letting it follow the grade to 12 feet. - The council clarified that any height increase is to accommodate terrain, not for visual clearance over a deck. - Council members sought clarification on existing fencing heights to ensure the new design starts at the existing 6-foot level and slopes up/down as needed. - Lot Width Variance (Neely on behalf of client): - The council reviewed the proposal to reduce the minimum lot width from 50 feet to 40 feet for a single-family residence. - Discussion highlighted that the property area (6,398 sq ft) exceeds the 6,000 sq ft minimum and meets all setback requirements, with the only deficiency being the lot width. - The council noted the complexity of replatting due to an unplatted 20-foot alley and the existing structures of neighboring properties. - Members indicated a positive disposition toward the project as an improvement to the area, noting that 40-foot lots exist elsewhere in the city's older districts. Key Outcomes - Fence Variance Approved: A motion was passed to grant a variance allowing a maximum fence height of 8 feet at the back corner. The fence is to follow the contour of the ground, stepping down or sloping as necessary to match the existing 6-foot fence at the front. The original 12-foot proposal was rejected in favor of the 8-foot maximum cap due to terrain. - Lot Width Variance Approved: A motion was passed unanimously to grant a variance for the minimum lot width, allowing the applicant to build on the 40-foot wide lot in compliance with R3 zoning requirements despite the standard 50-foot minimum. - Meeting Adjourned: The council concluded the meeting immediately following the approval of the second variance.

The January 20, 2026, Jonesboro City Council meeting commenced with honors for long-serving council members and the presentation of multiple 2025 Arkansas Municipal League (AML) awards, including recognition as the 2025 Volunteer Community of the Year. A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to a critical presentation regarding financial misrepresentations within the City Stars soccer program, the subsequent resignation of the program's board, and urgent calls for transparency and independent oversight in youth sports management before transitioning to routine legislative items, construction updates, and public comments regarding ongoing administrative concerns. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26004: Removed from the consent calendar and tabled indefinitely by Councilman McLean after a lien was satisfied; motion passed. - Routine Adopted: Motion to adopt the remaining consent agenda items passed unanimously without the specific item listed above. Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel Gary: Expressed strong opposition to the Mayor's handling of the City Stars financial issues, characterizing the administration's actions as a "deliberate cover-up" and "deception." Gary argued that the Mayor prioritized political expediency over accountability, failed to apologize to the resigning board, and should not consolidate youth sports under current leadership. He stated a position of full support for an independent sports advisory council and called for the council to empower that body to ensure public accountability. - Jolene Mullett: Expressed frustration regarding the inaccessibility of the Eben Watson Center community room and requested a specific timeline for the center to return to full community use, noting it was supposed to be a short-term solution that has become prolonged. - Jeremy Terrell: Stated position of strong dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from the administration regarding financial records (specifically cash payments in the soccer program) and the delay in resolving the Eben Watson Center issue. He criticized the leadership for failing to address a recent downtown altercation and urged the council to act as true oversight. - James Hines: Initially expressed opposition to the approval of new private club permits, arguing that the city is disrespecting the county's "dry vote" and allowing a dictatorship-like approach to liquor laws. Following the hearing, he offered a position of gratitude toward emergency responders for their upcoming safety work during predicted snowstorms, calling for community prayers for their safety. Discussion Items - The Ridge Athletic Center (RAC) Construction Update: Craig Rickard (Executive Director, Jonesboro A&P Commission) presented a position of excitement regarding construction milestones. He confirmed that crews are installing decking, roofing, and tilt-up walls for a 203,000-square-foot facility. He stated a position of confidence that the project remains on schedule for a first-quarter 2027 opening, despite a delay from the original end-of-2026 target due to May 2025 weather. He also announced the hiring of Brandon Schrader as General Manager. - City Stars Financial Irregularities & Youth Sports Leadership: Matt Modelleschi (Chairman, Public Facilities Board) presented a detailed account of financial misrepresentations made by former parks director Danny Kapalis regarding field usage fees. He stated a position of alarm that the Mayor failed to act on red flags for over a year, leading to the resignation of the entire board. He urged the council to empower a new committee to vet all options for youth sports management rather than making rash decisions. - A&P Commission Revenue & Sports Tourism: Jerry Morgan (Chair, A&P Commission) presented statistics showing a 0.6% increase in 2025 hotel revenue but highlighted missed economic opportunities where outside tournaments were denied access to Joe Matt Campbell Park. He stated a position that the city must finalize the shooting sports complex and consider a vendor model or separate entity to manage youth sports to ensure transparency. - Parks Department Transition: Mayor introduced Jim Stearns as the new Director of Parks and Rec. Stearns expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability, noting the success of the recent JO volleyball tournament at the Ridge site and the need for community input to move forward. - Ongoing Investigations & Minutes: Councilman McLean raised concerns regarding minutes that appeared altered during a previous meeting. Councilwoman (Clerk) Hafner stated a position that the minutes were not altered but were redacted due to a phone ring disrupting the recording, and affirmed that the FBI investigation found no wrongdoing on the part of the clerk's office. - Cash Handling Policy: Councilmembers raised questions regarding cashless policies at the Ridge and the need for a formal handling policy to prevent the financial irregularities seen in soccer programs. They expressed a need for a clear procedure involving multiple accounting roles. Key Outcomes - Zoning Ordinance 26001: Passed for first reading to change zoning from R1 to C3 General Commercial District for property at 2620 Alexander. - Private Club Permits: Passed for first reading for Marmarcas Mexican Restaurant LLC and Wait on Sports Bar & Grill; both received opposition from James Hines regarding county dry laws. - Stormwater Management Board: Ordinance 25041 (amending membership) passed. - Zoning Ordinance 25045: Passed for first reading to change zoning from R1 to PDRLUO for property at Cortebella. - Shooting Sports Complex: Councilman Street expressed strong support for a potential partnership to utilize A&P funds to complete the final building phase of the shooting sports complex. - Committee Reformation: The council acknowledged the need to reactivate the Parks and Rec Board and empower a sports advisory committee to lead future youth sports decisions, following the resignation of the previous City Stars board. - Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following public comments and a call for unity regarding the upcoming winter weather.

The Public Safety Council Committee met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center, 300 S. Church Street, Jonesboro, AR. The committee elected a chair, approved prior minutes, recommended condemnation of a property at 120 W. Woodrow Street, and discussed the upcoming vector control contract. All votes were unanimous with five members present (Brian Emison, Janice Porter, David McClain, LJ Bryant, Kevin Miller); Chris Moore was absent. Note: The chair initially stated six members present, but roll call confirmed five. Chair Election - Brian Emison was nominated by Chris Gibson, seconded by LJ Bryant, and unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Public Safety Committee for 2026. Approval of Minutes (MIN-25:112) - Minutes from the December 16, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Chris Gibson, second by David McClain). New Business – Condemnation Resolution (RES-25:216) - The committee considered a resolution to condemn property at 120 W. Woodrow Street, sponsored by Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement Director Scott Roper reported no change at the property, no permits pulled, and that the owner had ceased contact with the city’s representative, David Cooley. The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend the resolution to the full City Council. Other Business - Councilmember David McClain asked about the status of the vector control contract. Chair Emison responded that the contract is up this year and that the city is preparing a request for proposals (RFP). Public Comments - No members of the public spoke. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:29 PM via unanimous motion (motion by Chris Gibson, second by LJ Bryant).

The first meeting of the year for the Jonesboro City Council was held on January 13, 2026, featuring the election of officers, approval of routine administrative actions, and deliberation on several development and zoning proposals. The council affirmed its leadership and reviewed the minutes from the previous December meeting before moving through a series of preliminary subdivisions, conditional uses, rezoning requests, and fee waivers, culminating in an overview of ongoing land use planning efforts. Consent Calendar - Officers Elect: Lonnie was nominated to remain as Chair, with Kevin appointed as Co-Chair. The motion was voice-approved unanimously. - Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting were approved without changes upon a motion by Zulper and second by Little. Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Rogers: Representing herself and neighbors residing at 2815 Wood Street, Ms. Rogers expressed strong opposition to the rezoning of 2620 Alexander Drive from R1 to C3 General Commercial District. Her specific concerns included: - The potential impact on the residential neighborhood's character and safety due to general commercial use (noting a past rejection of a limited use overlay across the street). - Concerns regarding the "high-intensity" nature of traffic generated by the site's proximity to I-50/555. - Worries about the visual appearance and the type of business that might occupy the property, contrasting it with the existing "nice" commercial properties on Alexander Drive. - She questioned whether the rezoning truly aligns with projected open spaces and city plans, suggesting the general commercial designation does not adequately address neighborhood integration. Discussion Items - Orchard Phase Three Preliminary Subdivision (13.61 acres): Applicant Mark Morris presented a request for 43 lots. The City Staff noted the project meets all lot size and single-family zone requirements and recommended approval. Council approved the application. - Twin Oaks Reserve Commercial Subdivision (17.23 acres): Applicant Brandon Wood requested final approval. Staff confirmed the project meets all requirements except for a sidewalk on the north side; however, a bond covers this deficiency, leading to a recommendation for approval. Council approved the application. - HERC Rentals Conditional Use (2210 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive): John Easley, representing HERC Rentals, requested approval to construct a gravel storage area and parking lot for rental equipment in the I1 zone, following a variance granted by the BZA. Staff recommended approval based on permit requirements. Council approved the conditional use with stipulations. - Residential Rezoning (1306 Charles Drive, R1 to RS7): Applicant Weston Wagner requested to rezone from R1 to RS7 to enable the construction of two single-family homes, citing a frontage width (105 feet) that does not meet the 60-foot R1 requirement but fits the 50-foot RS7 requirement. Staff recommended approval with conditions regarding engineering, stormwater, and site plan submission. The council noted a requirement to present to City Council before 10:00 AM Thursday for final city-level approval. - Commercial Rezoning (2620 Alexander Drive, R1 to C3): Dustin White requested rezoning to align with the city's long-term land use plan, with no specific use proposed at this time. - Commissioner Deliberations: After public testimony from Ms. Rogers, Commissioners raised concerns about the lack of buffer and potential incompatible uses. Commissioner Denisulper clarified that general commercial use (C3) prohibits the council from restricting specific uses unless a Limited Use Overlay (LUO) is proposed. However, Commissioners noted existing codes (80% brick/masonry, landscaping, signage limits, and lighting) and the mandatory 25-foot setback from residential properties. - Stipulation: Commissioners proposed and the applicant agreed to a stipulation requiring the property owner to leave an untouched wooded buffer of 25 to 30 feet along the east and north sides (abutting residential properties). The applicant declined to table the request for a Limited Use Overlay proposal at this time. - Sidewalk Fee Waiver (2210 MLK Boulevard): Applicant John Easley requested a "fee in lieu" based on actual R.Dots pricing for ongoing construction, rather than the standard rate. The City Planner noted the accepted price of $687.80 per square yard (totaling $4,816.43) matches current project bids on MLK. The motion was approved. - Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update: The City Planner announced the hiring of a consultant for a comprehensive land use plan and master street plan update. Commissioners were asked to complete a provided survey via QR code/website link. Upcoming events include: - A public hearing on February 12th (5:00–7:00 PM at Earl Bill) for preliminary results. - A charrette session on March 1st at the OY (all-day event). Key Outcomes - Official Actions: The council unanimously elected Lonnie as Chair and Kevin as Co-Chair. - Approvals Granted: 1. Preliminary Subdivision: Orchard Phase Three (43 lots). 2. Final Subdivision: Twin Oaks Reserve (17.23 acres) with bond for sidewalk deficiency. 3. Conditional Use: HERC Rentals gravel storage and parking lot (approved with stipulations). 4. Rezoning: 1306 Charles Drive (R1 to RS7) (subject to City Council agenda before Thursday 10 AM). 5. Rezoning: 2620 Alexander Drive (R1 to C3) (approved with stipulation of 25-foot untouched wooded buffer on residential sides). 6. Fee Waiver: Sidewalk in lieu fee approved for R.Dots project at $4,816.43. - Next Steps: Commissioners are directed to submit feedback on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan survey; final City Council approval for the Charles Drive rezoning is required by Thursday at 10:00 AM.

The Public Services Council Committee of Jonesboro held a special called meeting on January 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center (300 S. Church Street). All seven committee members were present (Chris Gibson, LJ Bryant, Joe Hafner, Anthony Coleman, Ann Williams, Brian Emison, and Janice Porter). The sole agenda item was the election of a chair, but the committee also discussed scheduling a future meeting and coordinating with the Parks Advisory Board. Discussion Items - Scheduling Next Meeting: Chairman Chris Gibson proposed scheduling a meeting in February, meeting in the middle of the quarter rather than at the first or last. He suggested the third Tuesday at 4:30 PM to coordinate with other council meetings. The committee agreed, and City Clerk April Leggett was directed to schedule it. Councilmember Ann Williams confirmed the third Tuesday, and Councilmember LJ Bryant noted he would be absent. - Chair’s Role on Parks Advisory Board: Councilmember Joe Hafner suggested that the chair of this committee also serve on the Parks Advisory Board to improve coordination. Chairman Chris Gibson expressed openness, noting he had recently spoken with “Coach Davidson or Coach D” about joint work, and proposed a collective sit-down in the near future. Councilmember LJ Bryant added that there have been discussions about the chairs of the A&P (Advertising and Promotion) and Facilities Board and whether an ordinance is needed to formalize such cross-appointments. Chairman Gibson acknowledged the point. Key Outcomes - Election of Chair: A motion was made by Joe Hafner, seconded by Brian Emison, to nominate Chris Gibson as Chair of the Public Services Committee. All members voted aye, and Gibson accepted. - Future Meeting: The committee directed staff to schedule a meeting for February on the third Tuesday at 4:30 PM. - Parks Advisory Board Coordination: The committee discussed the possibility of the chair also serving on the Parks Advisory Board and agreed to explore joint work further. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by LJ Bryant and seconded by Joe Hafner. The motion passed 6-0 (Chair Gibson did not vote).

The Finance Administration Council Committee convened on January 13, 2026, (despite the transcript opening with the greeting "good afternoon" and identifying the start time as "four o'clock," conflicting with the provided meeting timestamp of 10:00 AM). The committee proceeded with the election of a chair, approval of previous minutes, and deliberation on municipal liens and a vendor contract renewal. The meeting concluded with a vote to adjourn. Consent Calendar - Election of Chair: Joe Heftner was nominated and unanimously elected as chair following a motion and second. - Approval of Minutes: The committee voted to approve the amendments and minutes from the December 30th meeting without changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Chief Charles Coleman: Dr. Charles Coleman, identified as the Chief, provided testimony regarding the Axon Group agreement. He expressed full support for the renewal, noting the "satisfactory results" of the vendor. He detailed that the contract is all-inclusive, covering firmware upgrades without additional backend costs, and highlighted the financial benefit of locking in 2025 pricing rates to save approximately $200,000. Discussion Items - Municipal Liens (Resolutions 2600-1 through 2600-4): - The committee discussed resolutions to place municipal liens on four properties in Jonesville, Arkansas. - Resolution 2600-1: Property at 910 Markham Drive owned by Will Seats, amount $275. - Resolutions 2600-2 and 2600-3: Properties at 224 South McClure and 234 South McClure, both owned by City First LLC, amounts $275 each. - Resolution 2600-4: Property owned by Stone Partners, LLC and CSC Investments, amount $315. During the discussion of this item, a committee member raised a question regarding a duplicate parcel number listing, with the staff (implied) responding that the listing matched the Code Enforcement records exactly. - Position: No speakers expressed opposition or specific positional concerns regarding the liens; the items were forwarded upon motion and vote. - Res 2600-5: Axon Group Contract Renewal: - The committee deliberated on an agreement to renew body-worn camera, vehicle camera, and Taser equipment services with Axon Group Incorporated for the City of Jonesville. The contract aims to secure 2025 pricing rates and ensures continuity of service through FY 2026. - Project Description: The contract term aligns with a 2.5-year equipment cycle for body cams and a 5-year cycle for Tasers and vehicle cameras, with no additional costs for software upgrades or firmware updates included in the package. - Position: Chief Coleman expressed strong endorsement of the contract, citing the "all-inclusive" nature of the service and the avoidance of future price increases. Key Outcomes - Election: Joe Heftner elected as Committee Chair (Unanimous). - Minutes: December 30th minutes approved. - Municipal Liens: Resolutions 2600-1, 2600-2, 2600-3, and 2600-4 were voted to be forwarded to the full city council for consideration. - Axon Contract: Resolution 2600-5 authorizing the renewal of the agreement with Axon Group was voted to be forwarded to the full city council. The Mayor (Harold Kofenhaver) and City Clerk (A4 Legged) were authorized to sign documents. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned via unanimous vote. Note: The transcript mentions the meeting is the "First meeting of the year" occurring on January 13, 2026, yet the opening greeting states "four o'clock" (PM) while the metadata timestamp is 10:00 AM. This discrepancy has been preserved.