Jonesboro City Council Meeting – August 19, 2025

The Jonesboro City Council met on August 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM with 10 members present (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Joe Hafner, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, Janice Porter, John Street, Charles Coleman) and two absent (LJ Bryant, Ann Williams). Mayor Harold Copenhaver presided. Key actions included approval of a $855,000 comprehensive plan and master street plan using ARPA funds, passage of two ordinances on third reading, and several items held for further readings. Public comments addressed a private club permit, a rezoning, and concerns about the closure of the E. Boone Watson Center.

Consent Calendar

• MIN-25:067 – Approval of minutes from August 5, 2025.
• RES-25:081 through RES-25:086 – Authorizing purchase of additional right-of-way at 3507, 3505, 3515, 3509 Aggie Road; 3700 and 3704 Blueridge Circle; and 103 Mark Street for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements.
• RES-25:092 – Purchase of additional right-of-way at 3509 Aggie Road.
• RES-25:096 – Acceptance of a drainage easement from Patsy Sue Brown at 641 W Cherry for drainage improvements.
• RES-25:101 – Acceptance of low bid from Michelle’s Excavating, Inc. for Abilities Unlimited Alleyway Improvements (Bid 2025:19).
• RES-25:102 – Acceptance of low bid from Crabtree & Son, Inc. for JET Bus Shelter Upgrades (Bid 2025:20).
• RES-25:103 – Acceptance and adoption of the Title VI Program for Jonesboro Economical Transit System (JET).
• RES-25:104 – Authorization to apply for a FY26 matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

All consent items were approved by a 10-0 vote (two absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) spoke on Resolution RES-25:105 (comprehensive plan). She expressed concern that the existing Master Street Plan (2017/2018) still had 10–12 years left on its 20-year horizon, and questioned the timing given an upcoming impact fee study (26-week process concluding next week). She noted rapid development occurring over the next two years and suggested the city either wait a year or revisit the plan in 10 years, rather than spending $855,000 now. She also criticized the Board of Zoning Adjustment for bending rules on two items that day.
• James Elwyn Hinds (508 Ridgecrest) – On Ordinance ORD-25:029 (Bridge Street Brewery private club permit) he said the proposed location was "an absolute terrible place" and "asking for crime." On Ordinance ORD-25:026 (Rock N Roll Sushi private club) he raised concerns about future traffic changes and requested the council consider traffic impacts before approving.
• Shamal Carter (3118 Meador Road) addressed the recent closure of the E. Boone Watson Center to the public. He emphasized its historical significance as the site of the former Industrial High School (1924), later Booker T. Washington High School, and the African American Culture Center. He requested transparency from the city on how long the closure would last, and asked that if it will be long-term, the city consider an alternative site for the relocated division so the community can continue using the center for family reunions and museum access.

Discussion Items

• Resolution RES-25:105 – Comprehensive Plan and Master Street Plan ($855,000 contract with DPZ CoDesign, funded from ARPA restricted revenue replacement). Finance Director Steve Purtee confirmed the remaining ARPA balance was $1,536,000. Planning Director Derrel Smith stated the last comprehensive growth plan was 1998, the last Master Street Plan update was 2018, and the Land Use Plan was 2017. He noted the plan is typically for 20–25 years, with revision consideration around 15 years. Councilmember Anthony Coleman asked about connectivity and trailways — Smith confirmed everything would be included. Councilmember Charles Coleman asked about frequency of updates. After public comment by Patti Lack, the resolution passed 10-0.
• Ordinance ORD-25:032 (First Reading) – Rezoning at 3412 Southwest Drive from PD-M (multi-family and office/senior living) to PD-M commercial use (requested by Jeremy Bevill for Southern Hills Real Estate, LLC). The rules were suspended to read by title only, and the item was held for a second reading without discussion.
• Ordinance ORD-25:025 (Second Reading) – Various traffic signs as determined by the Traffic Control Committee. Held to a third reading without discussion.
• Ordinance ORD-25:028 (Second Reading) – Amendment to add Section 50-40 entitled Park Rangers. Held to a third reading without discussion.
• Ordinance ORD-25:029 (Second Reading) – Private club permit for SHJ Concepts, Inc. (Bridge Street Brewery). After public comment from James Elwyn Hinds opposing the location, the item was held for a third reading.
• Ordinance ORD-25:026 (Third Reading) – Private club permit for Slate Association (Rock N Roll Sushi). After public comment from James Elwyn Hinds about traffic, council voted to adopt; motion passed 10-0.
• Ordinance ORD-25:027 (Third Reading) – Rezoning at 500 N. Culberhouse Street from I-2 to C-3 (requested by 1st Produce and Foods). Adopted on a 10-0 vote.
• Mayor’s Report – Mayor Copenhaver reported: school safety reminders and a ribbon cutting for school security officers; two additional lives saved using EMD training since last meeting; groundbreaking for a new $6 million, 13,000 sq ft airport terminal (replacing tornado-damaged infrastructure); a new mural on Cate Street; progress on revenue bonds and the Jefferson Avenue shared-use pathway (1,300 ft segment, total 5,000 ft); one-year anniversary of the Bark Park; upcoming "Paint the Town Red" events (Aug 26–30); Labor Day schedule; neighborhood cleanup stats (over 600 tires and 80 tons of trash collected in 2025); litter reduction reported by Keep Jonesboro Beautiful; update on the Justice Complex roof evaluation (structural engineer met that afternoon, report expected in 10–14 days).
• Council Reports – Councilmember Anthony Coleman thanked the city for progress and requested attention to overgrown ditches on Prospect Road. Councilmember Brian Emison announced the next Bond Task Force meeting is tentatively set for September 16, 2025, pending receipt of Justice Complex information.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (10-0).
• Resolution RES-25:105 – Approved (10-0) to enter into a contract with DPZ CoDesign for $855,000, using ARPA funds, for a comprehensive growth plan and master street plan.
• Ordinance ORD-25:026 – Approved (10-0) granting a private club permit for Rock N Roll Sushi.
• Ordinance ORD-25:027 – Approved (10-0) rezoning 500 N. Culberhouse from I-2 to C-3.
• Ordinance ORD-25:032 – Held for second reading.
• Ordinances ORD-25:025, 25:028, 25:029 – Held for third reading.
• Public Concerns – Mayor Copenhaver acknowledged Shamal Carter’s comments regarding the E. Boone Watson Center and said updates would be provided after the Justice Complex roof evaluation is complete (within 10–14 days).
• Next Bond Task Force Meeting – Scheduled for September 16, 2025, subject to change.