Jonesboro City Council Meeting Summary - December 2, 2025

The Jonesboro City Council convened on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:45 AM to address special presentations, a detailed long-range fire department plan draft, various ordinances, and upcoming city events. The meeting included the awarding of the Distinguished Legislator Award to Representative Dwight Tosh, the presentation of a 15-year master plan for the Jonesboro Fire Department, and the unanimous passage of three ordinances on third reading.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously adopted the consent agenda items by a voice vote (Aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilman Gibson expressed strong concern regarding public safety and youth welfare, stating that 10 children aged 12 to 18 were observed swimming in the city pool at 32-degree weather without heaters. Councilman Gibson explicitly called this a priority issue that requires immediate attention, noting that he had already discussed the matter with the park director but felt compelled to state it publicly. He argued that such conditions are unacceptable for the city he serves.
• Dr. Charles Coleman provided information regarding an upcoming toy drive at 330 North Fisher Street from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, emphasizing the requirement that children must be in the car to receive toys (ages 0-12).

Discussion Items

• Special Presentations:

  • Beverly Parker (Jonesboro Beautiful) presented Everett Hutton for his "Bluebird Bungalow" art project, which proposed nesting boxes to address habitat loss. Parker stated that the project successfully highlighted beautification efforts and that she strongly supported the recognition of youth engagement.
  • John Wilkerson (Municipal League of Arkansas) and Jack Critcher presented the Distinguished Legislator Award to Representative Dwight Tosh. Both speakers expressed full support and deep admiration for Tosh, describing him as a "distinguished human" and the "greatest captain in the history of the Arkansas State Police." They argued that no other representative is more respected by the General Assembly.
  • Representative Dwight Tosh accepted the award and expressed gratitude and appreciation for the council's friendship and support. He stated that he cherishes his relationship with the council, specifically recalling past advice from Dr. Coleman. Tosh argued that he continues to look out for municipalities and thanked the council for serving as his friends.

• First Department Long-Range Plan Draft (Fire Department):

  • Mr. Michael Hogan (Emergency Services Consulting International) presented a 175-page study recommending a 10-15 year roadmap.
  • Short-term Recommendations (0-3 years): Staff recommended adding a second assistant chief, increasing minimum staffing on Engine 7 from three to four firefighters, and increasing overall staffing from 29 to 33 (hiring 15 additional firefighters). Mr. Hogan stated that mental health and wellness are critical, recommending a wellness coordinator at the station and stipends for peer support. He also argued for full NFPA 1582 screenings for all personnel to detect occupational diseases early. Financially, the report proposed hotel occupancy fees ($1-$2/night) and fees for Arkansas State students to recoup costs.
  • Mid-term Recommendations (3-7 years): The plan recommended increasing minimum staffing to 36, moving to four-person crews on ladder trucks, and adding a full-time trainer. Mr. Hogan argued that Fire Station 8 will be needed within this timeframe based on growth data. The report also recommended hiring a Public Information Officer (PIO) and creating a contingency plan for the city to take over EMS transport if the private provider fails.
  • Long-term Recommendations (7-15 years): The study recommended hiring a city emergency manager, implementing a community paramedicine program to reduce unnecessary 911 calls, and adding a logistics manager. It also suggested four-person crews on all units (the national standard) and the potential need for Fire Station 9 in the future.
  • City Chief commented on the presentation, stating that several short-term items are already in process and expected to be accomplished within the next year. He expressed support for the plan's coordination with existing city efforts.

• Ordinances:

  • Ordinance 25040: Amended towing services regulations. No discussion; moved to second reading.
  • Ordinance 25042: Amended zoning boundaries from I-1 to C-2 for 213 North Main Street (requested by Shameen Wilkins). No discussion; moved to second reading.
  • Ordinance 25043 & 25044: Amended zoning boundaries from R-1 to C-3 for the 2000 block of West Matthews (requested by Ron Kraft and Andy Craft). No discussion; moved to second reading.
  • Ordinance 25033: Amended Chapter 6 regarding alcoholic beverages and private club permits to comply with Arkansas law.
  • Ordinance 25038: Placed various traffic signs at designated locations.
  • Ordinance 25039: (Title not explicitly read but passed on third reading).

• Mayor's Report & Council Reports:

  • Mayor announced an ongoing investigation into the Department of Parks and Recreation, stating that Jim Stearns will serve as interim director and that no disruptions to programming are expected. The Mayor expressed confidence in the transition.
  • Employee of the Month: Charles Martin (Sanitation) was recognized for collecting 198,000 pounds of bulky junk, 20,000 pounds of glass, 6,000 pounds of cardboard, and 500+ tires this year.
  • Budget Working Session: Councilman Hefner recommended a working session on the 2026 budget for 11:30 AM this Friday, stating that no action would be taken at this time, only staff presentation.
  • Infrastructure: The Mayor noted an ongoing $10 million City Water and Light sewer system upgrade in the West End, stating that while it causes road bumps, the repaving will be completed once the work is done.

Key Outcomes

• Passed: Resolution 2516 requesting free utility services from City Water and Light for traffic signals at 1506 U North Church Street (vote carried; Mayor recused).
• Passed: Ordinance 25033 (Alcoholic Beverages/Private Club Permits) on third reading (vote carried).
• Passed: Ordinance 25038 (Traffic Signs) on third reading (vote carried).
• Passed: Ordinance 25039 (Title implied as utility or similar administrative item) on third reading (vote carried).
• Actioned: The City moved to second reading for Ordinances 25040, 25042, 25043, and 25044 pending further legislative steps.
• Directive: Councilman Hefner to schedule a 2026 budget working session for Friday at 11:30 AM.
• Acknowledgment: The presentation of the Fire Department Master Plan was accepted, with the Chief confirming immediate work on short-term staffing and wellness initiatives.