OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Jonesboro City Council Meeting Summary - January 6, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, January 6, 2026
BodyJonesboro, Arkansas
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, January 6, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 57:45

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

All right, everybody, good evening to City Council Jonesboro, Arkansas.

0:05

This is January 6, 2026.

0:08

Hard to believe the new year is already here upon us.

0:11

So last year went by very quickly and we accomplished a lot.

0:14

And obviously, we're looking forward to 2026 and being prepared for that year and moving forward.

0:22

So let's go ahead and move on.

0:24

I'll open us with Pledge of Allegiance.

0:27

We'll all stand and Councilman Porter's going to lead us in prayer.

0:32

I pledge.

0:37

And to the Republic.

0:39

We should stand.

0:43

Liberty.

0:44

Liberty and Justice.

0:46

Please pray with me.

0:48

Dear kind and loving Father, once again, we thank you for your mercy towards us.

0:54

We thank you for the gift of life.

0:56

Please forgive us when we are ungrateful.

0:59

Tonight we ask you, the source of all wisdom to guide us as we attend to the business before us.

1:06

Micah 68 tells us that you require of us to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you.

1:14

Please help us to be found good and faithful servants.

1:18

This we ask in the name of your son.

1:21

Amen.

1:21

Amen.

1:24

Thank you, Councilman.

1:25

All right, we'll move on to item number three, and this is roll call.

1:28

If you would please check your ballot by your presence.

1:41

And we do have 12 members present this evening.

1:45

So we'll move on to item number four.

1:47

There are no special presentations this evening, so we'll move on to item number five, and these are items on consent agenda.

1:55

Move to adopt unless there's an item to be removed.

1:58

Second.

1:58

Mayor, can we pull 25217?

2:01

I'll amend my motion.

2:06

25217.

2:12

Motion has been amended.

2:15

All in favor say aye to approve the consent agenda.

2:19

Aye.

2:19

Any opposed.

2:24

We'll go ahead and move on to resolution 25170 that's not on the consent agenda.

2:32

Oh, a 217, excuse me.

2:34

That's about to say I pulled up the wrong one.

2:36

Um resolution in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Axon Incorporated for prepared assist communication services for dronesboro emergency services.

2:45

Whereas the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Axon Incorporated desire to enter into an agreement for Axon Incorporated to provide prepared assist communication services to aid dispatch in handling calls and radio traffic and to ensure quality and consistency in the protocols and information provided in calls.

3:02

In addition, this product will provide translation services to aid dispatch in providing real-time assistance for persons for whom English is not their first language, and we'll transcribe the conversations in real time for the dispatcher to better understand the emergency.

3:15

And whereas said agreement is attached here too and the terms set out therein.

3:19

Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council for the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, that Section 1, City of Jonesboro approves the agreement with Axon Incorporated to provide prepared assist communication services for Jonesboro emergency services, that the term of the agreement shall be for a period of three years, and the payment to Axon Incorporated shall be 211,565 for the first year and 199,665 for the two subsequent years.

3:44

All other details of the agreement, including the scope of services to be provided, are set out in the attachment.

3:49

Number two, that the agreement has already been approved by the Craig County 911 board.

3:53

Number three, that there is no requirement to bid this agreement because Axon Inc.

3:57

is on the NASPO state contract list.

4:01

Number four, the Mayor Hill Copenhagen City Clerk April Leggett are hereby authorized by the City Council for the City of Jonesboro to execute all documents necessary to effectuate this agreement.

4:10

Move to adopt second.

4:14

Now any discussion by council.

4:16

Mayor, could you just have somebody walk us through that a little bit if you don't mind?

4:19

Sure, I don't mind at all.

4:20

Ronnie, I think he's in the back, but I'll also go ahead and Johnny on the spot.

4:27

Um if you would approach and talk about it, but before you do that, uh council, um, I actually was very fortunate, obviously, to see this in action real time.

4:38

Um it would be uh would be the only city in the state of Arkansas to implement the full impact of what this AI will generate for us.

4:47

Um with that, the other mayors in the county and the county judge have also approved this through the uh commission 911 commission.

5:00

Um, and then there's some other things that Ronnie can go in in further detail, but it'll allow us services that we're currently using, we won't have to utilize anymore because this will implement that, so there'll be an additional savings off the additional investment that we have originally.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Technology and Innovation███████████████████████████27%
Public Engagement███████████████████19%
Zoning Regulations██████████████████18%
Youth Programs█████████████13%
Public Safety███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Water And Wastewater Management██2%
Summary of Proceedings

City Council Meeting Summary - January 6, 2026

The Jonesboro City Council convened on January 6, 2026, to conduct routine business, approve emergency services technology upgrades, and review zoning changes. The meeting featured discussions on the adoption of a new AI-driven communication system for 911 dispatch and the approval of the 2026 budget for the Craig County Solid Waste Disposal Authority. Public comments highlighted concerns regarding neighbor notification procedures for zoning changes and advocated for a transition to cashless payments. The Council also accepted several prestigious awards and outlined future priorities for parks and youth sports.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution 25170 (Amended): Adopted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to enter into a three-year agreement with Axon Incorporated for "Prepared Assist" communication services for Jonesboro emergency services (
  • Resolution 25170 (Solid Waste): Adopted unanimously to accept the 2026 budget proposed by the Craig County Solid Waste Disposal Authority (CCSWDA) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute necessary documents.
  • Ordinances 25037, 25040, and others on second/third reading were moved forward without action or discussed under unfinished business.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Patty Lack (4108 Forrest Hill Road): Expressed concern that the rezoning ordinances (25045, 25042) lacked certified receipts proving public notification to adjacent property owners, arguing that this procedural omission is unfair to residents who may be unaware of the changes and unable to attend the hearing. Position: Advocated for tabling the zoning ordinance until certified receipts are listed to ensure due process.
  • Patty Lack (4108 Forrest Hill Road): Returned to advocate for the city to move to a cashless or 90% cashless payment system. Position: Expressed full support for reducing wait times, lowering operational costs, reducing crime, and adding transparency to city finances. Suggested leveraging the Mayor's Advisory Youth Council to develop this project.
  • Councilwoman Williams: Expressed concern about the potential neglect of swimming opportunities amidst the focus on sports programs. Position: Stressed the critical importance of swimming for children's safety and health and requested assurance that swim lessons remain a priority.

Discussion Items

  • Authorization with Axon Incorporated (Resolution 25170):

    • Mayor Hill Copenhagen: Expressed strong support, noting that Jonesboro will be the first city in Arkansas to implement the full impact of this AI technology. Stated that the system will replace current non-emergency call trees and language line services, resulting in cost savings.
    • Ronnie (Emergency Services Representative): Provided a detailed technical explanation. Position: Stated the system is 100% effective at handling non-emergency calls (approx. 90,000 annually) via an AI bot, freeing up dispatchers. Clarified that the system does NOT replace 911 dispatchers but assists them. Highlighted features including real-time transcription of radio traffic, real-time translation of approx. 30 languages (specifically covering 99% of calls, mostly Spanish), and automated Quality Assurance (QA) for all calls. Clarified that emergency calls coming in on non-emergency lines are instantly routed to a human dispatcher if the AI detects a threat, as demonstrated during testing.
    • Councilman: Asked for clarification on whether the 911 side uses robotic features. Position: Expressed caution, seeking to ensure the system does not replace human dispatchers on emergency lines.
    • Ronnie (Response): Reaffirmed the AI will not replace any 911 dispatchers, aiming only to allow them to focus on emergency calls rather than non-emergency inquiries (e.g., warrant checks).
    • Timeline: Estimated implementation of the non-emergency bot within 30 days of signing, with the system fully up in 6-8 weeks.

  • Zoning Amendments (Ordinance 25045):

    • Patty Lack: Reiterated concerns regarding the lack of certified receipts for neighbor notifications in the rezoning of property at Cortebella (R1 to PDRLUO).

  • Zoning Amendments (Ordinance 25037 - Vehicle Registration):

    • Councilman: Expressed opposition to removing the registration requirement for boats/trailers stored outdoors. Position: Believed the change would eliminate accountability and lead to dilapidated vehicles becoming a nuisance.
    • Director Roper: Explained that current city code conflicts with state law, which does not require registration for vehicles not used on public streets. Position: Stated the amendment is necessary to remove red tape and align with state law without creating a negative impact, as other code sections still prohibit habitability in trailers/RVs.
    • Councilman: Expressed support for the simplification of the code. Position: Stated that the council rules still govern where and when vehicles can be stored and that the city has tools to address nuisances.
    • Councilman: Clarified that single-family homes cannot be used for RV habitation, and this ordinance is strictly about zoning/parking, not property maintenance or habitability.

  • Zoning Amendments (Ordinance 25042 - 213 North Main): Council discussed the potential use (apartment vs. hotel) for the C2 rezoning, with staff noting both are allowed but specific plans will determine the final use.

  • Parks and Recreation Update (Mayor & Jim Stearns):

    • Mayor: Announced awards for Infrastructure (Trendsetter Award), E911 Emergency Response (Technology/Security), and an honorable mention for the Park Ranger program. Congratulated Chris Petty as Employee of the Month.
    • Jim Stearns: Presented data on youth sports participation (7,772 kids in 2025) and outlined upcoming events, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer tournaments. Position: Stated the department's goal is to provide inclusive, transparent, and accessible programs, aiming to grow participation in 2026.
    • Councilwoman Williams: Requested assurances regarding swimming safety and lessons.
    • Councilman (Reply): Confirmed a plan to offer swim lessons at both pools this summer and to train future lifeguards through these lessons, aided by new pool equipment.

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution 25170 (Axon Agreement): Adopted unanimously. The Mayor is authorized to execute a three-year agreement totaling $411,230 with Axon Incorporated for AI-assisted communication services.
  • CCSWDA Budget: Adopted unanimously. The City of Jonesboro accepts the 2026 budget for the Craig County Solid Waste Disposal Authority.
  • Ordinance 25037: Adopted. The requirement for valid registration or license on boat trailers or recreational vehicles parked outdoors on residential lots is removed to align with state law.
  • Ordinance 25040: Adopted. The ordinance relating to towing services in the city was amended.
  • Ordinance 25042: Adopted. Zoning boundaries for 213 North Main changed from I1 to C2.
  • Ordinances 25043 and 25044: Adopted. Zoning boundaries for properties on the 2000 block of West Matthews changed from R1 to C3.
  • Council Appointments: Councilman Chris Moore elected as Mayor Pro Tempore.
  • Committee Actions: Public Services Committee reinstated as a standing committee to meet quarterly. Membership for Finance, Public Works, Public Services, and Public Safety committees to be finalized by council email.
  • Public Comment Referrals: Patty Lack to provide a comparison of cashless payment systems (e.g., GoFan, Core Cashless) to City Clerk Donna for future consideration.
  • Future Reporting: Requested for the AMP Commission to provide an update on the new Aquatic Sports Center in a subsequent meeting.

Meeting Transcript

All right, everybody, good evening to City Council Jonesboro, Arkansas. This is January 6, 2026. Hard to believe the new year is already here upon us. So last year went by very quickly and we accomplished a lot. And obviously, we're looking forward to 2026 and being prepared for that year and moving forward. So let's go ahead and move on. I'll open us with Pledge of Allegiance. We'll all stand and Councilman Porter's going to lead us in prayer. I pledge. And to the Republic. We should stand. Liberty. Liberty and Justice. Please pray with me. Dear kind and loving Father, once again, we thank you for your mercy towards us. We thank you for the gift of life. Please forgive us when we are ungrateful. Tonight we ask you, the source of all wisdom to guide us as we attend to the business before us. Micah 68 tells us that you require of us to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you. Please help us to be found good and faithful servants. This we ask in the name of your son. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Councilman. All right, we'll move on to item number three, and this is roll call. If you would please check your ballot by your presence. And we do have 12 members present this evening. So we'll move on to item number four. There are no special presentations this evening, so we'll move on to item number five, and these are items on consent agenda. Move to adopt unless there's an item to be removed. Second. Mayor, can we pull 25217? I'll amend my motion. 25217. Motion has been amended. All in favor say aye to approve the consent agenda. Aye. Any opposed. We'll go ahead and move on to resolution 25170 that's not on the consent agenda. Oh, a 217, excuse me. That's about to say I pulled up the wrong one. Um resolution in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Axon Incorporated for prepared assist communication services for dronesboro emergency services. Whereas the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Axon Incorporated desire to enter into an agreement for Axon Incorporated to provide prepared assist communication services to aid dispatch in handling calls and radio traffic and to ensure quality and consistency in the protocols and information provided in calls. In addition, this product will provide translation services to aid dispatch in providing real-time assistance for persons for whom English is not their first language, and we'll transcribe the conversations in real time for the dispatcher to better understand the emergency. And whereas said agreement is attached here too and the terms set out therein. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council for the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, that Section 1, City of Jonesboro approves the agreement with Axon Incorporated to provide prepared assist communication services for Jonesboro emergency services, that the term of the agreement shall be for a period of three years, and the payment to Axon Incorporated shall be 211,565 for the first year and 199,665 for the two subsequent years. All other details of the agreement, including the scope of services to be provided, are set out in the attachment. Number two, that the agreement has already been approved by the Craig County 911 board. Number three, that there is no requirement to bid this agreement because Axon Inc. is on the NASPO state contract list.

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