Jonesboro City Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

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.