Public Safety Council Committee Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Public Safety Council Committee of Jonesboro met on April 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Municipal Center. The committee approved minutes, considered a property condemnation resolution, heard proposals for mosquito control services, and discussed lease options for the Jonesboro Police Department. A public comment was also heard.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) expressed strong opposition to the police department lease proposals. She stated that citizens were not informed about the issue, that the police department currently has adequate space, and that the city should focus on retaining officers rather than leasing new space. She compared the situation to wanting a new car without saving, calling the effort unnecessary.

Discussion Items

• Condemnation of Property at 1205 N. Floyd St. (RES-26:045): The committee considered a resolution to condemn the property, which had been inspected and deemed unsuitable for human habitation. After a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend the resolution to the full city council.
• Mosquito Management Proposals (COM-26:023): Two vendors presented proposals for mosquito control services.
  • VDCI (Vector Disease Control International): Chief Entomologist Steve Pavolovich described the current program, which includes six vehicles, eight aerial applications, larviciding of 20 million square feet, barrier treatments, and a new buffer zone to target rice field mosquitoes. He noted that 12 of 13 local employees live in Jonesboro, and the program uses surveillance traps and efficacy testing. The proposal includes options for additional aerial applications.
  • Daddy Rabbit Aviation: Owner Ron Everidge proposed an all-natural, aerial-only program using helicopters and aircraft. He stated the product has no rate limits, allowing weekly spraying (16-32 times over an eight-month season). He argued the product is safe and effective, with a 90-95% knockdown rate.
  • Committee members discussed the effectiveness of ground vs. aerial spraying, the potential for a hybrid approach (using both vendors), and the need for a larger buffer zone. Councilmember Chris Moore expressed concern about accountability if two contractors were used. City Attorney Carol Duncan noted that changing the scope would require a new RFP.
  • Vote: A motion to recommend VDCI to the full council passed 6-1, with Councilmember LJ Bryant voting nay.
• Police Department Lease Proposals (COM-26:024): The committee discussed two lease options for the Jonesboro Police Department.
  • First United Methodist Church (FUMC): Don Parker, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented an updated proposal. The building has 41,226 square feet across three floors, with 112 parking spaces. The base rent is $31,250/month ($9.10/sq ft), with options for tenant improvements ($600,000 raising rent to $36,000/month, or $1,000,000 raising rent to $39,000/month). The church is tax-exempt, saving the city ~$35,000/year in triple-net lease. An option to purchase at appraised value is included. FUMC is committed to staying downtown.
  • South Caraway Road Property: Carroll Caldwell of Coldwell Banker Village Communities described the 12,000 sq ft building with a five-year lease, two five-year options, no rent increase, and $200,000 in tenant improvements (plus a new roof costing $125,000). The property has several acres for expansion and about 70 additional parking spots. The purchase option is at appraised value (estimated ~$2 million for the land).
  • Committee members requested cost estimates for renovations from city engineer Craig Light and architect Kyle Cook, expected within 30 days. Councilmember LJ Bryant suggested the police department provide a detailed analysis of how each space would address operational needs. Councilmember Chris Moore noted that the goal is to eventually build a new PD on Washington Avenue, so the lease is temporary. Councilmember David McClain called for a long-term vision (5-25 years) to avoid repeated moves. No vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of March 17, 2026: Approved.
• Condemnation of 1205 N. Floyd St.: Recommended to full council (unanimous).
• Mosquito Management Contract: Motion to recommend VDCI to full council passed 6-1 (LJ Bryant dissenting).
• Police Department Lease: No decision; committee will await cost estimates from engineers and a police department space utilization analysis before a possible special meeting.