Jonesboro City Council Public Services Special Meeting - 2026-04-21
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Jonesboro City Council Public Services Special Meeting - 2026-04-21
This public services special meeting, held on April 21, 2026, convened to discuss new business regarding the potential establishment of a Sports Advisory Committee and to provide updates on pending finance committee matters. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to defer a proposal to the full council's agenda for a first reading, followed by adjournment.
Consent Calendar
- No items on the consent calendar were discussed or approved during this special meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
- A speaker named Jim raised a clarification question regarding the committee's designation, noting confusion that the ordinance was titled a "sports advisory committee" rather than the initially anticipated "sports tourism committee."
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 26013 (Sports Advisory Committee): The ordinance to establish a Sports Advisory Committee was read. The proponent stated that they have met with the Parks Advisory Committee and emphasized that this proposal is "not a hostile takeover" but rather an effort to "enhance what we provide to the city of Jonesboro [Jonesville]."
- Finance Committee Update: Staff members and Council members discussed an update regarding the shooting complex. It was noted that information requested by David McLean and two Boyah requests will be presented to the finance committee at their next meeting, with attendance from Steve Perquet and Jim Stearns expected.
Key Outcomes
- Deferral of Ordinance 26013: A motion was made and seconded to forward Ordinance 26013 to the full council, with an additional motion to "walk that on tonight" (defer for a first reading on the main agenda). The vote was recorded; the speaker noted it was not unanimous, though the final tally was not explicitly quantified in the transcript beyond the "Aye" votes and the clarification that there were opposed votes.
- Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed with a unanimous vote ("Any opposed locks on" followed by silence).
Finance Committee Notes
- No formal action was taken regarding the shooting complex data, as that information is scheduled for presentation at the next finance committee meeting.
Meeting Transcript
4 30 so I am going to go ahead and call public services special meeting together called order. First order of business is roll call. Please mark your attendance. Next item of business. Is everybody marked? Yes. Next item of business is new business ordinance number 25013 or 26013. Ordinance to establish a sports advisory committee providing for membership purpose and duties and for other purposes. An ordinance to establish a sports advisory committee providing for membership purpose and duties and for other purposes. Whereas the city council finds that the court that coordinated planning of youth sports programming and sports tourism initiatives promotes economic development, responsible stewardship of the city's facilities, equitable access to recreational opportunities, and enhanced community engagement. And whereas it is the desire of the city council to establish a sports advisory committee to evaluate and recommend best practices, operational models, and tourism strategies related to youth sports programming and the city's sports-related facility utilization. And whereas it is the desire of the city council that the committee created herein shall serve in it in an advisory capacity only and shall not possess independent contracting, budgeting, or regulatory authority. Now therefore be it ordained by the city council of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, as follows. Section one, there's hereby established a sports advisory committee to serve as an advisory body to the city council. Section two, the committee shall be made up of the following members. One, one member of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas Public Facilities Board, two, one member of the City of Jonesboro Advertising and Promotions Commission. Three, the chair of the Public Services Council Committee. Four, five members at large. One member at large may be recommended for appointment by the public facilities board, and one member at large may be recommended for appointment by the AMP Commission. All members at large shall have demonstrated experience in youth athletics, sports tourism, recreational management, nonprofit governance, or related fields. Number five, all committee members shall serve three-year terms and shall be appointed in accordance with the rules established by the Jonesboro Code of Ordinances. Number six, the director of the city's parks and recreation department shall serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the committee. Section three, the committee shall have the following duties. Number one, evaluate and review youth sports programming management models from other municipalities and recommend models that would enhance and promote sports tourism in the city and recommend implementation or changes to current models when appropriate. Number two, analyze opportunities to expand sports tourism, including tournament hosting, regional partnerships, branding strategies, and enhancements of the city's facilities. Number three, develop recommended standards for accountability, program quality, safety compliance, and performance metrics for youth sports providers operating or utilizing the city's facilities. Number four, submit written recommendations to the city council for review and action. The committee may request non-confidential information from the city as reasonably necessary to fulfill its advisory function. Section four limitations of authority. The committee number one shall not enter into contracts. Number two, shall not expend public funds. Number three shall not bind the city or any of the city's boards or commissions. Number four shall not exercise administrative control over city employees or facilities. All recommendations shall be advisory only and subject to approval by the city council. Section five, meetings and transparency. Number one, the committee shall meet at least quarterly and shall provide an annual written report to the city council summarizing its findings and recommendations. Number two, at the first meeting of the committee, it shall elect all necessary officers. Number three, no later than the second meeting of the committee, it shall adopt bylaws to govern its policies and procedures. Number four, the committee shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Section six, if any provision of this ordinance is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. I'll make a motion to forward the full council. Second. I've met with the other committee that is a parks advisory committee. I've made it very clear to them this is not a hostile takeover. This is just to enhance what we provide to the city of Jonesville. Any questions by the committee? Any question or comment by the public or any staff? Jim, I I saw that you might have a question about something early in the reading. I just I sorry. Um I just thought that originally it was gonna be a sports tourism committee.
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