Jonesboro Public Safety Council Committee Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Jonesboro Public Safety Council Committee met on July 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Municipal Center. Seven members were present: Brian Emison (Chair), Janice Porter, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, David McClain, LJ Bryant, and Kevin Miller. The committee approved minutes from the previous meeting, recommended two items to the full council, received an update on the mosquito abatement program, and discussed enforcement of short-term rental regulations.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval (MIN-26:057): The minutes from the June 16, 2026 Public Safety Committee meeting were approved unanimously (6-0). (Chair Emison did not vote.)

New Business – Ordinances and Resolutions

• ORD-26:024 – Traffic Signs Ordinance: An ordinance to place various traffic signs at designated locations as determined by the Traffic Control Committee, including a stop sign and a 25 mph speed limit on West Country Club Terrace, was recommended to the full council (6-0).
• RES-26:072 – Condemnation of 2210 Willow Road: A resolution to condemn property at 2210 Willow Road, Parcel #01-144271-05300, was recommended to the full council (6-0). Supporting documents included inspection reports, photographs, and precondemnation notices.

Other Business – Mosquito Abatement Program Update

Vector Mosquito Control representative Jim Stark provided an update on the program from July 1-17, 2026. Key statistics:

• 610 spray miles logged.
• 22,000 acres treated by truck (not aircraft).
• 36 service requests for adulticide treatments at residences, ballparks, and special events.
• 4 aerial applications in July (6 total this season; the next flight is scheduled for July 29-30).
• Larviciding: 9 sites inspected, 4 with larvae; 26 pounds of larvicide applied.
• Service requests have declined in the last week.

Stark reported that mosquito populations are lower this year due to reduced rice acreage (Jonesboro averages 14,000-15,000 acres but is down by more than half) and extreme heat stressing mosquitoes. He noted that the early rice will drain at the end of August, further reducing hatches.

Chairman Brian Emison pointed out a potential discrepancy in the June report: the number of mosquitoes collected decreased from 1,772 in June 2025 to 476 in June 2026, but the average per trap increased from 4.86 to 14.87. Stark acknowledged it might be a typo and said he would check.

Councilmember LJ Bryant asked about staffing. Stark said pilots are available but truck driver turnover is high; he uses day staff at night to cover shifts.

Councilmember Chris Moore observed that fewer mosquitoes this year may be due to farmers switching from rice to corn, soybeans, and cotton, and reiterated the need to treat rice fields outside the city limits.

Public Comments & Testimony

Councilmember David McClain, speaking during the public comments period, raised concerns about disruptive parties at short-term rental properties (Airbnb/VRBO) in the city. He described a recent large party in his neighborhood that went late into the night.

City Attorney Carol Duncan responded that she and Chief Administrative Officer Brian Richardson have met with affected neighbors and are working on amendments to the privilege license ordinance. She noted that the current ordinance has some enforcement teeth but the main challenge is locating unlicensed rentals. Tracking them is difficult because addresses are not disclosed until booking. She mentioned that other cities (e.g., Bella Vista, Hot Springs) have hired a private company for tracking at a cost of approximately $80,000 per year, but Jonesboro may not have enough short-term rentals to justify that expense. She also noted that the ordinance requires a local representative for police contact, and they are investigating two specific addresses with repeated complaints.

CAO Brian Richardson added that the goal is to create a clear process to address "bad actors" without penalizing responsible operators. The current ordinance lacks clear criteria for revoking a license. They are also considering whether to limit the number of short-term rentals, as some cities do.

Councilmember Chris Gibson asked about the owners of the two problematic properties; Duncan confirmed they are both in-state but no longer local. The local representative requirement applies.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of June 16, 2026 (6-0).
• Recommended to Council: ORD-26:024 (traffic signs) and RES-26:072 (property condemnation) (both 6-0).
• Filed: Vector Mosquito Control report for June 2026 (COM-26:039) and update from Jim Stark (COM-26:040).
• Ongoing: City Attorney and CAO are drafting amendments to the privilege license ordinance to enhance enforcement against problematic short-term rentals. A future update is expected.
• Adjourned: Motion by LJ Bryant, seconded by Chris Moore, passed 6-0.