Jonesboro City Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

This was a regular City Council meeting held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Center. Mayor Harold Copenhaver presided. The council approved a consent agenda with several items, adopted a resolution to purchase a new police facility, advanced zoning ordinances, and recognized the retirement of the building maintenance director.

Consent Calendar

• Approved with amendments: All consent agenda items were adopted except RES-26:099, which was pulled for separate discussion. Additionally, RES-26:092 (municipal lien at 211 Scott) was postponed indefinitely because the property owner had passed away. The remaining resolutions adopted were:
  • MIN-26:073: Minutes of August 4, 2026
  • RES-26:089: Fee proposal for Marion Berry Parkway Multiuse Trail construction administration and inspection services
  • RES-26:090: Agreement with Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering for Higginbottom Trail professional services
  • RES-26:091: Affiliation agreement with University of Arkansas for Turtle Creek Wetland Partnership and capital improvement budget amendment
  • RES-26:093 through RES-26:098: Municipal liens on various properties ($275 each) and resolutions authorizing grant applications for FY2027 Outdoor Recreation Matching Grant and Delta Regional Authority Community Infrastructure Fund
  • RES-26:100: Authorization to apply for Delta Regional Authority funding

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Hulin Hines (508 Ridge Crest) commended Code Enforcement for cleaning up an illegal dumping site, though he wished the perpetrators could have been identified and made to clean it up.
• Public comment on ORD-26:026 (Private Club Permit for Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill): A citizen expressed opposition, stating that there are already enough alcohol-friendly establishments that are resident-adverse, and that Southwest Drive (a U.S. highway and entryway into the city) should not see further expansion of such businesses.
• Jim Graham (Graham Law Firm, applicant for ORD-26:022) spoke in favor of the rezoning at 2038 North Church Street, explaining that the application was reduced from RM-16 to RM-12 with a limited use overlay (12 units) as a compromise following neighborhood input and MAPC feedback. He noted that a neighborhood meeting had only one attendee who was in favor.

Discussion Items

• RES-26:099 – Purchase of 1709 East Highland Drive for Police Department: Mayor Copenhaver presented the rationale for purchasing the former Shelter Insurance building for $2,750,000 plus closing costs. The 14,418-square-foot building includes approximately 30 office spaces, two conference rooms, multiple break rooms, 51 parking spots, and an enclosed garage. The mayor emphasized that the police department is currently scattered across five facilities after the emergency closure of the justice complex, and that this purchase provides an immediate, well-priced solution. Funding will come from a $3 million short-term Act 78 loan. Council members asked about a termite contract (building has one) and whether the seller would adjust the price following inspections (seller would not, citing the already-reduced price and furniture left behind). The resolution was adopted.
• ORD-26:028 – Financing for Police Facility (First Reading): This ordinance authorizes issuance of a general revenue promissory note for the purchase and improvements of the new police facility. It was read by title, discussed, and adopted. The emergency clause was then moved and passed via roll call (10-0).
• ORD-26:030 – Rezoning at 1411 Southern Ridge Blvd (First Reading): Change from PD-M Multi-Family to PD-M Commercial, requested by Jeremy Bevill for Southern Hills Apartments Development. No discussion; moved to second reading.
• ORD-26:023 – Alley Abandonment (Second Reading): 15-foot alley between 1810 and 1812 Henry Street. No discussion; moved to third reading.
• ORD-26:024 – Traffic Signs (Second Reading): Various signs as determined by Traffic Control Committee. No discussion; moved to third reading.
• ORD-26:026 – Private Club Permit for Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill (Second Reading): After public comment in opposition, the ordinance moved to third reading.
• ORD-26:027 – Private Club Permit for My Place Hotel (Second Reading): No discussion; moved to third reading.
• ORD-26:020 – Stormwater Drainage Design Manual Amendment (Third Reading): Adopted.
• ORD-26:022 – Rezoning 2038 North Church Street (Third Reading): Change from C-3 to RM-12 LUO (Limited Use Overlay), requested by NK & Sons Investment. Adopted after applicant's explanation.
• ORD-26:025 – Rezoning 1400 Southern Ridge Blvd (Third Reading): Change from R-1 to C-3 LUO, requested by Fisher Arnold. Adopted.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda adopted with amendments (RES-26:099 pulled, RES-26:092 postponed indefinitely).
• RES-26:099 (Police facility purchase) adopted – authorizes contract with Halsey Real Estate for $2,750,000 plus fees, and endorses short-term Act 78 financing of $3 million.
• ORD-26:028 (Police facility financing) adopted with emergency clause – roll call vote 10-0.
• ORD-26:030 (Rezoning at 1411 Southern Ridge Blvd) moved to second reading.
• ORD-26:023, 024, 026, 027 moved to third reading.
• ORD-26:020 (Stormwater manual) adopted.
• ORD-26:022 (Rezoning 2038 N. Church St.) adopted.
• ORD-26:025 (Rezoning 1400 Southern Ridge Blvd.) adopted.
• Ronnie Shaver recognized for 24 years of service; retirement effective with Tim Renshaw taking over as chief building inspector.
• Mayor announced Sani Nutrition Group purchased the old Butterball factory, bringing 150 new jobs; Fire Department received $300,000+ Homeland Security Grant; Gojo trolleys operated 38 hours carrying 264 riders during A-State move-in; street overlays continue; Parker Park pool experienced mechanical issues and inconsistent hours, now being addressed with improved communication.
• Council members expressed support for quickly demolishing the old police station (57) and the justice complex, and for opening community centers freed up by the police move.