The Jonesboro City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Center. Mayor Harold Copenhaver presided. Ten council members were present (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Joe Hafner, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, John Street, Charles Coleman, LJ Bryant), with two absent (Janice Porter and Ann Williams). The meeting included a consent agenda, new business, unfinished business, mayor's reports, council reports, and public comments.
The consent agenda was approved with the removal of RES-26:099 (police facility purchase) and RES-26:092 was later postponed indefinitely due to the property owner's death. The following items were passed:
Purchase of Police Facility (RES-26:099): The council discussed the resolution to purchase 1709 East Highland Drive for $2,750,000 plus closing costs (14,418 sq ft, 30 offices, 2 conference rooms, 51 parking spots, etc.). Mayor Copenhaver spoke in favor, citing the inadequacy of current police facilities. Councilmember David McClain asked about termite contract and price negotiation; the mayor confirmed sellers refused further price reduction but left furniture. The resolution passed unanimously (10-0).
Promissory Note for Police Facility (ORD-26:028): On first reading, the council suspended rules and passed the ordinance on all readings including emergency clause, allowing a $3 million short-term loan for the police facility. Vote: 10-0.
Zoning Change at 1411 Southern Ridge Boulevard (ORD-26:030): First reading to rezone from PD-M Multi-Family to PD-M Commercial. No discussion; held to second reading.
Alley Abandonment (ORD-26:023): Second reading for alley between 1810 and 1812 Henry Street. Held to third reading.
Traffic Signs (ORD-26:024): Second reading for various traffic signs. Held to third reading.
Private Club Permits:
Stormwater Manual Amendment (ORD-26:020): Third reading; passed 10-0.
Zoning Change at 2038 N. Church St. (ORD-26:022): Third reading from C-3 to RM-12 LUO (allowing 12 units). Jim Gramling (applicant's attorney) noted the compromise after public input. Passed 10-0.
Zoning Change at 1400 Southern Ridge Blvd. (ORD-26:025): Third reading from R-1 to C-3 LUO. Passed 10-0.
Mayor Copenhaver honored retiring Building Maintenance Director Ronnie Shaver for 24 years of service with a proclamation. He reported:
Uh they might prefer to think that we're all straightforward because we have to call it. I think so. I don't know what you have to do. Good evening, everybody. Welcome to City Hall. This is City Council evening on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. And uh I'm gonna go ahead and uh lead us in allegiance and start the meeting, and Councilman Anthony Coleman will lead us in prayer. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic which is under God with liberty justice for all heads if you would. Lord Jesus, we thank you for this time that you've given us to come. To come as one, we thank you for unity even on tonight. I pray, God, that uh you'll continue to minister to us and through us as we deliberate and share. I pray for the citizens of this great city as well as we continue to lift up those first responders and those that work for us for our safety and for our growth in for the manifestation of your glory in this place. Father, we forever give you the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. All right, council. If you would, we'll go on to item number three. If you would please uh make your presence known by ballot. No, I lost my time. If you would please cast your ballot. We have ten present. All right, we'll move on to item number four. These are special presentations. Uh this evening we don't have any. We'll move on to item number five, consent agenda. Move to adopt. Second. Do you have a motion on the floor to adopt? Uh got one. Can we pull out 26099? I'll amend my motion if there's a request. And I'll amend my second. Which one? The police station. 26099 has been requested to be pulled off for conversation. All right, and we have an amendment to accept the rest. If you would please go ahead and cast your ballot. I've been asked to uh postpone indefinite resolution 26092. The owner of that property passed away. And can't enforce that one. The resident res are resolution 26092. Need to amend that again. Yes, sir. Vote to reconsider. Yeah. Okay. I make a motion to reconsider. Second. Second. We have a motion to reconsider on favor, say aye.