Public Works Council Committee Meeting - September 1, 2026
Public Works Council Committee Meeting - September 1, 2026
The Public Works Council Committee met on September 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Jonesboro Municipal Center. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, introduction of an annexation ordinance, and a resolution for traffic control devices. Committee members expressed significant opposition to the annexation, and the resolution was forwarded to the full council.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:074): The minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote after a motion and second.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Terry Browning (representing the Browning Family Trust, property owner): Expressed support for the annexation, providing historical context of the family farm and stating there are no immediate development plans. He noted that the land's water limitations make farming unsustainable and that annexation would eventually benefit the city through orderly development.
Discussion Items
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Ordinance ORD-26:029 – Annexation of 160 Acres: Introduced by Jim Gramling (Gramling Law Firm) on behalf of the applicant. The territory is located south of town near Valley View, described as the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 10 and the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 11, Township 13 North Range 3 East, including adjacent rights-of-way. Services to be extended include police, fire, sanitation, planning, street maintenance, water/sewer, animal control, and mosquito control. The property would be zoned RS-1 and added to Ward 3.
- Mr. Gramling argued that City Water & Light plans to place a lift station on the property regardless of annexation, and that annexation would allow the city to control development after the repeal of extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) in 2025. He stated there is no immediate burden to the city and noted that previous annexations did not trigger a flood of subsequent petitions.
- Several committee members opposed, including Councilman Moore, who noted the property is surrounded on three sides by county land, the city already has abundant developable land (less than half developed), and annexation would stretch already thin resources (police, fire, etc.). He referenced a study on impact fees and suggested no annexation should occur until impact fees are in place. Another member echoed concerns about precedential value and the need to address existing city deficiencies first. Councilman Moore also noted that City Water & Light can build the lift station without annexation.
- Committee member shared that other cities require concessions like park land for annexation, and suggested that future annexations should answer “what’s in it for the city.”
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Resolution RES-26:105 – Traffic Control Device Agreement: Sponsored by Engineering. The resolution authorizes execution of an Arkansas Department of Transportation agreement to modify traffic signals on Highway 91 at Marion Berry Parkway and Caraway Road, install a pedestrian hybrid beacon on Highway 91 at Melrose Street, and an RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) on Highway 91 at Dean Street. The committee voted to recommend the resolution to the full council.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes approved unanimously.
- Ordinance ORD-26:029 (Annexation): A motion and second were made, but the committee moved to the next agenda item without calling for a vote. No action was taken on the ordinance.
- Resolution RES-26:105: Approved by vote (motion and second, ballot cast) and forwarded to the full council with a recommendation for adoption.
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:45 PM by voice vote.
Meeting Transcript
Oh, really? Contrast one place. No problem. I think that'll be out of the same basically. So they don't call it one specific ball and their battle. I might start now. Maybe you'll pay me. I'm gonna need extra to come there. Just kidding. I mean that all they're in there in desperate legal. They are, but they usually hire Kimberly Dale and she does a good job for 'em. But I don't think they hire to come to every quorum court meeting. She does do a good job for him on the big step. Okay, it's five o'clock. I'll go ahead and call the uh public works council committee meeting to order. If you would please mark your attendance when prompted to do so. We do have a quorum. Next item is approval of minutes, minutes 26074 from the meeting on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. The pat they were included in the packet. I'll give you a minute to look at them. Be ready to entertain a motion. Move to adopt. Second. Have a motion second to adopt. Any comments or questions by anyone on the committee? Please mark your ballot. Any next item is new business. Ordinances to be introduced. Ordinance 26029. An ordinance accepting the annexation of certain territory to the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and for other purposes. Whereas the petition was filed with the county court of Craig Ed County, Arkansas, pursuant to ACA 1440-609 for the annexation of certain territory into the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas. And whereas on July 24th, 2026, the County Court of Craig Ed County, Arkansas found that the petition was signed by 100% of landowners in said territory. Filed with and made a part of the petition showing the property to be contiguous and adjoining the present corporate city limits of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas. That petitioner had provided a letter from a licensed title agent verifying that petitioner is the sole owner of the record, owner of record of the relevant property. That petitioner had provided a letter of verification from a certified surveyor verifying that the property is contiguous with the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and that no enclaves will be created if the property is accepted by the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, that in all things pertaining thereto had been done in a matter prescribed by law, and said land and territory should be annexed to and made part of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, subject to the acceptance of same by the city council of Jonesboro at proper time as provided by law. And whereas it is a desire of the City of Jonesboro that said territory be annexed, now therefore be it ordained by the city council of the city of Jonesborough, Arkansas, Section 1, that the following describe territory contiguous to the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas B, and the same hereby accepted as part of and annexed two and made part of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas. The east half of the southeast quarter of section 10 and the west half of the southwest quarter of section eleven, all in township 13 North Range 3 East, all in Craig Ed County, Arkansas. Also to include all adjoining and abutting rights of way of Craig Head 431, Craig Ed 425, and Craig Ed 412 to the above described property. Section two that the following schedule of services shall be extended to the area of the City of Jonesboro after the date of annexation becomes final. One police services, two fire protection services, three, city sanitation, four, city planning and code enforcement services, five, street and stormwater system maintenance on city streets and drainage easements. Six city water and sewer. Seven, animal control, mosquito control. Section three, that the above described territory shall be annexed to and made part of Ward 3 of City of Jonesboro, and the same shall henceforth be part of said ward as fully as extending parts of said ward. Section four, that the zoning ordinance of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Chapter 117 hereby is amended so that the land within the territory is zoned as the RS1 classification. Section five, that 30 days after the passage and publication or posting of this ordinance as authorized by law. The annexation shall be final and the property shall be within the corporate limits of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Section six, that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Section seven that the providers excuse me, that the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable, and if any section phrase or provision shall be declared or held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remainder of the sections, phrases or provisions. What's pleasure of the committee? I have a question.
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