Jonesboro City Council Meeting – October 8, 2026

The Jonesboro City Council met on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center, rescheduled from Tuesday due to National Night Out. Ten council members were present (Brian Emison, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, Janice Porter, John Street, Charles Coleman, LJ Bryant, Ann Williams); two were absent (Chris Moore, Joe Hafner). The meeting covered special presentations, consent agenda items including two new park playground contracts, zoning ordinances, and routine business.

Special Presentations

• Fire Prevention Week Proclamation (COM-26:051): Mayor Harold Copenhaver proclaimed October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week. The proclamation highlighted the National Fire Protection Association's report of an increase in battery-related fires and promoted safe charging practices for lithium-ion devices. Fire Chief Marty Hamrick accepted the proclamation.
• Legislative Audit Update (COM-26:050): Mayor Copenhaver announced the city received a clean audit with no findings for the 17th consecutive year. A detailed presentation is scheduled for the next council meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included routine approvals and was adopted 10-0 after removing items RES-26:131, RES-26:132, RES-26:135, and RES-26:140 for separate discussion.
• Items passed on consent included: land-use agreement with Northeast Arkansas Children’s Museum (property at 215 W. Monroe Ave); four sponsorship agreements with Cavenaugh Automotive Group for Parks and Recreation programs; capital improvement budget amendments for downtown pedestrian all-stops project and NARTPC Regional Safety Action Plan; low bid acceptance for street lighting circuit on Washington Avenue; two municipal liens (2612 Crawford Dr. for $275, 2106 Cotton for $315); right-of-way purchase at 3519 Aggie Road; and application for FY26 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road): Spoke on two occasions. First, she expressed opposition to resolution RES-26:131 (playground at new park on Disciple Drive), noting the $620,000 cost (equipment $304,000 plus installation $265,000) and stating final park plans were incomplete based on a FOIA response. She urged postponement in light of an upcoming November ballot measure for a tax increase to fund public safety. The mayor and Engineering Director Craig Light clarified that construction plans for the playground footprint are sufficiently defined, and the equipment order must proceed now to meet the timeline. Second, during public comments, she thanked the city for keeping TSC and moving it to the Fred’s building.
• Tony Green and Robin Jordan (2604 Briar Lane): Opposed the rezoning (ORD-26:041) for property at 3030 Whiteman Creek Drive, which would allow a road connection from a proposed self-storage facility onto Briar Lane. They argued the road would increase traffic and disrupt their quiet dead-end street, and that they would not benefit from the development. They requested a circular drive within the developer's property instead.
• Kenny Broadway (2923 North Church): Opposed the private club permit application (ORD-26:037) for 141 Prime Restaurant, citing that the location is near a school and in a residential area, and that a similar application was denied at KAIT Road.

Discussion Items

• RES-26:131 – Playground and Synthetic Turf at New Park on Disciple Drive: Approved 10-0 ($602,041 contract with ACS Playground Adventures). Discussion included a video rendering of the park, cost savings of approximately 15% by ordering before January, and future phases (splash pad, trails, natural areas). Councilmember Anthony Coleman confirmed these future phases and requested timeline and cost details later. Councilmember L.J. Bryant suggested involving parents in design. Engineering Director Craig Light estimated completion by the end of summer 2027. Mayor clarified the water feature is a splash pad, not a swimming pool.
• RES-26:132 – Custom Playground Package for New Park: Approved 10-0 ($807,772.74 contract with Landscape Structures, Inc., for equipment only). Patti Lack inquired about installation costs; Mayor said he would provide that information.
• RES-26:135 – Municipal Lien on 700 Melody: Postponed indefinitely after Councilmember John Street reported the $275 lien had been paid.
• RES-26:140 – Motorola Solutions Radio Equipment for E-911 Center: Approved 10-0. Councilmember Bryant questioned the September 18 pricing deadline mentioned in the contract. E911 Director Ronnie Sturch explained that Motorola offered a discount valid until September 18 but extended it to the end of October after negotiations.
• ORD-26:038 – Camping Prohibition in City Parks and Parking Lots: First reading held. Councilmember David McClain asked about the scope; City Attorney Carol Duncan said it applies to all city-owned parking lots and parks (except designated areas at Craighead Forest) and gives enforcement authority to park rangers and police.
• ORD-26:039 – Traffic Signs at Designated Locations: First reading held.
• ORD-26:040 – Rezoning 300 E Pine Street to RM-12 Multi-Family Residential: First reading held.
• ORD-26:041 – Rezoning 3030 Whiteman Creek Drive to I-1 and C-3: First reading held after public testimony opposing the road connection.
• ORD-26:036 – Amend Penalty to Match State Law: Second reading held.
• ORD-26:037 – Private Club Permit for 141 Prime Restaurant: Second reading held after public opposition.
• ORD-26:031 – Clarify Legislation Sponsorship: Third reading passed 10-0.
• ORD-26:032 – Procedure for Invocation During Council Meetings: Third reading passed 9-1 (Councilmember McClain voted nay). Discussion centered on ensuring council control over who delivers the invocation to prevent unwanted content, and to provide a clear written procedure for ACLU inquiries.
• ORD-26:033 – Update Timelines for Special Called Committee Meeting Notice: Third reading passed 10-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda adopted 10-0 with four items removed.
• RES-26:131 and RES-26:132 both passed 10-0, authorizing playground equipment and installation for the new park on Disciple Drive, with total cost of approximately $1.41 million.
• RES-26:135 postponed indefinitely due to payment.
• RES-26:140 passed 10-0 for Motorola Solutions radio equipment.
• ORD-26:031, ORD-26:032, ORD-26:033 all passed on third reading with votes of 10-0 (except ORD-26:032 9-1).
• November council meeting rescheduled from Tuesday, November 3 to Thursday, November 5, 2026, due to Election Day.