Jonesboro City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Jonesboro City Council met on October 20, 2026, to consider several ordinances, receive reports from the mayor and city council, and hear public comment. Key actions included the passage of a penalty ordinance update and the rejection of a private club permit for a proposed restaurant near an elementary school. The mayor also announced significant grant awards and gave updates on city projects.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously with no changes noted.

Unfinished Business (Second Readings)

• Ordinance 26038 (amending park rules to prohibit camping outside designated areas): Moved to third reading without discussion.
• Ordinance 26039 (placing traffic signs as determined by the Traffic Control Committee): Moved to third reading without discussion.
• Ordinance 26040 (description not specified): Moved to third reading without discussion.
• Ordinance 26041 (rezoning property at 3030 Whitman Creek Drive from C to I1 Limited Use Industrial and C3 General Commercial, requested by Jeremy Bevel on behalf of Heartland Self Storage LLC): Councilman Moore raised a concern about traffic impacts raised by a resident at a previous meeting. City planner Darrell explained that the street was always intended to extend, improving connectivity and reducing traffic on major streets. No further public comments were made. The ordinance moved to third reading.

Business on Third Reading

• Ordinance 26036 (amending general penalty to match state law): Adopted. The city attorney explained the change increases the range of fines a judge can set to align with state law, without altering any specific penalties.
• Ordinance 26037 (private club permit for 141 Prime Restaurant): Defeated after extensive discussion and public testimony. Councilman Coleman stated his opposition due to proximity to a school (Math & Science Elementary School). Councilman Moore noted the school superintendent had asked the council to decline the permit, but argued that proximity to a school had never been a determining factor in past approvals and that the city's established procedure should be followed. Chief Elliott said the police department's review only covers the applicant's criminal history. Public comment included: James Elwin Hines (opposed), Patty Lack (questioned address discrepancies on the application), Bryce Cook (opposed, citing traffic and lacking details), Martin Lilly (expressed support for the applicant and noted precedent), Haley Clifton (expressed support for growth), Shannon Key (the applicant, stated reinvestment in the community), Sarah Beth Cook (opposed due to proximity to elementary school and traffic), Devlin Duke (future manager, stated zero problems at other locations), Sherry Arnder (opposed liquor license near school), Sherry Foster (opposed due to traffic and safety), and Bob Kelly (opposed on principle). After public testimony, the council voted and the motion to adopt did not carry.

Mayor's Report & Council Reports

• Mayor reported on numerous city initiatives: Caraway Road expansion groundbreaking; rail crossing elimination study survey completed; adopt-a-shelter-pet month; fire prevention week (burn ban continued); National Night Out success; Arkansas Graveler event; Meet Me on Main; street improvement updates; United Way Day of Caring (600+ participants); Sandy (company) ribbon-cutting with up to 150 new jobs; NEA Fair; Chamber of Commerce annual meeting; Downtown BBQ Festival; Let's Go Joe app; E911 facility construction update; airport runway overlay/extension near completion; Magnolia Road neighborhood cleanup (11.37 tons of junk, 60+ tires); Employee of the Month Paige Cook.
• Steve Pertee presented the 17th consecutive clean audit for the city, detailing the rigorous financial controls (multiple layers of approval for accounts payable, competitive bidding for purchases over $35,000).
• Mayor announced two new grants: $922,000 TAP grant for a pedestrian pathway from Craighead Forest Park to Southern Hills Boulevard, and a $1.3 million BRIC planning grant for flood mitigation plans for Lost Creek.
• Mayor urged support for the public safety sales tax on the ballot (Safety First Initiative), arguing it is needed to sustain and improve public safety staffing and equipment.
• Council reports: Councilman Coleman thanked police for National Night Out; Councilman Bryant asked about panhandling signs; Councilman Miller encouraged early voting and supported the public safety sales tax; Councilman Street also supported the public safety sales tax; Councilman Moore praised the new police administration building and the finance department.

Public Comments

• James Selwyn Hines asked about the next city council meeting date (adjusted due to elections). The mayor confirmed the change.
• Abe Foster raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the city skate park (concrete crumbling, lack of lighting). He requested maintenance and improvements. The mayor suggested he meet with Jim (parks director) to discuss further.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda adopted.
• Ordinances 26038-26041 moved to third reading.
• Ordinance 26036 (penalty update) adopted.
• Ordinance 26037 (private club permit for 141 Prime Restaurant) did not carry (defeated).
• $922,000 TAP grant and $1.3 million BRIC planning grant received.
• 17th consecutive clean audit presented.
• Council members expressed support for the public safety sales tax (vote to occur on election day, not at this meeting).
• Public input on skate park will be followed up with parks staff.