Public Meetings - Texarkana, Arkansas

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with roll call, invocation, and pledge of allegiance. The board addressed routine consent items, conducted a public hearing on weed liens, heard public comments on downtown maintenance and an upcoming community meeting, and held a lengthy discussion on the process for adding agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the regular meeting of August 3, 2026. - Adopted a resolution authorizing a change order for the ready site water and sewer extension project. - Adopted a resolution approving change order number one for the runway 4/22 extension overlay project at Texarkana Regional Airport. - Adopted a resolution to award an engineering contract with A.L. Franks Engineering for design of Nick's Creek walk and trail from Seibert Street to 500 feet past Pinehurst Street. - All consent items passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Adri Smith (Vice Chair, Republican Committee) announced a nonpartisan public meeting on Issue 3, scheduled for September 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Hickory Street Baptist Church. She expressed support for Issue 3 as something needed in the community. - George Dotson (resident, 220 East Broad) presented photographs showing overgrown weeds, trash, and hazardous sidewalk conditions in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas. He expressed frustration with the city's lack of maintenance, noting that new businesses are investing but the city is not keeping up with beautification. He stated that he personally maintains the area in front of his home but cannot do the entire sidewalk. Mayor Brown suggested concrete as a safety solution, but Dotson opposed, preferring foliage. City Manager stated an RFP for maintenance of the entertainment district is being prepared for bid. Discussion ensued about whether A&P funds could be used, with the city attorney opining that they likely could for trash pickup and maintenance (not capital improvements). The board agreed to have the AMP council address the legal findings. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on Weed Liens (27 overgrown lots): Roger (public works) presented the item. The board held a public hearing, no one from the public spoke. City attorney read the resolution. The resolution passed on a roll call vote: Director Harris abstained; Director Holbes, Assistant Mayor Brewer, Director Jewel, Director Smith, Director Roberts, and Mayor Brown voted yes. - Board Discussion on Agenda-Setting Process: Director Harris raised concerns about why two of his requested agenda items had not been added. City Attorney explained that the items lacked sufficient information to draft a legal resolution or ordinance, and the City Manager must approve legal sufficiency. Director Harris noted that he had sent questions but had not received answers. City Manager confirmed that if a board member requests a workshop, it must be scheduled within 30 days. Director Jewel stated he would second any request if all information is provided. The discussion clarified that the city attorney drafts ordinances/resolutions, and items requiring legal review cannot proceed without necessary details. - Recognition and Updates: Director Smith thanked Gary Smith (TWE) for resolving a water issue at Sunrise RV. Director Smith also promoted programs at the recreation center, noting services from Alzheimer's support to chair aerobics. He announced a Ward 4 town hall meeting on September 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the recreation center. - Closing Remarks: Mayor Brown thanked the public utilities commission and others for their work. Key Outcomes - Adopted consent agenda (4 items) unanimously. - Adopted resolution placing liens on 27 overgrown lots (8 yes, 1 abstention). - City Manager to finalize and issue RFP for maintenance of the entertainment district. - Board to schedule a workshop (if requested) within 30 days to address Director Harris's agenda items once sufficient information is provided. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.

The Texas County, Arkansas Planning Commission held its regular meeting on August 11, 2026. Commissioners present: Stephen Cross, Anita Pickett, Jason Dupree, Chairman Neal, Dr. Hickerson, Corey Mobbs. Chris Owens was absent. A quorum was present. The meeting was called to order and roll call was taken. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Summarized Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were presented for review. A motion to adopt was made and seconded, and passed unanimously. (Outcome: Minutes adopted.) Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit (Mike Thacker): Mike Thacker requested a conditional use permit for property at 1021 East Broad (Lot 1, Block 1, K.K. 2-11 Subdivision, Section 20, Township 15, Range 28, Miller County, Arkansas, 1.5 acres) for the purpose of operating a wrecker service (tow yard). Staff reported that the property is zoned C3 (commercial) and requires a conditional use permit because city ordinance prohibits wrecker services within 500 feet of a residential district. However, no residential zoning exists within 500 feet of the property; the nearest residence is also in a commercial zone. The property is separated from a dog park and a high school by Nick's Creek and is in a floodplain, unlikely to be developed residentially. All required notices were sent, and no opposition was received. Mr. Thacker explained his plans to fence the area with a seven-foot privacy fence to screen damaged vehicles from city view, as required by code. Access will be from either 67 or 12th Street. He currently owns four tow trucks: two medium-duty rollbacks, one weight truck with wheel lift, and one heavy truck. Commission members expressed support, noting it is a good use of the property. Vote: Motion to approve the conditional use permit. Passed with ayes from Dr. Hickerson and Corey Mobbs (others present not recorded as opposed). The permit does not require further board approval. Staff Comments & Other Business - Next Meeting Date: Staff announced that the next regular meeting will be Wednesday, September 9, 2026, because Monday, September 7 is Labor Day (a holiday). The board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8, and the planning commission meeting moves to Wednesday. Key Outcomes - The minutes of the previous meeting were adopted. - Conditional use permit for Mike Thacker's wrecker service at 1021 East Broad was approved. - Next meeting rescheduled to September 9, 2026. - Meeting adjourned.

The Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors held its regular meeting on August 3, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brown with all directors present. The board addressed a consent agenda, street rehabilitation contracts, property liens, several zoning ordinance amendments, and heard extensive board commentary on city maintenance and development. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved Items 2 (minutes), 3 (Lindbergh Street water main contract), 5, and 6. Item 4 was pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the initial citizens' communication period. - Gary Davis, prospective owner of the property at 1401 Dudley Street, addressed the board during the public hearing for the rezoning. He stated his support for a C1 zoning to operate a funeral home, specifying the building would be used as an office/conference center. Discussion Items - Consent Item 4 - Street Rehabilitation Contract: Director Jewel pulled the item for clarification on alternate bids for the Sanderson Lane, Senator Street, Garland Avenue, and Washington Street project. Staff confirmed Contact Contractors was the low bidder at $3,093,969.99. The selected bid utilizes asphalt on straightaways and concrete at truck turn sections. The resolution was adopted unanimously. - Item 7 - 110 East Broad Street Demolition Lien: A public hearing was held for the demolition of the property. The total demolition cost was $630,000, but state law limits the tax lien to $15,000. The board adopted the resolution placing the $15,000 lien, with the city intending to pursue the remaining balance. - Item 8 - Liens for 43 Overgrown Lots: The board held a public hearing and adopted a resolution to place liens on 43 properties for overgrowth cleanup. Staff confirmed the liens are prioritized over property taxes, improving collection rates. - Item 9 - Rezoning of 1401 Dudley Street (O1 to C1): The board considered an ordinance to rezone the property for a funeral home. 21 property owners were notified with no opposition received. The ordinance passed on its final adoption. - Item 10 - Rezoning of 6600 Sugar Hill Road (R1 to A1): The board adopted an ordinance rezoning 20 acres to allow an owner to build a personal storage building before constructing a residence. The A1 zone permits this for large parcels. The slab had already been poured. The ordinance passed unanimously on adoption. - Item 11 - Rezoning of Parcel at Beach & MLK Jr. Blvd (C3/R4 to R2): The board rezoned a split-zoned parcel to R2 to restrict development to a single-family home. The ordinance was adopted 6-1, with Director Holobesh dissenting. - Board Commentary: - Director Harris provided a comprehensive list of unresolved Ward 2 issues, including drainage problems on multiple streets (Grant, Garfield, Clyde, Park, Morris, Seba). He expressed strong frustration with the city manager's response time, stating he felt his ward was being deprioritized. He advocated for a grocery store incentive program for College Hill, a housing coordinator position, and utilizing a new federal housing bill (HR 6644) for funding. - Director Smith announced a Ward 4 community meeting scheduled for September 24, 2026. - Removal from Commission: The board unanimously approved a resolution removing Diane Patterson from the Advertising and Promotion Commission upon discovering her Texas residency, which violates state law. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Item 4 (Street Rehab Contract): Adopted unanimously. Authorized contract with Contact Contractors ($3,093,969.99). - Item 7 (110 E. Broad St Lien): Adopted unanimously. - Item 8 (43 Overgrown Lots): Adopted unanimously. - Item 9 (1401 Dudley St Rezone to C1): Ordinance adopted. - Item 10 (6600 Sugar Hill Rezone to A1): Ordinance adopted unanimously. - Item 11 (Beach & MLK Rezone to R2): Ordinance adopted 6-1 (Director Holobesh dissenting). - Diane Patterson Removal: Approved unanimously. - Next Meeting: August 17, 2026.

The Texarkana Arkansas A&P Commission met on July 21, 2026, to discuss funding proposals, tourism marketing updates, enforcement of delinquent taxes, and a potential sports complex. Key decisions included scheduling a single funding meeting for October, moving forward with hiring a tourism director, and authorizing legal research on tax enforcement. The meeting began with a prayer and pledge, followed by roll call establishing a quorum. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by a voice vote. Discussion Items - West Crenshaw Workshop Request: West Crenshaw (401 Wood Street, Texarkana, AR) requested a special workshop on July 28 to present a proposal for a community communications hub using his Class A television station (Channel 35). He explained that recent FCC streaming auctions would eliminate free TV channels, and his station could serve as a hub for local events, nonprofits, and emergency alerts at no cost to the city, covering up to a 30-mile radius with streaming and an app. Commissioner Jewell noted the proposal included a request for $6,500 per month (approx. $78,000/year) for power costs. Some commissioners expressed concern about setting a precedent, and Mr. Crenshaw was allowed 15 minutes to present his bullet points. A motion to schedule the workshop on July 28 failed due to lack of a second. It was clarified that the next funding opportunity is in October 2026 after applications open August 1. - For All Brand Kind (FABK) Marketing Update: Danny Hamblett and Tracy Pittman of FABK (ad agency for the commission under Experience Texarkana brand) presented their 2026 goals and results. Key metrics included: 7,300 outbound clicks to partner businesses (260% increase from prior year), 4 million total paid ad impressions, 860,700 people reached on Meta, and 25,700 households reached via streaming TV. They discussed the need for a potential tourism director to handle face-to-face convention presence, sports recruiting, and grants, noting that other Arkansas AMPs (e.g., Eureka Springs) have such roles. Commissioner Dodson questioned the lack of promotion of Texarkana Arkansas at the recent air show; FABK clarified that co-branding occurred and suggested future improvements. - 2027 Funding Schedule: Tyler (city staff) outlined the application timeline: applications open August 1 and close August 28. The commission discussed whether to hold a separate workshop (for questions) and then a decision meeting, or a single meeting to hear all presentations and vote. After a roll call, the commission voted 3-2 in favor of a single meeting in October (with an early 2:30 PM start) to streamline the process. - Delinquent A&P Taxes: Tyler reported ongoing efforts to address delinquent tax payments. Currently, the city cannot revoke certificates of occupancy for nonpayment. A motion was made and passed unanimously to have the city attorney research legal enforcement options, with direction to report findings at the October meeting. - Sports Complex Concept: Commissioner Dodson presented a slide deck suggesting a sports complex (volleyball, pickleball, basketball, baseball, swimming, ice rink) to attract tournaments and boost tourism. He referenced his children’s AAU travel experiences and noted the region’s geographic advantages (I-30, I-49). Tyler provided data from the Swanger Sports Complex (Texas side) showing a 61% increase in visitors, a 431% increase in visitors from 100 miles away, and a 45% increase in hotel visits after its opening. A one-weekend tournament on the Arkansas side at Edward Park generated 1,757 hotel visitors (1,100 on Arkansas side) out of 7,000 total visitors – nearly half of all visitors from all other A&P-funded events combined. Commissioner Mills advocated for setting aside annual reserves for long-term capital investments. The commission did not vote on a new project but noted the numbers for future consideration. - Downtown Maintenance Concerns: A commissioner (unidentified but speaking from the board) raised issues with knee-high grass and trash in downtown Texarkana Arkansas. City Manager Tyler stated that A&P funds cannot lawfully be used for general city maintenance (e.g., lawn care, trash pickup). He suggested pursuing community service programs through the district court. Commissioner Jewell asked if A&P could contract an outside vendor; the attorney noted legal constraints. The discussion ended without a formal motion. - Commission Vacancy: The chair declared a vacancy on the commission (hotel industry seat). It was noted that a previous applicant was disqualified after it was discovered she lived in Hooks, Texas, not Texarkana Arkansas. Staff will advertise the vacancy. Key Outcomes - Workshop request failed: Motion to schedule a July 28 workshop for West Crenshaw failed (no second). - 2027 funding format: Approved a single joint workshop/decision meeting in October (3-2 vote). - Tax enforcement research: Motion passed unanimously to have the city attorney explore legal options for delinquent A&P tax collection. - Tourism director recruitment: Motion passed unanimously to move forward with creating a job description, researching salary benchmarks from comparable Arkansas AMPs, and reporting back at a special called meeting before October. - Air show next date: July 1, 2028 was confirmed for the next air show (every two years). - Adjournment: Motion passed unanimously.

The board reconvened from executive session to consider a single appointment to the Historic District Commission. The resolution was read by the city attorney and approved unanimously. The next regular meeting was scheduled for August 3, 2026. Appointment to the Historic District Commission - The board considered filling a vacancy on the Historic District Commission. A motion was made and seconded to appoint Jenny Taff (also referred to as Jenny Taft in the reading of the resolution) to a term running from January 17, 2023, to 2027. - The city attorney read the resolution formally approving the appointment. - Note: The transcript references the resolution as passed on "this 20th day of July 2026," while the provided meeting timestamp is July 21, 2026; a discrepancy exists in the source materials. Key Outcomes - Vote on Appointment: The board voted unanimously to appoint Jenny Taff/Taft to the Historic District Commission. Roll call: Director Roberts – yes, Director Harris – yes, Director Tool – yes, Director Smith – yes, Mayor Brown – yes. The resolution passed. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting was scheduled for Monday, August 3, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the vote.

The City of Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors held a regular meeting on July 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Municipal Building Boardroom. Mayor Brown presided with Directors Roberts, Holdesh, Tool, Smith, and Harris present (Harris initially noted absent but later participated in votes). The meeting included citizen comments, employee service awards, a consent calendar, and multiple resolutions and ordinances covering infrastructure, police agreements, private club licensing, and artificial intelligence policies. Consent Calendar - Ten items were initially placed on the consent agenda. Item 6 (airport CMAR contract) and Item 9 (street rehab projects) were removed for separate discussion. - The remaining items (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11) were approved unanimously by voice vote. These included: approval of July 6 meeting minutes; purchase of water/wastewater treatment chemicals; Lakewood Elevated Tank contract; Johnson Lane water main extension; emergency generator at City Hall; amendment to engineering contract for 2025 street bond projects; award of engineering contract for additional street bond projects; and purchase of an asphalt injection truck. Public Comments & Testimony - Sean Taylor (resident, 204 East Side Drive): Expressed concern about the Seabird bridge, closed for over two years. Noted safety impacts for emergency vehicles and the appearance of dirt piles. The Mayor responded that a grant from ARDOT is in place but ARDOT refused to allow demolition and temporary crossing until a feasibility study was completed; the city is now seeking funds to demolish and install a temporary crossing on its own, with hope to begin within weeks. Taylor also inquired about FEMA funds for creek erosion—staff reported the project is still pending due to FEMA staff changes—and about illegal ATV riding on the walking trail, overgrown lots, and spraying of right-of-way. The Mayor assured action on signage and maintenance. - Mr. May (resident, 63 years old, Cobey Street area): Presented photos of a snake bite, tree damage from city mowing, and vehicle damage from potholes. Complained about lack of lot maintenance and stated he has been repeatedly put off. Mayor acknowledged the complaints and said public works would follow up. - Jay Patel (owner, Sunrise RV Park): Reported that his water/sewer bill tripled from approximately $2,800 to $6,300 per month due to a new sewer charge of $31 per spot for 114 spots (totaling $3,500 additional). He said this represents 18% of his income and is unsustainable. Staff explained the current ordinance requires a minimum sewer bill per lot regardless of occupancy, and that the prior owner had not been properly billed. The Mayor and City Manager stated they are working on a potential ordinance change to address the situation, but no timeline was given. - Sandy Burke (Texas side resident): Expressed concerns about the proposed use of AI and flock cameras, citing potential for surveillance and mistrust. She provided printed articles and mentioned a Facebook group (Deflock Texarkana). Urged the board to proceed cautiously. Discussion Items - Item 6 (Airport MRO Project – CMAR Contract): Director Jewell requested this item be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. Interim Airport Director Russ presented that the contract with Alltech Inc. is for pre-construction and construction manager-at-risk services for the maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) project. No money is associated with this phase; only a 3.5% fee on construction will apply later. The project is site preparation for a future paint hangar that will house aircraft such as 777s and C-130s and is expected to create about 160 jobs at $60,000/year. The total airport extension and MRO project is estimated at $40-50 million. The board voted to adopt the resolution approving the contract. - Item 9 (Street Rehab Projects – Contract with Francis Excavating): Director Harris asked about the use of savings from the low bid. The City Manager explained that a contingency fund of $357,465.86 is included for unforeseen base failures. The contract amount is not to exceed $2,144,795.14. The board voted to adopt the resolution. - Item 12 (Liens on Overgrown Lots): A public hearing was held for four properties with unpaid weed abatement liens. No public comment was made. The board adopted the resolution placing liens on the properties. - Item 13 (Police Assistance MOU with UA Hope-Texarkana): Chief presented an intergovernmental agreement allowing mutual police assistance between TAPD and the university police department. The board adopted the resolution. - Item 14 (Private Club Application – The Concho LLC): Applicant David Peavy requested municipal approval for a private club at 305 Front Street. Discussion included the tax burden on alcohol sales in Arkansas compared to Texas (29% vs. 8.25%). Peavy acknowledged the issue but said it is state-imposed. The ordinance was read three times and adopted with an emergency clause. - Item 15 (Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy): Brandon presented an ordinance creating a generative AI policy to comply with state law requirements for grant eligibility. The policy includes unacceptable uses, requires trust-but-verify, and applies to all city employees. The ordinance was adopted with an emergency clause. - Item 16 (Personnel Policy Update – AI and Housekeeping): Scott presented an ordinance amending the personnel policy to include AI provisions and update outdated titles (e.g., adding Chief Information Officer). The ordinance was adopted with an emergency clause. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11: Approved unanimously. - Resolution (Item 6) authorizing airport director to enter CMAR contract with Alltech Inc.: Approved 6-0 on roll call. - Resolution (Item 9) authorizing construction contract with Francis Excavating for street rehab: Approved 6-0 on roll call. - Resolution (Item 12) placing liens on four overgrown lots: Approved 6-0 on roll call (Director Roberts abstained). - Resolution (Item 13) approving MOU with UA Hope-Texarkana Police: Approved 6-0 on roll call. - Ordinance (Item 14) granting private club approval for The Concho LLC: Adopted 6-0 on third reading, with emergency clause attached. - Ordinance (Item 15) adopting generative AI usage policy: Adopted 6-0 on third reading, with emergency clause attached. - Ordinance (Item 16) amending personnel policy to incorporate AI: Adopted 6-0 on third reading, with emergency clause attached. - Board Commentary: Director Harris submitted a list of additional streets in Ward 2 that he believes need repair, including suggestions to chip seal Ferguson Street and address drainage issues on Grove Street. The list was given to the City Manager for future consideration. - The board then entered executive session to consider an appointment to the Historic District Commission.

The Texarkana Arkansas Planning Commission met on July 14, 2026, with six members present (Stephen Cross, Anita Pickett, Jason Dupree, Dr. Hickerson, Chris Owens, Corey Mobbs) and one absence (Chairman Neal), establishing a quorum. The meeting addressed three rezoning requests and one conditional use permit application. All actions were approved unanimously and, except for the conditional use permit, will be forwarded to the Board of Directors. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4 (Sandra Suman rezoning to A1): Sandra Suman, the property owner, spoke in favor, stating she wanted more options to develop the property for personal use (garden, barn, eventual home). Two people opposed the request: one adjacent property owner expressed concern about storage use without residence, and another cited his own property plans but did not elaborate. - Item 5 (Gary Davis rezoning to C1 for funeral home): Lou Santa, owner of an adjacent property, initially expressed concern but clarified after discussion that she had no objection, noting the rezoning would only affect the specific parcel (1401 Dudley). - Item 6 (Raymond Paul Taylor conditional use permit for cattle): Raymond Taylor, the requester, spoke in favor, explaining he wants four calves as pets and that his grandson (almost 19) will help care for them; a fence permit has been obtained. Greg Schumate, a neighbor, spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the grandson's driving, noise, lack of water for cattle, and potential for additional animals. Taylor countered that the disagreement stems from a fence and tree dispute. Discussion Items - Item 3 (Eric McCoy rezoning from R4/C3 to residential): The property, located at Beach and MLK Parkway, consists of three lots (two commercial, one residential). The requester was absent but had discussed wanting to build a single-family home. Staff noted R4 allows duplexes/triplexes. A commissioner recommended R2 (single-family only) to match the intent. The motion was amended to R2. - Item 4 (Sandra Suman rezoning from R1 to A1): The 20.71-acre parcel is at 6600 Sugar Hill corner of I-30. Staff explained A1 allows limited mixed uses like corn mazes or wedding venues; the owner wants to develop personal storage/barn before building a home. Staff noted most of the property is in a flood zone. - Item 5 (Gary Davis rezoning from O1 to C1 for funeral home): The property at 1401 Dudley is currently vacant (formerly a dentist office). Staff clarified the funeral home is not a crematorium (a separate facility on East Street). The requester was not present, but the owner's estate signed the form. - Item 6 (Raymond Paul Taylor conditional use permit for cattle): The 6-acre parcel on Rocky Creek Road is zoned R1. Under current rules, one animal per acre is allowed (max 6). The request is for four calves as pets. Discussion focused on land use suitability, neighbor disputes, and enforcement of conditions. Commissioners emphasized the permit is limited to four cows and goes with the property (lapses after six months of non-use). Key Outcomes - Item 3: Motion to rezone to R2 passed unanimously (6-0). Will go to the Board of Directors meeting on August 3, 2026. - Item 4: Motion to rezone to A1 passed unanimously (6-0). Will go to the Board of Directors meeting on August 3, 2026. - Item 5: Motion to rezone to C1 passed unanimously (6-0). Will go to the Board of Directors meeting on August 3, 2026. - Item 6: Motion to approve a conditional use permit for up to four cows on the property passed unanimously (6-0). This decision is final and does not require Board approval.

This board meeting in Texarkana, Arkansas, took place on July 6, 2026, and was recorded at 23:36:46+00:00. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based only on the raw transcript. The main action was a unanimous roll-call vote to appoint Diane to the A & P board, followed by announcement of the next meeting and unanimous adjournment. Discussion Items - A motion was made to appoint Diane to the A & P board. A second was offered on "both motions," and the record states, "It's been motion and second," though the agenda/minutes are unavailable to confirm what the second item was. - A speaker recalled that a previous appointment attempt had targeted the wrong person and said this time the board had the right person. The speaker praised Diane's detailed information about hotel matters presented at a prior A & P meeting, saying she can readily verify information brought before the board. - Another speaker vouched for Diane as "a very good lady," and Diane appeared to express appreciation. Key Outcomes - Appointment approved unanimously: Directors Roberts, Harris, Jewel, and Smith, and Assistant Mayor Brewer voted yes; the motion carried. (The transcript later spells the Assistant Mayor's name "Burr" during the adjournment roll call.) - Next meeting scheduled: Monday, July 20, 2026. - Adjournment approved unanimously: All board members voted yes on the motion to adjourn.

Overview The Texarkana Board of Directors met on July 6, 2026, with Mayor Brown and Assistant Mayor Burr present, along with Directors Roberts, Harris, Hollibush, Jewell, and Smith. The meeting included a consent agenda, public comments, and two rezoning votes. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the June 15, 2026 regular meeting. - Adopted a resolution authorizing the water conservation and drought contingency plan. Public Comments & Testimony - Gary Carter – Lifelong resident of Texarkana and retired firefighter who owns Tri-State Cremation and Funeral Services. He expressed disappointment that a ward director publicly criticized his new business on Facebook, arguing such behavior discourages other businesses from investing in the College Hill area. He asked the board to support business growth. - George Dodson – Downtown resident and part-owner of Hopkins Ice House. He raised two concerns: (1) poor downtown cleanliness and weed overgrowth, requesting the city improve trash pickup and weeding. (2) As a member of the Advertising and Promotion (A&P) committee, he warned that eliminating the A&P tax would end all tourism marketing funding ($0 total), urging the board to find better metrics for spending rather than abolishing the tax. Discussion Items - Rezoning 1617 Dudley Street (Ward 2) – Staff presented that the property (corner of Dudley and Ferguson) is an older building with a history of commercial use (pawn shop, earlier a store). The lot does not meet minimum size for C1 (General Commercial) zoning, but the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval due to the lack of convenience stores in College Hill and support from a neighborhood petition. The applicants, who live adjacent, plan a convenience store named "US" (for our neighborhood). Board members noted the need for commercial services in the area and determined the variance on lot size would not set an adverse precedent. - Rezoning 4620 Old Ore Road (Ward1) – The 40-acre property currently zoned R1 (Residential) has one manufactured home. The owner wants to place a second manufactured home, requiring rezoning to A1 (Limited Mixed Use), which allows two residences per lot with at least 2.5 acres each. No objections were raised. Board members described the property as well-kept and appropriate for the request. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Rezoning 1617 Dudley Street: The ordinance was approved on a roll call vote of 5-0 (Directors Roberts, Harris, Jewell, Smith, and Assistant Mayor Brewer all voting yes). No emergency clause. - Rezoning 4620 Old Ore Road: The ordinance was approved through two readings with an emergency clause, unanimous (5-0). - The board then moved to executive session without further discussion.