Public Meetings - Texarkana, Arkansas

The Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors met on May 4, 2026, to consider reappointments to the Airport Authority and the Advertising and Promotion Commission. All votes were unanimous, and the meeting was adjourned after the routine business. Consent Calendar - Reappointment of Ronald Bruce, Adjur Smith, and Rob Sitterly (as stated in the resolution) to the Texarkana Airport Authority for terms running from May 14, 2026 through 2029. Approved unanimously. - Reappointment of Dr. Ellen Holmes to the Advertising and Promotion Commission for a term from March 21, 2026 through 2030. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items No substantive discussion or debate was recorded on any agenda item. Key Outcomes - Airport Authority reappointments: Motion adopted; roll call vote: Director Jewell (yes), Smith (yes), Roberts (yes), Harris (yes), Hollibush (yes), Assistant Mayor Brewer (yes), Mayor Brown (yes). - A&P Commission reappointment: Motion adopted; same unanimous roll call. - Meeting adjourned; next meeting date set for Monday, May 18, 2026.

The regular meeting of the Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors was held on May 4, 2026, at 23:00 UTC. The meeting opened with roll call, invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Employee service awards were presented (though recipients were absent), and a proclamation was read recognizing City Clerk's Week (May 3–9, 2026). The board addressed the consent calendar, discussed a contested audit engagement letter, heard board member commentary on law enforcement practices and grant funding fairness, and received a city manager report on a community grocery survey. Consent Calendar - Item 3: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of April 20, 2026. Approved by voice vote. - Item 5: Resolution to award the engineering contract to Spears Engineering Company LLC for the design of 2025 street bond rehab projects (Broadmoor Drive, Lone Oak Avenue, Pence and Drive). Approved by voice vote. - Item 6: Resolution to amend Resolution 2026-17, adding Washington Street to the contract with Spears Engineering. Approved by voice vote. - Item 4 (audit engagement letter) was pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the board. Discussion Items - Item 4 – 2025 Audit Engagement Letter with Forvis Mazars LLP: The board considered a one‑year engagement at $127,000 (a 3% increase from 2024) plus up to $10,000 for a major program audit under uniform guidance and $3,000 for lease/SBITA testing. Director Harris questioned the lack of competitive bidding, noting the firm’s fees had risen from $89,000 to approximately $138,000 over ten years, and expressed a preference for the state to perform the audit at no cost. The mayor and staff explained that few firms handle municipal appended audits, that the state cannot perform appended audits required for bonding, and that the firm has never exceeded its contracted amount. The resolution was adopted by a roll‑call vote of 4‑1, with Director Harris voting no. - A&P Grant Funding Process: Director Harris raised concerns about the perceived unfairness of the Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission’s decisions. He noted that the public was told no grant funding was available for 2026, yet the commission later approved $15,000 for a fishing tournament. Other board members echoed concerns about transparency. Staff clarified that the commission paused new applications for 2026 to rebuild fund balances but entertained a few late requests. The commission will open applications for 2027 funding later in 2026. Director Harris urged the board to ensure the process appears fair. - State Police on Private Property: Director Harris asked whether Arkansas State Troopers need permission from a business owner to park on private property and write tickets, referencing a location on 9th Street near a Chick‑of‑Fish restaurant. No immediate answer was provided; the matter was noted for follow‑up. - College Hill Grocery Survey: City Manager Tyler reported that a committee (city, Chamber, and community members) developed a survey to assess needs and desires for a grocery store in the College Hill area. Physical copies are available at City Hall, Life House Church, and Boone Ministries, and an online version is accessible via a QR code. The survey will remain open for a couple of weeks. Director Harris objected that he was not initially included on the committee; a Chamber representative stated they had reached out to him. Harris agreed to attend the next committee meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar items 3, 5, and 6 adopted by voice vote. - Resolution accepting the 2025 audit engagement letter with Forvis Mazars LLP passed 4‑1. - The board directed staff to provide additional information on item 4 regarding combining the airport audit and past fee history. - The board will move to executive session to consider reappointments to the Airport Authority and an appointment to the A&P Commission.

This regular meeting of the Texarkana City Board began with a return from executive session. The board discussed community event strategies, voted to reappoint Dr. Ellen Holmes as an AMP commissioner, and set dates for upcoming meetings. Discussion Items - A board member proposed thinking creatively about large-scale events to attract visitors, citing examples such as a barbecue cook-off, a popular preacher drawing thousands, or a big-rig show in Lovkin with 10,000 attendees. The member praised the success of the Pickle Fest, noting it was done with no money, and emphasized the need to pursue higher-impact initiatives. - The board reviewed and discussed the reappointment of Dr. Ellen Holmes as an AMP commissioner. The term length was clarified as four years, with one member representing the public at large. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously (5-0: Mills, Holmes, Jewel, Dotson, Brewer) to reappoint Dr. Ellen Holmes as an AMP commissioner for a four-year term. This recommendation will be forwarded to the city board for final approval. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2026. - A special called meeting was set for May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM.

The Texarkana, Arkansas Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission held a regular meeting on April 21, 2026. The board approved funding for a professional fishing tournament, deferred several large event sponsorship requests pending formal applications, and discussed operational improvements for downtown cleanup and tax compliance. Consent Calendar - Approval of the previous meeting's minutes. Funding Requests and Presentations National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) - Paul Benson, representing the NPFL, requested $15,000. The tournament relocated from Wright Patman Lake to Lake Millwood. Mr. Benson stated the event had an estimated total economic impact of $1.3 to $1.4 million, with roughly $420,000 directly impacting the local area. Commissioner Mills praised the investment. The board approved the funding unanimously (5-0). KM Sports Entertainment Concert Proposal - Ben Goldsmith from KM Sports Entertainment proposed a Clint Black concert downtown on September 12, 2026. The total event budget was $190,000, with a request for $45,000 from the A&P Commission. He projected 5,500-6,000 attendees. Since no formal application was submitted, the board deferred the request, instructing Mr. Goldsmith to complete the paperwork for a potential special meeting. Big Dam Waterpark Event Series - Mr. Blevins of Big Dam Waterpark presented a revised proposal for eight special events costing $173,000 total. He introduced a revenue-sharing model where the city would receive all revenue over $20,000 on event days. Concerns were raised by Commissioners Jewell and Homes regarding auditing, the precedent of subsidizing a private business, and the missing formal application. The board deferred the item pending application review. TV Station Proposal - Dave Evans appeared on behalf of Mr. Crenshaw to postpone discussion on a TV station proposal due to medical reasons. The board agreed to schedule a workshop. Agency Reports and General Discussion All Brand Kind Agency Update - Danny and Tracy of All Brand Kind updated the board on marketing efforts. They coordinated with the NPFL on promotional video shoots. They proposed a new "tourism coffee" networking event and continued development of passport programs to drive business to Arkansas-side vendors during large events. Downtown Cleanup - Commissioner Dotson raised the issue of litter and debris on Broad Street after weekend events. He suggested an allocation of roughly $15,000 for weekend cleanup by park staff. Commissioner Mills proposed using community service workers as an alternative. The board tabled the item to explore the legalities of a community service program. Delinquent A&P Taxes - The board discussed improving delinquent tax collection. The possibility of linking tax compliance to business licenses was debated. Staff indicated they are researching enforceable collection tools. Commission Vacancy - The resignation of Commissioner Alison Wright was announced. An application for the vacant seat was received. The board opted to invite the applicant to the next meeting for an interview before making a recommendation to the city board. Key Outcomes - Approved: $15,000 funding for the National Professional Fishing League (5-0). - Approved: The revised AMP Funding Application packet. - Deferred: KM Sports Entertainment request (pending application). - Deferred: Big Dam Waterpark sponsorship (pending application). - Deferred: Appointment of new commissioner (pending interview). - Next Steps: Staff to investigate community service for downtown cleanup and enforcement tools for delinquent A&P taxes.

The city board convened on April 20, 2026, to consider appointments to the planning commission and equalization board. All votes were unanimous. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Appointments: The board considered the reappointment of Chris Owens to the planning commission and the appointment of Stephen Cross to replace Boots Thomas. A motion was made and seconded. The roll call vote yielded 7 yes votes (Assistant Mayor Brewer, Director Jewell, Director Smith, Director Roberts, Director Harris, Director Holbush, Mayor Brown). The resolution passed. - Equalization Board Reappointment: The board considered the reappointment of Dr. Ellen Holmes to the equalization board. A motion was made and seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous (7 yes). Dr. Holmes was reappointed. - Next Meeting: The board was reminded that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026. Key Outcomes - Chris Owens reappointed to the planning commission. - Stephen Cross appointed to the planning commission (replacing Boots Thomas). - Dr. Ellen Holmes reappointed to the equalization board. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Texarkana, AR Board of Directors convened on April 20, 2026, with Directors Brewer, Jewel, Smith, Roberts, Hollibush, and Mayor Brown present; Director Harris was initially absent but participated later. The meeting included public comments, consent items, and several resolutions and ordinances. Public Comments & Testimony - Debbie Landis, resident of 626 South Mosley Road, detailed a three-year ordeal with an eroded driveway culvert owned by the city. Despite repeated contacts with city officials (Mr. Richards, Mayor Brown, Mr. Douglas) since July 2023, repairs were incomplete or inadequate, while her male neighbor received timely and thorough work. She alleged gender discrimination and requested completion with heavy stone and proper surfacing to ensure safe access. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 6, 2026. (Adopted) - Item 2: Resolution authorizing interim airport director to enter into a no-cost 50-year lease agreement with the FAA for navigational aids. (Adopted) Discussion Items Item 3: Purchase of Property at 1423 Main Street for IT Department - The city manager explained that Texarkana Water Utilities would purchase the building ($188,133 total, appraised at $186,000) to house the IT department. The Arkansas portion ($73,691.70) would come from the TWU Capital Improvement Fund. Director Jewel addressed a public inquiry about the purchase. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0). Item 4: Purchase of Custom Zenith Play Structure for Sand Platte Neighborhood Center - Director Jewel questioned the $66,000.79 price, suggesting cheaper alternatives existed on the vendor's website. Staff responded that other quotes were 20-30% higher and that the price included turnkey installation (base, surfacing, etc.). Director Jewel requested cost comparisons. The resolution passed 6-1, with Director Jewel voting no. Item 5: 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) - A public hearing was held; no comments were received. The grant totals $21,441, with $14,294 allocated to Texarkana Police Department (for ballistic shields and fingerprint scanners) and $7,147 to Miller County. No local match is required. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0). Item 6: Ordinance to Convey Five-Foot Strip of Property at 6 Cambridge Drive - Tyler reported that the city received the five-foot strip in the late 1980s as a drainage easement but never used it. The current owners (Megan Mays and another) requested it back. The city had no future use. The ordinance was read and adopted unanimously on all three readings (7-0 each). Key Outcomes - Consent Items 1 & 2: Adopted. - Resolution for property purchase (Item 3): Passed 7-0. - Resolution for playground purchase (Item 4): Passed 6-1 (Jewel dissenting). - Resolution for JAG grant (Item 5): Passed 7-0. - Ordinance for property conveyance (Item 6): Passed 7-0 on all three readings. Board Comments - Mayor Brown offered condolences for a mass shooting in Shreveport that killed eight children. - Director Smith announced a town hall meeting for Ward 4 on April 30 from 6-8 PM at the recreation center. - Another board member announced a Ward 2 community meeting on April 21 at 6 PM at Greater College Hill Church of God in Christ, and a final meeting on April 28 at City Hall. The meeting adjourned into executive session to consider appointments to the planning commission and equalization board.

April 15, 2026 The Texarkana Historic Commission met on April 15, 2026, with four members present (Michael Hendrix, Jeff Brown, Natasha Crab, Chairman Greg Gallagher) and two absent (Jamie Simmons, Dave Jones). The commission considered two agenda items: a signage application for a new business and a historic home renovation request. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting as written (4-0). Discussion Items New Signage for Tee It Up Golf - Applicant: Representative for Tee It Up Golf (located at the former Texarkana Hardware Company property). The business had previously received approval for window and shingle signage. This application sought approval for an additional hanging sign above the awning, mounted on an existing pole. The sign would be 4 feet by 6 feet, with an aluminum and acrylic frame and internal LED lighting, identical in copy to the existing window signs. - Outcome: The commission unanimously approved the sign application (4-0). The applicant was advised to obtain a sign permit from the Public Works department. Historic Home Upgrades at Former Bobby Ferguson House (18?? Block) - Background: Tedrill Jefferson purchased the property, which is within the Historic District, and had already replaced several doors. He applied to replace windows, doors, and add a rear patio. The house had been vacant for at least 20 years and suffered severe termite damage, causing structural issues and window deterioration. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners noted that the original windows (single-pane wavy glass) had been painted, and some frames were damaged. The applicant had replaced interior doors with exterior doors and discarded the original doors due to termite damage. Commissioners debated the extent of acceptable alterations, emphasizing the importance of preserving the historic character. They suggested exploring window repair, storm windows, or replacement windows matching the original configuration (three over one, three over one). The applicant expressed willingness to compromise but cited budget constraints and urgency. - Applicant’s Position: Mr. Jefferson stated he was willing to comply with historic guidelines but needed functional windows quickly. He proposed a picture window as a cost-effective alternative to preserve the outward appearance, but commissioners preferred replicating the original three-window layout. He also expressed frustration about the lack of notification of historic district status at closing. - Key Discussions: Commissioner Mike offered to visit the property to assess termite damage firsthand. The commission encouraged the applicant to seek estimates for repair or replacement, considering a local craftsman for wood frame construction. The applicant agreed to bring documentation and explore options. - Outcome: The commission moved to table the application for one month to allow the applicant to gather termite damage photos, window repair/replacement estimates, and a proposed door design for the front entry. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). The applicant was advised to contact staff if a special meeting was needed sooner. Key Outcomes 1. Signage Approval: Tee It Up Golf approved for new hanging sign above awning (4-0). 2. Historic Home Project Deferred: Window, door, and patio modifications for the Ferguson house tabled for one month to allow further exploration of preservation-friendly options (4-0). The applicant will present findings at the next meeting or a special meeting.

Meeting reconvened from executive session. The sole business was the appointment of Doug Avery to the Civil Service Commission to fill the unexpired term of Glenn Greenwell. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion Items - Appointment to Civil Service Commission: A motion was made and seconded to appoint Doug Avery to the Civil Service Commission. The City Attorney read the resolution, confirming the vacancy due to Glenn Greenwell's resignation with an unexpired term. The appointment covers a term from April 2023 to 2029. Key Outcomes - Appointment Approved Unanimously: The Board voted to appoint Doug Avery to the Civil Service Commission. Roll call vote: Assistant Mayor Brewer (Yes), Director Chew (Yes), Director Smith (Yes), Director Roberts (Yes), Director Harris (Yes), Director Holbish (Yes), Mayor Brown (Yes). The resolution was passed and approved on April 6, 2026. - Adjournment: Following the appointment, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried by unanimous roll call vote.

The Texarkana (Arkansas) City Board of Directors met on April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in regular session, presided over by Mayor Brown. The meeting covered consent items, several ordinances, a major engineering contract for street rehabilitation, and community announcements. All items on the regular agenda were adopted, many with unanimous votes. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes of the March 16, 2026 regular scheduled meeting. - Resolution Supporting Miller County Red Dirt Master Gardeners Community Greenhouse Project: Adopted a resolution to support the community greenhouse project to be located at Terry Lee Rogers Recreation Center. - Resolution for Tyler Technology MyGov Software Agreement: Authorized the city manager to enter into an implementation services and hosting agreement with Tyler Technology for the Public Works department's integrated software solutions. - Vote: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Item 4 – Acceptance of Drainage Land Donation (0.12 acres): The city accepted a donation of a small parcel (0.12 acres, Parcel 1230150) from Michael Franklin and Stephen Mark Davis. The land is already maintained as a drainage easement by the city; the donor no longer wished to pay taxes on it. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0). - Item 5 – Engineering Contract for 2025 Street Bond Rehab Project: The board awarded an engineering contract to A. L. Frank's Engineering for design of streets (Sammy Lane, Forest Street, Harris Lane, Rocky Creek Road). Estimated construction cost: $1,980,000; engineering fee: $140,500 ($103,000 design + $37,500 construction admin/inspection). Funding will come from the Public Works budget initially, with bond funds available June 2026. Discussion included concerns about total engineering costs (estimated $2 million across all projects) and the inability to hire an in-house engineer for all work. City staff explained the engineer's role: surveying, drainage design, base stabilization, asphalt mix, culvert evaluation, etc. Passed unanimously (7-0). - Item 6 – Police Presence Requirements for Public Facilities Use (Ordinance Amendment): The ordinance was revised from a previous resolution (needed to be an ordinance). Key provisions: one security officer per 500 persons; for events with fewer than 2,500 persons, all officers can be private security; for 2,500–5,000 persons, a minimum of two must be TAPD (Texarkana Arkansas Police Department) officers; for each additional 2,500, add two more TAPD officers. Rates vary for officer, sergeant, lieutenant based on availability. Fee is collected by TAPD. The ordinance was given three readings and adopted on final vote 6-1 (Director Harris voted no). - Item 7 – Private Club Approval for Lost Tacos (422 N. State Line Ave): Granted prerequisite municipal approval for a private club license application by Raphael Figaroa for Lost Tacos. Passed unanimously (7-0). - Item 8 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance: Adopted an ordinance to allow one accessory dwelling unit per lot with a single family home, complying with state law enacted by January 1, 2026. Key rules: ADU must have own cooking, sleeping, sanitation; minimum 10 ft from other structures; allowed in side/back yards (except A1 zone where front yard allowed); no additional parking required; not required to match primary home. Restrictive covenants still apply. An emergency clause was attached for immediate compliance. Final vote unanimous (7-0) for ordinance and for emergency clause. - Item 9 – Accessory Structures in Side Yards (Amending K-286): Allowed accessory structures (e.g., sheds, boat covers) in side yards, provided they are behind the front building line. Previously limited to rear yard. Discussion on relationship with restrictive covenants. Ordinance passed 6-0-1 (Director Smith abstained). - Item 10 – Rezoning for Flying J Truck Stop (8300/8315 State Hwy 108, Camper Lane): Changed zoning from C-3 (open display commercial) to Mixed-Use Highway to make the truck stop a legally conforming use, allowing future expansion. Previously it was legally non-conforming. Passed unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Engineering Contract Awarded: A. L. Frank's Engineering selected for $140,500 in design fees for street rehab (bonds arriving June 30, 2026). - Police Presence Ordinance Adopted (6-1): Requires TAPD officers at large events (≥2,500 persons) with a ratio of 1 per 500. - ADU Ordinance Adopted with Emergency Clause: Immediately legalizes one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot, per state mandate. - Accessory Structures Allowed in Side Yards: Ordinance passes 6-0-1. - Flying J Rezoned to Mixed-Use Highway: Unanimous approval. - Future Meetings & Community Events: Board announced a ward meeting (April 30, 2026, 6-8pm at Recreation Center) and a series of four community meetings (April 7, 14, 21, 28) hosted by Director Harris. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026, followed by an executive session on a Civil Service Commission appointment.