The Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors met on March 16, 2026, to discuss and act on several agenda items, including airport infrastructure projects, demolition of the juvenile detention center, police presence requirements for public events, and updates to the city's purchasing policy. Key decisions included approvals of engineering agreements for taxiway widening and JDC demolition, establishment of police staffing fees based on crowd size, and adoption of a revised purchasing ordinance. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes of the rescheduled March 2, 2026, regular meeting by unanimous vote. A resolution authorizing a grant application for East Ninth Street sidewalk improvements was removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - During the citizens' communication period, no members of the public addressed the board. - Later in the meeting, audience member Miss Percy inquired about items already removed from the juvenile detention center (JDC), such as the chain-link fence and air conditioning, which had been salvaged by Miller County for use at the airport armory. Discussion Items - East Ninth Street Sidewalk Grant: Director Harris questioned whether the city manager would pursue additional sidewalk projects along East Street and Division Street that are included in the MPO plan. The city manager indicated that no additional grants are being sought this year due to lack of funds. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Airport Taxiway Widening (Resolution 3): The board considered a resolution authorizing the airport director to enter an agreement with Garver Engineering for the design and administration of widening Taxiway B and D and converting Runway 13, at a cost not to exceed $773,200. The project is funded 95% by FAA grants and 5% by the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics, with no local match. Construction is estimated to begin in early 2027. Director Harris asked about the bidding process and ensuring local contractor opportunities. The board approved the resolution. - JDC Demolition – Engineering Services (Resolution 4): The board debated a resolution to authorize $82,100 for Garver Engineering to administer the demolition of the juvenile detention center on airport property. Director Harris expressed strong opposition, arguing that the building could serve local youth detention needs, and requested that the city seek an exemption from the FAA to preserve the building. A motion to table the resolution failed (2 yeas, 4 nays). The board voted to approve the resolution (5-1, with Director Harris dissenting). - JDC Demolition – Bid Solicitation (Resolution 5): A companion resolution authorized $317,900 for Garver Engineering to seek bids for the demolition. Director Harris reiterated his concerns about losing the facility. The board approved 5-1. - Police Presence Requirements (Resolution 6): The board approved a resolution establishing minimum police officer staffing for public events based on crowd size, with hourly rates ranging from $55.73 for regular officers to $83.52 for lieutenants. Crowds under 500 require one officer; 500-1,000 require two; over 1,000 require one per 500 persons. Applicants may hire their own security, subject to police approval, as long as they meet the same staffing ratios. - Purchasing Policy Update (Resolution 7): The board adopted an ordinance amending Ordinance M59 to update the city’s purchasing policy, including raising the pre-approval threshold from $500 to $2,500, adding language to prevent splitting purchases to avoid approval, and clarifying invoice versus requisition processes. The ordinance passed on three readings and an emergency clause was attached. - TSA Staff Support: During the meeting, board members discussed the impact of the federal government shutdown on local TSA agents, who have not received pay. The city is coordinating food donations and encouraged community members to provide gift cards or fuel cards through the TSA office. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of March 2, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved the East Ninth Street sidewalk grant application resolution (unanimous). - Approved the airport taxiway widening engineering agreement (unanimous). - Approved the JDC demolition engineering agreement (5-1, Director Harris dissenting). - Approved the JDC demolition bid solicitation agreement (5-1, Director Harris dissenting). - Approved the police presence requirements resolution (unanimous). - Adopted the purchasing policy ordinance on three readings with an emergency clause (unanimous).
Public Meetings - Texarkana, Arkansas
Public Meetings - Texarkana, ArkansasThe Texas County Arkansas Planning Commission held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, with Chairman Neal presiding. Commissioners Pickett, Dr. Hickerson, Owens, and Mobbs were present; DuPri and Thomas were absent. The agenda included adoption of minutes, two ordinance revisions, two major conditional use permits, and one rezoning. Public testimony highlighted strong public debate, particularly around the two conditional use permits. Consent Calendar - Item 2 – Minutes: Unanimously adopted the summarized minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting. - Item 3 – Accessory Structures: Unanimously approved a revision to Section 50146 to allow accessory structures (e.g., detached garages, pools, gazebos) in side yards, per staff recommendation. - Item 4 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Unanimously approved a revision to allow ADUs in side yards, requiring them to meet the same principal setbacks as the main structure, consistent with state guidance. - Item 6 – Rezoning (Flying J): Unanimously approved the rezoning of the Flying J truck stop from legally non-conforming to the Mixed Use Highway zone to allow potential expansion. Discussion Items & Public Testimony Item 5: Conditional Use Permit – Boarding House (Pathway to Higher Dimension) - Applicant Position: Applicant George Jefferson (Hedrill Jefferson, Malachi Group Trust) proposed operating a faith-based transitional housing program for up to 24 men reintegrating from incarceration at the former Ritz Motel (1415 East Broad). He emphasized the program’s structure, including job training, life skills, no sex offenders, and 24/7 staffing, and stated it meets a critical need for the state. - Public Testimony: Taronsela Hines Flowers questioned access to recreation and fresh food in the area, calling the location desolate. - Commission Deliberation: Building official Jamie clarified the need for a CUP due to capacity (25 state approved versus 16 local limit for other home types) and strict state oversight. Concerns included fencing, proximity to Arkansas High School, property security, and the lack of a completed state application. - Vote: 3 in favor (Pickett, Hickerson, Owens), 2 opposed (Mobbs, Chairman Neal). The chair initially stated the motion passed but corrected himself, ruling that a majority of the full board (4 votes) was required. Motion Failed. The conditional use permit was denied. - Next Steps: Mr. Jefferson was informed he could appeal the decision to the Board of Directors in writing within 10 days. Item 7: Conditional Use Permit – Duplexes on East Street - Applicant Position: JC (Ford Battle Investments) requested a CUP for five duplexes on 5 acres at 341 East Street in a C3 zone. He argued the project addresses the city’s critical lack of diverse housing and helps retain growth on the Arkansas side. Property managers from Tri-State Realty clarified the units will be market rate (approx. $1,000/month), not Section 8, with strict screening and property management standards. - Public Testimony (Opposition): Several neighbors and property owners raised concerns. Taronsela Hines Flowers cited lack of community resources. Leah Collie expressed fears of property devaluation and transient turnover. Jerry Rhodes highlighted the rural character, liability from ponds and creeks, and significant neighborhood opposition. Karen Rhodes read a statement from Mary Clayton voicing concerns for elderly residents’ peace and quiet. Doyle Holmes restated his opposition. - Public Testimony (Support/Mixed): George Jefferson (applicant from Item 5) cautioned the commission against decisions that could be construed as redlining or discrimination based on income, stating that 70% of county residents cannot afford higher rents but deserve quality housing. Tracy Harris, whose family borders the property, stated a sale fell through due to the uncertainty but expressed understanding of both sides. Colin Coon noted C3 zoning already permits less desirable uses (e.g., bars, RV parks), making duplexes a compatible fit. - Commission Deliberation: Chairman Neal clarified decisions are based on land use, not prejudice. Infrastructure concerns (septic, water pressure) and the impact of multifamily density on a rural setting were debated. - Vote: 4 in favor (Hickerson, Owens, Mobbs, Chairman Neal), 1 opposed (Pickett). Motion Approved. Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent items (Minutes, Side Yard Accessory Structures, Side Yard ADUs), Rezoning of Flying J (Item 6), and Conditional Use Permit for duplexes at 341 East Street (Item 7). - Denied: Conditional Use Permit for the boarding house/transitional housing at the Ritz Motel (Item 5). Applicant granted a 10-day window to appeal to the Board of Directors.
This brief meeting focused on filling a vacant seat on the Board of Adjustments. Two applicants were considered: one for reappointment and one for appointment. The board unanimously appointed both candidates to the board. Discussion Items - The board clarified that there was one open position on the Board of Adjustments, with two applicants: Jason Depree (seeking reappointment) and Stephen Cross (seeking appointment). After a brief discussion about the number of vacancies, members confirmed that both could be appointed to fill the single vacancy and a separately expiring term (the reappointment effectively creating a second opening). - A motion was made to appoint both Jason Depree and Stephen Cross to the Board of Adjustments. The motion was seconded. Key Outcomes - Vote: The motion to appoint Jason Depree and Stephen Cross to the Board of Adjustments passed unanimously (7-0). Directors Hollibush, Brewer, Jewell, Smith, Roberts, Harris, and Mayor Brown all voted yes. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent after the appointment.
The Texarkana Board of Directors met on March 3, 2026. The meeting included employee service awards, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and adoption of an ordinance reducing fees for Front Street Festival Plaza to attract more events. Board members discussed the fee changes and upcoming police presence requirements. The meeting concluded with board commentary and an executive session to appoint a board of adjustments member. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the rescheduled regular meeting on February 17, 2026. - Authorized the city manager to contract with Holistic Utility Solutions for the non-revenue water reduction phase two dashboard and analytics project. - Authorized the city manager to contract with Plumber and Associates for the state-line quarter field investigation and coordination project serving Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas. Front Street Festival Plaza Fee Reduction Ordinance - Staff member Tracy Lee presented the ordinance, noting that the current high fees resulted in only two paid events last year, generating $6,475 in revenue. The proposed fee reductions aim to make the venue more marketable. - Current vs. Proposed Fees: - Daily rental (all areas): Current $2,000 (for-profit)/$1,500 (non-profit) reduced to $1,000/$750. - Half-day rental: Current $1,200/$900 reduced to $600/$450. - Daily rental without stage: Current $1,000/$800 reduced to $500/$400. - Half-day without stage: Current $750/$500 reduced to $375/$250. - Cleanup fee: Reduced from $500 to $0, as the city no longer provides cleanup services. - Security deposit: For-profit remains $500; non-profit reduced from $500 to $300 (as stated during the meeting). - Board members discussed the impact of removing the cleanup fee and the potential need for mandated police presence. Director Smith raised concerns about over-policing, and staff responded that a separate proposal for police presence based on crowd size will be considered at the next board meeting. Mayor Brown expressed support for proactive police presence. - The ordinance passed through first and second readings with a 6-1 vote (Director Jewel opposed). On the third reading, the same 6-1 vote was recorded. However, the final adoption vote was unanimous (7-0), with Director Jewel voting in favor. Board Commentary - Mayor Brown encouraged residents to vote on the Texarkana School District millage increase, noting that the last day to vote was March 4, 2026. - Director Roberts announced the passing of former board member Barbara Minor, who served two terms representing Ward 5. Executive Session - The board moved into executive session to make an appointment to the Board of Adjustments. (No further details are available.) Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - Ordinance amending Front Street Festival Plaza fees was adopted (7-0). - A proposal for mandatory police presence at public events will be brought to the next board meeting. - The board adjourned to executive session to appoint a member to the Board of Adjustments.
The Board of Adjustments held a regularly scheduled meeting on February 19, 2026, with members Bonnie Auk, Ricky Pondexter, Israel Nelson, and Jason Depree present. The board addressed the approval of previous meeting minutes and a variance request for a property on Arkansas Boulevard. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 25, 1925 meeting as presented. The motion passed 4-0. (Note: The date of the prior meeting as recorded in the transcript is 1925, which may be an error.) Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Finley, City Planner, presented the variance request on behalf of the applicant, explaining that the property at 609 Arkansas Boulevard is split-zoned C1 (general commercial) and R3 (medium density residential). Rezoning the entire parcel to C1 would be consistent with the surrounding commercial area. - Randall Wade, representing Wade Ranch and Investment Properties Inc., stated that the property is currently for sale and the uniform commercial zoning would enhance marketability. Discussion Items - Board members discussed the process, with the planner clarifying that the board of adjustments could handle the rezoning because it involves adjusting an existing zoning boundary rather than a full rezoning. No public opposition was noted. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the variance, rezoning the entire parcel at 609 Arkansas Boulevard from split C1/R3 to C1 (general commercial). The applicant will obtain the necessary paperwork from the planning office. - The meeting adjourned following a motion with no further business.
The Texas Canada Arkansas Historic District Commission met on February 18, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM UTC (time inferred from transcript timestamp). Four members were present (Dave Jones, Michael Hendrix, Greg Gallagher, and one additional member later identified as Jeff Brown), constituting a quorum. The meeting addressed two Certificates of Appropriateness and concluded with a discussion on historic district enforcement. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written on a unanimous 4-0 roll call vote (motion by a member, seconded, with all four present voting ‘aye’). Discussion Items - Item 1: Certificate of Appropriateness for Renovations at 204 Broad (David Peavy / 204 Broad LLC) David Peavy, the property owner, was absent due to a family death; the item was presented by a representative. The proposal sought approval for: removal of the existing storefront to reveal original terracotta, installation of period-appropriate doors and windows, installation of signage (individual lit letters with an old-style marquee look, consistent with the 1940s/50s facade), and installation of historic plaques (already hung). The building will house a Kilwins (ice cream, fudge, candy). The representative noted that about half the work was already completed. Discussion focused on the floor tile (matching but distinct from original bone-colored tile, per Department of Interior standards), ceiling tile (dark bronze metal), and the sign location under the awning. Commissioners expressed support for the project, noting it would attract visitors and preserve historic character. A motion was made to approve the entire request as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a 4-0 roll call vote (Dave Jones – yes, Jamie Simmons – yes, Michael Hendrix – yes, Greg Gallagher – yes). - Item 2: Certificate of Appropriateness for Renovations at 413 Broad (David Jones / Luna Bella Holdings) – Former Wellworth Building David Jones appeared in person. The proposal included: removal and replacement of the awning, replacement of doors and windows, replacement of underpinning, and removal and relocation of a mural on each side of the building (composed of individual postcards from a 2006 community art project) plus wall restoration. Jones indicated he would like to consult with the original artist, Georgia Hubnik, about the mural’s fate and might reinstall the postcards in a more concentrated arrangement after repairing the brick wall. He also planned to inspect the condition of upper-story windows and potentially retain original wavy glass. Commissioners emphasized they needed to see what was under the current sheet metal facade before approving final door/window details. A motion was made to approve: replacing the ground-floor storefront glass, removing the awning and sheet metal facade, removing the mural postcards, repairing the side wall, and allowing exploratory work. The owner would return with specific proposals for the awning design and upper-window treatment. The motion passed on a 4-0-1 roll call vote (Michael Hendrix – yes, Jeff Brown – yes, Jamie Simmons – yes, Dave Jones – abstained, Greg Gallagher – yes). Other Business - Enforcement Discussion: A commissioner raised concerns about a recent incident where a property in the historic district (related to a city attorney) had windows replaced without commission approval. Commissioners discussed the commission's limited enforcement power (no authority to stop work; only leverage through court citations, which have been ineffective). They noted that education efforts (welcome letters, historic district maps, title notice) are ongoing but not always heeded. Some commissioners suggested special called meetings could allow public input and pressure, but others warned that overreach could lead to abolishment of the commission. The group discussed improving outreach to real estate agents and the importance of peer pressure. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes 1. Approval of Certificate of Appropriateness for 204 Broad (all requested work) – unanimous 4-0 vote. 2. Approval of partial Certificate of Appropriateness for 413 Broad (removal of sheet metal, awning, mural postcards; storefront glass replacement; wall repair) with requirement to return for awning and upper-window details – passed 4-0-1 (one abstention). 3. No enforcement action was decided; discussion to continue on strengthening compliance measures.
The Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors held a rescheduled meeting on February 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a presentation of distinguished legislator awards to State Representative Carol Dalby and State Senator Hickey, followed by citizen communication, consent agenda approvals, public hearings on demolitions and overgrown lots, and a lease agreement with Amtrak. Several board members voiced concerns about the distribution of enforcement actions and city maintenance standards. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the February 2, 2026 rescheduled meeting. - Adopted a resolution accepting the 2025 Public Facilities Board annual report. - Adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter a construction contract with France's Excavating for the Country Club Road drainage rehabilitation project. - Adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to award an engineering contract to A.L. Frank's Engineering for the design of the County Avenue detention basin and Bobby Ferguson Pond outfall structure improvements. Public Comments & Testimony - A citizen reminded the board of the upcoming container workshop requested by Director Harris, scheduled for Thursday, February 26, at 6:00 PM. - During public hearings on demolitions and overgrown lots, a board member (identified as Director Harris in board commentary) raised questions about the prioritization and geographic distribution of enforcement, but no other citizens offered testimony. Discussion Items - Presentation of Distinguished Legislator Awards: John Wilkerson, League General Counsel and Legislative Director, presented awards to Representative Carol Dalby and Senator Hickey for their exemplary service to cities and towns during the 95th General Assembly. Board members praised both for their accessibility and advocacy. - Item 6 – Demolition of Seven Substandard Structures: Public Works Director Roger Douglas opened a public hearing. Director Harris questioned the city's standard for choosing which structures to demolish, suggesting that some houses could be rehabilitated and that the city should pursue a housing study. He cited examples of houses that had partially collapsed but were not prioritized. He also noted that 80% of condemned houses in recent years were in Ward 2. After discussion, the board voted to adopt the resolution certifying the lien amounts for the seven properties. - Item 7 – Maintenance of Overgrown Lots (47 Lots): Director Harris noted that 35 of the 47 lots were in Ward 2 and asked about the disparity. Public Works Director Douglas explained that lots are prioritized based on complaints and that citations often delay cleanup. Harris also questioned why the city does not maintain its own property (e.g., alleys) within the same seven-day timeline required of residents. Douglas replied that additional staff would be needed. The board adopted the resolution placing liens on the 47 lots. - Item 8 – Amtrak Lease Agreement: Tyler presented a proposal to lease a small strip (approximately 1,080 square feet, 0.02 acres) of the municipal parking lot at 219 Front Street to Amtrak for a passenger access path. The lease is for an initial term of five years commencing July 1, 2025, with one optional five-year extension, at an annual fee of $1. Amtrak will install an opaque fence and landscaping. A board member asked about liability; the city attorney confirmed indemnification language was included. The board adopted the resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the lease. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was adopted unanimously. - Resolution certifying demolition liens for seven substandard structures passed (all directors voted yes). - Resolution certifying weed liens on 47 overgrown lots passed (all directors voted yes). - Resolution authorizing the Amtrak lease agreement passed (all directors voted yes). - Director Harris announced plans to hold three community meetings in Ward 2 during April to discuss housing issues. - The board agreed to schedule a workshop on revising the food truck ordinance, to be held in March (date to be determined by email).
The Texarkana Board of Directors met on February 3, 2026. The meeting included a citizen complaint regarding illegal dumping, employee service awards, a performance presentation from LifeNet EMS, and the approval of several resolutions. Director Smith was absent from the initial roll call but participated in later votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Reverend Clinton T. Brewster addressed the board about illegal trash dumping at his property on Booker Street. He noted the Texarkana Police Department had a history with the repeat offenders. Rev. Brewster urged the board to implement stricter accountability measures for repeat offenders. Presentations - Employee Service Awards: Six employees were recognized for service milestones. Awardees present included Lynn Kilgore (Public Works, 20 years), Joshua Moore (Fire Dept, 10 years), and a Texarkana Water Utilities employee (15 years). - LifeNet EMS Report: CEO Alicia Moore presented annual performance data for the city's ambulance provider. Highlights included nearly 4,000 ambulance requests, a 93% response time compliance rate, a 91% patient satisfaction rating, and a 21% cardiac arrest survival rate. New equipment, a paramedic starting salary of $70,000, and high school training programs were detailed. Director Roberts inquired about fire department co-response rates, and Director Harris asked about paramedic training requirements. Consent Calendar - Items 5 and 6 were approved unanimously. Item 5 authorized a contract with RBIS LLC for the Jackson Street water line replacement. Item 6 authorized a Microsoft Enterprise Licensing Agreement with Tier 4 Technologies. Items 3 (minutes) and 4 (Spears Engineering contract) were removed by Director Harris for separate discussion. Discussion Items - Item 3 - Minutes: Director Harris expressed concern that the minutes of the previous meeting did not include his statements and a citizen's comments at the end of the meeting, stating this created an incomplete historical record. The city attorney clarified that minutes record board actions, not verbatim transcripts. The minutes were approved 5-1, with Director Harris voting in opposition. - Item 4 - Spears Engineering Contract: Director Harris questioned whether Sanderson Lane would remain a concrete street, worrying the design phase could alter the surface type. The city manager stated the preliminary expectation was for concrete, but the design phase would determine specifics. The $293,063 contract for the design of the 2025 Street Bond Rehab projects was approved unanimously 6-0. - City Prosecutor Contract: The board approved an amended legal services agreement for City Prosecutor Eric Marks, raising annual compensation to $80,000. City Manager Tyler noted the raise was justified by a significant increase in fine collections, from $650,000 in 2023 to over $1 million in 2024. The resolution passed unanimously 6-0. Board Commentary - Director Roberts announced the passing of Mickey Stewart and his public services. - Director Holabish thanked the SWEPCO maintenance team for storm preparation work. - Mayor Brown announced the next regular meeting would be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Items 5 and 6 approved. - Minutes: Approved 5-1. - Spears Engineering Contract: Approved 6-0 for street rehab design. - City Prosecutor Contract: Approved 6-0 with salary increase. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for February 17, 2026.
The Texarkana Advertising and Promotion Commission met on January 22, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Commissioners present included Mills, Homes, Jewel, Right, and Brewer; Dotson was absent. The meeting addressed approval of prior minutes, a presentation on the City Passport for the upcoming air show, reallocation of unspent 2025 funds, extensive amendments to the commission's bylaws, a review of the A&P funding application, an update on delinquent A&P taxes, and a vacancy on the commission. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from October 21, 2025, and December 17, 2025, were approved unanimously. Presentations - Texarkana Air Show City Passport: Nicole Holtz presented the City Passport initiative, designed to encourage air show attendees to visit local businesses. The air show is scheduled for June 27, 2026, with related events on June 26. The passport will offer discounts and specials from early June through July 6. An estimated 20,000 attendees are expected. Commissioners expressed support for the initiative. Funding Reallocation Requests (2025 to 2026) Five entities requested reallocation of unspent 2025 funds to 2026; each was approved unanimously. - Running WJ Ranch (Brittany Rogers): Requested $8,000 for promotional hats for a barrel race in June 2026, due to a miscommunication on hat orders. - Intense Library: Represented by an unnamed speaker, requested reallocation of $44,000 for a second concert, moving it from March to a cooler date (proposed October 3) and potentially expanding the event. The speaker committed to refunding funds if not as successful as the first concert. - Arts and Historic District (Jamie Finley): Requested $20,500 for the Loving Living Local contract, street banners, marketing/digital advertising, and downtown improvements (blade signs and kiosk updates). - City Beautiful Commission (Velvet Cool): Requested $10,198 for downtown planters, Burger King Island renovation, State Line and Arkansas Boulevard Island renovation, I-30 welcome sign maintenance, Jefferson Island, water/electricity repairs, a crepe myrtle program with TASD, and sidewalk cleanup. The commission is also seeking grants. - Parks and Recreation (unidentified representative): Requested $259,000 for a playground at Sand Flat Center (approx. $75,000), LED lighting upgrade at Pond Extra Fields ($100,000–$120,000), general maintenance ($50,000), NRPA conference ($10,000), and tournament advertising/promotion ($15,000). The speaker noted the playground and lighting projects experienced budget increases. Bylaws Amendments The commission debated and voted on several amendments to its bylaws, all passing unanimously. - Prepared Food Definition (Article 1, Section 2): A statutory definition was added to clarify what constitutes taxable food under A&P law. - Meeting Day Correction (Article 2, Section 1): Corrected from Wednesday to Tuesday at 4:30 PM. - Quorum Requirement (Section 5): Changed from "majority of members present" to "majority of the whole commission" for transaction of business. This requires 4 votes on a 7‑seat commission. - Suspension of Rules (Section 8): Changed to require a two‑thirds vote of the whole commission instead of the members present, to match the city board standard. (Motion by Commissioner Jewel, seconded.) - Officer Elections (Article 4, Sections 2 & 3): The rotating officer schedule was replaced with annual elections; a Chairman Pro Tem provision was added for when both chairman and vice chairman are absent. - Fund Balance Reserve (Section 8): Created a $150,000 minimum fund balance. No expenditure may bring the balance below this threshold except in a declared emergency approved by a two‑thirds vote of the commission, with a plan to restore the balance. Review of A&P Funding Application The commission reviewed the funding application form and noted that the requirement for financial statements had been omitted. Staff will add the requirement and present the revised application at the next meeting. Delinquent A&P Taxes Tyler (staff) reported that efforts to include A&P tax enforcement in a certificate of occupancy ordinance are ongoing. The ordinance was passed earlier in an emergency, and the A&P provision will be added later. The item will be placed on the city board agenda. Commission Vacancy The open seat has no applicants to date. Commissioners clarified that the position can be filled by a hotel, motel, or restaurant owner or manager per statute, not exclusively a hotel representative. Advertising will be expanded. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is set for April 21, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Key Outcomes - All reallocation requests and bylaw amendments were approved unanimously by roll‑call vote (5‑0 on each vote; Dotson absent). - The funding application will be revised to include financial statements and brought back for approval. - The delinquent A&P tax enforcement measure will be added to the certificate of occupancy ordinance and placed on the city board agenda. - The commission vacancy continues to be advertised, targeting hotel, motel, and restaurant owners/managers.
The Texarkana Historic Preservation Commission met on January 21, 2026, with four members present (Jamie Simmons, Michael Hendrix, Greg Gallagher, and one absent member) constituting a quorum. The meeting addressed a certificate of appropriateness for awning replacement, a deferred request for window/door replacements, and a public comment regarding the relocation of historic mural panels. Public Comments & Testimony - Georgia Nick, a retired art teacher from the Texarkana Arkansas School District, spoke about a mural she helped create on the old Wellsworth building in 2006. She requested that if the building undergoes renovations, the painted panels (four by eight feet, bolted on by Watley Signs) be relocated and restored rather than discarded. She offered to coordinate with students and art teachers for restoration and noted possible grant funding from the Arkansas Arts Council for public art. The commission acknowledged her request and expressed willingness to discuss with the property owner. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness for SIG Holdings LLC (123 East Pride St.): The applicant sought approval to remove the existing damaged awning and replace it with a green fabric awning. Discussion noted that the previous meeting had approved a mural for the building, and the new awning color would match the mural. Some members expressed aesthetic preferences but acknowledged the improvement over removal. The commission voted 4-1 to approve the awning replacement. - Request by David Jones (window and door replacements): The applicant was not present, and the commission lacked details about the proposed replacements (windows, doors, and possible sheet metal removal). The item was tabled to the next meeting to allow discussion with Mr. Jones about his overall plans. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the awning replacement passed 4-1 (Michael Hendrix, Jamie Simmons, and two others in favor; Chairman Greg Gallagher opposed). - Motion to table David Jones's request until the next meeting was approved unanimously by voice vote, allowing time to consult with the applicant. - The commission encouraged any interested individuals to apply for the vacant seat (formerly held by Kristen). Applicants must reside within city limits and should contact the city clerk's office. - The meeting adjourned after no further business.