City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening, everybody. Welcome to City Hall. This is City Council evening on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. And I'm going to go ahead and lead us in allegiance and start the meeting. And Councilman Anthony Coleman will lead us in prayer.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Bow your heads if you would. Lord Jesus, we thank you for this time that you've given us to come, to come as one. We thank you for unity even on tonight. I pray, God, that you continue to minister to us and through us as we deliberate and share. I pray for the citizens of this great city. as well as we continue to lift up those first responders and those that work for us, for our safety and for our growth and for the manifestation of your glory in this place. Father, we forever give you the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus's name. Amen.

Amen.

All right, council, if you would, we'll go on to item number three. If you would please make your presence known. By ballot.

If you would, please cast your ballot.

We have 10 present. All right, we'll move on to item number four. These are special presentations. This evening, we don't have any. We'll move on to item number five, consent agenda.

Move to adopt. Second.

Do have a motion on the floor to adopt. I got one. Can we pull off 26099?

I'll amend my motion. Was there a request?

And I'll amend my second.

Which one? 26099, the police station.

26099 has been requested to be pulled off for conversation. All right. And we have an amendment to accept the rest. If you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot.

I've been asked to postpone indefinite resolution 26092. The owner of that property passed away and can't I can't enforce that one. Resolution 26092. DAVID BURRAGE- Need to amend that again?

Yes, sir. VOTE TO RECONSIDER. DAVID BURRAGE- OK. VOTE TO RECONSIDER. DAVID BURRAGE- I'll make a motion to reconsider.

Second. DAVID BURRAGE- Second. We have a motion to reconsider. All in favor, say aye. Aye. DAVID BURRAGE- Any opposed? Bigger motion, John.

DAVID BURRAGE- Now the motion. Now move to postpone resolution 26092 indefinitely. Second.

DAVID BURRAGE- We have a motion on the floor. All in favor, say aye. Aye. DAVID BURRAGE- Any opposed? And let's go back to the consent agenda then and make the amendment. Yes.

With the exception of Resolution 26099. Second. Do we have a second?

Second.

Okay, we do have a second. Just go ahead and cast your ballot. She's got it ready, I think. Okay, so that does carry the resolution items. Now we'll move on to resolution 26099.

Resolution by the City Council of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas to enter into a contract to purchase property located at 1709 East Highland Drive for Jonesboro Police Department operations. Whereas the Jonesboro Police Department is currently working out of five different facilities following the emergency closure of the Justice Complex on Washington Avenue, and whereas these displaced divisions result in a barrier to interdepartmental communication and create hardships for public access, and whereas three of the temporary workspaces are in city community centers resulting in a reduction of usable community space for programming and events, and whereas the proposed space includes 14,418 square feet consisting of approximately 30 office spaces, two conference rooms, multiple break rooms, 51 parking spots, and an enclosed garage space, and whereas the property has been reviewed by a licensed appraiser to provide a defendable market value that concluded the contract passed was fair and reasonable, and whereas the City of Johnsboro desires to enter into a contract to purchase the property at 1709 East Highland Drive, commonly referred to as the Shelter Insurance Building, for $2,750,000 plus associated closing costs and fees, and whereas funding for the purchase shall be provided via short-term Act 78 loan of $3 million to support the purchase and necessary facility adjustments. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas that Section 1, City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, shall execute a contract with Halsey Real Estate for the purchase of property located at 1709 East Highland Drive, commonly referred to as the Shelter Insurance Building for a purchase of $2,750,000 plus applicable fees and costs. Section 2, the Jonesboro City Council endorses the pursuit of Amendment 78 short-term financing to fund the above stated purchase. Section 3, the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized by the City Council for the City of Jonesboro to execute all documents necessary to effectuate these agreements.

Move to adopt. Second. Do we have a motion on the floor to adopt? Before I open it up for questioning, Council, I'd just like to make a few comments. And please bear with me. It's my job to try and make the best decision and with the information that we have. And as this vote comes for you tonight, you know, could we wait around for another year? Could we save a few dollars on square footage? Maybe. Could we find more prominent location that is laid out in a more beneficial way for our needs? Probably not. My point is that none of us like the current situation we're faced with. I wish we had all new buildings in perfect shape, but we don't. None of us like that police are scattered around and having to work out our community centers. None of us like our patrol division working out of a 75-year-old building that is in bad shape. So the question is, do we think this building is a good option to alleviate those concerns? I think so. I hope all the information that staff has provided has been helpful, transparent, and responsive to your request. We have provided the cost, how to be paid for, reasoning of financing over reserves appropriation, insurance expense, anticipated staffing, a timeline, all the documents that we have, but I can't predict the future. I don't know what other challenges may we face now in the next year, but we do know the challenge that we face right now with existing police facilities, and they deserve a quality work environment And the community deserves a place like a cultural museum to be back fully accessible. Our police deserve better than working out of a poor condition old city hall and temporary tables and desk in the community side rooms. This provides a solution to that for many and hopefully several years to come. And it'll take a new fund of construction for downtown. We offered $100,000 under asking price, which is also in the value of the appraisal that we received. to help address the minor things here and there. Both building professionals, independent architects, and now an independent inspector have looked at the building and agree that it appears solid. Shelter has also agreed to leave a substantial amount of furniture and has been very accommodating to inspections. Repeated walkthroughs and various timeline requests inherent to selling the property to the city. We're all professionals here. And we all have a lot of government experience. And I want to thank each of you that have provided questions. Hopefully we've answered those questions to the best of our ability. We all know that no building is ever perfect. Even new construction requires repairs. But all indications are that this facility is a sturdy investment that fits what we need. It is well-priced and well-positioned and quickly can be operational. Now I'll open the floor for council if you have any questions.

I just want to make sure, if I may, and I know we spoke earlier, but they do have a termite contract, correct, on the building. I think we mentioned one thing, but it said I want to make sure it was specific to termites. Also, even though we had an inspection, they were not willing to budge on the price. Is that correct as well?

That is correct, and their statement to myself and Councilman Bryant requested that we go back and look, and I appreciate him doing so. Their response would, we'd not be interested in providing a credit. We have come off the asking price and are leaving a substantial amount of furniture in the building for their use. Okay. Any other questions by council members? Mayor? Yes, sir.

I was going to say thank you for trying to push them on the inspection and getting the inspection done.

Thank you. Any other questions? Anyone from the audience? I don't see any. Council, if you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot. And that does carry. Next we'll move on to item number six is items in new business. The first ordinance is ordinance 26028. Move to suspend the rules and offer by title only. Second. Do we have a motion on the floor? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

An ordinance authorizing the issuance of a general revenue promissory note for the purchase and improvements of a police facility located at 1709 East Highland Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas, providing for the payment of the principal and of interest on the note, declaring an emergency and prescribing other matters relating thereto.

Move to adopt.

Second. Do we have a motion on the floor to adopt? Any discussion by council? I don't see anyone in council chambers.

I apologize. That's on first reading. I jumped the gun.

OK. Mr. Spindler rules in way of second and third reading. Second.

Do we have a motion on the floor? All in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Move to adopt. Second.

Do we have a motion on the floor as well? If you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot. We open it for discussion. Anyone in council chambers? I don't see any. If you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot. OK, council. I move to adopt the emergency clause. Second. We do have a motion on the floor to adopt the emergency clause. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Roll call. Take a vote. Roll call.

We don't do those very often.

Yeah. Call roll call, please.

Mr. Emison. Aye. Dr. Charles Coleman. Aye. Mr. Moore.

Aye.

Mr. Gibson. Aye. Mr. Street.

Aye.

Mr. Miller.

Aye.

Mr. Bryant.

Aye.

Mr. Hafner. Aye. Dr. Anthony Coleman.

Aye.

Mr. McClain.

Aye. Okay, and that does carry, Council. Next we vote. That's it. All right, next we'll move on to ordinance 26030.

Move to suspend the rules and offer by title only. Second.

Do we have a motion on the floor? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

An ordinance to amend chapter 117 known as the zoning ordinance providing for changes in zoning boundaries from PDM multifamily use to PDM commercial use for property located at 1411 Southern Ridge Boulevard as requested by Jeremy Bevel on behalf of Southern Hills Apartments Development LLC.

Do we have any discussion by council members? Questions? OK, I don't see any.

Anyone in council chambers?

I don't see any as well. So that ordinance will now move on to its second reading. Next, we'll move on to item number seven. These are items on unfinished business. These are ordinances on the second reading. The first ordinance is 26023.

An ordinance regarding the abandonment of a 15-foot alley between 1810 Henry Street and 1812 Henry Street as requested by David Clift.

Any questions or concerns from council? Anyone in the council chambers? See any? So that ordinance will now move on to its third reading. Now we'll move on to ordinance 26024.

An ordinance to the city of Jonesboro to place various traffic signs at designated locations is determined by the Traffic Control Committee.

Any discussion or questions by council? Okay. Anyone in council chambers? I don't see any as well. So that will now move on to its next reading. Council will move on to ordinance 26026.

An ordinance for a private club permit for Encouraging Advancement Incorporated doing business is Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill Incorporated to be located at 3310 Southwest Drive, Suite 7, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Any questions or concerns? Council? Don't see any. Anyone in Council Chambers? Yes, sir. If you would, please come forward and state your name and address.

James Elwin Hines, 508 Ridgecrest. This particular beer joint, pub, whatever you want to call it, I'm not going to call it anything respectable because it's not, is located in a part of town where we have not expanded to with alcohol. We've got enough areas that are alcohol-friendly, alcohol-friendly and residential. adverse, I guess you might say. Also, let me point out that Southwest Drive is a U.S. highway, and we don't need to expand, and it's also an entryway into our city near there, so we don't need to expand into that area.

All right, thank you for your comments. Anyone else in the audience? I don't see any. Now we'll move on to the next ordinance. This is ordinance 26027. Any discussion or questions by council? I don't see any. Anyone in council chambers? I don't see any as well. That ordinance will now move on to its third reading.

An ordinance for a private club permit for Mataji LLC doing business at My Place Hotel, Jonesboro, Arkansas to be located at 2905 Gilmore Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Is there anybody here on that one?

Do what?

Is there anybody in the audience on that one?

Yes.

Okay. Okay. Yeah. I might come talk to you after. I have a question.

Did you get that? Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Appreciate you being here. All right. So that will now move on to the third reading. Now we're on ordinances on the third reading. This is ordinance 26020.

An ordinance amending appendix seven of the stormwater drainage design manual. Move to adopt. Second.

We have a motion on the floor to adopt. Any discussion by council? Anyone in council chambers? I don't see any. If you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot, council. And that ordinance does carry. So now we'll move on to ordinance 26022.

An ordinance to amend Chapter 117, Article 3, known as the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas, providing for a change in zoning boundaries from C3, General Commercial District, to RM12, LUO Multifamily Residential District with limited use overlay for property located at 2038 North Church Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, as requested by NK and Sons Investment.

Move to adopt.

Second. We do have a motion on the floor to adopt. Council, do you have any questions? I don't see any. Anyone from the audience?

Yes, Jim Grayman, Grayman Law Firm for the applicants. So this, just real quick, this started as a RM-16 application, and we had a neighborhood meeting on that basis. One person showed up, and he said he was in favor of it. Nevertheless, there was some pushback at MAPC, so we went down initially to RM-12 and then finally where we landed was RM-12 with the limited use overlay to only allow 12 units on this property and i think that was uh that was a good compromise we did have i would note that mr jimmy cooper during the vote said he made the motion he said i lived in that area most of my life that lot has basically sat there as a wooded lot i don't see any commercial thing moving too much in that direction north so i move we approve it So, you know, zoning's supposed to be about the highest and best use of the land, and I think this is a good opportunity for a nice development in that part of the city. Happy to entertain any questions.

Good. All right. Anyone else from the audience who would like to speak? I don't see any. All right. Council, if you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot. And that ordinance does carry. Thank you. You bet. All right, now we'll move on to our last ordinance of the evening, Ordinance 26025.

An ordinance to amend Chapter 117, known as the Zoning Ordinance, providing for changes in zoning boundaries from R1 to C3LUO for property located at 1400 Southern Ridge Boulevard, as requested by Fisher Arnold.

Move to adopt. Second. We have a motion on the floor to adopt. Council, any questions? By council? Don't see any. And one in council chambers. Anyone in council chambers? I don't see any as well. If you would, please go ahead and cast your ballot, council. And that ordinance does carry. Now, council, if you'll allow me just a quick minute, I'm going to approach the podium. Why don't you go get Ronnie Shaver in the back?

He's going to be so happy. Well, time has come, my friend.

It has.

It has.

The next step in Mr. Shaver's life, and I think many of you on council, many of you have been here for a many number of years, have understood the commitment that you, Mr. Shaver, have provided not only to the city, but to the residents of this community. But you have taken care and taken a passion, a heartfelt passion, for the employees of our city. And I personally want to thank you for that. His family is here this evening, mother and others. Most important, most important. It's kind of hard to do. Proclamation of appreciation. Whereas on March 20th, 2002, Ronnie Shaver began a new career with the city of Jonesboro. During his 24 years of service to the city, Ronnie has served under four mayors and held positions in five departments before accepting the role of director of building maintenance on July 16th, 2015. Whereas, as director of building maintenance, Ronnie has personally overseen the upkeep, maintenance, and functionality of more than 50 City of Jonesboro facilities, including City Hall. has occasion to get hot every now and then, but you take care of us. Whether serving his community as a city employee or his nation as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, Ronnie's approach to service has been defined by dedication and passion for doing things the right way. Never one to take credit, Ronnie is always quick to point out that success is a team effort and deservedly brags on the staff of the building maintenance department. Ronnie constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is always available, always responsive, and always represents a city with pride on and off the clock. Setting a standard, we should all strive to meet each day. While Ronnie's new job has rarely been easy, well, excuse me, while Ronnie's job, because he will have a new one, has rarely been easy and often been stressful, he has never forgotten what matters most, his daughter, Molly, his wife, Teresa, his family and his friends and his mother. So I there now for we, the city of Jonesboro, do proclaim our heartfelt appreciation for Ronnie Shaver's 24 years dedicated service unwavering commitment and a job well done we congratulate ronnie on his retirement as director of the building maintenance and wish him the very best in the next chapter knowing he will always be a valued part of the city of jonesboro family thank you ronnie

Get out of the back of the picture.

One, two.

Did he even take his plaque?

Okay, it looks like he walked off with that one.

Then what? We're a better city because of people like Ronnie Shaver, period. So, council, I hope you recognize that on the table where Brian is sitting, your monthly updates. As we continue to give you the updates from each department, please go ahead and pick up your packet. I want to say that the past two weeks we've given and had several opportunities to celebrate the growth and progress taking part in Jonesboro. Last Tuesday was a special day for our community. We celebrated the groundbreaking of innovation, a new facility at Craighead Technology Park, and joined Arkansas State University for the opening of the new College of Veterinary Medicine. We also had the opportunity to welcome Governor Sarah Sanders-Huckabee to Jonesboro. where she presented a proclamation recognizing Jonesboro as Arkansans for the day. We finished out the day by attending an open house at Congressman Rick Crawford's new office downtown, where I was able to thank him for his successful efforts in bringing millions of dollars of vital grants to Jonesboro. It was a full day. but one that demonstrated how much is happening in our community, from new jobs to economic investment in education, public service, and opportunities that will benefit this region for generations to come. Also, talking about jobs coming to Jonesboro, it was just announced today that Sany, S-A-N-Y, Nutrition Group, has purchased the old Butterball factory and will soon start production. This is another 150 new jobs coming to Jonesboro. I personally met with the owner, and she is excited about being right here in Jonesboro. Good things are happening, and I appreciate our staff's effort, and especially Jonesboro Unlimited and the Chamber for all their hard work on landing this new industry. Our fire department also recently received more than $300,000 through the FY25 Homeland Security Grant for specialized response needs to help purchase bottle equipment for protections of large gatherings. I want to recognize our park rangers for their response of two separate instances at Craighead Forest Park last week. The rangers discovered smoke and fire that ultimately burned approximately one acre and assisted in their response before and later responding to a serious vehicular attack in the park the same day. These rangers are there every day. They know our parks and when something happens they're already there and ready to respond. I also want to say thank you for our police department, as well on the immediate response and handling the situation. It's very unfortunate. We continue to pray for the families that were affected in such a hideous manner. Gojo has played an important role in welcoming Arkansas State students back to Jonesboro this weekend. Two Gojo trolleys provided transportation during move-in day. They're air conditioned, operating for a combined 38 hours and carrying 264 riders. Red Wolf One and Red Wolf Two are now operating full hourly schedules on campus, providing students and residents with expanded access to shopping areas around our campus and city. Our street crews have remained busy as well. Streets work has been completed in four downtown sections. They've now moved on to prep additional roads for overlays. I'll prepare a report regarding the status of our overlay program for the next meeting. Crews also continued drainage work, street sweeping, mowing, litter removal, and routine street repairs throughout the city. Last Thursday, Keep Jonesboro Beautiful hosted a packed planned Jonesboro community event. Thank you to more than 50 people that came out to meet the city staff and our consultants to provide important opinions on our master growth plan process. Paint the Town Red returns September 7th through the 12th. as we join Arkansas State University in celebrating yet another football season, and the United Way's Day of Caring is coming up on September 25th. Our newest employee of the month has been crowned, and I want to congratulate Emma Cottingham with our communications department on being named our first security bank employee of the month. Lastly, I would like to announce that we've had a successful internal application and acceptance for the building maintenance position that Tim Renshaw, who is now the chief building inspector, will be taking over the role next week. I'm proud of the work our employees are doing and grateful for the partnerships throughout Jonesboro that continue helping us move this city forward. Thank you, council, for allowing me that time. Next, we move on to item number nine.

Mr. Strait.

Yes, Mayor, I understand that the gate for Craighead Forest has been approved, I guess, and Brian assures me the resolution is shortly forthcoming.

I'll be on him about that.

But also, now that we've got that building, and hopefully, as the chief said, we can move soon, I would love to see us proceed at the earliest possible convenience to demolish the old 57 and the justice complex I think that'll be a big improvement for that whole area down there. I appreciate everyone's efforts in getting that together. The police department deserves a place to operate out of, and we need those other facilities. So it worked out well for us, I believe. Good Lord was looking after us. That's all I've got. Thank you.

Mr. Miller.

I just echo what Mr. Street was saying about moving forward with taking care of the buildings downtown and getting them out of the way. And Ronnie, thank you. Over the years, thank you. Thank you for your comments.

Mr. Bryant?

John Street's talked about that gate for nine years, Mayor, so he needs a plaque or something when that thing's done.

Called it the street gate. That would be weird. That would be weird.

Sounds like a scandal.

Thank you, sir. John Street and Radius Baker Gate.

Mr. Hefner.

Crash and Whiplash. No, thank you.

Dr. Anthony Coleman?

No, thank you.

Mr. McClain? No, thank you. Mr. Gibson?

Yeah, just a quick question for Jim Stearns. I received an email this morning, and I think some of the other council members received one as well, a lady complaining about the pool at Parker Park. She didn't give me any details. Can you cast a little light on that? Maybe.

So we did have a citizen who brought some concerns to Parker Park about inconsistent hours, and I tried to address those. We had some mechanical issues this year, Parker, that were unforeseen, and it delayed some starts on a couple days. We have created and tried to create some better processes in place to kind of help keep the community more informed, and I think maybe we lacked in that. I think maybe our staff wasn't really prepared to answer those questions when it came difficult from the community, and we're addressing that.

Okay, just curious. She didn't explain anything. She just had complaints.

Yeah, she's brought some things to our concern throughout the summer, and we've slowly started implementing some process to improve that, especially communications. I will say that we now have a full-time media specialist on staff that will take some of the load off the city's media specialist so we can get information out in a more timely manner.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

That's all I have.

Thank you, Councilman.

Mr. Moore.

Thank you, Ronnie.

That's all.

Dr. Charles Coleman.

I want to thank Ronnie for a whole lot of things, but also I want to thank the council for getting these folks out of the building so that we can open back up to even watch them because it's needed. And so I got a time clock that I'm going to be putting up to make sure y'all get out as soon as possible. Thank you, Councilman.

Mr. Emison.

What hasn't been said? First of all, thank you, Mr. Ronnie. You were a great neighbor growing up, and you put up with me growing up, so that says a lot. So thank you, and also thank you for everything that you've done for the city of Jonesboro. Also, I'll echo Mr. Street's comments along with everybody else. faster we can get the 57 down i think's great i know we can't do anything with the justice complex until we get e911 built up but i would i'd like to see those buildings down as soon as possible as well and i i know everybody everybody's on the same page with that so great thank you that's all thank you for your comments all right council and now we'll move on to item 11 or 10 public comments anyone the public would like to make comments

Yes, sir, if you would please come forward, state your name and address, a comment that was nothing stated earlier.

James Owen Hines, 508 Ridgecrest. I would like to commend and express my appreciation to code enforcement. This past week, last week I had to report some illegal dump, place I saw where some illegal dumping had been done. It wasn't done the way I wish it could have been done. What I wish could have been done is to identify whoever made that mess and make them go clean it up. But we know that's not realistic. That's not going to happen. So I do want to say thank you to the ones that cleaned up the mess that they should have cleaned up.

Thank you for your comments. And council, if you would, just keep in prayers. We do have some of our city employees, some in director roles and employee roles that are under extenuating health circumstances, and they do need our prayers. Anyone else in the audience like to make comment? I don't see any. Next, we'll move on to item 11. That's adjournment. So moved. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed?