City Council - Regular Meeting

the ordinance u second-58 and send it to the full council to be passed is that okay all right those in favor let it be known by saying I any opposed eyes have it and that is will be sent to the full council our next meeting um the next ordinance that we have is an ordinance amending section 2-157 of the code of ordinances of the city of pal Arkansas respecting purchases less than 35,000 and for related purposes. And so, okay. And so, with this one, um, this one goes into a little bit more detail, um, as far as what has to happen if that expenditure is in excess of $5,000, but less than $42,9201. And, um, basically basically laying out Whether you need quotes or you need u quotes or or actually written bid depending on the amount of that expenditure. It's similar to the one we had but goes into a little bit more detail. All right, we have a motion and a second to send this ordinance to the full council with it pass. Any further discussion? Uh hearing none. All those in favor let be known by saying I. Any opposed? I have it. Motion is approved. Um I think the only thing I would say on here in the title says less than 35,000 pass

then we can take this. Okay. All right. All right. Do we have any other business for ways and mean?

All right. Went or resolution agenda items. Number one for the first reading. Number two, three and four are all resolution that we completed on tonight. All of you should have an attachment amend amendment to agenda item number four which goes with agenda item number four that gives us four agenda items. There's no further discussion. That concludes ordinance and resolution. Yes, sir.

On agenda item number four, we do have an amendment to that. Just make sure that we add that in that second.

Good evening everyone. We are assembled here for the second meeting of the year and second meeting of month today, January 20th, 2026. And we will begin with hearing from uh hearing public comments on agenda items. We have two people who signed up to speak and um I will ask the first I guess a couple here, Heather Young and Eric Young, regarding a code enforcement issue when they're here to speak again. Are the young here this evening? Heather Young, Eric Young. Okay. And then we will um go to the next person uh Jesse Turner. Southern Jessie Turner and he's here to speak on the topic of the 73rd I suspect and [music] street project and your position is Mayor and city council members. Uh thank God for you all and what you do. You know, you have to make hard decisions sometimes, but I'm not here to stop progress uh housing. Uh but I'm here uh as an alumni of Southeast Junior High School. The Southeast uh Panther Historical Society is committed to preserving the legacy and history of our region,

especially African-American students while fostering education, educational growth, lifelong learning, and leadership for grades K through 12. We want to be a a part of the growth of time block. And the ground where Southeast High School once stood was never just a ground. It was never just ground. It was a statement in the 1950s. Today, this land emerges as a powerful symbol of perseverance in the face of segregation. That's where a black school was. And the Southeast Historical Society is trying to work to preserve uh our history. Now, I know there is an issue with 73rd, but that's not our problem, so to speak. Four high schools here in this city once graced the grounds of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They were they were CP Coleman High School, Merrell High School, Southeast High School, and Town Park. So today, I'm just praying that the land that's there will be there for uh development of a Southeast High School. historical uh museum, if you want to call it that.

That's why I'm here tonight. Uh and I would hope and I would pray that that land would be used to uh preserve the history of this city, the history of Pine Bluff, uh and the history of our community going forward because we want to do more than just build a building. We want to educate, train, put health facilities and whatever else we need there on that property. And I just hope that that uh some other place to be found for the 73rd project if that's the the will of this council. But think about our history. This school was built because you couldn't go to Pine Bluff High School. That ground is important. That ground is not just ground for the state. So, thank you all tonight for listening to me. I voice this opinion on the project is that we just want to see progress move forward, want to see the houses built, but I hope and pray that another area could be found rather than coming back to Southeast Southeast. Thank you. I didn't know. Are there any questions?

I just had Okay. I just had a quick question just to clarify. Your against position is against the council um making an effort to move the project back to Southeast. your position against is not against the efforts of the people of that community to um see the council take a position against the development. Right. Okay. All right. Thank you.

Okay. Um before we before I call the meeting to order, just to make sure um are Heather Young and Eric Young here. Okay. All right. Well, we will begin with calling this meeting to order and then begin with invitation. And this evening, uh, Reverend Kevin Crumpson of pastor for Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church is here to lead us in prayer. Please stand. Let's bow our head and close our eyes. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of Pine Bluff, and we ask for your presence to guide this meeting and every decision that will be made. Grant our mayor, council members, city leaders, and staff wisdom and discernment and integrity as they deliberate on matters that impact our community. Help them to leave with fairness, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Lord, we lift up these citizens of Pine Bluff, our families, our children, our seniors, and our neighborhood. May every policy discussed in every action taken promote safety, growth, unity, and hope for our city. Give us ears to listen with understanding, minds open to new ideals, and hearts anchored in service. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is uncertainty, bring clarity. Where there are challenges, provide

solutions. We ask your blessings upon this meeting that it may be conducted in order, respect, and peace. and may all that is done bring honor to you and serve the greater good of this city we all call home. In your name we pray. Amen. Amen. And now I would ask Miss Leona Dockett. She is a student at Careralot Learning Academy and she is going to lead us in our pledge of allegiance with her sister.

I pledge alce to the flag of the United States of America and to the for one nation. God bless for all.

Thank you, Doc Sisters. Madame Clerk, will you please call the role? here. Council member Hulcom here. Council member Brown here. Council member Lockett here. Council member Frasier here. Council member Bronson. Council member Denton here.

Council member Fail. Thank you. The cold weather got them today. Um, next we will um approve the minutes from January 8th, 2026 special call meeting as well as the regular meeting regular call meeting a regular meeting um held on January 5th, 2026. Uh I will entertain a motion to adopt. Move to adopt. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that this council will adopt a minutes from January 8th and January 5th, 2026. Any discussion? With no discussion, all those who wish to vote for the approval of minutes indicate by saying I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. And now we will hear our committee report. We will begin with ways and means. Council member Brown,

just before this council meeting tonight, we had um two different ordinances that were heard by the committee. Uh both of those are concerning purchases and the uh recent changes that the state made to um purchasing and within uh and also with bids. Both of those ordinances were sent to the full council with a due pass and so they will appear on next um council members agenda, the council council meetings agenda. And that concludes my report. Thank you. Next, we will hear ordinances uh and resolutions. Council member [clears throat] uh Hulcom, will you please your report?

Thank Thank you, Mayor. We have four agenda items. Number one is up for the first reading. Two, three, and four are all resolutions and they will be completed on tonight. That concludes ordinance and resolutions. Thank you. And next, Council Member Frasier, will you please deliver your report on economic and community development? No report, Mayor. Uh, the next economic and community development meeting will be on January 28th at 11:00 a.m. Thank you. That concludes my report.

Council member um, Denton, will you please deliver your report on public health and welfare? Uh, mayor, madame mayor, public health and welfare has not met, but we will be meeting soon. That concludes my report. Thank you. Council member Fraser, what time was that meeting on the 28th? 11:00 a.m. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Council member Lockett, will you please deliver your report on public works?

Yes, ma'am. Madame Mayor, the uh uh public works committee has not met since our last meeting. We should meet on January the 27th at 1:00 in the old city council chambers. That concludes my report, Madame Mayor. Thank you so much. Council member Fels, will you please deliver your report on development and planning? So, development and planning, we met recently and we forwarded agenda item number four to the full council. Uh we may be having a meeting this Friday up at 4 pm, but we'll be sending out final confirmations later this week if we intend to do so. And that includes my report for now. Thank you.

What date is that? Friday. What day is that? 23rd. Okay. So, January 23rd at 400 p.m. is the tenative date and time schedule for that. Okay. And council member Brunson, will you please deliver your report on traffic and aviation?

Thank you, Mayor. Uh, traffic and aviation has not met. Um, but I will get with the city clerk on our next meeting. And that concludes my report. Thank you. Council member Hulcom, will you please deliver your report on administration? Thank you, Mayor. The administration committee has not met. We still have our regular schedule meeting every second Tuesday of each month. That will be February the 9th and that time will be set. Uh I'll let the city clerk office know. That concludes my report. Did you say it, Tom? I didn't say set a time. I'll let I'll let the city clerk office know.

Okay. Thank you. And council member Brown, will you please report on public safety?

Uh thank you, Mayor. uh public safety committee met twice since our last meeting. The first meeting was on January the 7th. Um we heard from animal control, Mr. Graden. Um he said that our generator um for the animal control center is being programmed and is also passed inspection. So that should be up and going. Um and he's about to start bidding for the kennels for the um for the old shelter. And so and all that funding is in place for those kennels. Um in the police department heard from Telicia Brown who's our crime analyst. Uh she reported that overall crime is down 13% since the same time last year. This is from December. Um in December 2025 we had 2312 calls for service. We also had 563 stops in patrol for December. Um and we had a total of 33,86 calls for service in 2025. um total crimes reported between December um for December 2025 was 224 and that number is down 6.67% from December of the previous year. Um Chief Davis also um spoke about um some legislation in future concerning signon bonuses and I'm sure that's going to be uh forthcoming. Um also during that committee meeting we uh passed on to the full council agenda item number one um which is uh concerning the uh restructuring of the police department. Um he also stated that on January the 14th that he's going to meet with Motorola to discuss um the 360 degree cameras that we'll be placing around the city. Um we heard from GBI and they reported that currently they have 100 cases. 80 of those are fins cases which are family in need of services and 20 of those cases are uh with gun charges um related to those. Um I also stated they were in partnerships with the courts and

basically they would visit with individuals um in jail for domestic violence uh for counseling for those individuals. Um currently we have two officers assigned to GBI and we have three vehicles but we we have two officers assigned but we actually slided for three. Um, and we um currently have three vehicles that that actually bear the GBI signage. And there is a uh national network domestic violence meeting on the third Wednesday at 1:00. And that's going to be with Deborah Higgins who is the senior field advisor for that uh organization. And they also mentioned that u if you have an area that needs to be cleaned up, we have a community service there. Uh Mr. Kelsey Thomas. He's over that area where we have the youth go out and clean up certain areas of the city. And so that contact information is 870-619 9141 if you have an area that uh needs to be cleaned up. So you can contact Mr. Thomas and he can get um those individuals out to help clean that area up. Um, we also mentioned during the committee that um, and this is possible, this is not anything that's happened yet, but setting up uh, substations in different parts of town. Um, uh, the goal will be to have a substation in every ward. And so, that's some some things that we're still looking at on that. In the fire department from Chief Compton, uh, currently we have two individuals in the academy. Um, we have and we have three candidates um, from a list of eight candidates that are currently going through the hiring process. Um, and we have three engineers and one lieutenant that is to be promoted or has been promoted, I'm not sure, um, since then. Um, and let's see, um, January 16th, we had our first payment that was due for, um, training facility or our burn building. That's going to be a total of $315,000. Um, and for that, uh, ladder truck that was damaged uh, recently, um, we're

going to be getting that repaired in Texas. I think that is the most current information I have on that. I see Chief out there anywhere. I saw him earlier. All right. And so we're still accurate on that. We're still sending it off to Texas. Okay. All right. And so that truck will be repaired there. Um other than that, that concludes my report. Um my next meeting, and it's not set with the clerk yet, um but it's um I guess tenatively uh February 4th, 1:30, unless something changes. um in the old council chambers. And that concludes my report.

Sure. How many council member Mays? What was the age of the war with with the gun charges? Mhm. Right. You spoke about that. Can we ask Pastor Crumpton what what is the age group? These guys are carrying guns, man. They juveniles. Oh, they all the way from 12 18 from 12 years old to 18 old on the juvenile side those gun charges and 80 family in need of services. So that's a total of right at you know 100 cases that we monitor and they steady add on every Monday and Thursday. What kind of guns are they carrying man? Cap pistols.

Well just about every kind that you can buy at the store. Uh especially you don't have you don't have a printed report with any specifics on you do you? No ma'am. Okay. Um I have a quick question. Mhm. What is the time range um for those numbers? Is that as the program has been in existence and these are the cases you're still monitoring or are these new cases in the last year or I mean in the last month or how does that work? Approximately since November 23 we really started picking up the cases in

in 24. So from 24 all the way until now uh we have been kind of monitoring those cases. Some cases have been closed out, right? But that's that's just but this is just to be clear. this is the totality of all the cases since the um program has been at work and you have had cases and you're still monitoring these cases and working with um these adults and young people um in in through the program just to be clear. Okay. All right. Thank you so much. Can I ask one more question? Sure. Council member Mays,

what what is the age and and when you when y'all get catch them, what are they saying? Why did they car Why are they carrying guns? Not even 10 years old. Council member, he just said 12 to 18 and he doesn't have any specifics and this is over a period of two years. He just I'm just trying to bypass any repetition. He did answer the question. No, I'm just saying he know he got to ask him why and he he know that

he answered the question. You asked the range. Thank you, council me. I mean, thank you, Reverend Crumpton. Okay. Um [snorts] I guess that was it for public safety. I I think I said enough. Okay, you did. You said a mouthful. Next.

Okay. So, next we will hear from um we'll hear our proposed ordinances and resolutions. Uh council member Hulcom. Thank you. Agenda item number one, an ordinance amending section 21-26 of the code of ordinance of the city of Pine, Arkansas, respecting the classification of personnel within the police department, amending the 2026 municipal budget to transfer funds to defer the cost of these changes and related purposes up for the first reading. Whereas it is desired to make changes respecting the classification of personnel within the police department for the betterment of the department to add two assistant chief positions, eliminate two deputy chief positions, and reduce the number of sergeant positions from 20 to 19. And whereas a transfer of funds within the department's budget is needed to defay the cost associated with these changes. Now therefore, be it ordained by the city council of the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, section one, the section 2126 of the code of ordinances of the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas is amended as follows. A amend paragraph two thereof to increase the number of assistant chiefs from 1 to three. B, repeal and delete paragraph 3 to eliminate the two positions of deputy chief of police. Three, reduce number of lieutenant positions in paragraph 5 from 11 to 10 effective April 30th, 2026, reallocating the balance of the salary reflected in the 2026 municipal budget within the police department. D. Reduce the number of sergeant positions in paragraph 6 from 20 to 19. E renumber current paragraphs 4 through 7 as 3 through six. Section two, the 2026 municipal budget is amended all to be trans all transfer to the freight cost of these changes by transferring the amount budgeted from

for one sergeant position and reallocating the sum between each new assistant chief position to increase the budgeted amount for these positions. Section three, all ordinances are parts thereof in conflict with this ordinance are repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section four, this ordinance being of a general or permanent nature, [music] the clerk will cause it to be published as required by law. Section five, this ordinance shall take effect on the 31st day after its approval.

Place it on the calendar. [clears throat] Agenda item number two, a resolution authorizing a contract with KO Trucking Asphalt and Pavement Incorporated for work regarding the Pine Blood Fire and Emergency Services Department training facility. Whereas after solicitation of bids from interested vendors to perform work regarding the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department training facility, the firm of KO Trucking, Asphalt, and Pavement Incorporated submitted the lowest most responsible bid to do the work. And whereas a contract should be executed with this vendor consistent with the bid and the city specifications. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Peliff, Arkansas, that the mayor is authorized to execute a contract and other necessary documents with Ko Trucking, Asphalt, and Pavement Incorporated to perform work regarding the Pondluff Fire and Emergency Services Department training facility consistent with this bid amount of $315,422.95 and supporting documentation and the city's specifications.

Move for adoption. Second. It's been moved and seconded that item number two be adopted. Any discussion? Yes. Council member Mays. I'd like to be a sponsor on that too. Madame clerk. Any others like to be a sponsor? Me too. But I do have one thing I want to take. Council member Frasier. Hold on just a second. Any other members like to be Council Member Lockett? Any others? Council member Hulcom. Any others? Council member Denton. Council member Brunson. Council member Fails. Yes. Why not? Okay. Council member Fails. Okay. Everybody. Yes. Now, Council Member Frasier,

the only thing I wanted to say, we need to add uh which line item this is coming through um on this legislation based on the legislation we passed. That's the only thing I have uh to add to that. That's all. Uh right now, this uh is going to be coming from carryover. Okay. We need to per the law that we passed, we need to have it on this legislation. So, do we need um madame city attorney to hear a should that be an amendment? Yes. Just just um amend it. Okay. To reflect that, right? Okay.

Well, I move that we amended to add that the $315,422.95 will be coming from carryover. I second. It's been moved and seconded what council member Frasier just said. Any discussion? But madame mayor, council member Lockett, didn't we carry it over put it? Did we It was in the carryover from the previous year. It was I think what she's saying is needs to be it needs to be uh noted from the legislation that we passed last year indicating that um whenever we have an whenever you have resolution that that it needs to indicate where the money is coming from.

Only clarification I'm making is that I think we did we leave it is Gina in No. Okay. So I don't know if we left it in the 25 carryover or did we move it because we did allocate about 600 and so many thousand toward that training center but I thought we moved it from the carryover in 25 to a designated line item that it would it would already be it would already be in a line item. Um,

we can we can we can let the language I know I know it was in the carryover 25 but I thought when we disposed of the carryover in 25 we put it in a specific line item that funded that construction of that training center. So it should pretty much come out of the training center line item. Uh but we got time to amend and uh once we confer with Gina so maybe we just um I guess for now carry over right and we can we can be more specific or we can just suspend the rules and let this pass. Could we do that? What's that? Suspend the rules for this. Um you don't

we don't need to do that. We just make the amendment. We just identified it as coming from carryover. We just um I think that last time um when we had this situation with something, we found out what line item and then it was put in there before it was um finalized by say the carryover 25 cuz that's where it was. The only thing I'm saying is we did a resolution carrying over all the carryover. So it's not in the carryover no more. Correct. It's just a technicality guys. So we might have it in a fire training facility line item. That's the only thing I'm saying is I know we moved it from the carryover 25. Okay. Source material.

Can I ask a question? When will this work? When will this work begin? Um it should begin soon. Uh cuz the uh the building itself should be here. I think sometime in the spring, early spring, right? And so that work will been begin immediately with the weather permitting. Have y'all adopted the original as amended? Have you all done that? Uh, no. Okay. Not yet. Okay. So, we're still on the on the motion with the carryover funds and I second. So, it's been moved and seconded to amend the language and we had a little bit of discussion. Any further discussion? With no further discussion, all those who wish to vote for the amendment indicate by saying I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. move to um pass this resolution as amended. Second. It's been moved and seconded that item number two be uh adopted as amended. Any discussion? With no discussion, all those who wish to vote for the adoption of item number two as amended, indicate by saying I. I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Agenda item number three, a resolution of the city council of the city of Primouth, Arkansas, opposing the proposed southeast or state senior colleges development at 1701 West 73rd Street and expressing support for the relocation to the original plan site or a suitable alternative site subject to community engagement, infrastructure capacity, and all applicable laws and for other purposes. Whereas representatives of the developer and in investors for a proposed 60 unit affordable senior housing project located at 1701 West 73rd Street in Pineluff conducted a neighborhood public meeting attended by the members of the Pine Bluff City Council WS 2 4 and 3 during which residents expressed strong concerns regarding the suitability of the proposed site. And whereas the residents articulated specific site concerns related to infrastructure, traffic circulation, emergency response access, and compatibility with surrounding land uses. And whereas Pineluff wastewater utility through its consulting engineer has identified existing gravity sewer capacity constraints in the segments between manhole 9 and manhole 10 and between manhole 10 and manhole 2. Noting risks of searchcharge, inact inadequate velocities, and potential sanitary sewer overflows under current and projected loading conditions. And has advised that no approvals, permitting actions or construction activities should proceed until capacity limitations are resolved, downstream adequacy is confirmed, and final design solutions are coordinated

with the utility. And whereas the Arkansas Development Finance Authority issued a notice of finding of no significant impact and a notice of intent to release the funds for the project under the home and I'm going to add lowincome housing tax credit programs which action while federal in nature does not supersede the city's independent responsibility to ensure ure local land use consistency, public facility adequacy, and health, safety, and welfare considerations. And whereas the city is committed to meeting fair housing obligations and to affirmatively further house fair housing and recognize that equitable sighting of affordable and senior housing includes meaningful community participation, proximity to services and transit and adequate public facilities and must avoid policies or actions that could be interpreted as discriminatory. and whereas expressed concerns for relocation to the original planned site or a suitable alternative location in one of the city's underserved and underdeveloped areas may better align with comprehensive planning goals, public investment strategies, and equitable access to services provided that the site meets infrastructure infrastructure safety and environmental requirements and is developed through a transparent inclusive process. with affected residents. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Pineluff, Arkansas, section 1. Opposition has been formally expressed by residents for proceeding with the proposed Southeast Estates Senior Cottages development at 1701 West

73rd Street at this time based on unresolved wastewater collection capacity constraints, site specific in infrastructure concerns, questions of compatibility with surrounding land uses, and the need for additional community engagement and planning analysis. Section two, the city council supports in principle relocating the project to the original planned site or to a suitable alternative site and further recognizes the urgent long-standing need for safe, decent, and truly affordable housing for seniors, working families, and residents on fixed incomes. The council finds that strategically directing affordable housing investment when paired with residentled planning and adequate public facilities can help stabilize neighborhoods, expand housing choice, and advance equitable development consistent with the city's obligation to affirmatively further fair housing. According to any relocation, accordingly, any relocation is conditioned on the following: robust and early community engagement with residents and stakeholders. confirmation of adequate wastewater water transportation drainage and emergency access cap capacity consistent with the city of Pineluff comprehensive plan and small area plans incorporation of long-term affordability and accessibility commitments enforceable through recorded restrictions or other binding mechanisms and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and policies including obligations to affirm affirmative ly further house fair housing. Section three, the council respectfully requests that ADFA and the US Department of Housing of urban of of urban development refrain from approving or releasing federal funds for construction at 1701

West 73rd until the city and PLO wastewater utility confirm and that identified capacity constraints have been resolved and that the project's environmental record adequately addresses public facilities and service impacts, including mitigation. [clears throat] ation measures and enforceable conditions. Section four, the city council directs city staff, including planning and development and the city attorney to prepare and transmit formal written comments to ADFA and HUD reflecting this resolution to coordinate with Pinluff Wastewater Utility to obtain a definitive capacity and mitigation plan and to schedule as needed planning commission and city council hearings on any relocated proposal, ensuring meaningful opportunities for public comment. Section five, the city clerk shall transmit certified copies of this resolution to ADFA, the HUD, Arkansas field office, PML wastewater utility, the developer and its representatives, the planning commission, and any other relevant agencies. Section six, this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

Move for adoption. Second. It's been moved and seconded that item number three be adopted. face. Any discussion? Madame Mayor, council member Lockett. Um, I don't have a problem with the contents of the resolution, but the methodology is is what I'm having problems with. I was wondering if it would be uh within if we could talk to the individuals contained because it's quite a bit in the resolution and it doesn't it doesn't give any leadway for any kind of discussion. Talk talk to which individuals? All the individuals.

I think we have. Have you? Yes, we have. You talked to the ADFA people? Not AFA. Okay. Um but definitely all of the other stakeholders, the developers, the um stake the uh residents and uh wastewater leadership. Okay. Now the now the developers are we are we in communication with them in such a way that we have been they have

not since the meetings. There have been um meetings with my office then there have been public meetings not since then. I think that what I'm and this is where I I am um and I said this the last time we met about this. the involvement of the mayor's office since I have been in office is that I was reached out to I was given information not complete information but information um had expressed a willingness to assist with a grant when I was reached out to by residents and there was subsequent communication as a and as a result of that public meetings I made it clear to the developers that I could not support or assist with any grant application as long as residents were against it. Made an effort after that to bring residents together with the developers and they remain um stalwart in their efforts to ensure that this does not happen. And I think what we're hearing today is that the council member who attended all of those meetings, I think all but one, um the uh along with the uh council member in that um ward are pushing forth this uh ordinance or this resolution rather to um stake their position on what's happening in their ward. So that's kind of where we are.

Correct. Any further? Yeah. Discussion. I I don't I'm not in support of the construction at the location. Uh but I think the impediments uh that were voiced by wastewater will keep the the project from continuing. I don't think that they have the the fundings to overcome that. But my only reservation with this is that it sends a strong message to ATVA and HUD [clears throat] and uh entities that we'll need to fund future projects

that um that that I that I think you know not not that it would it would hinder the development but I was but you said the developers don't want to talk anymore.

No, I didn't say that. As I said, we have not spoken with them since we've had the public meetings and the residents have been very clear that they did not like how this happened. They did not like that um they were not engaged uh that this uh development was occurring um without their engagement and there were um there was a lot of information shared about how and why that happened. And I think that's why we're here because it is the current um process [clears throat] and system that was appropriately adhered to that left them out. And I think that what you're seeing are um ward is the ward leadership um being responsive to residents and making it clear that um because there is very serious concern um about infrastructural issues, about communication issues um to say the least that you know they would like for this to move forward to about this project and I'm I have been very clear that we are not a city that is opposed to development. We support development. Um we also want to do it uh as council member Brunson would say decently and in order. And um and with this much uh concern and conflict about where we are about the infrastructure, about the communication um what we have on the table, our ward is our ward leadership from the affected ward stating that um given that as well

as um how we went from and the reasoning we went from the um original location. [clears throat] Mhm. To this location um because of uh flooding issues that you know if the flooding issues is what drove the project from the original location to the current location where there are also flooding issues. I think that's to be consistent. I think that's why we're here about this project, not about development in general. May I speak? Council member Mays.

Thank you. Uh to the residents, [clears throat] keep standing up. Keep stay together. I like what you all doing. I'm supporting you all because [clears throat] I don't want anybody to come in your all's neighborhood. It's nice out there. And just take over. We're the city council. We can say yes or no if you don't get bought out with the city council though. I support you all 100%. Stay strong because some of these developers try to bully the citizens, but you got a city council behind you all. I got your back. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Maize. Any further discussion? [clears throat] No further discussion. All those who wish to vote for item number three, indicate by saying I.

I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Mayor also. Council member Brown. I think Council Member Dentra and Council Member Frasier were want to be co-sponsors on this as well. Council member Denton and Council Member Frasier wish to be co-sponsors. Any other members? Oh, Council Member Maize as well. Council member Maize, Council Member Hog, Council Member Brunson, Council Member Lockett, I took a pass on.

Okay. Okay. Almost all. Almost all. Okay. You got the vote, but not the sponsorship. That's still a win [clears throat] for the members um who sponsored this legislation. Okay. Council member Hulcom. Agenda. Agenda item number four, a resolution providing for placement of costs of correcting certain newses on tax book at delinquent taxes and collected as such. For ACA 145 for adoption. Second. It's been moved and seconded that item number four be adopted. Any discussion?

Yes, mayor. Uh we have an amendment for agenda [clears throat] item number four. Um it's a you should have a memorandum in front of you. All the council members should have that. I move that we uh remove the following uh leans from the lean resolution. And this is on page three, lines 22 through 24, page four, lines 1 through three, and page four, lines 4 through six. I move that these be removed from the resolution.

Second. It's been moved and seconded that the uh affformentioned items be removed um to constitute the amendment to agenda item number four. Any discussion? With no further discussion or with no discussion, uh all of those who wish to vote for the amendment indicate by saying I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Move to approve this resolution as amended. Second. It's been moved and seconded that item number four be adopted as amended. Any discussion? With no discussion, all those who wish to vote for item number four as amended, indicate by saying I.

I.

Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay. And now we will move on to the announcements for today's meeting. Announcement [clears throat] number one, kickstart your year right with fresh vibes and a mindset boost, a mindset boost at our in-person workshop Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the generator. Announcement number two, the city of Pine Bluff invites residents to attend the upcoming PFAC, police, fire, animal control, and code enforcement town hall meeting on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. This meeting is held every fourth Tuesday. The meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kevin Collins Center located at 200 East 8th Avenue. Um, announcement number three, Nature Quilters. This hands-on program series held every first Friday of the month from October through May 26, 2026 will teach the basics of quilt making. This year's theme is birds and blooms. No prior quilting experience is required to participate. It is free to participate with the minimum age of 18 years old and located at 1400 Black Dog Drive in Pineluff, Arkansas 71601. Um, announcement number four, join us for some EJ Jones gas station love. Live in the in the bluff for some good vibes, great people, and unforgettable moments. Saturday, February 7th at 6 p.m. located at 2411 University Drive in Pineluff,

Arkansas 71602. And finally, announcement number five. The city of Pineluff is asking all residents who still have waste management bins to contact the mayor's office, please provide your address and contact information, and we will coordinate with Waste Management to have those bins collected. If you have questions regarding card services, such as your pickup day or general inquiries, please contact cards at 870-3997463 or visit www t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t tinyurl.com/cards pb. And I'll just add to that that our office has been working diligently to um send out information, printed information to addresses to ensure that um we are able to uh assist Waste Management in picking up any remaining residential containers. Also, um I got a call or a copy of a text that it appears that there may be some um commercial dumpsters that have still haven't been picked up. So any waste management uh commercial dumpsters which they will still pick up and we will share that information uh at the next meeting and also in print also social media and any other media that we can put out there so everyone is aware. Um and that is all I have.

Yeah, Council Member Brown. Um and I'm not sure if it's already going on and are the warming centers already set up? Yes. Okay. Yes. Um and that'll be at the opportunity house. We are continuing to partner with them. Okay.

Um and uh let me pull up the address. Well, it's actually at the old first ward school um at uh 6th in Ohio or behind the block at 6 in Ohio. So um that is where we are receiving people in need of services u at the warming center. So that is it for our announcements and council member Fraser has an announcement for January 24th. H council member Frasier do you have an announcement for January 24th?

Oh I gave the the special meeting the econ where what did you the 28th? I did that for the economic Saturday.

Oh, look. You for you talking about you talking about me. I forgot about I forgot about announcing that. But um I just wanted to announce to the citizens of Pine Bluff that I have been blessed with the opportunity of being awarded the quilt of valor um that's given out to veterans. And so this this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. uh they will be having it at the veteran center. So, I would love for any of you who are wanting to to come to please just let me know or I'll see you there. But I'm grateful for this uh opportunity that has been awarded me and I look forward to seeing whoever is there to be there with me because I don't have my biological family here. So, you all are my family. So, I welcome you all to come and attend. Thank you.

Congratulations, council member. Thank you, Mayor. [applause]

And with all of the announcements, we will adjourn and then immediately hear from um one resident who has signed up to speak on non a public make public comments on uh non-aggenda item. Mr. Julius Lever, will you please come to the podium? And I believe you want to speak on radio and its effect on people and um you have three minutes sir. Thank you.

Thank you all today and thank the residents for being here. Uh I take great pleasure and love for had the opportunity to speak to the city council and a resident and uh as a person who was employed in my own business and I'm doing some things but not all of my time. So I did some study about something I just want to share with you. It says about radio. It says, "America, the exclusion of African-Americans in broadcasting began with the emergence of the first commercial radio station in the United States, KA, in Pittsburgh on November 2nd, 1920. As radio advanced, some northern radio stations featured black broadcasters. However, the primary depiction of Africanameans on air came from white radio personalities who paid portrayed them as comical, non-intellectual, and without virtue. Blacks could only obtain realistic, relevant, and empowering mass mediated information from intellectuals whose thoughts radiated from black newspapers and magazines. Black mass media options shifted when in 1969 the Federal Communication Commissions prohibited racial discrimination and employment. Gradually, media companies began to end discriminatory hiring practices and black full-time broadcasters started to change the type and utility of broadcast content. Continue just a little bit more, please. Several factors converged to bring about the transformation of American radio. Among which were the profit motive, civil rights and movement leaders, urban uprisings in the federal government, arguably federal intervention through policies, findings and mandates and laws reform racist hiring practices in America radio

companies. The FCC Colonel Commission and Federal Employment Opportunity Commission were the three major federal entities that integrated radio broadcasting. The profit motive remains at the core of the decision making in capitalistic medal. Still, profit did not usher in substantial racial integration historically at the major network affiliated stations. And I'm going to skip and go and go into something smaller. I said conversely the small non-net network stations eyed black people differently plagued by under capitalization the radio stern turned increasingly to African-Americans new programming and listeners yes where white broadcast were typically employed full-time stations produced the services of black host part-time for example the country's first black focus radio station WDIA in Memphis was staffed black on air personnel who work full-time as teachers, postal workers, mechanics, and other professional jobs, other small white orientated stations that employed Africans used the brokerage system. And I can tell you more about brokers for the sake of time. It's so much when you talk about radio and I'm finding it very interesting, but one thing that I found most interesting is a gentleman named Magnificent Montigue was on the east coast. He got fired. He went different places in the country, but he ended up in California. And he started a show with young people. And that's what I'm concerned about, young people. And it was a show where young children would be in the car and they would call and say, "Hey, my name is Greg Johnson and I just want to tell you that I'm going to get I'm going to do such and such." And he and he said, "Burn, baby, burn." He said, "Baby, burn." Nobody thought too much of it. But because of the things that were happening at that time, there was Martin

Luther King and so many people and so many things happened that there was a watch riot and a watch riot began. He said this. He said, excuse me, and I'm almost finished if you mind please. It's very important. He said, I he lived in Bar. He said, I didn't know nothing. He was a black man. I didn't know nothing about Watts. He says slightly exaggerated. I had never been to the southside. I was only in town for 6 months. I lived in Bad. I don't know what watch was all about. The whole social revolution. The people that watch are from a different economic background. I don't socialize with the people I broadcast to like a preacher. If he socializes too much with his parishioners, he can't save their souls. So that burning all this and I see the sign burn on the walls on television. They got it scribbled. But it didn't even dawn on me then what I represented. So he was pushing the term burn baby burn. He play a record. He said burn baby burn. So when the riots happened, everybody start going to neighborhoods and stop burning and they say burn baby burn.

Yes, please please. Okay. I I will finish by saying this. Okay.

Is important that we recognize that African-Americans have not had an opportunity to be on radio in broadcast. If you notice where is our hall, where is Tavis Smiley? So even when they are on airways, sometimes it's not longlasting. So I'm saying we must cherish the opportunities that we all have been given, but [snorts] at the same time we must recognize the damage that radio personalities can do. And I'm just reminding you of both the appreciation that we can participate in the danger that can happen because he say I didn't live there. I didn't know what I was seeing was contributing to so much. And then somebody got it and they said we going to spread this all over the country. A thousand cities from 100 to a thousand and everybody said we going to promote it and burn burn all over the country because the radio personality didn't know what he was doing. I thank you very much for listening and I hope not it didn't offend anyone that's here or not here. Thank you so much.

Thank you. I can say that I always learn something new. Thank you, Mr. Lever. Appreciate you. Um, okay. It is 6:29 and I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. [clears throat] Oh, did Oh, I didn't do that. I just pressed it. Okay. I just pressed it. I didn't entertain it, did I? Okay. Well, we're journ. Thank y'all. Mhm. I did that. Okay.