25 AUG 7REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met for a regular session on August 7, 2025 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor
Elmore led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum.
PRESENT TEN (10) ABSENT ZERO (0).
Others present for the meeting were: Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, Director of Economic
Development Robert Birch, Director of Communications Emily Sundermeier, Jeff Twitty, Gary Fletcher, Jessica Cox, Barry Jefferson, and Reginald Ford.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 17, 2025 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council
meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Mimms that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 3, 2025 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
COMMITTEE(S):
GENERAL: a. PUBLIC HEARING FY25 CDBG Annual Action Plan
Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:02 p.m.
CDBG Director Michelle Spencer stated: “Hello beautiful people of Jacksonville, Mayor, Council Members, and City comrades. This public hearing is being held in accordance to our citizen
participation plan as it relates to the annual action plan process. We are currently in our 5th year of the 5-year Consolidated Plan from 2021-2025. All public notices were advertised
in the Leader and a draft of the plan was posted on the website and various locations for review. 3 public meetings were held in June and had a total of 25 attendees with 20 surveys
collected. All results can be found within the plan on pages 40-41. The 30-day public comment period was July 2nd-31st. During the period we received 1 comment as well as a request
for a meeting, which was very interesting and a well thought out meeting, and is explained
in more detail on page 39. You’ll notice in the comments, the eligible CDBG activities are notated and the comments mentioned more than once are also notated. I will be discussing the
comments not related to Community Development with other department leads, so they are aware, in order to obtain possible solutions to those comments. Please note, there will be an
additional advertisement insert dated August 6th, as well as 1 more clearance letter that will be sent from one of the state clearing officers next Monday. Both will be added prior
to submission on or before August 13th as well as any corrections that are needed.
I’ll cover a few logistics, on behalf of Program Year 2025. We will allocate $55,729.00 to Housing & Housing Administration, $15,000.00 to Create a Suitable Living Environment: eliminating
slum and blight, $15,000.00 to Economic Development: to create jobs or provide training, $80,000.00 to Public Facility/Improvements: with emphasis on repairs to Public Facilities and
a Community Garden Project, $38,245.00 to Public Service, which has a 15% cap, and $50,994.00 to Administration, which has a 20% cap. The Total of Anticipated Resources for 2025 is
$254,968.00.
We had a late start on 2024’s award which was released in January 2025. We are currently expending the 2024 funds and will continue steadfast to expend those funds moving forward. We
have accomplished so far this year; rehab projects and demos as well as public facility improvements. We will be knocking out additional home rehabs and public improvement activities
to finish out the year strong.
Since I have your attention, I would like to touch base on a few milestones during my tenure that I’m excited about. Did you know? During the Program Year 2022 we received $219,338.00
which was a 6% increase from 2021. Did you also know in 2023 we received $227,969.00 which was a 4% increase from 2022? In 2024 we received $230,739.00 which was a 1% increase from
2023. And last but not least in 2025 we will receive $254,968.00 which is an increase of 11% from 2024. Please note, the difference from 2020’s allocation to this year’s allocation
is an increase of 21% over the 5 years. I would say that’s a very positive accomplishment for Jacksonville, wouldn’t you? Considering how across the nation, so many cities have experienced
cuts in their CDBG award allocations, however despite those cuts, we (Jacksonville) have progressively increased over the years.
I’ll point out that I’ve finalized Mandated Reports successfully, which include 2022, 2023, 2024’s Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), the 2023 and 2024 Annual
Action Plan (AAP) of the 5-year Consolidated Plan and most recently we’ve successfully processed the 2025 AAP. Also, reallocated the 2020 Substantial Amendment to the AAP for COVID
funds and finally today received local HUD representative on the go ahead to be able to start processing that after three years, which is well overdue.
I’ve also Administered each grant successfully through projects, programs and services on behalf of the very low to low-income residents of Jacksonville, administered projects after
the disaster to assist citizens with damages to
their homes from the storms in 23 and 24, and currently seeking to apply for disaster recovery funds to further assist the residents who were significantly affected by the storms and
have not gained home stability as of today’s date, (more information to come).
You all, these reports are usually outsourced to contractors in most cities. We were blessed to be able to contract with the previous director, due to her years of experience, in order
to finalize the 2021-2022 AAP and 2021 CAPER prior to my start date and we didn’t have to outsource. Since my tenure, ALL annual reports and end of year reports have been completed
by yours truly, which is usually above and beyond the skill set for a new director and contracting is a must most times. I said all that to say while it’s a very demanding task, the
achievements are very rewarding for me when I can see the fruits of my labor manifest itself in increases in our annual allocations each year, which ultimately helps more of our low
to moderate-income families and citizens. I have in front of me a very big decision to make regarding preparations for our next 5-year Con Plan, which will be due in 2026 and will cover
the years of 2026-2030. Do I contract out or do I take on this very prodigious task, that’s the question? With lots of time and preparation I veer more to the latter and will share
the decision later in the year.
Meanwhile I will be seeking a software contractor to convert all existing and future files and all our application processes over to an electronic database. In preparation of future
programming to be added under the umbrella of Community Development, I will start to vet software vendors to assist with the filing and online databases we are currently needing. At
this time, the software contractor will take the place of a part-time specialist. We will definitely explore hiring a specialist after the 2026 5-year Con Plan is finalized and our
electronic system is up and running efficiently and effectively.
Also, I am excited to share the name of our new subrecipient partnership that I will pass the 2024 public service baton to, which is Jacksonville Community Worship Center, who will continue
to provide services to the residents of Jacksonville by way of food distribution, utility assistance, and temporary shelter assistance. They have been thoroughly trained and come with
a wealth of experience and will start to administer funds soon. They will be presenting next on the agenda on all the services they currently provide and will be providing to the community.
Moving forward we will announce through a request for proposal (RFP), for the 2025 sub-recipient public service application process to allow an opportunity for organizations to apply
for public service funding who want to. Please note, in order to apply you would need to be an existing productive organization in Jacksonville for at least 1 year and be registered
and in good standing with the non-profit status, among other requirements. I’ve covered quite a bit, and will now yield the floor for any questions you may have. Thank you”
Mayor Elmore closed the public hearing at approximately 6:13 p.m.
b. PRESENTATION: New CDBG sub-recipient
Operations Manager for Jacksonville Community Worship Center Sandra Thomas noted the pantry started in 2017 at 500 West Hickory Street. She recalled being near the Unsheltered, who would
often stop in to request assistance for food, utilities, clothing, temporary shelter, and counseling services, which they provided through donations. She told how they moved to 424
Church Street in 2018, continued providing assistance, and through their partnership with the Arkansas Food Bank, provided 125,000 pounds of food. She stated in April, they became a
host agency for Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, who is now also able to purchase from the Food Bank. She brought up when an apartment complex on Marshall Road had no utilities for 16 days,
they provided two truckloads of food to the Marshall Road Baptist Church, who accepted them to store and now wants to be hosted as a food pantry. She mentioned the food boxes around
the City are supplied by a non-profit, Shelter From the Rain, whose director, Mary Snider, is present. She explained they partnered with her to ensure they stay full since she is doing
great work for the community. She noted they have had partnerships with healthcare facilities, master gardeners, and recently the NAACP for their well-attended Health and Wellness Fair.
She affirmed with this Public Service funding, they aim to make a significant impact ensuring no child or family will be subjected to being hungry or homeless. She confirmed regardless
of the size, no one church, business, or non-profit can reach everyone in our City who needs assistance.
c. ORDINANCE 1793 (#22-2025)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HYBRID CITY COUNCIL SEAT STRUCTURE DESIGNATING POSITION 1 AS WARD-BASED AND POSITION 2 AS AT-LARGE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member McCoy mentioned racial discord regarding the at-large voting question. She believes Council should be open and not push it to one side over another, because this impacts
the entire City. She has petitions of people who want at-large voting dismantled, noting there was a poll on Facebook showing ward-based was preferred. She brought up the hybrid option
was a fair compromise, but has since learned people want ward-based only.
Council Member McCoy moved to place Ordinance 1793 on FIRST READING.
Discussion ensued regarding which version to read, since two were provided, and it was determined to read the first, as stated above.
Council Member Moss seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: Council Member Ruple, McCoy, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Dietz, McCleary,
and Ray voting NAY.
Mayor Elmore then read the heading of Ordinance 1793.
Council Member Moss shared Ordinance 420 in 1976 was regarding ward-based voting, but was not acted upon since the sponsor was not present at the meeting. He recalled the next time was
Ordinance 1661 in 2021 that was voted down. He believes this is not a Council decision, but should go to the voters; although he is in favor of ward-based.
Council Member McCoy explained placing it on the ballot would require it be written for an 8th grade reading level. She questioned if this would be the work of Council to prepare.
City Clerk Davitt responded that Council would have to pass an ordinance to place it on the ballot.
Council Member McCoy questioned if that is the direction Council wants to go.
Council Member LaBron and Moss concurred.
Council Member Twitty shared that she does not want Council to put it on the ballot, because she believes it is a conflict of interest to tell the public how to vote for her. She confirmed
she is for at-large voting, but if a group or individual wants to put it on the ballot, it needs to be done that way if they are for it, but she is not.
Council Member McCoy related if Council passes an ordinance changing to ward-based, it must be filed with the County Clerk by August 31st.
Council Member Ruple noted the ordinance would need an emergency clause.
City Clerk Davitt confirmed if Council puts it on the ballot, it is not the same deadline. She pointed out there would be a cost to put it on the ballot for the next General Election.
Mayor Elmore explained if Council approves the ordinance, it would take effect for November of next year, but if placed on the ballot, he would have to speak to the Election Commission
for the timeline.
Council Member Kinman brought up texts received saying the population of the City needs to decide, affirming it should be on the ballot.
Council Member McCoy mentioned some wanting at-large because they do not think people are responsible enough to represent their ward; so, the whole City wants to pick for that ward,
instead of those who live there. She reiterated that there was polling done on social media favoring ward-based.
Council Member Twitty noted the poll was taken down because a lot of people making remarks were not Jacksonville citizens.
Council Member McCoy related there was a second more accurate one. She recommended ward-based only voting, so that it is fair.
Mayor Elmore mentioned wards being set by the State dividing the City into as equal portions as possible.
Council Member Moss shared that Ordinance 1222 of 2004 placed changing the terms of aldermen on the ballot, so there is precedent for Council to approve an initiative to go on the ballot
that changes City government.
Council Member Ray called for the vote.
Council Member McCoy moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to APPROVE Ordinance 1793 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1793 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council
Member Ruple, McCoy, and LaBron voted AYE. MOTION FAILED with Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voting NAY.
APPOINTMENTS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Council Member McCoy recalled holding a forum recently where concerns regarding the cleanliness of the City were brought up. She requested Council to look at different
wards together and plan a cleanup since it takes the community as a whole; not only City employees. She mentioned a civic organization or Chamber could start the initiate then ask the
City to join.
Council Member McCleary requested Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow to give an update on street overlays.
Director Whitlow confirmed they bid and awarded the overlay for the year, surmising there were portions of South Road included. He related the Notice to Proceed was to start July 28th,
the contractor has not made a presence yet, but has 120 days to complete it. He mentioned a contractor doing a condition assessment who scanned every street for a Pavement Condition
Index score. He added that they also flag every pothole and now they have a Google Earth map showing color-coded conditions. He brought up using the Index to preserve streets before
they have to be milled and overlayed since it is much cheaper. He noted when it comes to litter cleanup, if there is a community sponsored event, the County will provide dumpsters and
the City would have trucks available.
Council Member McCoy mentioned Keep Arkansas Beautiful will provide supplies and fall signup is going on now.
A brief discussion ensued regarding different contractors affecting City streets and appearance where Director Whitlow shared that Kip Guthrie is the engineer contact regarding the highway
construction.
Council Member Ruple mentioned a city-wide cleanup scheduled through Parks and Rec.
Council Member McCoy noted the NAACP does a cleanup on Graham Road the second Saturday of every month with one being this Saturday starting at 9 a.m.
A brief discussion ensued regarding adopting streets for cleanups.
Citizen Wendell Redmond of Oakridge Drive told how a contractor was digging on his street, but left holes and debris. He contacted Public Works, who did not know who it was at the time,
but it ended up being Entergy.
Director Whitlow confirmed the City has a permitting process for excavating in the rights-of-way, but they did not know who it was at first because Entergy did not pull a permit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:07 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR JEFF ELMORE
City Clerk-Treasurer