25 DEC 4REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met for a regular session on December 4, 2025 at their regular meeting place. Mayor Elmore delivered the invocation and led a standing
audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Ruple, McCoy, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE
(9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member McCleary arrived at approximately 6:02 p.m. Council Member Ray was absent.
Others present for the meeting were: Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Finance Director Laura Collie, HR Director Charlette Nelson, Director of Economic Development Robert
Birch, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, Code Enforcement Supervisor Marissa Barger, Deputy Director of Network Operations Shawn Sutterfield, and
Rick Kron.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 20, 2025 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City
Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member LaBron moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 6, 2025 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ruple to approve the consent agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/NOVEMBER
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 15 Building 42
Business License 3 Electrical 48
Jobs Added 3 Plumbing 24
HVACR 16
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION: RECOGNITION 2025 Community Service Award Recipient
Parks & Rec Director Kevin House recalled the Autism Awareness Tournament winning a regional award in 2024, but most recently, it won a national one.
Cindy Roach with Pathfinder, Inc. told how the award is about being a part of a community, noting how much the tournament does for their clients who get to play, be included, and have
fun. She shared her appreciation, not only because it is a fundraiser, but because it is the highlight of their year.
Parks & Rec Athletics Manager Joe Stoute related that this tournament means a lot to our community, explaining that building a relationship with Pathfinder and people nationally who
are fully invested in it is great. He pointed out that as much as they enjoy it, the bat companies and pros look forward to it every year. He shared his appreciation to Parks & Rec,
USSSA, and everyone involved.
Council Member Twitty thanked Manager Stoute, noting the City is very fortunate to have him.
Director House concurred, noting this award is a testament to him.
Manager Stoute stated this will be the third year coming up to do it like they have, recalling that the start of it was very stressful since it takes a lot of resources. He confirmed
they could not do it without the sponsors, the City, and everyone else, so he appreciates all involved.
Mayor Elmore told how the tournament is phenomenal and watching the Pathfinder clients’ joy was touching.
Director House mentioned the Pathfinder game is scheduled for February 28th at 2:00 p.m.
When Ms. Roach offered Council a tour of the Pathfinder facility, Manger Stoute mentioned that is what changed his perspective on the entire tournament.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
COMMITTEE(S):
GENERAL: a. PRESENTATION I-57 Construction Update
Kip Guthrie introduced himself and Brock Childress from BGE, Inc., noting they represent Jacksonville’s tax dollars through the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDoT). He explained
that ARDoT has made a $145 million commitment to the City within a two mile area by widening the interstate from two lanes to three. He stated the wider the interstate footprint, the
more it impacts the City, John Harden Drive, T.P. White Drive, and businesses, so part of their commitment is to do as much as they can, keeping it as tight as they can. He detailed
the process of shifting the four 11’ minimum lanes and communicating the traffic shifts through ARDoT’s Public Information Office, Garver Engineer’s Publication Team, and a direct email
from ARDoT, if signed up for. He acknowledged that travelers do not like the narrow lanes and shoulders, but it is less impactful to the local businesses. He pointed out it is a construction
zone requiring slower, safer speeds from mile marker 9 to 11, noting they have an on call wrecker service who has a contractual obligation to arrive within 15 minutes of accidents to
keep traffic moving.
He recalled the City being mostly impacted during spring break of 2023 when John Harden and T.P. White Drive went to one-way traffic indefinitely, but the public received communication
well in advance. He brought up that there will be all new curb and gutter, nearby businesses affected are getting new driveways, and the contractors, Weaver-Bailey, are communicating
their work and working around business’ schedules to lower the impact. He gave examples of concerns received, confirming they take all seriously, but sometimes it is part of a bigger
picture where there are gives and takes. He related that ARDoT is thankful for those who supported Act 699, since it helped identify underground utilities earlier for them to relocate
more quickly. He gave thanks to Mayor Elmore, Chief Hibbs, Chief Laughy, and USAF Colonel Smith for their assistance when it comes to road closures, detailing how it allowed them to
get certain work done ahead of schedule.
He shared that the new Gregory Street bridge is complete and connects from North First Street to the realigned North Bailey Boulevard, although they are waiting for better weather to
pour more asphalt. He confirmed work will continue on I-57 northbound, the bridge has started construction, and there is a Texas contractor coming to start the Texas U-turn. He explained
they committed to building four bridges, three of which are complete, and come late spring or summer, all side roads will get one final asphalt lift and the intersection of Vandenburg,
North First, and T.P. White will get torn out, then put back in.
He noted the initial construction completion date was fall 2027, but the current schedule is nine months ahead; being Christmas of 2026. He provided an ARDoT quarterly publication showing
the construction status. He related that citizens can go to Connecting Arkansas Program or to ar.gov to use the Ask ARDoT portal for inquiries. When Council Member Moss inquired, he
replied that the contractor does not have to finish until September of 2027, but if finished early, there is an incentive, and if they finish late, there is a financial penalty.
b. ORDINANCE 1805 (#34-2025)
AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND CERTIFYING TAX LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY FOR BALANCES DUE FROM SERVICES RENDERED BY AND/OR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Ruple to place Ordinance 1805 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, LaBron, Moss, Twitty,
Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1805.
When Council Member Moss mentioned the dollar amount being different than what is in the agenda, Mayor Elmore confirmed there were three payments made to Code Enforcement for 602 Ray
Road for $200.00, 408 Smart Street for $200.00, and 114 Wilson Street for $200.00.
Council Member Ruple moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1805 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1805 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ruple moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1805 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1805 on THIRD AND FINAL READING.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ruple moved, seconded by Council Member LaBron to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1805 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, LaBron, Moss,
Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1805 (#34-2025) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025.
APPOINTMENTS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Christmas Parade
Mayor Elmore reminded that the Christmas Parade is Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and the tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m.
Bellringing Challenge
Mayor Elmore announced that tomorrow from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. is the Mayoral Bellringing Challenge for the Salvation Army taking place at Walmart.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:38 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR JEFF ELMORE
City Clerk-Treasurer