26 MAR 5REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met for a regular session on March 5, 2026 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, McCoy, Ray, 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 was absent.
Others present for the meeting were: Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Finance Director Laura Collie, Assistant Finance Director Brandy O’Brien, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, HR Director Charlette
Nelson, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, Network Operations (Brian Harvey, Shawn Sutterfield, Phillip Lee), John Alberson, Penny Dietz, Wyatt Elmore, and Rick Kron.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 19, 2026 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 LaBron that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 5, 2026 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the consent agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FEBRUARY
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 25 Building 36
Business License 6 Electrical 30
Jobs Added 18 Plumbing 57
HVACR 30
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
COMMITTEE(S):
GENERAL: a. RESOLUTION 855 (#02-2026)
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SALE DOCUMENTS FROM THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN (GENERAL LOCATION – 104 S FIRST STREET);
AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to read Resolution 855 (#02-2026). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez read the heading of Resolution
855 (#02-2026).
Mayor Elmore stated someone has come forth and made an offer to buy the old Historical District Museum at 104 South First Street. He explained it has been vacant since the Museum relocated
and Charles Culpepper, who owns the rest of the building and Master Plumbing, would like to purchase it to expand their offices. He related that the offer presented is now $32,000.00;
originally $40,000.00 was offered, but after inspection, it was amended.
Council Member Twitty requested Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House to update Council on the conditions of the building.
Director House told how he entered the building this week, citing roof damage, water penetrating the building, signs of active termite infestation, open junction boxes with electrical
problems, and sheetrock cut out of walls. He was unaware if the plumbing and electrical was in working order, but affirmed the building is not in great shape. He confirmed Mr. Culpepper
walked through the building with the City’s Maintenance Manager, which resulted in the lower offer.
Current President of the Jacksonville Historical District Jerry Sanders attested to the conditions, noting their wooden frames hanging on the walls were eaten on by termites coming through
the sheetrock and the roof was leaking badly.
A brief discussion ensued that confirmed Mr. Culpepper is fully aware of the condition; that is why the offer changed.
Council Member Ruple moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to adopt Resolution 855 (#02-2026) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
b. Progress update on 118 Burroughs Road
Council Member Ruple visited the property today and provided a picture of the house to Council.
Code Enforcement Supervisor Marissa Barger confirmed she has taken pictures today as well and shared a packet for Council’s review. She stated there has been no progress or contact from
heirs.
Willie Trotter, heir to 118 Burroughs Road, related that he obtained a document showing the delinquent taxes on the property, which comes to $2,184.62 for 2024 and 2025. He told how
he paid part of 2024, but the paperwork was destroyed in the house. He recalled being sick in the hospital around the time that the house burned, but he wants to get his two sisters
to meet with Supervisor Barger to explain the situation and help decide what to do. He mentioned he has not been able to gain access to the Last Will and Testament of his mother, but
has not contacted an attorney yet.
When Council Member Twitty inquired, Supervisor Barger replied that Code has not received concerns from the neighbors, other than when it was originally reported after the burn in May
of 2025.
Council Member Ruple related that the yard has improved since July 2025, but the house is boarded up, the roof is caving in, and it is only a matter of time before the house falls in.
He believes Code Enforcement has given plenty of opportunity for progress, and at this point, Supervisor Barger is requesting Council to go forward with her recommendation of condemnation.
He pointed out that the ownership is not confirmed, it is an eyesore, and a safety issue.
When Council Member Moss inquired, Mayor Elmore responded that if the City condemns and demolishes it, it is still under the same ownership since the Will has not been executed through
probate. He noted if it goes through probate and demolished, they would still be the owners of the property and be able to decided what happens to it, but there would be a lien on it
for the cost of demolition.
Council Member McCoy brought up the financial burden of a lien when trying to cover taxes and other things.
Supervisor Barger recalled the Trotters receiving phone numbers to contact for free assistance, but they have not reached out to any. She concurred that the front yard has had some improvement,
but there is a lot in the back and structural damage. She noted it appears secure, but the board can be easily pulled off of the front door since it is not nailed shut.
When Council Member McCoy inquired, Mr. Trotter requested more time to get with his siblings to discuss what to do with the property. He reiterated that he has been unable to access
the Will, even before the house burned.
When Council Member Moss inquired, Council Member Twitty noted that the house does not belong to them yet. She mentioned a builder who visited the property contacting her saying the
house has to be torn down; there is no saving it. She shared concerns for the adjacent neighbors, even though they are not calling to complain, and that the Trotters have not contacted
an attorney to get it put in their name.
Council Member Kinman confirmed that Council needs to keep the 90 day agreement in hopes they can make progress in the next 60 days that are left.
Council Member Twitty concurred.
Mayor Elmore surmised that Council wants to see legal action regarding ownership take place, as well as work done professionally, both externally and internally, with the required inspections,
etc.
Council Member McCoy noted this can be overwhelming. She asked Mr. Trotter if there is anyone who can assist him in this process.
Council Member Ray requested Mr. Trotter to speak with him after the meeting.
Council Member McCoy thanked Mr. Trotter for showing up to meetings as requested.
Mayor Elmore confirmed the City is sticking to the 60 days left; he wishes Mr. Trotter the best and looks forward to hearing about progress being made. He requested Director Spencer
to stay after the meeting for discussion.
It was the general consensus of Council to have Mr. Trotter next appear at the April 2nd meeting for an update.
APPOINTMENTS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Arkansas Municipal League’s Summer Convention
Mayor Elmore announced the Arkansas Municipal League’s Summer Convention is June 17th-19th and registration is now open. He advised any council member who wishes to attend to contact
his office.
Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez CMC Designation
Mayor Elmore shared that Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez has obtained the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).
Jacksonville Museum of Military History
Mayor Elmore related that the Jacksonville Museum of Military History is having their “A Night at the Victory Canteen” fundraiser on Saturday, March 21st and tickets are available for
purchase.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR JEFF ELMORE
City Clerk-Treasurer