[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:00] Yeah, there we go. Let me start over again. Good evening. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm going to call this Jonesboro City Council meeting to orders. The mayor is out of town on official business tonight. So I'll be conducting the meeting. If you will, let's stand for the pledge allegiance led by the invocation by Dr. Charles Cummins.
[0:34] I had a father we thank you for granting us this time to be stood in this community and we
[0:42] just pray Father that the business that we take care is in the court of your will.
[0:46] And Jesus name we pray.
[0:48] You got to come.
[0:54] All right.
[0:55] Madam Clerk.
[0:56] Call the role or load it at force.
[1:02] You would make sure that you pressure button.
[1:18] We do have a quorum to conduct business, so we'll move on, out on four special presentations.
[1:24] There are nine, out on five, the consent agenda, I'll entertain a motion to adopt,
[1:29] unless there's an item to be pulled.
[1:33] So moved.
[1:34] Take a motion in a second to adopt the consent agenda.
[1:38] All in favor, say aye.
[1:40] All opposed.
[1:43] All right, resolutions removed from the consent agenda.
[1:45] Resolution 26103.
[1:48] What?
[1:49] Oops, sorry.
[1:50] Here we go.
[1:50] Resolution requesting for utility services from city water and light for city and property.
[1:56] Whereas the city of Jones rose requesting that city water and light provide for utilities at the following location.
[2:01] 1709 East Island Drive.
[2:03] Now therefore be it resolved by the city council for the city of Jones for Arkansas.
[2:06] That section one that city water and light requested by this resolution to provide for utilities to the location listed above.
[2:12] section two to permit such services to be provided without charge as Steve Jones for a
[2:16] hereby of firms to city water and light that the ultimate use of CWL utility is now
[2:22] in shower-men to use for purpose which the city is engaged in as part of its governmental
[2:25] or proprietary functions under authority given to it by state law.
[2:31] I have an option in a second to adopt any discussion by the city, by the council.
[2:36] I am Clerk Cadass, we were accused because of my membership on board right to see one line.
[2:43] Any one in the audience wish to speak on this item?
[2:49] All right?
[2:49] Here in that, madam clerk.
[3:00] In the item passes.
[3:03] Item six, new business ordinances to be introduced, ordinance 26034, an ordinance
[3:08] 117 in the city wide.
[3:10] Five, eights of 1% sales and new stacks and prescribing other matters pertaining
[3:15] there too.
[3:16] We've just been rules and offer by title only a second, but let's go in.
[3:21] Okay, all in favour say aye, all opposed.
[3:26] No, we'll go with the order on the agenda.
[3:29] In order that it's calling a special election, the city of Jones were Arkansas on the
[3:32] question of living, the citywide, five-eighths of one percent, point six-two, five percent
[3:37] sales and use tax and prescribing other matters pertaining there to you.
[3:42] All right,
[3:47] I did it backwards, I'm sorry, let me read the other way.
[3:50] I did it backwards and ordinance living a citywide five eights of one percent point six two five percent sales and use time
[3:58] Simperscribing other matters pertaining their team. All right. What is will of the council?
[4:03] Who to adopt? Well, we would need to suspend the rules and wait second and third rating first. So moved.
[4:10] Okay, I have a motion to suspend the rules and wait second and third rating.
[4:14] Loot it up. Oh, you have a vote in the need of motion in a second. We need to vote on that.
[4:19] Do I have a second?
[4:21] Second.
[4:22] We have a motion of second to spend the rules and wait second and third reading.
[4:25] You need discussion by the council.
[4:29] All right.
[4:29] Here and then all in favor say aye.
[4:33] Move to don't.
[4:35] I have a motion of second to adopt.
[4:38] You need discussion by the council.
[4:41] You need discussion by anyone in the audience on this subject.
[4:47] Here and then madam clerk.
[5:05] And the motion passes. For the record, Madam Attorney, which one did you read last, did we vote?
[5:13] The correct one is what I read last, which was 0.6, 0.34.
[5:18] Make sure we had the numbers.
[5:19] All right, ordinance, 0.26, 0.35, an ordinance calling, a special election in the city of Jonesboro.
[5:26] We should spend the rules not for about total only second.
[5:29] Have a motion of second to suspend the rules and offer about total only all in favor say aye, aye, all opposed.
[5:36] Inordinates calling a special election in the city of Jonesburg, Arkansas on the question of living a citywide five, eights of one percent,
[5:42] point sixty five percent sales and use tax and prescribing other matters pertaining their team.
[5:48] We should spend the rules and wave second third reading second.
[5:51] Have a motion in a second to suspend the rules and wave second and third reading?
[5:57] Any discussion about the council?
[6:02] You're in nine. All in favor say aye.
[6:05] Aye. All opposed.
[6:09] We would need a motion to allow.
[6:11] Second.
[6:12] A motion in a second to adopt.
[6:17] Any discussion about the council?
[6:19] Anyone in the audience?
[6:20] We should speak on this item.
[6:25] Go ahead, Mr. Hans.
[6:27] Sorry, I didn't see you come.
[6:33] Just a point of clarification, because you know, the things say as special election, and it's
[6:41] my understanding this is one of those special elections that I'll occur the same time
[6:44] as the November election, I think it's good that everybody in here understands that.
[6:49] And it doesn't take effect until that time, correct?
[6:57] Please state your name and address for the record, Patty.
[7:02] I don't know if Steve would like to answer this question, but I was going through the budget.
[7:10] And we actually have nine million seven hundred and seventy seven thousand four hundred
[7:15] or forty seven dollars extra in our reserve.
[7:20] My question to see if I don't know if you would like to answer it here or whether
[7:24] Okay, just as a point of order, the only thing that this would happen is whether or not to place this on the ballot, not to the higher it, thank you.
[7:36] Anyone else?
[7:39] You're in that, Madam Clerk?
[7:50] Motion does pass.
[7:54] All right.
[7:54] Moving on, ordinances on 1st reading, ordinance 26031.
[7:59] Who should spend the rules and offer by title only?
[8:02] I have a motion in a second to suspend the rules and offer by title only all in favor say aye.
[8:08] Aye. All opposed.
[8:09] In order to amend chapter 2-87 to clarify how a city council member my sponsor legislation.
[8:16] Anyone on the council with question or comment?
[8:19] I just have one question.
[8:22] It doesn't hear that the Mayor City car show before to the Mayor City car can show
[8:30] the assigned to the appropriate committee by the Mayor of their staff within five
[8:33] business days or the receipt of said resolution or ordinance.
[8:36] I guess my only question was that the five days long enough and I'd like to
[8:39] date if the Mayor is out of town or on vacation or something.
[8:45] Well, I'll tell you what we'll do.
[8:46] We're going to read it over three separate meetings.
[8:48] I'll have Brian check and make sure that that timeline seems to be fine with the administration.
[8:54] That could be a concern with five days is pretty pretty short.
[8:57] I do think that five days would be exclusive with my office,
[8:59] having time to review it and make sure that it's legally okay.
[9:03] So we would do that first.
[9:04] I think it's just after it gets to...
[9:06] Is office.
[9:08] So I mean, you take that out of the equation.
[9:12] I'll mention that to the mayor.
[9:14] Mr. afternoon.
[9:15] We'll run it by for sure.
[9:17] Anyone else with a question or comment?
[9:20] Anyone in the audience with a question or comment on this?
[9:26] All right, here in nine, ordinance 26032, an ordinance to amend section 284 of the code of ordinances.
[9:33] The movie she's been the rules and offer by title only.
[9:36] A motion of seconds to spend the rules and offer by title only.
[9:40] All in favor say aye. All opposed.
[9:43] In order to amend section 2-84 of the Code of Ordnances to add procedure for opening
[9:48] invocation during Council meetings.
[9:51] If you want to on the quick counsel with the question or comment, anyone in the audience.
[10:00] All right, here in nine. Ordnance 26033, an ordinance in men's section 284 and 287 of the Code of Ordnances.
[10:08] Movies has been rules and offered by Title II.
[10:11] A motion in a second to suspend the rules and offer by Title only. All in favor say aye, aye, all opposed.
[10:18] In order to amend section 2-84 and 2-87 of the code of ordinances, to correct out-dated
[10:25] language and update timelines for providing notice of a special called committee meeting
[10:28] to the City Clerk and for other purposes.
[10:31] Any one on the council with the question or comment?
[10:35] Any one in the audience wish to speak on this item?
[10:40] Here in Nane, we'll move on, item 7, and Fiddness Business ordinances on the second reading.
[10:47] Nordinates to amend chapter 1, 17, known as the zoning ordinance for running for changes in zoning boundaries from PDM, multi-family use to PDM commercial use for property located at 1411 Southern Regible of Ard.
[10:58] As requested by Jeremy Bevel on behalf of Southern Hill's Department Development LLC.
[11:03] Anyone on the Council with a question or a comment?
[11:07] Anyone in the audience who is to speak on this item?
[11:13] Here in nine, we'll move on, ordinances on the third reading.
[11:19] An ordinance regarding the abandonment of a 15-foot alley between 18-10
[11:23] Henry Street and 18-12 Henry Street as requested by David Clip.
[11:28] Move to the second.
[11:30] I have a motion in a second to adopt anyone on the council with a question or a comment.
[11:35] Anyone on the audience wish to speak on this item.
[11:41] Here in nine, Madam Clerk,
[11:50] and the item passes.
[11:55] Ordinance 26-02-4.
[11:58] Nordinates to the City of Jonesboro to place various traffic sounds that designated locations
[12:02] is determined by the traffic control committee.
[12:05] No, no, no, no.
[12:06] I have a motion in a second to adopt anyone on the council with a question or a comment.
[12:12] Anyone in the audience?
[12:15] You're in none, Madam Clerk.
[12:23] And the item passes.
[12:26] Ordinance 26-02-6.
[12:28] The ordinance for a product club permit for encouraging events, meaning corporate
[12:32] it, doing business is blazing Buffalo Sports Grill and corporate it to be located at 3310
[12:37] Southwest Stravs Suite 7 Jones for Arkansas.
[12:41] I have a motion in a second, anyone on the council with a question or a comment.
[12:48] Anyone in the audience?
[12:52] Mr. Hans, please state your name and address for the record.
[12:56] James Owen Hans, 508 RidgeCrest,
[13:03] and if you do not know where RidgeCrest is, let me point out it's located one block off Southwest Drive.
[13:10] I live within walking distance of this place, and I consider this to be in what I consider my neighborhood, folks, we don't want this in my neighborhood.
[13:25] This is not a place, there are some places, and I know some of you think, well, those places
[13:31] are devoted, you know, they have liquor, and it's just one more place.
[13:35] Well, this is not that.
[13:38] We don't need to get liquor started down there.
[13:41] About the only reason I can think of that they would want one is so that there'd be a place
[13:46] where you could stop and get you exposed before you drove on home.
[13:50] if you attended mall game at Jonesboro last school.
[13:54] Please vote against this.
[13:57] Thank you, Mr. Hans.
[13:58] Anyone else in the audience wish to speak on this item?
[14:03] We're in Madam Clerk.
[14:11] Yadem passes.
[14:13] Ordnance 26-02-7.
[14:16] Ordnance for a private club permit for encouraging
[14:18] advancement incorporated doing businesses blazing
[14:21] of a sports girl incorporated to be located at 3310, sorry, I'll, I'm clearly sick tonight,
[14:29] and I'm like, you know, all right.
[14:31] In order for a private club permit for Montage, LLC, doing business is my place hotel
[14:35] Jones for Arkansas to be located at 29.05, go more drop, Jones for Arkansas.
[14:40] We need a motion to adopt.
[14:47] Have a motion in a second to adopt anyone on the council with a question or a comment.
[14:52] Anyone in the audience?
[14:54] I've had questions proposed to me about the hotel.
[14:58] Did you look into that, sir?
[15:00] If he could speak to that, I've had a couple of emails requesting whether, because on our application, it says it's a hotel, hotel application, and whether it qualifies under that for ABC.
[15:10] So Kishandos, we are not applying for the code that's 3924 that the gentleman was asking about.
[15:20] We're applying for a private club permit, so it doesn't really apply to us.
[15:26] be spoken to the ABC about it. I expressed to him that we don't typically look at that,
[15:31] that we approve location and owners and that the ABC is required to vet the application
[15:36] what's they received and that they would vet it to determine if it meets their qualifications
[15:40] for that. But I also expressed him today that I would ask the question. So I wanted to ask the question.
[15:45] I did. I spoke with ABC as well and they said you are not applying for that in the
[15:50] me up application, which I have.
[15:52] All right.
[15:54] Let's see the only question I'll proceed.
[15:56] Any other questions or comments by council or members of the public?
[16:01] You're in an unmodum clerk
[16:10] and the item passes.
[16:14] All right.
[16:14] That concludes our business.
[16:15] Item eight.
[16:16] Mayor's report, Brian.
[16:17] You want to give us any updates or we're good.
[16:21] Say we're good.
[16:24] Hey, he didn't leave me.
[16:25] He didn't leave me a report to raise those.
[16:28] You're up, buddy.
[16:29] Now, I just don't have anything outside other than, you know, we've got barbecue fast coming
[16:33] up and where you are exploring possibly a public input meeting to occur in council chambers
[16:39] that that evening together some, some additional information back on the, about the, the
[16:45] master growth plan and a couple other public safety initiatives that engineering is working
[16:51] on.
[16:52] So, you know, we keep it high for that as it comes along and also as we're kind of running
[16:57] up on pedestrian safety month and October we're working on kind of some city-wide campaign
[17:02] education efforts to help rise awareness for both pedestrians and motorists and you know
[17:09] part of that I guess we'll be hopefully funding a some additional pedestrian infrastructure on
[17:17] Johnson as well that should come to fruition somewhere around that mating so you know that's
[17:22] really about all I've got to have?
[17:24] It mentioned some of the figures in the email you sent to the council,
[17:30] persons about the figures as far as the hall signal on Johnson and the success of it.
[17:36] Sure, actually I did it. In the early with Kayate, I think I had the engineering department
[17:40] pool some statistics and Cliff Nash with our traffic innovation and the engineering
[17:46] department keeps it pretty close down that hall and they just spot death
[17:50] about every two or three weeks, and I kind of sent out,
[17:52] just as daily spot checks during day a lot of hours.
[17:55] And, you know, if you pull the averages of that,
[17:57] since May of 2024, and that was put in,
[18:00] you're looking at about 115 to 125 people per day,
[18:05] you know, that's somewhere between,
[18:07] and that's just during day a lot of hours,
[18:08] that somewhere between 85 and 100,000 people
[18:10] that have used that crossing since it was put in.
[18:15] And as part of those spot checks,
[18:16] he actually used a camera footage, both wise,
[18:18] to check for compliance.
[18:19] And I know we hear a lot of, you know,
[18:22] I found a criticism here and there about people don't use it.
[18:25] This and that.
[18:26] They talk about, say, walking.
[18:27] 74.67% of people that crossed within the outside of that camera use that crosswalk,
[18:34] you know, in a way that it's designed to be used.
[18:37] So, you know, I just think that that's an incredible testament to if you provide safe access,
[18:42] people at least have a chance to use it the right way.
[18:44] He's at 75%.
[18:46] 74.67%.
[18:50] Right.
[18:51] The thing.
[18:52] Do we have an estimate on when the bridge repair or all be finished?
[18:57] I don't.
[18:58] I mean, they're moving along on it pretty good.
[19:01] For those that don't know, the the the south side of that bridge, once the bridge actually met the above.
[19:06] And there was there's some problems on both sides of the sidewalk.
[19:09] There had been some asphalt patching over the years.
[19:12] And those actually pretty significant little drop off ledge right there that any kind of will
[19:16] access or, you know, stroller or wheelchair could definitely have caused a safety issue.
[19:23] So, you know, we're applying some of the, I guess, subwalking, in lieu of funding to repair
[19:27] that and to make that a smoke transition from the breeze down to the subwalk.
[19:32] So it looks to me like they're coming along with it pretty good.
[19:36] I'm not anticipating if that's a week's long project.
[19:39] It's kind of tough down there with one line closed when you come northbound on that.
[19:43] Anyone else with the question?
[19:46] Thank you.
[19:46] Thank you.
[19:47] Well, we've got Brian talking about pedestrian safety.
[19:50] And I was like super, too, broad questions.
[19:53] And like if we did a hawk on a street that was completely within our control,
[19:56] what's like the price range on something like that?
[19:59] Uh, we-
[20:00] Constructed the one on Johnson with a quick, with a lot of equipment that we already had, Mr. Locke and correct me from wrong, but I believe that was somewhere around a $200,000 project by the time that, you know, if we would have purchased a lot of that stuff, no.
[20:16] So if it's a straight, completely of our own, obviously, the cost doesn't change a whole lot, but the expediency in the permitting process is a lot more streamlined, just because, you know, it's an internal planning process.
[20:30] more so than then working with multiple agencies to ensure that everything meets two or three
[20:37] different sets of requirements.
[20:39] Then last question for you and correct me if I'm not saying this right, because you've
[20:43] talked about this for a long time, so tell me if I'm right.
[20:45] That we can upgrade some traffic signals so that if a pedestrian has the little white button
[20:50] that traffic signals it's smart enough to note and not allow a yielded green or so on and so forth.
[20:55] are a lot of stop-lots available for upgrades like that and how much of that cost upgrade.
[21:02] So, following the fight-all accident that we had downtown back in early summer, engineering
[21:09] department commissioned a study by Mark Nichols at traffic engineer on converting some
[21:15] of our downtown lots to what is coming all stop position.
[21:19] Those are several other industry wards for it.
[21:21] a quick myth that comes along with that. I know that Mr. Lott had spoken with Mark, last
[21:30] week, some time about when it caused estimate for that was going to be back in and we're
[21:34] awaiting the 30% plans for that. And so what that will do is actually turn the, I guess,
[21:40] the three stop blots, or maybe it's more than three, the stop blots in the immediate downtown area
[21:46] into essentially an all-stop that doesn't allow a left turn action while there's a grain, while
[21:53] there's a grain bulb. Actually, while there's a walking and a collective right at all, there will
[21:57] be no grain bulb. So it takes out that and, you know, and again, just because you have a
[22:03] grain bulb there, it does not mean that you do not have to yield pedestrians and crosswalks.
[22:09] But, you know, this would just be one more tool to help ensure that does not happen.
[22:15] But, you know, the really the only rule that really is really going to save lives is people paying attention to where they're driving regardless of what the traffic regulations are.
[22:24] I'm hoping that we'll have a call estimate back on what that's going to be.
[22:27] There's going to be some concrete work that involves some additional equipment.
[22:30] And you're probably talking, you know, somewhere in the six-figure range to convert these downtown stop lights in order for that to, you know, to work.
[22:40] So, one thing L.J., they would mention, in the 18 months prior to the halt being installed
[22:48] over there on Johnson, we had two fatalities, and as Quinston said, we're both sisters,
[22:54] 18 months prior, but I don't believe since that was installed we've had a fatality on Johnson
[23:00] with a pedestrian, and so it was $200,000, but it's definitely worked out, and Ms. Williams
[23:08] was lead advocate for that with the highway department, so it's been many wills men, so.
[23:15] Yeah, and we're actually working through the final plans on the incitating the construction
[23:19] for the safe streets for our grant that was awarded a few years ago, so we're going to
[23:24] go from five years ago, Johnson being a dimly red road with very little pedestrian support
[23:30] accommodations outside of signalized intersections to a street that could potentially have
[23:36] two-hawks, one rapid flash and vacant intensity lighting from Red Wolf all the way to
[23:41] to Main Street, a lowered speed limit, and I don't think it's a coincidence that I believe
[23:48] since 2015 we had either five or six pedestrian vitalities, and since the installation of that
[23:55] one lot alone we haven't seen any now. Again, that's, hopefully that's a testament to
[24:01] of pedestrian and motorist education,
[24:05] a partnership with city water and lot,
[24:06] lighting up some of the dimer intersections
[24:08] in the interim until we get the safe streets
[24:10] for our uniform lighting installed,
[24:13] but it's just a community effort to help make sure
[24:16] that we watch out for not only those
[24:18] that are driving but for pedestrians as well.
[24:22] Thank you, thank you.
[24:23] Thank you, Councillor.
[24:25] All right, item nine city council reports,
[24:28] Madam Clerk, will you call the roll?
[24:29] It's just straight.
[24:31] And I was just glad to be speaking about those lights.
[24:34] I saw where these have been activated around St. Bernard's in the downtown area.
[24:38] I'm glad to see.
[24:39] There's a district, but the district is safe.
[24:41] Being considered for these areas as well. So very good.
[24:45] That's all, guys.
[24:48] Mr. Mueller.
[24:49] Just a quick comment.
[24:50] I know the safety first initiative that's been going on.
[24:53] I know there's a lot of people here in the audience that have worked really hard to get it on the ballad.
[24:57] Good job. I appreciate all your hard work.
[25:00] I know this is just one step, but I appreciate personally, I appreciate everything you have done and all the work you have put into it.
[25:08] Is it right?
[25:10] Councillor McLain and I ask for a special call meeting on pedestrian safety.
[25:14] I appreciate Chairman Emerson and Chairman Gibson.
[25:16] I have an especially called joint meeting on that topic.
[25:19] I appreciate the administration's efforts for us to have a good conversation.
[25:23] Obviously, we've had issues downtown.
[25:25] I mean, a lot of issues downtown recently.
[25:27] I mean, the tality and somebody else that was recently hit and I know we had to
[25:30] set my arms and arms, I think, hit in the last two or three years in front of OBGYN
[25:33] associates.
[25:35] So, I know we've made improvements, but man, I think, as vehicles get heavier and people
[25:40] text more and they're more distracted to something we're going to seriously look up.
[25:46] Mr. Hathner?
[25:47] Dr. Anthony Coleman?
[25:50] Mr. Moore?
[25:51] No, man.
[25:52] Mr. Williams?
[25:54] Dr. Charles Coleman?
[25:57] I October the 6th is a national at out may be a little hit of time, but October the 6th is a national at out, and I'd like to make a motion of the possible that we move a concert from October the 6th to think October the 8th.
[26:13] I'd like to amend that meeting public works under that as well.
[26:16] All right, so we have, we have a motion in a second to move the public works and the city council meeting from October 6, October 8, all in favour?
[26:26] So yeah, I can make one comment. Sure.
[26:29] Just so we know there's also an issue home for log in that night.
[26:33] So all night on the eight, yeah.
[26:35] Were you saying we need a hurry?
[26:38] Yeah.
[26:38] I think Brian needs to do the marriage before it ends.
[26:42] All in favor say aye, all opposed, you won't get any fish.
[26:50] Anything else, Dr. Cummett?
[26:52] Dr. Ganeson?
[26:53] Thank you.
[26:54] This is Porter.
[26:55] No, thank you.
[26:57] All right, item 10 public comments, any one in the audience wish to speak on any item that was
[27:02] not on the agenda, please come to the podium and state your name and address.
[27:08] James L. and Hans, 508 Ridge Quest, and this does kind of touch on a couple of reports, but since they will not comment on film, and they will try for that meeting you have this something you might want to take a look at.
[27:21] First let me remind people there is one good restaurant still downtown. It's not on Main Street, but it is downtown, and I was eating their Thursday. I usually eat their a couple times a week.
[27:35] And on Main Street, at first, let me state, I think what Main Street in the condition
[27:41] today is now, is a total nightmare.
[27:43] I would not drive down it, so I have a solution for me.
[27:46] But what we see happening at the, on Burke, people are doing one of two things, they're
[27:53] either parking, waiting for a lot of change, and they're parking across the crosswalk,
[27:59] which is, that crosswalk there though, and I saw two vehicles have this same problem, and
[28:05] somebody finally behind them, beat their horn from the go-on, and they were very confused
[28:10] drivers.
[28:12] First, it occurred to me that the problem is when they park back where they're supposed to,
[28:19] they are so far away from Burt Street that they're really not sure when it's their time
[28:24] to go.
[28:26] And I don't know, maybe, is there some, maybe some education or maybe we ought to, is there something we could do to let people know, but that is a problem that people are, you know, when they're waiting to cross there,
[28:44] about two car, almost two car links, links away from the intersection and it's causing confusion.
[28:53] So I don't know what the solution is, but maybe some public safety needs to be looking at.
[28:59] Thank you, Mr. Hans.
[29:01] Anyone else in the audience?
[29:08] Amplestate your name and address for the record?
[29:11] My name is Debbie Haas, I live at 403 Bowling Lane by University High Elementary School.
[29:17] I'm really proud to hear that the city is doing more for pedestrians.
[29:22] My daughter Katie was hit two weeks ago by a car.
[29:25] when she had the white light giving her the right of way and she looked both ways but a car was
[29:33] not paying attention and hit her. Praise Jesus that she wasn't hurt any worse than she was or killed.
[29:41] And I'm not coming here just to complain but to awful, to offer some other solutions as well.
[29:47] Downtown is a pedestrian area. It's not pedestrian friendly. I see that you've made some upgrades
[29:55] in the last few days.
[29:57] I noticed coming in that
[30:00] Somebody pushed the button on the news, crosswalk right there. Somebody that worked in the gift shop at the hospital and they were able to cross, Washington safely.
[30:10] But my daughter was in the crosswalk. She had the white pedestrian, giving her the right away. However, the other vehicles had a green light that were parallel to where she was walking.
[30:21] Carcy Green, they think they can go. I've been behind you know, I've been in the in the situation where somebody was crossing and I stopped
[30:29] Cars honking behind me because they didn't know that there was somebody crossing. They just saw the green line
[30:35] So even though a lot has been done. I agree that more needs to be done
[30:42] Even Katie the other day walking back. She couldn't get anybody to stop for her and she's already got PTSD from being hit
[30:49] so
[30:50] So, more things need to be done, like you said, we've had people hit, and while we were
[30:56] sitting here, somebody was hit, Flint Street, and Dogwood, if I have a clock, a teenager.
[31:04] So, a lot of people are getting hit.
[31:05] I think that drivers are confused that they don't have the right way all the time.
[31:12] So I think we need more public service announcements.
[31:14] I know that they were talking about the light situation where everything is red while the
[31:20] pedestrian's cross. I agree with that wholeheartedly. But since the city's already spent
[31:26] lots of money on the big beautiful sidewalks to entice people to walk downtown, shop,
[31:31] dine, attend events, let's put more safety precautions in place. All of downtown should
[31:38] be marked as pedestrian-friendly area. We may need to have signs before you come into the
[31:44] downtown areas, saying high pedestrian area, slow down, decrease the speed limit, add speed
[31:51] bumps, give higher fines, and that situation have more public police presence until the
[32:00] new traffic situation is under controlling people know about it.
[32:04] But Motors Center Hurry, they need to avoid downtown, because this is supposed to be a place
[32:08] for people to get out and walk and enjoy the downtown area.
[32:12] So, I want to turn this tragedy into a positive reality and keep pedestrian safer.
[32:19] If the city doesn't have the funds to put some ease in place, I'll do a fundraiser.
[32:22] I don't care.
[32:23] I want to help.
[32:24] If you have a committee, I'll volunteer sign me up.
[32:28] I want more people to be safe.
[32:30] I don't want to just talk about problems but offer solutions as well.
[32:34] So let's work together so that you don't have to receive a call that your child has
[32:38] been injured, especially when it can be completely avoidable.
[32:42] Thank you.
[32:43] Thank you, madam.
[32:48] Anyone else?
[32:51] Please state your name and address for the record.
[32:54] Matt Garrett, Safety First Jonesboro.
[32:56] First off, I'd like to thank the council for
[32:59] Fording on the ballot initiative that we're pushing for
[33:03] 580 cent public safety tax that we got over 4200 signatures
[33:07] from registered voters of Jonesboro.
[33:10] So I'd just like to say thanks and we look forward to
[33:13] informing people and the residents of Jonesboro more
[33:16] about this niche different.
[33:18] Thank you, Matt.
[33:20] Yes, ma'am.
[33:29] Please state your name and address, ma'am.
[33:32] My name is Haley Not Brock, and I live at 2008 Spring Valley.
[33:36] Y'all will have to forgive me.
[33:37] It's been a couple of years since I have been up here
[33:40] and talked about stuff like this.
[33:41] It's so nice to see some of you too.
[33:43] I also want to reiterate kind of what Debbie said.
[33:47] You guys do a great job.
[33:49] Most people don't really understand what it's like to be in your position
[33:52] and have to manage a huge city, a growing city like Johnsboro has, especially other past
[33:58] couple years. So I think you guys are doing a great job and I appreciate that so much. Approximately
[34:04] two weeks ago, one of my best friends, Katie, was hit down here as she was struck by her vehicle
[34:08] while she had the right away. She was in the crosswalk and she was just leaving yoga and going back
[34:14] to her house over here on Church Street. She publicly shared her experience on Facebook. I don't know
[34:20] any of you saw to post the video is absolutely horrific.
[34:24] If you haven't seen it, it's very, very scary to watch.
[34:29] And unfortunately, this was not an oscillate incident.
[34:32] Pedestrians have been hit downtown.
[34:35] Our community has experienced multiple accidents.
[34:37] Pedestrian accidents this summer.
[34:39] At some point, we have to stop looking at these accidents
[34:43] as important instances and start asking ourselves,
[34:48] What are we going to do to prevent the next one?
[34:51] What happened to Katie is especially concerning because the driver who struck her,
[34:56] still allegedly has not received a single citation.
[35:00] Not one. I want to read directly from the Police Report real quick. Vehicle one was not towed from the scene.
[35:07] The signs of impairment were observed from the driver vehicle one at the time of the incident. Nothing further. Nothing further.
[35:16] I struggle with those words because, in fact, I'm something very significant did happen. A person was hit while she was crossing the street.
[35:25] Um, I'm not an attorney. I'm not law enforcement. I'm not sitting in y'all seats at all. I'll lift this world long ago. Um, but, and I'm not here, pretending like I know every single stature. Um, because we're so many, but I do know this. We have to do better. We have to. Um, when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, especially in a designated crosswalk when they have the right away. There should be a clear and consistent process. Um, for determining exactly what happened.
[35:54] what laws are violated, whether impairment or distraction
[35:57] play to role, and whether the driver should be held accountable.
[36:01] There needs to be some accountability I feel like, consistency,
[36:06] something that makes the pedestrian safety a priority rather than an
[36:10] afterthought. Thankfully, this community we have attorneys.
[36:15] We have law enforcement professionals and we have city officials.
[36:18] you guys playing more. Let's get together and talk about what we can do, establish a stronger procedure
[36:26] for pedestrian collisions. Look at the current process, look, identify where it's failing,
[36:33] determine, most importantly, but legally, and realistically can be changed. Nothing we do now will
[36:40] change what happened to Katie. Absolutely nothing. It won't erase the fear, the pain, the physical,
[36:46] and emotional consequences. You guys can talk to her. I'm sure she loved talk to her after
[36:50] that she's had to live with since she was hit in the crosswalk. But perhaps we can make the next
[36:57] person who steps into a Jonesboro crosswalk. Make sure they don't have to experience the same thing.
[37:04] Our citizens deserve to feel safe walking through downtown and not only just downtown and not just
[37:10] here just for Main Street, St. Bernard's is right down here. I had an appointment today and
[37:15] I counted there was like six people that were crossing the street just at one little two-minute
[37:21] interval while I was turning into parking lot and you know we have to make sure that those people
[37:26] are safe to elderly residents should be able to use a crosswalk down here at the FOA without bearing
[37:32] that of vehicles going to just blow through them with someone on TikTok. We can't keep waiting for
[37:38] next pedestrian to be hit. We cannot keep trading these in since as oscillated incidences and
[37:46] most importantly we really can't keep accepting nothing further when there is clearly something
[37:53] further that needs to be done. Jonesboro can do better. Jonesboro can do better. I'm asking
[38:00] you guys to in law enforcement leaders to take this seriously review what is currently in place
[38:06] right now and work together to create a meaningful change that can protect the people
[38:12] this community maybe some I don't know that's up to you guys a harsher fund something like
[38:18] a traffic while anything anything for a matter of your people because the goal simply shouldn't
[38:24] be to respond after someone gets hurt and the goal should be to prevent them from getting hurt
[38:32] in the first place. Thank you.
[38:35] Thank you.
[38:38] Anyone else?
[38:42] Or at Miss Lark?
[38:47] Patty Lack, 4108.
[38:49] Forced Hill Road.
[38:50] Sorry, I came up here before, but what I was going to say is that looking at the overview of our budget and our reserve is that we actually have almost ten million dollars more in our reserve account.
[39:03] when you're looking at this account here.
[39:06] And I'm just asking one, I know that Steve can't answer
[39:09] the question, but I think here is that we've got the money.
[39:13] And I think like after talking to some of these guys,
[39:16] I'm working so hard to get the sales tax on
[39:20] because there's a laundry list of needs that our city needs
[39:23] to be safe and just talking about the downtown area.
[39:28] So we've got almost $10 million extra,
[39:31] And I'm just not understanding why our city's not spending some of that on some of the needs that are immediate that would help out in a lot of situations.
[39:41] So it was really kind of surprising to see that amount of money.
[39:44] And I do not understand why we have that much more that's not required on that.
[39:49] So I'll go ahead and FOIA Steve the question tomorrow of just that I think we need to start using that many instead of taxing the people.
[40:00] And getting their laundry list taken care of. Thank you.
[40:04] Thank you, Ms. Lack. Anyone else? Yes, sir. Come on, Jeff.
[40:15] I just want to show.
[40:16] There are police stations. Come to the podium, Mr. Judge Spencer.
[40:20] 701 South Floyd, Jonesboro.
[40:25] If you don't see the video, here's what happened.
[40:29] We've got a heavier, we've got to have you at the microphone for the recording.
[40:34] This young man is the driver. I'm going to speak louder because I have to do this from the year
[40:40] Okay, he walks right across the front of him
[40:46] Your your response will not be on this was washing him.
[40:53] I just want to say that anybody you couldn't see that driver should not be allowed to just get back in your father
[41:06] Thank you, Jim
[41:09] anyone else.
[41:12] All right here in nine out of eleven adjournment at motion a second all in
[41:18] favor say aye. We stand adjourned.