The Jonesboro Public Safety Committee recommended several ordinances to the full council and approved a locally enacted firefighter bill of rights at its most recent meeting. Committee members also forwarded two resolutions to condemn properties to the full council and accepted the meeting packet’s Vector Mosquito Control end-of-year report with no discussion.

Ordinance 25033: The committee recommended that the full council approve an amendment to Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages) to align Jonesboro’s definition of a “private club” with recent changes in Arkansas law that removed a requirement that a private club be organized as a nonprofit corporation. A staff member identified as Carol explained that the state removed the nonprofit requirement and that the city amendment deletes references that are no longer applicable. The committee voted to recommend the ordinance to council.

Ordinance 25037: The committee recommended deleting a subsection of the city code (Chapter 117, Article 8, §1173.24(g)) that required boats, trailers or recreational vehicles parked outdoors on residential lots to have a valid registration or license. Scott Roper of code enforcement explained the change was intended to match treatment of inoperable vehicles and provide staff discretion for units that are not used or are in good condition; law enforcement and state road requirements still apply if a vehicle is driven. The committee voted to recommend this ordinance and a member requested it not be placed on the consent agenda when it goes to full council.

Ordinance 25038: The committee recommended several traffic-control changes from the traffic control committee, including establishing a 25 mph speed limit at Whitetail Crossing and installing stop signs at a list of intersections (Young Drive at Wimpey Road; Boone Street at Young Drive; Pope Street at Young Drive; Milo Court at Pope Street east and westbound; Milo Court at Boone Street; Pope Street and Crockett Drive; Boone Street and Crockett Drive; Crockett Drive at Wimpey Road; Edgemont Circle at Edgemont Drive; Nathan Drive at Edgemont Drive). The committee voted to recommend these changes to the full council.

Ordinance 25039: The committee approved and recommended a local “firefighter bill of rights” (Ordinance 25039). Chief Henry explained the ordinance implements protections modeled on Act 686 of 2025 from the Arkansas General Assembly and establishes a pre-discipline process for firefighters when proposed discipline would affect pay status (suspension, demotion, termination). Chief Henry said the city already follows many of the recommended practices and that the ordinance formalizes them. He said civil service rules governing hiring, promotions and appeals would remain in place.

Resolutions 25137 and 25138: The committee voted to forward two condemnation resolutions to the full council: Resolution 25137 for property at 233 S. Fisher St. (parcel 0114407317500) and Resolution 25138 for property at 505 W. Woodrow St. (parcel 0114407317500). Both items were moved forward with no public comment at the committee meeting.

Other business: The Vector Mosquito Control end-of-year report was in the packet; there were no questions or comments.

Each ordinance listed above (except Ordinance 25036, which was tabled indefinitely) will move to the full Jonesboro City Council for consideration or final action.