Harold Copenhaver

The Forge is a grassroots community initiative based in Jonesboro, Northeast Arkansas, focused on fostering community development and empowering residents. Its strategic direction encompasses several key initiatives: establishing a Local Food Network to promote healthy eating and self-sufficiency through seed libraries, community gardens, and future commercial kitchens; developing Maker Spaces for prototyping and innovation, particularly for youth; and providing Business Incubation for turning ideas into sustainable ventures. The plan aims to break cycles of disadvantage, promote self-reliance, and provide accessible resources and opportunities for talent development and economic empowerment across the community, including low-income areas.

The committee meeting focused on discussing the current framework for addressing nuisance properties, specifically reviewing existing condemnation provisions where the City Council declares a property a nuisance, requiring the owner to commence repairs or demolition within 30 days. Key discussion points included the lack of specific enumerated criteria defining a nuisance beyond structural soundness and the delays caused by property owners obtaining and renewing permits without making substantial progress. The discussion also involved a comparative analysis of property maintenance codes adopted by other cities, such as Fort Smith, Russellville, Little Rock, and Bryant, focusing on their adoption or amendment of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and related building codes. Specific code details reviewed included minimum room dimensions and occupancy limitations. Furthermore, the committee examined the codes of cities that developed their own codes and noted instances where other municipalities utilized standards like the International Residential Code. The topic of potential copyright issues related to reproducing international codes was raised and discussed in the context of city membership in the International Code Council (ICC).

The City of Jonesboro's Grants/CDBG Department details its strategic goals and initiatives for 2014. The plan focuses on managing a portfolio of over $20 million in grant funds and administering the CDBG program to serve low-to-moderate income residents through housing, infrastructure, and community services. Key initiatives include launching a volunteer program, establishing a fundraising initiative, and ensuring the North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative achieves self-sustainability by empowering residents and fostering partnerships.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous minutes. Old business involved a report on the Federal Home Loan Bank in Dallas, detailing potential partnerships with member banks for funding. The discussion then moved to new business concerning property acquisitions. The commission discussed the proposed donation of 115 North Drake, noting zoning size discrepancies and municipal liens, and ultimately voted to accept the donation contingent on City Council approval and appropriate security measures for the structure. Furthermore, the commission reviewed the potential acquisition of 120 Northbridge Street from the State Land Commissioner, noting significant city liens and title issues, which warrants a full title report. The discussion also addressed the acquisition of 1440 West Huntington, a commercial lot, which also has substantial city liens and potential stormwater/flooding issues, making its purchase cost analysis complex.

The commission meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the May 31, 2017, meeting. A review of the financial status showed that revenue collected through July from the three-cent Hotel tax was flat compared to the previous year, with expectations of future growth from new hotels. The commission discussed advertising promotions cash disbursements and funding commitments, including outstanding obligations for the barbecue festival and a commitment to Arkansas State University. Discussions also covered the review of applications for funding, where a recommendation was made to fund $750 for the United Way softball tournament. A request from Our Hoops for immediate funding was tabled for the next grant cycle beginning in September. The body approved the hiring of an independent contractor for administrative and grants coordination duties, recommending Beth Smith for the position. Finally, the commission addressed long-term planning, reviewing the five-year trend of A&P funding and discussing future large-scale projects, including the turfing of ten baseball field infields at a projected cost of $1.25 million, noting the impact of rainouts on local rec league seasons.