Israel Smith

The Board of Aldermen discussed several agenda items, including a water quality testing project presented by students from Louisiana Tech and the approval of financials from March. Resolutions were passed regarding the disposal of surplus vehicles and the sale of surplus property, including old motors and pumps; an item regarding the sale of a structure at 342 E. Main Street was tabled. Departmental reports were provided by the Compliance, Police, Public Works, and Fire Departments, detailing various operational activities. Additionally, the Mayor led a discussion regarding the Town's Emergency Handbook.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding rezoning and animal control ordinances. Key agenda items included the approval of a variance request for livestock on Walker Road, the authorization of a rental agreement with the Boys & Girls Club, the sale of surplus property, and the disposal of surplus vehicles. The board also addressed municipal water pollution prevention, executed agreements with LADOTD, and initiated expropriation proceedings for a drainage project. Additionally, the council approved ordinances on rezoning and animal control, authorized a cooperation agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs, conducted a condemnation hearing, and received various department head reports. The meeting concluded with an update on a significant payment made to Entergy to eliminate inherited debt.

The public meeting covered several key areas, including hearing from candidates for upcoming elections. Discussions included the approval of the January 2026 minutes and December 2025 financials. The audit report indicated that the town's financials are sound, with improvements noted in compliance findings, decreasing from 19 to 7. The council tabled an ordinance for the 2025-2026 Budget Amendment to allocate new grant money. Actions were taken to open a new control account, introduce an ordinance to establish fees for water meter damages, appoint a signatory for the Rodeo Arena CEA with Jackson Parish Police Jury, and adopt a resolution to acquire generators for water wells using State Appropriations. Furthermore, a resolution was adopted to auction two vehicles via the LPS Surplus Property Program. The council addressed the property at 111 Cooper Ave, agreeing to take over the property after a fire, and conducted condemnation hearings for several properties, ultimately voting to condemn structures at 605 Beech Springs Rd. and 502 Beech Springs Rd., accepting the offer for 111 Cooper Ave., and granting a 90-day extension for the family at 537 Fourth St. Department reports highlighted storm cleanup efforts, crime statistics, utility maintenance (28 leaks fixed), and community assistance provided by Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments.

The meeting began with a public hearing concerning the adoption of Ordinance 2025-014 regarding RTO established fees for tampering with water meters. Key actions included the adoption of this ordinance, which addresses damage to water meters caused by unauthorized shut-offs, and the adoption of a revision to the Town of Jonesboro Employee Handbook to include a section on Cybersecurity, with associated training announced. The council proceeded to appoint Karl Johnson as Water and Sewer Operator, clarifying his relationship as a contractor, and appointed Warren Bradley as Public Works Director. Tracy Ginn was appointed as the signatory for monthly bills. Department head reports covered the Police Department's building situation, improved water quality grades, Public Works metrics including leak repairs and drainage concerns, and the Fire Department's successful PIAL Rating improvement to Class 2. The Mayor announced the receipt of grant funds from the Jackson Parish Police Jury for cleanup and sidewalk repair.

The public meeting covered several administrative and departmental matters. Key discussions included public comments regarding water bill calculations, which led to a directive to check for leaks. The CPA performing the audit provided a timeline update, promising to present findings at the next meeting. The agenda was amended to include a vote on hiring a part-time police officer. An ordinance was introduced and passed to amend the Town of Jonesboro Code of Ordinances regarding RTO Est. Fees for Tampering with Water, stipulating that only town employees may touch a water meter. The hiring of Caleb Lacey as a part-time officer was approved, and departmental reports were discussed, noting the Police Department's need for more full-time officers to meet recommended staffing ratios. Compliance reported on the removal of dangerous buildings, and Public Works detailed pothole and streetlight repairs. The Mayor announced the date for the subsequent Public Hearing regarding this meeting.