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MINUTES FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING ON JULY 16, 2025
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Date: July 16, 2025
Location: Municipal Center
First Floor Conference Room
300 South Church
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Opening:
In Attendance marked in bold
Members:
Susan Merideth
Jeremy Bevill
Janice Porter
Charles Coleman
David Handwork
Jeannie Gillis, Co-Chair
Kim Schrantz
Jeff Steiling
Pam Alexander
Rick Wyatt, Chairman
Officials & Staff:
Harold Copenhaver - Mayor
Derrel Smith - Director of Planning & Zoning
Craig Light - Chief City Engineer
Roger Gibson - Stormwater Manager
Marvin Day, Craighead County Judge
Melissa Dooley - ASU
Beverly Parker, Keep Jonesboro Beautiful
Ken Kelso - Construction Outreach Coordinator
Tracey Cooper - Secretary
Others in Attendance:
Todd Welch
Carlos Wood
Ron Cooper
I. CALL TO ORDER
Wyatt called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for June 18, 2025, Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Steiling and seconded by Porter. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Wyatt stated that Nettleton School is requesting a variance for the elevation of the new addition to be attached to the existing structure located at 2211 Dewey Street. Carlos Wood introduced himself and stated that he would be representing Nettleton Schools. He also introduced Ron Cooper with Nettleton Schools and the architect, Todd Welch. He stated the main reason for the request is because, if built as required, the entrance ramp will protrude out about 22 feet. It will take up that much space to ensure the under carriages on the buses do not drag. Gillis asked if this is just for bus storage. R Cooper stated it is for school vehicle storage. Wood stated the new structure would be above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) but not 2’ above. Wood stated the existing building is 2 ½” above. Gibson stated building code requires the grade to fall a minimum 6” over 10-foot span above the natural grade or BFE. Wood stated they could live with it being 6” above the BFE. Steiling made a motion to grant the variance with a minimum of 6 “ above the BFE. Gillis second. All vote Aye.
V. OLD BUSINESS
Kelso gave a report on building permits. He stated he does a report every quarter. The numbers are the same. There were not any multi-family permits last quarter. Steiling asks if he tracks the number of permits or dollar amount. Kelso stated the number of permits. Multi-family permits have multiple number of units on one permit. Wyatt asks Day if he knew the number of building permits in the County. Day stated no they do not track permits. Kelso stated houses under $200.000 are selling better than houses over $200,000. Parker asks how quickly the permitting process is. Kelso stated commercials usually take two weeks or less and residential takes just days. The application goes to all the departments at once for review and comments. Steiling stated that the process is now digital. Kelso said they are constantly looking at ways to make the process easier.
Alexander stated she did a litter survey and on the whole, there are vast improvements in all areas. Porter asks what do you contribute to the cleanup. Education, as well as Code Enforcement and Sanitation, working to get certain areas cleaned up. Parker stated that items can be taken to Lacy Drive between 7 - 3:15ish. It is self-serve. Cleanups are not just for the neighborhoods they are in. Anyone can participate.
Dooly stated the Vet School and Wingate Building are moving along on the ASU campus.
Schrantz stated the NEAHBA will be having a golf tournament in September at Sage Meadows.
VI. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Wyatt adjourned the meeting at 8:52 a.m.