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MINUTES FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING ON JANUARY 18, 2023
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Date: January 18, 2023
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
L.J. Bryant
Charles Coleman - 8:49 a.m.
Woody Freeman
Jeannie Gillis, Co-Chair
LaGanzie Kale
Clint Jackson
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
Tracey Cooper - Secretary
Michael Boggs
Travis Fischer
Brodie Belk
Kevin Bailey
I. CALL TO ORDER
Wyatt called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
*Minutes for the October 19, 2022 Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Steiling and seconded by Bevill. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
New business was delayed due to not having a quorum. Coleman arrived at 8:49 a.m., making a quorum.
Steiling recused himself from the vote. He then gave details regarding the property on Fox Meadow and the reason for the variance request. Steiling explained that TCL bought the Puryear Center and wants to do a small addition. The FEMA Base Level Engineering (BLE) study shows the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) set at 259.0 feet. The City recommends the Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) at 260.0’. The existing building is 259.2’. There has never been any flooding in the building. TLC wants to build a new addition at the same level. The variance is being requested to reduce the FFE from 260.0’ to 259.2’. Moisture resistant sheetrock will be used and there will be no carpet in the new addition. There will be limited damage if there should ever be any flooding. The mechanical equipment can be raised above the elevation 260.0’. The City’s rule is one (1) foot above elevation and FEMA minimum requirement is at elevation. The City has no objections to the variance because they are doing flood proofing. Any future building will be elevated. Bryant made a motion to allow the new addition to be built at the current FFE of 259.2. Seconded by Coleman. All voted Aye. Variance approved.
V. OLD BUSINESS
Light stated that approximately $80,000 was budgeted for drainage that will not be used. There have been some discussions internally on how to use the funds. The project has to be small enough to complete the project with the allotted funds. Light stated that the City is looking at a feasibility study for naturalized ponds. He stated ponds are meant to be dry. The water should be out in 72 hours. He stated that they would be looking at blend ratios for mulch material and sand.
Parker thanked the members that attend the low impact event at the Library. She urged the Board to continue to work toward low impact. Wyatt ask if it would be possible to get the NEAHBA involved with the low impact efforts. Jackson stated they would get in contact with Parker. Steiling stated the speaker at the low impact event was very good and it was informative. Parker stated the need for more information coming to and from the Board regarding low impact. Steiling stated the need for more education, starting with the public sector, because low impact looks different. Parker offered her assistance in coordinating education. Bryant ask if there was an opportunity with the new A & P facility to show case low impact. Parker stated that was a possibility.
Bryant ask if the new Landscape Architect would work in the Engineering Department. Light stated yes.
VI. OTHER COMMUNICATION
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Wyatt adjourned the meeting at 8:58 a.m.