title
MINUTES FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING ON JUNE 18, 2025
body
Date: June 18, 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 - 8:39 a.m.
Pam Alexander
Rick Wyatt, Chairman
Officials & Staff:
Harold Copenhaver - Mayor
Derrel Smith - Director of Planning & Zoning - 8:47 a.m.
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:
Ronnie Collins
Ethan Clark, ArDOT
Brian Richardson
Neal Taegtmeyer, Pickering
Darryl Dromgoole, CWL
I. CALL TO ORDER
Wyatt called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Minutes for April 16, 2025, Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Porter and seconded by Gillis. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Wyatt stated that Ronnie Collins is requesting a variance to eliminate the 2’ freeboard requirement for a shed he is going to build on his property. Collins stated he is requesting to lower the elevation for the shed. He stated that he has never had any flooding issues. Wyatt stated an ordinance was passed that increased the free board to 2’. Light stated attached garages can be 6” above natural grade and recommended that for this situation. Parker questioned if there had been any flooding around the garage. Collins answered no. Porter made a motion the variance be granted at 6” above BFE instead of 2’. Seconded by Bevill. All vote Aye.
Light gave an update on unfunded drainage projects. There are 13 million dollars of unfunded projects on the “wishlist”. These projects have been provided to the consultant doing the Impact Fee Study.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
Wyatt introduced Ethan Clark with ArDOT. He also noted that Jerry Halsey took Alec Farmer’s place on the ArDOT Board. Clark is the Assistant Resident Engineer at the Jonesboro office.
Clark discussed several ArDOT projects. I have attached the list of projects that were discussed with information and updates for each project.
Copenhaver thanked CWL for moving utilities to allow these ArDOT projects to progress along. Light inquired about the status of the NEA Regional Design Office status. Clark stated he did not have any information regarding the office. Light stated there is a plan to have an office in NE Arkansas. If there is anything the City can do to get the project moving along, the City is willing to help. This office would help build relationships with the engineers doing the reviews. Alexandar asked that when building the office, that in addition to functionality, please consider the aesthetics of the office in regard to green space. Wyatt asked Clark to give a list of the staff at the local level. They are as follows:
Paragould - Shane Wood
Jonesboro - Currently Vacant
Paragould - Brian Blankenship
Osceolo - Bob Roedel
Day stated that there was a ground breaking for the new Vet school at ASU. Parker stressed there is an opportunity to beautify the ASU Connector. Schrantz stated that the NEAHBA’s annual golf tournament will be in September. Porter questioned the status of the letters to property owners regarding the adoption of the new flood maps to
homeowners regarding the new flood maps. Light stated they have been sent out and we have received several calls.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Wyatt adjourned the meeting at 9:04 a.m.