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MINUTES FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING ON JUNE 19, 2024
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Date: June 19, 2024
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
LaGanzie Kale
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:
Tony Thomas
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 May 15, 2024 Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Coleman and seconded by Steiling. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Light stated the FEMA maps are ready for adoption. The plan is to run them though City Council for approval in August. They will go into effect September 26, 2024.A copy of the ordinance to adopt The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and update the Stormwater Management Regulations and the Stormwater Drainage Design Manual was distributed this morning. It complies with the model ordinance. Wyatt stated the maps were last updated in 1991. There will be areas that come out and areas that will go into the floodplain. Banks will require insurance if they are in a floodplain. Coleman questioned if there are alternatives for people that are not financially able to afford flood insurance. Light stated he believes FEMA does have some subsidies for individuals that need help. Light stated that the amount of insurance required has changed. The policy can be for the amount owed not the full amount.
Light stated the maps are already available. They are not adopted. Day stated that developers have been using both maps for years.
Light stated the changes to the Code are a lot of definitions. There are not a lot of changes.
Alexander questioned if decisions made by MAPC and City Council about what can be built in the floodplain would impact the validity of the maps. Light stated that any development is going to change how water moves. The City requires elevation certificates for properties in a flood zone or adjacent to drainage systems. Most areas that flood are not in flood zones but City staff tries to catch those during the review process.
Coleman made a motion to send the ordinance to City Council for adoption. Porter seconded. All votes Aye.
Light gave an update on Engineering projects. There is not a lot of funding for drainage because the funds were tied up in the ARPA resolution that was tabled. We asked for $750,000 but were give a little less than $100,000. Administration is trying to get additional funds for drainage. The Street Department continues to do ditch mowing.
Wyatt ask what the impact fees will be used for because there needs to be a revenue stream for drainage. Coleman stated we will have to wait and see what the committee’s decision is regarding the impact fees.
Light stated the City is waiting to begin the design phase for the Lost Creek improvements. Once that is done, the City will be able to apply for federal fund grants. It is approximately a $15 million project.
Light stated the Annual Arkansas Water Resources Conference will be held July 16-18. We will send out information after the meeting. Anyone wanting to attend please contact either Tracey or Craig. The City will cover expenses for any Board member wishing to attend.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. OTHER COMMUNICATION
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Wyatt adjourned the meeting at 9:22 a.m.