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Jonesboro aldermen adopt traffic and criminal ordinances, approve grant applications and condemn Adams Street building
Summary
At their Feb. 11, 2025 meeting the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen adopted a new Traffic and Vehicle Code and a Criminal Code ordinance, approved multiple grant-application resolutions, and voted to condemn an Adams Street property after a tie vote was broken by Mayor James “Spike” Harris.
The Jonesboro Board of Aldermen on Feb. 11, 2025 adopted a new Traffic and Vehicle Code Ordinance (2025-001) and a Jonesboro Criminal Code Ordinance (recorded as 2025-002), approved several grant-application resolutions and voted to condemn a vacant Adams Street building, with Mayor James “Spike” Harris casting the tie-breaking vote.
The traffic ordinance was adopted after a motion by Alderman at Large Nia Evans, seconded by Alderman Robert Hunter; the criminal-code ordinance was adopted on a motion by Alderman James Ginn, seconded by Alderman at Large Evans. The minutes record both motions as passing with no discussion and marked "all in favor." The board also approved resolutions to submit applications for the Delta Regional Authority Community Infrastructure Fund (DRA), the 2024–2025 Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) and the 2024–2025 Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP). Those resolutions were moved and seconded by members of the board and were recorded as passed.
On the condemnation agenda, Compliance Officer Austin Ballott requested an extension for the 724 Allen case; the board agreed to reset that hearing to March 11, 2025. For the Adams Street buildings (parcel #0105020850) the compliance officer recommended moving forward with condemnation for safety reasons. A motion to condemn the Adams Street property produced a 2–2 split among aldermen (yays: Alderman Ginn and Alderman at Large Evans; nays: Alderman Hunter and Alderman Flowers). Mayor Harris then cast the deciding vote in favor of condemnation; the motion passed.
During department reports, Police Chief Smith recommended hiring Kerry Mullins (post certified) as a full‑time officer. Alderman at Large Evans moved to approve the hire, seconded by Alderman Ginn; the motion passed. Public Works reported a new work-order system and noted that the Leon Drive lift station was operating on one pump and that a replacement pump would be ordered. Fire Chief Blalock provided a summary of calls and paperwork activity.
The board approved tabling approval of the January 2025 financials until March 2025 following a motion by Alderman James Ginn. The meeting closed after brief aldermanic remarks and a request by Mayor Harris for prayers for Randy McKinney. The minutes were attested by Clerk Catrice Hudson and Mayor James Harris.
