Jonesboro Board of Aldermen approves drainage CDBG, capital outlay funding and dispatcher upgrade; tables compliance questionnaire

The Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen on Oct. 8, 2024 approved a Community Development Block Grant mitigation measure for drainage improvements, a capital outlay funding resolution and a personnel change moving a part-time dispatcher to full time, and tabled the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire (Resolution 2024-009).

Mayor Pro Tem Nia Evans-Johnson called the session to order and the council established a quorum with Aldermen Devin Flowers, Robert Hunter, Robbie Siadek and James Ginn present. The meeting’s routine business moved quickly: the agenda and Sept. 10 minutes were approved without discussion.

The council considered financial reports for July, August and September. July and August financials were approved unanimously. The September financials split on a roll-call vote: Alderman Robbie Siadek and Alderman James Ginn voted yes; Alderman Devin Flowers, Alderman Robert Hunter and Mayor Pro Tem Nia Evans-Johnson voted no. That roll-call was recorded during the financials approval and resulted in the September item not passing as presented.

In separate recorded votes, the council approved Capital Outlay Funding Resolution 2024-008 (LWI) and Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Resolution 2024-010, which authorizes pursuing CDBG mitigation funds for drainage improvements in the town. Both resolutions were moved and seconded and carried with no further discussion.

Public-safety staffing also changed. The board approved a motion to move a part-time dispatcher to a full-time dispatcher position; the motion was made by Alderman James Ginn and seconded by Alderman Robbie Siadek and carried unanimously.

On Procedure and compliance, Alderman Devin Flowers moved to table Resolution 2024-009 (Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire); the motion to table was recorded and the item was not acted on further.

Department heads gave brief updates. Assistant Chief Warren R. Johnson Jr. said the police report will be provided to the council at a later date. Compliance Officer Austin Ballott III reported eight new active abatements and six completed since the prior meeting. Assistant Director Warren Bradley told the council his department completed repairs on 32 active leaks and six blowouts and has five leaks remaining; Alderman Robert Hunter raised a question about a reflective left-arrow sign and Bradley said he would be updated from the mayor’s office.

Council members made short closing remarks. Alderman Devin Flowers thanked the community and emphasized accuracy in the budget. Alderman Robert Hunter said, “I’m still excited,” and asked for patience as the council completes its transition. Mayor Pro Tem Nia Evans-Johnson thanked staff, saying, “We appreciate Jasama and Catrice for all their hard work and thank you to Mr. Ginn.”

Votes at a glance: - Approval of Agenda: motion by Robbie Siadek, seconded by Devin Flowers; outcome: approved (motion carried). - Approval of Minutes (Sept. 10, 2024): motion by Devin Flowers, seconded by Robbie Siadek; outcome: approved. - Financials — July and August: approved unanimously. September financials: yes — Robbie Siadek, James Ginn; no — Devin Flowers, Robert Hunter, Nia Evans-Johnson; outcome: September item did not pass as presented. - Capital Outlay Funding Resolution 2024-008 (LWI): motioned by Devin Flowers, seconded by Robbie Siadek; outcome: approved. - Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire Resolution 2024-009: motion to table by Devin Flowers; outcome: tabled. - Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Resolution 2024-010 (Drainage Improvement): motioned by Robbie Siadek, seconded by James Ginn; outcome: approved. - Police dispatcher position: motioned by James Ginn, seconded by Robbie Siadek; outcome: approved (part-time to full-time).

The meeting adjourned after a motion by Alderman Devin Flowers, seconded by Alderman Robert Hunter. The board did not announce a date for the next meeting during the session.