Jonesboro Mayor breaks tie on controversial property code debate

Mayor Harold Perrin broke the tie Tuesday night in approving a proposed property maintenance code that drew a packed house with the city’s fire chief standing watch to avoid violating the state’s fire code.

The council tied 6-6 on the third reading of the property maintenance code, which has been debated over the past year or so. The proposed property maintenance code received a third airing, with each side getting 15 minutes to present its case.

Supporters of the proposed plan have said it will go after dilapidated homes and other eyesores in Jonesboro, while opponents have said provisions in the code violate constitutional principles including the 4th Amendment’s prohibition against illegal searches. The proposal was approved in its first two readings in mid-November and early-December, with a citizens committee voting 6-3 earlier this year on the proposal.

An opponent, Jonathan Harris, said while there are some things that are good with the code, many of the provisions in the code would be up to code enforcement. “Have any of you tried to get a roof replaced in a week,” Harris said.

Harris said the standard on fines should be across the board. “To reserve fines for those who can afford it is the dumbest thing I have heard,” Harris said.

Jason Whitley, an official with the Jonesboro Board of Realtors, said property values in Jonesboro have gone up in recent years. “Our members support a code, but not this one,” Whitley said, noting the debate has divided residents in the town.

Brandon Lacy, with the law firm of Wilcox and Lacy, said he has received nearly 800 letters of opposition on the code. Lacy said the code needs to be addressed with Jonesboro in mind, and will try to get the issue on the ballot if the council approved the code.

Supporters also made their case. Charles Harris said he sent a letter to council members, asking realtors to adhere to the group’s code of ethics. “Do not be swayed by a dissident group of realtors,” Harris said.

Harris said passage of the code should be a no-brainer, due to good properties leading to good property values.

Scott Darwin said he moved to Jonesboro in 1969 and has seen the lack of codes hurting the town. “The lack of codes has turned some homes to pot,” Darwin said.

Darwin said he thought the code would cover everyone, “not just everyone with money.”

George Krennerich, a retired architect, said the city has worked under the international code since the late 1980s. The code is to protect the peace, health and safety of residents, Krennerich said.

“It is not about whether or not linoleum is in a home. It is about whether or not there’s a gas leak,” Krennerich said.

Voting yes were council members Tim McCall, Ann Williams, Chris Moore, Dr. Charles Coleman, Gene Vance and Charles Frierson. Voting no were council members John Street, Mitch Johnson, Darrel Dover, Rennell Woods, Todd Burton and Chris Gibson.

The code will take effect Jan. 15.

BUDGET, OTHER ACTION
The council approved the first reading of the city’s 2016 budget. The $57.3 million budget will be further discussed at a budget meeting Dec. 21 and is expected to be approved at the council’s Jan. 5 meeting.

The council also approved a contract with Roy Ockert to provide communications services for the city until a new communications director is hired. Under the contract, Ockert will serve as an independent contractor and not as a city employee. Ockert will be paid $26.25 an hour for a 40-hour workweek. The city is seeking to replace Fritz Gisler, who left Dec. 11 to take a job in New Orleans.

In other action, the council honored the Valley View High School girls volleyball team for winning the Class 5A state championship. The council also received a report from Police Chief Rick Elliott about the city’s police report for 2015. In the past year or so, Elliott said the city has adopted a community-oriented policing policy that has attempted to police more effectively.

The department also moved into a new headquarters on Caraway Road, plus graduated 33 people from a citizen police academy to help the public better understanding policing, Elliott said.