City Council

CITY OF LONOKE PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES MAY 26, 2026 A Public hearing was held at the City Hall at 6:00p.m. on Tuesday May 26, 2026, to decide on an appeal of a Conditional Use Permit application for construction of a bus barn/shop that was recently denied due to lack of a majority vote of the total commission. Mayor Wayne McGee City Clerk Jeribeth Edwards Treasurer Vacant Deputy Clerk Regina Ibbotson Council Members Wendell Walker, Raymond Hatton, Wendell Walker, Sean Simpson, Shane Hamilton, Jim Ed Ransom (late) and Dale Carothers City Attorney Ginger Stuart Police Chief Keith Graham W/S/S Supt. Absent C.C. Director Mike Brown (absent) Fire Dept. Justin Whittenburg (absent) Parks Director Jonathan Curry (absent) News Media none Visitors- Brett Bunch, JP Mitchell, Brian Eagle, Chris Parnell, Richard Wallace, Zach Eaves, Suzette Elmore, Gina Wiertelak, Jim Wiertelak, Efrem Jones, Mildred Jones, Mike Jones, Regina Bryant, Bobbie Terry, Timothy Terry, Janette Boyles, Ross Moore, Kathy Halford, James Walden and Vonda Evans Mayor McGee opened the public hearing at 6:00 and asked for any comments or concerns regarding the bus barn at the Lonoke High School. Mr. James Walden spoke to the council regarding the permit for the bus barn, at no fault to the City or School District, the Council must approve or deny the application. Efrem Jones was present sharing his concern regarding moving the bus barn and shop to a residential area. Mr. Jones asked the council to deny the request. Alice Gibbons was present and spoke for the citizens in the area. Ms. Gibbons explained that the citizens are concerned that the appropriate environmental tests have not been taken. Brett Bunch, superintendent of Lonoke Schools, was present and explained that Lonoke has not forgotten Carver schools. Mr. Bunch explained that the School District has seen and spoken with the planning commission. Mr. Bunch is asking the council, on behalf of the School District, to approve the request. Mr. Bunch explained he has done all the necessary work regarding legal work. Mr. Jim Wiertelak was present and spoke on behalf of the kids. Mr. Wiertalak would like to see the school district thrive and there should be no reason not to approve the request. Page 1 of 2  CITY OF LONOKE PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES MAY 26, 2026 (Jim Ed Ransom entered the meeting) Zach Eaves was present and argued that nothing that the school district is doing is environmentally unsafe. After addressing similar issues, he asked the council to approve the request. Regina Bryant, a resident in the area, asked the council to reconsider their approval. Chris Parnell, a resident of Lonoke, addressed the council explaining he has measured the streets, and he would appreciate voting yes for the bus barn to be moved. _____________________________________ Mayor Wayne McGee Attest: _________________________________ City Clerk Page 2 of 2