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February 19, 2015 1 MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 19, 2015 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding,West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by Brother John Rech. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin, and Councilors, Melanie Hutchinson, Tracy Catt, James Pulliaum, Ramona Taylor, Helen Harris, James Holt and Taz Tyrone. Absent was: Councilors Lorraine Robinson, Marco McClendon, and Willis Mondy. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting. BID OPENINGS Bids for West Memphis Utilities backyard aerial material handler were opened at 1:00 pm and copies of the bid tabulations were given to the City Council. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to accept the bids and refer them the Utility Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. (See copies attached) MINUTES Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to dispense with the reading of the minutes of February 5, 2015 and approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to approve. OLD BUSINESS and READING AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING ON PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to amend the Ordinance adding the amount of $38,000. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance, as amended, for the third and final time. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Tyrone to approve the Ordinance. Mayor Johnson commented that there has not been a price increase in the last three years. Upon voice vote the voting was unanimous to approve. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2371. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Johnson presented the State of the City Message. A copy was handed out to the City Council and is attached to these minutes for the record. Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to replace the Resolution that was included in the packets with an updated Resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. R-1 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE CONDEMNATION AND REMOVAL OF HOUSES, BUILDINGS, AND/OR RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES CONSTITUTING A NUISANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS CORPORATE LIMITS Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to suspend the rules and read the title only of R-1 AND 0-1. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution (R-1). Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the Resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 2071. 0-1 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE ALDERMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO PURCHASE SERVICES FROM FRANK MARTIN DOING BUSINESS AS DELTA OFFICE SUPPLY, INC., AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on the second reading. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time. Councilor Tyrone made a motion, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to further suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on the third reading. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the THIRD AND FINAL time. Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Tyrone to approve the Ordinance. Mayor Johnson said that this was supposedly done a long time ago, but it could not be found in the records. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2372. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to add R-2 to the agenda. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. 2 R-2 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2014 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to read the title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the Resolution. Councilor Catt, Chairman of the Budget Committee advised that this was to clean up three items in the 2014 budget: $13,000 in General Fund for the purpose of the addition of the Roberta Jackson Neighborhood Center, Dumpster Operations$75,251.00 and Debris Operations$50,112.00 in the Sanitation Department for a total of$138,363.00(See"Exhibit A"attached to the Resolution.) Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 2072. PERMISSION REQUESTS Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to give permission for the Mayor to accept the Final Statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Fund B-2015-MC-05-0009. Paul Luker, Director of Planning and Development came forward and explained that there was around a$30,000 reduction in funding this year. After Public Hearings it was decided to continue the rehabilitation of housing and the demolition portion of the funding and to continue with the drainage project by working with the Public Works Department and decrease that amount of funding from $90,000 to$68,000. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to approve. COMMITTEE REPORTS none ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilor Catt announced the annual Good Neighbor Center Wii Bowling Tournament would be held at Southland Gaming & Racing this Friday at 6:30 pm. Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm. PASSED and APPROVED this 5 day of March, 2015. WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, M OR ATTEST: PHILLIP PARA, CITY CLERK Minutes prepared by Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk WEST MEMPHIS UTILITY COMMISSION P 0 Box 1868 604 East Cooper West Memphis, AR 72303 Phone (870) 732-7509 Fax (870) 732-7621 2/19/2015 BACK YARD AERIAL MATERIAL HANDLER ALTERNATE TEREX INDUSTRIES $149,517.00 $127,824.00 WAUKESHA, WI ALTEC NO QUOTE ST. JOSEPH, MO SDP MFG. NO QUOTE DUNKIRK, IN Mayor William H. Johnson Presents The State Of The City Message The year 2014 was a successful year with much accomplished. We are optimistic regarding our future and are pleased to present this official statement of our status. The General Fund showed progress by exceeding our projected income and by not spending the allocated amount. Our expected income was $17,632,847.00 and our projected expenses were $17,772,649.00 and we spent $17,392,135.00. We will address the need for five (5) new police cars and one ambulance in 2015. The Street Department revenue was $3,671,196.00 compared to a projected $3,222,000.00. The Utility budgeted income was $33,179,500 and actual was $33,768,746.00. The Library had revenue of$638,439.00 as compared to budgeted expenses of $365,814.00. While they operate at a high level in less than desirable circumstances they continue to save money for a new facility and have over $2,000,000.00 on hand. 2 The Port continues to operate on a sound basis with two excellent tenants; Kinder Morgan and Bunge Corporations. The future of this facility is potentially unlimited as our port offering services that many other ports do not provide one of those is availability since our port is a deep water port and offers services when others are closed. The Sanitation Department continues to provide excellent services but is in need of additional revenue. Our income was $2,417,695.00 and our expenses $2,467,946.00 so we will look at all options in 2015. This shortfall was beyond our control as the EASWD increased our landfill cost $2.00 per ton two years past and this alone cost the city $50,000.00 in addition to our other expenses. The West Memphis Airport has a total of 123 aircraft based at the airport and approximately 32% of the aircraft based here are used for business purposes. There have been approximately 40,000 annual take- offs and landings; 282,790 gallons of aviation fuel was pumped in 2014 and 87% was Jet A. In January 2014, the Runway Rehabilitation Project was closed out at $8,504,381 .21 ; and Rehabilitation 3 of the North Apron began. This project should be completed this spring at a cost of $525,481.00. Airport projects are funded with aviation generated tax dollars. The Fire Department beginning in date order for 2014: Jan. 6 — Water System goes down due to frozen pump Jan 16 — Promotions: Trey Gately, Jemal Green, Jason Coad, Brian Houston Jan. 30 — Purchased the Vein Viewers for EMS Feb. 1 — WMFD stands by Trumann FD for a shift during Chief Rick Winkles death Feb. 2 — Ice Storm hits the WM Feb. 14 — Purchased the new TFT Foam ProPaks for the FD March 2- 2nd Ice Storm hits WM March 14 — Promoted the Catholic Priest to Chaplain March 17 — Promotions; John Calender, 2 x Chaplains March 18 — Promotion of EMS Medical Director April 25 — AFTA Graduation; Sutton & Smith May 1 — WMHS Prom Promise May 8 — Boy Scouts tour the FD May 17 — Mutual Aid call with Forrest City to Hazmat Wreck at Weidner 4 June 5 — Crittenden County Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication June 6 — CRH Fire & Evacuation June 27 — Freedom Fest June 29 — WM and Marion Flood and we fight a fire with Marion FD in flood water July 1 — 2nd Fire at CRH July 4 — WMFD & Lt. Lancaster were featured on the news giving safety tips for the 4th July 14 — 21 we hosted the AFTA Instructor I Class July 23 — Members of the FD participated in a rescue drill with the USCG on the Mississippi Aug. 4 — Ladder 8 went to Tyronza for a flag detail at a funeral for the Late Fire Chief Tommy Baine of Tyronza FD Aug. 9 — The WMFD was represented at the Crittenden County JA backpack giveaway at the Boys Club Aug. 15 — Members went to Pueblo, Colorado to train for Crude Oil Fires Aug. 20 — Members, including the Chief& Asst. Chief, participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Sept. 1- The WMFD becomes 1 of 60 departments in the US to have an ISO 1 rating 5 Sept. 18 — The WMFD was represented at the Crittenden County Business Expo at the Holiday Plaza Mall Sept. 20 — WMFD agility Test at WMHS Sept. 25 — Fidelity Bank Cookout for the ISO Rating Oct. 1 — Fire Prevention kicked off with the FD visiting over 200 kids Oct. 9 — WMFD and Insp. Chris Brogdon received an award from the Military for being a good employer of military personnel Oct. 15 — B-Shift performed a technical rescue near the Port of WM Nov. 5 — WMFD responds to a fiery crash on I-40 near Rich RD Nov. 25 — WM takes delivery of new tornado sirens Dec. 2- WMFD participates in the annual Christmas Parade Dec. 8 — AFTA graduation Dylan Gibson Dec. 15 — Mutual Fire at Lakeshore w/Marion FD Dec. 23 — WMFD receives new power stretchers for EMS Dec. 24 — WMFD attends Christmas lunch at the Methodist Church Fire Trucks Runs: 1394 total 6 250 Fire Calls, 794 EMS/Rescue Calls, 135 Hazmat Calls, 128 Alarm Calls, and 87 other type calls including 4 cats in a tree, one dog under a house and one dog in the storm drain. Ambulance Runs: 4147 total, Training hours 7,930 hours of Certification Classroom Training, and Training hours 20,880 hours of On-Duty Daily Training. The Fire Department received grants; AFG for new FD radio System $306,500.00, GIF Award for new Tornado Sirens $70.000.00, ADEM Grant for Hazmat Equipment $16,860.00 and Wal-mart Grant for Fire Prevention $1,000.00 The Planning and Development Department issued seventeen (17) permits for new single family homes and another seventy-one (71) permits to re-model or add-on to existing residential structures. Additionally the department issued two (2) permits for new construction of commercial and industrial developments, along with nineteen (19) permits to re- model existing commercial buildings. 7 The Community Development Department oversaw the rehabilitation of fifty-seven (57) single-family homes utilizing the labor of volunteer groups. These homes are owner-occupied by elderly/low income and or handicapped individuals. The City demolished sixty-one (61) substandard and vacant structures. The City is continuing its relationship with Memphis Area Transit Authority to provide bus service in West Memphis with connections to Memphis. Ridership continues to increase and averages more than 20,000 riders a month. The construction of a bicycle/pedestrian trail across the Mississippi River connecting West Memphis to downtown Memphis is underway and is expected to be completed spring of 2016. The completed project will re-surface the North side of the Harahan Bridge and provide a trail connection from downtown Memphis across the river, over the levee and into downtown West Memphis. The 2014 Public Works Projects/Programs - Completed construction of Southland Drive Phase II 8 in July, 2014. Construction cost of $2.5 million which was funded 80% federal and 20% local match. Coordinated a major drainage project in Westwood Acres to mitigate flooding. Project was a public/private partnership. Completed the 2014 Street Overlay project consisting of 12,000 L.F. of street overlay. Completed a 3 year federal mandated program to replace all non-compliant street signs of meeting new retro-reflectivity standards. Completed cleanup from two (2) major ice storms. Both storms were declared county disasters and were eligible for 35% reimbursement from ADEM. Documentation was prepared and reimbursement request submitted for $186,407.81 . Received a class 7 rating from the Community Rating System (CRS) which resulted in a 15% premium reduction for citizens in a special flood hazard area who purchase flood insurance. • 9 Began recycling program in January, 2014. Program collected over 120,000 lbs of recyclable materials. Assisted Parks and Recreation in obtaining a $100,000 state grant to construct an adaptive field at Tilden Rodgers Park for use of special needs children. The Economic Development conducted over $150 million in business expansion in 2014 including; Southland Park Gaming and Racing - $37.4 Million, Cargill -$45 million; Louis Dreyfus -$40 Million; East Arkansas Family Health Center - $9 million; Woodridge Behavioral Care Center - $7.7 million; Expansions at Awesome Products, Newberry Tank and the opening of a new Hardware Store. ISO Fire Rating of 1 lowered fire insurance costs. Increased awareness of West Memphis as a great economic development site with marketing awards from the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC). Award of Superior for interactive website promoting the city's Arkansas-sanctioned Megasite, one of only two in the state. Award of Excellence for the "Meet the Consultant" follow-up communication efforts using a square foot of chocolate with the message, 10 "Save 50 cents a square foot" stamped on it. Award of Merit for a two minute animation showing the logistical benefits of West Memphis. Office of Tourism presented Harlem Ambassadors, Professional Basketball, to West Memphis High School. Southland Classic Softball Tournament 40 teams from 4 states visited West Memphis. Another great Freedom Fest attended by approximately 6,000 guests. Inaugural Arkansas Delta Flatlander-100k bicycle ride 130 riders from 3 states. Christmas Tree Lighting with a great turn out. Welcome to West Memphis signage. Had one installed and plan on having 3 more at each entrance to the city. Southland Gaming continues to be a positive factor in our financial position, the direct contributor to our General Fund exceeded $2,200,000.00 in 2014, a substantial increase. In addition they employ approximately 800 people in West Memphis. Southland was host to over 3,100,000 patrons in 2014 most of whom were considered tourist since they came from outside of our city. This qualifies Southland as a top tourist attraction in the State of Arkansas. WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM FINAL STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES AND PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS B-2015-MC-05-0009 Introduction: The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)has designated the City of West Memphis,Arkansas as an `Entitlement City' under the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)Program as authorized by the Housing and Community Develop- ment Act of 1974, as amended. As an entitlement city, West Memphis will receive a specified amount of funds annually for use in carrying out a variety of auspices of the CDBG Program. West Memphis will be entitled to receive the annual grant so long as its performance is in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements of the CDBG Program and HUD. This Final Statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds has been prepared by and is subject to modification through a process which affords maximum public accountability and citizen participation. The Community Development Agency of West Memphis conducted a public hearing on January 20, 2015 to receive citizen recommendations on the scope of the CDBG Program. A second public hearing was held on February 2, 2015,to allow citizens the opportunity to respond to the requests for funding. The Final Statement is prepared and made available to the public prior to its being submitted to the Little Rock Area Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City Council reviewed the content of the final statement at the regular meeting on February 5,2015 and approved the plan on , 2015. Moreover, copies of this Final Statement and any modifications thereto will be available at the offices of the Community Development Agency of West Memphis, 205 South Redding Street, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. The City of West Memphis looks forward to the Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program and hopes to continue providing meaningful site improvements and various community development activities that are essential to revitalizing our neighborhoods and providing benefits primarily for low and moderate income persons within the community. The City recognizes that there are needs for community development and public improvements in many parts of West Memphis and that there are not sufficient funds available to satisfy all, or even a majority of these acknowledged needs. The City continues to strive toward implementation of a well conceived community development program that truly maximizes benefits for low and moderate income persons and/or eliminates slum and blight and prevents the recurrence of blighting influences. Statement of Community Development Objectives: The following community development objectives will be addressed through implementation of the CDBG Entitlement Program. 1. To improve housing conditions available in the community, especially those which provide housing for low and moderate income persons. 2. To provide for public facilities improvements including street projects, drainage projects and neighborhood facilities in areas that are concentrated with low and moderate income persons. 3. To minimize displacement of site occupants through the carrying out of projects and activities,recognizing that should displacement occur,technical and financial assistance to relocate the displacee in replacement housing within his/her economic means will be provided in accordance with the stipulations of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970. Projected Use of Funds: The City of West Memphis will receive $298,992 under the FY2015 Year CDBG Entitlement Program. If less than this amount is received,the costs and scope of the projects described herein will be adjusted accordingly. An alternative would be to eliminate all or part of one or more projects from the proposed program. If more than this amount is received,the additional funds will be added proportionately to the line items described herein where such funds will remain until or unless they are required for another project activity. The following activities have been designed and will be implemented within the proposed FY2015 Program by the Community Development Agency based upon previously approved and planned activities and citizen involvement. It is understood that these activities may be revised in the future by the City Council of West Memphis,Arkansas as a result of the continuing citizen participation planning process. FY2015 Proposed Activities Public Facilities and Improvements: Drainage Improvements: Regrading roadside ditches and replacing culverts Location: South 9th Street to South 13th Street Polk to Jefferson Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 570.201(c) National Objectives: 24 CFR 570.208(a)(1) Funding: $ 64,366 Housing Rehabilitation: Continuation of the housing rehabilitation program in which a maximum of $20,000 in CDBG funds is expended on the rehabilitation for elderly/handicapped low and moderate income homeowners Location: city wide Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 5 70.202 National Objectives: 24 CFR 570.208(a)(3) Funding: $ 90,500 Demolition and Clearance: Demolition of vacant dilapidated structures and clearance of structure and lot Location: city-wide Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 570.201(d) National Objectives: 24 CFR 570.208(b)(2) Funding: $ 84,328 Program Administration and Planning: Administrative costs related to planning, oversight, management and implementation of the program Location: not applicable Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 570.206 National Objectives: not applicable Funding: $ 56,798 Fair Housing: Contribution to further fair housing efforts within the City Location: city wide Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 5 70.206(c) National Objective: not applicable Funding: $ 3,000 Total FY2015 CDBG Program: $ 298,992 Effectiveness: The Final Statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds has been prepared in light of the previous public hearings and input from members of the West Memphis City Council. Citizens are invited to comment on this Statement by sending their comments to the Community Development Agency of West Memphis,205 South Redding Street, West Memphis,Arkansas 72301. Copies of the Final Statement are available for public inspection and review during normal business hours,Monday through Friday, in the Community Development Agency offices. Various recommendations and comments or suggestions that are made as a result of citizen review of this statement will be forwarded to the City Council for the Council's consideration. The Final Statement will remain in full force and effect for the duration of the CDBG Program, or until it is modified or amended by the City Council. i As with previous Community Development Block Grant Programs,the Community Development Agency of West Memphis will administer the CDBG Program on behalf of the City of West Memphis.