07/07/2016 MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
July 07, 2016
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in
the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding,West Memphis,Arkansas.
Invocation was given by Minister John Rech of New Hope Missionary Baptist church. Mayor Johnson
called the meeting to order at 1:35 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 Lorraine
Robinson, Tracy Catt, James Pulliaum, Ramona Taylor, Helen Harris, Marco McClendon, Willis Mondy,
James Holt, Taz Tyrone and Melanie Hutchinson. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with
the meeting.
BID OPENING:
There were no bid openings.
MINUTES
Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to dispense with the reading of the minutes of
June 23, 2016 City Council Meeting and approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous to approve.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS,
Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to suspend the rules and read R-1, by title only.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-1 A RESOLUTION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF WEST MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS CERTIFYING
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT OF SEDIVER USA, INC.TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TAX
BACK PROGRAM(AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 15-42706(D)OF THE CONSOLIDATED
INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003.
LCity Attorney Peeples read Resolution by title only, Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor
to approve R-1. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to approve. The Resolution was assigned
No. 2103.
PERMISSION REQUEST
PERMISSION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT FOR TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING/ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH BRAWLEY CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.(MPO
AGREEMENT)
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor McClendon to give the Mayor permission to sign MPO
Agreement for Transportation Planning/Engineering Services with Brewley Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Fire Commission report was presented by Councilor Catt. The Fire Commission met on June 14,
2016.A new Battalion pickup truck was purchased. It is at the City Shop having emergency lights, siren,
etc. installed. The Fire Department hopes to have it in service in the next couple of weeks. There will be
an open enrollment application period until August 15, 2016. The next WMFD Physical Agility test will be
in September 2016. A paramedic position will be open and there will be a promotional test on September
28, 2016.Approval is needed from the Fire Commission to purchase a loading rail system for Unit 15. It
will be purchased with capital outlay plan. Plans are to add it to the next Council agenda. The system will
cost$22,991.00 and installation will cost 2,000. Total cost will be$24,991.00 dollars. EMS Collection as
of June 14, 2016 is$174,331.22 dollars. The Fire Department is in the process of looking for a new
collection agency. The current charge for collection is at 40%
LPUBLIC WORKS
The Public Works report was presented by Councilor Taylor. Public Works Commission met on July 5,
2016. Mr. Sorrels presented the new MPO Agreement with Brewley Consulting Engineers to be
presented to full Council for permission for the Mayor to sign.
RECYCLING
The total for recycling in June was 13,120 pounds. There were no e-waste pickups. Recycle bags and
bins were passed out at the Household Hazardous Waste Day. Recycling plans to have another
Household Hazardous Waste day in the fall.
Alilb.
•
CITY ENGINEER
The Hino Bridge agreement has been signed and Parson is 30%complete on the development plans.
The Southland Drive contractor is working on the stability in the subgrade. Progress has been slow due to
the rain. The City Engineer and City Attorney recently met with the Riverbend owners and their attorney
to discuss the flooding problems for the site. They are asking the City to do some mitigation projects in
the area to help with the current situation.
CODE ENFORCEMENT The grass sweeps have been completed. Planning and Development will still be
working on complaints as they come in.
BUDGET COMMITTEE-
Councilor Catt said the budget committee will meet next week and deferred to City Treasurer Frank
Martin for an update on the budget. Mr. Martin gave out the May numbers. Mr. Martin said we are above
budget on the City Sales Tax budget and the City is approximately$400,000.00 to the good through May
on the General Funds budget.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Taylor announced that Main Street West Memphis would be showing the movie Despicable Me
on Friday July 8, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. at the Regions Bank Park, located at 231 East Broadway. The event
will be free. People will need to bring their own chairs, blanket and drinks, popcorn will be provided free of
charge.
Councilor McClendon asked the City to be in prayer for our community in light of the recent tragedies.
Mayor Johnson announced that there will be a prayer vigil on Saturday July 09, 2016 at 12:00 at the Civic
Auditorium. Councilor Mondy announced that there will be a prayer vigil on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at
Rita's on the square at 7:00 pm.
CITIZEN REQUEST
No one signed up for citizen request
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by
Councilor Taylor to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.The meeting adjourned at
2:00 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this 21 day of July 2016.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PHI ARA, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by: Patricia Lane, Jr. Deputy City Clerk