08/04/2016 MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
August 4, 2016
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.
in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
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, James Pulliaum, Ramona Taylor, Willis Mondy, James Holt, Taz Tyrone, Lorraine Robinson,
and Tracy Catt. Absent were Councilors Helen Harris, Marco McClendon (arrived at 1:34), and Melanie
Hutchinson. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
MINUTES
Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to dispense with the reading of the minutes of
July 21, 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
There was no New Business
PERMISSION REQUESTS
Councilor McClendon made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the Charity Day
distributions of Councilor James Pulliaum $250.00 to Ecumenical Village and $359.58 to Bethel AME
Church and approve Councilor Melanie Hutchinson distribution of$250.00 to Ecumenical Village. Upon
voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Public Works Committee met August 4, 2016. The report was presented by Councilor Taylor. Code
Enforcement Officer Mantle presented a new code violation flyer to the Committee that lists violations that
occur on a daily basis. The Committee approved the flyer and that it be given to the Police Department
so they can assist the Code Enforcement Officer in enforcing the numerous violations. The total for
recycling in July was 12,980 pounds. Southland Drive is on schedule and should be completed by the
end of October. It was reported that meetings have begun with businesses that will be affected by the
Hino Bridge closure. Available bridge funding will be used to work on the Lehr Bridge. The Street
Department is focusing on cleaning out ditches. Members of the City Council were asked to begin
compiling a list of streets in their ward for the 2016 overlay program.
The Budget Committee met and Councilor Catt reported they reviewed the City of West Memphis 2014
Legislative Audit. Councilor Catt reported the only thing the city was written up for was that more
personnel was needed in the City Clerk's Office , but he said they always write us up for that.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Shabaka Africa, NAACP, asked the City of West Memphis to"Ban the Box" (Do you have a criminal
background) on applications for employment with the city. He passed out a sample ordinance and asked
the city to adopt it. Mayor Johnson asked the Human Resource Director to come forward and explain the
city's policy on employment. Janice Coleman, Director of Human Resources for the City of West
Memphis explained that general applications no longer ask if you have been convicted of a crime. It is
only required on certain uniformed positions, such as Police and Fire.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by
l Councilor Tyrone to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at
1:40 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this 18th day of August, 2016.
William H. Johns , Mayor
ATTEST:
Phillip 'ara y Clerk
Minutes prepared by: Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. oZ TG�
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE
OF A NEW FIRE TRUCK, DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, Arkansas Code Annotated Section 14-58-303 allows waiving of
competitive bidding in exceptional situations where such procedure is deemed not feasible or
toy practical; and
WHEREAS, there are many items necessary for the City's use where competitive
bidding is deemed not feasible or practical; and
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis and the West Memphis Fire Department are in
need of purchasing a new fire truck and Emergency Vehicle Specialists has a Pierce Ascendant
107' Aerial fire truck with a 500 hp Detroit Engine, Allison automatic transmission, LED
warning light package, frontal and side roll air bags, on board Harrison generator, Tak-4
Independent suspension, 500 gallon poly tank and a 2000gpm Waterous pump available for
immediate delivery, and competitive bidding under such circumstances would not be feasible or
practical; and
to., WHEREAS, the West Memphis Fire Commission has considered and recommended the
purchase of the new fire truck to replace the existing fire truck;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
1. That competitive bidding be waived for the following item to be used by the City,
described as follows:
The purchase of a new fire truck from Emergency Vehicle Specialist for a price not to
exceed $896,700.00.
n
2. EMERGENCY CLAUSE. It having been found and determined by the City Council
of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, that there is an urgent and immediate need by the City
of West Memphis and the West Memphis Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck to replace
the existing fire truck that is in need of substantial repairs and it would not be feasible or good
business to put any more money in the existing fire truck, and that time is of the essence, an
emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this ordinance being necessary for the preservation of
the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of West Memphis, Arkansas, shall be in full
force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 18`h day of August, 2016.
#0.0( i/
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, ayor
ATTEST:
IP PARA, City Clerk
SPONSORED BY:
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RECEIVED
City Clerk's • i
Daty r e.. /,^ 17/0/2/