Loading...
03/02/2017 MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL MARCH 2, 2017 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by Reverend Dan Read of the First United Methodist Church. 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: Lorraine Robinson, Tracy Catt, James Pulliaum, Ramona Taylor, Helen Harris, Willis Mondy, James Holt, Wayne Croom and Melanie Hutchinson. Absent: Councilor Marco McClendon. BID OPENINGS Bids for the West Memphis Utilities—Mid America 1 Million Gallon Elevated Water Tank Rehabilitation and One Compact Excavator-Hydraulic were opened at 1:00 and bid tabulations were handed out to the City Council. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to refer the bids to the Utility Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. (See attached) Bids for Community Development—Drainage Project were opened at 1:00 and bid tabulations were handed out to the City Council. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to refer the bids to Community Development for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. (See attached) MINUTES Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum, to dispense with the reading of the Minutes of February 16, 2017 City Council Meeting and approve as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 0-1 AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETTIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A TRIMBLE R10, INTERNAL 410-470 MHZ RADIO AND RELATED ACCESSORIES, AND FOR THER PURPOSES Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to suspend the rules and read the Ordinance by the title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to suspend the rules 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 Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Harris 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 Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Harris to approve the Ordinance. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2433. Councilor Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Councilor Mondy to approve the Final Statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds B-2017-MC-05-0009 as presented. (copy attached) Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to approve. COMMITTEE REPORTS Personnel Committee—Councilor Taylor reported they met yesterday and representatives from VOYA and United Healthcare were present. VOYA wanted employees to be aware of the 457 Voluntary Pension option available to them. United Healthcare representatives announced they are providing employees with a plan for lasting weight loss called Real Appeal at no extra cost. This program includes personalized weight loss coaching, 24/7 online support and a Success Kit that includes all the gadgets participants need to help kick-start their weight loss and keep going strong. It includes a Personal blender, Digital food scale, Measuring cups and spoons, Perfect portion plate, Resistance, Pedometer, Real Appeal water bottle, Electronic body weight scale, Body tape manager, and exercise DVD's. Utility Commission—Councilor Croom reported they met March 1, 2017. It was reported that credit card payments doubled from February, 2016 to February, 2017. May 1st, they will discontinue"call in credit card payments". Walk in credit card payments will still be allowed. The Commission approved to reschedule next month's meeting to April 13th and have a working lunch for the commission members and any city council member who would like to attend and view a presentation called "Auto Meter Reading Cost Benefit Analysis". Foster Rash is retiring March 17, 2017 after 47 years of service. Brett Sims, a 27-year employee has been promoted to Director of Safety and Training. Budget Committee—Councilor Catt handed out the Sales Tax Report(copy attached). He said that each Council member should have received a copy of the Audit Report for the year ending 2015 and reported on some of the issues that were reported and have been or in the process of correcting. Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the 2015 Audit Report. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilor Robinson read a letter from Eddie Williams thanking the Mayor and City Council for the recognition of School Councilors at the last meeting for Black History Month. Councilor Pulliaum commended the Academy of West Memphis for hosting the 34 historical black colleges and universities for high school students from West Memphis and Crittenden County and the surrounding area. The College Fair was organized by Wonder Jr High and the local chapter sorority's and fraternities. CITIZENS REQUESTS Arne Able— Executive Director of Kindred Hospice handed out literature and explained they were selected by the Arkansas Department of Health to serve this area, including West Memphis and Crittenden County, providing hospice home health care. His office is in Forrest City and serves eight counties. 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 1:53 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this 16th day of March. 2017. William H. Johnson, ayor ATTEST: Phillip -am, ity Clerk Minutes prepared by: Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS SALES TAX REPORT Combined 2020 2019 2018 2f;N r' 2016 Jan. 0.00 0.00 0.00 688,616.09 756,983.39 Over or-Under Feb. 905,091.79 Budget Mar. 653,306.75 Though January Apr. 754,538.54 -53.050.57 May 751,875.86 Jun. 703,963.09 Jul. 723,741.68 Aug. 751,354.29 Sep. 774,497.55 Oct. 750,365.96 Nov. 764,268.79 Dec. 752,702.87 Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 688,616.09 9,042,690.56 Increase over same 0.00 0.00 0.00 -68,367.30 -27,028.59 month from prior year 6.03% -3.47% Increase for year-to-date -68,367.30 41,859.76 over same period prior year -9.03% 0.47% City 1.5% 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Jan. 0.00 0.00 0.00 527,745.15 603,211.83 Feb. 708,555.52 Mar. 508,324.66 Apr. 585,746.36 May 583,150.75 Jun. 541,619.40 Jul. 554,951.40 Aug. 579,581.16 Sep. 601,032.66 Oct. 577,535.53 Nov. 583,668.85 Dec. 577,576.17 Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 527,745.15 7,004,954.29 Increase over same 0.00 0.00 0.00 -75,466.68 -26,886.98 month from prior year -12.51% -4.45% Increase for year-to-date 0.00 0.00 0.00 -75,466.68 28,337.88 over same period prior year -12.51% 0.41% County 1% 2020 2019 2018 .2017 2016 Jan. 160,870.94 153,771.56 Feb. 196,536.27 Mar. 144,982.09 Apr. 168,792.18 May 168,725.11 Jun. 162,343.69 Jul. Aug. 168,790.28 171,773.13 Sep. 173,464.89 Oct. 172,830.43 Nov. 180,599.94 Dec. 175,126.70 Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 160,870.94 2,037,736.27 Increase over same 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,099.38 -141.61 month from prior year 4.62% -0.08% Increase for year-to-date 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,099.38 13,521.88 over same period prior year 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4.62% 0.67% Mid-America 1,000,000 Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation 2017 TMI COATINGS M.K. PAINTING MAGUIRE IRON L„:„.1 , LJ UTILITY SERVICE WEST MEMPHIS UTILITY COMMISSION P 0 Box 1868 604 East Cooper OEEA West Memphis, AR 72303 Phone (870) 732-7509 Fax (870) 732-7621 3/2/2017 COMPACT HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR 3-4 TON VERMEER MID SOUTH INC. NO BID 1200 VERMEER COVE CORDOVA, TN 38018 901-758-1928 WILLIAMS EQUIPMENT $42,685.00 3655 AMERICAN WAY • MEMPHIS, TN 38118 ATTEN: SAM WATSON 901-366-9195 DITCH WITCH MID SOUTH NO BID 175 MANN DRIVE COLLIERVILLE, TN 38017 901-850-8501 SOUTHEAST AREA DRAINAGE PROJECT II BID TABULATION SHEET 03/01/2017 B & B Utility Water & Waste Water Crisp Contractors Services LLC $ 129,700.00 NO BID $ 148, 920.00 WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM FINAL STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES AND PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS B-2017-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 have been prepared by and are 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 23, 2017 to receive citizen recommendations on the scope of the CDBG Program. A second public hearing was held on February 6, 2017, 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 and approved the content of the final statement at the regular meeting on March 2, 2017. 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 insufficient 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 $290,076 under the FY2017 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 FY2017 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. FY2017 Proposed Activities Public Facilities and Improvements: * Neighborhood Facilities: Rehabilitation of the Roberta Jackson Community Center Location: 1300 East Polk Street Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 570.201(c) National Objectives: 24 CFR 570.208(a)(1) Funding: $80,000 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 570.202 National Objectives: 24 CFR 570.208(a)(3) Funding: $ 78,000 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(a)(1) Funding: $ 74,076 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: $ 55,000 Fair Housing: Contribution to further fair housing efforts within the City Location: city wide Regulatory Citations: Eligibility: 24 CFR 570.206(c) National Objective: not applicable Funding: $ 3,000 * NOTE: If the above designated projects fail to get underway in a timely manner, these funds may be re-allocated by the City Council to the ongoing activities of housing rehabilitation and demolition. Total FY2017 CDBG Program: $ 290,076 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 citizens and 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. 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.