09/05/2019 MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
September 5, 2019
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, September 5, 2019,
at 1:00 p.m in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
Invocation was given by Council Member, Helen Harris followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led
by Council Member Croom. Mayor Marco McClendon called the meeting to order at 1:00 p m.
Deputy City Clerk, Patricia Lane, called the roll. Those present were, Mayor Marco McClendon
City Attorney Michael Stephenson, City Treasurer Frank Martin and Council Members. Tracy
Cott, Wayne Croom, Helen Harris, lames Halt, Lorraine Mohammed, David Murray, Willis
Mandy,lames Pulhaum and Charles Wheeless Absent were Council Member, Melanie
Hutchinson. Quorum being present Mayor McClendon proceeded with the meeting.
BID OPENINGS:
WEST MEMPHIS UTILITIES— (1) 2019 SANITARY SEWER REPAIRS AND 2019 MID—AMERICA
INDUSTRIAL PARK WATER LINE REROUTE (A.1.) ELHAJ AND KRISTEN CARPENTER)
Council Member Mohammed made a motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to accept
the bids as presented and refer them back to Administration for distribution. Upon voice vote,
the voting was unanimous.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY— REHAB—M HEAD
Council Member Pulhaum made a motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to refer the
Community Rehab Bids back to Administration for distribution. Discussion followed:
Community Development Coordinator, Marie Head said the bids were opened on Thursday,
September 4, 2019 at 12:00 pm. They are in the process of reviewing the bids to determine
which houses they will be able to rehab with the money that is available, and that there is a
chance that they will not be able to rehab all the houses on the bid list. Council Member
Mohammed asked if they would select the houses by priority. Council Member Croom asked
about the $25,000-dollar Grant that was discussed previously through ADFA, and if the
application had been submitted by the deadline date. Ms. Head said that they were still waiting
for an answer from ADFA, but that they had submitted the Grant so that they would be
prepared when ADFA did released it There being no further discussion: Mayor McClendon
asked for a roll call vote. Sr. Deputy City Clerk, Patricia Lane called roll. The roll call vote was as
follows:
YES: Council Members: Catt, Croom, Harris, Holt, Mohammed, Mandy, Murray
Pulhaum, Wheeless
NO: Council Members None
Abstentions. None
Absent Hutchinson
Upon roll call vote,the vote was 9 Yes votes, 0 No votes 0 Abstentions and 1 Absent vote,the
motion to accept the Community Development Bids passed unanimously. They will be referred
back to Administration for distribution.
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor McClendon and Community Police Coordinator, Ms. Tawana Butler recognized Police
Officer, Roy Davis. Officer Davis responded to a structural fire at the Century Hotel located at
1901 East Broadway. Upon Officer Davis arrival he checked the building and found a woman in
distress he opened the door and got her to safety. Officer Davis was recognized for his bravery
and received a plaque recognizing him as Officer of the month for the month of Augus.t Officer
Davis was given the Life Saving Insignia. Ms Butler thanked Officer Davis on behalf of the City of
West Memphis and the West Memphis Police Department for all of his hard work and
dedication.
MINUTES:
Council Member Catt moved, seconded by Council Member Pulliaum to dispense with the
reading of the minutes of August 15, 2019 City Council Meeting and approve them as
submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to approve.
OLD BUSINESS
2nd Reading AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR SETTNG THE AGENDA FOR
CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Council Member Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to table the
Ordinance Indefinitely. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to Table Indefinitely.
Council Member Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Council Member Money to read
R-1, 0-1, and 0-2 by title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE AND FINANCING OF TWO (2)TRUCKS FOR THE
SANITATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS
City Attorney Stephenson read the Resolution by title only. Mayor McClendon said that there
were some corrections to the numbers for Resolution 2207 that was passed on August 15,
2019, approving the purchase and financing of two (2) trucks for the Sanitation Department for
the City of West Memphis. The cost of the Front-End Loaders was published as$160,400
dollars. The published price should have been $260,000 dollars Council Member Pulliaum
made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mohammed to combine the correction of the
amounts and the amendment to Resolution (R-1) No. 2207 together and approve them as
amended. Upon voice vote,the voting was unanimous. City Treasurer Frank Martin said that
there was a correction to the amount of the Grapple Truck the amended amount should be
$139,833.00 dollars. Council Member Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Holt to accept the amendment for the Grapple Truck. Upon voice vote,the voting was
unanimous. There being no further discussion: Council Member Pulhaum made the motion,
seconded by Council Member Wheeless to accept the Resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting
was unanimous to approve the Resolution with amendments under the previously adopted
Resolution number 2207. (previously adopted on August 15, 2019).
0-1 AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR SETTNG THE AGENDA FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS,AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
City Attorney Stephenson read the Ordinance for the FIRST time by title only Council Member
Catt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pulliaum to suspend the rules and place the
Ordinance on it second reading. Upon voice vote the voting was unanimous City Attorney
Stephenson read the Ordinance for the SECOND time by title only Council Member Catt made
a motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to further suspend the rules and place the
Ordinance on its third reading. Upon voice vote,the voting was unanimous. City Attorney
Stephenson read the Ordinance for the THIRD and FINAL time by title only. Discussion followed:
Council Member Mohammed wanted clarification on Section 4, for the items on the agenda.
Council Member Mohammed brought it to the Councils attention that roll call was omitted.
Council Member Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to amend the
Ordinance adding roll call after call to order. Discussion continued Council Member Pulhaum
felt it was important to take care of City Business first. Council Member Croom concurred. The
Council came to an agreement on the order of the agenda with the amendment of adding roll
call, after the call to order Council Member Pulliaum made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Catt to approve the Ordinance with the amendments. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous to approve. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2517
0-2 AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS TO
REMAIN ON CITY PROPERTY OR STORAGE PROPERTY RENTED BY THE CITY AND BE AVAILABLE
AND ACCESSIBLE FOR INSPECTION OR COPYING BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATORS, CITY
EMPLOYEES AND CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
City Attorney Stephenson read the Ordinance by title only for the FIRST time by title only.
Council Member Catt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to suspend the
rules and place the Ordinance on its second reading. Discussion followed: Council Member
Mohammed said she needed more time to look over the Ordinance Mayor McClendon asked
for a roll call vote: Sr. Deputy City Clerk, Patricia Lane called roll. The roll call vote was as
follows:
YES: Council Members: Catt, Croom, Holt and Wheeless
NO: Council Members Mohammed, Mundy, Murray
Abstentions: Harris, Pulhaum
Absent Hutchinson
Upon roll call vote, the vote was 4 Yes votes, 3 No votes 2 Abstentions and 1 Absent vote, the
motion to place the Ordinance on it second reading failed. The Ordinance will be back on the
agenda in two weeks for its second reading
AN AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION 2207
The amendment was combined and acted upon under New Business under R-1.
PERMISSION REQUEST:
PERMISSION TO DESTROY RECORDS-THE DISTRICT COURT OF CRITTENDEN COUNTY—MRS.
TERRY GRIFFIN, CHIEF CLERK OF THE COURT
Mayor McClendon asked for permission for Chief Clerk of the Courts to destroy records. Council
Member Pulliaum made the motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to give permission to
Ms. Griffin to destroy the court records. upon voice vote,the motion was unanimous. Council
Member Pulliaum made a motion seconded by Council Member Croom to nominate Council
Member Murray to oversee the records disposal. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
PERMISSION TO DISTRIBUTE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIS MONDY'S PORTION OF DOG
TRACK FUNDS: $550.00—L.R.JACKSON ACTIVITY CENTER, AND$550.00—WONDER CITY BOYS
CLUB
City Treasurer, Frank Martin asked for permission to distribute Council Member Mandy's
portion of Dog Track funds to L.R. Jackson Activity Center in the amount of$550.00 and
$550.00 to the Wonder City Boy's Club Council Member Pulhaum made the motion, seconded
by Council Member Mohammed to give permission to City Treasurer, Frank Martin permission
to distribute the funds. Mr. Martin said that that there was a typo and the correct amount to be
distributed is $550.60 to each club. Upon voice vote,the voting was unanimous.
Council Member Croom asked for permission to add the Distribution of his Dag Track funds
distributed to each of the following organizations Steudlein Learning Center, Families in
Transition and Delta Arts. Council Member Croom would like one third of his funds paid to each
of the organizations. Mr. Martin said that he did not have the figures in front him. No actions
were taken by the Council to add Council Member Croom's request to distribute his share of
the Dog Track Funds to the agenda. The request will be added to the September 19, 2019
Council Meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: Council Member Mohammed presented the Public Works
Report. The Public Works Committee met on September 3, 2019 A representative from the
Pickering Firm presented the Storm Drainage Study, they will be looking into improving the
drains and drain holes and pipes that need to be repaired. The South Loop Project is ongoing
and is on schedule and should be completed by the end of 2019 or first of next year.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION: Council Member Pulliaum passed out the Advertising and
Promotion Commission minutes to the Council The West Memphis A & P Commission met on J
August 15, 2019 at:4 00 p.m. There were no events hosted at the Civic Auditorium during the
month of July. The Eugene Woods Civic Center hosted 17 events in June with 1,437 guests
Convention Visitor Bureau Director, Jim Jackson presented the plans that were previously
designed for exterior renovations of the Civic Complex. The estimated budget is $250,000 00.
dollars. Commissioner Scott Ferguson noted that the plans were disappointing and commented
that he thought they were going to make it look better from the outside After brief discussion,
the Commissioners requested that Mr. Jackson have Roddy Carey present a detailed plan for
the exterior improvement of the Civic Complex building at the next Commission meeting. The
Commission voted to sponsor West Memphis Night Out in the amount of$2,500 dollars.
The Commission voted to change the regular A& P Commission meeting to the 31d Wednesday
of the month at 4:00 p m.
APPOINMENTS: None
ANNOUNCEMENT: A.J. ElhaJ announced that the Utility Department will be conducting
Smoke testing starting Tuesday, September 10, 2019. The testing is part of the Sanitation Sewer
evaluation study. The goal is to identify any sewer defects. They have reached out to the Police
Department, Fire Department and Communications Director, Nick Coulter to communicate
information to the Public about the testing. Council Member Catt said if they should notice any
smoke in their home, they should contact a Plumber and not the City Utility Department to
correct any issues inside their home. There will be field Officers in the areas being tested to
answer questions and they will be posting on social media to keep the Public informed.The
smoke color is white and is not toxic. The testing should take approximately 2 months to
complete.
City Treasurer Martin asked the Hightower Committee to remain after Council to set up a
meeting date to discuss the Hightower Park Project.
Mayor Marco McClendon announced that he had met with the State Legislative Auditors on
Wednesday for the close out of the 2018 Audit and that he would be meeting with the Newly
formed Audit Committee to go over the findings and ways to improve going forward. They will
be presenting the findings to open Council.
Mayor McClendon asked for all Council Members to stay after Council. They will be distributing
the Charitable funds checks to the four Boys and Girls Clubs and he would like to take a picture
with the Council and clubs
Mayor McClendon thanked everyone for their support in making the first annual Mayor's All
White Affair a success. This year's theme was to bring awareness to Domestic Violence and
recognized Families in Transition, My two Daughters and Naked and Afraid. Mayor McClendon
is looking forward to next year's gala and plans to bring awareness to Prostate Cancer.
Council Member Pulliaum said that the Council had previously discussed with the Budget Chair,
Council Member Catt and Finance Director, Frank Martin the need to start Budget talks earlier,
so that they could be prepared before the end of the year. Council Member Catt said plans are
to begin Budget talks in November
Council Member Pulliaum addressed Ordinance 0-2 regarding returning of the City records to
City Hall building or City approved storage building and providing enough office space for the
Elected City Clerk. Council Member Pulliaum sponsored the Ordinance and said that he would
like to see a plan in place that would be conducive for everyone. Mayor McClendon concurred
with Council Member Pulhaum, but as Chief Executive Officer of the City of West Memphis, all
communication should go through him Council Member Pulliaum said he would like to see
some type of resolution.
CITIZEN REQUEST:
Arleen Scott Freeman, Sales Manager Emergency Company. Ms. Freeman is the area Manager
for eleven counties. Ms. Freeman represents one of the largest Air Evac Teams for Air Lift
Carrier Transport. Ms. Freeman is asking for Councils approval to meet with them and other
Governmental agencies and staff annually to discuss what their membership program has to
offer to the community.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Council Member Pulliaum moved,
seconded by Council Member Wheeless to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this 19' day of September 2019.
MARCO MCCLENDON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
E
YCE RAY, Y CLERIC
Minutes prepared by, Patricia Lane, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
E
Q
CITY OF
WEST
MEMPHIS
ARKANSAS
WEST MEMPHIS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
205 South Redding-P O. Box 1728.West Memphis, Arkansas.72303-1728 (870)732-7620
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Wednesday July. 31 2019,at 3:30 PM
City Council Chambers
205 South Redding Street,West Memphis,Arkansas
I. SUBDIVISIONS:
A. Subdivision Replat of Lot 2 Mid-America Center Subdivision,Family Dollar
_ Dr.- Application Case#SD-06-19-
This case is being presented by The Crty of West Memphis, represented by Jim
j Smith. It is zoned I-1,Limited Industrial District
1 Approval is subject to the following criteria:
L Proper execution of all Certificates;
2. Installation of grading and drainage improvements as required by Department of Public
Works:
3. Approval of the improvement plans by the West Memphis Utility Department, as to
easements;
4. Installation of storm water management requirements and other improvements, as
required by the City Engineer.
After review and discussion, the Planning Commission recommended to approve with conditions
the Replat of Lot 2, Mid America Center Subdivision
II. SPECIAL USE PERMIT:
IV Special Use Permit Tobia Fuller,802 Auburn Application CS#SUP-02-19
This case is being presented by the property owner Tobia Fuller, for the property
1 located at 802 Auburn, and contains 1.12 acres. The property is zoned R-I Single Family
Residential.
After review and discussion, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended to reject the
Special Use Permit for 802 Aubum.
West Memphis Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Call to order Wayne Croom called the board meeting to order at 12D'.25Ape' Collins, N. Coulter, M.
Jr g Clement, L Carlson,lore, T. Pedersen, M. Thompson, D.
Members Present El Croom, J. m Martin,
Darby, K Davis, C Elliott, K Ingram, J Jackson, F
R Catt, A coulter, S Hashmi, S. Jones, F. Leonard, S. London, D.
West and D Wolf
Members Absent: T Anthony, st, R Thorne,
McCollum, D. Nicks, T Ramer, N Cat
Others Present: Emily Scarbrough and Phillip Sorrell
Minutes 9 Croom asked the board to review July's minutes. lY Martin
W Croom called the meeting to order W
made a motion to accept July's minutes and K. Ingram seconded. Motion passed unanimous y
Financials year, $10,000 of this difference is
ared to $14,722 last Y ar, P&L, instead of July this
W Croom asked Laura Carlson to resent the financial report as the new Treasurer. L. Carlson Stated
that current period revenues are $2490 comP which will be In Aug
due to economic development and A&P money, expenses this year. Year to date
year, leaving a revenue difference of$2,232 in membership ibo dues Current n't have Guty umbo festxa a city money penses are lower
compared to last year's simply because
aus due towe ldloss of memberr dues,ex 9
excess of revenues are down $ be in August's report M. DarbyssedmadeunanilmouslY_
[ ($10,000) is not counted in this P&L
uwRhla second by C. Elliott Motion p
approve July's financials as Presented
ugh reported on various
Chamber Staff Repoli Iain the chamber staff reports. E.upcomScarbing cps and even ts.
W. Groo�Scarbrough to exp read the word on up 9
chamber staff activities and asked the board to spread last
Further discussion continued E Scarbrough reported that new members were reinstatements an
ion
chance and deleted members was made by F Martin and seconded by J. Collins. Motion passed
deleted members were all owner requests. Further discussion continued. J Co to accept ne ,
unanimously
New, Llana math
2 Precocity Early Childhood Development Center
bers
LastCE Rewinding
2 Ca,Wash USA Express
Dale 1Dele d�MS
2 The Computer Factory
3 Union Compress Warehouse
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Committee Reports
community Building - Kay Kay Davis had no report since the committee did not meet in August.
Education Committee -Jon Collins - J. Collins stated the committee met over the summar to discuss
Holines's scholarship requirements amon other things J Collins mentioned the important 7.5 Mill
increase vote coming up September loth He also mentioned the great turnout and publicity at the
millage press conference on August 12th Mailers will go out closer to el haion s heatnd robo and thes WIM
next
be made to get voters to the polls J Collins stated the millage supportgreat
hurdle will be to get voters to the polls W Croom informed the board that yard signs were available.
Further discussion continued
Membership Services - Mallory Darby informed the board of the committee's work and the attached
sponsorship brochures included in the board packet M. Darby also recruited West Memphis
Transloading to loin the Chamber
Marketing - Shelby Moore reported that marketing committee's work focused on aesthetic materials
that would make the sponsorship levels attractive and easy to understand. W Croom asked the board
to simply review the sponsorship levels until the next board meeting. Meanwhile, the executive
committee would meet again to review sponsor levels one last time before a vote.
Policy and Procedures -Todd Pedersen slated that the by-law changes were emailed with the board
packet He requested the board review the proposed changes and send questions to he or E.
Scarbrough He mentioned a suggestion was made to change barter agreements from a section to a
sub-part under dues and asked d there was no objection then he made a motion to accept these
changes with a second from D. West Motion passed unanimously. Further discussion continued.
Diplomats -Connie DePriest was absent and E. Scarbrough stated the committee is continuing to
meet at member restaurants and promote Chamber activities.
Leadership Crittenden County - Fred Leonard - F Leonard was absent and E Scarbrough
mentioned the class attended industry day in July
Governmental Affairs- Jim Jackson stated the City has been working on the Great Steak Cookoff , its
new website and its presence on social media He confirmed that bridge closures rumors were not
official and he didn't feel that the closure would be an issue
Economic Development- Phillip Sorrell- P Sorrell proudly announced that he does have a report
announcing a"couple of good projects"Economic Development is working on right now. His department
has several active projects out there that are good fits for the community. P. Sorrell spoke in depth
about capital gain tax incentives for individuals seeking to invest money in local opportunity zones for
community revitalization W Croom commended Mallory and Phillip on their efforts Further discussion
continued
Junior Leadership- Darin McCollum was absent and E Scarbrough metioned the class is full with 20
girls and the program will kickoff with an orientation on August 27th ad the retreat in September.
New Business
W Croom asked the board to review the Hometown Showdown Sponsorship request for $500. N.
Coulter made a motion to sponsor the Hometown Showdown event in the amount of$500 with a second
from D Wolf W. Croom asked the board to review the list of 3 replacement board candidates to serve
until December 2020 F Martin made a motion to accept Sheila Fowler, Eddy Scoggins and Randy
Sullivan as the 3 new board members to serve until December 2020. K Ingram seconded and the
motion passed unanimously Lastly, W Croom asked the board to review the proposed Chamber
sponsorship levels to be advertised starting in 2020 W Croom mentioned the executive committee
would meet one more time to discuss, review and approve these levels before the next board meeting
Further discussion continued
Old Business
W Croom asked T Pedersen to explain the By-law changes approved in the July work session. T.
Pedersen stated the corrected by-laws were included in the board email along with meeting packet.
Other Discussion
K Ingram asked T Pedersen to clarity section 3, nomination of officers process. Further discussion
continued. S Moore mentioned Fenter Physical Therapy's 1-day Injury Prevention Summitt. W.
Croom mentioned upcoming events and asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn was made
by M. Darby and seconded by J Jackson