February 20, 1969
MIAIUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY GF b1EST i•1Ei•]:PHIS, ARF,AN5AS,
` Hein ON TuF 20TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1969
The City Council of the Cit~* of 'rdest r9emphis, Arkansas, met in regular session at
its regular meeting place in ';lest 1`Iemphis, Arkansas, at 3:00 o'clock P.Iv".. or. the 20th
day of February, 1969. The following were present: I°_ayor Bob Eden, presiding, and
Aldermen: Yirby Leggett, C. T. Rodgers, R. L. Smith, F. C. Weis, R. T. Bent ley,
R. C. Bowie, H. R. Dabbs,-and Pritchard Horton; and City Attorney R. E. Wallin.
Absent: None.
It being determined a quorum t~ras present, the following proceedings ti~rere had to-wit:
iiimztes of Counci7.Pieeting on February 6, 1969 were approved as read.
I~?ayor Eden reported the City's operation was approximately $13,T00.00 under the
1968 budget appropriations, and summarized the expenses of the various departments. In
reply to questions as to budget appropriations, the Mayor stated the quarterly reports
sent to each Alderman enumerate monthly expenses for each department. The i~?ayor announced
the 1968 audits will be sent to the Aldermen prior to the P?arch 6th Council Meeting.
i~Trs. Herbert Taylor and P?rs. Richard Caldwell appeared and requested construction of
sidewalks in order that children will not have to walk in the streets to school, elimination
of blind-corners at ~-Jest Juior high and the Senior High School, and provide off-street parking
at Avondale Park. After discussion of the problems of construction of sidewalks as to
responsibility of property owner, requirements for a city-wide project, inability of property
owners to finance, Federal Aid, Urban Renewal Areas, City provide labor upon property owner
purchasing concrete, recommendation was made that the School Board be contacted to pay for
the concrete and the City pro-ride the labor. I'ayor Eden informed the ladies the City Engineer
had been instructed to start work on cutting-back the street at Avondale Park.
Alderman Bentley, Chairman cf the Committee composed of Aldermen Horton, Leggett, Rodgers,
and 5tnith presented report of the committee to Alderman Bowie, Chairman of the Council
Investigation.
Attorney J. B. Fogleman representing 1?r. Ellis Poo 1e presented an ordinance for consideration
of the Council to vacate, abandon, and surrender the interest of the City in a strip of land
acquired as a right of way upon and across a part of Lot 2 of Walker Estate Subdivision. After
discussion of the matter, Alderman Smith introduced the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance To
Abandon, Vacate And Surrender The Interest Of The City In A Strip Of Land Acquired As a Right Of
'.day Over, Upon And Across A Part Of Lot 2 Of Walker Estate Subdivision, City Of West Memphis,
Arkansas, And For Other Purposes" and the City Attorney read the ordinance in full.
Alderman Leggett, seconded by Alderman Dabbs, moved that the rule requiring the reading
of an ordinance in full on three different days be suspended and that the ordinance be placed
on its second reading. The P?a}ror put the question on the adoption of the motion and the roll
being called, the following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, ~deis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
Thereupon the Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members of the Council having
voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion eras carried and the rule suspended.
The ordinance was then read the second time by the City Attorney.
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Rodgers then moved that the rule requiring the
reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be further suspended and that the
ordinance be placed on its third reading. The Mayor put the question on the adoption of the
motion and the roll being called the following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
The T°_ayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members elected to the Council having
voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion was carried and the rule suspended.
The ordinance was.then read the third time by the City Attorney.
Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Bowie, moved that the ordinance be adopted. The
question was nut by the P?ayor on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the
following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
Alderman Weis, seconded by Alderman Smith, moored that Section Lt, the emergency clause be
adopted, and on roll call the following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, 6Jeis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
The A?ayor thereupon declared the ordinance and the err~rgency clause adopted and signed the
ordinance, which was attested by the City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City. The
Ordinance was given P1o. 593.
The ordinance read as fellows:
`~
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO ABANDON, VACATE AND
SURRENDER THE INTEREST OF THE CITY
IN A STRIP OF LAND ACQUIRED AS A
RIGHT OF WAY OVER, UPON AND ACROSS
A PART OF LOT 2 OF WALKER ESTATE
SUBDIVISTON, CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,
ARKANSAS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis in 1961 undertook
to obtain rights of way from landowners for a proposed extension
of Thompson Avenue but it was economically feasible to accomplish
this proposed project only if all right of way required and which
had not previously been dedicated for such street could be obtained
without cost or expense to the City; a.nd
WHEREAS, the City was unwilling to undertake the proposed
extension unless and until all required right of way was obtained;
and
WHEREAS, certain landowners offered to donate the necessary
right of way for the street extension over and across their property,
but made it a condition of their offer that commitments or grants be
first obtained from each and every other owner of lands within the
proposed extension; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the right of way required for the
proposed extension was held in trust by Union Planters National Bank
of Memphis, as Trustee for Vive Walker Montgomery and the Trustee
deemed it improper and outside of its legal authority as Trustee to
make a donation of the required right of way, but agreed to sell the
proposed right of way across the south side of its lands described
as Lot 2 of Walker Estate Subdivision, as shown by plat recorded in
Plat Book 2 at page 201 of the records of Crittenden County, Arkansas,
(more specifically described below) for payment of the sum of One
Thousand Dollars; and
WHEREAS, Ellis Poole donated to the City the amount required
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to pay Union Planters National Bank of Memphis as Trustee for Vive
Walker Montgomery for the right of way across its property and the
City used the money given by Ellis Poole to obtain its conveyance
dated June 14, 1961, which is now recorded in Deed Record Book 340
at page 412 of the records in the office of the Recorder of Crittenden
County, Arkansas, which is entitled "Right of Way Deed" as it was
intended to be, but which by form and content is an absolute con-
veyance of title to the strip of land described; and
WHEREAS, the proposed extension of Thompson Avenue was
abandoned because several owners of land would not grant required
rights of way to the City and, thus it could not meet the conditions
under which some owners had agreed to donate rights of way; and
WHEREAS, all of Lot 2 of Walker Estate Subdivision, as
shown by plat dated April 1961 and recorded in Plat Book 2 at page
201 of the records of Crittenden County was subsequently sold by
Union Planters National Bank of Memphis, Trustee for Vive Walker
Montgomery to Ellis Poole and, the title and interest of the grantor
in the conveyance included the strip of lands described in the
"Right of Way Deed" to the City and such property was later conveyed
to and is now owned by Poole Trailer Sales, Inc. a corporation in
which Ellis Poole is the principal stockholder; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of West Memphis finds
and determines that interest in the land acquired from Union Planters
National Bank of Memphis, Trustee, by the conveyance recorded in Deed
Record Book 340 at page 412 of the records of Crittenden County,
Arkansas, described as follows, to-wit:
Commencing at the intersection of the west line
of Section Nine (9), Township Six (6) North,
Range Nine (9) East, and the north right of way
line of U.S. Highway Seventy (70), thence north
four hundred (400) feet; thence east seven
"~L
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hundred ninety-five and three-tenths (795.30)
feet to the point of beginning; thence con-
tinuing east in a straight line five hundred
seventy-two and seven-tenths (572.7) feet to
a point on the west line of O.K. Street three
hundred fifty-six and three-tenths (356.3) feet
north of the north right of way line of U. S.
Highway Seventy (70); thence North along the
west line of O.K. Street a distance of fifty
(50) feet; thence west a distance of five
hundred seventy-two and seven-tenths (572.7)
feet; thence south a distance of fifty (50)
feet to the point of beginning.
was only intended to be a right of way over, upon and across the
strip of lands even though the form and content of the deed may
indicate a greater interest, the same has never been platted,
dedicated or used by the City or the public for the intended purpose
nor any other public purpose and the object and purpose for which
the interest in those lands was obtained through the donation of
funds by Ellis Poole having become impracticable, it is proper and
appropriate that the said interest of the City in and to the said
lands be vacated and surrendered and returned to the owner of the
lands upon which it is located. NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED By the City Council of the City of West
Memphis;
Section 1. That the interest of the City acquired under
and by virtue of the conveyance entitled "Right of Way Deed" recorded
in Deed Record Book 340 at page 412 of the records of Crittenden
County, Arkansas, was only intended as and has never been considered
to be any interest except a right of way over, upon and across the
lands described in such deed;
Section 2. That the object and purpose for which the
interest was acquired has become impracticable and any right of way
and all other interest of the City in and to the lands obtained under
the conveyance referred to in Section 1. above is hereby vacated and
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abandoned and the same is surrendered in favor of the owner of
the lands upon which it is located.
Section 3. That-the Mayor and Clerk of the City of
West Memphis are authorized to execute, acknowledge and deliver
a conveyance in the name of the City as evidence of the vacation,
abandonment and surrender of the right of way of the City and of
its release of any and all other claims under and by virtue of
said "Right of Way Deed".
Section 4. The title of the present owner and of its
predecessors to the lands over and upon which the City received
the right of way has been unduly burdened and adversely affected
for several years by reason of the conveyance to the City obtained
by the efforts and financial assistance of those parties even
though the, proposed project was abandoned many years ago and, .~
e 's found and declared to exist and this
therefore, an emerg ncy i
ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its
passage and approval.
Attorney C. I?. (dance, Jr. reni~esenting Jimmy Swan rba ;lest Piemnhis Cab Company requested
a date be set for hearing to obtain a Certificate of Con-.ienience for the Cah Cornpany, and
permission to operate until. the hearing. Mayor Eden informed the Council a license had been
issued to the Cor:ran* in er*.•or and r^_ad a letter from P'rs. Sarah Smith, who had issued the
license, granting P~'r. Swan ten days to request. a hearing. After discussion, motion was made
by Alderman Srnit,h, seconded by 9lderman Leggett: That hearing dat,:; be set for ~ FTC?, N'arch 6th,
the next Council meeting, and the Council waive requirements tc permit the ','Jest Niemnhis Cab
Cemrany to operate-- urti_1. the hearing. Unon ~;ote, the voting ?aas as follows:
^,yes: Aldermen• I:eggett, Redger.s, Smith, '.+Teis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Plays : Prone .
P'ayor s"den brought to the Council's attention the responsi.bil.ity cf the P?aycr in decisions
tc send fire equipment. and personnel. outside the city limits. Temporary relief of the problem
by enactment of ordinances prepared bu ±he City At.tcrney was discussed, and an ordinance enttitled
".4n Ordinance 3eneal.ing Ordinance No. 221 Of The City Of 6Test Mernnhis; Declaring An Emergency
Ard For Other ?'urroses" was introduced by Alderman ':°Teis.
City Attorne;r~lallin rear the ordinance in full. Alderman Botaie, seconded by Alderman
Horton, mc~•ed that the rule requiring the .rearing of an ordinance in full en throe different
says ho sus~~ended and tha± the ordinance be n1_aced en its second reading. The P?ayor ,rut the
question on the ad^-~t.ion cf the motion and tho roll being called, the fel.lcwing voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett., Rodger°s, Smith, i:'eis, flentloy, Howie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Pyavs: ?r`one.
Thereupon the i'.a~~cr dcc].ared that at least t*~;o-thirds of all members r,f the Council ha~:fing
voted in fa~.~or of the moti.or, to suspend the rule, the motion was carried and the rule susr.ended.
The ordinance raas then read the second time b~;- the city ..vttorney.
A ldermanRodgers, seconded b,• Alderman Bentley then moved that the rule. requiring the
reading of an ordinance in ful.'_ on three di.fferert, da~rs be further suspended and that the
ordinance be -laced cn its third reading. 'Phe N;ayor nut the question on the adep_tion of the
mct.ion and the re 11. being called the following voted:
Ages: Aldermen: Legge±.t, Radgers, Smith, Jeis, P.entle!, Bo*,aie, Dabbs, and Iiort.on.
Nays: None.
~~~
The Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of awl members elected to t':xe Council having
voted in (aver of the motion to suspend the ra3.e, the mcticn was ~arriec' and t`+e rula suspended.
The ordinance was then read the third tuna by the City Attorney.
Alderman "abbs, seconded by Alderman Leggett, moved that the ordinance be adopted. The
question was put• by the Nfayor on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the
following voted:
Ayes: ildermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, d~Jeis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
Aldermana Smith, seconded by Alderman Weis, moved that Section 2, the emergency clause be
adopted, and on roll call the following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, ldeis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays : PJene .
The P'ayor thereupon declared the ordinance and the emergency clause adopted and signed
the ordinance, which was attested by the City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
The ordinance was given No. 59t:.
The ordinance read as follows:
ORDINANCE N0. S94
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE N0. 221 OF THE CITY OF 'r7EST T:~MPHIS; DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUPJCIL OF THE CITY OF ?nTEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That Ordinance No. 221 of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, be and the
same is heret:}r repealed and ala~1 fished .
Section 2. Since clarification must be made regarding the specific instances in :which
the fire department of the City of ?Jest Memphis shall b~ authorized to assist and aid in
extinguishing fires beyond the corrorate limits of t•he City of ~dest ,ien.lahi~, and Ordinance
No. 221 of the City of tiJest Memphis is determined to ba too indefinite and rneertain in its
terms, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this ordinance shall be in full force and
effect from and after its adopticn, approval and rublica.tion as required by law.
3F,:y ,:-:~i~~;:
The ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Setting Forth The Authority For Sending Fire
Equipment And Fire Department Personnel Beyond The Corporate Limits Of The City Of West Memphis
In Certain Instances: Declaring An Emergency, Apd For Other Purposes" was introduced by
Alderman Smith, and the City Attorney read the ordinance in full.
Alderman Leggett, seconded by Alderman Dabbs, moved that the rule requiring the reading of
an ordinance in full_ on three'differeht days be suspended and that the ordinance be placed on its
second reading. The Mayor put the question on the adoption of the motion and the roll being
called, the following Voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, irleis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
PJays: None.
Thereupon the Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members of the Council having
voted in favor of the motion to susnenZ3 the rule, the motion was carried and the rule suspended.
The ordinance was then read the second time by the City attorney.
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Rodgers then moved that the rule requiring the reading
of an ordinance in full on three different days be further suspended and that the ordinance be
placed on its third reading. The Nlayon put the question on the adoption of the motion and the
roll being called the following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, GJeis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
The Mayer declared that at least two-thirds of all members elected to the Council having
voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion was carried and the rule suspended.
The ordinance was then read the third time by the City Attorney.
Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Bowie, m; =:ed that the ordinance be adopted. The
question was nut by the P?ayor on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the
following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, Weis, I'^ntley, Bowie, P.abbs, and Horton.
Nays: None.
~~
Alderman 4deis, seconded by Alderman Smith, mo:*ed that Section 3, the emergency clause
be adopted, and oh ro]_7_ call the following voted:
Ayes: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
Ida~rs : None .
The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance and the emergency clause adopted and signed
the ordinance, which was attested by the City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
The ordinance was given bTo. 595.
The ordinance read as follows:
ORllINANCE N0. 595
AN ORDINANCE SETTING FORTH 'THE AUTHORITY FOR SENDING FIRE EQUIPMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT
PERSODTNEL BEYOND THE CORPORATE LII"ITS OF THE CITY OF ~•TEST MEMPHIS IP1 CERTAIN INSTANCES:
DECLARING ADI'_~"ERGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Z^~BER?s'AS, it has been determined by the City Council of the City of West P;emphis that
there are instances in which great losses are created by fires on property located outside
of the corporate limits of the City of West Memphis, and:
Iro'HEREAS, the Genex•al Assembly of the State of Arkasas has authorized sending fire
equipment outside the corporate limits by Act No. 270 of 1951 (Ark. Stat. 7.9-21OF).
NOTd, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY TIIE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 'vIEST MEI°9PHIS, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. i,dest .T°emphis Fire Department apparatus and equipment and ;^,'est A".emphis Fire
Department personnel may be authorized to n_roceed beyond the corporate limits of the City of
'rTest Memphis, Arkansas, for the purpose of combating fires when in the discretion o£ the Mayor,
or in his absence, the Vice-I"a~rer or the Fire Chief of the City of West Memphis, deem it
necessary to extinguish or aid in extinguishing a fire pr fires beyond the corporate limits
of the City of West Memphis,
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Sectior_ 3. It being determined that there be some means available by which equipment and
personnel of the ?-Test P_emnhis Fire Department may be dispatched to extinguish or assist in the
extinguishing of fires beyond the corporate limits cf the City of West Memphis, for the protection
of persons and !or property within and without the corporate limits of the City of West riemphis,
for the protection cf persons and !or property within and without the corporate limits of the
City of '.Jest Memphis, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this ordinance shall be in
full force and effect frcm and after its passage, approval and publication as required by law.
N~oticn was made bar Alderman Smith: That a committee of the City Attorney, City Clerk, and
three Aldermen draft a permar,:~^*. ordinance pertaining to s~nditIg f~,re_equipment and personnel
be«ond the corporate lin!its. The mction was seconded by A lderman Bentley. Upon ~*ote, the
Doting was as fol_lcws:
Ages: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, de is, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Morton.
A?avS : None .
I"ayor Eden appointed Aldermen Rodgers, i^Teis, and Bowie as Council members of the ccmmittee.
The folio*~7ing letter was read
?~,IEST-NiEf~IPHIS NEIGHBORIi00D SERVICE CENTER
'nTEST-t'F~f1pHIS, ARKANSAS
The Honorable R. E. (Bob) Eden.
N`a~ror of ;dent-iiemphis.
P?y dear P°ayor Eden
(1) h,Test i;emphis Ileighborhood Service Center is desired to promote the effectiness of needed
service.
(2) In such fi_e1d as hea7_th, education, manpo-aer, legal research and soaal service.
(3) It is design to help the disadvantages in family planing and also in basic education,
in helping find jobs through the Employment Security 0£f ice and in old age assistance.
(u) It is desired to help the iota income families of our community both white and black.
(~) This is a none profit organization and it is a cart of the East Centra)_ Econcmic
Opportunity Corporation.
The ~<,Test-P".emphis neighbor action council:
N'r. Wallace Caradine, V.pres.
2'rs. Flerastine Smith, Sec.
_?cpresentati~es of the Center informed the Council rent for a two room center would be X25,00
a month plus utilities of anproximately* $25.00, and requested the Council appropriate `,550.00
per month. ~;7.igibility to apply fqr a Federal Grant. was discussed, and the City At±,orney
requested t'o research the question of the City appropriating money for the Center.
The r'~ayor informed the Council a new dump truck is needed, thereupon, motion was made by
Alderman Bo*.aie, seconded by Alderman Leggett: That the P~;ayor be authorized to advertise for
bids for a durm~ truck. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
A',*es: Aldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, ?°Ieis, Bentley, BOWLP., Dabbs, and F~orton.
Tlavs : Dlone .
Request of Chief Young t:o increase the complement of the Police Department from 40 to 41
was presented. After discussion, motion was made by Alderman !rJeis, seconded byr Alderman Smith:
That the Police Department be authorized to increase the complement to 41. Upon vote, the voting
was as follows:
Aces: A ldermen: Leggett, Rodgers, Smith, Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, and Horton.
I1ays: None.
Alderman Bowie presented the committee report of the Council's investigation, and the
report was read as follows:
COP'~'_ITTEE REPORT
T0: I~1R. R. C. BOti;'IE, CIiAIRA:AN
INVESTIGATItdG COP'11ITTEE 4,[EST P4EC`PHIS CITY COUNCIL
At the January 2, 1969, regular Council i•eeting the Council passed by a majority vote to
conduct an investigation of the Police.Department as a result of a letter presented to the Council
by a former policeman, James R, rlilliams, and other complaints presented to different Council
rnembeY'S .
The authority to call for an investigation of the Police P.epartment is found in Arkansas
Statute 19-701, which gives the Council the authority* to prescribe the duties and define the power
of the Police Department.
The Council met for the First hearing on January 23, 1969, the following were present:
Aldermen Dabbs, Rodgers, Bentley, Horton, Leggett, Smith, and Bowie. P?r. Bowie was unanimous7_y
elected Chairman of the investigation. 'fhe Council met for a second hearing on January 30, 1969,
and the following were present: Aldermen P,entley, Bowie, Dabbs, Horton, Leggett, Smith, Rodgers,
and Weis.
It was agreeable with the Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief that the third ticket be
added t.o the Summons whereby an audit of consecuti•.-e numbers on calendar year can be made should
anyone complain. The Committee recommends that the above procedure be complied with.
The Police Chief stated that he would have no 6Djection to anyone paying a fine such as
speeding, muffler violation, or a non-moving violation tiaithout going to Court. The Committee
recommends that the above procedure be complied with.
Chief Young stated that Arkansas Statute 22-714, which stated that the Chief of Police
must collect penalties and forfeitures as well as fines, was not followed. It is recommended
that the Arkansas Law be complied with, and in the future the monthly report made to the T?ayor
include fines, penalties, and forfeitures.
An arrest report 8079 did not show intoximeter reading of .13 dated June 6, 1968. The
Committee believes the intoximeter reading omitted intentionally by parties unknown as the
charge c,f Driving 1•dhile Under The Influence Of Intoxicating Liquors would probably have been
placed instead of Reckless Driving if the intoximeter reading had been shown on the arrest
report.
Duplicate arrest report 07109 did not agree with the original that went to Court as the Court
arrest report left off the Driving ~~ile Under The Influence Of Intoxicating Liquors charge which
was on the duplicate, It is 'the feeling of the Committee that this alteration :aas done intentionally
by parties unlcnorrn, and that the violation of Driving While Under The Influence Of Intoxicating
Liquors is still. outstanding against the State of Arkansas, and the accused should not escape prose-
cution by a clerical error.
On Court Docket Cases 68641 and 68642 there is a notation where these cases were ncl-grossed
on the recommendation of the Police Department. Investigation sb~d that the arrest report stated
the accused was very drunk and carrying a dangerous weapon. The Committee believes that in the
future the Chief of °olice )should state the name of the policeman when a recommendation is made
on disposition of cases where the policeman is in•rolved. In regard to the above discrepancies
that were brought to the attention of the Council members, it is the Committee's recommendation
that the Chief check back for a reasonable time for any discrepancies that might appear.
The Committee :.Wi®hes to commend the Police Department for using their efforts in cutting-down
the large number of partial payments and keeping this to a minimum.
The Committee is aware that there are cases of illness whereby the Police Department can not
detect, but we would like to suggest a closer communication between the jailer, captain, and Chief
in order to utilize 100 effort in detection. It is the Committee's recommendation that the jailer
upon taking over a shift will personally evaluate every prisoner's physical condition, and make a
permanent report of the prisoner's condition with copies to be signed by the jailer and captain of
the shift or the Chiefs with a permanent copy to be kept in a book for this purpose. The original
will be given to the Chief to follow up the disposition of any report.
The Committee wou]_d like to further recommend that the Playor contact the local health
director and request that he inaestigate the possibility of one of the Health Department
nurses malting a daily check of prisoners. In the event that an illness be detected, a
written report be made to the Chief of Police.
The system of disposing of weapons, or stolen or confiscated articles is far from
satisfactory. It is the recommendation,of the Committee that the Police Chief draft an
ordinance tc be submitted to the Council in order that a satisfactory disposition can be
made of these items in the future.
I+, is also the belief of the Committee that all recruits should be given adequate training
before put out on the streets with a weapon. It is the feeling of the Committee that the Police
Chief should im_nress upon a17. members of the Police Force the z,~alue of good public relations
among all citizens and non-residents. We realize their value as ambassadors of good will for
the City of L~Jest P?emphis.
~'he Committee feels the records kept by the Clerk of Municipal Court are excellent, and
the cooperation shown by all personnel in this department vaas greatly appreciated by the
Committee, and especially by Jean Hillencamp who acted as our stenographer.
The Committee is greatefu7_ for the cooperation shown by all parties who appeared before
the Committee. The Committee also feels the Police Department o£ West P'emphis is doing a
good job in the la*r~ enforcement of our City, and tae are supporting them 100.
Respectfully submitted,
R. T. BENTLEY, CHAIRA4AN
PRITCHARD HORTON
KIRBY LEGGETT
C. T. RODGERS
R . T . SPIITH
,~„~ ;~;
Alderman Bowie commented on petitions he had received with 1207 signatures indicating the
investigation was in order, disposition of future complaints, matters pertaining to the
Police Department, and the report.
Alderman Leggett requested action on removal of junk cars, and brought to the Council's
att~Ation a plan of a private company to remove the cars provided an employee of the City
obtain's waivers or releases for the removal. The City Attorney was requested to check into
the matter.
Alderman Smith presented a resolution pertaining to statement of policy. After
discussion of the legal aspects of an ordinance or resolution, authority and procedure cc£
making appointments, study of a matter prior to presentation Alderman Smith withdrew the
resolution.
Alderman Bentley reported the Fire Department Committee has had two meetings.
Alderman Powie requested every effort be made to obtain a nurse or doctor as recommended
by the Committee report that a Health Department nurse make a daily check of prisoners.
Mayor Eden slated a record is made in the jail as to request for medical attention.
Report No. 3, C6mmunity Facilities, of the ~,1est Memphis Comprehensive Plan was distributed.
to the Aldermen.
"1o further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned. ~ ~(^`
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APPROVED: tf1ARCH 6, 19F9