March 20, 1969c~
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS,
' HELD ON THE 20TH DAY OF MARCH, 1969.
The City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in regular session at its
regular meeting place in Weat Memphis, Arkansas, at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, March 20, 1969. The
following were present: Aldermen: F. C. Weis, R. T. Bentley, R. C. Bowie, H. R. Dabbs,
Pritchard Horton, C. T. Rodgers, and R. L. Smith; and C1ty Attorney R. E. Wallin.
dbaent: Alderman Kirby Leggett.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had to-wit:
Minutes of Council meeting on March 6, 1969 were approved as read.
Mayor Eden welcomed the Demolay Junior Officials, and announced they would conduct a
Council meeting when the regular meeting is adjourned.
Alderman Bowie presented recommendation `of the Insurance Committee as follows:
United Insurance Agency of Arkansas, Inc. - Comprehensive Public Liability and Property Damage
Insurance on automotive units - 51~ off the manual current rates promulgated by the National
Bureau of Casualty Underwriters.
Crittenden Insurance Agency, Inc.-Workmen's Compensation: Bureau rates
Crittenden Insurance Agency, Inc.-Comprehensive General Liability Excluding automobiles 60~
Off Manual.
After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Weie, seconded by Alderman Smith: That the
recommendation of the Insurance Committee be accepted. Upon vote, the voting was ae follows:
Ayes: Aldermen: Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, Horton, Rodgers, and Smith.
Nays: None.
Alderman Bowie informed the Council the committee appointed to purchase pick-up had purchased
the truck from Ryan Chevrolet Company, the lowest bid in the amount of $1781.00. Motion was made
by Alderman Rodgers, seconded by Alderman Bentley: That the action of the committee be affirmed.
Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Aldermen: Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, Horton, Rodgers, and Smith.
Nays: None.
Mayor Eden reported 41 releases have been signed to remove abandoned vehicles, 71 owners
would not sign, and have been unable to ascertain the names of owners of 40 vehicles. The Mayor
stated there had been a misunderstanding about the program as no deadline has been set, and if
the vehicles can be put into operation sufficient time is given. The survey started on S. 7th
Street and will continue to other sections of the City.
Attorney J. H. Spears appeared on behalf of Briggs Cab Company as to the licensing of the
Cab Company. Mayor Eden informed Mr. Spears a hearing for Briggs Cab Company was not on the
agenda, however, Mr. Briggs should improve his service. Members of the Council acquainted
Mr. Spears with complaints they had received ae follows:
Pick-up a passenger then other passengers are picked up before taking first passenger to his
destination.
Pictures of drivers are not posted in the cabs
Error in aerial number shown on inspection card
Cabe are not inspected by an authorized dealer
Cabs are not kept clean
Mr. Spears informed the Council Mr. Briggs will be glad to redify any complaints, and he will
inform him of requirements of the ordinance.
Mayor Eden presented statement for dues for Northeast Arkansas Economic Development Association
in the amount of $774.96. After diacusaion of the Association of 12 counties and proposed public
health center in Weat Memphis, motion was made by Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Dabbs:
That the Mayor be authorized to pay assessed fee. Upon vote, the voting xaa as follows: _
Ayes: Aldermen: Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, Horton, Rodgers, and Smith.
Nays: None.
Mayor Eden informed the Council of proposal of Al Paudert Dusting Service, Inc. for the
application of Baytex SC chemicals designed to kill and control.moaquitoea within the city limits.
The price for spraying will be 20¢ per acre for 3,000 acres based on a minimum of five applications;
the coat of the chemical Baytex SC will be 56¢ per acre per application, or a total of 76¢ per acre
per application. After diacusaion of coat, responsibility for damages resulting from the application
of chemical, danger and effectiveness of fogging machine, the matter was held in abeyance for two
weeks until additional information can be obtained.
Mayor Eden brought to the Council's attention securing of mathing funds for extension of the
rumtays at the municipal airport to 5,000 feet. The Mayor stated the request to Crittenden County
Quorum Court for matching funds had been denied, however, due to necessity of longer runways for
het-planes and the importance of an airport for progress in securing industries he had formulated
a plan to request grant from the Weat Memphis Industrial Development Corporation of $45,000 and
the Weat Memphis Utility Commission $30,000, also efforts would be made through MATCOG to secure
10~ additional grants from HUD for the project. After diacusaion, motion was made by Alderman Weia,
seconded by Alderman Dabbs: That the Mayor be authorized to request $115,000 grant from WMIDC and
$30,000 from Utility Commission. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Aldermen: Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, Horton, Rodgers, and Smith.
Nays: None.
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Mrs. Maxine Orace appeared and requested information as to what would be necessary for
financial backing if she should apply for permit for West Memphis Cab Company. Mra. (}race was
informed before another permit is granted for a cab company there would have to be shown by a
preponderance of evidence that another cab compa~ ie needed in addition to the applicant being
financially solvent.
The Mayor announced the bids would now be opened for one dump truck as the Notice for bids
published in the Evening Times on March 5th had set the opening for 3 PM, also letters with
specifications had been wiled to the dealers. After discussion of the specifications the Mayor
appointed a committee of Aldermen Weis, Rodgers, and Bowie to study the specifications and
present recommendation at the next Council Meeting for the moat suitable bid. The bide received
were as follows:
Ryan Chevrolet, Inc.
1969 Chevrolet 2 Ton CA 60" Cab and Chasis $4230.06
Jim Ellie Oldsmobile, Inc.
1969 International Truck $4167.30
Bob Morrow Ford Sales, Inc.
Fb00 132" Wheelbase $3943.10
Opt Equipment 330 V8 118.00 $4061.10
Chalmers Buick Co.
1969 GMC Model CS 5600V $4241.75
Alderman Smith informed the Council he and the City Attorney are working on revised
draft of the Police and Fire Commission ordinances to be submitted at a later date.
Alderman Smith inquired if the Mayor had received report on Port. The Mayor stated he was
expecting a preliminary draft, also he had appointed ae members of the Port Authority: F. C. Weis,
Allen C. Thompson, Jr., B. C. Pouncey III, and W. R. "Bill" Dabbs.
Alderman Smith requested a committee be appointed to study the condition of atreeta, and
recommend priority repair pro~ecta to the Council. Mayor Eden appointed a committee of Aldermen
Smith, Bentley, and Horton to survey the atreeta.
Alderman Smith suggested an Auditorium Cotmniasion of five members be appointed to make
surveys and recommendations for location and design of an auditorium when it becomes feasible
to finance construction of an auditorium. Mayor Eden appointed Aldermen Dabbs, Smith, and
Bentley as Council Members, and stated the other members will be appointed at a later date.
Alderman Horton requested information on extension of utilities to the east city limits on
south aide of Broadway. Mayor Eden stated the xater lines will be extended in the near future,
and application. has been made for loan for preliminary sewer pleas. Alderman Bentley brought to
the Council's attention the action taken by the Memphis City Council on the repeal of the wheel
tax in Memphis, and moved that the City Attorney be requested to prepare resolution of commendation
for taking the first steps toward repeal of the Memphis non-resident Motor Vehicle Tax, and send
copies of the resolution to the Council and Councilman Downing Pryor. The motion was seconded by
Alderman Horton. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Ayes: Aldermen Weis, Bentley, Bowie, Dabbs, Horton, Rodgers, and Smith.
Nays: None.
No further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned.
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ATTE~Sfi
APPROVED: APRIL 3, 1969
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