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January 7, 1971MINUTES OF A REGULAR MBETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS, HELD ON THE 7TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1971 _.~_ _._. II The Council of the City of Weat Memphis, in the County of Critlenden, State of Arkansas, met in regular session in the City Hall in said City, at 2:00 o'clock P.M., on the 7th day of January, 1971. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor, and the roll being called, there were: Present: Tilden Rodgers, Mayor, in the Chair,-and the following named Aldermen: R. T. Bentley, William R. Dabba, Thodnas Dickerson, D. M. Grimeley, James E.~Hightower", Pritchard-Horton, C. D. Hutcherson, Malcolm Scott, and Robert L. Smith; and Citq Attorney R. E. Wallin. Absent: None. Minutes of Council Meetings on December 17, 1970, and January 4, 1971, were approved as read: Mayor Rodgers brought to the Council's attention Mr. F. H. Yelvington, Alderman-from Ward 5 had died, and an opinion had been requested from the City Attorney ae to filling the vacancy. City Attorney Wallin read Section 19-1026 Arkansas Statutes, and advised the Council of his opinion the vacancy could be filled by the Council electing a qualified elector who resides in Ward 5. Thereupon Alderman Bentley nominated Willie Lee Harris to fill the positioa, the nomination was seconded by Alderman Grimeley. Motion was made by Alderman Dickerson, seconded by Alderman Scott: That Willie Lee Harris be elected as Alderman, Ward 5-Position No. 1. Upon roll call, the voting was as follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabba, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, and Smith. No: None. Mayor Rodgers announced the following appointments: Parvin Rominea, Chief of Police Department R. L. Simmons, Chief of Pire Department W. A. Perrine, Building, Plumbing, Electric, Gas, and Housing Inspector The Mayor informed the Council the duties of the Housing Inspector had been combined with the Building Inspector's work. __ The Mayor inquired if the Aldermen desired to make appointments to the Review Board, and the following Aldermen presented appointments: Alderman Hutcherson Mrs. Carlos Davis Alderman Bentley Mr. Dick Bland Alderman Horton Mr. Billy Johnson Alderman Scott Mra. Betty Nooner Mayor Rodgers Mrs. Bert McElroy Mra. Louise Wheeler Mr. R. G. Fridaq The Mayor stated he would make additional appointments on January 21st. ___ _. Mayor Rodgers informed the Council two new cars are urgently needed by the Police Department. Motion was made by Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Bentley: That. the Mayor be authorized be.advertise for two police care. Upon note, the voting was as follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabbs, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, and Smith. No: None. Elected Alderman Willie Lee Harris appeared, and the oath of office was administered by Municipal Judge Lindsey Fairley. Mr. Tom Coleman, Acting Director for the Urban Renewal Agency of West Memphis, presented resume of Agency Plans to widen S. 7th Seventh Street as a major_artery to the Expressway also extend Ingram Blvd. from Broadway to Jackson Street by iacloaing Mtch No. 11; also response of citizens, who attended the public hearing on Agency Plans. The Council was informed the City's share of cast of improvements would be covered by non cash grants accumulated. After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Seott, seconded by Alderman Smith: That the Resolution reco:mnended by the Urban Renewal Agency be read. Upon vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabba, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: Nose. City Attorney Wallin read the Resolution. Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Hutcherson: That the Resolution as presented be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabba, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith and Harris. Nos None. Alderman Horton abstained from voting. The Resolution read as follows: 28"3 RESOLUTION N0. 40© RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, APPROVING NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ANNUAL INCREMENT, FILING OF APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AMENDMENT TO URBAN RENEWAL PLAN, AND FEASIBILITY OF RELOCATION FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, PROGRAM NO. ARK A-1 WHEREAS, under the provisions of Title I of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is authorized to provide financial assistance to local public agencies for undertaking and carrying out Neighborhood Development Programs; and WHEREAS it is provided in such Act that contracts for financial aid thereunder shall require that the Urban Renewal Plan and Amendments thereto for the urban renewal area comprising the Neighborhood Development Program be approved by the Governing Body of the locality in which the area is situated and that such approval include findings by the Governing Body that: (1) the financial-aid to be provided in the contract is necessary to enable the Program to continue and be undertaken in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended; (2) the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the locality as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the. urban renewal area by private enterprise; (3) the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, conforms to the General Plan for the development of the locality as a whole; and (4) the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, gives due consideration to the .provision of adequate park and recreational areas and facilities, as may be desirable for neighborhood improvement, with special consideration for the health, safety, and welfare of children residing in the general vicinity of the site covered by the Plan; and WHEREAS it is desirable and in the public interest that the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of West Memphis (herein called the "Local Public Agency") undertake and carry out an annual increment of the Neighborhood Development Program (herein called the "Program") -1- identified as the West Memphis Neighborhood Development Program, ARK A-1, and encompassing one area in the City of West Memphis, State of Arkansas (herein called the "Locality"), which area is the West Memphis NDP Urban Renewal Area, whose boundary description remains the same as described in connection with Resolution No. 354, adopted by the City Council on December 19, 1968, in connection with the original Neighborhood Development Program Application and Urban Renewal Plan therefor; and WHEREAS the Local Public Agency has applied for additional financial assistance under such Act and proposes to enter into an additional contract or contracts with the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the undertaking of, and for making available additional financial assistance for, the Program; and WHEREAS there has been prepared and referred to the Governing Body of the City of West Memphis for review and approval Amendment No. 3 to the Urban Renewal Plan for the West Memphis NDP Urban Renewal Area, a mimeographed document dated October 20, 1970, and consisting of seven (7) pages of narrative text and two (2) maps, namely Map URP-2, Land Use and Transportation Plari; and Map URP-3, Land Acquisition Plan, both revised October 20, 1970; and Land Disposition Supplement No. 1, dated October 20, 1970, which is a separately bound mimeographed document consisting of ten (10) pages of narrative text and one (1) map, namely Map URP-4, Land Disposi- tion Supplement No. 1, dated October 20, 1970, supported by certain supplementary material, data, and recommendations not a part of the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment; and WHEREAS the Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan has been approved by the Governing Body of the Local Public Agency, as evidenced by the copy of said Body's duly certified resolution approving the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment which is attached thereto; and WHEREAS a General Plan has been prepared and is recognized and used as a guide for the general development of the locality as a whole; aryl -2- 285 WHEREAS the Planning Commission which is the duly designated and acting official planning body for the locality, has submitted to the Governing Body its report and recommendations respecting the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the urban renewal area comprising the Program and has certified that the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment conforms to the General Plan for the Locality as a whole; and the Governing Body has duly considered the report recommendations and certifications of the planning body; and WHEREAS the Local Public Agency has prepared and submitted a program for the relocation of individuals and families that may be displaced as a result of carrying out the Program in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, which Program allows for the utilization of not more than fifty (50) mobile homes for temporary relocation housing; and WHEREAS there have also been presented to the Governing Body information and data respecting the Relocation Program which has been prepared by the Local Public Agency as a result of studies, surveys, and inspections in the areas comprising the Program and the assemblying and analysis of the data and information obtained from such studies, surveys, and inspections; and WHEREAS the members of the Governing Body have general knowledge of the conditions prevailing in the urban renewal area and of the availability of proper housing in the locality for the relocation of individuals and families that may be displaced by the Program and, in light of such knowledge of local housing conditions, have carefully considered and reviewed such proposals for relocation; and WHEREAS it is necessary that the Governing Body take appropriate official action respecting the Relocation Program and the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, for the Program, in conformity with the contracts for financial assistance between the Local Public Agency and the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and WHEREAS the Governing Body is cognizant of the conditions that are imposed in the undertaking and carrying out of urban renewal - 3- ~~'~ activities and undertaking with Federal financial assistance under Title I, including those prohibiting discrimination because of race, color, creed or national origin; and WHEREAS it is recognized that the NDP Urban Renewal Area will be subject to the requirements of Section 105(h) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS: 1. That the determination contained in Resolution No. 354, adopted December 19, 1968, respecting conditions in the urban renewal area at the time urban renewal activities were initiated is hereby reaffirmed. 2. That Amendment No. 3, dated October 20, 1970, to the Urban Renewal Plan for the NDP Urban Renewal Area as identified above is hereby approved, and the City Clerk be and is hereby directed to file said copy of the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment with the minutes of this meeting. 3. That it is hereby found and determined that where clearance is proposed, the objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, cannot ba achieved through more extensive rehabilitation of portions of the urban renewal area comprising the Program. 4. That it is hereby found and determined that the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, for the Program conforms to the General Plan of the Locality. 5. That it is hereby found and determined that the financial aid provided and to be provided pursuant to the contracts for Federal financial assistance pertaining to the Program is necessary to enable the Program to be undertaken in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, for the urban renewal area comprising the Program. 6. That it is hereby found and determined that the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, for the urban renewal area comprising the Program will afford maximum opportunity consistent with the sound needs of the locality as a whole, for the renewal of the area by private enterprise. -4- 287 7. That is hereby found and determined that the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended,-for the urban renewal area, gives due consideration to the provision of adequate park and recreation areas and facilities, as may be desirable for neighborhood improve- ment, with special consideration for the health, safety, and welfare of children residing in the general vicinity of the site covered by the Plan. 8. That it is hereby found and determined that the Program for the proper relocation of individuals and families displaced in carrying out the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, in decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings in conformity with the acceptable standards is feasible and can be reasonably and timely effected to permit the proper prosecution and completion of the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended; and that such dwellings or dwelling units available or to be made available to such displaced individuals and families, are at least equal in number of the number of displaced individuals and families, are not generally less desirable in regard to public utilities and public and commercial facilities than the dwellings of the displaced individuals and families in the area comprising the Program, are available at rents or prices within the financial means of the displaced individuals and families, and are reasonably accessible to the places of employment; and that the utilization of not more than fifty (50) mobile homes for the provision of temporary relocation housing is acceptable. 9. That in order to implement and facilitate the effectua- tion of the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, hereby approved, it is found and determined that certain official action must be taken by this Body with reference, among other things, to changes in zoning, vacating and removal of streets, alleys, and other public ways, the establishment of new street patterns, the loca- tion and relocation of sewer and water mains, and other public facilities, and other public action, and, accordingly, this Body hereby (a) pledges its cooperation in helping to carry out the Urban .Renewal Plans, as amended, (b) requests the various officials, -5- 288 departments, Boards, and agencies of the Locality having administra- tive responsibilities in the premises likewise to cooperate to such end and to exercise their respective functions and powers in a manner consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, and (c) stands ready to consider and to take appropriate action upon proposals and measures designed to effectuate the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended. 10. That additional financial assistance under the provision of Title I of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, is necessary to enable the land and the area comprising the Program to be renewed in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan, as amended, for the Program, and accordingly the proposed Program and the Annual increment are approved and the Local Public Agency is authorized to file an Application for additional financial assistance under Title I. 11. That it hereby assures the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development that the City of West Memphis will comply with the requirements of Section 105(h) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, in the provision of standard low- and moderate- income housing units at least equal in number to the number demolished or removed by Neighborhood Development Program activities in the NDP Urban Renewal Area, which are occupied by low- and moderate-income families and individual householders. *~* Mayor Rodgers informed the Council an ordinance had been prepared for consideration to provide for election of Aldermen by Wards as voted by the eFecaxs on November 3rd. Alderman Smith introduced the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance To Provide For The Election Of Aldermen By Wards According To Act 45 Of The 1969 Acta Of Arkansas; And For Other Purposes", and City Attorney Wallin read the ordinance in full. Alderman Hutcherson, seconded by Alderman Dickerson moved that the rule requiring the reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be suspended and that the ordinance bn placed on its second reading. The Mayor put the question on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the following voted; Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabbs, Dickerson, Grimsley, Hightower, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris, and Horton. No: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of ali members of the Council having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion was carried and the rule suspended. The ordinance waa then read the second tlme by the City Attorney. Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Grimsley then moved that the rule requiring the radiag 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: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabbs, Dickerson, Grimsley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None. The Mayor 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 City Attorney Wallin. Alderman Harris, seconded by Alderman Horton moved that the ordinance be adopted. The question was put by the Mayor on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the following voted: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabba, Dickerson, Grimaley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None. The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance 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. 663. The ordinance read as follows: ,: .!_, "[':~i<7 _?F ALUI:FtD1L•:N BY «lZ;D~ rr !'Ili{~'.V~A S; .`Nr ir~)R 'l'I'f;.R i~: , '!'.. ~, 1 t~i r.i t,lr• 1'Ifiil Art; of /` ,#rl;~~r r,a !,r,,,~ •~t f.>r ttz; c:~..•*, , , .. „1 itic';; of the f:rtit cla~;~ wiul 1~5~ tnarl 'i;', i)i,n Fcit !i£,t.. -.,. ,_r c .. _., lira; Lire ~ itp cou;lcils Ln ~.,itie:; oa :h!s size nave t~,,•c::._. ~r~ l,i~, .,~;, ',y~ nr.iinnnr.e it;at X11 ald~rn~,r't~'i~• el~actr•! t,y ta'zrd +', ~ ~ '~_ i . , trr,u, rh:t1J I,c• .',tr.:t e i:r:~ , t!~. • t1„~r . c: ~ .._ ,•„ rt>.; ';iih rv>,rll perai,n i;; a ~;,;~ ;; lrltt , ::,, 1, r t~, i c.,,. ! r,r ;: rc*ece t!re r.ac~.~ of ~lr.lt a:a 1i_i:~tc .,.tetl: ; !,~ ., .emu.. ek,•~ k a: iot •!.:~ ; . . ~ ;I, .•. hi, h he is a c ani3idatt~. . tiu~ la'if1 4rY o: ~'.rkans:i? F:roe:es ft;rtner that all s~.a .: it :,. ~ ;son::it;;; to elect ~.,lilermet. by gar.: "•h<t': rcr~u_:c ,., ~1., , :7 •l,.u~ r .- ~. •:? r ; :.ir., fir the c~',tanl;:au :ent c~' ~,~ ar In ,,~ ....:±antall~. ~„ - r ,,, ult t_'otlr•t cif 'rrttc:n,it~n ~.'~~-:ni'., F~.•rtan:~8z:, +.ri r_,.:,;F,,. -l,ax.,i :f :la , tl•? .,n t'r:e ;~cti•,.inn e: citi^_eas ;ens tus:i_a~,c • _ t:~ ~ I!. ~.., ~ r ,l,I , :r~~!!p nl 1,• ~`,. S'il. -tA,t Vii. :,, _Ir:f~ , nt. ,,,1,- -r.:~t, -, ! I ~, s .I.i•..rti.u.r.~f Iltr ~ ll~• .,! ~.. :I i.'et,.l.l,i t !.. .~. •L'i5 '....~' .., ,'j,. iii~1:?) :J} •.aatlOil dlhi R53C~8ed }~ri,}?CrT~i ;::,)tatl R. i ~ ~, r~, <~-tm-'i! c,f the ..ity of V,~.;a ,•i:~,r,>>+s .._ a- *Z7 ;t" ., .. .., ~~ i ,. t!v.~ .. 't ., 'n'; t. t '~, stir ,..t:1,.Nhi t:_ ,.. ,:1'..~tle,l tc> ~,,.7:f! ,. ~._ , . '.l ,i.•. ... ~r]~I•L~ t.1'~ til'_' _~1 CClilt i.t7 i,r~}. ,}; "rl?. ;i~,-~. t'~~~ l' •urt~ .n ,_ ,.., r 7 -i~ a:,c th•• ra~>.irc r,f tltt .~itiLe:,;, , 3Hi;i ! ~~ ., Pled their aleierr~eli by wards; N;?45~, THERI:FOPF, BE IT r~R1~AINED T?S' TTi~ CITY r''CiTTNCIL that acc~nrct;r.g to the. authority granted in Act 45 of the I9G9 Acts of Arkansas, ell tte~aermtn o:' the City of West Memphis shall hereafter be elected by •uard instead of rnnnirtg at large for eleetion acid nsid aldermen shall be voted upon only by the qualified electors of the ward from which such persota is a candidate according to the authority sat forth in Act 45 of the 1969 Acts of Arlbaoeas. ,it##k*~t ~~`~ Alderman Scott, Chairman of the Committee appointed to study sick-leave, holidays, and vacations for city employee; presented report of the Committee. Thereupon, the following resolution was read by City Attorney Wallin: RESOLUTION NO._401 WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of West Memphis deems it necessary and proper to issue a statement of policy and procedure concerning the observance of Holidays by non-uniformed Employees of the City of Wiest Memphis; NOW, THERBFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT, THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF POLICY IS HEREBY EXPRESSSED: 1. Holidays to be observed by all City Employees excluding Firemen- and Policemen. January 1 New Year's May 30 Memorial Day July 4 Independence Day let Monday in September Labor Day November 11 Armistice Day Last Thursday in November Thanksgiving December 25 Christmas 2. One (1) additional holiday or two (2) one-half (~) days shall be observed each year by the City. The days observed will be at the discretion of each department head. 3. To be eligible for holiday paq an employee moat have at least thirty (30).calendar days of continuous service prior to the holiday. An employee moat have worked the last schedule workday before and the next scheduled workday after each holiday to become eligible for holiday pay. 4. When one of the above holidays falls within an eligible employee's approved vacation period, he shall have an additional vacation day extended to his vacation period. *etir,~e Motion wan made by Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Harris: That the Resolution be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was ae follows: Aqe: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabbs, Dickerson, Grimaley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None . Resolution pertaining to vacation plans was read by City Attorney Wallin as follows: RESOLUTION N0. 402 WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of West Memphis deems it necessary and proper to issue a statement of policy and procedure concerning vacation plane for all City Employees; NOW, THERSFORH, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT, THE FOLIAWING STATEMBNT OF POLICY IS HEREBY EXPRESSED: 1. Any employee who has completed one (1) years continuous service shall on his first anniversary date be el#¢ble for the following vacation schedule: Length of Service Length of Vacation 1 year but leas than 2 yearn 1 week 2 years but leas than 9 gears 2 weeks 9 yearn but lees than 17 years 3 weeks 17 years but less than 25 years 4 weeks 25 years or more 5 weeks 2. Any termination prior to first anniversary date, employee is not eligible for any vacation pay. 3. There will be no vacation pay in lieu of vacation. 4. Vacation pay shall be computed on the basis of a forty (40) hour work week and he shall be paid at his current rate of pay at the time of his vacation. An employee who at the time of leaving the employ of the City has one (1) or more years of continuous service with the City shall receive vacation pay for the period of vacation earned based on a prorated year of fifty (50) weeks, one-fiftieth (1/50) vacation pay shall be granted for each week worked since last anniversary date, 5. Payroll Department shall be notified in writing at the time the employee taken his vacation. His vacation t5se will be logged in the Payroll Department and shall appear on the employee's check stub thus allowing a permanent record to be kept of the number of days each employee is on vacation. Motion was made by Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Smith that the resolution ae presented be adopted. The voting was ae follows: Aqe: Aldenaen: Bentley, Dabbe, Dickerson, Grimsley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None . 291 The following resolution for sick leave was read by Citq Attorney Wallins RESOLUTION N0. 403 WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Weat Memphis deems it necessary and proper to issue a statement of policy and procedure concerning sick leave for all salaried employees of the City of Weat Memphis; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT, THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF POLICY IS HEREBY EXPRESSEDs 1. Sick Leave -Salaried Employees - Effective January 1, 1971. Sick leave shall be accumulated at the rate of twenty (20) working days per year beginning one (1) year after date of employment. This shall be effective immediately for all employees •' with at least one (1) years service as of effective date. All other amployena shall become eligible on their first anniversary date. This leave, if unused, shall accumulate to a maximum of aixtq (60) days. Time off maq be charged against accumulated sick leave only for such days that the employee ie schedule to-work and no •uch sick leave shall be charged against anq employee during any period of sickness, illne8s, or injury for any days which said employee is not schedule to work. 2. If, at the end of his term of service, (upon retirement), any employes who has unused accumulated elck leave, he shall be paid for such sick leave at the regular rate of pay in effect at the time of retirement. 3. Salary Continuation - Salaried Employees - Effective January 1, 1971. If an employee is off work due to a sickness or injury covered by WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE the employee shall be paid the difference between his regular salary and his workmen's compensation insurance payments for the period of time which the insurance pays. After this period, the emplogee will be paid his full salary for a period not to exceed six (6) months from date of sickness or injury provided he provides monthly to his department head a doctor's acknowledgment of hie inability to return to work. 4. The City retains the right to have said employee examined any time during this six (6) month period by a physician of their (Cite) choice. At the end of this six (6) month period if the employee is still unable to return to work for reasons related to his initial injury or sickness, his case will be brought before the City Council in executive session on a monthly basis thereafter to decide what compensation if any should be paid to said employee. ~t~t*,t,t Motion was made bq Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Harris: That the Resolution as presented be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was ae follows: Aye: Alderman: Bentley, Dabbe, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. Nay: None. Alderman Scott expressed appreciation to other members of the committee Jim Munn, P. G. Pats, Chief Rominea and Chief Simsona for their--work, and stated pension plan for non-uniform employees would be considered. The hospitalization insurance bid committee composed of Alderman Bentley, Chairman, and Alderman Horton, Messrs. Fred Owen, Jack Briggs, and Don Brawley recommended the bid of Arkansas Municipal League-Union Life Insurance Company be accepted. Bid specifications, coat of $10.90 for each employee paid by City, employee to-pay $20.00 additional if includes dependants, letter of assurance, bid of Pyramid Insurance Company, local representative, saving to the City were discussed. Mr. Tommy Franks, Union Life representative, was present. Motion was made by Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Mckeraons That the insurance be awarded to Municipal Leagus- Union Life Insurance Company. The voting was as follows: Ays: Aldermens Bentley, Dabbs, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. Nay: None. The Mayor requested any changes in the proposed budget be presented at this time in order that the budget be typed for adoption at the next Council meeting. Mra. Garnet Williams requested renewal of beauty shop application at 322 S. 13th Street. Motion was made by Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Horton: That permission be granted for additional six months operation of beauty shop to Mrs. Garnet Williams. Upon vote, the voting was as followss Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabba, Dickerson, Grimeley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. Nay: None. Alderman Horton presented the following Resolution: ~~~ RESOLUTION N0. 404 WHEREAS, by virtue of the fact that no protective dividing wall exists on the center median dividing four lanes of traffic on the presently existing Memphis-Arkansas Bridge; and, WHEREAS, the absence of a suitable wall dividing said four lanes of traffic within said median strip on said Memphis-Arkansas Bridge has resulted in numerous motor vehicle accidents on said Bridge and has further restricted the free flow of trade and cosmerce between the State of Arkansas and the State of Tennessee due to the lack of necessary safety restraints. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS, that the Mayor of the City of West Memphis is herebq directed to request that the Arkansas Highway Commission and the members of the Crittenden County Legislative Delegation take the necessary steps to see that a suitable restraining wall or divider be placed on the median strip dividing the two east bound and west bound lanes of traffic on the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge in order that vehicles proceeding east and west respectively may be prohibited from crossing over said median into opposite travelling lanes of traffic, and, that said action be taken ae promptlq as possible in the interest of public safety and welfare and the free flow of motor vehicle traffic between the State of Tennessee and the State of Arkansas. Motion was made by Alderman Grimalep, seconded by Alderman Dabba: That the resolution as presented be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabba, Dickerson, Grimsleq, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None. Appropriation of up to $15,000 for operation of the health clinic to be reimbursed by the County quarterly was discussed. Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Bentley: That up to $15,000 be appropriated for operation of the health clinic; said amount to be reimbursed bq the County quarterly. Upon vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dabbe, Dickerson, Grimsleq, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None. Mayor Rodgers welcomed the new members of~the Council. Alderman Smith requested change in time for Council Meetings. After discussion, motion was made bq Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Bentley: Council meetings be held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 4:30 P.M. commencing February 18, 1971. Upon vote, the voting was ae follows: Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dobbs, ~ickerson, Grimsley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, and Harris. No: None. The Street Committee was requested to present report of recommendations. Alderman Bentley inquired as to repair of railroad crossing on Broadway, and was informed the Arkansas Highway Department had stated the railroad was to be contacted about the matter. Alderman Hightower presented coiplaint of Mrs. Bobby Lee Rose with reference to the fence at the pumping station on S. 22nd Street being in the middle of the street. The Mayor advised an error had been made bq the engineers in the matter, and as soon as weather permits the work will be done. Mr. Charles Hampton of the Engineering $partment reported working with the Utility Commission on construction at Club Road, also Warren Construction Company will begin work se soon as weather permits. Mr. James R. Browder requested a sign be erected on the Interstate west of the Citq to designate downtown We at Memphis. Mayor Rodgers informed Mr. Browder he would be glad to work with him in contacting the Arkansas Highway Department. There being no further business, the Council adjourned. ATTEST: ~ ~7 L \ CLERK MAYOR APPROVED: JANUARY 21, 1971