February 18, 1971~i-u
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS,
'HELD ON THE 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1971.
The Council of the City of West Memphis in the County of Crittenden, State of Arkansas,
met in regular session in the City Hall in said City at 4:30 P.M. on the 18th day of
February, 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:
D. M. Grimaley, James E. Hightower, Prltchard Horton, C. D. Hutcherson,
Malcolm Scott, Robert L. Smith, R. T. Bentley, William R. Dabbs, and
Thomas Dickerson; and City Attorney R. E. Wallin.
Absent: .Alderman Willie Lee Harris.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had to-wit:
Minutes of Council Meeting on February 4, 1971, were approved as read.
Alderman Harris made a delayed appearance.
Alderman Hutcherson reported the committee appointed to canvass the bide and authorize
purchase of garbage trucks had accepted the low bide of Ryan Chevrolet Company for the
tractor and Hawkins Equipment Company for the aideloader container.
Mayor Rodgers informed the Council of expiration of insurance policies on April lat.
Motion was made bq Alderman Grimaley, seconded by Alderman Hightower: That the Mayor be
authorized to advertise for Workmen's Compensation, Comprehensive General Liability,
Workmen's Compensation and Comprehensive General Liability, and Comprehensive Automobile
Liability Insurance, Automatic Fleet Plan. Upon vote, the voting was as foll8ws:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimaley, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, Bentley, Dabbs,
Dickerson, and Harris.
Nay: None.
The following letter was read by Mayor Rodgers:
February 15, 1971
Honorable Tilden Rodgers, Mayor
and Members of the City Council
City of Weat Memphis
city Hall
West Memphis, Arkansas 72301
Re: Proposed City Salsa Tax
Gentlemen:
We enclose herewth a Petition which is signed bq a majoritq of the West Memphis dealers who
handle the sales of large unit coat merchandise in our City, and we write this letter in
behalf of those persona and businesses.
Our position is that persona engaging in a business of this type will be unfairly prejudiced
by an unlimited sales tax levied by the City on sales of the type products we handle because
of the significant increase in coat Co our customers which will result from such a tax.
We realize the City has problems which ret;uire solution, but hope that other means can be
found which will solve the problems. If the Council is unable to find any other reasonable
solution to the problems, and the City sales tax is found to be the only reasonable means
through which to provide funds for necessary City services, we then suggest that any such
tax that might be imposed be subject to a top limit of a maximum of not to exceed $5.00 on
any one purchase by any one customer from any one dealer, so that upon a large purchase the
tax rate would apply on the first $500.00 or less of anq one purchase, but on a purchase of
more than that amount the limit of $5.00 would be the maximum amount payable.
We forward this letter and request, together wiCh our Petition, on behalf of all of those who
have signed the enclosed Petition and urge gout earnest consideration of the matters set forth
in our Petition.
Sincerely yours,
/S/ HUGH CHALMERS
~`~
HONORABLE TILDEN RODGERS, MAYOR and
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS
PETITION
WHEREAS, it has been proposed that an additional
tax of one per cent (1%) be levied on sales within the City
of West Memphis, Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, West Memphis is adjacent to a much larger
city and is one of a large number of Satellite communities
in its business area and our merchants are in direct competition
with those in the large city and in its numerous nearby satellite
communities; and
WHEREAS, we believe this tax would make it more
difficult for every retail business within our city to compete
with those outside of West Memphis and would place a particularly
unfair burden on merchants selling products having a high unit
cost; and
WHEREAS, this would discourage new businesses from
locating in West Memphis and might cause some of those now
within the city to go out of business or to locate outside of
West Memphis.
THEREFORE, we the undersigned, respectfully urge by
='.^is petition that you reconsider the proposal for an aa~i=_o_,a~
tax on sales within the City of West Memphis and that other
::~rces of revenue be sought to meet the financial nee:: of
our City that would not place our business and industrial
community at an unfair disadvantage in competing with those
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of nearby communities and areas outside of West Memphis.
EDHd,E0I~~ ACS LL C (X'. Respectfully submitted,
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A.J. THOMAS INS.
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POOLE TRAILER SALES
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JIM ELLIS OLDSMOBILE INC.
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RUSSELL/ }QTR]/ACTO/R~` CO.
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ARKANSAS TRACTOR CO.
CRITTENDEN IPSPLEPSENT CO.
J. A. RIGGS TRACTOR CO.
'INTERN ZONAL TRACTOR CO.
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Eaves Motors
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After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Dickerson: That
the County Legislative Delegation be requested to incorporate a $5.00 limit in the One Cent
Sales Tax Bill to be presented to the General Assembly. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Smith, Bentley, Dabba,
and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Priorities for additional revenue and exploring sources of revenue were considered. Alderman
Grimaley reported the Police Department Commission had accepted the low bid of Ryan Chevrolet
Company for the Police Cara, and he had been elected Chairman and Alderman Dickerson, Secretary,
for the Commission at a meeting on February 13th.
Alderman Smith requested the Police Commission consider establishing an Auxiliary Police Force.
Alderman Smith announced the Street Committee will meet with citizens of Westw~'od Acres to
discuss the condition of the Hulbert Road and a sidewalk project at 4 PM February 25th in the
Magor's Office.
Alderman Bentley brought to the Council's attention recommendation of former alderman Weie
that truck routes in the city be considered, and suggested the Street Committee study the
matter pertaining to truck routes. Alderman Smith recommended the study be transferred to
the Police Commission. City Attorney Wallin was requested to examine State Statutes as to
authority.
Alderman Horton related efforts to obtain assistance for care of a dog, and suggested
consideration be given the creation of a Humane Society. City Attorney Wallin was requested
to ascertain information on creation of a Humane Society.
Information on garbage collections and containers was requested by Mr. Nathaniel Morris.
Complaints as to speeding and racing on streets were discussed.
Alderman Smith requested information on the procedure for installing street lights and
suggested the Mayor allocate to each Alderman placement of a street light in hie Ward
every year. No action was taken on the matter.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CITY RK
APPROVED:
MARCH 4, 1971