October 6, 1966MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST 2+IENIPHIS, ARKANSAS,
HELD AT THE CITY HALL IN SAID CITY ON THE 6TH DAY OF OCTOBER. 1966.
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The City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in a regular session at the
regular meeting place in West Memphis, Arkansas, at 3:00 o'clock P.M, on the 6th day of October,
1966. The following were present: Mayor Bob Eden, and Aldermen: Paul Matthews, C. H. Rowton,
F. C. Weis, Franklin Bassett, 0. I. Bollinger, R. C. Bowie, and Kirby Leggett.
Absent: Alderman Earl Felts and City Attorney W. H. Dillahunty.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had to-wit:
Minutes of Council Meeting on September 15, 1966, were approved as read.
Mrs. Robert Ford, Jr., acting as spokesman for a committee of the Hoe'n Gro Garden Club,
Mrs. C. Herbert Taylor, Jr., Mrs .'Richard Caldwell, and Mrs. John Crawford, presented the following:
I IMPROVEMENT OF THE PARKS
1. Fill in low areas
2. Resod
3. Plant trees and shrubs
i~. Paint and repair existing playground equipment
5. Provide more playground equipment (with all ages in mind)
6. Paint litter barrels and provide more litter barrels
7. Install lights in Avondale Park
8. Place basketball goals in concrete (Avondale)
9. Provide paved area for off street parking (Avondale)
10. Signs
11. Provide benches and picnic equipment
12. Pick up broken glass
II PLANNED PROGRAM OF MAINTENACE IN THE PARKS AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS
1. Regular mowing and watering in parks
2. Regular mowing of vacant lots
3. Yearly painting and repair of playground equipment and litter barrels
Ll. Have anti-litter law printed in paper and then enforced
5. Pass an ordinance to prohibit blind corners
III FUNDS
1. Grant from Utility Commission
2. Hoe'n Gro Garden Club
3. Altrusa
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Mayor Eden thanked the ladies for their interest, and brought to their attention projects of the
City for the past three and a half years such as:
Painting of City Hall, Court, and Jail Additions and remodeling the entrance to the City Hall
Construction of the Airport and Plans for additional taxi strips
Rebuilding of Sewer System in Worthington Park Subdivision
Construction of two civic centers and acquiring property for the parks and centers
Acquiring property and construction of a library in Eastern Section of the City
Refunding Bond Issue lowering rate from 44 to 3.75
Construction of Incinerator
Increase park facilities by construction of four lighted baseball fields
Construction of two dressing rooms and concession stand
Supervision of Recreation and Ball Fields $36,357.00
Subsidized Swimming Pool Bond Issue in amount of $32,199.00
Mosquito spraying program and construction of well to eliminate bayou water becoming stagnant and
a breeding place for mosquitoes.
Items on the list were discussed particularly the installing lights in Avondale Park, the Mayor
stated a petition had been received requesting the Park be used as a playground not a ballpark,
therefore, a decisision as to type of park would have to be made before any action taken on the
lights. Water lines had been extended and a drinking fountain placed, however, through error no
hydrants were constructed, and this matter will be rectified, also landscape plans are being
prepared by Mr. Pat Magruder for Avondale and Worthington Parks and the Kiwanis Club has agreed
to plant trees in Avondale Park. ~c-r~c-
The Mayor informed the Council the Utility Commission has determined by unanimous vote that
additional property is essential for ~e continued growth of the system and storage facilities at
425 N. 5th Street, and 180 feet of additional property can be obtained from the M. L. Thompson
Estate at the price of $65.00 per front foot. The following Resolution was presented:
RESOLUTION N0. 301
WHEREAS, the West Memphis Utility Commission has determined by unanimous vote that additional
property is essential for the continued growth of the system and storage facilities; and
WHEREAS, a negotiated price of $65.00 per front foot has been obtained from the owners of the
following described property:
Lots 3 and 4 in Block Ili; Lots 1 and 2 in Block 15;
and Lots 1 and 2 in Block 16 of Thompson's Third Addition;
and,
WHEREAS, the West Memphis Utility Commission has recommended that this property be purchased
for a total purchase price of $31,200.00 and that title to said property be taken iri the name of
the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of West Memphis, Arkansas, that the Mayor
be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to purchase the above property for the sum of $31,200.fir7
in the name of the City of West Memphis and that payment ~,ry the West Memphis Utility Commission for
same be authorized upon delivery of a Warranty Deed conveying title.
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After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Rowton: That the Resolution as presented be
adopted. The motion was seconded by Alderman Matthews. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Yes: Aldermen: Matthews, Rowton, Weis, Bollinger, Bowie, and Leggett.
No: None.
Aldermen Bassett abstained from voting.
Mayor Eden stated additional property is_needed for playground at the Jackson Community
Center and Ballpark, and a lot 200 x 200 is available adjacent to the property for the sum of
$8,2l~0.00 of which $l~,000 is to be paid at time of purchase and the balance in a year without
interest. After discussion, action on the matter was postponed until the next Council Meeting.
The Council was informed by the Mayor that the Utility Consultants Van Scoyoc & Wiskup,
Inc. had recommended that the City acquire the natural gas facilities in West Memphis, and that
consideration should be given the recommendation in order to complete the city owned utility
system. The Franchise given to Midsouth Gas Company had included an option for the City to
purchase the system, and the Franchise has now been sold to Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company.
After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Bassett: That the City Attorney be instructed to
give notice to Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company of intention to excercise the City's option to
purchase the natural gas system in West Memphis. The motion was seconded by Alderman Leggett.
Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Yes: Aldermen: Patthews, Rowton, Weis, Bassett, Bollinger, Bowie, and Leggett.
No: None.
The Mayor suggested to the Council that an expert opinion is needed by the City for an
appraisal of the natural gas facilities, inasmuch as Albert Switzer & Associates, Inc, are
making a study for sewage treatment plant that an addendum be added to this Agreement for the
appraisal of the natural gas system. After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Weis: That
the Mayor be authorized to contact Albert Switzer & Associates, Inc. pertaining to an addendum
to their Agreement. The motion was seconded by Alderman Leggett. Upon vote, the voting was as
follows:
Yes: Aldermen: Matthews, Rowton, Weis, Bassett, Bollinger, Bowie, and Leggett.
No: None.
Alderman Bollinger presented a check from Southland Racing Corporation in the amount of
$36,LG61~.38 for the City's 1/3 of the breakage for 1966 Season. Mayor Eden expressed the City's
appreciation for the check.
The Mayor brought to the Council's attention it will be necessary to construct the portion
of Ingram Boulevard by Riggs Tractor Company for heavy duty traffic due to large trucks entering
the Riggs property. Inasmuch as Ingram Boulevard is now restricted for truck traffic, it was
opinion of some members of the Council that Riggs Tractor Company should provide drive way facilities
on the west side of their property for trucks.
The Mayor informed the Council he had conferred with NIr. John S. Harrington, Chief Planner,
for Associated Planners, Inc, of Little Rock on a Urban Renewal Plan for West Memphis, and that a
survey of improvements by the City in the last three years is to be made in determining what
portion would be eligible for credit. A report on the matter will be made at a later date.
No further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned.
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APPROVED: OCTOBER 20, 1966