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02/18/2021 r PLEASE TURN OFF AL L CELL PHONES AGENDA • WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARYY 18,2021 PRAYER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: V.F.W. CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: BID OPENINGS: MINUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 4,2021 OLD BUSINESS: 2ND READING OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 312 SHADY GROVE,PERMITTING A GREENHOUSE IN A R-2 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 3RD READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE A 2.58 ACRE PLOT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1418 MISSOURI FROM C-1,GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT TO(PUD)PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT WITH COMMERCIAL USES 2ND READING OF AN ORDIINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 38-45 OF THE WEST MEMPHIS MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT(1%)TAX FOR A TOTAL OF THREE PERCENT(3%)UPON THE GROSS RECEIPTS OR GROSS PROCEEDS FROM THE RENTAL OF CERTAIN ACCOMMODATIONS AND THE SALE OF PREPARED FOODS AND BEVERAGES AS AUTHORIED BY A.C.A.SECTION 26-75-602,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES NEW BUSINESS: R-1 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHARLES SUITER,JR.,AS CITY TREASURER,ACCESS TO THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS ACCOUNTS AND TO SIGN CHECKS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS AS CITY TREASURER STATE AUDIT REVIEW REPORT WEATHER UPDATE CDBG ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM PERMISSION REQUEST: COMMITTEE REPORTS: APPOINTMENTS: PRESENTATIONS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL February 18, 2021 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference room at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by City Clerk, James Pulliaum, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Wayne Croom; Mayor Marco McClendon called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. City Clerk, James Pulliaum, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor Marco McClendon and Council Members: Wayne Groom, Present by Zoom was City Attorney Michael Stephenson City Treasurer, Charlie Suiter and Council Members Tracy Catt, Helen Harris, James Holt, Melanie Hutchinson, Lorraine Mohammed, Willis Mondy David Murray and Charles Wheeless. Also Present by Zoom was: Finance Director, Tori Perry and Evening Times Reporter John Rech. Quorum being present Mayor McClendon proceeded with the meeting. BID OPENINGS NONE MINUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mondy to dispense with the reading of the minutes of February 4, 2021, Council meeting and to approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. OLD BUSINESS: 111 2nd READING OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 312 SHADY GROVE, PERMITTING A GREENHOUSE IN A R-2 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the SECOND time. The ordinance will be read for the third time at the March 4, 2021, council meeting. 3rd READING-OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE A 2.58 ACRE PLOT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1418 MISSOURI FROM C-1, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (PUD) PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT WITH COMMERCIAL USES City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance for the THIRD time by title only. Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mondy to approve the ordinance. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. The ordinance was adopted and assigned ordinance No.2569 Council Member Catt abstained from the vote. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her response. 2ND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 38-45 OF THE WEST MEMPHIS MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT ( 1% ) TAX FOR A TOTAL OF THREE PERCENT ( 3%) UPON THE GROSS RECEIPTS OR GROSS PROCEEDS FROM THE RENTAL OF CERTAIN ACCOMODATIONS AND THE SALE OF PREPARED FOODS AND BEVERAGES AS AUTHORIZED BY A.C.A. SECTION 26-75-602, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance for the SECOND time by title only. The ordinance will be read for the third time at the March 4, 2021 council meeting. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her I response. NEW BUSINESS: Council Member Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Council Member Holt to read R-1 by title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her response. R-1 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHARLES SUITER, JR., AS CITY TREASURER ACCESS TO THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS ACCOUNTS AND TO SIGN CHECKS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS AS CITY TREASURER City Attorney Stephenson read the resolution by title only. Council Member Holt made the motion seconded by Council Member Wheeless to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her response. The resolution was adopted and assigned resolution NO. 2252. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her response. STATE AUDIT REPORT: Mayor McClendon presented the findings and corrections made in response to the 2019 Legislative Audit review report to council. (See material in Packet). Mayor McClendon said that he and Finance Director, Tori Perry prepared a statement and presented it to the Legislative Audit, and they agreed with the internal audit team that was created and the changes they made. It was then forwarded to the Attorney General for review she then cleared it and forwarded it to the Prosecuting Attorney, Scott Eldridge. Mayor McClendon read the letter to council. Mayor McClendon said the 2019 audit report will be on record and available to the public for public viewing. Discussion followed: City Clerk. James Pulliaum said it would be helpful if they had the Municipal League to conduct a training session on Government 101 so that council could be better informed on these issues. Mayor McClendon said that he was all for being transparent and would see if they could schedule a training session. WEATER UPDATE: OEM Director, Dewayne Rose provided an update on the increment weather. Mr. Rose said that it looked like the winter weather advisory was going to expire at 6:00 p.m. however they will be in a wind chill advisory starting at midnight until 9:00 a.m. on Friday they are still reporting treacherous road travel conditions throughout the mid-south area. Mr. Rose said that it looks like ARDOT and Denver Crisp have done an outstanding job of working our major roads, but we do have a lot of secondary roads that are still hard to travel. The City of West Memphis reported no outages, and our infrastructure has been stable and there were no water reports. There was a problem at East Barton it was showing a 10-foot drop related to the rest of the reservoirs, but they revealed the source to be a busted sprinkler at a local business they were able to contact the owner and get the issue resolved. Mr. Rose said for the most part they made out well. Mayor McClendon commended the City of West Memphis EOM Director, Dewayne Rose for the job that he did and Utility Manager, Todd Pedersen, and his utility staff for their hard work with keeping services operational as well as Chief Clay and his staff in providing emergency services to the citizens, Police Chief Eddie West and his police officers who were out on the streets working and the citizens of West Memphis who offered their services. Denver Crisp assisted with clearing of the major roads and Cliff Carter offered his towing services at no cost towing emergency and police vehicles that were stuck. Mayor McClendon also commended Sanitation Director, Michael Bonner who was able to secure a one arm loader to assist with picking up trach for the week so that the sanitation workers would not have to be out in the cold and Jackson also offered the Civic center as a command center for department heads to meet to brainstorm. Mayor McClendon said that no one was prepared for this storm but said that they would be implementing plan going forward to be better prepared. Mayor McClendon also thanked the citizens of West Memphis for their patience and Communications Director, Nick Coulter for his hard work in making sure that the public was kept informed of any changes and updates through social media. Mayor McClendon said since that they have the one arm loader available to them to pick up trash, they are asking the public to pull their cans to the curb to expedite pick up. The City of West Memphis Municipal Offices is scheduled to be open, but the Mayor is asking every employee to be cautious and not to put their self in harm's way if they are not comfortable. CDBG ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM: Planning & Development Director Paul Luker presented the CDBG items. The First item is the FY21 which consist of the Housing Rehabilitation and Demolition projects and they are proposing to partner with the City Engineer to do some street and sidewalk projects on east Polk street that he feels will complement the new school that is being built and will allow the children a safe route to school. The other item is the FY19 final statement to accept some additional COVID money and will be the second time that they have had to amend this statement to accept COVID money. They previously used the money to help pay utility bills for businesses and with food bank expenses. They have around $290,000 dollars that they are putting in a catch all and must be used for COVID related stuff but the line items that they have identified still have money in them and they are doing this so they can accept the money. They will use the money as they need it for what is related to COVID under what has already been approved. Mr. Luker said at the end of the pandemic if there is left over money, he is not sure what they will allow them to use it for perhaps they would allow them to reprogram the money to use for block grant activities or ask that it be returned. Currently it has strings on it, and it must address COVID related issues. Mr. Luker said it is also time to update their five-year plan and there has been no real changes, but it will be on the next agenda. Discussion followed: City Clerk. James Pulliaum asked what services have been provided to senior citizens. Mr. Luker said that his staff has done their due diligence in outreach but again the requirement to be eligible to receive services is they must have been impacted by COVID. Council Member Hutchinson asked for the statistics on the number of people who have received services and or been denied services. Mr. Luker said they would be able to provide her with that information and asked that if they were aware of anyone in need of services to please refer them to his office. There being no further discussion: Council Member Croom made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mohammed to approve. Upon voice vote voting was unanimous to approve the CDBG Entitlement Program. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her response. PERMISSION REQUEST: PERMISSION TO ADD THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE 2020 SOUTHLAND CHARITY DAY FUNDS Council Member Catt asked for permission to add the 2020 distribution of the Charity Day funds from Southland Racing to the agenda so that council could take corrective action. No action was taken at the February 4, 2021 council meeting to add the request to the agenda and there was no first or second motion to approve. Council Member Mondy made the motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to give permission to add the request to the agenda. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to add the request to the agenda. Council Member Harris was visible on Zoom could not hear her response. Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to approve the Southland Charity Day Funds distribution as follows: Mayor McClendon would like to give $500.00 to the Quincy Q's 3 H foundation and $500.00 to the DEERS program. Council Member Harris would like to give $700.00 to Wonder City Boy's Club and $700.00 to the LR Jackson Girl's Club. Council Member Murray would like to give $700.00 to Wonder City Boy's Club and $700.00 to the LR Jackson Girl's Club. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. COMMITTEE REPORTS: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Council Member Croom presented the Chamber report. The Chamber met on February 10, 2021. There was no new business The Chamber is working on a Business and Tourism Directory for the City and surrounding areas. All events have been canceled for the first quarter of the year. APPOINTMENTS: NONE PRESENTATIONS: NONE ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Clerk, James Pulliaum said November 11, 2021 is veteran's day and the veterans committee has discussed instead of the Memorial Day activity that they have done in previous years they would like to do a veteran's day parade with marching bands and military displays. The event is in the planning stage and if anyone is interested in offering some suggestions, they are encouraged to contact City Clerk, Jams Pulliaum or Anita Bell. Mayor McClendon said that he wanted the citizens of West Memphis to continue to be safe and to remember to check on senior citizens. Council Member Mondy thanked everyone for their calls and prayers during his recovery after his vehicle accident and wanted everyone to know that he is grateful and doing better. City Clerk, James Pulliaum asked that once the chairperson is selected for the committees and commissions that they provide the date and time of the meeting, names of the committee members and contact information to the city clerk's office. Mayor McClendon said the city recently lost a matriarch of the community Pastor Evangelist Lillian Hodges and asked for everyone to keep her family in their prayers. CITIZENS REQUEST: NONE Having no further business to come before the City Council, Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE- MAYOR MARCO MCCLENDON Mayor McClendon gave his State of the City message that detailed the accomplishments, problems, and solutions. (copy filed in City Clerk's Office). PERMISSION REQUEST: NONE COMMITTEE REPORTS: POLICE COMMISSIONS: Council Member Mohammed presented the Police Commission report. The police commission met on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 12:00 noon. Present at the meeting was chairperson Council Member Mohammed, Hutchinson, Mondy, Wheeless and Catt also present was Evening times reporter, John Rech. The police commission meeting time was set for the 1st Monday of each month at 12:00 pm. at City Hall at 205 S. Redding West Memphis, Arkansas. Chief West stated that he had talked with Mayor McClendon about upgrading the 5, new police cars that were approved, to 4- wheel drive. The police commission voted to refer it to full council for disposition the cost for upgrading the vehicles is $3,500 dollars more than the original cost. Other items discussed were loud music, the commission will be reviewing the current ordinances to see what changes are needed to be made to put an end to the nuisance. The commission also discussed the problem with illegal tire dumping. It was suggested by Chief West that blue lights be strategically placed in locations where the dumping of tires is most prevalent. At the time of the meeting no action was taken on the suggestion. PARKS COMMISSION: Council Member Mohammed said the Parks Commission met over ZOOM. Council Member Mohammed passed out a list of parks projects for 2021 and a copy of the 2021 Tournament schedule. WEST MEMPHIS UTILITY COMMISSION: Council Member Croom presented the Utility Commission report. The West Memphis Utility commission met on February 25, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. The original scheduled meeting date for February 11, 2021 had to be cancelled. Safety Director Brett Sims reported that there was 107 days since last recordable injury and 491 days since last lost time injury. There were no new hires and 1 voluntary resignation for the month of January. The utility department currently has 12 open positions out of 83 budgeted positions. Oher items discussed on the agenda was approval to hire F &A for the design of Owens Substation Control Building. The motion passed unanimously. The Wastewater Projects will be addressed at the next meeting. General manager, Todd Pedersen updated the commission on the temperature issues and recommended to spread the fuel adjustment for March over 3 months so as not to hit the customers with a large sum in 1 month. The motion passes unanimously. PUBLIC WORKS: Council Member Croom presented the Public Works Committee report. The public works committee met on February 9, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Those present were Council Member Croom, Holt, and Murray. Also present was Public Works Director, Michael Bonner City Engineer, Amanda Hicks, Code Enforcement Officer, George Phillips, MPO Planner Sam Jordan Administrative Assistant, Rhonda Standridge and Communications Director, Nick Coulter. Absent was Willis Mondy. The committee discussed old business. Councilor Croom asked for an update on the West Cooper issue. MPO Planner, Sam Jordan said there had been no progress on West Cooper since the last meeting. Councilor Croom asked about Clement and the Service road. Mr. Jordan said he has reviewed the information and plans to get with ARDOT to see if the guardrail could be changed or the grade of the approach could be changed to improve visibility at the intersection. Fleet report-There are a total of 3 front end loaders with 1 down, 5 rear end loaders all operational and a total of 5 grapple trucks with four operation and 1 down. The commission discussed what could be done to get citizens to pull their garbage carts from the curb. Public Works Director, Bonner did not have a matter of fact answer other than to enforce the fine. City Engineer report- City Engineer Amanda Hicks reported the South-Loop right away process has started and the contractor has started reaching out to landowners. Ten Mile Bayou Project- 60% has been submitted to ARDOT and they have received some feedback. They are seeking more CMAQ funding to complete the project. Lehr Street Bridge-They have run into some right way issues that are being worked on. The Rich Road Bridge- Part of the bridge on the north end is in complete failure mode and the head wall is sitting on an encased gas line. They are looking for ways to fund the replacement of the bridge the estimated cost is $800,000 dollars. City Engineer Amanda Hicks said that they have discussed if the 10- mile bayou trail project is going to continue and head towards the Big River Trail that they have discussed having a pedestrian bike bridge at the Redding street bridge. Code Enforcement report- Code enforcement officer Philipps said that they are continuing to get inoperable vehicles the streets approximately twelve vehicles have been towed from January to February. $14,531.00 dollars was collected for the City Clerk's Office for outstanding privilege licenses and advertising and promotion taxes. FIRE COMMISSION: Council Member Hellen Harris presented the Fire Commission report. The Fire Commission did not have a quorum no action was taken. Chief Ealey said that the department has been reviewing the current over time policy and presented a plan to reduce the amount of overtime. Currently the department budget is over budget by $75,000. The new fire truck is ready and is expected to be delivered by Friday. APPOINTMENTS: NONE PRESENTATIONS: NONE ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Steve Jones gave an update on the COVID-19 vaccinations scheduled for March 5, 2021 from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm at the Lehr arena. Mr. Jones said they have filled the 1000 slots that they had available, however there might be some available slots for the people that received shots at other locations, had not received an update on who had canceled at the time of the meeting. CITIZENS REQUEST: NONE Having no further business to come before the City Council, Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this' day MARCH 2021. r-o � � - MA CO MCCLE DON MAYO R ATTEST: S PU L , CITY CLERK Minutes prepared by, Patricia Lane, Sr. Deputy City Clerk