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09/02/2021 PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AGENDA WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 2,2021 PUBLIC HEARING: THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF PUBLIC UTILITY REVENUE BONDS IN THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $32,400,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING ALL OR A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF ACQUIRING,CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING BETTERMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES OF THE CITY'S WATER, SEWER AND ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEM. PRAYER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: V F W CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: BID OPENINGS: WEST MEMPHIS UTILITIES-PUMP STATION#3 AND PUMP STATION#4-REHABILITATION AND COMMON FORCE MAIN- E.J.ELHOI MINUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF AUGUST 19,2021 OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: 0-1 AN ODINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF PUBLIC UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS,SERIES 2021; AUTHORIZING A TRUST INDENTURE SECURING THE BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF THE BONDS AND THE EXECUTION OF A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT; PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY 0-2 AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH FEES FOR PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS AT RESIDENTIAL RATES AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL RATES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF WEST MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS PERMISSION REQUEST: PERMISSION FOR MAYOR MCCLENDON TO A SIGN SALES CONTRACT WITH CSA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR MULTI-USER(9)CENTERPOINT FUND ACCOUNTING (TABLED ON AUGUST 19,2021) PERMISSION FOR THE CONDEMNATION OF 1810 AND 1900 MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING: THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF PUBLIC UTILITY REVENUE BONDS IN THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $32,400.00 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING ALL OR A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING BETTERMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES OF THE CITY'S WATER SEWER AND ELECTRIC SYSTEM Mayor McClendon opened the Public Hearing. Mayor McClendon asked if there was anyone available to speak in favor or against the Public Utility Revenue Bonds. There being no one to come forward to speak in favor or against the Public Revenue Utility Bonds. Mayor McClendon closed the Public Hearing. A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, September 2,2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by Councilor Harris, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Croom. And the National Anthem by Ashley Winkfield Mayor McClendon called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. City Clerk,James Pulliaum called the roll. Those presents were: Mayor Marco McClendon, City Attorney Michael Stephenson, City Treasurer Charlie Suiter Jr., City Clerk, James Pulliaum and Councilors: Gheric Bruce, Tracy Catt, Wayne Croom, Helen Harris, James Holt, Melanie Hutchinson Lorraine Mohammed, Willis Mondy David Murray, and. Charles Wheeless. Quorum being present Mayor McClendon proceeded with the meeting. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor McClendon and West Memphis City officials honored the family of Marine staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover who was a West Memphis native, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan . Sergeant Hoover was one of the 13 heroes who was killed by a suicide bomb attack at the Kabul airport Thursday August 26 during the final evacuation efforts of our US Military. They made the ultimate sacrifice in service while saving the lives of others. Mayor McClendon presented the family of Staff Sergeant Hoover a proclamation that marks August 26, as Staff Sergeant Hoover Day in the city of West Memphis. Mayor McClendon said his bravery and selflessness will not be forgotten; a roadside memorial sign will be installed on Missouri Street to honor Staff Sergeant Hoover's ultimate sacrifice. Mayor McClendon asked that everyone keep the Hoover family, friends, and the families of the 13 heroes that died that day, their thoughts, and prayers during these difficult times. Councilor Croom and City Clerk Pulliaum presented the United States flag and City flag to the mother of Staff Sergeant Hoover. Mayor McClendon also recognized Dr. Susan Ward-Jones, Director of the East Arkansas Health Center for her Leadership, and commitment in educating the city on the Covid- 19 pandemic. During and throughout the pandemic Doctor Jones has continued to step up and even offered the services of herself, staff, and facility for Covid testing and vaccination as well as helped to organize the successful mass vaccination clinic for city employee's and citizens of West Memphis at the Lehr arena. Mayor McClendon also recognized Doctor Shakeb Hashmi, Medical Director for the City of West Memphis for his leadership and commitment to the City of West Memphis and city employees. BID OPENING: WEST MEMPHIS UTILITIES- PUMP STATION #3 AND PUMP STATION#4- REHABILITATION AND COMMON FORCE MAIN- E.J. ELHOI Councilor Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Croom to table indefinitely the bid openings for the West Memphis Utilities Pump Station # 3 and Pump Station# 4 rehabilitation. Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to Table Indefinitely. MUNUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 2021 Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Murray to dispense with the reading of the minutes of August 19, 2021, City Council meeting and to approve them as submitted with the correction of resolution number 2258 for the record. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. OLD BUSINESS: NONE Council Member Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Wheeless to read 0-1, and 0-2 by title only. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS: 0-1 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF PUBLIC UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS SERIES 2021; AUTHORIZING A TRUCT INDENTURE SECURING THE BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF THE BONDS AND THE EXECUTION OF A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT; PRESCIBING OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY City Attorney Stephenson read 0-1 by title only. Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Mohammed to suspend the rules and place 0-1 on its second reading. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. Councilor Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Murray to read 0-1 by title only. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. City Attorney Stephenson read 0-1 by title only for the SECOND time. Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Bruce to further suspend the rules and place 0-1 on its third reading. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. Councilor Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Catt to read 0-1 by title only. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. City Attorney Stephenson read 0-1 by title only for the THIRD and FINAL time. Councilor Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Croom to approve the ordinance. Discussion followed: Councilor Croom asked for Utility Manager, Todd Pederson to give an explanation. Utility Manager Pederson said the city was put on an administrative order by Arkansas Environmental Quality. The city developed a corrective action plan and from the corrective action plan they identified 30 million dollars' worth of improvements that they needed to make to the water and sewer system. The council approved allowing them to increase water and sewer rates that were then passed on to the citizens. They are now approving the bond issues that will be passed to pay for those improvements in the next few years. The corrective action plan must be completed by December 31, 2023, to meet the guidelines of ADEQ. Councilor Harris asked if there would be any more rate increases. Mr. Pederson said none other than the ones that were already approved. There being no further discussion Mayor McClendon asked for a roll call vote. City Clerk, James Pulliaum called roll. The roll call vote was follows: YES: Bruce, Catt, Croom, Harris, Holt, Hutchinson, Mohammed, Murray, Wheeless NO: None ABSTENTTION: None ABSENT: Mondy With 9 Yes votes, 0 No votes, 0 Abstention votes and 1 Absent The ordinance passed and was adopted and assigned No. 2585. Councilor Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Bruce to approve the Emergency Clause in Section 14. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. 0-2 AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH FEES FOR PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS AT RESIDENTIAL RATES AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL RATES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS (Tabled on August 19, 2021, Councilor Catt made the motion, seconded by Councilor Bruce to table 0-2 indefinitely. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to Table Indefinitely. PERMISSION REQUEST: PERMISSION FOR MAYOR MCCLENDON TO SIGN SALES CONTRACT WITH CSA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR MULTI-USER CONTRACT FUND ACCOUNTING Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Wheeless to table the permission request until the next Council meeting on September 16, 2021. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to Table. PERMISSION TO ADD 412 S 12TH STREET FOR CONDEMNATION TO THE AGENDA Mayor McClendon asked for permission to add 410 S. 12th Street to the agenda for demolition. Councilor Murray made the motion, seconded by Councilor Bruce to add 410 S. 12th Street for demo to the agenda. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. PERMISSION FOR THE CONDEMNATION OF 1812 AND 1900 EAST BARTON Councilor Catt made a motion, seconded by Councilor Murray to correct the address for demolition from 1812 E Barton to 1810 E. Barton. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous Councilor Croom made the motion, second by Councilor Murray to approve the permission request to demo 410 S. 12th Street, 1810 East Barton and 1900 E Barton. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. PERMISSION TO ADD THE DISTRIBUTION OF COUNCILOR MOHAMMED CHARITY DAY FUNDS TO THE AGENDA Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Bruce to add the distribution of Councilor Mohammed Charity Day Funds to the agenda. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. Councilor Bruce made motion, seconded by Councilor Croom to approve the distribution of Councilor Mohammed Charity day funds to the 15th Street Church of God and Christ. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. 111 COMMITTEE REPORTS: ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION: Councilor Hutchinson presented the Advertising and Promotion report. The Advertising and Promotion Commission met on August 18, 2021. Convention Visitors Bureau Director, Jim Jackson informed the commission members that the warehouse project was moving forward, and they decided to add space inside and outside to store the portable stage trailer. Mr. Jackson updated the commission on the fearless Youth Evolving event that has been postponed until September 2022. Mr. Dow McVean updated the commission on the Big River Park progress. Ducks Unlimited is now involved in the project. Communications Director, Nick Coulter gave an update on social media communication. Mr. Coulter said during the I-40 closure the social media presence reached 1.78 million people. Mr. Jackson also announced that the ad for the Christmas Decoration Bids was going out. 1 POLICE COMMISSION: Councilor Mohammed presented the Police Commission meeting . member present were Chairman Lorraine Mohammed, Commissioner James Holt and Commissioner Charles Wheeless. Officer Winkfield and Shelton attended SCSO motorcycle school, The motorcycle unit is scheduled to be up and going around the first of next year. Officer Winkfield is the first officer to become a west Memphis Police Department motorcycle officer. There will be additional training in Shelby County in the later part of September. The Police department is getting an estimate on repairs for fire station# 3 slated to be used as Swat Team Unit location. New uniforms are being purchased for the Police Department, as well as school crossing guards. The materials for these new uniforms are said to be more breathable and lighter, making them more comfortable. The Police Department will have 10 recruits in the 2021 class, starting in September, and will include recruits from Marion Police and Crittenden County Sheriff's Department. Officers Kristin Counce, Decoy Davis and Amber Kimbrough completed 40 hours of Basic School Resource Training in Springdale, Arkansas. Sgt. Kevin Jordan and Officer Jessica Anderson completed 40 hours of Basic Hostage Negotiation Training in Little Rock, AR. Officer Nicholas Anderson, Chad Davis, Brianna Porter and Mose Walker, will attend 40 hours in Detective Level 1 training in Southaven, Mississippi . Three dispatchers were hired in August, making a total of eight dispatchers. Chief Popes apprehension list include Dawn Suggs, Keon Robinson, Kilpatrick Johnson, and David Jackson. The Drone unit training is still ongoing. Mayor McClendon asked for City Treasurer, Charlie Suiter Jr. to provide an update on the Budget to address some of the Councilors concerns regarding the budget. Councilor Croom said that it has since come to his attention that there is a copy of the Budget online for everyone to look at. Councilor Holt asked if they could get a hard copy of the Budget despite it being available on -line. City Clerk Pulliaum said that they have not seen the budget and they are a month or two behind but in his conversation with the Legislative Auditors it should be available should someone request a copy of the budget. City Clerk Pulliaum said that hopefully this will improve once they get the new accounting software, Mr. Pulliaum said he would like it on record that that if they cannot 111 get the new software up and running that they consider contracting it out to ensure they are compliant. Councilor Catt asked City Treasurer, Suiter Jr. to give them some specifics on the financing for the 32 million. dollars. City Treasurer, Charlie Suiter Jr. said they ended up with a 2.453 interest rate on the bonds that was lower than they intended. They got a better deal than expected they will be paying about 1.46 million per year which is 120,000 dollars a month with the first payment due in June.Treasurer Suiter Jr. said every aspect of this was better than everyone expected and there were no issues. Utility Director, Todd Pederson said due to the low interest rates this allowed them to borrow the money and will allow them to do needed repairs within our sewer system and get in compliance. Councilor Wheeless asked when the work will start. Mr. Pederson said the repair work has already been started on the manholes and repair of the pump stations there has been some delay due to the increase in the materials they are waiting until after winter for pricing to go down. They have until December 31, 2023, to get in compliance with ADQ. Emergency Management Director, DeWayne Rose spoke on Natural Disaster. Director Rose said September is Natural Preparedness month and this is the time for all citizens to re-evaluate their individual disaster plans. Director Rose said emergencies can strike at any date or time and often we are not prepared. Mr. Rose said we should all check our pantries to see if we have nonperishable food, do we have a supply of medicine for two or three days and where we and our pets stay in the event of an emergency. Director Rose encouraged everyone to log onto the national preparedness ready.gov for more information. I ANNOUNCEMENTS: Emergency Management Director, DeWayne Rose spoke on the Natural Disaster Preparedness. Director Rose said September is Natural Preparedness Month and this is the time for all citizens to re-evaluate their individual disasters plans. Director Rose said emergencies can strike at any date or time and often we are not prepared. Mr. Rose advised everyone to check their pantries to see if they have non-perishable food, a supply of medicine to last for three or four days, identify place a where their pets will stay in the event of an emergency and where will you evacuate to. Director Rose encouraged L everyone to log onto the National preparedness ready.gov site for additional tips and information. Mayor McClendon discussed his plans for the Old Depot Building that was torn down. Mayor McClendon said that he did not foresee a business being at that location but said he came up with a plan on what to do with the location that would not cost the city any money. Mayor McClendon is proposing to develop a West Memphis Blues Depot at that location. Mayor McClendon said he met with Planning and Development Director, Paul Luker who met with the owner of the property Mr. Jackie Dickson to discuss donating the property to the City. He also met with Steven Barnes who has offered to donate fencing to go around the area, Utility Director, Todd Pederson said the Utility Department will provide electricity and lighting , Mainstreet Director, Deborah Abernathy said that Mainstreet will pay for two digital boards to show case the city's rich musical history and the Advertising 8s Promotion Director, Jim Jackson who would help by paying for the canopies. The mayor is scheduled to meet with Razor Back Concrete to see about donating the concrete for the project. Mayor McClendon said outside of the concrete if they do not donate it will cost the city no money and will be a win for the city and citizens of West Memphis L The mayor asked for permission from the City Council to use $200 of the American Rescue Act money to pay employees and council members to incentivize those employees that have been hesitant about getting vaccinated and to reward those employees that were proactive in getting the vaccination The mayor said that the money cannot be used for anything, but Covid the cost would be approximately $80,000 dollars. Councilor Bruce said that he believed that the money should go to the employees and not the council members and he would like to see the employees receive a larger amount as was paid out to the school district employees . Mayor McClendon said that if there was more money to pay the employees he would have. Mayor McClendon said the cost to pay employees up to $1000.00 dollars would be approximately $400,000 dollars. Councilor Bruce requested to see information on what the Covid money amount was and what it was spent on. Mayor McClendon said the information was sent to the Council City email for them to review but that he would get a hard copy to anyone that wanted to see the budget and Covid information. Councilor Catt said that Council has a procedure on how they want to spend budget money at the end of the quarter of each year and the year has been completed and transactions have been posted and administration can document what has been spent for the year then then they can decide on rather to issue a bonus. Councilor Catt said he read through the guidelines for the Covid money, and they are specific on what to spend the money and if you get out of line you will have to repay the money. Councilor Bruce said he would like to have a work session to discuss what could be paid out with the money Mayor McClendon said he would get with Finance Director, Tori Perry and get the information to Council. L CITIZENS REQUEST: NONE Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Councilor Harris to adjourn. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this 16th day of SEPTEMBER 2021. ARCO MCCL NDON, MAYOR ATTEST JA S PULL UM ITY CLERK Minutes prepared by, Patricia Lane, Sr. Deputy City Clerk