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01/21/2021 PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AGENDA WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 21, 202IT PRAYER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: V. F. W. CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: BID OPENINGS: MINUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF JANUARY 7,2021 OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS: R-1 A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO EXECUTE A LEASE/ PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH JAGUAR FOR THE 20-ACRE TANDEM PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE RAIL-PORT LOGISTICS PARK R-2 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS FOR THE YEAR 2021,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES PERMISSION REQUEST: PERMISSION TO CHANGE THE GRANT WRITER'S POSITION TO A FULL TIME POSITION COMMITTEE REPORTS: APPOINTMENTS: REAPPOINT SCOTT FERGUSON TO THE ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION EXPIRATION DATE DECEMBER 31, 2024 FROM JIM JACKSON PRESENTATIONS: MAYOR MARCO MCCLENDON MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL January 21, 2021 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by Council Member, Helen-Harris, 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. Sr. Deputy City Clerk, Patricia Lane, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor, Marco McClendon, City Attorney, Michael Stephenson, and Council Members: Tracy Catt, Wayne Croom, Helen Harris, James Holt, Lorraine Mohammed, Willis Mondy, David Murray, and Charles Wheeless. Absent was Melanie Hutchinson..Also present was Finance Director, Tori Perry and Evening Times Reporter, John Rech. Quorum being present Mayor McClendon proceeded with the meeting. BID OPENINGS: Mayor McClendon asked for a motion to add the Airport Bids that were discussed at the January 7, 2021 City Council Meeting that was not properly added to the agenda. Council Member Croom made a motion, seconded by Council.Member Mohammed to add the West Memphis Airport bids to the agenda. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Murray to approve the bids as submitted and refer them back to administration. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. MINUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF JANUARY 7, 2021 Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by council Member Mohammed to dispense with the reading of the minutes of January 7, 2021 council meeting and to approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. OLD BUSINESS: NONE Council Member Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to read R-1 and R-2 by title only. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS: A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO EXECUTE A LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH JAGUR FOR THE 20-ACRE TANDEM PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE RAIL- PORT LOGISTICS PARK • City Attorney Stephen read the resolution by title only. Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mohammed to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote voting was unanimous. The resolution was adopted and assigned No. 2250. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS FOR THE YEAR 2021, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Council Member Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mondy to table the resolution until after Council meets on Tuesday January 26, 2021, for a work session to review the changes made to the budget. There will be a Special Council Meeting.on Wednesday January 27, 2021, to approve the budget.Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to table. PERMISSION TO CHANGE THE GRANT WRITER'S POSITION TO A FULL TIME POSITION Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mondy to give Mayor McClendon permission to"change the Grant Writer position from a part time position to a full-time permanent position. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS: WEST MEMPHIS CHAMBER: The West Memphis Chamber Committee met on January 13, 2021 and approved the annual chamber budget. The chamber is exploring different features to bring to the city's freedom fest and tree lighting events to encourage community engagement. They are also working on updating the relocation packets, business booklets and printed directories, which is part of their contract with the tourism anc economic development departments. UTILITY COMMISSION : Council Member Croom presented the Utility Commission report. The Utility Commission met on January 14, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Safety Director Brett Sims reported that there was 65 days since last recordable injury and 449 days since last lost time injury. There were no new hires or resignations for the month of December. Utility currently has 11 open positions out of 83 budgeted positions. Utility Manager, T€ld Pederson presented quotes and permission to sale scrap metal transformers. Mr. Pederson recommended the highest quote from Sunbelt Solutions in the amount of$7,108.50. The commission unanimously approved. The commission also approved the Employee Handbook. AIRPORT COMMISSION: Council Member Wheeless presented the airport commission report. The airport commission met on January 21, 2021.On January 18, 2021permission was granted to proceed with the rehab on hangar # 3. The FAA has approved a 90/10 grant for 2021 for a new beacon and for the design phase of the north apron rehab. ADVERTISING & PROMOTION COMMISSION: Sr. Deputy City Clerk, Patricia Lane presented the Advertising & Promotion report for Council Member Mondy. The West Memphis A & P commission met on January 20, 2021 via zoom. The commission ti addressed some old business regarding Kenny Farrell/Gateway Point. The warehouse space is still being worked on with square footage flags still in place. Sky cops are in and will be installed before the next scheduled commission meeting. The Mississippi River Catfish Tournament has been sponsored by A & P they are requesting a larger amount for 2021. The motion failed due to lack of a motion. The commission voted to renew the contract with the West Memphis Chamber for 2021. APPOINTMENTS: REAPPOINTMENT OF SCOTT FERGUSON,TO THE ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION EXPIRATION DATE DECEMBER 31, 2024-JIM JACKSON Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to reappoint Scott Ferguson to the Advertising and Promotion Commission. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. PRESENTATIONS: NONE ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor McClendon offered his congratulations to President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Council Member Mohammed made a motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to add the nomination of Mr. Fred Leonard for the vacant City Treasurer Position. Discussion followed. Council Member Catt said that it was his understanding that there was another nominee interested in the City Treasury position and several weeks ago they had opened it up for additional people interested in the position to submit their resumes. Council Member Catt said he understood the importance of filling the position. Council Member Mohammed felt that the matter has dragged on long enough. Council Member Croom said it was his understanding that there were only two individuals interested in the position and to his understanding one of the candidates has rescinded his resume and was no longer interested. Mayor McClendon said he has a meeting scheduled for Tuesday with the individual. Council Member Murray said he would like to verify that the other individual has declined before voting: There being no further discussion. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to add the nomination of Fred Leonard to the agenda. a u • Council Member Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to appoint Fred Leonard to fill the vacant City Treasurer position. Mayor McClendon asked for a roll call vote. Sr. Deputy City Clerk, Patricia Lane called the roll. The roll. call vote was as follows: YES: Catt, Croom, Holt, Mohammed, Wheeless NO: Monday, Murray ABSTENTION: Harris ABSENT: Hutchinson With 5 yes votes 3 no votes 1 abstention vote and 1 absent vote the motion to appoint Fred Leonard to the Treasury position failed. Council Member Catt said that he felt it was important that the person appointed to the position have some knowledge of municipal accounting. Council Member Catt suggested that Council consider separating some of the duties under the City treasurer position and assign them to the Finance Director, Tori Perry who has an accounting degree and is knowledgeable of municipal accounting practices. Council Member.Catt said when the Council read the ordinance for the Employee Handbook it was read out three times ordinance 2566 was marked for that ordinance but was never approved or used because the ordinance was tabled. The next number used was 2567. Council Member Catt is asking council to void the ordinance 2566. Council Member Harris made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mondy to void ordinance 2566. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. Council Member Croom asked if any amendments could made to the Employee Handbook, specifically the nepotism section. City.Attorney Stephenson said it could be amended by ordinance. CITIZENS REQUEST: Ms. Latoya Logan a resident of 114 Stuart Avenue West Memphis, Arkansas, came before council to speak on obtaining a Certificate of Convenience to operate a medical transportation business. Ms. Logan will come back before council at the next scheduled council meeting on February 4, 2021 for council's decision. ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business to come before the City Council, Council Member Croom made the motion, seconded by Council Member Harris to adjourn. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this 4th FEBRUARY 2021. CO MCCLENDON, MAYOR ATTEST: •AM O'• PU IA U r CITY CLERK Minutes prepared by, Patricia, Sr. Deputy City Clerk Y � ` t MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING JANUARY 27, 2021 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at the West Memphis Utility office training room at 604 Cooper West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by Council Member Helen Harris, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Wayne Croom. Mayor Marco McClendon called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. City Clerk, James Pulliaum called the roll. Those present were: Mayor Marco McClendon, City Attorney Michael Stephenson, and Council Members Tracy Catt, Wayne Croom, Helen Harris, James Holt, Lorraine Mohammed, David Murray, and Charles Wheeless. Present by zoom was Council Member Willis Mondy and Evening Times Reporter, John Reck. Absent was: Council Member Melanie Hutchinson. Also present was Finance Director, Tori Perry. Quorum being present Mayor McClendon proceeded with the meeting. Council Member Mohammed made a motion, seconded by Council Member Wheeless to read the resolution by title only. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS FOR THE YEAR 2021, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES (TABLED ON 01/21/2021). Council Member Harris made the motion, seconded by Council Member Mohammed to approve the resolution as presented. Discussion followed: Council Member Croom asked if an update to the budget was sent out..Finance Director, Tori Perry said she sent the updates to the budget to council for them to review. Ms. Perry said after adding the updates and the reserves the budget is to the positive in the amount of$477.00 dollars. Council Member Mohammed said she is in favor of approving the resolution with the contingency that no open positions are filled, or increases are given without coming before council. Mayor McClendon said he was not opposed to keeping the Council informed but decisions on personnel matters are at the discretion of the Mayor per the ordinance that was passed. Council Member Catt said that in the fire and police committee reports they give a personnel update on open and vacant positions and who was hired. There being no further discussion. Mayor McClendon asked for a roll call vote. City Clerk, James Pulliaum called the roll. The roll call vote was as follows: YES: Catt, Croom, Harris, Holt, Mohammed, Murray, Wheeless NO: None PRESENT: Mondy ABSENT: Hutchinson With 7 yes votes, 0 No votes, 1 Abstention votes, and 1 absent vote the resolution passed. The resolution was adopted and assigned No. 2251. e tp Council Member Mohammed made the motion, seconded by Council Member Croom to nominate Mr. Fred Leonard to fill the vacant City Treasurer position for the City of West Memphis. City Attorney Stephenson said that Council Member Mohammed stated at the last meeting that she was going to bring the matter before council at the meeting but that there was no agenda and there was no need to make a motion to add it to the agenda and all they needed to do was vote on it. Discussion followed. Council Member Harris said she thought it should be put on hold until they had the other applicant to consider. Mayor McClendon asked for a roll call vote. City Clerk, James Pulliaum called the roll. The roll call vote was as follows: YES: Croom, Mohammed NO: Catt, Harris, Holt Murray, Wheeless ABSTENTION: None ABSENT: Hutchinson With 2 yes votes, 5 No votes, 1 Abstention votes and 1 absent vote the motion to appoint Mr. Fred Leonard as City Treasurer failed. Council}Member Catt made a motion, seconded by Charles Wheeless to appoint Charlie Suiter Jr. to fill the vacant City Treasurer Position. Discussion followed. Council Member Croom asked when Mr. Suiter Jr expresses an interest in the Treasurer position since it was his understanding that Mr. Suiter Jr. had expressed to him and another council member that he was no longer interested. Council Member Wheeless said he felt that Mr. Suiter was very qualified to fill the position. Council Member Holt said he felt Mr. Suiter had the experience needed as the County Treasurer and was qualified to fill the position. There being no further discussion Mayor McClendon asked for a roll call vote, City Clerk, James Pulliaum called the roll. The roll call vote was as follows: YES: Catt, Croom, Harris Holt, Mondy, Murray, Wheeless NO: Mohammed ABSTENTION: None ABSENT: Hutchinson With 7 yes votes, 1 no vote, 0 abstention votes and 1 absent vote the motion to appoint Charlie Suiter Jr..as the City Treasurer for West Memphis passed. Mayor McClendon called for Council to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Council Member Catt made the motion seconded by Council Member Harris to go into Executive Session. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. .Council went into Executive Session at 4:19 p.m. At 4:35 p.m. Council reconvened the January 27, 2021 Special called council meeting. Council Member Catt made the motion, seconded by Council Member Harris to reconvene. Mayor McClendon explained the reason council went into Executive Session is so the City Attorney could advise council on a personnel matter concerning a city employee that cannot be on public record. Finance Director, Tori Perry gave all the Council members information regarding the Charity Day contributions that were done last year for them to review and make changes if need be and they can discuss and vote on it at the February 4, 2021 Council meeting. Council Member Mohammed said she found a check that was for one of her Charity Day funds that she found that she had not given to the charity and was not sure if it was still good. Council Member Mohammed will get with the finance director to determine if the check is still good or needs to be reissued. City Clerk, James Pulliaum said to be compliant with the Arkansas Municipal League requirements regarding public meetings and ensuring the public has accessibility to attend the meetings should they desire to do so, that the city should put something in place. City Attorney Stephenson agreed with the city clerk and said that they need to ensure that wherever they hold the meetings the public should be able to understand what is being said and who is saying it and that they have accessibility to attend the meeting. Council Member Mohammed congratulated the newly appointed City Treasurer, Charlie Suiter Jr. and said she was looking forward to working with him. Having no further business to come before the City Council, Council Member Harris made the motion, seconded by Council Member Catt to adjourn. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this 4th of February 2021. Lit-11044 qr 1-4 MARCO MCCLENDON, MAYOR ATTEST: • ES PUL M, CITY CLERK Minutes prepared by Patricia Lane, Sr. Deputy City Clerk