06/27/2023 MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
June 27,2023
A Special Called meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Tuesday,June 27,
2023,at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall,205 S. Redding,West Memphis,
Arkansas.
Invocation was given by Councilor Helen Harris followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sr.
Deputy City Clerk,Patricia Lane Mayor Marco McClendon called the meeting to order at 1:00
p.m. Sr. Deputy City Clerk,Patricia Lane called the roll. Those present were City Attorney
Michael Stephenson,and Council Members: Gheric Bruce Tracy Catt, Wayne Croom,Helen Harris,
James Holt,Lorraine Mohammed, Willis Mondy,and Charles Wheeless.Absent was City Treasurer,
Charlie Suiter Jr. and Councilors Melanie Hutchinson and David Murray.Finance Director,Tori
Perry,and Evening Times Reporter Donald Wilburn. Quorum being present Mayor
McClendon,proceeded with the meeting.
Mayor McClendon said the Special called meeting was called to approve two items for the
police department.He said he will be asking council to approve the two items that were
discussed earlier in the day at the Police Commission meeting.
PERMISSION REQUEST:
PERMISSION TO ACCEPT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ON BODY CAMERAS
Councilor Mohammed made the motion,seconded by Councilor Bruce to approve. Discussion
followed:Councilor Catt said the only change is that it would become effective September 1,
2023.There being no further discussion upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve.
PERMISSION TO PURCHASE TWO (2) 2023 DODGE CHARGER PURSUIT SEDANS V8
(ITEM NUMBER 460051622)FROM THE 2023 ARKANSAS STATE VEHICLE CONTRACT
(POLICE DEPARTMENT) (Tabled on June 22,2023)
Councilor Mohammed made the motion,seconded by Councilor Holt to approve. Discussion
followed:Councilor Mohammed asked the mayor to explain where the money would be
coming from to pay for the vehicles.Mayor McClendon said the money would be coming out
of the seizer account not the regular budget.The seizer account can only have$250,000 dollars
in the account at one time,and they are in need of the vehicles.He said they can also use the
money to purchase equipment that the police department needs. There being no further
discussion.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Mayor McClendon asked everyone to keep the City Inspector,Brian Washington,in their
prayers.Mr.Washington had a stroke and is currently in Methodist Hospital for a speedy
recovery.
Mayor McClendon introduced the new Planning Director,Chad Bowman to the council and
Ms. Taylor Jackson a participant in the Mayor's Summer Youth program assigned to the City
clerk's office.
Having no further business to come before the City Council,Councilor Bruce made the motion,
seconded by Councilor Harris,to adjourn.Upon voice vote,the voting was unanimous.The
meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m..
PASSED and APPROVED this 6th DAY OF JULY 2023.
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MARCO MCCLENDON,MAYOR
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PATRICIA JOPLIN,CITY CL
Minutes prepared by,Patricia Lane,Sr. Deputy City Clerk