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10/19/2023 • MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL October 19,2023 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday,October 19,2023, at 5:00 p.m.in the City Council Chambers at City Hall,205 S. Redding,West Memphis, Arkansas. Invocation was given by Pastor,Gary Hair followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sr. Deputy City Clerk,Patricia Lane.Mayor Marco McClendon called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.City Clerk,Patricia Joplin called the roll.Those present were City Attorney Michael Stephenson,and Council Members: Gheric Bruce, Tracy Catt, Wayne Croom,James Holt,Melanie Hutchinson,Lorraine Mohammed, Willis Mondy, David Murray. and Charles Wheeless. Absent was City Treasurer,Charlie Suiter Jr and Councilor,Helen Harris.Also,present Finance Director,Tori Perry.Evening Times Reporter Donald Wilburn was notified but was not present.Quorum being present Mayor McClendon,proceeded with the meeting. BID OPENING: None MINUTES: APPROVE OR CORRECT MINUTES OF OCTOBER 5,2023 Councilor Catt made the motion,seconded by Councilor Croom to dispense with the reading of the minutes of October 5,2023,Council Meeting,and to approve them as submitted.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve. OLD BUSINESS: 3RD READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE 5-USES AND USE CONDITIONS,TABLE 5.1-TABLE OF USES,ARTICLE 5-USES AND CONDITIONS SECTION 5.2-USE CONDITIONS-UCT TABLE 14,MAUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISIONS,AND THE AREA SOUTH OF WONDER JUNIOR HIGH OF THE ZONING REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO.2591 FOR THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the THIRD time. Councilor Bruce made the motion,seconded by Councilor Wheeless,to approve the ordinance. There being no discussion:Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve.The ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2646 NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Mohammed made the motion,seconded by Councilor Catt to read 0-1,0-2,0-3, 0-4,0-5 by title only.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. Councilor Catt made a motion,seconded by Councilor Hutchinson to add 0-6 and to read by title only and the distribution of Charity Day Funds to the agenda.Upon voice vote,voting was. unanimous. 0-1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 5 OF ORDINANCE NO. 1588 ESTABLISHING THE MOSQUITO CONTROL DEPARTMENT PROVIDING FUNDING,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the FIRST time.Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Catt,to amend the ordinance to read mosquito control contractor instead of mosquito control department. Discussion followed:Mayor McClendon said the increases will not take effect until January 2024,there being no further discussion. Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to amend the ordinance.The ordinance will be placed back on November 2,2023, agenda for its second reading. 0-2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO.2504 AND SECTION 34-30 OF THE WEST MEMPHIS MUNICIPAL CODE,TO SET.GARBAGE COLLECTION FEES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the FIRST time.Discussion followed. Councilor Catt said that he passed out the fee structures for the front-end loaders earlier to council that did not get incorporated into the ordinance for council to review and they could discuss it at the next council meeting if they had any questions.The ordinance will be placed back on November 2,2023,agenda for its second reading. 0-3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 10 OF ORDINANCE NO 2472 TO INCREASE FEES AND ADD TRADES,BUSINESS PROFESSIONS,VOCATIONS AND/OR CALLINGS FOR WHICH A PRIVILEGE LICENSE SHALL BE PAYABLE,AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the FIRST time:The ordinance will be placed back on November 2,2023,agenda for its second reading. 0-4 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 710 EAST BROADWAY AVENUE,PERMITTING A CONVIENCE STORE IN A DTMU-1 DOWNTOWN MIXED USE 1 DISTRICT City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the FIRST time.Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Murray,to suspend the rules,and place the ordinance on its second reading.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the SECOND time.Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Catt,to further suspend the rules,and place the ordinance on its third reading. Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve. City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the THIRD and FINAL time. Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Mondy to approve.There being no discussion.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve.The ordinance was adopted and assigned No.2647. 0-5 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A LOT SPLIT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 310-MID-CONTINENT PLAZA,PERMITTING AN OUTPARCEL DEVELOPMENT City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the FIRST time. Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Wheeless,to suspend the rules,and place the ordinance on its second reading.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the SECOND time. Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Wheeless,to further suspend the rules,and place the ordinance on its third reading.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the THIRD and FINAL time. Councilor Croom made the motion, seconded by Councilor Wheeless to approve. Discussion followed;Councilor Mohammed asked what was a outparcel development.Mayor McClendon explained that it is the Valvoline oil changing station that will be built on the Mid-Continent Plaza lot near the Fidelity bank. There being no further discussion.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve.The ordinance was adopted and assigned No.2648. Mayor McClendon asked that the record reflect that Councilor Catt abstained from the vote. 0-6 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NET CASINO GAMING RECEIPTS TAX BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING ALL OR A PORTION OF THE COST OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS;PLEDGING THE CITY'S SHARE OF COLLECTIONS OF THE NET CASINO GAMING RECEIPTS TAX LEVIED UNDER AMENDMENT NO. 100 TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL111 OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS;PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO;AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the FIRST time. Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Mondy,to suspend the rules,and place the ordinance on its second reading.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous.City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the SECOND time.Councilor Croom made the motion,seconded by Councilor Catt,to further suspend the rules,and place the ordinance on its third reading. a ' Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. City Attorney Stephenson read the ordinance by title only for the THIRD and FINAL time. Councilor Catt made the motion,seconded by Councilor Bruce,to approve. There being no discussion.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous to approve.The ordinance was adopted and assigned No.2649.Councilor Catt made the motion, seconded by Councilor Croom,to adopt the Emergency Clause in paragraph 27.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS: FIRE COMMISSION: Councilor Catt presented the Fire Commission report.The Fire Commission met on October 17,2023,at 12:00 p.m. at City Hall.There were four new fire fighters.hired one has already received their EMT certification,and the other two will be going through fire fighter training,one was fully trained and able to go straight to work,twelve sets of Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)will be ordered next week for next year.There were no building or vehicle issues.There are thirty-eight hydrants that were identified as needing repair or replacement.Twenty are scheduled for repair and the remaining eighteen hydrants will need to be replaced with a new system.The administration will bring back a bid package and present it to council for consideration. The Fire Administration met with Mayor McClendon on October 18,2023,at 1:30 p.m.to discuss the departments 2024 budget. Chief McNeal of the Memphis Fire Department will meet with administration and staff on the 18th to discuss the Fire Explorer Program. Council Catt said it is a good program and hopes that once they get all the information that they will share it with council. 31 Applicants took the promotional examination administered by the department,seven people passed the exam. One captain and six lieutenants.The EMS calls year to date were 3,547 and EMS collections year to date were $366,297.67. The Fire Safety Day was a tremendous success.The cause of the commercial fire on 7th Street has still not been determined. (Fire report in file in Clerk's office) UTILITY COMMISSION: Councilor Catt presented the Utility Commission report.The Utility Commission met on October 10,2023,at 8:30 a.m.July Safety Report-There have been 36 days since the last recordable injury, 162 days since the last lost time injury and two recordable injuries for the year. The commission approved the Max Foote Construction bid in the amount of 43 million for the repair of the Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade.Economic Development Update-Currently there are three projects in the works,and they are all running along well. One is at the rail port and will generate approximately six hundred tech jobs.The second project is expected to produce approximately eight hundred jobs. Councilor Catt said there are four other projects,but they are in the early stage of discussion.AIM update-Today there have been 11,541 installations of the electric meters,they are at 98%completion and there have been 2,201Water installations they are averaging 40 to 50 per day.The customer Portal is coming,more information will be provided,customers will be able to access bill information from their homes and if there is water leak it will tell them.Fiber Update-The head has been installed and the building is storm rated. Building Committee-The building committee had their initial meeting with the architects.The main thing they wanted to deal with was water infiltration. Search Committee-The search committee has narrowed it down to two candidates for a new general manager,the mayor will make the final decision.Joel Johnson has transferred from the police department to fill the IT position with the Utility Department. (Utility report on file in clerk's office). ADVERTISING &PROMOTION: Convention Visitors Bureau Director,Jim Jackson presented the A&P report.The,Advertising&Promotion committee met on October 11,2023, at 12:00 p.m.Mr.Jackson presented the financial report,collections are up 12%. They have been working with Finance Director,Tori Perry,to add a line item to their budget for capital improvements.The commission authorized him to purchase another$250,000 dollar CD at 5% with the excess revenue.Mayor McClendon requested and received money for incentive bonuses for parks new hires.The commission also had a funding request for the Sgt Hoover Memorial 5k the commission award$1,250.00 for that event.They are in the second Phase of the ADA upgrade to the Civic Center interior. It was approved at$14,698.00;Curtis Construction was awarded the project.The commission also approved the Christmas Decorations at Worthington Park,MLK Park and around town for$59,850.00 that was approved by council. They also asked for a cash payout for the Rhythm and Blues competition that is scheduled for Saturday October 28,2023,at the Eugene Woods Civic Center.The commission voted to engage ETFC for an extensive remodel of the Eugene Woods Civic Center.The projected cost of the remodel would be two-million dollars.They have some renderings already and are hoping to put them out for bid and get them under the two-million-dollar price. AIRPORT COMMISSION: Councilor Croom presented the Airport Committee report. Susana Garver Engineers reported that the notice of award has been sent to Crisp Contractors for the North Apron rehab project and they have 15 days to sign and return it.Ms.Garver reported on the Jet Fuel rehab project that Rebel Service is waiting to receive the parts for the tank and once those are received,they will submit an invoice for payment for those.Also,she is still checking to see what the options are for clearing the trees on airport road property north of Broadway and what grant funds might be available. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Councilor Melanie Hutchinson presented the Personnel Committee report.The Personnel Committee met on October 11,2023,at 12:00 p.m.HR Director,Janice Coleman gave the committee an update on scheduled events.The Annual Health and Wellness Fair will be Thursday,October 23,2023. Open enrollment starts December 4th through December 8th.Medical Insurance for 2024 will be finalized by the end of October and all other carriers will carry over into 2024 Vision-BlueCross Blue Shield,Dental-Delta Dental.Medicare meeting for employees sixty-five and over will be held on November 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. The Personal Committee also presented department information updates. West Memphis Fire Dept held its annual Safety Day on October14,2023,Trunk or Treat will be held October 26.2023,at the Eugene Woods Civic Center.There will be a Homeowner Seminar held on October 28,2023,from 9:00 a.m.Until 12:00 p.m.Rhythm and Blues Contest will be October 28,2023,at the Eugene Woods Civic Center.The committee also discussed the current bereavement policy. PARKS COMMITTEE: Mayor McClendon introduced his candidates to fill the open positions for the Parks Department.Parks Director,Mr.Russell Jones,Activity Director,Gary Cordell,and Park Administrator Carolyn Anthony.The mayor said as a result of the trust that the council has put into the administration and the trust that the voters have given by approving the parks bond and council approving the ordinance today moves them closer to revitalizing Tilden Rogers Park and the other city parks,he thought it was only right to form a dream team to run the Parks Department that have proven experience in grant writing and the ability to bring people to our community and he believes that he has done that in the hiring of Mr.Russell Jones as Parks Director,Mr. Gary Cordell,as activity Director and Mrs. Carolyn Anthony,as Parks Administrator. PERMISSION REQUEST: PERMISSION TO DISTRIBUTE SOUTHLAND CHARITY • DAY FUNDS. Mayor McClendon would like to give$1,000.00 dollars to Faith International Church and $300.00 dollars to the L.R.Jackson girls club. Councilor Catt made the motion,seconded by Council Bruce to approve.Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous to approve. Mayor McClendon asked for permission to add the purchase of another Durango vehicle for the police department to the agenda. Councilor Catt made the motion,seconded by Councilor Mohammed to add the permission request to purchase a seventh Durango vehicle for the police department on the agenda.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. Mayor McClendon explained that this was not part of the six vehicles that council approved at the October 5,2023,council meeting. It will be the seventh vehicle it will not be purchased with the city budget it will be purchased with drug seizer money. They had one more Durango available and they would like to go ahead and get it. Councilor Catt made the motion,seconded by Councilor Wheeless,to approve.Upon voice vote,voting was unanimous. APPOINTMENTS: None PRESENTATIONS: Councilor Bruce presented certificates from Creative Strategies to Councilor Lorraine Mohammed,Councilor Melanie Hutchinson,Mayor Marco McClendon, Councilor Wayne Croom,City of West Memphis,West Memphis Police Department and West Memphis Fire Department for their support of the first annual Prostate Cancer 5K walk run event. • Chief Barry Ealy said on September 30,2023,The West Memphis Fire Department had one of the largest commercial structural fires in the history of the city. Chief Ealy said that the West Memphis Fire Department,Command Team,and Mayor Marco McClendon are wanting to recognize three of their outstanding leaders for their performance on that day. Chief Ealey said that the three individuals that they are recognizing have demonstrated the true qualities of a leadership and in the words of President John Quincey Adams,in inspiring their people to dream more,to be come more,and to do more these individuals are the epitome of a true leader. Captain Allensworth was recognized for his efforts to remove fellow firefighters from imminent danger. Chief Ealy said that once they received word that there was no one in the building they only had minutes to exit the building before the roof caved in. Battalion Chief, Kevin Catt,was recognized for his outstanding organizational and command skills in managing and training the people on his shift to be prepared to manage large fires was commendable. Division Chief Robert Mays was recognized for writing revisions to the department's standard operating procedures,operating guidelines,and training procedures for large fires were instrumental in preparing the firefighters to manage the large fire.Mayor McClendon said that he would like to commend the people of the West Memphis Fire Department who with out a second thought were willing to put their lives on the line for people that they had never met to enter a burning building to ensure that there was no loss of life.Mayor McClendon thanked Fire Chief Ealy for the excellent job he is doing as the leader of the West Memphis Fire Department. Chief Ealy and staff also offered their words of gratitude to the Marion Fire Department that provided support to the West Memphis Fire Department in fighting the fire. Councilor Bruce also wanted to acknowledge Assistant Fire Chief,Derrick Clay for his graciousness and knowledge. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor McClendon announced that West Memphis continues to be on a winning streak with the Family Dollar Warehouse Facility that will be reopening,it will be a model of excellence for the West Memphis community.They are renovating the building and will be hiring 350 people at first and an additional 250 down the road and will offer a competitive salary. Mayor McClendon said that he wanted to address the news about the adult body that was found at the 10-mile bayou.They have not identified the body yet.They took the body to the Little Rock crime lab.Mayor McClendon said at this time they have not determined that there was any foul play.He also addressed the comments and speculations on social media and asked that people that post on social media be sensitive and learn the facts before posting false information if you do not know all the information to try being silent and just offer your prayers because that is someone's family member. Mayor McClendon offered his condolences and prayers to Ms.Doris Jordin who was a crossing guard at 14th and Barton for 22 years helping to keep our children safe who recently passed away. Mayor McClendon announced the retirement of Mr.Mike Morrison who worked with the West Memphis Utility Department for 33 years. The mayor acknowledged that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and reminded all women to get their mammograms. He said early prevention not only for breast cancer,prostrate cancer and other cancers is important and encouraged everyone to be diligent about getting themselves tested. Mayor McClendon addressed the citizens' concerns about the road work on Broadway and Missouri Street.People have been asking when the work will be completed,he said that again he wanted the people to know that the city is not responsible for the work those are State Highways and ARDOT is responsible for the maintenance and work being done on those streets. The people are upset because it is not getting done fast enough.He has communicated with ARDOT,and they are waiting on the sensor strips to be put in before they can complete 'the overlay and he is asking for everyone to be patient. He is hoping that it will be completed in 30 days. Mayor McClendon said Rich Road Bridge is now at 100%and the next step is to put it out for bid.Once they get the bid back then the contractor will be able to begin repairing the bridge. He said he also met with ARDOT in regard to the Lehr Street Bridge,the Lehr Street Bridge is at 80%complete as far as construction and they will be putting in 3 box coverts,they do not expect any bridge closures until they get to the point where they are replacing the bridge to lay coverts. They are projecting to start on it by the middle of summer or the end of summer.The Redding Street Bridge is still on hold. He talked with them about Walkable West Memphis. The reason that this is important is because they have new schools,and the children attending Wonder Jr. High are walking in the street on Polk Street.The city has installed sidewalks on the 25th Street side.They are getting ready to redo the streets from 21st Street to 25th Street and they are going to add sidewalks and trails within the bayou and are cleaning them up as well at West Jr.High School,they are just waiting on the cultural environmental study this is being done to keep our babies safe walking back and forth to school. Rhythm&Ribs contest will be October 28,2023,and they would like everyone to come out and enjoy the event. The city will be hosting a Homebuyer seminar that the Planning Department is conducting to help people get information about how to qualify to become a homeowner.He also met with a developer that is looking to build larger homes off college boulevard.The houses off 25th street will be affordable houses.The seminar will be held Saturday,October 28,2023,at City Hall 205 S. Redding Street from 9:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m.There is the opportunity for down payment assistance up to$25,000 towards closing cost.There will be credit counseling and the opportunity to speak with lenders and real estate companies. Councilor Mohammed asked for everyone to be in prayer for the people of Isriel and Palestine as well as the safe return of her husband who is currently in Palestine. Councilor Hutchinson asked that everyone be in prayer for Ms.Minnis who has been a long- time educator in the community who recently lost her daughter. Mayor McClendon said on October 21,2023,at 10:00 a.m.there will be a 15th annual Clippers 5k breast cancer walk run event.The walk will start at 620 W.Broadway,and they are inviting anyone that would like to participate to come out to bring awareness to breast cancer.Mr. Courtney Chatt is in charge of organizing the event,his sister was a breast cancer survivor. CITIZENS REQUEST: Ms.Marie Brewer-Smith a resident of 207 Kingsway West Memphis,Arkansas 72301.Ms.Brewer-Smith came before council to speak on soliciting funds to build a Family Life&Youth Ministry.Ms.Brewer-Smith spoke of not being able to obtain a peddlers permit from the clerk's office to be able to solicit funds and to sale soap on the corner streets of West Memphis in which to fund the building of the Family Life&Youth Ministry. Having no further business to come before the City Council,Councilor Mondy made the motion,seconded by Councilor Hutchinson,to adjourn.Upon voice vote,the voting was unanimous.The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this 2nd day of November 2023. 11Y/Gfrit e-o `� tit MARCO MC.LLENDON,MAYOR ATTEST: J PATRICIA JOPLIN, I CLERK Minutes prepared by,Patricia Lane,Sr. Deputy City Clerk