December 4, 2003Minutes
West Memphis City Council
December 4,2003
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on December 4, 2003 at 1:40 p.m.
in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas. Mayor
William H. Johnson presided over the meeting.
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. Reverend David Moose of
Rosewood Methodist Church offered prayer. Phillip Para, City Clerk called the roll. Those
present were Mayor Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, Treasurer Frank Martin. Councilors:
James Holt, James Pulliaum, Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, Gheric Bruce, Ramona Taylor,
Marco McClendon and Herman Coleman. Absent Councilors were Harold Thomas and AI
Felton. Mayor Johnson declared a quorum present and proceeded with the agenda.
Bid Opening 1) Trash Truck 2) Two-Front Loading Sanitation Trucks and 3) Annual Bid
Supply. Mayor Johnson advised the council that the bids received were not opened because of an
error in the specifications that were sent out. Councilor Taylor moved to refer the bids to Public
Works for disposition, seconded by Councilor Holt. Upon voice vote, the vote was unanimous.
Minutes
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Holt to approve the minutes of November 20,
2003 after two minor spelling changes as presented. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Old Business
3`~ reading An Ordinance to waive competitive bidding on Group Health Insurance and Life
Insurance for city employees with Insurex, and for other purposes.
Councilor Coleman moved to table the ordinance indefinitely, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum.
Mayor Johnson. called for a roll call vote. Councilors in favor of the motion: James Pulliaum,
Lorraine Robinson, Gheric Bruce, Marco McClendon and Herman Coleman. Councilors voting
against the motion: James Holt, Clarence Davis and Ramona Taylor. The motion failed.
Councilor Taylor moved seconded by Councilor Davis to approve the ordinance as read. After a
lengthy discussion, Mayor Johnson called for a roll call vote. Councilors voting in favor of the
ordinance: James Holt, James Pulliaum, Clarence Davis, Ramona Taylor and Marco McClendon.
Councilors voting against the ordinance: Lorraine Robinson and Herman Coleman. Councilor
Gheric Bruce abstained. Mayor Johnson voted in favor of the ordinance. The ordinance was
adopted and assigned #2087.
New Business -None
Permission Request
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Holt, to give permission to sign Milsoft License
agreement-West Memphis Utilities. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous. City Attorney
Peeples explained that changes had been made to the original agreement. The changes made
included removing the state of Texas jurisdiction over the agreement and adding a limitation
agreement of $39,937.00. This amount is the maximum payment City would receive for any
damages to the equipment. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous.
Councilor Bruce moved, seconded by Councilor Coleman to give permission to approve Planning
Commission recommendations. Upon voice vote, voting was unanimous.
Councilor Pulliam moved, seconded by Councilor Holt to give permission to pay P & J Fowler,
Inc. $74,376.00 for Bettis Street drainage and street improvements. Upon voice vote, voting was
unanimous.
Committee Reports
Councilor Taylor reported that A& P met Wednesday and approved a budget to be submitted. She
advised no remarkable changes were made. Councilor Taylor reported that nothing is being done
with the additional ] % tax, pending the outcome of the lawsuit.
The Budget Committee did not meet.
Fire Commission did not meet.
Councilor Coleman reported that the Police Commission met on Monday and discussed what's
called "Bias Based Policing". This asks the city to put into place an ordinance for the police
department to follow based on racial, ethic and religious differences. City Attorney Peeples
advises that he needs to speak with the people at the Municipal League about their policy and will
have a draft of the policy ready by the next council meeting.
Councilor Bruce said that the Fire Commission has a meeting scheduled for 2:OOpm today.
City Treasurer Frank Martin reminded. the Council to attend the December budget meetings
pointing out the schedules the Finance Department provided. He also offered to keep the print
outs for each commission until their scheduled meeting.
Mayor Johnson reminded everyone that the Christmas parade is tonight at 7:OOpm.
Having no further business Mayor Johnson asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilor Robinson
moved to adjourn seconded by Councilor Pulliaum. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~y of December, 2003.
,~ r~ ~
1
WILLIAM H. JO N MAYOR
ATTEST:
PHIL ,CITY CLERK
Minutes Prepared_By: ^ ,
~, f , t
elecia Ellis, Jr. Deputy Clerk