May 5, 2005Minutes
West Memphis City Council
May 5, 2005
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on May 5, 2005 at 1:33 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 1:33 p.m. Reverend Jim Mattson -First Christian
Church -West Memphis, Arkansas offered prayer. Phillip Para, City Clerk called the roll. Those
present were Mayor Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, Treasurer Frank Martin. Councilors:
Ramona Taylor, Helen Harris, James Holt, Joyce Gray, Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis,
Vickie Robertson and Herman Coleman. Absent Councilors Marco McClendon and Harold
Thomas. Mayor Johnson declared a quorum present and proceeded with the agenda.
Bid Openings:
West Memphis Utilities Six) 6-Reels (2080) LBS. Each) 336.4 ACSR wire David Coacher.
Highway 118 Water & Sewer Relocation -Phillip Sorrell. Mayor Johnson asked for a motion to
refer the bids over to the Utility Commission. Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor
Davis. Upon voice vote the voting was unanimously approved.
Minutes
Council Davis moved, seconded by Council Robinson to dispense with the reading of the minutes
of Apri121, 2005 and approved as presented. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Old Business
None
New Business
R-1 A Resolution certifying the amounts of liens imposed on certain properties for removal of
grass; weeds; litter; debris; inoperable vehicles; unsanitary; unsafe and other unsightly items from
private property within the City of West Memphis. Councilor Robinson moved seconded by
Councilor Taylor to read the Resolution by title only. Upon voice vote the voting was
unanimously approved. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution by title only. Councilor
Robinson moved Seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the Resolution. There was then a
brief discussion between Council members and Paul Luker, City Planning and Development
Director. Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to approve the Resolution.
Upon voice vote the Resolution was unanimously approved. The Resolution was assigned # 1812.
R-2 A Resolution certifying the condemnation and removal of houses, building and/or residential
structures constituting a nuisance within the City of West Memphis corporate limits. City
Attorney David Peeples read the Resolution by title only. Councilor Taylor, seconded by
Councilor Robinson to approve the Resolution. There was a brief discussion between Councilors
and Paul Luker, City Planning and Development Director. Upon voice vote the Resolution was
unanimously approved. The Resolution was assigned #1813.
R-3 A Resolution certifying the amounts of liens imposed on certain properties for demolition
contracted by the City of West Memphis pursuant to Ordinance 1141. City Attorney David
Peeples read the Resolution by title only. Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Coleman to
approve the Resolution. City Planning and Development Director Paul Luker gave a brief
explanation of the Resolution. Upon voice vote the Resolution was unanimously approved. The
Resolution was assigned #1814
R-4 A Resolution approving the memorandum of agreement interagency consultation procedures
for development of the state implementation plan for 8-Hour Ozone in Crittenden County,
Arkansas and the Determination of Transportation Conformity pursuant to the Clean Air Act as
amended and authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of West Memphis
and for other purposes. There was a brief discussion between Councilors and City Engineer Eddie
Brawley. Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to approve the Resolution.
Upon voice vote, the Resolution was unanimously approved. The Resolution was assigned #1815.
R-5 A Resolution Supporting Community Heritage Preservation through a national initiative
known as Preserve America. City Attorney David Peeples read the Resolution by title only.
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Davis to approve the Resolution. Upon voice
voting the Resolution was unanimously approved. The Resolution was assigned # 1816.
Permission Request
The Mayor asked the Council permission to pay OMI $59, 476.25 to operate the Waste Water
Treatment plant for the month of May. Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Holt to
approve payment of the bill. Upon voice vote, the voting unanimously approved.
Committee Resorts
Councilor Harris reported that the Budget Committee met. She reported that Fire Chief Robinson
introduced a Mr. Glasco whom has previously done computer work for both the fire and police
departments. Mr. Glasco suggested several types of hardware to improve computer services at the
fire department. Councilor Harris stated that the upgrades are needed, but that there is no money
in the budget for the upgrades at this time.
Councilor Coleman reported that the Insurance Commission met and received 16 insurance bids.
He reported that the Commission will review the bids on Tuesday May 10, 2005 at 4:OOpm at
City Hall. Coleman encouraged all Council members to attend the meeting.
Mayor Johnson advised the Council that the regularly schedule City Council meeting set for June
16'~ is in conflict with the Municipal League meeting. He asked if the Council would approve
rescheduling the City Council meeting for June 23, 2005. Councilor Davis moved, seconded by
Councilor Gray to approve changing the scheduled Council meeting date. Upon voice vote the
motion was approved.
Personnel Committee did not meet.
Public Works Committee did not meet.
Parks Committee did not meet.
Police Commission did not meet.
Citizen's Request
Mayor Johnson advised the Council that Mr. David Yarbrough, 1800 N. Missouri Street Suite
12CC - D.E.E.R.S. requested to speak before the Council. The Delta Economic Education
Resource Service is a nonprofit organization that was created to play an active role in the
economic development and education of the communities in the delta. Mr. Yarbrough stated that
he came before the Council to introduce their first project ,which is the Low Income Tax Care
Clinic. The clinic is designed to assist low income tax payers in resolving controversies with the
IRS. The clinic is funded by the Internal Revenue Service; however they do not prepare or assist
in preparing or filing tax returns. This office also assists people who speak English as a second
language in obtaining an I-10, which is given to people who do not qualify for a Social Security
number. He explained that this number is for tax reporting only. The work is done by volunteers
that prepare taxes and CPA's. This service is for people who cannot afford a tax lawyer or CPA.
DEERS is able to assist free of charge people who meet the low income guidelines, and have the
proper tax controversy.
Having no further business Mayor Johnson requested a motion to adjourn. Councilor Robinson
moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to adjourn. Upon voice vote ,the voting was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 2:37 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~_ day of May, 2005.
WILLIAM H. JO ON MAYOR
ATTEST:
PHILLI ,CITY CLERK
Minutes Prepared By:
~~~~1~~~~~~
Felecia Ellis, Jr. Deputy Clerk
West Memphis Utility Commission
P.O. Box 1868 • 604 East Cooper
(870) 735-3355 • Fax (870) 732-7621
West Memphis, Arkansas 72303
05-05-05
6 REELS (12,480 LBS.) 336 ACSR WIRE
DIVERSIFIED ELECTRIC
ARK. ELECTRIC
TVESCO
STUART IRBY CO.
UTILICOR
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An Equal Opportunity Employer
BID TABULATION
HIGHWAY 11$ WATER & SEWER RELOCATION
AHTD JOB NO.110463 (UTILITIES)
WEST MEMPHIS UTILITY COMMISSION
WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS
May 05, 2005
CONTRACTOR TOTAL AMOUNT BID
1 B & B UTILITY CONTRACTORS t~ o ~
~ ~
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MARION, ARKANSAS r
j
2 CRITTCO CONSTR. CO. ~ J
~ S ~ '7 ~ 5
MARION, ARKANSAS
3 ROBERTS CONTRACTING 00
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~ s
FORREST CITY, AR ~
4 WATER & WASTEWATER SRV. 00
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'Z~ 5"
MARION, ARKANSAS j
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