October 6, 2005MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 6, 2005
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Councl was held on Thursday, Odober 6, 2005 at
1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
Mayor William H. Johnson presided.
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Invocation was given by Reverend
Lawrence Strickland of Vanderbilt Baptist Church. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those
present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank
Martin and Councilors: Herman Coleman, Helen Hams, James Holt, Harold Thomas, Joyce Gray
(late 1:38), Loraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, Vickie Robertson (late 1:45), and Ramona Taylor.
Absent: Councilor Marco McClendon. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with
the meeting.
BID OPENINGS
Bids for the West Memph/s 2005 Asphalt Overlay and Street Improvement Program were
opened at 1:00 and copies of the bid tabulations were given to the City Council for review.
Councilor Thomas moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor, to accept the bids and refer them to the
Public Works Committee for disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. (Copy of
bid tabulation attached)
PRESENTATION
Next, a presentation was given by Rob Rash, Chief Engineer with the St. Francis Levee District
on the maintenance and condition of our levees. Mr. Rash then answered questions and
concerns in case there is a catastrophe in this area like they had in New Orleans.
MINUTES
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of September 15, 2005 and approve as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
3rd Reading An Ordinance to establish new compensation for Aldermen of the City of West
Memphis, and the City Cleric.
City Attorney Peeples read the Orclinance for the THIRD AND FINAL time. Councilor Coleman
moved, seconded by Councilor Hams to approve. Lengthy discussion was held in opposition of
this pay increase. Roll call vote was as follows:
AYES: Coleman, and Hams
NOES: Holt, Thomas, Gray, Robinson, Davis, Robertson, and Taylor
The motion FAILED.
NEW BUSINESS None
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Holt, to give Mayor Johnson permission to sign
the purchase order for seven m 2006 police units in the amount of $147,714.00. After a brief
discussion, the motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Councilor Hams moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to give permission to pay OMI $59,476.25
for operating the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the month of October. Upon voice vote, the
voting was unanimous.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget Committee -Councilor Hams reported they discussed budget changes for the un-
expensed outstanding insurance claims, Frank Martin reported the sales tax collections have
improved, and budget change requests are to be presented to the council at the next meeting.
Utility Commission -Councilor Thomas reported they had a special called meeting and awarded
the low bid on the ultraviolet disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant. They talked
about the equipment that is going to be needed at the Infinity Warehouse area and voted on
selling scrap transformers. Counclor Robertson questioned why our utility bills were so much
higher this month. Utility General Manager John Rimmer came forward and explained the reason
for the increase was higher natural gas prices, plus August was the hottest month we have had in
several years. Councilor Robinson asked Mr. Rimmer if he could look into ways of helping those
on fixed incomes with their utility bills.
2 City Council Minutes September 1, 2005
Fire Commission -Councilor Robinson reported there were two promotions given; the ladder
truck is out of operation and is in the shop. It was decided that Fire Station #2 was priority on the
repair list due to the fact the leaking roof was causing damage to the ovefiead door. They also
discussed the need for a new fire truck. Chief Robinson explained why repairs to Station #2 were
prioritized over the repairs to Fire Station No. 4 (Jackson Street). Mayor Johnson stated both
stations were a priority and when the City Council could appropriate the funds, they both would
be repaired.
Councilor Gray said that the Police Commission is not meeting. Mayor Johnson suggested that
Committee Chairman, which is Councilor McClendon, should schedule a regular meeting day to
meet each month.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Holt moved, seconded by
Councilor Taylor to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting
adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this day of October, 2005.
ATTEST:
PHILLI PARR, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by:
Cindy Grcen Senior Deputy City Clerk
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West Memphis 2005 Asphalt Overlay and Street Improvement Program
West Memphis, Arkansas
Bid Opening
October 6, 2005
1:00 p.m.
Name & Address of Bidder
Base Bid
APAC-TN
P.O. Box 13427
Memphis, TN 38113-0427
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