January 5, 2006MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 5, 2006
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Councll was held on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at
1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Invocation was given by Reverend David
Young of Ingram Blvd. Baptist Church. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those present
were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attomey David Aeeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin and
Councilors: Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, V-ckie Robertson, Ramona Taylor, Herman
Coleman, Marco McClendon, James Holt, Harold Thomas, and Joyce Gray (1:33 p.m.). Absent.'
Helen Harris. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
OPENINGS None
MINUTES
Councilor Davis moved, seconded by Councllor Robinson to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of December 15, 2005 and approve as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS None
NEW BUSINESS None
PERMISSION REQUESTS None
COMMITTEE REPORTS None
ANNOUNCEMENTS None
CITIZENS REQUESTS None
Mayor Johnson asked City Attomey Peeples to address the information he included in the
packets regarding the Marion annexation of West Memphis property and said that he included a
letter from Judge Holt regarding this matter. Attomey Peeples stated they were surprised to see
in the Evening Times Newspaper the notice of an Ordinance adopted by the City of Marion
accepting the annexation of 104 acre tract of property which we recognized as being subject to a
previous annexation in the City of West Memphis that occurred back in 1997. An effort was filed
by the property owners to seek the annexation of this property to the City of Marion. It was filed
with the County Court with the legal description indicating the property was in the City of West
Memphis. The order presented to the County Judge omitted the language indicating the property
was in the City of West Memphis being annexed to the City of Marion. City Attomey Peeples
further explained the bads ground of the litigation that resulted from the annexation election held
in 1997. Mr. Peeples also stated he had left a message for Marion's City Attomey to call him and
also spoke with him in person asking him to get with him regarding this matter and he has yet to
hear back from him. After lengthy discussion, Councilor Davis moved, seconded by Councilor
Holt, that if the City of Marion does not choose to overturn their orcler, to proceed with all haste in
regard to this matter, attempting to resolve without litigation first, but if necessary, to authorize
City Attomey Peeples proceed with the legal action necessary.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to proceed.
Mayor Johnson congratulated John Rimmer, General Manager of West Memphis Utilities and his
staff for the smooth transition of changing suppliers December 31 ~.
Mayor Johnson announced they have engaged Magruder Architect to effect the repairs of Station
2 and 4 and authorized Chief Robinson to proceed with the spedfications for a new pumper to be
put out for bid. They will be purchasing a new pumper, financing over a five year period, at a rate
of 4°r6 or less. Mayor Johnson authorized the hiring of one additional fireman and authorized the
hiring of two more. Ladder Truck #8 was repaired and is now in service. The estimated cost of
the repairs was an estimated $10,000 but the bill was for $20,000.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Coleman moved,
seconded by Councilor Holt to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The
meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~ R~ day of January, 2005.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSO ,MAYOR
ATTEST:
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PHILL ,CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by:
Cindy Gree ood, Senior Deputy City Clerk