May 4, 2006MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
MAY 4, 2006
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, May 4, 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 1:35 p.m. Pastor David Young of Ingram Blvd
Baptist Church gave the Invocation. Phillip Para, City Cleric, called the roll. Those present were:
Mayor Wil/ram H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peep/es, City Treasurer Frank Martin, and
Counci/ors, Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, I/ickie Robertson, Ramona Tay/or, Herman
Co%man, Marco McC/endon, He%n Harris, Joyce Gray (/ate) and James Holt. Absent. Haro/d
Thomas. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
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Councilor Davis moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of April 20, 2006 and approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Robinson made a motion to read all of the resolutions by title only. Councilor Holt
seconded motion. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-1 A resolution to authorize a three percent (3%) pay raise to city employees, and for other
purposes.
Councilor Taylor made a motion to amend the resolution to insert in the second paragraph, after
January 1, 2006, "and all part-time employees" and in Section two to insert °and all part-time
employees" after January 1, 2006. Motion was seconded by Councilor Holt. This
recommendation was made by the budget committee. Upon voice vote, motion was unanimous.
Councilor Coleman asked for the resolution to be read in its entirety due to the changes. City
Attorney Peeples read the resolution in its entirety. Councilor Taylor made a motion to approve
R-1 as amended. Councilor Davis seconded. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The
increase will be on the next paycheck and the retroactive check will be on a lump sum check in
June. The Resolution was adopted and assigned #1836.
R-2 A resolution to adopt the Crittenden County Emergency Operation Plan.
City Attorney Peeples read the resolution. Councilor Hams made a motion to approve, seconded
by Councilor Holt. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and
assigned #1837.
R-3 A resolution to authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sell the building located at 111
South Second Street, a portion of Lot 28, to the Eighth Street Mission for Jesus Christ for one
dollar ($1.00), and for other purposes.
This property was previously to be deeded to the Council of Friendship and after further
inspection decided not to take the property. Mayor Johnson said the Mission wants to repair the
building to make a women's shelter. Councilor Robertson wanted to make sure that the property
would not be sold and Mayor Johnson stated that we would add that to the written agreement.
City Attorney Peeples read the resolution. Councilor Robinson made a motion to approve,
seconded by Councilor Taylor. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was
adopted and assigned #1838.
R-4 A resolution to create within the West Memphis Utilities the position of Director of
Wastewater Treatment and for other purposes.
Mayor Johnson stated the next three positions would save us at least $100,000 per year to
operate the Waste Water Treatment Plant. We currently pay OMI to run the facility.
Councilor Taylor made a motion to amend the resolution to insert $2708.34 in the blanks. Motion
was seconded by Councilor Holt. Upon Voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Because the
resolution was changed City Attorney Peeples read it in its entirety. Mayor Johnson stated we
already owned the facility and equipment so there would be no expenses as far as purchasing
equipment.
Councilor Taylor made a motion to approve the resolution as amended, seconded by Councilor
Davis. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned
#1839.
R-5 A resolution to create within the West Memphis Utilities the position of Lab Technician
and for other purposes.
Councilor Taylor made a motion to amend the resolution to insert $1458.34 in the blanks. Motion
was seconded by Councilor Davis. Upon Voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Because the
resolution was changed City Attomey Peeples read it in its entirety.
Councilor Hams made a motion to approve the resolution as amended, seconded by Councilor
Robinson. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and
assigned #1840.
R-6 A resolution to create within the West Memphis Utilities the position of Plant Operator and
for other purposes.
Councilor Taylor made a motion to amend the resolution to insert $1875.00 in the blanks. Motion
was seconded by Councilor Robinson. Upon Voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Because
the resolution was changed City Attomey Peeples read it in its entirety.
Councilor Robinson made a motion to approve the resolution as amended, seconded by
Councilor Hams. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and
assigned #1841.
R-7 A resolution requesting the Parks and Recreation Commission to study, develop and
implement rules and regulations regarding smoking in the public parks in the City of West
Memphis and for other purposes.
City Attomey Peeples read the resolution.
Councilor Robertson asked Ms. Taylor from Citizens United Against Tobacco to come and pass
out a packet to all the council members.
City Attorney Peeples said that there was a lack of research regarding smoking in open air
spaces and many places that have adopted policies in regards to this, have referred it to their
local parks department or parks commissions, so they could adopt a specific policy tailored to
their park. That is what this resolution is asking the Parks Commission to do.
Parks Director, Lorenzo Parker, stated that smokers also mentioned doing something about all
tobacco products.
Councilor Harris made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilor McClendon. Upon voice
vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned #1842.
PERMISSION REQUESTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget Commission -Councilor Holt reported that only pay raises were discussed.
Fire Commission -Councilor Gray reported that the meeting was just a work session.
A 8~ P Commission -Councilor Taylor reported that the new Focus on West Memphis insert was
out and its focus was on shopping.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor McClendon moved,
seconded by Councilor Davis to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The
meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this 18-x. day of May, 2006.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PHI ARA, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by:
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R nda tandridg , Jr. Deputy City Clerk