August 17, 2006MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 17, 2006
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, August 17, 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 Michael Cox of
Missouri Street Church of Christ.
Mayor Johnson opened the meeting addressing the life of Alderman Harold Thomas. It was just
two weeks ago, Harold was at the City Council meeting pertorrning his duties. Since that time
Harold passed away, and was buried on Sunday. Mayor Johnson, on behalf of the City of West
F ~ Memphis conveyed his deepest sympathy of their loss to his family, his church First Baptist
~ Church, and also the city's loss. Harold Thomas had been on the council for ten years and was
very highly respected and admired by all. Mr. Johnson said the city would miss Harold Thomas
tremendously, but his contributions would remain. Out of respect for Harold, Mayor Johnson
requested a moment of silent meditation. Councilor Coleman then closed the moment of silence
with a prayer.
Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor lNilliam H.
Johnson, City Attomey David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin and Councilors: Helen Hams,
James Holt, Joyce Gray, Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, Vickie Robertson, Herman Coleman
and Marco McClendon. Absent: Councilor Ramona Taylor. Quorum being present, Mayor
Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
Mayor Johnson presented a Proclamation to Missouri Street Church of Christ, who teamed with
Wonder City Church of Christ on a project, for their outstanding services rendered to the citizens
of West Memphis and the State of Arkansas. He proclaimed Sunday August 20, 2006 as
Missouri Street Church of Christ Day of Service in West Memphis, Arkansas.
INM UTES
Councilor Robertson moved, seconded by Councilor Hams to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of August 3, 2006 and approve as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
2nd Reading of an Ordinance to establish new compensation for Alderman of the City of West
Memphis, the City Clerk and City Treasurer.
Councilor Coleman moved, seconded by Councilor Hams to amend the Ordinance deleting the
office of City Treasurer. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attomey Peeples read
the Ordinance for the SECOND time as amended.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor Davis to suspend the rules and Resolution
R-1 and Ordinance O-1 be read by title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-7 Resolution certifying the removal of inoperable vehicles, litter, debris, and other
unsafe/unsightly items from private property within the City of West Memphis.
City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Harris moved, seconded by Councilor
Davis to approve. Discussion was held. Paul Luker, Director of Planning & Development said the
property was located at 2802 E. Broadway and the city has had them in court several time for this
violation. The Resolution allows the city to have the property Leaned up, and a lien on the
property if we are not reimbursed for the costs. Upon voice vote the voting was unanimous. The
Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1862.
O-1 An Ordinance waiving competitive bidding on Group Health Insurance for city employees
with Great-West Healthcare, and for other purposes.
City Attomey Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Councilor Robertson stated she
' ~ and the council received a letter from Don Brawley and was concerned about the validity of that
letter which stated that Great West's bid was lower because they bid on a twelve month period
instead of the 15 month period that everyone else bid. Councilor Coleman stated Great West's
bid was exactly what we requested. City Treasurer Martin said it was 15 months on the specific
and 12 months on the aggregate. The rate of the policy was discussed. Councilor Coleman said
they did not increase the rate. Treasurer Frank Martin reported last year the cost was
$395,576.00 and this bid was increased to $431,087.00. Councilor Holt questioned why we are
waiving competitive bidding. Discussion continued. Mayor Johnson suggested the council have a
work session to discuss matter prior to the next City Council meeting.
PERMISSION REQUESTS
Councilor Hams moved, seconded by Councilor Holt to give permission to pay OMI for the
operation of the sewer treatment plant for the month of September in the amount of $59,476.25.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Councilor Davis moved, seconded buy Councilor Robinson to approve the destruction of records
in the CRy Clerk's Office for the years of 1997 thru 2000. Records are to be stored and destroyed
next year with the Finance Department's records. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
(See attached)
COMMITTEE REPORT8
Airport Commission -Robinson reported the Commission agreed to place the Channel 5 Doppler
Radar adjacent to haul road just south of T-hangar on row 5, if soil is acceptable. APAC of
Memphis is contractor for current construction for taxiway widening project phase 2 and are on
schedule. They are still searching for a company to place a security sys#em at the airport.
Public Works Committee -Approved the overlay program submitted by Eddie Brawley and
awarded the bid to APAC. Mr. Brawley expressed concern about our compliance with EPA and
wants to re-look at the use of stop sign to slow traffic. Mr. Brawley said that stopping ads to the
environmental problem. Adding air-conditioning to Sanitation trucks was also discussed. Mayor
Johnson suggested adding A/C to the specifications when they order new trucks.
Park Commission - Discussed the plans for Tilden Rogers Park and the possibility of building a
skateboard park somewhere in West Memphis.
Advertising & Promotion Commission -discussed trying to get more attractions in West
Memphis. Voted to change the name from "Community Center" to "Civic Center".
Fire Commission -discussed grant received from FEMA for hazmat to be split between four
cities. They are working on a new grant for turn-out gear. Sick leave and the "Are You OK
Program" were discussed and will be discussed further at the next meeting. Councilor Gray
asked for permission from the Council to fill two (2) Charge Paramedic slots with existing people.
Discussion was held. Mayor Johnson said the position of Charge Paramedics was eliminated
from the budget when they went to different titles of various positions. Twelve paramedic slots
were budgeted. They are to re-address this matter with Frank Martin and bring back in the form
of a Resolution to the council.
Councilor Coleman reported he received a call from someone that has three dogs that were
picked up without warning after the new dog ordinance became effective. City Attorney Peeples
said the Director of Animal Control Department is no longer employed with the city and the other
employees were not aware of the grace period they were suppose to give. They are now giving
warnings. Mayor Johnson said we would waive the fees for the dogs that were picked up without
any warning.
Councilor Robinson expressed her sorrow to the Evening Times for the recent loss of their
building from a fire and commended them for going forward in spite of their loss.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Johnson announced Business after Hours was tonight at Life Blood, 304 E. Bond, from
5:00 until 7:00.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Coleman moved,
seconded by Councilor Robinson to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The
meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~.. day of September, 2006.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PHILLIP RA, CITY CL K
Minutes prepared by: Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
RECORDS DISPOSAL FORM
t ~~
Approval is hereby requested for the destruction of the following records. It is understood that the
items listed describes completely documents that have served their usefulness to the City of West
Memphis and that said destruction is in compliance with applicable state statutes.
ocumen
Title umen
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of Destruction
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Destruction Witness: Date:
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