May 17, 2007MINUTES
WE8T MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
MAY 17, 2007
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, May 17, 2007 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 1:32 p.m. Invocation was given by Reverend Bob
Burnham of First United Methodist Church in West Memphis. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the
roll. Those present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, City Treasurer
Frank Martin, Councilors, Helen Harris, James Holt, Chester Peeples, Phillip Carter, Lorraine
Robinson, Clarence Davis, Ramona Taylor, Herman Coleman, and Marco McClendon. Absent:
Alderman James Pulliaum. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
Mayor Johnson recognized the West Memphis Sr. High School Baseball Team for making it to
the 8A Championship in Fayetteville, AR last weekend. The team then introduced themselves.
BID OPENINGS
Mayor Johnson said insurance bids were opened at 12:30 p.m. Mayor Johnson appointed an
Insurance Committee to review the bids and bring back their recommendation to the City Council.
The committee is Mayor Johnson, City Treasurer Frank Martin, Personnel Director Judy Moore,
Councilor Taylor and Councilor Coleman. Carter moved, seconded by Taylor to refer the bids to
the Insurance Committee for disposition. Discussion followed. The motion carried.
IM NUTEg
A motion was made by Peeples and seconded by Hoit to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of May 3, 2007 and approve as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Councilor Coleman said that he did not make the statement the minutes reflect under New
Business (R-1). Coleman moved, seconded by Hams to amend the minutes correcting the
statement he made during discussion on the amendment of R-1 approving the Statement of
CDBG funds. Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Peeples to instruct Cindy Greenwood to
review the tape and let the minutes reflect what was said by Alderman Coleman. The motion
carved by unanimous vote.
OLD BU81NES8
2nd Reading An Ordinance prohit~ting obstructions in the public roads of the City of West
Memphis and providing for the enforcement thereof
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time.
NEW BU81NE88
O-1 An Ordinance to re-designate 18~h Street to Coleman Street, and for other purposes
McClendon moved, seconded by Holt to suspend the rules and read the title to the ordinance
only. Motion carried. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time.
PERMIS81ON REQUEST8
A motion was made by Taylor, seconded by Davis to give permission for the Mayor to sign a
contract amendment by and between the city and Brawley Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Discussion followed and Mr. Brawley came forward and answered questions. The motion tamed.
McClendon moved, seconded by Carter to approve payment of $287,788.95•to APAC for taxiway
widening project. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Holt reported the Park Commission met and discussed the proposal that was brought to the last
council meeting and it voted to not allow a rap concert in the park.
Robinson reported the Airport Commission met and discussed the AIP application is completed
and signed. They discussed raises for airport employees. Councilor Robinson gave the council
pay scale comparisons to review and representatives from the airport are to meet with the Budget
Committee June 5"'.
Coleman reported the Fire Commission met and discussed completing the work on Station No. 4,
ways to build and man a new fire station on Airport Road, and discussed the possibiifty of having
an outside service take over the Milling of the ambulance service to help with collections.
Davis reported the Personnel Committee had no quorum. Utility Commission discussed
upgrading the software of the computer system and their recommendation of Southern Software
will be presented at the next Budget Committee meeting. He also reported West Memphis
presently has the second lowest utility rates in the state.
Alderman Peeples asked about upgrading the city personnel policies. City Attorney reported he
is working with the Arkansas Municipal League with this and when the updated version is
competed, he will provide a copy to the council to review.
Mayor Johnson asked the members of the newly appointed Insurance Committee to stay and set
a meeting time and date.
Having no further business to come before the council, Robinson moved, seconded by Harris to
adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this `~ day of June, 2007.
.pG~ J
WILLIAM H. JOH SON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
-.~-~
P PARR, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk