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February 7, 2008MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL February 7, 2008 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, February 7, 2008 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 Herman Coleman. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor Wi//ram H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin, and Councilors, Clarence Davis, James Pu/liaum, Ramona Taylor, Herman Coleman, Marko McC/endon, He%n Hams, James Holt, Chester Peeples and Lorraine Robinson. Absenf~ Counci/man Phi//ip Carter. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting. BIDS Bid for West Memphis Utilities - (2) 2008 3500 LWB-2 Wheel Drive, H.D. Crew Cab 8 Chassis Only Truck, were opened and tabulated at 1:00 p.m. Copies of the tabulation sheet were given to the City Council. Councilor Peeples moved seconded by Councilor Taylor to accept the bids and refer to the Utility Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The motion carried. (See attached) SPECIAL PRESENTATION There were two special presentation presented today. The first presentation was presented by Councilor Taylor on behalf of the Police Commission. The Police Commission wanted to write a tribute to Rodney Riley, affectionately known as "Koolaid" and wanted to extend their sympathy to his family. The seconded presentation was made by Mayor Johnson, on behalf of the City Council. A proclamation was given to the family of Rodney "Koolaid" Riley, proclaiming that February 7, 2008 as Rodney "Koolaid" Riley day in the City of West Memphis. Mayor Johnson presented a plaque commemorating this day to Rodney's widow, Chiquita Riley. Chiquita Riley thanked everyone who participated in Rodney's wake and the funeral services. She said it was a joy to see all the faces he touched in the community. Councilor McClendon announced that a scholarship fund has been set up in honor of Rodney "Koolaid" Riley at First Community Bank on Missouri Street. People can go by the bank to make donations to the scholarship fund. MINUTES Councilor McClendon moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to dispense with the reading of the minutes of January 17, 2008 and approved as presented. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS 2"d reading of an ordinance waiving competitive bidding for aerial spraying, ground spraying and other mosquito control efforts, and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time 2"d reading of an ordinance to ban all real gun replicate toys that doesn't contain the color mandated identity cap within the City of West Memphis, also to regulate all real gun replicate toy guns containing the color mandated identity cap to daylight hours (9:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.), and prohibit any toy guns or toy knives on any school campus within the City of West Memphis. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time. NEW BUSINESS Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to read R-1, O-1 and O-2 by title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. R-1 A resolution to change the Comprehensive Development Plan from Residential to ~, Planned Unit Development (PUD) for certain described property located at approximately 1305 West Broadway. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by Councilor Davis, to approve R-1. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1882. O-1 An Ordinance to rezone from R-1, Single Family Residential, to Planned Unit Development (PUD), A 4.46 acre tract of land lying in the SW'/. section 11, T~-N, R-8-E, City of West Memphis, Crittenden County, Arkansas, located at approximately 1305 West Broadway. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. z O-2 An Ordinance for the Adoption of the National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition, providing penalties for violations of such regulation and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. COMMITTEE REPORTS Pub/ic Wod<s-Councilor Harris reported that they are reviewing having a curb service trash pick up for all of the community. Councilor Hams asked for help in trying to resolve a problem with the ditch off of Walker and Eastwood. The ditch stays full of trash and in the summertime it stays full of water and the mosquito's are bad. She would like for it to be filled in. Mayor Johnson said he could have Eddie Brawley look at the problem and make a recommendation. Councilor Harris also wondered about having a walking path North of Broadway on 10-mile bayou, like the one on the West side of town. They have talked to Ward Wimbish about seeing if the grant is still available. Councilor McClendon announced that the landfill will let cfizens take up to five tires a year to the landfill with no charge. Po/ice Commission -Councilor Coleman said this meeting was a reorganization meeting. The main discussion was about Rodney "Koolaid" Riley. The police department has lost 17 officers over a year. Discussion was also about how far an officer could live away in order to be employed by the City. They are looking into trying to get new officers. Chief Paudert will be getting with Mayor Johnson to create options to resolve police problems. Budget Committee -Councilor McClendon reported that they reviewed wish lists and raise requests and decided that raise requests were an administrative decision and would be a decision made by the Mayor. The committee will make a decision based on the Mayor's recommendations. Discussion was also made on complaints from employees, saying they have not received a raise. The Mayor reported that for the last nine years, employees have either received a 3% raise or a 3% bonus every year. Frank Martin stated that the travel allowance for each councilman will be $1000 per year per person and the social security will be dropped. Councilor Taylor made a motion to approve this change, the motion was seconded by Councilor McClendon. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. CITIZENS REQUESTS Bridget Ward (630 South 10"~ -Mrs. Ward was hear to request new streets and sidewalks in the 600 to 800 blocks of South 9 , 10"' and 11"'. PERMISSION REQUESTS Permission to distribute $120322.66 in dog track funds between the four boys and girls clubs, once we receive their financial information. Councilor Pulliaum motioned, seconded by Councilor Taylor. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. A motion was made by Councilor Taylor and seconded by Councilor Davis to approve the Planning Commission Recommendations. This packet included approval for a gated community on West Broadway and would consist of 17 single family residences. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilor McClendon announced that in honor of Black History Month and there will be a voter's registration drive going on around town. Many of the daycares and barber shops will have voters registration tables setup inside their businesses. The Drive is being called "A Grand 1000". They will also have email blasts making people aware of upcoming elections and information. Councilor Robinson reported that at the next meeting the Council would be showcasing African American journalist, anchors and radio personalities, in honor of Black History Month. Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Coleman to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this o2 ~ day of February 21, 2008. WILLIAM H. JOHNS AYOR ATTEST: IL PARA, CITY CLERK n 2ni2oo8 West Memphis Utility Commission P. O. Box 1868 604 E. Cooper West Memphis, Arkansas 72303-1868 (870) 732-7509 Fax (870) 732-7621 (2) 2008 3500 LWB, 2 WHEEL DRIVE HD CREW CAB AND CHASSIS ONLY ITEM 1 DRW MIKE BENNAGE CHEVROLET ~Z~_,. (~ G P.O. BOX 428 HUGHES, AR 72348 GENERAL TRUCK SALES ~. ~~ ~i) 1973 E. BROOKS RD P.O. BOX 16102 MEMPHIS, TN 38116 ITEM 2 SRW ~z~I~Jn~nv ~~ ~,.d~