May 1, 2008MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
May 1, 2008
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
in the City Councl 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 David Denton, the
Minister of Music for Calvary Baptist Church. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those present
were: Mayor INlliam H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, and Councilors, James Holt, Chester
Peeples, Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, James Pulliaum, Ramona Taylor, Herman Coleman,
Marko McClendon and Helen Harris. Absent.' City Treasurer Frank Martin and Councilors Phillip
Carter. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
BIDS
Planning and Development bids for 2502 East Broadway. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by
Councilor Davis to refer the bids to Planning and Development for disposition. Upon voice vote, the
voting was unanimous. This is the building next to the old library.
MINUTES
Councilor McClendon moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of April 17, 2008, and approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. April 17th was Councilman McClendon's Birthday.
OLD BUSINESS
3'd Reading An Ordinance to rezone a 6.18 acre parcel in the City of West Memphis, located at
approximately 705 Hwy 77, from I-1, Limited Industrial to (PUD) Planned Unit Development.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the THIRD and final time. Councilor Pulliaum moved
seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The ordinance
was adopted and assigned #2186.
3'~ Reading An ordinance to set forth uniform requirements for direct and indirect contributors into
the wastewater collection and treatment system for the City of West Memphis; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the THIRD and final time. Councilor Peeples moved
seconded by Councilor Harris to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The ordinance
was adopted and assigned #2187.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to suspend the rules and read R-1, R-Z and
O-1 by title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-1 A resolution setting a public hearing on a petition to close a portion of a 10' alley lying west of
Lots 16 through 28 in Block 34 of the George T. Kendall Subdivision to the City of West Memphis..
City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Taylor moved seconded by Councilor Harris.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The resolution was assigned #1887. The public hearing is
scheduled for May 15, 2008 at 1:30 pm, just prior to the City Council Meeting.
R-2 A resolution of the City Council of West Memphis, Arkansas certifying local government
endorsement of Allied Crawford Steel to participate in the tax back program (as authorized by section
15-4-2706(d) of the consolidated incentive act of 2003).
City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Taylor moved seconded by Councilor Davis.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The resolution was assigned #1888. This property is on
Afco Road. They will employ close to fifty employees at a rate of approximately $14.00 per hour.
O-1 An Ordinance to regulate pawn shops and pawnbrokers within the City of West Memphis, to
require electronic reporting, for the repeal of Ordinance 298, and for other purposes.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget Commission -Councilor McClendon made a motion to amend the Main Street Director's
salary. Instead of $38,000 it will be a category level 22. Motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The next meeting is May 6th at noon.
Police Commission -Councilor Coleman reported the meeting did not have a good attendance due to
incident in the City.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Reverend David Moose announced an Interracial Dialogue Meeting to be held at Shoney's on
Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm. The topic of discussion will be to look at cultural scripts. Everyone
is invited to attend.
PERMISSION RE~UEST8
Permission to pay Standard Builders, Inc. 5185, 003.00 partial billing infrastructure improvements-DSC
LogisticslTCB-Infinity Parkway, Infinity Warehouse Facility.
Motion was made by Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Hams to approve the request. Upon
voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Permission for the Mayor to sign a contract amendment by and between the City of West Memphis and
Brawley ConsWting Engineers, Inc.
Motion was made by Councilor Peeples, seconded by Councilor Holt to approve the request. Upon
voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Councilor McClendon wanted to see if Ward Wimbish, Economic Development Diredor could pursue
getting a first line movie theater in West Memphis. Peabody's Theaters have closed and there is not
another first line theater for miles.
Councilor Pulliaum spoke about the public hearing that was held on the 2S"' of April. There were many
citizens at the meeting that were concerned about drainage. He would like for the City Engineer to look
at the drainage problems around town, especially on 11"' street and make recommendations on how
we can fix the problem. Councilor Pulliaum would also like to see a program, where the ditches that
provide drainage, can be cleaned routinely.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by
Councilor McClendon to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned
at 1:50 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~~}~ day of May, 2008.
~~ ~ ~
.r-.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSO ,MAYOR
ATTEST:
PARR, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by Rhonda Standridge, Jr. Deputy City Clerk