August 21, 2008MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
August 21, 2008
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Counal was held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 1:30
p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. Due to absence of Mayor Johnson, a motion was made
by Councilor Hams for Councilor Ramona Taylor to Chair the meeting. Motion was seconded by
Councilor Coleman. Upon voice vote the motion passed. Invocation was given by Rev. Fned Parker,
8th Street Mission for Jesus Christ. Cindy Greenwood, Deputy City Clerk, called the roll. Those
present were: City Attorney David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin and Councilors, Herr»an
Coleman, Marco McClendon, Helen Hams, James Holt, Chester Peeples, PhiNip Carter, Lorraine
Robinson, Clarence Davis, James Pulliaum and Ramona Taylor. Absent: Mayor VlfiNiam H. Johnson
and City Clerk Phillip Para. Quorum being present, Councilor Taylor proceeded with the meeting.
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MIN TES
Councilor McClendon moved, seconded by Councilor Coleman to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of August 7, 2008, and approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
2"d Reading An Ordinance to re-designate Airport Road to College Boulevard, and ibr other
purposes.
City Attorney Peeples read the Orciinance for the SECOND time.
2"d Reading An ordinance to rezone the property located at 1224 South Avalon in fhe City of West
Memphis, from R-2, Low Density Residential, to R-4 Multi-Family Residential.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
Utility Commission -Councilor Davis stated that the utility company had denied a request for
reimbursement of sewer damage to a business. The department sold some otd transformers to
Soloman Corporation who had given the biggest bid. The commissioners agreed to transferred two
vehicles to the Parks Department. Frank Martin informed the commission of issues the budget
committee has recommended to the city council that may affect the utility. One issue was an electric
meter service fee to help pay for fire and police protection with would be $2.50 fee for residential and
$5.00 for Commensal meters a month. The other issue was a 1 % franchise fee increase, which would
affect the utility, telephone, gas and cable. Todd Pederson gave an update of what's coming down the
road for the utility. He stated that the utility will meet with the council periodically and kept them
updated on what is going on.
Parks Commission -Councilor Holt reported they were working on the plans for the parks. We are still
waiting for the grant approval. Councilor Pulliaum wanted something showing what is planned for each
park.
A & P Commission -Counalor Taylor stated that they have post phoned phase 2 and 3 of renovations
until after the first part of next year. They approved financial support of the 2nd Annual Blues Gala and
a radio ad for the Crittenden County Home Builders.
Airport Commission -Councilor Robinson reported on the name change on Airport Road. The
commission would recommend to City Council that College Blvd would go to the very end of the
property owned by the college on Airport Road and the remaining part of Airport Road to remain Airport
Road. There was also a complimentary letter that was received about the Airports' new webpage. She
will have a more detailed report at the next meeting.
The Neighborhood Center was also discussed and Councilor Taylor reported that the grant has been
submitted to the Department of Human Services and the Workforce Investment Board. Councilor
Taylor believes that the bid has been put out for the renovations.
PERMISSION REQUESTS
Approval to sign contract with Brawley Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the West Memphis 2008 Asphalt
overlay and street improvement program.
Motion was made by Counalor Robinson, seconded by Councilor Pulliaum to approve the request.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
APPOINTMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Pulliaum wants to have several public hearings to hear the public's opinion on the fees they
are proposing to increase.
Councilor Robinson reported that the fence and sidewalk problem has been taken care of alongside the
ditch by Maddox Elementary. It is looking beautiful and the danger has been removed.
Tonight is business after hours at East Arkansas Family Health Center from 5:00-7:00. Next
Wednesday the 27"', Health Care and Rehabilitation Center is hosting an open house from 10:00 until
noon.
Councilor Taylor also reported that there is an Interracial Dialog Meeting at 2:00 pm Saturday at
Shoney's.
Rev David Moose wanted to recognize the Parker's and wish them well in their new ministry in Florida
and thank them on behalf of the community for their service they have given us.
Councilor Pulliaum made a motion to allow the Parker's for speak at the meeting. Motion was
seconded by Councilor Robinson. Upon voice vote the motion passes.
Rev Fred Parker stated that they have done a lot of work in the last five years. He believes the Mission
has become an asset to this community and says that his replacement will be dedicated to building an
even greater foundation for a community asset. Rev. Parker says he is grateful to have been given the
opportunity to be here.
Councilor McClendon wanted to know about the Mainstream program redesignating certain areas on
Broadway. The blocks of 7~', 8"' and 9"' were chosen because there were more buildings with the
original historical structure on them and some federal assistance will be given to the City.
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 1:54 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this 4 ~ h day of September, 2008.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
I ARA, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by Rhonda Standridge, Jr. Deputy City Clerk