October 16, 2008MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 16, 2008
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, October 16, 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 Brother Lee Crawford,
the new Director of Ministries at the 8th Street Mission. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those
present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attomey David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin and
Councilors: Chester Peeples, Lorraine Robinson, Clarence Davis, James Pulliaum, Ramona Taylor,
Herman Coleman, Marco McClendon, Helen Harris, and James Holt. Absent: Alderman Phillip Carter.
Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
Mayor Johnson asked Alderwoman Ramona Taylor to present a Proclamation to Ms. Cindy Parker
proclaiming October as National Hospice Month and a Proclamation to Ms. Cheryl Beene proclaiming
the month of October as National Home Care Month.
MINUTES
Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to dispense with the reading of the minutes
of October 2, 2008, and approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Fire Commission -Robinson reported Chief Spears would like to implement a sick leave policy by
2009 and City Attomey Peeples is checking for any possible conflicts, He reported overtime is down by
5%, an agility test is scheduled for October 25 at West Memphis Sr. High, and the promotion exam is
scheduled for December 11, 2008. $386,228 has been collected for ambulance Medicare and Medicaid
billing including the procession fee for Crittenden Hospital. Discussion was held regarding building Fire
Station 5. Proposals were presented for repairs to Station 4. Mayor Johnson said he already had
signed the contract for the repairs at Station 4 in the amount of $13,300.
Airport Commission -Robinson reported the Airport's COOP/COG Plan is nearing completion and the
Capital Improvement Plan was amended to focus FY 2009 Non Primary Entitlement Funds solely on
land acquisition.
Utility Commission -Davis reported a new identity theft and red flag program was ap~roved. John
Rimmer reported the Federal Trade Commission has mandated that by November 1 ,certain
organizations such as banks, utilities, etc. have a program in place to help secure peoples identities.
Budget -Taylor reported they reviewed the current status and most departments are staying within
their budget for this point in time and have curtailed spending as requested by Mayor Johnson.
Insurance -Coleman reported the Insurance Committee will meet Wednesday, October 22nd at noon
to discuss dental insurance.
PERMISSION REQUESTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Phillip Para, City Clerk announced there will be a public forum this Saturday October 18th from 3:00
until B:00 at City Hall for the public to meet the fifteen (15) City Council candidates. There will be a
question and answer period moderated by former State Representative Steve Jones.
Alderwoman Taylor announced the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture Cooperative
Extension has election information available on each of the amendments, referred questions and acts
available. You can call looking under Crittenden County Cooperative Extension and receive a review
prior to voting. Also, the Main Street Board and community members have been working with a
consultant and at 4:00 today at MSCC, the consultant will unveil the branding campaign for West
Memphis.
Alderman McClendon encouraged everyone from Ward 4 to come Saturday and he asked about a
request for speed bumps in his ward. City Attomey Peeples said that state law prohibits speed bumps
on public streets due to a necessary access for emergency vehiGes.
Alderman Coleman recognized Mr. T Vlfitson, who is presently serving in the US Army. He also
reported there is a pump station at Autumn and 22"~ Street that needs repairs. Mayor Johnson is to
inforrn the Utility Department. He also reported one side of the ditch next to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
is being maintained by the church, but the other side is not.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by
Councilor Davis to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at
1:50 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this l~+h day of November, 2008.
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WILLIAM H. JOHNSO OR
ATTEST:
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PARR, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by Cindy Greenwood, Sr. Deputy City Clerk ,,~(