March 16, 1961~~~.
MINUTES OF A REGULAR bll3ETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS,
_________ HELD AT THE CITY HALL IN SAID CITY ON THE. 1~ D9Y_4F__M9RC1~. _1Q61.__AT_.3~00_~.~L
The Citq Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in regular session in
the City of West Memphis at 3:00 o'clock P, M, on the 16th day of March, 1961. The following
were present: Aldermen: L, E. Roleson, C. H. Rowton, O. I, Bollinger, R, C, Bowie,
R. E. Eden, Earl Felts, and J, F, Lackey; and City Attorney W, H, Dillahunty.
Absent: Alderman Y. G, Sims.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had to-wit:
Minutes of Council Meeting on March 2, 1961, were approved as read,
Mayor Price read the following letter of resignation from Mrs. Taylor Claiborne, a
member of the Patk Commission:
West Memphis, Arkansas
February 4, 1961
Mayor H,iB, Price
City Hall
West Memphis, Arkansas
Dear Mr. Price:
Since my health and duties make it necessary for; me to slow down on my extra duties.
I must resign as Park Commissioner. I have enjoyed my work with this group, and I hone
that the West Memphis Recreation Program grows as much in the next ten years as it has
in the past ten.
In 1952 we had no swimming pools, no good tennis courts, no playground directors,
and only one playground with a ball field. Now we have all of these plus five lighted
ball fields and a well organized baseball program.
I am turning over all my records to Mr. S. E. Cross, Chairman of the Park Commission.
It is time to renew (or Pay ) the premium on the treasurer's bond, and I have notofied
Mr. Cross. My best wishes for the continued success of this program.
Sincerely yours
Sylvia B. Claiborne
(MIS. Taylor Claiborne)
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Mayor Price informed the Council he had talkd with Mrs, Claiborne in an effort to have
her withdraw her resignation, but she had not done so, Thereupon, motion was made by
Alderman Roleson seconded by Alderman Rowton: That the Council accept the resignation
of Mrs. Taylor Claiborne. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Roleson, Rowton, Bollinger, Bowie, Eden, Felts, and Lackey.
Nay: None.
Niayor Price advised the Council the Recreation Commission had recommended
R. E, Dilatush, Jr „ be appointed a member of the Commission to replace Mrs. T. Claiborne.
After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Roleson, seconded by Alderman Eden: That
R. E. Dilatush, Jr., be appointed a Recreation Commissioner in accordance with Ordinance
No. 134, Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Roleson, Rowton, Bollinger, Bowie, Eden, Felts, and Lackey.
Nay: None.
The committee compsoed of Aldermen Rowton and Bollinger reported to the Mayor and
Council they had completed negotiations for purchase of Lot 24, Block 10, Avalon Heights
Extension for location of Fire Station from Guaranty Loan and Real Estate Company in the
amount of $3,000.00. After discussion, motion was made by Alderman Eden, seconded by
Alderman Lackey: That the City pay Guaranty Loan and Real Estate Company the sum of
$3,000,00 for Lot 24, Block 10, Avalon Heights Extension. Upon vote, the voting was as
follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Roleson, Rowton, Bollinger, Bowie, Eden, Felts, and Lackey.
Nay: None,
Mayor 'rice informed the Council Notice for Bids for Workmen's Compensation and
Public Liability had been published fer bids to be received at 2 P. M. Thursday,
March 23, 1961; and appointed a committee of Aldermen Rowton, Eden, Bollinger, and
City Clerk Charles F, DeGraff to receive the bids and award the contract subject to the
Council's approval on April 6, 1961. Three members of the committee present would
constitute a quorum. The Mayor stated he and the City Clerk had discussed the City's
Insurance Program, and the City might be abJ.e to save money if a program is established
similar to the program adopted for the high school. The Mayor requested the Insurance
I Committee appointed to set a date for a meeting and notify all the insurance agents
licensed to do business in West Memphis to attend the meeting.
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Alderman Eden introduced an ordinance entitled "An Ordinance For The Repeal Of
Ordinance No. 127, Passed And Approved Deecember 13, 1946; For The Repeal Of Ordinance
No. 337, Passed And Approved June 20, 1957; And For The Creation Of A Board For
Examining And Licensing Electricians; To Provide Rules And Regulations For Licensing
And Examining Such Person Or Canoany; The Issuance Of Certificates Of Competency And
To Prescribe Penalties For The Violatio^ Of This Ordinance" and moved that the ordinance
be read in full. The bonding section of the Cr dinance was discussed at length, and City
Inspector Perrine was requested to contact the electricians as to their opinions on the
matter and report to the Council at a later date. Dlotion was made by Alderman Roleson,
seconded by Alderman Bowie: That the first reading of the ordinance be approved. Upon
vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye; Aldermen: Roleson, Rowton, Bollinger, Bowie, Eden, Felts, and Lackey.
Nay: None.
Mrs. Grady Brown, bits, Mike Brownlee, and Mr. Al htaddux, Chairman of the City
Beautiful Commission reported to the Council on progress made last year in their program,
and outlined plans for this year. Mr, Maddux informed the Council the assistance of the
City will be necessary in accomplishing the program if letters and personl contacts do not
eliminate the eye-sores, Mayor Price stated the City is going to cooperate with the
Chamber of Commerce in a General Clean-up Program, and if the recommendations of the City
Beautiful Commission are not followed the City will assist the Commission in legal action,
hit. Maddux informed the Council the City Beautiful Commission had received suggestions
for renaming Hospital Field, and the Commission recommends the name of J. C. Johnson Fark
be considered. The Mayor stated the recommendation of the Commission would be considered.
The following Resolution prepared by City Attorney IV. H. Dillahunty was presented:
RESOLUTION N0. 233
WHEREAS, Senator Charles F. "Rip" Smith, Senator Clarence Bell, Representative
Cecil B. Nance, Jr., and Representative Lloyd C. McCuiston, Jr., have performed
outstanding services in the 1961 State Legislature, and
WHEREAS, the Senators and Representatives have performed many services r"or the
City of West Memphis, the citizens therein, and to the Legislative Committee of
the Arkansas Municipal League in preventing the passage of legislation that
would have been detrimental to the citizens of this area and rendered assistance
in the passage of legislation that was benefica'al to the citizens of this area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of West Memphis,
Arkansas, that Senator Charles F. "Rip" Smith, Senator Clarence Bell, Representative
Cecil B. Nance, Jr., and Representative Lloyd C. McCuiston, Jr., be commended for
their work and efforts in behalf of the City of West Memphis and the citizens
therein in the 1961 Legislature.
That a copy of this Resolution be furnished each of the persons named herein.
Dated this 16th day of March, 1961.
APPRCVED:
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-~ ~~ -" ~' Mayor
City CleixliJ'
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Motion was made by Alderman Eden, seconded by Alderman Lackey: That the
Resolution be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Roleson, Rowton, Bollinger, Bowie, Eden, Felts, and Lackey.
Nay: None,
Mayor Price brought to the Council's attention that Mr. Erling Holland would be
present March 21, 1961, at 2 P, M. for discussion on Preliminary to Final Plan and
Zoning for the City and requested members to read the ordinance that had been sent to
them previously before the meeting Tuesday. Motion was made by Alderman Roleson,
seconded by Alderman Rowton to adjourn until 2 P, hi, Tuesday, h1arch 21, 1961, Upon vote,
the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Roleson, Rowton, Bollinger, Bowie, Eden, Felts, and Lackey.
Nay: None.
ATTEST: ~. ~„ -:'},~ c-;~c~~''~ ,_ _
CITY CLERK MAYOR
APPROVED: APRIL 6, 1961