December 20, 1973136
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,
ARKANSAS, HELD ON THE 20TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 1973•
The City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in regular session at
its regular meeting place in West Memphis, Arkansas, at 1:30 p.m. on the 20th day
of December, 1973. The following were present: Mayor Tilden Rodgers; and
Aldermen: D. M. Grimsley, W. L. Harris, J. E. Hightower, Pritchard Horton,
C. D. Hutcherson, Ann Payton, M. P. Scott, R. T. tlgy~. Tbo~as'~}~:ekerson; and
City Attorney R. L. Smith.
Absent: Alderman B. G. Smith.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had to
wit:
Motion was made by Alderman Scott seconded by Alderman Hutcherson: That reading
of Minutes of Council Meeting on December 6th be waived. Upon vote, the voting
was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Bentley, and Dickerson.
No : None .
Mayor Rodgers requested the rule be waived, and~ipermission granted to present
matters not on the Agenda. Motion was made by Alderman Dickerson, seconded by
alderman Horton: That rule be waived and mattes be presented. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Bentley, and Dickerson.
No : None .
The Mayor presented recommendation of the Airport Co~amission that approximately
~ acres adjacent to the Airport owned by Mr. J. A. Thurston be purchased at
cost $6,000 per acre a total of $38,900 half of the amount to be paid at the
time of purchase and the balance the following year.
After discussion with Cy Bond, Jr., Engineer for the Airport Commission and
Eddie Brawley of the City Engineering Department, motion was made by Alderman
Scott, seconded by Alderman Bentley: That the land for the Airport be purchased
from Mr. J. A. Thurston from Revenue Sharing Funds. Upon vote, the voting was
as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Bentley, and Dickerson.
No : None .
Mayor Rodgers announced Mr. Morris Fair had been working on a bond rating for
the Utility Commission, and an '~A" rating was secured, which will be a financial
asset in issuing bonds for the Utility Commission, that West Memphis and
Little Rock are the only cities in the State of Arkansas with the ~'A" Rating.
The Mayor requested action be delayed on the Utility Commission Budget that was
distributed on December 6th until action is taken on the City Budget pertaining
to salary increases for City Employees due to the Utility Commission Budget
including proposed salary increases. Utilizing a computer for Utility Commission
and City of West Memphis bookkeeping was discussed.
Mayor Rodgers brought to the Councilrs attention the Arkansas Highway Department
had notified him funds are not available for proposed S. Avalon construction,
however, efforts would be made by the City to obtain funds . Charg~.ng of programs
by Federal Government, urban and rural street classifications were discussed.
Certificate of Appointment to the West Memphis Housing Commission was presented
to Mr. Hugh Chalmers, who was reappointed to the Commission on December 6, 1973•
t~~
Alderman Bentley reported inquires had been made by the Insurance Committee
pertaining to hospital-health insurance plans, and recommendation of the
Committee that the Program now in effect with the Arkansas Municipal League
be continued providing increase from $12.50 to $15.lt0 per month for each
employee, said amount paid by the Cityy. After discussion of adjustment in
Budget for increase, payment increase by employee for dependent, complaints
as to delay in payment for claims, motion was made by Alderman Scott and
seconded: That approve recommendation of the Insurance Committee. Upon vote,
the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Bentley, and Dickerson
No: None.
Mayor Rodgers announced a Bud&t Meeting for Thursday, December 27, 1973•
Alderman Horton requested the grass be cut on OK Street Ditch due to fire
hazard inasmuch as had not been cut in over a year. The problem of cutting
grass on ditch banks was discussed.
Inquiry was made by Alderman Horton as to action on repair of railroad crossing
at South Service Road and N. Missouri, and was informed letter had been written
to the Frisco Railroad about the matter.
Alderman Dickerson reported on participation of Aldermen Bentley, City Attorney
Smith, and himself at the Donkey Basketball Game.
Mr. Leo Chitman of the Mid South Medical Program requested assistance of the
City in the Crittenden County Health Program. The Mayor advised application
had been made to HUD pertaining to the matter.
No further business being presented, the meeting was adjourned.
~.
r
MAYOR
ATTEST: ""'
CITY CLERKf
APPRAVEDs (WAIVED READING JANUARY 3, 19710