June 20, 1974
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS, HAD AND
HELD ON JUNE 20, 19?I~ .
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 June, 1971. The following were present: Mayor Tilden Rodgers;
City Attorney Robert Smith, and Aldermen: W. L. Harris, J. E. Hightower,
Prit,~hard Horton, C. D. Hutcherson, Ann Payton, M. P. Scott, B. G. Smith,
R. T. Bentley, Thomas Dickerson, and D. M. Grimsley.
Absent: None.
The following proceedings were had to-wit:
Minutes of Council Meeting on June 6, 19?1,~, were approved as read.
Alderman Bentley, Chairman of the City Hall Building Committee, announced
preliminary plans are being prepared and a meeting will be called to consider.
Alderman Smith informed the Council bid had been awarded tc W'Neal Paving Co.
for the Barton, Pearce, and Rich roads work; and to Parkin Equipment Co. for
the Backhoe-Loader.
A.n ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Regulating The Installation And
Maintenance Of:E.l.ectrical Wire And For Safeguarding Life And Property In
The City Of West Memphis, Arkansasit read the first time on May 16th and
the second time or. June 6th was read the third time by City Attorney Smith.
Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Dickerson, moved that the ordinance be
adopted. The question was but by the MaVOr on the adoption of the motion
and the roll being called, the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, Smith,
Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance adopted and signed the ordinance,
which was attested by the City Clerk and impressed with the seal of the City.
The ordinance was given No. 80?, and read as follows:
ORDINANCE N0. 807
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL WIRE
AND FOR SAFEGUA.R.DIATG LIFE AND PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS
BE IT ORDAI NED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. Electrical Wiring.
r r`
(a) All electrical wiring No. 10 AWG and smaller installed
in the City of West Memphis, Arkansas shall be copper or copper-clad
aluminum.
(b) No plain aluminum wire in these sizes shall be used.
Section 2. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation who shall fail to
comply with any of the provisions hereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00)
nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00), and in default thereof, by imprisonment
of not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days, together with the
cost of prosecution.
Section 3. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that if any section, subsection, sentence,
clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional
or otherwise invalid, such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not effect
the remainder of this ordinance; and, that all ordinances or parts of ordinances
in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
~`1
An ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Vacating Unnamed Street Bounded On The
West By Lot 1 In Block 3 And On The East By Lot 1L~ In Block 2 Of Worthington
Park Addition To The City Of West Memphis, Arkansas" was read the second time
by City Attorney ~nith. Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Hutcherson moved
that the second reading of the ordinance be adopted. Upon roll call vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, Smith,
Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
Mayor Rodgers presented the following resolution for consideration of the Council:
RESOLUTION N0. 490
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis, Arkansas has been shocked by the recent
murder of one of its fine citizens, and
WHEREAS, the West Memphis City Council is greatly concerned with the safety
and security of all of its citizens, and
WHEREAS, the West Memphis Police have not at this time any clues or information
wherein they can proceed fta.rther with the investigation of this matter, and
WHEREAS, it is believed that a reward for information leading to the arrest of
the person responsible for the murder of Mrs. Ches Williams will be of considerable
help to the West Memphis Police;
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
1. That any person who gives any information to the West Memphis Police that
will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the murder
of Mrs. Ches Williams will be awarded the szum of One Thousand Dolls.rs ($1,000.00).
2. That such information given the West Memphis Police will be kept in the
strictest confidence.
3. That this offer of reward will be given the wides publicity possible
through the West Memphis Police Department.
I~. That the Mayor of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, be authorized to pay
the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) upon written information from the
Police Chief that a certain person did furnish information leading to the arrest
and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of Mrs. Ches Williams.
After discussion, Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Hutcherson, moved that
the resolution be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Peron, Scott, Smith,
Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
Na: None.
Mayor Rodgers submitted to the Council the name of Roy Strong for reappointment
to the Airport Commission. After consideration, motion was made by Alderman Smith,
seconded by Alderman Hutcherson: That Strong be appointmd to the Airport
Commission for a term of five years. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, Smith,
Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
Recommendation of the Planning Commission on May 29, 1971, to amend the
Comprehensive Plan was read, thereupon, resolution was presented for consideration
of the Council. Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Hutcherson, moved that
the resolution be adopted. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, Smith,
Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
The resolution read as follows:
~~
RESOLUTION N0..491
WHEREAS, the West Memphis Planning Commission,
on the 29th day of May, 1971, recommended that
amended from residential use to commercial use
Missouri Street for a depth of two hundred feet
Street north to the Ten Mile Bayou;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
following a public hearing
the Comprehensive Plan be
for that area facing
(200') between Graham
The recommendation of the Planning Commission to amend the Comprehensive
Plan from residential to commercial use that area facing Missouri Street
for a depth of two hundred feet (200') between Graham Street north to Ten
Mile Bayou, be, and hereby is adopted.
Mayor Rodgers announced resolutions had been prepared for the annual tax
levy, and City Attorney Smite read the resolutions. After consideration,
Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, moved that the resolution
for the Policeman's Pension and Relief Fund be adopted. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Smith, Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
The resolution read as follows:
RESOLUTION N0. 192
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
That a tax of one
Relief Fund upon
within the limits
is hereby levied,
certified copy of
Crittenden County
(1} mill upon the dollar for Policeman's Pension and
the assessed value of all real and personal property
of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, be and the same
and the City Clerk is hereby directed to deliver a
this Resolution to the Clerk of the County Court cf
for the tax : ooks for the year 1971 .
~ /• ~ //\
~~~lderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Smith, moved that the resolution
pertaining to real and personal property and the public library be adopted.
Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Smith, Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
The resolution read as follows:
RESOLUTION N0. x.93
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
That a tax of five (5) mills upon the dollar for general purposes, five
(S) mills upon the dollar for debt service, and one (1} mill upon the
dollar for public city library upon the assessed value of all real and
personal property within the limits of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas,
be and the same are hereby levied, and the City Clerk is hereby directed
to deliver a certified copy of this Resolution to the Clerk of the County
Court of Crittenden County for the tax books for the year 19?!~.
~.
,,!
Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Bentley, moved that the resolution
levying tax for Firemen's Relief and. Pension Fund be adopted. Upon vote,
the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Smith, Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
Na: None.
The resolution read as follows:
RESOLUTION N0. ~.9~.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
That a tax of one (1) mill upon the dollar for Firemen's Relief and Pension
Fund upon the assessed value of all real and personal property within the
limits of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, be and the same is hereby
levied, and the City Clerk is hereby directed to deliver a certified copy
of this Resolution to the Clerk of the County Court of Crittenden County
for the tax books for the year 1971.
Mayor Rodgers announced an ordinance pertaining to air conditioning, heating,
and refrigeration had been prepared for consideration, and a number of people
interested in the matter were in the audience. Mr. John Mooney of Arkansas
Louisiana Gas Company expressed opposition to the ordinance. After lengthy
discussion with Inspector Egbert, citizens in the audience, and members of
the Council the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance For The Creation Of A Board
For Examining Axed Licensing ~'ersons Involved In The Business Of Installing,
Repairing, Servicing, Altering Or Remodeling Of Heating, Air Conditioning Or
Refrigeration Equipment: To Provide Rules And Regulations For Licensing A.nd
Examining Such Persons Or Company And To Prescribe Penalties For The Violation
Of This Ordinance" was read by City Attorney Smith. Alderman Bentley,
seconded by Alderman Smith moved the first reading of the ordinance be
approved. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Payton, Smith, and Bentley
No: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Scott, Dickerson, and
Grimsley
The Mayor stated the motion did not pass.
Mayor Rodgers presented report for uses for Revenue Sharing
it the amount of $759,390 after public hearings were held a
and L. R. Jackson Civic Centers and letters were sent to the
suggestions. The amounts were as follows:
Land for 2 fire stations and construction of one
3 additional police cars and trade 3 cars and equip.
Building Inspector's car
Disaster Warning System
Equipment for detective
Salary for 2 policemen
1 garbage dump truck and containers
Rodent Control Program
Blacktop parking lot for auditorium
Donation County Health Dept.
Donation East Ark. Mental Health Dept.
Donation Handicap Workshop
Purchase of park land
Purchase books desk library
Salary for Library
City's share for desk chairs, etc. Neighborhood Center
S~.ary Maintain and Operate Neighborhood Center
Jay Woods slary
Don Manes & Assoc.
Purchase land for City garage
Purchase of storm sewer truck
Computer Equipment
Funds for 197-75
t the Eugene Woods
Aldermen for
$100,000.00
26,500.00
3,500.00
28,000.00
2,300.00
12,000.00
80,000.00
5,000.00
100, 000.00
15,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
169,190.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
6,000.00
9,800.00
12,000.00
!~, 800.00
1~5, 000.00
50,000.00
70,000.00
~.~°
After discussion, motion made by Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Harris:
That approve proposed plan for Revenue Sharing Money. Upon vote, the voting
was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Smith, Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
Mayor Rodgers commented on the spending of previous funds received for overlay
of streets, demolition of old houses, purchase of airport land, sewer lines,
prex3.ous' oblgatib~i~ y and p~.dn~ ~fc~~ ~ ~'epaa:r .of :L. R: Jackson Civic Center, and
future plans to overlay streets as per p~rious bid amount.
Mr. John Burrow, a member of the Mayors Senior Citizens committee, and
Billy smith, Alderman B. G. Smiths son, were introduced.
Mayor Rodgers informed the Council due to additional funds being received from
dog track, interest on deposits, and privilege license it had been ascertained
$50.00 per month raise could be given to all Police and Fire Department
employees. After consideration, motion by Alderman Scott, seconded by
Alderman Harris: That as of July lst $50.00 per month salary increase be given.
to all Police and Fire Department employees. Upon vote, the voting was as
follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Smith, Bentley, Dd.ckersnn, and Grimsley
No: None.
Repairs to L. R. Jackson Community Center were discussed, and motion by
Alderman Bentley seconded by Alderman Hutcherson: That Notice be published
for bids to be received July 18th. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, Scott,
Smith, Bentley, Dickerson, and Grimsley
No : None .
Mayor Rodgers appointed Alderman Payton Chairman of a Drainage Committee,
additional members to be appointed at a later date.
Alderman Payton brought to the Councils attention a Crime Prevention Program
sponsored by the Memphis Police Department, thereupon, the Mayor requested
Alderman Payton and Miss Margaret Woolfolk to obtain information on the Program.
Alderman Payton requested consideration be given salary increases for other city
employees.
Mayor Rodgers reported payment had not been made for the work on the floor at
Eugene Woods Civic Center, and the air conditioner at L. R. Jackson Civic Center
had been repaired. City Engineer Brawley comemented on letting of bids for
drainage work on S. Avalon and work on Jackson Street between Avalon and Woods.
Aldermen Harris and Hightower requested raises for Street Department employees
be considered.
Alderman Horton presented complaint as to overlay of first block on S. 13th
Street by the Urban Renewal Agency, and the enforcement of muffler regulations
on motorbikes.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned.
ATTEST : --~
ES F. EGRAFF, C CLERK
APPROVED: JULY 18, 19?!~
~~~ ~
TILDEN RODGERS YOR