October 17, 1974
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF WEST ME~HIS, ARKANSAS, HAD AND
I~LD ON OCTOBER 17, 197, .
The City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in regular session
at its regular meet~.ng place in West Memphis, Arkansas at 1:30 0 ~ clock p.m.,
on the 17th day of October, 197• The following were present:
Mayor Tilden Rodgers; Aldermen: R. T. Bentley, Thomas Dickerson, D. M. Grimsley,
W. L. Harris, J. E. Hightower, Pritchard Horton, C. D. Hutcherson, Ann Payton
M. P. Scott, and B. G. Smith, and City Attorney R. L. Smith. '
Absent: None.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had
to-wit
Minutes of Meeting on October 3, 19?1~, were approved as read.
Mayor Rodgers presented Certificates of Appreciation to James Mask, Jr. and
Dezonia Gladney for their co-operation in apprehending bank robbers.
Alderman Bentley, Chairman of the Computer Committee, advised will present
recommendation in November pertaining to the bids received October 7, 1971.
Alderman Dickerson, Chairman of the Sanitation Committee, stated the
garbage truck is to be delivered in a day or two.
Alderman Smith, Chairman of the Street Committee, reported on completion of
Rich Road and progress of work on Barton and Pearce.
Mayor Rodgers announced bids for ~ and 6 ~~cr~rbic yard refuse containers in
accordance with bid notice published in the Evening Times on September 25th
and October 7th would be received. The following submitted bids:
Gayden Drew CompaKy, Memphis, Tenn.
50 - ~ cubic yd containers $260.00
balanced lid 280.00
50 - 6 cubic yard contrivers $332.00
Hawkins Equipment Company, Memphis, Tenn.
50 - ~ Cubic Yd. Front Loading Containers -Each $257.00
50 - 6 Cubic Yd. Front Loading Containers -Each $36.00
Sanitation Equipment, Inc., Tupelo, Miss.
50 - !~ Cubic Yd. Containers -Each $269.00
50 - 6 Cubic Yd. Containers -Each $33.00
After consideration of the bids, Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Horton
moved that refer bids to Sanitation Committee, and autjm~:Ze the Committee to
award the bid. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dickerson, Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton,
Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, and Smith
No: None.
A resolution authorizing Otis P. Johnson, Superintendent-Engineer of
the West Memphis Utility Commission to make application for a grant under
Public Law 92-500 was presented. After discussion, Alderman Scott, seconded
by Alderman Hutcherson moved that the resolution be adopted. Upon vote,
the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Bentley, Dickerson, Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton,
Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, and Smith
No: None.
The resolution read as follows:
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`?
RE~LUTION N0. X99
~ WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of West Memphis deems it necessary
and proper to apply for a federal grant under the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-500, and the rules and
regulations pursuant thereto.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the above named applicant that
Otis P. Johnson, Superintendent-Engineer
or his successor, is hereby authorized and directed to make application
for a grant under Public Law 92-500 and the rules and regulations pursuant
thereto, and to sign the acceptance of the grant, when made, and any other
necessary documents required to complete the project on behalf of the above
named applicant.
Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of October, 19711.
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Superintendent of Parks Lee Cramer reviewed efforts to obtain site for
a park and ballfields inasmuch as the construction of the new auditorium
on Bollinger Field eliminated three ballfields. A 50 acre tract of land
in the area north of West Horton extended, south of Inter ate 1~0 on the
east side of airport road owned by Guaranty Loan and Real estate Company
may be obtained. Plans for the development of the land for a park to
include !~ ballfields that may be used for leagues or softball teams,
tennis courts, 250 car parking area, storage, concession stands, restrooms,
and a fishing lake of 12 to 11.E acres were exhibited. Mr. Bob Aguiar,
Physical Planner for the East Arkansas Planning and Development District,
who had prepared the plans was present and commented on assis#ance
anticipated from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation on a 50-50 matching basis.
Ms Anita Barksdale of East Arkansas Planning and Development District was
also present.
Mayor Rodgers requested the rule be waived ~n~,order to consider matters
pertaining to the park. Alderman Scott, seconded by Alderman Hutcherson
moved that the rule be waived to consider items pertaining to tl~e park
purchase. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Smith, Bentley, Grimsley, Dickerson, Harris, Hightower,
Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, and Scott
No: None.
The Mayor advised the 50 acres owned by Guaranty Loan & Real Estate Company
may be obtained at a cost of $5,000 an acre, which is cheaper than other suitable
property available, by a lease purchase agreement of $10,000.00 a year rent
for 25 years, no interest, and said amount to be applied to purchase price.
After discussion of property, plans for park, cost, funds available,
Alde~en Smith, seconded by Alderman Horton moved that the Mayor be authorized
to enter into Lease Agreement, after approved by the City Attorney and Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation, with Guaranty Loan and Real Estate Company. Upon
vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye; Aldermen: Smith, Bentley, Grimsley, Iickerson, Harris, Hightower,
Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, and Scott
No: Nane.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor or other persons acting by or under his
direction to make application through the Arkansas Planning Department to
the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, United States Department of Interior or
.assistance to develop the recreational facilities was presented and read
by City Attorney Smith. Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Bentley
moved that the Resolution be apprc~ed. Upon vote, the voting was as
follows
Aye: Aldermen: ~nith, Bentley, Grimsley, Dri..ckerson, Harris, Hightower,
Horton, Hutcherson, Payton, and Scott
No : None .
The resolution read as follows:
~ K 8
LION No, 500
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, seeks to improve the recreational
facilities in its City and desires to have Federal assistance where possible;
AND
WHEREAS, in order to obtain the funds necessary to develop the site as a
recreational area it is necesssary to obtain a grant from the appropriate agency
of the United States Government; AND
~~.-
WHEREAS, the plans for such recreational area has been prepared and the price
therefor has been established; AND
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, is well aware
and appraised of the above-mentioned project, and that the City of West Memphis,
Arkansas, will provide the local portion of the development cost of the entire
project, and that said recreational area shall be maintained perpetually as a
recreational facility;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of West Memphis,
Arkansas, that the Mayor of said City or other persons acting by or under his
direction are hereby authorized to make application through the Arkansas Planning
Department to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, United States Department of
Interior for assistance to develop the recreational facilities for the City of
West Memphis, Arkansas, AND
TFiF.REFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such application is to be submitted as
expeditiously as possible.
Mayor Rodgers brought to the Councilts attention recommendations received from
City Beautiful Commission after agenda prepared. Alderman Bentley, seconded by
Alderman Horton moved that the rule be waived and recommendations presented.
Upon vote, the voting was as follows
Aye: Aldermen: Smith, Bentley, Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton.., Hutcherson,
Payton, Scott, D~ck~on.
No : None .
The recommendations for appointments were as follows:
Ward 1 -Mrs. C. B. Nance, Jr.
Ward 2 -Mrs. George Walker
Ward 5 -Mrs . Ella M. Leaks
Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Hutcherson moved that the appointments
be approved. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Smith, Bentley, Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Hutcherson,
Payton, 5~cott, Dickerson.
No: None.
Alderman Hightower commented on previous request for Aldermen of Ward 5 to
recommend appointments for the City Beautiful Commission, which he had done
on September l9th and Mrs. Ethel Pratt, the nominee had attended the Commission
meeting and had been treated with contempt. Alderman Hightower was infonaed the
City Beav~.~u7. Commission votes on their appointments.
City Engineer Brawley reported on delay of work on S. Avalon by Ingram Construction
Company under State contract due to moving of utilities. Mayor Rodgers requested
that the City do everything possible to expedite the work before bad weather,
and was informed everything was being worI~in conjunction with the State.
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City Engineer Brawley reported the Street Committee had negotiated with the
property owners to pay 2/3 of cost and City 1/3, approximately $20,580 for
construction of N. 1~th Street, and the City's part for Rice Street crossing
would be approximately $5,00. Thereupon, Alderman Bentley, seconded by
Aldermar~ ' ~1~~~~jjom,~v~d that the rules be waived in order to discuss the
matter./ ~r ~is~cussion, motion by Alderman Scott, seconded by
Alderman Hutcherson: That the Street Committee check out prices, waive bids,
and City be authorized to put up their share of the money for projects the
construction to be in accordance with City specifications. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
,/tee: Aldermen: Smith, Bentley, Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton,
Hutcherson, Payton, Scott, and Dickerson
No : None .
Alderman Bentley reported the City Attorney had written the Highway Department
pertaining to drainage contract on S. Avalon, and City Engineer Brawley stated
representative had been checking on the matter.
Mayor Rodgers announced hearing will be held on Monday, October 21, 19?l~, in
Little Rock on the class-action utility matter.
Mayor Rodgers introduced Mr. Bob Walters, and expressed appreciation for
the work Mr. and Mrs. Walters are doing with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Walters
explained requirement of attending Council meeting in order to obtain
Eagle rank and introduced Mike ~ilgreen and Tommy Walters, who are working
to obtain Eagle rank.
Lee Cramer informed the Council of requests to use the Eugene Woods Civic
Center basketball teams, and the objections due to interference with
meetings, supervision, and type of floor. After discussion, the matter was
referred to the Park Commission as to employment of a part time supervisor at
night or alternating the work schedule of the person in charge during the day.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned.
?~~'/ ~ > 7
ATTE
CIT
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MAYOR
APPROVED: NOVEMBER 7, 197