January 9, 1975ifi~
MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,
ARKANSAS, HAD AND HELD ON JANUARY 9, 1975•
The ,City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in
special session at its regular meeting place in West Memphis,
Arkansas, at 3:30 0 ~ clock p •mMa~grt~~iy~~hF~~~g~n~a$i~~.iCdi~t~~5 •
The following were present: Aldermen: R. S. Cosgrove,
Thomas Dickerson, D. M. Grimsley, Willie Lee Harris, A. 0. Holt,
Pritchard Horton, C. D. Hutcherson, J. C. King, R. T. Bentley;
and City Attorney R. L. Smith.
Absent: Alderman J. E. Hightower.
All members of the Council were present on January 2, 1975, when
date of Special Meeting was announced, and City Attorney Smith
rendered opinion the Alderman had received Notice of Special Meeting
in accordance with Arkansas Statutes on January 2, 1975, even though
not pre sent for Special Meeting .
Thereupon it being de~rmined a quorum was present, the following
proceedings were had to-wit;
Mayor Ferguson announced the meeting had been called to discuss the
Community Development Program.
Mr. Tom Coleman, Executive Director, stated purpose was to ascertain
from the Council priorities for the Community Development Plan.
Mr. W. L. Barbour, Chairman of the Agency, Mr. James Bledsoe a
Commissioner, Agency Attorney Lindsey J. Fairley, and Agency Planning
Consultant Don Manes were present.
Mr. Manes elaborated on each of the following items;
Planning - Manes Contract $7,800
Administration - 12 months:
`i 2 persons, office, supplies x5,800
Purchase and demolish !~0 dilapidated properties
(vacant, no relocation) 100,000
Seventh Street Concrete Pavement -
1~,I~ ft. wide ; Jefferson to Broadway l~75, 000
~:ngineering: Seventh St. - 11~ Less
$35,000 already paid 16,750
Planning Services; revisions and
2nd Year Application 13,200
Subtotal $68,550
Contingency & Unspecified Activities 6~„ X50
Total Program 713,000
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Interpretation of Agency requirements as to eligible projects,
purchase of equipment, program designed for maximum benefit,
opinions of citizens at public hearings, direction of the Council
to the Agency, projects planned north of Broadway, previous
opposition to S. 7th Street construction were discussed.
Alderman Bentley seconded by Alderman King moved to recess for
10 minutes, the recess was declared.
Mayor Ferguson called the meeting to order.
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Upon request the following comments were received from the Aldermen: Request
for improvement of the area north of Broadway were made last year, the 7th
Street project was rejected previously, the drainage problem is over all the
town and think something should be done about it, and lack of communication
between the Agency and Council.
chairman Barbour requested direction from the Council as to priorities and
guidelines .
City Engineer Brawley explained the overall drainage problem, U. S. Engineers
Flood Control Plan progress, requ~nent of HUD as to issuing of building permits
in the future, spending of funds on a major street as defined by the trans-
portation plan rather than minor streets.
~ttr~et 10 ~i~l~~ia°~iJ~r4~tt~~s~~~ti~r~C ~~~ ~~tei~~-~~A~es,
or ar a ackson ree area, ~ o s orm sewer truc
~ Q~d~4~o~1~'~i$~~o~~st~~t~o~o~~~m in the area, and the '
Alderman Bentley outlined tentative recommendations and suggestions of the
Council in view of the City and Utility Budgets, Rat Control Program, Revenue
Sharing Program in conjunction with Community Development Program as follows:
Contract with Manes & Associates for Planning, reduce Administration costs by
having offices in a City building, $25,000 for demolishing dilapidated
Mr. Manes and Attorney Fairley explained requirements as to use of funds, guide~ues
as to low income, slum, and blighted areas, and designation of specific streets
and drainage work on application.
Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman King moved the matter be discussed
further at end of tie regular Council Meeting on January 16th. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows;
Aye: Aldermen: Cosgrove, Dickerson, Grimsley, Harris, Holt, Horton, Hutcherson,
King, and Bentley
No : None .
Alderman Harris introduced Mr. Leo Chitman, Chairman of the West Memphis
Council of Organizations, who commented on previous recommendations of the
Organization. Alderman Bentley requested copy of recommendations be sent
to the Aldermen to study to clarify.
Alderman Horton inquired as to delay in construction of intersections that
contract was awarded for in the Urban Renewal area, and Agency Engineer Bond
advised the rainy weather prevented completion.
Chairman Barbour invited the Aldermen to attend the meetings of the Community
Development Agency in order to have closer communication. Mayor Ferguson
advised someone :from the Council will be appointed in that capacity.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned.
AT~"~ ~
CITY C
APPROVED: FEBRUARY 6, 1975
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MAYOR
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