January 15, 1976191
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,
ARKANSAS, HAD AND HELD ON JANUARY 15, 1976•
The City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, met in regular
session at the Council Chamber, City Hall in West Memphis, Arkansas, at
1:30 o'clock p.m. on the 15th day of January, 1976. The following were
present: Mayor Joyce Ferguson presiding; and Aldermen: W. L. Harris,
J. E. Hightower, A. 0. Holt, Pritchard Horton, J. C. King, Tilden Rodgers,
R. T. Bentley, R. S. Cosgrove, and Thomas Dickerson; and City Attorney
Robert Smith.
Absent: Alderman D. M. Grimsley.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Milton Wilson of Calvary Baptist Church.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were
had to wit:
Mayor Ferguson announced the West Memphis Ministerial Association will
participate in offering the invocation before each meeting of the City
Council.
Alderman Grimsley made a delayed appearance.
Mayor Ferguson informed the Council a draft of the minutes of December 1$th
meeting h~,d been prepared, and finalized form will be presented at the next
meeting. Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman King moved that suspend
approval of reading of minutes until next meeting. Upon vote, the voting was
as follows
Aye: Alderman: Harris, Hightower, How, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, Dickerson, and Grimsley.
Nay: None.
Next order o~ business was opening of bids for Flush Truck Hose as per bid
notice in the evening Times. Bids received as follows:
Naylor Supply Company
Fox Equipm~~ nt Co .
FMC Corporation
Luttrell Belting & Supply
Blockwell International
$1,060.00
1,25.00
1,11.x..00
5.08¢ per foot - bid did not meet
specifications
x..,175.00
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Holt, moved the bids be referred to the
Utility Committee to award bid to lowest and best qualified bidder. Upon vote,
the voting was as follows:
t~ye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, Dickerson, and Grimsley.
Nay: None .
Don Burnett presented the annual report of the Airport Commission stating
the formal audit will be prepared later in the year.
Alderman Bentley, Chairman of the Budget Committee, reported the Committee had
reviewed office equipment and recommends consolidating into one service contract,
waive bids, and enter into contract with Douglas Typewriter. Amount of contract
~ to be $3,x.2.71 average cost of $36.71 for list of equipment compiled by purchasing
agent Joe Scarbrough. After consideration, Alderman Bentley, seconded by
Alderman Holt, moved that waive bids and enter into service contract with Douglas
Typewriter. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, Dickerson, and Grimsley.
Nay: None.
192
Alderman King reported the Bicentennial Committee had received $5,000.00
grant for the Espranza Trail and,a $5,000.00 check had been written by the
Committee for the project. Two $5,000.00 grants had been received to date.
Aldrman Bentley announced a Utility Committee meeting after the Council meeting.
Alderman Cosgrove reported the Insurance Committee is researching.
City Attorney Smith read the following statement of the Mayor on her veto of
Resolution No . 55~.
This is to advise the City Council that I have vetoed Resolution No. 551
which was adopted December 18, 1975, requesting that the Arkansas law be
changed concerning the suspending of the Police Chief or Fire Chief.
I have taken this action because under the Mayor - Council form of
Government both historically and by law, the Mayor is charged with the
duty as the Chief Executive and Conservator of the Peace, to provide
protection for the Citizens of the community and their property.
The affect of Resolution No. 551 if carried out would erode the system
of government under which the people of this City have, by their own
election, chosen to live.
In my judgement the division of responsibility as called for in this
resolution would be detrimental to the welfare and safety of the citizens
of the City of West Memphis.
For these reasons I have chosen to veto Resolution No. 55~.
/S/ JOYCE T. FERGUSON
~.~t~;
Alderman Rodgers, seconded by Alderman Holt, moved to sustain the_ Mayors
veto. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Alderman Horton, Chairman of the Gable TV committee, informed the Council
Mr. Henry H. Hancock, Attorney for West Memphis Cable TV, was present as
requested. Mr. Hancock introduced Mr. Carl Jackson, Manager of Memphis
Cable Television, and Mr. Dan Shields, Executive Vice-President of Athena
Tele Communications of Denver. Mr. Hancock and Mr. Sh.~~lds elaborated on
installation progress in Memphis, financial crisis of the company, completion
of Phase 1 in Memphis before coming to West Memphis, proving time in Memphis
being six months to two years.
City Attorney Smith read the following letter:
Mr. Henry H. Hancock
Attorney at Law
Suite 1620
First National Bank Building
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Dear Mr. Hancock:
The City Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas has directed me to
give you notice that they want the West Memphis Cable T.V. to show cause why
the $25,000.00 bond should not be revoked for failure to comply with the
provisions of the ordinance .
The next City Council Meeting we have will be on January 15, 1976, and if
there are any questions regarding this matter, please advise.
Very truly yours,
/S/ ROBERT L. SMITH
City Attorney
The City Attorney requested reason should be shown why the $25,000.00 bond
in effect should not be called as the delay was caused by no fault of the
City.
193
;~
Mr. Hancock requested the City not to take an arbitary and punitive stand,
to leave in a status quo, and let see if the company is viable. During
discussion of granting the franchise to the company over other applicants,
obtaining cable television in West Memphis in the foreseeable future,
acceptance of the franchise, and granting a franchise to another company
Alderman Bentley stated=.~'t~I think the City of West Memphis only recourse we
have is forfeiture of the bond, and I so move . Alderman King seconded.
Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen; Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nair: Alderman Rodgers .
The motion carried.
Don Brawley, Connecticut General representative, explained reasons for the,
increase in contribution for the pension plan. The number of city employees
now eligible, the premium not being a fixed amount, increase in salaries,
actuary evaluations, redesigning the plan, and due date for payment of premium
were considered. Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Dickerson, moved that
turn the pension plan over to the Insurance Committee for further study. Upon
vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Mayor Ferguson brought to the Councils attention the librarian was not
designated as a department head when the organization plan was presented
by Manes & Associates, however, recommendation has been made that the
librarian be made a department head, would not be under civil service, and
the appointment would be approved by the Council. Alderman Rodgers, seconded
by Alderman Grimsley, moved that the head librarian be made a department head
of the City. City Attorney Smith advised he would research the question of
whether the appointment would come under the $ibrary Board ratan-:-than the
Council. Funds received from the one mill tax and city funds were considered.
Roll call vote on the motion was as follows:
-, Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: Alderman; Harris.
The motion carried.
Alderman Bentley introduced an ordinance entitled: '~An Ordinance To Increase ~e
Electrical Rates For The City Of West Memphis, Arkansas, Declaring An Emergency,
And For Other Purposes~~, and the City Attorney read the ordinance in full,,
Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by Alderman Dickerson, moved that the rule requiring
the reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be suspended and that
the ordinance be placed on its second reading. The Mayor put the question on the
adoption of the motion and the roll being called, the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None .
Thereupon the Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members of the
Council having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion was
carried and the rule suspended. The ordinance was then read the second time by
the City Attorney.
~,derman King, seconded by Alderman Hightower then moved that the rule requiring
the reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be further suspended
and that the ordinance be placed on its third reading. The Mayor put the question
on the adoption of the motion and the roll being called the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
194
The Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members elected to the
Council having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion
was carried and the rule suspended. The ordinance was then read the third
time by the City Attorney.
Alderman Rodgers, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that the ordinance be
adopted. The question was put by the Mayor on the adoption of the motion and
the roll being called, the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson
Nay: None .
Alderman Grimsley was not present for vote.
P. G. Para, Utility Department Manager, reviewed actions of Arkansas Power &
Light Company as to wholesale rate increases and pending litigation.
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Hightower, moved that Section 3, the
emergency clause, be adopted, and on roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson
Nay: None.
The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance and the emergency clause 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. 853, and read as follows:
ORDINANCE N0. 853
AN ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE ELECTRICAL RATES FOR THE CITY OF WE5T MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS,
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the Axkansas Power and Light Co., our electrical source of power has
increased their rate of power recently, AND
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis, Arkansas can no longer absorb this increase, AND
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis, Arkansas is doing everything possible to resist
this price increase, including the employment of Legal Counsel, in Washington, D. C.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAI NED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That all electrical rates for the City of West Memphis, Arkansas
established by Ordinance No. 81~~, dated September 7, 1975, be increased by ten
per cent (10~}, effective March 1, 1976.
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed.
Section 3, IInergency Clause. It having been found and determined by the City
Council of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, that the increased cost of power
by the wholesale source, the Arkansas Power & Light Co., has made conditions
such that the Utility Department can no longer operate economically without this
pr~e~--.n.erease, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this ordinance being
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety,
and welfare of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, shall be in full force and
effect from its passage and approval.
~.~~~-
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Rodgers, moved for a five minute recess.
The vote was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson
Nay: None .
195
The Mayor called the meeting to order.
City Attorney Smith requested the Council consider salary increase for the
Assistant City Attorney. An ordinance entitled "An Ordinance To Amend
Ordinance No. 82~., 'Declaring An ~nergency Axld For Other Purposes" was
introduced by Alderman Rodgers.
Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by Alderman Dickerson, moved that the rule
requiring the reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be
suspended and that the ordinance be placed on its second reading. The
Mayor put the question on the adoption of the motion and the roll being
called, the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodger, Cosgrove,
and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Aldermen Grimsley and Bentley .were not present.
Thereupon the Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members of the
Council having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion
was carried and the rule suspended. The ordinance was then read the second
time by the City Attorney.
Alderman King, seconded by Alderman Hightower then moved that the rule
requiring the reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be
further suspended and that the ordinance be placed on its third reading.
The Mayor put the question on the adoption of the motion and the roll being
called the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
The Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members elects to the
Council having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion
was carried and the rule suspended. The ordinance was then read the third
time by the City Attorney.
Alderman Rodgers, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that the ordinance be
adopted. The question was put by the Mayor on the adoption of the motion and
the roll being called, the following voted;
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Ho7~,* Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson
Nay : None .
Alderman Dickerson, seconded by Alderman Harris, moved that Section 3, the
emergency clause, be adopted, and on roll call the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance and the emergency clause 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. 85~., and read as
follows:
196
ORDINANCE N0. 85~.
AN ORDIlVANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE N0. 82t~, DECLARING.. AN EMERGENCY AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. Section 1 of Ordinance No. 82~. is hereby amended to read as
follows :
"The compensation or salary to be paid to one (l) Deputy City Attorney shall
be Four Hundred and No/100th Dollars ($00.00) monthly.~+
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
Section 3. Emergency Clause. It having been determined by the City Council
of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, that an increase of lawsuits filed
against the City of West Memphis, .Arkansas has created the need for an
Assistant City Attorney, and the present salary is not commensurate for the
work performed, this ordinance is declared necessary for the preserva~on of
the public peace, health, safety, and welfare of the people of West Memphis,
Arkansas, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this ordinance shall
be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.
~s-~-~-
Alderman King introduced an ordinance entitled "Axi Ordinance To Repeal
Ordinance No. 5~.7, Longevity Compensation For City employees Of The City
Of West Memphis, Arkansas; Declaring An Emergency And For Other Purposes"
and the City Attorney read the ordinance in full.
Alderman Bentley spoke on clarification of why the Council was considering
repeal of the ordinance . Among items brought to the attention of the Council
and discussed by the .Aldermen were; controversy over the 5 ~ or
longevity pay, loopholes in the ordinance, discrepancy in interpretation,
question be decided by a referendum, civil service requirements, restructure
pay system, establishment of a pension plan, and salary increased.
Speaking in favor of longevity compensation and Ordinance No. 5t~7 were
Mike Carter and James Funderburg of the Police Department and Mack Holmes
of the Fire Department. Mr. Leo Chitman, a member of the Civil Service
Commission, spoke on job classifications.
Alderman Holt, seconded by Alderman Hightower, moved to table until more
study is done for 30 days. Problems of restructure, approving of budget,
salary increases and longevity payments funds available were being considered
whey Alderman King, seconded by Alderman Bentley call for the question. Vote
on the matter was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None .
Roll call vote on the motion to table was as follows:
Aye; Aldermen; Hightower and Holt.
Nay: Aldermen; Grimsley, Harris, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley, Cosgrove,
and Dickerson.
The motion failed.
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman King called for the question. Upon
vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen; Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
19'7
City Attorney Smith read the ordinance. Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by
Alderman Dickerson, moved that the rule requiring the reading of an ordinance
in full on three different days be suspended and that the ordinance be placed on
its second reading. The Mayor put the question on the adoption of the motion and
the roll being called, the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Gri.msley, Harris, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley, Cosgrove,
and Dickerson.
Nay: Alderman Hightower.
Thereupon the Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members of the Council
having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion was carried and
the rule suspended. The ordinance was then read the second time by the City Attorney.
Alderman King, seconded by Alderman Hightower then moved that the rule requiring
the reading of an ordinance in full on three different days be further suspended
and that the ordinance be placed on its third reading. The Mayor put the question
on the adoption of the motion and the roll being card the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None .
The Mayor declared that at least two-thirds of all members elected to the Council
having voted in favor of the motion to suspend the rule, the motion was carried
and the rule suspended. The ordinance was then read the third time by the City
Attorney.
A1.derman Rodgers, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that the ordinance be adopted.
The question was put by the Mayor on the adoption of the motion and the roll being
called, the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: Alderman Holt.
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Cosgrove, moved that Section 3, the emergency
clause, be adopted, and on roll call the following voted:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley, Cosgrove, and
Dickerson.
Nay: Aldermen: Hightower and Holt.
The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance and the emergency clause 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. 855, and read as follows:
ORDINANCE N0. 855
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE N0. 5~.7, LONGEVITY COMPENSATION FOR CITY EMPLOYEES
OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. Ordinance No. 5~.7 adopted on the 21st day of December, 1967, is hereby
repealed; it being the intent of this ordinance to repeal longevity pay for City
Employees.
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed.
c
Section 3. Emergency Clause. It being found and determined by the City Council of
the City of West Memphis, Arkansas that this ordinance is necessary to reduce the
operation expenditures of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas and for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, welfare, safety, and health of the citizens of
West Memphis, Arkansas, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this ordinance
shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.
~~~
198
The Mayor announced the next order of business was consideration of a
resolution for mandatory retirement at age 65 for City Employees.
Alderman Bentley moved to table temporally. The motion was seconded by
Alderman King. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Mayor Ferguson read the following:
STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE
1975 was a year of change for the City of West Memphis . The first change
was having a woman Mayor.
Some of the major events that took place during the year were happy events
that depict:~_grogress~~°and~some were sad, but still were changes that affected
City Government.
Two spring floods lent to ~~everal meetings with the $rainage District, our
Councilmen, State and Federal Officials, Stith Rep. Bill Alexander and our
City Engineer and other City Employees all working together to try to
solve our immediate and long range drainage problems. The Corps of Engineers
completed a Comprehansive Flood plan Study identifying flood areas and
depths of flooding that may be expected. From this, the City has established
a policy of setting minimum floor elevations on new construction. The
City through concentrated efforts, with others, advanced forward the clean-
out of Fifteen Mile Bayou south of Greasy Corner. Futher efforts have
produced a recommendation from the Corps of Engineers of $9,000,000 worth
of widening and cleanout of Ten Mile Bayou from West Memphis south to
Greasy Corner: Also a Congressional Appropriation for the study. of a
pumping system for West Memphis has been approved. All this has made the
prospects for better drainage in West Memphis brighter. In the meantime,
City crews have cleaned out over nine miles of open ditches and storm
sewers and have cleaned and graded large protions of Ten Mile Bayou and
other major drainage outlets. The low, flat topography of West Memphis
dictates no easy solution to our problem, but with continuation of the
things that have been started, we can make great strides in that direction.
Drainage has always been a vital priority in West Memphis and we feel that
we have made great strides along solving this problem.
__._._.
During 19?5, a Bicentennial Flag was presented to the City, we moved to the
new City Hall, and we had the First Perfonr-ance in the New Auditorium.
I feel that we have made much progress in City Government this past year,
not only in some of the points that I have mentioned as change, but also
by involving more Citizens in our City Government. This dear we have
formed an Energy Conservation Committee. This important Committee can
help keep our citizens informed about every way that West Memphians
can avoid hardships that might arise when energy problems become crises.
A 22% increase in electrical rates was passed on the consumer in November,
after the City had absorbed the increase for over a year. The City Council
was deeply concerned that the increase was necessary, but AP&L was charging
22~ more for wholesale electricity that was being collected. Today another
increase is necessary, because AP&L charged wholesale customers another
increase. Litigation is still pending on the amount to be charged on both
increases.
Also, this year a committee has been appointed to study the Revitalization
of Broadway. An exciting plan was presented and many outstanding business-
men participated in this project.
The Board of Review was reactivated this year and excellent reports have
been received about their good work.
We feel we have lived within out income in 1975, and have on hand personal
Property Tax Money with which to begin 1976 operations. The final prepara-
tion of the 1976 Budget is under way and we expect it to be completed
shortly.
199
With economic conditions as they are, it is my opinion that the primary
concern at present is the setting of priorities to solve the Fiscal and
Budgetary problems facing the City to meet the needs of the Citizens of
West Memphis, Some cities blame every ill on money, yet many ills can
be cured through hard work, efficiency, and diligent effort. The most
outstanding assets of the City are the people it employs, While many
cities have been forced to let employees go, in 1975, we in West Memp~is.s
have tried diligently to keep as many people as possible.
Economic conditions have made it necessary for the Federal Government
to assist cities in hiring citizens for public employment. This year
we have received money to alleviate unemployment in West Memphis by
giving CETA workers jobs with the City. Revenue Sharing Money received
by West Memphis this year was over $500,000; however, if Revenue Sharing
is not renewed, the cities will be faced with a Dilemma that can only
be solved with Revenue from taxes or other sources. In 1975 we levied
a Franchise Tax on Southwestern Bell and Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company
for additional income for the City, but with the National Inflation Rate
having risen to 7 ~ other measures will have to be effected to obtain more
revenue .
Community Development will help us in critical areas, but because of ad-
vanced planning requirements the money must be used for long range needs
that are identifiable today.
Federal grants can and do help us meet specific problems, but the matching
money for these grants work a hardship on our General Fund.
In the future the City and County will probably have to budget items
jointly' As o f this moment, the City and County share expenses on the
Neighborhood Facility, Municipal Judge and Clerks salaries, the South
Avalon Project, the Sanitary Land Fill, Spivey Ambulance Service and
the Crittenden County Health Department.
As we prepare to celebrate our Nationts 200th Aniversary, the City of
West Memphis is experiencing Financial Problems, as are other cities across
the Nation.' Despite this fundamental constraint, the determination to
make this City a living community is the basic thrust of the Government,
and of the Bicentennial Programs. I believe that the West Memphis Bi-
centennial Commission is committed to the concept that his Nation's B2-
centennial is an event with meaning for the entire community: That its
aim is to encompass events that dignify our past, celebrate our present,
and prepare for a better future.
In order to make West Memphis a better place in which to live, we should
consider these items for this year:
An Extension of higher education that our citizenry needs, to be located
in West Memphis to help meet the needs of our people. #
So, as our Nation begins another century, and as out City begins a New
Year, let us seek to keep our Heritage alive through the example of our
Founders and Builders, and through the strength of the present moment.
May West Memphis be a better place in which to live because of our concern.
Mayor Ferguson announced members of the Fire Commission ii~i.ll. be :
Aldermen: Bentley, Dickerson, Harris, Rodgers, and Grimsley
and members of the Police Commission will be:
Aldermen: King, Holt, Cosgrove, Hightower, and Horton.
#Missouri Pacific Industrial Park that came to fruition during 1975 should not
be the end but the beginning for the Chamber of Commerce and other citizens to
further make econmic gains for the people of West Memphis .
200
Request for perrrussion to advertise for bids for construction of the
Bicentennial Plaza was presented. Sketch of the Plaza prepared by
Magruder & Froning Architects was displayed and explained by
Rick Gallagher. After discussion, Alderman Bentley, seconded by
Alderman Horton, moved that permission be granted to advertise for
bids for the Bicentennial plaza construction to be under the
supervision of the City Hall Building Committee. Upon vote, the voting
was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None .
Request for permission to advertise for bids for tires for city vehicles
was considered. Alderman Holt, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that
advertise for tires for cit,~y vehicles. Purchasing Agent Joe Scarbrough
advised bids will be for tires and tubes all will be under the State Plan.
Upon vote on the motion, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, a.~.d Dic~:er~son.
Nay: None .
The cleaning and laundering of city uniforms on a bid basis was considered,
Joe Scarbrough, Purchasing Agent, stated the shop is renting uniforms now,
however, he is checking on purchase of uniforms. Alderman Dickerson, seconded
by Alderman Bentley, moved, that permission be granted to advertise for bids
for laundering and cleaning city uniforms. Upon vote, the voting was as
follows :
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay : None .
Mayor Ferguson brought to the Council's attention appointment of Jay Woods
or Rick Gallagher as her non-voting representative on each committee or
commission, and they will present a written report on the meeting.
Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by Alderman Bentley, moved that waive the rules
to allow to advertise for doors and officers liability put on agenda.
Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Alderman Harris was not present for voting.
Thereupon, Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by Alderman Bentley, moved that the
Insurance Committee be allowed to advertise for directors and officers
liability to include the Council and all City employees, and the Committee
set the specifications and advertise. Upon roll call vote, the voting was
as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Alderman Harris was not present for voting.
Request of Joe Scarbrough, Purchasing Order, for permission to advertise for
oil was held in abeyance until written list of items to be considered can be
sent to the Mayor.
201
Alderman Bentley requested the Mayor investigate the possibility of obtaining
a storeroom for pity's use .
Mayor Ferguson announced the tower at the Municipal Airport will be commissioned
on January 28, 1976.
Alderman Holt requested the Mayor appoint a committee to restructure pay system,
and the Chief of Police and Chief of Fire Department be involved. The Mayor
inquired as to voluntters for the committee, and Alderman Holt volunteered.
The next budget meeting was announced for 5 P.M. Monday. Also, Utility Committee
Meeting to be held at the Utility Building five minutes after adjournment of
Council Meeting.
City Attorney Smith reported 72 traffic tickets had been issued between
November 19, 1975 and January 12, 1976 and $280.00 collected by the Police
Department.
Alderman Horton brought to the Council's attention criticism by citizens of
West Memphis due to employment by the City of employees living out of West Memphis
and requested consideration be given to instructing the Civil Service Commission
not to give examinations to applicants outside the city limits. City Attorney
Smith advised he would research the question. Completion of the Employee Manual
was discussed.
City Engineer Brawley informed the Council a priority of the Transportation
Committee has been obtaining lights on the Interstate. The Arkansas Highway
Department is in process of preparing plans for 387 lights to be installed
from where Missouri Avenue intersects the Interstate to Club Road on I-~-O, the
Highway Department will pay for the lights and constructions, but the City will
have to pay for energy and maintenance . Cost for emergy for sodium vapor lights
would be approximately $10,000.00 to $11,000.00 a year, if m~.rcury vapor lights
are installed cost would be approximately $15,000.00 but maintenance would be
less. After consideration of cost, budget, safety factors, lighting the ramps,
consensus was the City can not take more expenditures, would be nice but can not
afford, and request the Highway Department present an alternate plan.
An offer from Crittenden County to lease the County's dragline and use of the
operator at cost of $60.00 a day was presented. City Engineer Brawley advised
clean-out of Auburn Street Ditch, Ditch No. 12, Ingram Ditch, 10 Mile Bayou Ditch,
and 25th Street from Autumn to Ingram Street Ditch was needed cost $3,000.00 to
$4.,000.00. Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman King, moved that waive the
rule the matter come before the Council. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay : None .
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman King, moved that authorize the City
~gineer enter into drainage contract with the County $60.00 a day for use of
dragline for cleaning out City ditches at their convenience, and present list
to Council for further ratification. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers, Bentley,
Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
Mr. Leo Chitman speaking on behalf of the West Memphis Council of Organizations
inquired as to a newspaper article pertaining to the possible closing of Lamar
Rodgers Swimming Pool, and requested the pool not be closed. Studies on the
operation of the pool, survey of cost for renovation, a service rather than a
revenue generator, construction of a pool in a new location were considered.
Mr. Abe Burns „ operator of a Woodyard, requested consideration of the Council
to permit him and others present time to modernize their woodyards and to spray
to eliminate the trouble. After consideration of the order of the Council to
Building Inspector Avery, letters send to the owners and operators of woodyards,
city license, and extension of time limit, a committee of Aldermen King and
Cosgrove was appointed to work with Building Inspector Avery and the Woodyard
owners . The Mayor designated Alderman King, Chairman of the Committee, and
requested a report to the Council at the next Council Meeting.
2.02
Miss Margaret Woolfolk of the evening Times complimented the Council
on their abidance of the Freedom of Information Law, however, the local
news media, Press Scimitar, and Commercial Apeal would like to go on
record requesting they be notified when special committee or commission
meetings are being held. It was agreed they would be notified, and the
Mayor stated a list of special committee and commission meetings will be
provided.
No further business being presented, Alderman Bentley, seconded by
Alderman King moved to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the voting was
as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Hightower, Holt, Horton, King, Rodgers,
Bentley, Cosgrove, and Dickerson.
Nay: None.
EST:
CIT
MAYOR
v
APPRO~D: FEBRUARY 5, 1976