October 7, 1976`~ •~
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,
ARKANSAS, HAD AND HELD ON OCTOBER 7, 1976•
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 o'clock p.m. on
the 7th day of October, 1976. The following were present: Mayor Joyce Ferguson,
presiding, and Aldermen: D. M. Grimsley, W. L. Harris, J. E. Hightower,
Pritchard Horton, J. C. King, Doug Morris, R. T. Bentley, and R. S. Cosgrove;
and City .Attorney R. L. Smith.
Absent: Aldermen Thomas Dickerson and Tilden Rodgers.
Rev. Henry Williamson, Pastoral Counselor, gave the invocation.
It being determined a quorum was present, the following proceedings were had to-wit:
Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, moved that minutes of Council Meetings
on September 16th and 21st as included in the packet be approved. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
Mayor Ferguson announced the first order of business would be hearing on vacating
an unnamed street in accordance with Notice published in the Evening Times on
September 20th and 27th. Attorney Ralph ~1oan on behalf of petitioner,
Phillip Lee Brooks, advised Mr. Brooks owned the property on the west wide of
street, and had purchased the property on the east side and requested the street
be vacated so can construct a building. No one appeared to object. Alderman King,
seconded by Alderman Morris, moved to v~ate the unnamed street. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
Thereupon City Attorney Smith read an ordinance entitled "An Ordinance To Vacate
Unnamed Street Or Road Located In The S~ Of Section 9, Township 6 North, Range
9 East~t. Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman King moved that first reading
of the ordinance be approved. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
Request for reZOning Lots 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, ?~0, l~1. and N 2 of Abandoned
Fourth Street Adjoining Lots 3~ and 35, Hulbert Heights Subdivision was presented
by Attorney Ralph Sloan, who advised the Planning Commission and Don Manes had
recommended the rezoning.. After discussion of location of property being on the
south side of Jefferson and the east side of S. Avalon, and providing screening
of the property in accordance with ordinance requirements, City Attorney ;gnith
read the ordinance entitled ~'Axl Ordinance To Rezone Lots 3~, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,
ISO, ~.1, And The N2 Of Abandoned Fourth Street Adjoining Lots 3~ and 35, Hulbert
Heights Subdivision In The City Of titest Memphis, Axkansas,~Being Known As 9U0
South Avalon Street, West Memphis, Arkansas~~. Alderman King, seconded by
Alderman Grimsley, moved that adopt the ordinance on first reading. Upon roll
call vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
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Mayor Ferguson advised furniture bids for the Park Department had been omitted
from the agenda, and requested waive rule to open bids for the furniture.
Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Harris, moved that opening of bids be
put on the agenda. Upon roll call vote, the following voted;
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley,
and Cosgrove .
No; None.
Bid Notice was published in the Evening Times on September 21st and 28th.
City Attorney Smith read the only bid received from Moser-Fisher, Inc., Little Rock
$3,x.01.00 f.o.b. Euge$e Woods Civic Center $3,x.01.00 total bid
for 50 heavy duty folding tables, 100 stack chairs, 50 folding chairs, and
two mobile storage trucks. After discussion with Lee Cramer of the Park
Department as to Revenue Sharing Funds to be used for purchase and competitive
prices, Alderman King, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, moved to refer to the
Park Commission for study and see if a good bid; and if a good bid, award the
bid. Upon vote, the voting on roll call was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley,
and Cosgrove.
No: None.
Alderman Hightower brought to the Councilts attention letter received from the
Director of Neighborhood Facility at 1la.th and Polk requesting twenty-five
additional chairs for the Aging Program. Extension of the bid for chairs for
the Park Department to obtain twenty-five chairs for the Neighborhood Facility
was referred to Rick Gallagher.
City Treasurer Holt presented report on the Pension Insurance Program, and
elaborated on pension plan of the City, plan of the Utility Department, and
combining the plans. After discussion of number of employees covered,
employee participation plan, benefits, money purchase plan, costs, retired
employees benefits, and information available for budget preparations
Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that the Insurance
Committee come back with a plan of 5 and 7y money purchase plan. Upon vote,
the voting was as follows;
Aye; Aldermen; Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley,
and Cosgrove.
No : None .
Treasurer Holt advised that the Municipal League Hospital Insurance Plan be
continued as have not increased rate at this time. Also, reported on meeting
with representative of Blue Cross-Blue Shield and cost would be $5.00 more per
employee for the City.
Alderman Bentley presented the Utility Committee Meeting report as follows:
Bids for scrap material received; West Memphis Scrap Iron $1,706.68
Lazaro Brothers 1,70.00
Motion was made by Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Horton that accept
the high bid of $1,706.68 from West Memphis Scrap Iron. Upon vote, the voting
was as follows;
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Morris, and Bentley,
No: None.
Aldermen King and Cosgrove were not present for voting.
~4~
Bids on boring under Highway I-1~0 received: $32~j~00.00
Boring and Tunnelling of America 20~~52.00
Eliminating Part of tunneling
Memphis Road Boring & Tunnelling $33,?55.00
Eliminating Part of tunneling 21, 5L~2.00
Alderman Bentley moved that accept recommendation of the Committee to
accept bid of Boring and Tunnelling of America $20,x.52.00. The motion was
seconded by Alderman Harris. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye; Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris,
Bentley.
No; None.
Alderman Cosgrove was not present for voting.
Recommendation of committee to waive bids for purchase of 2, 000 feet of 8++
water line to supplement pipe on the yard for the Club Road area.
l~lderman Bentley advised previous price was $5.x.1 afoot, however, price of
x.,..95 had been received, and moved that liveredafvorboCitidsa~od.puTheamotion
2,000 feet of 8++ pipe at $t.t.95 a foot de y Y
was seconded by Alderman Grimsley. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley,
and Cosgrove.
No: None.
Recommendation to waive bids to purchase a power line tensioner.
Alderman Bentley stated cost of a ~isioner trailer equipped would be approximately
$9,000.00; however, the Department had ascertained could use materials-parts they
had available with purchase of a trailer for $2,2.0.00, and moved that waive bids
and purchase trailer in the amount of $2,2x.0.00. The motion was seconded by
Alderman Grimsley. After discussion with Joryn ~nith, vote on the motion was as
follows
A,ye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley,
and Cosgrove.
No : None .
Recommendation to Amend Budget - Account X65.21 $2,000,000.00
Alderman Bentley explained was for electric purchase from Arkansas Power & Light
Company due to fueh adjustment charges and purchase of electricity that could
not be anticipated last year in preparing budget and the amount will be recovered
by sale to customers. Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman King, moved to
amend Budget Account #65.21 $2,000,000.00. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley,
and Cosgrove.
No: None.
Alderman Bentley commented on indication that Federal Power Commission may not
allow cost of construction of new private plants by industry to be passed on to
customers.
Progress report on the Auditorium was given by Don Christian as to forty-two
events of l5 different programs attended by over 30,000 people in nine months;
also expressed appreciation of the Auditorium Commission for cooperation and
encouragement of City Officials.
Don Christian requested permission to speak to the Council after the meeting as
to a Suggestion Box item. It was ascertained the matter pertained to charges for
the Auditorium Parking Lot. Alderman Bentley, seconded by Alderman Cosgrove,
moved that the matter be placed on the Agenda for consideration. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, Morris, Bentley, and Cosgrove.
No: Alderman King.
Motion failed due to not unanimous vote.
Don Christian was informed the matter could be presented after the Council meeting.
~~6
Fire Chief Burkhead~`reported no definite action had been taken on bids received
September 16, 1976.
Dick Tidwell, Finance Director, elabd.;~rn. financial report distributed, projected
revenues until the end of the year, and budget percentages to date.
Mayor Ferguson brought to the Council's attention letter from James L. Vanderburg,
Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, that was included in the packet. After
discussion of Civil Service request for adequate secretarial assistance, 79~ of
their budget spent, estimate of budget request of $10,000 for 1977, need for new
tests for employees, an employee available to work for the Commission, request
employment of a legal secretary $5.00 an hour for less than thirty hours a week;
Mayor Ferguson assigned Dick Tidwell to contact Civil .Service about the matter.
Request was made to research the matter of necessity of meetings being recorded.
Alderman King, seconded by Alderman Bentley, moved to recess five minutes.
Recess declared.
Mayor Ferguson called meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Mayor Ferguson presented request of the Library Commission to transfer $350.00
from the book account to the salary account for partime training period during
October, November, and December for the new head librarian, who will commence
as Department Head of the Library on January 1, 1977. Alderman Morris, seconded
by Alderman ~'osgrove, moved to grant request to transfer $350.00 from the book
account to the salary account. After consideration, the roll call vote was as
follows
Aye: Aldermen: Morris, Bentley, and Cosgrove.
No: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, and King.
Motion defeated.
Request of Library Commission for permission to dispose of old furniture, couch
and table, that the janitar would like to purchase was presented.,. After consideration:
Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by Alderman King, moved that Library commission and
Dick Tidwell take care of the matter. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No : None .
Alderman Morris, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, moved that postpone adoption of
a City Flag until the next Council meeting. After discussion of extending the
deadline for submission of entries for five days, the voting was as follows on
the motion:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
Request for permission to advertise for bids for furniture for the fire stations
was presented. Alderman Cosgrove, seconded by Alderman Morris, moved grant
permission to advertise for bids for furniture for the fire stations. Upon vote,
the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, ~entley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
Mayor Ferguson brought to the Council's attention Mrs. Bernice Holland, Deputy
City Clerk, had not been designated as a department head. Alderman King, seconded
by Alderman Morris, moved that nominate Bernice Holland as Department Head in Clerks
Office. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
~7
,~ `~ 1
The appointment of Wanda George as department head for Bookkeep.ng Department was
considered. Alderman Morris, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, moved that Wanda George
be nominated as Bookkeeping Department Head. After discussion of recommendation of
Dick Tidwell, Finance Director, the voting . was ars:=follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
The Mayor submitted the names of J•oryn Smith, ration Committeerl AldermannGrimsley,
Wayne P~.~~ as new members of the $nergy Conser
seconded by Alderman Morris, moved that accept appointment of new members on Energy
Conservation Committee. Upon vote, the voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No : None .
The Mayor announced the Energy Conservation Committee will make an official report
October 21, 1976, and requested the City Attorney read the following letter:
MISSISSIPPI-ARKANSAS-TENNESSEE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
MEMPHIS DELTA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
October 1, 1976
The Honorable Joyce Ferguson
Mayor, City of West Memphis
West Memphis, Arkansas 72301
Dear Mayor Ferguson:
Thank you for the opportunity of meeting with the West Memphis Citzens' Energy
Committee. I enjoyed attending the meeting, as I always do. As I was driving home
yesterday evening, I thought of the Committee's efforts in the past year, and of
several avenues the Committee might want to pursue in the future. I've taken the
liberty of sharing these with you in this letter.
1. Conservation Award. This award could be made on a monthly basis, by the utility
commission, the citizens' committee, or the city council and you as Mayor. It could
be presented at council meetings. The recipient should probably be recommended by
the energy committee. The award itself could be a certificate. If newspaper coverage
were given about the award, the recipient could get free and very complimentary,
publicity. This should make the award attractive, particularly to commercial users,
while spreading the idea of conservation and reducing energy usage. In addition,
there are already several elegible recipients for the award, so the publicity could
~-gin immediately, encouraging others to compete. The elegible recipients you
might want to consider now are as follows;
a. The West Memphis Dog Track;
b. The children Mrs. Pipe brought to present the conservation program last
spring; and
c. The measures taken to reduce energy use at the hospital.
If possible, the press release accompanying the award should mention d3.lar savings
in energy expenditures.
2. Model Energy Home. An interesting case study could be made, using a volunteer
family as the subject. The family could set examples in conservation by turning down
heat, turning off lights, and other easily controlled conservation schemes. If the
homeowners were willing to pay for conservation measures, they could install extra
insulation, storm windows, stripping and the like. Monthly records could be kept of
reduced utility costs as compared to equivalent months and rates for the preceding year.
This same approach could be used by a business firm, if a hould gesult i adboostoford•the
Coverage of the savings in energy costs by the newspaper s
idea of conservation, while performing a public service education function for
West Memphis residents.
(,.~
3. B~n Code. As we discussed yesterday, energy saving building codes
would have a very small impact, due to the small number of new housing starts.
However, if you would like to explore. this idea I would be glad to help you
research the problem.
If you feel any of these ideas are worth considering, please contact me. I'd
be delighted to help you and your staff with some of the details. Once again,
I'd like to thank you for allowing me to participate in the committee meetings.
Energy conservation is such an important area, particularly in reducing individual
financial hardship, and it can only be effectively accomplished by committees like
the one in West Memphis, working at the local level.
Very truly yours,
/S/ Ann K. Bowen
Area Planner
The Mayor requested comments from Council prior to meeting of Energy Committee
in December: The removing of bulbs in City buildings was discussed.
Mayor Ferguson announced the Arkansas Municipal League Meeting in November l~.th
and 16th, and requested her office be notified for reservations.
Alderman Bentley requested City Engineer Brawley contact the Arkansas Highway
Department as to progress on S. Avalon, and concrete buckling on Auburn Street
due to flooding.
Alderman Cosgrove inquired as to progress on Suggestion Be~Ql~ation, and was informed
location for boxes being established and Department Heads have been notified.
City Engineer Brawley reported on delay in public hearing by CorF~ of Engineers,
and letter will be written.
Alderman King inquired as to progress on S. 7th Street, and was informed work wil
commence October l9?7.
Status of old incinerator was requested by Alderman Horton, who was informed
the incinerator is being moved.
Margaret Woolfolk brought to the Councilts attention flooding in the vicinity
of new street work at Jackson and 2l~th Street. City Engineer Brawley commented
on action to be taken.
Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman King, moved to adjourn. Upon vote, the
voting was as follows:
Aye: Aldermen: Grimsley, Harris, Hightower, Horton, King, Morris, Bentley, and
Cosgrove.
No: None.
ATTE
CITY CLERK
APPROVED: AS AMENDED OCTOBER 21, 1976
~: Chief Burkhart
O~/,
MAYOR
-:~ Miss Piper