Loading...
February 2, 1978,, ,, ~, a MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2, 1978 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held in West Memphis, Arkansas, in the Council Chamber at City Hall on Thurs- day, February 2, 1978. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Joyce T. Ferguson. Present were: Mayor Joyce T. Ferguson City Attorney Robert L. Smith Aldermen: James Hightower Pritchard Horton Roberta Jackson Doug Morris R. H. Ray Doug Shelton W. R. Spencer Lloyd Woodell Don Grimsley Charles Hampton being a quorum. Rev. Farmer Smith offered prayer. The mayor announced that it was necessary to waive the rules to allow the matter of electing an alderman since the resignation by letter from W. R. "Bill" Spencer received January 18, 1978. Alderman Grimsley.-Meade a motion to waive the rules and put the matter on the agenda. Alderman Morris seconded the motion and upon voice vote all aldermen voted ''Aye" and the matter was put before the council. Alderman Horton made a motion to elect W. R. ''Bill' Spencer to fill the position since he has reconsidered and is willing to remain on the council. Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion and upon voice vote, all aldermen voted ''Aye" and it was unanimously agreed that W. R. "Bill" Spencer was elected to remain on the council in his former position. Alderman Spencer thanked the council for their vote of confidence and repeated the oath as administered by City Attorney Robert Smith. The mayor stated the first item of business on the agenda was to approve or correct the minutes of January 19, 1978. Alderman Grimsley made a motion to approve the minutes as sent in the packets. Alderman Jackson seconded the motion and upon voice vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and the minutes of January 19, 1978, were approved by unanimous vote. The mayor announced the time for citizen's requests and asked if Mr. Carey Walker was in the audience since Mr. Walker had requested to be heard. Mr. Walker did not appear. Mr. H. .Jackson Woodworth, Secretary of the Civil Service Com- mission appeared to request the council to authorize spending funds to employ a court reporter and to pay Stephen Wood attorney fees for the Michael Haney case which is set for hearing on February 14, 1978, at 7:30 p, m. Mr. Woodworth also requested that the City Council appoint one member of the council each month to come to the Civil Service meetings. Rev. McDonald appeared concerning his utility bill. Mayor Ferguson asked him to take the matter to the Utility Commission. Alderman Hampton suggested he give the information to Alderman Grimsley, liaison between the Utility Commission and the Mayor and Council, so he could present it to the Utility Commission. Mayor Ferguson asked Rev. McDonald to see Alderman Grimsley. Mr. S. E. Holbrook appeared before the mayor and council to inquire about the L. R. Jackson Building and asked about the lease to the boy's club. Mayor Ferguson advised him that the building is finished and the keys are in her office. The lease has been prepared. The mayor stated there was no old business for the council and announced the first item of new business to be plat approval as recom- mended by the Planning Commission. Alderman Hampton made a motion to approve the plat. Alderman Shelton seconded the motion. During discussion, the mayor asked Mr. Bob Lehr, engineer, for comments on the replat. Mr. Lehr explained the circumstances calling for the replat as did the owner of the property, Mr. Halford. Mr. Halford said he had told the Planning Commission when the first plat was drawn that he would comply with their request and have it replatted in the event the lines were changed in any way to provide access to the back lots. Alderman Spencer stated he had been on the Planning Commission at that time and remembered the circumstances, that the minutes showed that if something came up it would be replatted in conformance with the rules and regulations. During discussion, the question was called for. Upon voice vote to limit debate, all aldermen voted "Aye ". Alderman Hampton asked that the replat be amended to show Dover Street Extension running into Missouri Street and Dover Road. Mayor Ferguson declared atwo-minute recess so the engineer could show Dover Road Extended on the plat. Upon the amendment motion being duly seconded and unanimously carried the motion was amended. Mr. Halford asked to submit the plat to Mr. Hampton after Mr. Lehr indicated by drawing the proposed Dover Road Extended on the replat. The plat then was submitted for the record. Upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimously RESOLVED, That the Final Plat replat of Lots 2 and 3 Halford Sub - division as amended is hereby approved by the West Memphis City Council. Planning Com. (Halford Sub- division) Mayor Ferguson stated the next item on the agenda to be a resolu- tion to permit the installation of a radio antenna on the water tower. Alderman Grimsley made a motion this resolution be tabled indefinitely. Upon motion being duly seconded and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, That the resolution to permit the installation of a radio antenna on top of the water tower is hereby tabled indefinitely. The next item on the agenda was a resolution commending the (radio antenna) Mayor and the Board of Review for their action in requesting the removal of obscene publications from West Memphis. City Attorney Robert Smith read the resolution. Alderman Hampton made a motion to adopt the i resolution. Alderman Morris seconded the resolution and upon roll call vote, nine alderman voted "Aye", Alderman Shelton being absent from voting, and tl~e resolution was unanimously adopted and given number 6 2 0. A c opy r do o11oW~ c'' ~~L~ ~o~. CONGRATULATORY TO MAYOR JOYCE T. FERGUSON AND BOARD OF REVIEW WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Review of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, have requested that~all obscene magazines and publications be removed from the news racks which are offered for sale in West Memphis; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of West r-'~emphis, Arkansas, wishes to commend and approve the action of the Mayor and Board of Review; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas that the City Council wishes to congratulate Mayor Joyce T. Ferguson and Members of the Board of Review for this action and to express their support in their work of making West Memphis, Arkansas, abetter place to live. PASSED AND APPROVED this =~' day of ~~._= r ~_ -tr.~-.-i rAYOx ATTEST: ~-~ .. ...... .....~. ~~'~ r- ^ .. -... ~ ~, fem. ~~ CITY CLLRK ~ r° ~~ part of town where a new elementary school is to be built replacing the old Dabbs School. With the help of our citizen's Planning Commission and planning specialists, the Comprehensive Plan was amended to define portable signs, a response to several groups who wanted to have unsightly, illegal and dangerous signs removed. The Broadway Revitalization Committee made progress by getting the city to seek rights-of-way along Broadway. An unsuccessful effort to get through trucks off Broadway was made and the state was asked to mark the business section of West Memphis more clearly. The citizen's Energy Conservation Committee was active in 1977. Education of West Memphians on the serious energy problem was culminated with an Energy Day on December 1, 1977, in which school children participated and an energy conservation and breeder reactor program was presented by the Oak Ridge Energy Education Department. Several displays of insulation and energy conservation exhibits were presented. We all hope to cooperate with national and state goals to reduce excessive use of energy so that our nation will not run out of energy. The citizen's Board of Review successfully achieved the goal of ridding the community of objectionable magazines which did not meet community standards. And all through 1977, the board made regular checks of stores selling those types of magazines. The Airport Commission was busy with over 50, 000 aircraft movements reported at the airport last year. Funds received from the proceeds from charity days at Southland Greyhound Park were dispersed to two boy's clubs. Much time was spent on the dream of the two clubs being merged into one and we are indebted to this citizen's committee for their tremendous efforts in this vien. Proposals for cable TV for West Memphis will be received until February 13. Marketing and technical surveys have already begun and finalizing the proposals should follow immediately. We are told that it will take less than a year to install the system. Carriage of Little Rock AIL/ broadcast stations, an emergency alert system and electrical load management indicator have been requested. The city would receive a franchise fee and the utility pole attachment rent. The Cable TV Committee has worked diligently in an effort to provide cable television for West Memphians. The new City Advertising and Promotion committee has been established. This body is responsible for the funds collected by the new 1% tax from hotels, motels and restaurants in the city, to advertise, promote and maintain the convention _~ complex consisting of the civic center and the auditorium. For the first time in the history of West Memphis, the state requirement of a professional audit was performed by auditors employed by the state - -the savings to our city was estimated at over $20, 000. One of the very real bright spots for West Memphis in 1977 was new industry which came here. We were fortunate to have a major business open its doors in our city last year in the form of Taylor Machine Works, Inc. , one of the top fork lift manufacturers in the nation today. ~/5 West Memphis also received notice that Lowe's Lumber Co. , the nation's second largest retail lumber outlet, was opening a franchise here. Work began late in December and is continuing daily on the new 10, 000 square foot facility. Reflexion Industries, a vehicle bumper manufacturer, through an Act Nine Industrial bond issue, was able to expand its thriving business here with the city's help. Another Act Nine bond issue was consummated in '77 that allowed Delta Case Co. , the largest softdrink container manufacturer in the nation, to rebuild its operation after a disastrous 1976 fire that destroyed the firm. K-Mart, another major retail outlet, began most of its construction work last year for its new discount store here. Its progress can be seen daily. What all this means is jobs, jobs for our people who need them most. A,nd, of course, it goes without saying that new industry and new jobs bring a brighter flush to the face of our economy. A,s a matter of fact, our economy, according to recent figures, did well in !'77. Retail sales hit a record $181, 072, 000 in the county during the year. That is a figure of which we can all be proud, and we can attribute it to new industry, as well as the older, more established firms, retail, wholesale and our industrial complex, which contribute so much to our lives and welfare throughout the year. And now what about 1978,. an election gear? The mayor and city officials will be elected by the people to serve our city. Appropriately, the future of West Memphis resides with the people. If the people demand strong, stable, resourceful local government; dynamic and forceful leadership will surface. With citizens participating in the planning and development of a better West Memphis for all its citizens, we are bound to reach our objectives of better service that responds to crisises and eliminates problems before they arise, less crime, better drainage, and more efficiently-run ~/ government. Growth and prosperity of West Memphis will only continue if businessmen, laymen and Local citizens continue to dedicate themselves to the welfare of the city. The city needs the help and participation of all citizens, cooperation and love since they have within their power to change progress for the better in our community. I encourage all citizens who enjoy the privilege of living in a democracy (whose very principal is based on citizen involvement) to participate in all levels of government. No one accomplishes anything alone. With God's help and everyone pulling together, we can soar to new horizons. There is no goal that we cannot reach, if each of us resolved to join hands - - black and white, business, school, city, churches and pull together. If we all have courage to set aside differences and pull together to make West Memphis a better place to live, we fulfill our destiny. We have so much potential and wealth - - we have good people, ideal geographical location for business, since transportation systems are so excellent; we have the Mississippi River, two interstate highways, railroads, state highways and a reliever airport. Potential for greatness abounds in our midst. I wish to thank each and every member of the West Memphis City Council for the excellent cooperation I received from them in 1977. They have made this past year a pleasure to run the day to day operation of city government. Without its cooperation the task would have been much greater and I speak for 30, 000 people in sincerely thanking them for their efforts toward the progress of West Memphis and the welfare of its citizens. ¢/ In the Water Department, Supervisor Dick Rains reports that they have installed 9, 000 feet of new water mains in the city. A 500, 000-gallon ground storage tank has been completed and 90% of the water treatment plant at an approximate cost of $900, 000 which was paid for from funds from the bond issue. Bids were advertised for on the proposed one million- gallon elevated storage tank and construction is expected to begin early this year. This will be paid for from the $791, 000 AP&L refund the city re- ceived in 1976, as mentioned earlier in this report. Joryn Smith, head of the Electric Department, reports that a by-pass was made for Crittenden Memorial Hospital, City Ha11 and the race track. The department has purchased property and completed negotiations for a new substation, and they have built lines for three new subdivisions. In the Meter Department, Supervisor Gary Rushing reports that all industrial account meters and half of all commercial meters have now been field tested; in a continuing program. His department has designed and built a control system and remodeled the electric system for the three oldest sewer stations -- City Ha11, OK Street and Oliver Street stations. Buck Taylor, head of the Sewer Treatment Plant, has carried on an extensive maintenance and repair program and has rebuilt equipment, and even invented a system to assure maximum efficiency of the entire system. In the Public Works Department, Mrs. Louise Wheeler reports that a $386, 000 Public Works Grant was applied for and received and was employed to four-lane South 7th Street from Broadway to Jackson with curbs, gutters, sidewalks and storm drainage. This cost the city not one dime. Final plans have been completed for Dover Street Extension, and work is scheduled to begin in the spring. 70% of the half-million dollar job will be paid with federal funds and cost to the city will be approximately $150, 000. Southland Drive will be funded by a new federal program known as Safer-off-Systems. It will tie in at Club Road and run parallel with the railroad to the race track. About 70% of this project will be paid for by ~ i~ 41..~ the state. Mrs. Wheeler states that total federal and state funds received in projects in 1977 total nearly $1, 500, 000. The Street Department, under Paul McConnell, at the end of October, 1977, was operating 19% under its budget. A $19, 000 federal grant was received for replacing all the stop and yeild signs in the city in 1977 and revenue-sharing paid for the $100, 000 street overlay program which was completed. Anew asphalt distributor was purchased; also eight new traffic signals. During the year the Street Department poured some 260 cubic yards of concrete in repair of city streets and made about 150 tons of cold mix asphalt to patch holes during the winter months. The drainage crew under George Ferguson worked nearly year round cleaning out our larger ditches. The use of the Gradall was extensive with a crew of five men going over all the ditches at least twice which we believe helped our drainage problems. Mr. Theodo Robertson, head of the Sanitation Department, has six new rearloading garbage trucks, one overhead-container truck, one grapple truck and fifty new containers to work with. This department instituted a new program in April of 1977, establishing new routes for each driver and making a much more efficient operation in that department. For example, the night truck has been eliminated in the business area. The sanitation crews pick up 684 tons of garbage and trash per week. You will recall that in 1977 an agreement was made with the City of Memphis for disposal of solid waste from West Memphis and the Public Works A~nti- litter grant was administered by our Public Works Department through the Sanitation division. Cecil Kerley will soon be the proud overseer of a new shop which was bid and accepted. Construction has begun. Mr. Kerley has set up a maintenance program for the 80 or so pieces of equipment they take care of for preventive maintenance as well as repairs. The City of West Memphis annexed 22.9 acres in the east end of town known as the triangle between Interstate 55 and U. S. Highway 70, providing a continuous north-south city limits at the levee and providing fire and police protection for that areas also 13.3 acres in the southwest Under Judge Lindsey Fairley, the Municipal Court has had major renovations to offices and acquired additional office space. A small claims court has been made operational and the bookkeeping system has been changed as requested by auditors and under Act 332 of 1977. A total of 18, 373 cases were filed and fines and costs amounted to $268, 525. 17 in 1977. This was an increase of $ 59, 217. 22 over last year. In the Data Processing Department, Bryant Witherspoon installed a new payroll system January 1 to simplify procedures for the payroll clerk and department heads. City assets were inventoried and tagged and a computer file was prepared for future control. The general ledger system was installed July 1. Privilege licenses and the statements for them were computerized for 1978. As well, the utility billing system was reprogrammed for more efficiency. In the Personnel Department under Dorothy Browning , the personnel, payroll and CETA records were all combined and some additional help was added to this department for obvious reasons. The auditorium under Don Christian continues to increase its number of contracts and attendance with a larger variety of uses. New events, equipment and books have been added to the city's libraries under the guidance of Pam Owens resulting in more utilization by our citizens. That is always a plus. The Utility Department has added approximately 300 residential customers. P. G. Para reports progress in all divisions of the Utility Department: three new pumping stations; a new flush truck that has cleaned several miles of sanitary sewers and storm drains which has helped our drainage problem considerably; phase II of an inflow-infiltration study has been completed at an approximate cost of $360, 000. (75% of this cost was paid for by federal funds); Mr. Kimmie Clark head of the Wastewater Division reports that overhauling three pumping stations made them look like new and should require no major re}~airs for the next 20 to 30 years. t~ Mr. Lee Cramer with the Parks and Recreation Department was busy. His department opened four new baseball/softball fields; super- vised 463 games with a total attendance of 35, 000 to 40, 000 people which is a good turnout by any standard. Construction was begun on six of the proposed 12 tennis courts in the complex at the new park, and this department was involved in the renovation of the Wonder Swimming Pool and L. R. Jackson Community Center. Also, Lamar Rodgers Swimming Pool was filled for safety's sake. Plans for a recreational area in conjunction with Worthington Park are being considered. The McAuley Tennis Courts and the Worthington Tennis Courts were resurfaced and reopened. We can be proud of our Parks Department. This past year was a job well done. The Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Burkhart, has been able to add valuable equipment and service for the protection and safety of West Memphians. The department now has all the basic rescue equipment for the much used rescue and crash truck. Also within that department seven men are CPR instructors, who have at their disposal all of the basic equipment for emergency medical technicians. The department has a new 1250-gallon-per-minute pumper and a fire prevention program was iniated in February of 1977, all of which has been very successful. The Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Bobby Keen, has implemented the Highway Safety Program which has been credited for decreasing accidents by a whopping 20% and personal injury accidents by 30%. They have installed dictaphone and logging equipment to increase efficiency and worked toward getting the department training program accredited to meet state standards. For example, each patrolman has spent forty hours on in-service training. Also last year they stepped up their public relations program and established a drug enforcement unit within the detective division. Through the efforts of the Police Department crime decreased in 1977 in nearly all areas. In 1976 there were four homicides; in 1977 there were none; in 1976 13 forcible rapes, in 1977 11; in 1976 40 robberies, in '77 41; in 1976 317 assaults, in '77 385; in 1976 356 burglaries, in '77 184; in 1976 1216 larceny thefts, in 1977, 946; in 1976 82 motor vehicle thefts, in 1977 there were 103. ~~ ...~ August, 1977. But, through the tireless and dedicated efforts of the city's employees these jobs have been redistributed and no new employees have been hired to fill these positions - - as a matter of fact, the efficiency of this department is excellent. In December, 1977, the mayor's administrative assistant resigned. There are no plans to fill this position at present. Through attrition and mandatory retirement at age 6 5, the city has been able to save some salaries. Now, let`s look at some accomplishments by departments in 1977. There were many. Under the direction of Mr. Jay Woods, Community Development completed South 17th Street; purchased property for a youth recreation center; completed 7 5% of the North Worthington project; 6 5°~0 of the swimming pool renovation; 95% on Phase II of Tilden Rodgers Park; and secured a new fire truck. Also, the new Section 8 housing office was opened. In the Code Enforcement Department, Mr. Calvin Avery and Mr. Gary Pospisil report 130 new residents, 266 additions to existing homes and 29 new commercial projects. In Records Management, a brand new department, Mr. Jerry Riddle completed the microfilming of city hall records begun by Bill Pollard. The microfilming of police department records is nearing completion, and an inventory is being taken of records at the Municipal Court. Planning between Mr. Riddle and the Arkansas History Commission in Little Rock is under way for a permanent records management program for city records. That is quite a feat, if we do say so. In the Purchasing Department, Mr. Joe Scarbrough brought buying of material and supplies under control by acquiring a broad range of suppliers and seeking competitive prices. This is a savings for the city as well as the taxpayer . Deputy City Clerk, Bernice Holland, is accomplishing a smooth change over to the computer system of billing for privilege license. ~~ can be kept. The new records department provided the opportunity to organize a central filing system to be completed in 1978. Before Bill Pollard left, we were able to employ a records management department head and clerk with CE TA funds. The establishment of this department may well be one of the biggest contributions made in 1977. One of the highlights of the year was a visit here by Henry Gray, Director of the Arkansas Highway Department. During that visit requests and projects were evaluated and several city streets will get major improve- ments in 1978. Dover Street Extended will be built with FADS funds, which will connect Missouri Street to 7th Street making the east -west section between U. S. Highway 70 and Interstate 40~a convenience long requested by our citizens. Assurance has been given that Southland Drive will be built by Safer-off-Systems with 70% federal and state funds. In August, 1977, anew Utility Commission was formed. The cost of electricity has been a major concern of the citizens of West Memphis, a concern that was voiced and heard. Whether or not anything can be done about the cost of electricity, the people of West Memphis have a commission to serve them and will work toward efficient service at the lowest possible cost. The city council made a tough decision on how to spend $791, 000 AP& L refund the city received in 1976 as a result of intervention in a lawsuit against AP&L. The decision to spend the money for a new one million gallon water storage tank and switching gear for a new electric substation was believed to be in the best interest of all West Memphis citizens, even though pressure to return money to customers was strong and strident. Last year was also a year of belt tightening. We used less personnel to get the same job accomplished. For example, 1977 was the first full year for the newly created position of finance director. But, there are now only two bookkeepers in the bookkeeping department - -one for the city's books and one for utility's books - -which means the department has been streamlined from six bookkeepers to two, a savings to the city's taxpayers. Credit for this goes to Dick Tidwell, a very able Finance Director for the City. In other areas, the city engineer's position has been vacant since January, 1977, and 1977 saw the retirement of its veteran street superin- tendent. And the draftsman in the Public Works Department resigned in .;,~ ". complex, which turned out to be a beautiful gift for the city's fiftieth birthday celebration. The Legislature was in session in Little Rock from January until March. The city received excellent cooperation from the Crittenden County delegation, representatives from each city in the county, county officials, educators and many citizens who worked diligently to secure a state funded community college. This effort failed when the governor vetoed the legislation, but the city purchased buildings and land at a bankruptcy auction and plans are still viable to go back to the state to ask that a college be established here. Arkansas State University at Jonesboro is too far for most Crittenden County students to commute; so a West Memphis institution is more desirable. There are colleges in nearby Memphis, but out-of-state tuition prices may well prevent deserving graduates from enrolling in these institutions. A community college student could work, study and provide for a family while going to a local school. At the same time, local businesses could get training in West Memphis for particular skills in meeting their needs. This is one more asset to help our fellow West Memphians who can't afford higher education outside their local area. Since our youth are the trustees of posterity, I hope that we will continue the hard work that has begun for the establishment of an institution of higher education that will meet the needs and help our community during the upcoming months. In April, civic pride and cooperation burst forth on the anniversary of the fiftieth year since thirty-five people signed the petition to incorporate the City of West Memphis. April 30 was a memorable day. The city was fortunate to obtain the services of a public manage- ment intern for three months through a state grant. In May, we purchased microfilm equipment and. established a microfilm department. An advantage of a new city hal], has been having a storage vault where microfilmed records ~~~ Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Phase II Tilden Rodgers Park --------------- $ 70, 000; Section 8 Housing -HUD ----------- $386, 000; CETA special grant -anti-litter------ 42, 000; Airport grant ---------------------- $188, 300. In 1978, West Memphis expects to collect $155, 000 for privilege licenses and permits and another $ 2 3 0, 000 from the Municipal Court in fines. West Memphis has budgeted $180, 000 in revenues from the county for property taxes while payment in lieu of taxes by Act 9 industries is expected to hit the $20, 000 mark. All principal sources of revenues, property tax, state turnback and general revenue-sharing are based either on fixed amounts or do not grow correspondingly with inflation or the economy. We are not unlike other cities in becoming more and more de- pendent upon the state and federal government for financing. In accepting federal and state aid, we are required to comply with their guidelines -- construction projects cost more if federal money is used, due to wage decisions and other restrictions. Some cities have had funds cut off by not complying. A federal law placing cities under the Unemployment Compensation Act has forced the city to budget $20, 000 to comply. We have also had to budget for the increase in the So~ia1 Security rate.. In some instances, we will be financially unable to achieve the standard set at federal and state levels of mandated jail standards, environmental requirements in sewer and garbage, housing and employee benefits, without reducing other programs and services. While revenues decline in real dollars due to inflation and unyielding revenue sources, costs of materials and equipment increase and pressures for higher salaries accelarate. If growth and development continues, there will be increased demands for services in street improve- ments, solid waste, sewage and fire and police protection, not to mention demands for better drainage of the area. In January, 1977, we let the landscape contract for the civic ~~ of a policy plan to be built around issues of finance, governmental framework and organization, education and energy. The key element of any effective policy is support and leadership at all levels. Arkansas local government is at the bottom of the fifty states in terms of dollar expenditures per capita. Arkansas cities are strictly limited by the constitution to five mills for general operations and capital improvements. This is like trying to buy a Cadillac a few pennies at a time. It is difficult. Reduction of local services and programs island has been, an enforced practice among local governments in Arkansas due to inelastic revenues, inflation, and growth of state and federal requirements. It must be questioned how much more reduction can occur in local programs and services without reaching a point of public jeopardy. Local revenues are the pre-eminent problem cities face today and priority issues such as streets, drainage, solid waste, law enforcement, personnel, etc. , are directly related to this one basic issue, - -money and its source. Government is very costly and good judgment must be used in the matter of priority. Priority must exist from the standpoint of the city as a whole and the needs of the citizens. With help, we will make the right choices and place emphasis on the correct priorities for the greatest good for the largest number of people. Cities and counties have become increasingly dependent upon General Revenue Sharing, CETA, Anti-Recessionary and Community Development Block Grant funds distributed by the federal government for economic stability. West Memphis has tried to use revenue.-sharing" money (which amo~.nted to $ 641, 900 in ~ 97 7 }~ for capital improvements only:, but we have been forced to succumb. For example in 1978, all revenue sharing monies have been budgeted for salaries. Drastic changes will have to be made in the taxing structure in the 1980's or we may find ourselves in the same position as New York. 3~ Anti-Recessionary funds totaling $239, 134 were received in 1977 from the federal government and were mandated for salaries only. In 1977, theCity of West Memphis was able to employ 79 people by utilizing the CETA program, a public employment program designed much Like the WPA in the 1930 s. To qualify a person has to be un- employed four-to-sixteen weeks. The local Employment Security Division certifies the person and the money for salary and benefits are administered by Crittenden County. The County receives money on a formula basis from the state and reimburses the city for each employee who qualifies. Because of West Memphis' high unemployment rate, the formula used makes us eligible to receive a large share of Crittenden County's allotment. Last year, the city re'~eived $343, 193. Two CETA special project grants received in 1977 were anti-litter funds :for asix-month duration to clean and beautify West Memphis, and a nine-month project for weatherization of homes for the elderly has been applied for. The paperwork is not complete as of this date. The combined city and utility budget for 1977 was approximately $10, 300, 000 and $11.3 million for 1978. The utility power bill increase from AP& L accounts for most of the one million dollar rise. AP&L charged 22% more for electricity in 1974 and 1975 and another 10% increase in March of 1976. In 1977, an additional 16. 2% was charged with 8% being passed on to the customer. In 1977, the city and utility employed 246 fulltime employees, 39 part-time and 79 CETA employees at a total payroll of $3, 249. 595 for 1977. From 1975 through 1977, the city received $713, 000 each year for Community Development Block Grant. However, the fourth year program for 1978 was cut to $475, 000. Special grants received from the federal government in 1977 totaled $1, 125, 900. They were: South 7th Street EDA ------------------ $361, 000; Law Enforcement Assistance Administration -------------------- 77, 000; Mayor Ferguson stated the next item of business to be the State of the City Message the Mayor is required to present. The Mayor asked the council to adopt a motion to record the message in the minutes of the meeting. Alderman Hampton made a motion that the State of the City Message be recorded in the minutes of this council meeting. Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion and upon voice vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimously RESOLVED, That the Mayor's State of the City Message be recorded as a part of the minutes of this council meeting. (State of the City message) State of the City Message follows on the next page. v i 3 i C ~i.~ o ~~E~f Em ~c.~. c~ C~f f~~E o f E~iE ~ayo~ 205 c~ouE~i cRcc~c~ln9 - ~csE ~am~.~iis, ~al~ansas 72301 f ,M.fT y' **~ * s ~~o!) 735-220 s~ ,,KA N~' ~oeJca ~: ~ez9uson ~ayot February 2, 19 7 8 STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE By law, the mayor is required to make a report on the State of the City affairs and outline programs for the coming year to better serve the citizens of West Memphis , The year 1977 turned out to be a fairly good one for West Memphis. The community escaped natural disaster. No devastating tornadoes came our way. No crippling flood swept over our city as occurred in March, 1975. There was no breakdown in public services during 1977, and to top it all off, local government survived the fiscal year with money i n the bank. Not a bad year, indeed. Unemployment in West Memphis was 12% in December, 1976 and 7, 1% in December 1977. This 4% :decrease was significant for the city's economy, even though West Memphis' unemployment remains above the national average. So, if it was not a boom year, 1977 can easlily qualify as a boon year with most West Memphians appearing to be enjoying a good quality of life. But, the time has come for serious concern. Again, as in 1976, inadequate sources of revenue are the most critical problems we face, since responsibilities and demands on Local governments have grown much more rapidly than resources. The Arkansas Constitution limits the method and the amount of local tax support to fund city government. I believe legislative and constitutional reform should be structured and implemented within a framework of a state-local policy relationship. In my judgment, there is a need for a new bond between state and local governments in the form ,~ , `~ p The Mayor asked for Committee reports. Alderman Woodell, Vice-chairman of the Hospitalization and Pension Committee, reported that the committee met on Tuesday night a.~ 7:30 and a quorum was present. They listened to a discussion of hospitalization insurance by Grant Waters, Blue Cross Blue Shield. The did not discuss the pension plan. The meeting was primarily for hospitalization insurance discussion. It was decided that it would be appropriate and proper to ask for bids on hospitalization insurance that specifications be prepared from a paper which Mr. Woodell had in his possession and that any carrier who wishes will be invited to submit a bid including the Municipal League. Alderman Woodell made a motion that this material be used as a basis for specifica- tions for bids for our hospitalization program for approximately 300 city employees. Alderman Shelton seconded the motion. During discussion, Alderman Hampton asked for a copy of Alderman Woodell's paper. The mayor advised the purchasing agent would get the specs out and the office personnel would get it to the newspaper. The mayor asked Alderman Woodell to the the paper in the form he wants it so the aldermen wanting copies could have them. Upon voice vote of the motion all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimously RESOLVED, That the specifications Alderman Woodell requested be used to draw up sepcifications for hospitalization insurance for city employees and bids be advertised for. Alderman Horton, Chairman of the Street Committee, reported from that committee that bids had been taken on two pickup trucks as follows: Ryan Chevrolet $4, 604. 51 each with a total of $9, 209. 02; Gibson Ford $4, 845. 00 each with a total of $9, 690. 00; A. J. Thomas $4, 996.87 each with a total of $9, 993. 74. Alderman Horton reported (hospitali- zation ins. ) that these were sealed bids and after they were opened Ryan Chevrolet said they had a mistake of $239. 10 in their price which they wanted to add to their bid price making the price $4, 843. 10 each. After considerable discussion, Alderman Ray made a motion that all bids be rejected. Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion and upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimously (Public Works) RESOLVED, That the above bids be pickup trucks and they hereby are all rejected. Alderman Grimsley made a motion to rebid the trucks. Alder- man Spencer seconded the motion and upon voice vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimously (Public Works RESOLVED, That the trucks be pickup trucks) rebid and permission is hereby given to advertise for new bids. Alderman Woodell, Chairman of the Higher Education Committee, reported the committee met with Alderman Jackson and Alderman Ray present. Alderman Woodell requested an audience with the mayor the following week. Mayor Ferguson agreed to the meeting. Alderman Hightower, Chairman of the Ordinance Committee, reported that his committee had= not met but that he had talked with Chief Keen concerning the proposed curfew. Chief Keen told him, Alderman Hightower stated, that there was no way to enforce an ordinance on a curfew; that this would tie up the service cars. Alderman Hightower asked the wishes of the council concerning the curfew. Alder- man Morris made a motion to table the question of the curfew indefinitely. Alderman Grimsley seconded the motion and upon voice vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimously (Curfew) RESOLVED, That the question of a curfew ordinance is hereby tabled indefinitely. Alderman Jackson, Chairman of the Budget Committee, requested the matter of payday every other Friday be put on the agenda for next meeting. Alderman Shelton, Chairman of the Drainage Committee, stated he intends to call a meeting of that committee and expects to have a report for next meeting. Alderman Spencer said he would like to meet with the Drainage Committee. Alderman Woodell recommended that the Drainage Committee explore all avenues other than waiting for the norman congressional authorization and funding and completion of the Corps of Engineers project. Alderman Woodell said if we can get them to come in and do a quick project like the cleanout project, they don't have to go to Washington or have anything authorized; they have a special bill which already permits such. expenditures. Alderman Woodell further stated that the pumping plant is another matter altogether; the Corps would have to get that authorized, especially if we want them to pay for the operation of a pumping station. Alderman Woodell said the matter should be looked into by the Drainage Committee and he offered to meet with the committee. Alderman Shelton, Chairman, and the Mayor asked him to meet with the committee. Mayor Ferguson appointed Alderman Woodell to the Drainage Committee. Mayor Ferguson also commended Vice-Mayor Horton for the work he did on the flooding problem while she was on vacation. Alderman Hampton volunteered to meet with the mayor and the Corps at any of their meetings since he has worked as an engineer many years. Mayor Ferguson asked permission of the council to schedule the May 18 council meeting on the fourth Thursday since there will be a Municipal League meeting on that date. Alderman Grimsley made a motion to change the date of the council meeting. The motion was seconded. Alderman Ray asked what the law is setting council dates . During discussion, Alderman Grimsley withdrew the motion and the second to the motion was withdrawn. The mayor asked permission from the council for a March of Dimes Dance-o-thon to be held Friday February 24 at 7:00 p, m., until Saturday at 7:00 p. m. Alderman Ray made a motion that the Police Department take care of this. Alderman Shelton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously carried by voice vote, all aldermen voting "Aye" Alderman Woodell asked that Alderman Hampton's name be put back on the Higher Education Committee. The mayor appointed Alderman Hampton to the Higher Education Committee. Mayor Ferguson announced that she had a recommendation from the Library Board of Trustees to reappoint Dr. Deneke and Marilyn Renfroe to that board for another five-year term. The mayor asked approval of the council by voice vote. A11 aldermen voted "Aye. " The mayor appointed as a voting member City Attorney Robert Smith to the Port Authority and announced a meeting the following day. The mayor asked approval for the appointment of Mr. Smith by the council by voice vote. All aldermen voted "Aye. " The mayor advised that the length of term will be given to the council at the next meeting. Mayor Ferguson announced that the employee's service pins for those em 1o ees p y becoming eligible in 1977 have been received and will be given out next council meeting. The mayor stated she has asked department heads to get their list of eligible employees in by the first of August so the pins can be given in November to those becoming eligible in 1978. The mayor announced the Municipal League meeting will be held May 18 and 19 at the Camelot Inn in Little Rock and that they will have an outstanding program. The mayor recognized Alderman Hampton who told the council that on May 5 they passed Ordinance 898 amending Ordinance 188 and the Police Department has not enforced the ordinance. Discussion followed on getting rid of ordinances that cannot be enforced but after an attempt has been made to enforce them. The mayor recognized Alderman Shelton who-stated he felt the council was doing the city employees an injustice by fighting the un- employment compensation. Alderman Shelton made a motion that the or form a committee to study this and decide whether the city should may stay with the Municipal League on this matter or not. Alderman S encer seconded the motion. After discussion, and upon voice vote, p the motion unanimously carried, all aldermen voting "Aye" . The mayor a ointed Alderman Shelton, City Attorney Smith and Alderman Hampton pp with Alderman Shelton to serve as chairman, as a committee to study the matter of unemployment compensation for city employees. Alderman Horton announced a Street Committee meeting after council meeting and asked the Shop Committee to meet with them. The mayor thanked the vice-mayor and everyone for their het while she was on vacation. City Attorney Smith commented on p esolution 619 and a problem with an Act 9 industry; that possibly with R the use of this resolution a similar situation may be averted. Jackson read a statement concerning the poll of 84 A1d e rm an Public Works Department employees as requested by the council at eetin Mrs. Jackson reported that the poll will be taken the last m g '~ e Bud et Committee as requested by the council. to th g The ma or welcomed Alderman Spencer back on the council. y Alderman Jackson asked for Civil Service Commissioner Leo Chitman to be recognized by the mayor to speak to the council. The ma or recognized Mr. Chitman and he spoke briefly about y resolving differences. Alderman Spencer commented on being back on the council and said "Lets take the business at hand to the public and items that are personal and not council or city business, lets settle before we come out here. " There being no further business to come before the council, Alderman Grimsley made a motion to adjourn. Upon motion being du y seconded and unanimously approved by voice vote, the mayor adjourned the meeting at 3:2 5 p. m. M /1 C..~„i / . ATTEST: Approved:~~l/',,~ -~~~-~'~i r r J