Loading...
April 20, 1978MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL APRIL 20, 1978 Trle City Council of the City of West Mempryis, Arkansas, met in regular session in tre Council Chamber at City Hall on April 20, 1978, at 1:30 p.m. The following were present: Mayor Joyce T. Ferguson City Attorney, Robert Srrith Aldermen Doug Shelton W. R. Spencer Lloyd Woodell Don Grimsley Charles Hampton James Hightower Pritchard Horton Roberta Jackson Doug Morris R. H. Ray Alderman W. R. Spencer offered prayer. Motion was made by A~.derman Horton, seconded by Alderman Grimsley to approve minutes of Apri~._ ~, 19?8, as included in the packet. Upon voice vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodell, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Aldermen Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No: None. Mayor Ferguson announced an ordinance entitled "An Ordinance To Amend Zoning Ordinance 715" would be read the second time by City Attorney Smith. The ordinance was read the second time by the City Attorney. Motion was made by Alderman :Morris, seconded by Alderrr~an Grimsley that the second reading of the ordinance be approved. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman '~oodell, Alderrr~an Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman ~:orton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No: None. An ordinance entitled "An Ordinance to F;~tablish A Procedure For the Police Department To Sell Confiscated Goods And Deposit Said Funds In the Policemen~s Pension And Retirement Fund f~f The City Of West Memphis, Arkansas" was read the first time by the City Attorney. Motion was made by Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Jackson that the first reading of the ordinance ba approved. During consid- eration of the motion as to advertising for auction, days property to be held, bid procedure, the motion was withdrawn also the second. Thereupon, motion was made by Alderman Ray, seconded by Alderman Shelton that the ordinance be tabled for further study by the Police Commission and Qrdinance C~~mmittee. Upon voice vote, the voting was as follows : Aye : Ald~srman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Goodell, Alderman Grimsl~~y, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Ald.errnan Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No : None . _ --- , A resolution commending the Emergency efforts by individuals and organizations on April 12, 19,'8, was read by the City Attorney. Alderman Hampton, seconded by Ald~;rman Shelton, moved that the resolution be adopted. During di~~cussion, Alderman Ray moved that th.e resolution be amended to include Leisure Lodge and Crittenden Memorial Hospital. Alderman Hampton commended Sgt. Dollahite of tree Police Department for the report to Chief Keen that was included in the packet. Upon roll call vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodell, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No: None. The resolution adopted read as follows: ~~ C~ RESOLUTION WHEREAS, organizations and individuals committed to preservation of the health and safety of the Citizens of the City of West Memphis performed admirably during the poten- tial danger which resulted from the derailment of Rock Islan Lines Tanker cars carrying hazardous materials on the 12th of April and WHEREAS, the cooperation, quickness, coordination and alertness shown by those who responded to the danger reflect great credit upon those organizations and individuals, and WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis is proud of these true leaders anal their willingness to meet danger to protect the health acid safety of the citizens of the City of West Memphis , and WHEREAS, the City Ccuncil of West Memphis wishes to commend each and every organization and individual in their actions to prevent a catastrophe. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the City of West Memphis commends the West Memphis Police Department, Fire Department, Street Department, Disaster Units from American Red Cross and Crittenden County Civil Def en_ se Office , Geriatrics , Inc . , <., y~; .~ ~.> l~ ~: k= ~' ~ ~ Crittenden Emergency Medical Service, and numerous other organizations, churches and individuals who assisted in assuring the health and safety of the Citizens of West Memphis. f ~'7 PASSED AND APPROVED this "~~ ~~ day of /',~ ~--J1~ i ,~-- 1978, ~ ~ ~~ MAYOR ATTEST: r' CITY CL RK t ~~ ;-~~ An ordinance entitled "An Ordinance For The Adoption By Reference Of The "Southern Standard Housing Code, 19?6 Edition", Far The City of West Memphis, Arkansas, And For Other Purposes" was read the first t~.rr~e. Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, moved that the first reading of the ordinance be approved. Upon roll k call vote, the voting was as follows : Aye : Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodall, A1de~^man Grimsley, ;'~Zc~erman Jackson, A~.derman Morris, Alderman Ray, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Aldermxan Horton; No: None. Mayor Ferguson brought to the Council's attention a resolution pertaining to railroad repair hs.d been prepared for consideration but was not on the agenda. Alderman Shelton, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that the rules be suspended and the resolution be put on the agenda. Upon vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodall, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No: None. City Attorney Smith read the resolution. Alderman Shelton, 1 seconded by Alderman Hampton made a motion to adopt the resolution. During discussion of the condition of the railroad tracks, side tracks, civil defense plans, Chief Keen being the director for safety of people in West Memphis Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Grimsley, called for the question. Upon voice vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodall, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No: None. Roll call vote on the resolution was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodall, Alderman. Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Ray; No: None. The resolution read as follows % ~ ~ RESOLUTION N0. ~~ RAILROAD n,EPAIR j11HER.EAS , the C i t:y c f West Memphis , Arkansas , through the efforts and valor of its PolicF,, ~~ ire and Street Departments , the VolunteFr First Aid Organizations, the Civil Defense Unit, Rack Island Rail EmployEes, and many other fine volunteers, did answer the call for help in what could have been a major disaster nor our City; and, WHEREAS, the many explosions, causing damage to life, limb, and property by za.ilroad cars overturning and spilling poisonous gases in a community ~s of great importance to a Town like West 1`~Zemphis where three (3) major railroads, the Rock Island, Missouri-Pacific and Frisco are located; and, W~IEREAS , a check by citizPr~s of West Memphis of tiie Rock Island, rlisso~.xri-Pacific and Frisco Tracks shows that some tracks are badly in need of repair; and, WHEREAS , the City Council of the City of tiJest r'~emphis is charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the property Y_ and lives of its citizens; anc?, ~~JHEREAS , there is a great need for this repair to be done immediately; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST r~MPHIS, ARKANSAS: 1. That this Resolution be sent to the Superintendents of the Rock Island,rTissouri Pacific and Frisco Railroads expressing concern over the lack of safety on their railroad lines located in West Memphis, Arkansas; 2. That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Chairman of the Public Service Conunission, State of Arkansas, Little Rock, requesting their help in maintaining safe railroad tracks t '~ passing in the City of West Memphis; 3. That it is requested the respective Superintendents contact the Mayor and members of the City Council as to their desires to make these necessary repairs to the railroad tracks located in TnTest rlemphis , Arkansas . PASSED AND APPROVED this ~ ~ dad 4 f ,. ~? '~ f ~ ~ ``" 1978. ~~ ~ -- • M~X~R ATTEST: CITY CLERK 2. ;:~ Alderman Horton presented Street Committee report that the Committee met on April 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the City Hall, and reviewed the 1978 weed control bid that was opened on April 18, 19?8. The only bid received was from Southern Spray, Inc. of Memphis, Tennessee, in the amount of $15,213.13. The Committee recommended that they award the bid to Southern Spray, Inc. in the amount of $15,213.13, and Alderman Horton moved to accept the bid. The motion was seconded by Alderman Grimsley. Upon vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Spencer, Alderman Goodell, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. Alderman Shelton was not present for voting. Alderman Ray announced bids for reroofing Fire Department buildings will be opened on April 28, 1978, and the Fire Commission x.11 meet at 7:30 p.m. May 1, 1978. Mayor Ferguson announced a Council work session will be held 8:00 p.m. May 1, 1978 after the Fire Commission meeting. Alderman Morris, Chairman of the Folice Commission, reported the Commission rr~et on April 17th, and received the following informa- tion from Chief Keen: work had stared on the records room,, and he h ad ascertained from School Superintendent Bill Kessinger the cost of a sign at the School Office was approximately $800.00 and requested a similar sign to identify the Police Department. Thereupon, motion was made by Alderman Horton, seconded by Alderman Hampton that a sign be purchased for $800.00 to identify the Pol.icp Departr~Pnt. ~ftPr discussion of a 1~?catior f:~r placement of the s:L~;n and .funds available in the Police Budget, the voice vote on the motior. was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woode n, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. Purchase of the sign from Maury Sign Company of Memphis was referred to the City Purchasing Agent. Request as to status of the $33,000.00 Highway Safety Grant was made by Chief Keen, also the position of part-time records clerk be made a full time position. Alderman Morris advised after Chief Keen presented information on d'ut:ies and work of the Police Depart- ment the Commission recommended. the full time position, and Alderman Morris, seconded by Alderman Ho~rt~~n, moved to create the position from part time to full time for rE,cords clerk for the Police Department and then refer to Civil Service for testing and certi~ fication. After discussion of Ci~ril Service regulations, Police Department Salary account, efficiE;nt operation of Police Depart - ment, patrolling in residential aa~eas, and the Traffic Control Grant, the voice vote was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodel]., Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Aldez~man Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. Alderman Jackson presented recommendations of the Budget Committee: $5,600 be paid into DE-partment 112 for retirement funds for Fred Owen and Sarah Smith, ;~5C~0.00 be paid into gas and oil account Department 112. Finance Director Tidwell explained the $5,600.00 would not be an increase in the appropriation, and no money was placed in the Mayor's Office Budget for gas and oil but when a owner's car is used fo:r business outside the City by employees the City credit card is used. Motion was made by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Morris to :approve recommendations of the Budget Committee for the two items presented. Upon voice vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Wooden, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. Part-time janitor at Neighborhood Facility at 13th and Polk be made a full time position. Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alder- m an Hampton, moved the recommendation be accepted for the janitor at the Neighborhood Facility be a .full time position. After consider ti ~ a on of the matter, t:he, v~lce vote was as follows: Aye: r Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Wooden, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris ,and Alderman Ray; No: None. ~~` ,. The Mayor be authorized to appoint a committee to study the money needed per month to keep the airport in operation. Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Hampton, moved the recommendation be accepted and the Mayor appoint a committee. Voice vote on the matter was as follows : Aye : Alderman Shelton, A~.derman Spencer, A~ dPrman Woodall, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton., A1dPrman Hightower, Alderman Morton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. Mayor Ferguson appointed the following committee: City Attorney Robert Smith, Aubrey Holt, Dr. Zeb Freeman, Dick Tidwell, Alderman Hampton and Morris Fair; Chairman Aubrey Holt. Recommend the Police Department be allowed to purchase five new cars of ter bids obtained. Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Horton, moved that the Police Department be given permission to advertise for bids for five police cars. During lengthy discussion of the condition of cars, maintenance, report from City Shop, advertising for bids, funds available, 197? and 1978 budgets, Revenue Sharing Funds, reimbursement of money from Salary Safety Grant, the motion was withdrawn. Alderman Morris requested action on the status of the $33,000.00 Highway Safety Grant Reimbursement. Motion was made by Alderman Hampton, seconded by Alderman Grimsley that $22,000.00 go back into the General Fund to reimburse the 1977 Budget, and $11,000.00 go into the 1978 Budget. Upon voice vote, the voting was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodall, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. Alderman Jackson announced in the future efforts will be made to have the Budget Committee Report in the Council Packet. Chief Keen and Cecil Kerley were requested to be present at the work session on May 1st. Motion was made by Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Shelton requesting a five minute recess. Voice vote was as follows: Aye: Alderman Shelton, Alderman Spencer, Alderman Woodall, Alderman Grimsley, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. {Recess) Mayor Ferguson called the°~meeting to order. Alderman Wooden inquired as to opening of hospitalization bids and was informed inf ormat:lon would be available at the next meeting. Mayor Ferguson invited thE; Councils attention to a piece of sculpture by Michael Henry of Farle displayed outside the Council Chamber, "Hernando-Desoto ~3r~.dge" presented by Delta Arts to the City and letter of appreciat~.on had been sent by the Mayor. Alderman planning to att~,erid the Sprir~; Conference for Municipal Officials in Little Rock were requested to notify Dick Tidwell if reservations are to be made. Alderman Wooden brought t.o 'the Council's attention the following items: (1) Traffic problem at Union 76 Station on North 7th Street and requested thE; Street Committee investigate the matter. (2) Zoning problems in the 9th and Thompson Street area. Mayor Ferguson introduced Mr:~. Dale Woods, who was observing recording of minutes. After discussion of traffic ;safety, enforcement of traffic regulations and work of the Traffic Safety Unit, Alderman Grimsley, seconded by Alderman Ray moved to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was as follows : Abe ; A1dE~~m~n• S~el.t-,on, Alderman Spencer, A derman Wooden, Alderman Gri mslEcy, Alderman Hampton, Alderman Hightower, Alderman Horton, Alderrrian Jackson, Alderman Morris and Alderman Ray; No: None. ~~ . ayor ATTEST ~ ~ .~ /" r ~ ``- City Clerk Date approved by council