December 28, 1977MINUTE S
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 28, 1977
A recessed meeting of the West Memphis City Council was
called to order by the Mayor at 5:30 P. M. , Wednesday, December 28,
1977, in the council chamber at City Hall. Present were:
Joyce T. Ferguson, Mayor
Robert L. Smith, City Attorney
Aldermen:
W. R. Spencer
Don Grimsley
Charles Hampton
James Hightower
Pritchard Horton
Roberta Jackson
Doug Morris
R. H. Ray
being a quorum.
Zion Hi11
Reverend Nathaniel Johnson, pastor of the/Baptist Church in New
Orleans, offered prayer.
Mayor Ferguson announced the first item of business was to
consider a report from the Shop Committee. Alderman Hampton, Chair-
man of the Shop Committee presented each aldermen with a report
compiled by the architect, Cliff Jackson, containing prices and informa-
tion relative to the new shop building and equipment. Alderman Hampton
made a motion that the proposal contained in the report designating Heath
and House a.s prime contractor and for a total cost of $398, 425.87 be
accepted and approved by the council. Alderman Horton seconded the
motion.
During discussion, Alderman Morris stated he would prefer the
Shop Committee meet one more time before a contract is let. Alderman
Hampton explained the thirty-day time limit to assure prices would be up
in two days. It was decided to meet at 5:00 December 29, 1977, to act
on the report. After further discussion, Alderman Horton withdrew the
second to the motion; Alderman Hampton withdrew the motion.
Alderman Hampton, Chairman of the Street Committee, in reporting
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from that committee, made a motion that $200, 000 capital improvement
money be pulled out of the 1977 budget and set aside in a special fund
designated for Dover Street Extended Improvement. Alderman Morris
seconded the motion and upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted "Aye"
and it was unanimously
(Street Dept. RESOLVED, That $200, 000 Capital Improve-
Dover Ext.) ment money be pulled out of the 1977 Street
Department budget and set aside in a special
fund designated- for Dover Street Extended
improvements.
The mayor asked for a Budget Committee report. Alderman
Spencer, Chairman of the Budget Committee, made a motion to amend
the 1977 general fund budget for revenue sharing to reimburse $12, 659. 09
to the revenue sharing account; to transfer $122, 000 to revenue sharing
for money expended for Utility Commission equipment; stating that this
does not comprise a cumulative of 25% of the total revenue sharing funds
and no public hearings are necessary. Alderman Grimsley seconded the
motion. After discussion and upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted
'`Aye" and it was unanimously
(revenue RESOLVED, That the 1977 budget be amended
sharing) to reimburse .revenue sharing $12, 6 59 from the
general fund; That $122, 000 be transfered to
revenue sharing for money spent for Utility
Commission equipment; That the transfer of
funds does not comprise a cumulative of 25% of
the total revenue sharing funds and no public
hearings are necessary.-
Alderman Spencer made a motion that any unappropriated balance
in the revenue sharing account as of December 31, 1977, will be utilized
in 1978 for public safety salaries. Alderman Ray seconded the motion.
After discussion and upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted ' `Aye'' and
it was unanimously
(revenue RESOLVED, That any unappropriated balance in
sharing) the revenue sharing account as of December 31,
1977, will be utilized in 1978 for public safety
salaries.
Alderman Spencer made a motion that all monies paid to the
City Clerk will be classified as salary and no expense allowance will be
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shown for this individual. Alderman Hampton seconded the motion.
After discussion and upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted '"Aye" and
it was unanimously
RESOLVED, That all money paid to the City (City Clerk)
Clerk will be classified as salary and no salary
expense allowance will be shown.
Mayor Ferguson stated the next item of business to be the
1978 budget. Alderman Horton made a motion that the 1978 budget be
approved. Alderman Morris seconded the motion. After discussion,
and upon roll call vote, all aldermen voted "Aye" and it was unanimousl
y
RESOLVED, That the 1978 budget is hereby (budget for
approved with a total of $2, 171, 600. 1978 appro~
ed}
The mayor appointed Carlene Hall and Martha Thurmond to the
Board of Review and asked the confirmation of the two by the council.
Upon motion being duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the
council approved the appointments.
The mayor appointed Joryn Smith to serve as a trustee for the
Non-uniformed City Employee Pension Plan. Upon motion duly made,
seconded and unanimously carried, the council approved the appointment.
The mayor asked the aldermen from Ward 1 if they had a nominee
for appointment to the Civil Service Commission since the resignation
of Jerrold Weisburd had been received. No one was nominated and no
appointment made.
Mayor Ferguson appointed the following people to the new City
Advertising and Promotion Committee: Ms. Myrtle Williamson,
Mr. Bob Carlo, Ms. Margie Steele, Mr. Ed Bretherick, Mayor
Joyce T. Ferguson, Alderman Don Grimsley and ~'ouncilwoman
Roberta Jackson. Upon motion being duly made, seconded and unanimously
carried, the appointments were confirmed by the council.
There being no further business to come before the council,
Alderman Hampton made a motion to recess the meeting until 5:00 P. M. .
Thursday, December 29, 1977. Upon motion being duly seconded and
unanimously carried, the mayor recessed the meeting at 6:45 P. M.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Date Approved:~~,~~2.~~_~1~9~~
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