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January 18, 2001MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 18, 2001 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on January 18, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas. Mayor William H. Johnson presided. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Reverend Herman Coleman offered prayer. Phillip Para, City Clerk called the roll. Those present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin, Councilors: Gheric Bruce (late), Dr. C. W. Peeples, A/ Felton (late), Hubert Bass, Herman Coleman, James Holt, Harold Thomas, Lorraine Robinson and Tracy Catt, .Absent: Councilor James Pulliaum BID OPENINGS Bids for West Memphis Police Department - 5 police vehicles were opened and tabulated at 1:00 p.m. Copies of the tabulation sheet were provided to the City Council. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Thomas to accept the bids and refer them to the Police Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. (See attached tabulation) No bids were received for West Memphis Utilities. Items to be re-bid. CITIZENS REQUEST James Harris was signed up to speak but was not present. MINUTES Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to approve the minutes of January 4, 2001 as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business NEW BUSINESS Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to approve the 2001 budget as presented. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The motion carried. (See attached) Mayor Johnson gave the State of the City Message. Copy attached for the record. R-1 A Resolution supporting the designation of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas as a Disaster Resistant Community. Peeples moved, seconded by Thomas to suspend the rules and the title only be read. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The motion carried. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Felton moved, seconded by Thomas to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1681. Ms. Ramona Taylor came forward and stated she attended "Project Impact" in Washington, D.C. last October and presented the City of West Memphis with a plaque from FEMA designating West Memphis as a "Project Impact" city. O-1 An ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 1946 of the City of West Memphis regarding definitions for sexually oriented businesses as listed permitted use in an J-2 General Industrial District, and for other purposes. Peeples moved, seconded by Coleman to suspend the rules and the title only be read. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The motion carried. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Peeples moved, seconded by Felton to suspend the rules and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time. Catt moved, seconded by Coleman to further suspend the rules and the ordinance be placed on its third and final reading. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the ordinance for the THIRD and FINAL time. Catt moved, seconded by Robinson to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The ordinance was assigned No. 1980. PERMISSION REQUESTS Catt moved, seconded by Coleman to approve payment of $53,326.00 to OMI for the month of February. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilor Coleman announced the Public Works Committee will meet the third Tuesday of each month. He reported on the meeting held Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 4:00 and stated the Public Works Committee reviewed the recycling program and recommended unanimously to recommend the Gity Council discontinue the recycling program due #o it being unprofitable. Thomas moved, seconded by Holt that due to the expense of running the program and the need the city has for funding, to cease operations effective a# the end of February. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The motion carried. Councilor Coleman reported the Police Commission met Thursday, January 17, 2001 at 12:00 noon. Items discussed included the Reserve officers to donate time and service after receiving training and redefining the meaning of "officers". The scheduled meeting date is the third Tuesday of each mon#h at 4:00 p.m. Councilor Holt gave the Fire Commission report. He reported the Personnel Committee met and recommended the sick leave for all city employees be 160 hours/ 8 hour sick leave day. Due to the fact that firemen work 24 hour shifts and a sick day for them is presently 24 hours, the matter was referred to the Fire Commission for a recommendation to the City Council Councilor Felton added the Fire Commission agreed to donate some old equipment and recommended getting quotes on some other items. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 15th at 12:00 which is the same day as the next City Council meeting. They are to reschedule that meeting. The Fire Commission to address the 8 hour sick day recommendation from the Personnel Committee at their next meeting. (Councilor Gheric Bruce arrived) Councilor Thomas reported on the U#ility Commission meeting held 1-11-01. He #hanked not only the lineman for #heir work done during the ice storm, but also the utility office personnel and the street and sanitation workers for cleaning up the debris. Councilor Thomas reported the Utility Commission terms of Willie Bruce, Loutelious Holmes and Jesse Patridge have expired and moved to reappoint them to the Utility Commission. The motion was seconded by Councilor Peeples. Councilor Felton stated he felt Councilor Thomas should submit the names for consideration and give the other aldermen a chance #o nominate someone #o those open positions at the next counts! mee#ing. Lengthy discussion was held regarding what ward the commissioners lived in and the appointments being made by the alderman of that ward. City Attorney stated this motion was not contrary to procedures adopted by the council for appointments. Councilor Thomas withdrew his mo#ion, second was withdrawn. Discussion continued. Councilor Thomas moved, seconded by Peeples to re-appoint Loutelious Holmes and Jesse Patridge from his ward to the Utility Commission. Discussion continued. Roll call vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Peeples, Holt, Thomas, and Catt NAYS: Bruce, Felton, Bass, and Coleman Councilor Robinson voted as "present". The motion FAILED. Councilor Robinson reported the Airport Commission to meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. She reported the construction of the new hangars are complete and the new terminal building is almost finished. They are to have a grand opening soon. January 10th the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission approved a state grant in the amount of $44,851.66 to reconstruct the south apron at the West Memphis Municipal Airport. She encouraged the aldermen to visit the airport. Councilor Catt reported the Insurance Committee will meet the second or third week in February once they get the reports in from Insurex. The Budget Committee will probably have a called meeting later on this month. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Gouncilor Coleman moved, seconded by Councilor Holt to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:17 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this ~ day of February, 2001. __ /~ f , +~ WILLIAM H. JOHNS ,MAYOR ATTEST: C ~- PHILLIP IN CLERK f `N85i Mf a u ~ ~ K w N 8 -°j o~ ~~~~ M~MI~KI~ CI'~Y 205 S. Redding . P.O. Box 1728 . West Memphis, Arkansas 72303. (501) 732-7500 CITY OF WEST MEMPffiS POLICE DEPT. FIVE (5) 2001 POLICE PURSUIT UNITS BIDDER TOTAL FORD WEST MEMPHIS $~ ~~ ' ~ ~ ~~"`~ ROSS FORD $ a'~ ~OZO~ ~ ~ ' °"*~ LIBERTY AUTO STORE $ I "I~ oZ~ ~I D t7 (~lP/l~ CHUCK HUTTON $ DOBBS FORD $ OAKLEY KEESSEE FORD $ GWATNEY CHEVROLET $ LEWIS FORD $ An Equal Oyyortunity Employer !~ ,p,aar ,y Or ~9, J # * * ~ S ti • . ,+ • t,tia~ CITY OF WEcST MEMPtIIeS FINANCE DEPART1biFF~VT 604 E. Cooper • P. O. Box 1868 • West Memphis, Arkansas 72303-1868 • (870} 735-3355 1 City Clerk 2 Police 3 Police 4 Court 5 Court 6 Parks 7 Parks 8 Sewer Treatment 9 Narcotics 1 Airport 2001 Budget Committee Recommendations Before After Page Description Account Change Change 5 Retirement Benefits 409-00 $4,200.00 0.00 12 Training 507-00 7 , 0 0 0.00 20,000.00 12 Clothing • 516-00 5 2 , 0 0 0.00 65,000.00 16 Office Equip. 903-00 0.00 13,500.00 16 Maint. of Building 503-00 ~ 4 ~,. o 0 0.00 15,325.00 18 Grant Funds Matching 559-00 0.00 20,000.00 18 Smali Equipment 906-00 20,000.00 0.00 47 Management Fees 554-10 640,000.00 662,325.00 58 Automotive Equip. 904-00 0.00 198,000.00 78 Main#. of Building 503-00 50,000.00 87,300.00 An Equal Opportunity Employrr STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE BY MAYOR WILLIAM H. JOHNSON JANUARY 18, 2001 ~r I SEE PROGRESS, I SEE COOPERATION, I SEE A WILLING SPIRIT AND A WILLING ATTITUDE, I SEE WEST MEMPHIS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THESE QUOTES ARE FROM MY 2000 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AND TODAY I CAN ONLY REINFORCE THE ORIGINAL STATEMENTS AND OFFER THE FOLLOWING RESPONSES TO THE GOALS OF 2000. OUR AIRPORT EXPANSION WAS II~IITIATED IN 2000 AND NOW IS COMPLETE EXCEPT FOR MINOR PUNCH LIST ITEMS THAT ARE IN THE PROCESS OF b p , ~ o ~ ~,,;~"~„ ~ roc' ~ is ~ ' COMPLETION. NEW HANGERS ARE COMPLETE ANI~CCUPIED. THE NEW TERMINAL IS NEARING ITS GRAND OPENRIG AND TIC RESULTS OF TIC CONSTRUCTION ARE OUTSTANDING. REVENUE FROM RENTALS AND FUEL SALES WILL RETIRE THE BOND ISSUE WITH NO SUPPLEMENT FROM CITY FUNDS. THE SECOND PHASE OF THE SOUTH LOOP IS WELL UNDERWAY AND OUR PORTION OF THE FUNDING HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE ARKANSAS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. OUR FUNDS WERE PROVIDED BY GRANTS THROUGH THE STATE OF ARKANSAS. THIS PHASE WILL ALLOW US TO REROUTE THE TRUCK TRAFFIC THAT CURRENTLY PASSES THROUGH OUR RESIDENTIAL AREA AND WILL REMOVE THIS ,~ TRAFFIC FROM OUR CITY STREETS. OUR PORT HAS COMPLETED PHASE II AND HAS COMPLETED MOST OF PHASE III. THIS WAS FUNDED FROM A BOND ISSUE WHICH WILL BE RETIRED WITH FUNDS GENERATED BY THE LEASE OF THE PORT. AN ADDITIONAL PHASE IS APPROVED AND WILL COMMENCE WIN GRANT FUNDS ARE RECEIVED. (THESE FUNDS HAVE BEEN APPROVED PREVIOUSLY}. IN 2000 OUR. CITY ISSUED 103 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS, THIS COMPARES TO 68 IN 1999 AND 47 IN 1998. OF THESE PERMITS, 51 WERE ISSUED FOR HOMES TO BE BUILT IN THE AREA OF OUR CITY SOUTH OF BROADWAY, THIS REPRESENTING THE LARGEST NUMBERS ISSUED FOR THIS AREA IN MANY YEARS. IN ADDITION THE HOPEFIELD PROJECT HAS BEEN ANNEXED AND PRELIMINARY PLANS APPROVED FOR THIS LARGE DEVELOPMENT. THIS PROJECT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT IN WEST MEMPHIS; AND WILL PROVIDE DWELLINGS TO 11~1ANY OF OUR CITIZENS AS WELL, AS ATTRACTING MANY NEW PEOPLE TO OUR CITY. IN 2000 SB POWER TOOLS, ANNOUNCED 1'IE LOCATION OF THEIR DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN OUR CITY. THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST COVETED INDUSTRIES TO LOCATE IN THE MID-SOUTH. THEIR WAREHOUSE WILL COVER APPROXIMATELY 700,000 SQUARE FEET. THIS IS L m A QUALITY COMPANY WITH A GREAT REPUTATION AND WEST MEMPHIS IS CERTAINLY PRIVILEGED TO BE CHOSEN TO BE THE HOME FOR THIS OUTSTANDING COMPANY. WE ENJOYED ANOTHER HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS. OUR A & P ONCE AGAIN DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB IN PROVIDING THIS QUALITY OF LIFE EXTRAVAGANZA FOR OUR CITY. REPORTS WERE ALL VERY POSITIVE AND EXTREMELY COMPLIMENTARY BY ALL WHO PARTICIPATED. OUR MA][N STREET PROGRAM RECEIVED TWO AWARDS FOR THE YEAR 2000. WEST MEMPHIS WAS ONE OF A VERY FEW CITIES TO RECEIVED TWO AWARDS. ONE AWARD WAS FOR OUR FALL FESTIVAL, AND THE OTHER FOR OUR COl~~IlVIITMENT TO MAIN STREET BY LOCATING AND PURCHASING OF THE BANK BUILDING FOR OUR POLICE STATION. YOU CAN JUSTIFIABLY BE PROUD OF OUR PROGRAM. WEST MEMPHIS WAS DESIGNATED A PROJECT IMPACT CITY AND HAS BEEN AWARDED A $300,000 GRANT TO BE USED FOR EARTHQUAKE MITIGATION IN OUR SCHOOLS. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN AWARDED A GRANT TO BE USED TO STABILIZE OUR WATER SYSTEM AND WORK TOWARD EARTHQUAKE MITIGATION OF OUR WATER SYSTEM. THIS PROJECT WILL ~. RECEIVE APPROXIMATELY $376,000. TF~~E WERE NUMEROUS ADDITIONAL ACCOMPLISFIlv1ENTS IN 9i~iR 2000 WHICH I WILL NOT MENTION AND 2001 HOLDS PROMISES OF ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR. THE COOPERATION AMONG ELECTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING. WE WELCOME THREE NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS IN 2001 AND EACH HAS PLEDGED TO WORK WITH THEIR FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE MAYOR TO BRING OUR CITY FORWARD AND CONTINUE ON THIS PATHWAY TO SUCCESS. I STILL FEEL THAT WEST MEMPHIS CAN BECOME THE MOST OUTSTANDING CITY IN THE ARKANSAN DELTA. THE ONLY THING THAT CAN STOP WEST MEMPHIS IS US. IF WE WORK TOGETHER AT ALL TIMES WITH WEST MEMPHIS AS THE FOCAL POINT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH MUCH, IF WE DIVIDE THEN OUR EFFORTS BECOME MORE DIFFICULT AND SUCCESS BECOMES MORE ~LUSIVE. I LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCELLENT YEAR AND PRAY THAT WHEN WE DISAGREE WE WILL REACT IN A PROFESSIONAL l~ti~NNER AND CONTINUE TO WORK FOR OUR GREAT CITY. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.