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March 15, 2001MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL March 15, 2001 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on March 15, 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 1:30 p.m. Duane Adcock, Music Director of 1st Assembly of God Church offered prayer. Phillip Para, City Clerk called the roll. Those present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney David Peeples (late), City Treasurer Frank Martin, Councilors: Herman Coleman, James Holt, Harold Thomas, James Pulliaum, Lorraine Robinson, Tracy Catt, Gheric Bruce (late) Dr. C. W. Peeples, and Hubert Bass. Absent: Councilor Al Felton Mayor Johnson declared a quorum was present and proceeded with the agenda. BID OPENINGS Bids for the West Memphis Municipal Airport South Terminal Ramp Reconstruction were opened by Garver & Garver Engineers. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to accept the bids and refer to the Airport Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The motion carried. (See attached bid tabulation) CITIZENS REQUESTS Ronald Bronte, 110 Roosevelt -present regarding property at 1114 N. Redding and explained that he bought the house April 8th, 1999 from Charlie Daniels, State Land Commissioner. He said the house is in good condition however it was boarded up during the two year litigation period which is up April 8th, 2001. Mr. Bronte asked that the house be taken off of the demolition list until he is officially the owner. Mayor Johnson stated the council will meet on April the 19th and he will be given until that time to see that he has made substantial progress on the house. Mrs. Richard Butler present during the Pre-Council Session requesting an extension of their property on the demolition list located at 501 S. 13th. Ms. Butler was given an extension until April 19th, 2001. Mrs. Ester Coleman from Gilmore present to request a demolition extension on her property located at 116 S. 7th Street. She stated she is trying to pay a lien on the property off before she will have the money to fix it up. She said the lien will be paid off in two years. Councilor Robinson asked if she could qualify for volunteers to help fix up her house. Paul Luker explained to qualify for that program it requires the owner to occupy the house. Pulliaum moved, seconded by Robinson to give an extension until April 19th, 2001. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. MINUTES Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to approve the minutes of March 1, 2001 as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS 3rd reading of an ordinance providing for the levy of a one percent sales and use tax within the City of West Memphis, Arkansas; and prescribing other matters pertaining thereto. Catt moved, seconded by Thomas to table until the April 5th, 2001 city council meeting. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. A Public Hearing will be held March 26th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the City Council Chambers regarding this ordinance. 2nd reading of an ordinance to approve retirement benefits as established by A. C.A. Section 24- 12-120 for the position of City Attorney and for other purposes. Catt moved, seconded by Robinson to table indefinitely. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS R-1 A Resolution approving the revised policy and procedures manual for the West Memphis Police Department. (City Attorney Peeples arrived) Catt moved, seconded by Pulliaum to suspend the rules and the title's only be read of R-1, R-2, O-1, O-2, and O-3. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read R-1. Catt moved, seconded by Robinson to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1688. R-2 A Resolution certifying the removal of litter, debris, and unsafe/unsightly structures from private property within the City of West Memphis. (Balfour & Avalon) Catt moved, seconded by Thomas to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1689. O-1 An Ordinance granting a special use permit in a C-2, Open Display Commercial District, permitting truck and trailer parking at 2509 East Broadway, West Memphis, Arkansas. (Councilor Gheric Bruce arrived) City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Thomas to amend the ordinance adding item No. 10 -Design Review Committee approval. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. O-2 An Ordinance to amend Section 2.30.030 of the West Memphis Municipal Code establishing term limits for the West Memphis Utility Commissioners, and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. O-3 An Ordinance waiving competitive bidding for the purchase of equipment from Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories, Inc. declaring an emergency, and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Pulliaum moved, seconded by Thomas to suspend the rules and the Ordinance be placed on its second reading. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attomey Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time. Pulliaum moved, seconded by Robinson to further suspend the rules and the Ordinance be placed on its third reading. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the THIRD AND FINAL time. Pulliaum moved, seconded by Catt to adopt. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned #1983. Lt. Sanders explained the nature of the emergency being if purchased now, they will receive an addition $4,000 worth of equipment. City Attorney Peeples suggested this be stated in the emergency clause. Pulliaum moved, seconded by Thomas to amend Section 2 the Emergency Clause to read "and to permit the city to take advantage of the seller's offer to include approximately $4,000 additional equipment at no additional cost". Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Thomas moved, seconded by Robinson to adopt the emergency clause, section 2 as amended. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Ordinance and its emergency clause was adopted and becomes effective immediately. PERMISSION REQUESTS Holt moved, seconded by Peeples to approve the Planning Commission recommendations. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Councilor Catt abstained from voting on item #2. The motion carried. Catt moved, seconded by Holt to give permission to pay Tri-State Mack, Inc. $69,188.00 for one 12 yard dump truck. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Catt moved, seconded by Bruce to give permission to pay OMI the sum of 53,326 for April. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Johnson announced that John Rimmer, as of last Friday, was hired as the new General Manager of West Memphis Utilities. Mayor Johnson said their were ten applications and the Utility Commission narrowed it down to four and Mr. Rimmer was then recommended. Mayor Johnson congratulated Mr. Rimmer. Mayor Johnson announced there will be a Public Auction March 31st at the Old K-Mart Building on Missouri Street inside and outside. The sale will be of surplus items from various departments of the city including old police cars and city trucks. He encouraged everyone to attend. COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilor Robinson reported the Airport Commission met this morning in the new terminal building and said hownice it was. PAPPY was accepted by the FAA to be operational next month. Ms. Robinson thanked everyone publicly that has been praying and supporting her. Councilor Peeples reported that the poster for Advertising & Promotion Dickens of a Christmas received first prize and the festival was first runner up for the best festival in the state. He then moved to commend Sarah Christian and the Department of Tourism for some very hard work and wished them further success in the future. The motion was seconded by Councilor Bass. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Councilor Catt reported there will be a Budget Committee Meeting April 26th at noon to go over first quarter numbers. Councilor Pulliaum reported the Fire Commission met and discussed the bid received for the thumper for $100.00 was tabled to see if there was someone else interested that would pay a little bit more. They also discussed the policy and procedures and stated that Chief Morris is working on those. Councilor Catt reported the Police Commission had a called meeting to review the Policy and Procedures Manual for the West Memphis Police Department and recommended the approval. Councilor Holt reported the Park Commission hired Carrie Hill as secretary of Parks & Recreation. Co-ed league is going very well. The National Tree Trust has donated 1000 trees for all of the parks in the city. A grant was received from the Arkansas Highway Department to tie into the fitness trail and another grant was received from the Arkansas Grant Board for Worthington Park. There are future plans for a Mississippi River Park and also to work in 2002 for a grant for Mathews Park. Councilor Pulliaum recommended the Park Commission consider putting the basketball goals back up throughout the city. Matter to be brought up at the April Park Commission meeting. Councilor Thomas reported the Utility Commission met and clarified the interest on the loan to the Airport Commission will begin accruing when the loan is made, however it will not be payable until after a three year period. They also went into executive session and hired John Rimmer as General Manager. Councilor Catt reported an Insurance Committee meeting will be called after the March figures are received in April. Councilor Bass asked the Mayor if he had found out anything regarding the Neighborhood Center. Mayor Johnson reported that Councilor Bass had requested a key to the Neighborhood Center and Mayor Johnson said he had been working with the county to decided who even owns the Center. Mayor Johnson appointed a committee consisting of Councilors Bass, Catt, Holt and Pulliaum and Ms. Ethel Pratt, who is on the Quorum Court. This Committee is to set up rules and regulations as to who can meet there, who is to receive a key and to help determine who owns what and who is to take care of what. Councilor Catt requested the authority for the committee to do a title search at a cost not to exceed $250.00. Permission was granted. Councilor Coleman reported he received several calls regarding the ditch in front of DREDD's property and it appears the ditch that is beside Car Mart belongs to DREDD. However, that ditch which is 39 feet long does not belong to DREDD it belongs to Car Mart. He also reported the residents on 19th and 20th Streets from Van Buren back to the railroad are very concerned about their streets. Councilor Coleman reported he donated his portion of the charity funds in the amount of $1,231.48 to All Our Children. He also reported Rita Gage Graves passed away last night and he was praying for her family. Mayor Johnson reported for the record that he and Eddie Brawley have signed the plat for DREDD and he called Vicky Robertson last Friday and tried to impress upon her how nice the ditch would look if it was filled and she agreed to put the cost of filling the ditch in her application for her project and if funded she will fill the ditch. Councilor Bruce recommended the utility easements and plats should be brought forth in all reports to the council. Mayor Johnson stated all requirements are now spelled out in the Planning Commission recommendations. Police Chief Paudert was asked to give a brief report on the crime rate in West Memphis. He reported crime nationally was reported to be down in 1999, as it was in West Memphis. In the year of 2000 they had to disband the COPS Program and other programs which were vital to deter crime and reassign those people to the patrol division. Crime then rose to a small degree. There have been no homicides this year. Mayor Johnson reported next City Council Meeting will be Student Government Day. Around thirty students from the schools here are chosen to be a part of city government that day. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Coleman moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:17 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this ~_ day of April, 2001. r ~~ ~ WILLIAM H. JOHNS ,MAYOR ATTEST: PHILL ARA, CITY CLERK WEST MEMPHIS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS MARCH 15, 2001 ~ ~ i `-~ THURSDAY, 1:30 P.M. SOUTH TERMIN~IL RAMP RECONSTRUCTION ~(SCH EDU LE I and I I) BID RESULTS ~, COMPANY SCHEDULE I BID SCHEDULE II BID 2. i3• '! .'4. '~~ 5. ~. ', ~' ~~I 8. 9. ENG ENGI ~ ~ 5 ~.. 8 5 . ~ ~ `~ l '7 5 4~S`. CoC~ n ~ ~ ~, , .. 1~ ~.. ~e.v a~-~ c e. U a ~r .L. , '~,~ "l , f c.' L , ~. ~ ~ fS~', l D INEER'S ESTIMATE (SCHEDULE I) , INEER'S ESTIMATE (SCHEDULE II) _ - • • ~••~ ~ • * '~' * ti~ a 1 O ~ ~~ •~ to M•~• CI'T'Y ~~' ~~~~'~ M~MI~~II~ PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 205 S. Redding • P.O. Box 1728 • West Memphis, Arkansas 72303 • (870) 732-7520 • Fax (870) 732-7504 T(~: Mayor William H. Johnson and City Council Members M: Christine Byrd, Planning Commission Coordinator DANE: March 7, 2001 Recommendations from the regular scheduled Planning Commission meeting held on W dnesday, February 28, 2001, to the Mayor and City Council, on Thursday, March 15, 20 1. I.) The West Memphis Planning Commission recommended to approve ~~ecial Use Permit l'c 'o e# - 2- ,for the property owner Mr. Don Byrd, for the property located at 509 E. Broadway, to allow truck and trailer parking in a C-2, Open Display Commercial Dis riot. The Commission approved the Special Use Permit, subject to the following conditions: 1. Enclose lot with site proof fencing; 2. Trucks and trailers to be stored behind site proof fence; ., 3. Add evergreen trees and landscaping along the street frontage; 4. Scope of hardsurfacing to be consistent with the area used for parking of trucks/trailers and driveways; 5. Existing, nonconforming, freestanding sign to be removed; 6. No stacked containers; ?. Subject to City Engineer and State Highway Department approval for ingess and egress; An Equal Opportunity Employer inning Commission Recommendations arch 7, 2001 ge two Il. S. Truck traffic to enter and exit from the East only; 95~~1~ Grading and drainage subject to approval by the City Engineer. t V ptow^ S u 1~ j c ~-~'- ~ro D R C~ .•o u..~t.,._ (ORDINANCE PREPARED) The West Memphis Planning Commission recommended to approve Phase I - Ho~ef~Celd Q~ment A~~lication, Case# SD-04-D1, for the property owner Guaranty Loan and Real for the property located at approximately 2500 - 4200 Mound City Road. This plat ins approximately 64.09 acres and is Zoned PUD. Approval is subject to the following: 1. Proper execution of all Certificates; 2. Installation of grading and drainage improvements as required by the Department of Public Works; 3. Approval of the improvement plans by the West Memphis Utility Department as to easements; 4. Instillation of improvements, as required by the City Engineer. 5. Note plat stating common areas to be maintained by Propefiy Owners Association.