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January 17, 2002MINUTES WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 17, 2002 A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on January 17, 2002 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. Sidney Runnels, Economic Development Director 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: James Pulliaum, Lorraine Robinson, Tracy Catt, Dr. C. W. Peeples, A/ Felton, Hubert Bass (late), Herman Coleman, James Holt and Harold Thomas . Absent: Councilor Gheric Bruce. Mayor Johnson declared a quorum present and proceeded with the agenda. Bids for Sanitation Department crew carts were opened at 1:00 p.m. and copies of the bid tabulation sheet (see attached) were presented to the city council. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Holt to refer the bids to Public Works Committee for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Bids for Planning & Development cleanups at 207 Jefferson and 110-120 S. 24th Street were opened at 1:00 p.m, and copies of the bid tabulation sheet (see attached) were presented to the city council. Councilor Thomas moved, seconded by Catt to refer the bids to Planning & Development for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Bids for Police Department - (4) vehicles were opened at 1:00 p.m. and copies of the bid tabulation sheet (see attached) were presented to the city council. Councilor Felton moved, seconded by Robinson to refer the bids to Police Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Sgt. Billy Sanders with WMPD explained that if they did not get their orders in with Ford Motor Company by January 25th it would be May of 2002 before they restart production. He asked if the Police Commission could meet today to award the bid. Councilor Felton moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson for the Police Commission to meet immediately after this City Council meeting. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Bids for Fire Department (41) self contained breathing apparatus were opened at 1:00 p.m. and copies of the bid tabulation sheet (see attached) were presented to the city council. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Thomas to refer the bids to Fire Commission for final disposition. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. CITIZENS REQUESTS Charles Williams asked for a demolition extension of (30) days to rehabilitate his property at 3024 Polk Cove. Paul Luker, Director of Planning & Development reported the house on the property has been burned and the city has also had to cut the grass. He said the bids for demolition are to be opened February 7th . Councilor Pulliaum moved that they proceed with the bidding process and after 30 days if he has not progressed, then proceed with the bidding. Mayor Johnson stated that nothing would be done before thirty days anyway due to the bidding process. Alderman Bass arrived (1:40 p.m.). Shane Griffin, Manager of The Works Health 8~ Fitness Center - presented a proposal of a fitness program for city employees. Mr. Griffin met with the Personnel Committee and introduced a proposal of $7.50 per month per employee. Mr. Griffin presented a petition and gave it to the City Clerk which had approximately 225 signatures of city employees FOR the City of West Memphis providing this service. Councilor Felton asked if that rate was good for just the interested employees no matter how many. Mr. Griffin stated that rate was based on all 400 employees. However, Mr. Rikard the owner could figure another corporate package. Helen Royal, 209 S. 19th asked for an extension of demolition on her house because she has not living there due to taking care of her parents. She stated she was back now and she would board up the house until she can get a price on restoring the house for her. Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to take her name off of the demolition list, give her two weeks to board it up, and six months to rehabilitate and aat that time look at it again. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Ruth Mixon addressed the council on behalf of the Family's in Transition organization. She thank the council and particularly Councilor Holt for donating his portion of the charity day funds from Southland to them. She said they area 501 C-3 non-profit organization. She announced they were having "Soup Sunday from 11-2 at Big John's Shake Shack in Marion to raise funds and encouraged everyone to attend. MINUTES Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to approve the minutes of January 3, 2002 as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS 3rd reading of an ordinance to riedistrict the wards of the City of West Memphis, Arkansas, and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the third and final time. Councilor Felton moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to amend the ordinance and exchange with the proposal he submitted with changes from Ward 4 to Ward 5. Discussion was held. Mayor Johnson stated the reason the original proposal was presented like it was because it allowed Ward 4 potential growth that Ward 5 already had from areas to be expanded and with the new proposal Ward 4 will be blocked in. Councilor Catt said he agreed with Councilor Felton's proposal because the boundaries are cleaner cut. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous to amend. Councilor Felton moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to approve as amended. Roll call: AYES: Pulliaum, Robinson, Catt, Peeples, Felton, Bass, Coleman and Holt NAYS: Thomas The motion carved. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2015. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Johnson gave his 2001 State of the City Address. (copy attached) Councilor Pulliaum moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to suspend the rules and the title only of R-1, R-2, O-1, O-2, and O-3 be read. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. R-1 A Resolution for the adoption of the 2002 operating budget for the City of West Memphis. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Thomas moved, seconded by Peeples to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1728. R-2 A Resolution approving a Memorandum of Agreement in the amount of $73, 092.99 and authorizing the mayor fo execute documents to obtain for a fixed route transit service. City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Peeples to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and assigned No. 1729. O-1 An Ordinance to amend Section 4.7 of the City of West Memphis Personnel Manual regarding the Non-Uniform Pension Plan and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. O-2 An Ordinance waiving competitive bidding for a computer software system for the West Memphis Public Library, and for other purposes. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Holt 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. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson 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 TIME. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Thomas to adopt the ordinance. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Ordinance was adopted and assigned No. 2016. O-3 An Ordinance to prohibit the driving of city owned vehicles outside the city limits of West Memphis except on official city business and for other business. City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. PERMISSION REQUESTS Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Felton to give permission to pay Township Builders for Broadway Revitalization, Phase III, estimate #6 in the mount of $129,779.86. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to give permission to pay Argo Construction Company $102,351.69 on water system seismic retrofit. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Councilor Felton moved, seconded by Councilor Thomas to give permission to pay MATH $83, 000.00. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Councilor Peeples moved, seconded by Councilor Thomas to give permission to destroy 1966 financial records requested by Robert Gunter. Upon voice vote the voting was unanimous. Councilor Holt to witness the destruction. Councilor Felton moved, seconded by Peeples to distribute $126,247.10 from Southland Racing equally between West Memphis Boys Club, Wonder Boys Club, L R Jackson Girls Club and J L Rich Girls Club. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilor Catt announced there would be a budget committee meeting week after next at noon and anyone with proposals should get in touch with him. Councilor Robinson reported the Airport Commission met this morning and brief highlights including AIP #13,14 & 15, re-roofing bids on hanger #3 will be let next week and fuel sales are good. Councilor Coleman reported Public Works Committee met on the 15th and discussed ordering dumpster. He also mentioned Ms. Barbara McCoy came to him regarding purchasing some property that has grass and demolitions liens in the amount of $4,000 and tax liens in the amount of $4,000 and wanted to know if the council could do anything to help her as far as the city waiving their liens so she could build a house on the lots. Mayor Johnson stated in some times past, the city has done that, provided they would give us some guarantee they would build a house. Councilor Catt said what they could do is have the individual bring in their plans and specifications and a commitment letter from their lender showing they have been approved and are ready to build a home. Prior to that construction loan closing you can work with Jim Pugh's office to release the liens and allow the bank to have the first mortgage on the property. Councilor Pulliaum asked everyone to keep Ms. Claranelle Hopkins in their prayers who received a heart transplant. He also before the next council meeting to get a plan together to clean out the ditches before spring rains. He mentioned a storm drain on S. 9th that needed cleaning out that was covered up with dirt. Mayor Johnson stated they were working on that and that he could give him a tentative outline on that and they were also working on getting the major ditches cleaned out. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Johnson announced we will be the recipients of some grant funds. We have received official notification that we will receive $603,598.00 that can used on Broadway Revitalization which complete that program and we are to receive funds that will help us continue our bus service in West Memphis. Mayor Johnson announced the Chamber of Commerce banquet will be held February 7th at Southland Greyhound. Councilor Pulliaum announced there was a parking problem on Broadway which is worse due to Broadway Revitalization and some businesses are putting up no parking signs in front of their business saying they will tow. Mayor Johnson stated he did not thinks merchants could restrict parking on state highway public right-of-way and could not have a vehicle towed. Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Coleman moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. PASSED and APPROVED this day of February, 2002. WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, MAYOR ATTEST: ..r PHIL ,CITY CLERK Minutes prepared by: Cindy Gree ood, Sr. Deputy Clerk Bidder BID TABULATION SHEET FOR SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF 30 EACH 110 GALLON HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC SANITATION CREW CARTS January 17, 2002 Price Per Unit .---- l. ' 2. 3. 4. 5. -- s a~~. ~f~ Total Bid $ R~~ • ~••• ~ • ~ *** ~'~ w S o • I'~I~Y ~~ ~~~~~' M~M~I~Ic~ C 205 S. Redding • P.O. Box 1728 • West Memphis, Arkansas 72303-1728 • (870) 732-7500 ~r CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS -POLICE DEPARTMENT FOUR POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES JANUARY 17, 2002 BIDDER TOTALS FORD OF WEST MEMPHIS MT MORIAH DODGE ROSS FORD MERCURY TOYOTA OAKLEY KEESEE FORD ~q,, Sa ~ C~i9, $ $~t~ $~. qi.a. l i I LEWIS FORD $ LIBERTY AUTO STORE WEST MEMPHIS S CHUCK HUTTON CHEVROLET S GWATNEY CHEVROLET ~ An Equal Opportunity Employer STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE ~"~ Q i ~, BY MAYOR WILLIAM H. JOHNSON i I THIS YEAR HAS BROUGHT ABOUT THE COMPLETION OF SEVERAL MAJOR PROJECTS. OUR AIRPORT EXPANSION WAS COMPLETED TN 2001 AND THE I UTILIZATION IS AS WE EXPECTED. OUR AIRPORT HAS PROGRESSED EVEN UNDER THE ADVERSE CONDITIONS CREATED ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 V~TI~IEN WE WERE RESTRICTED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE SOUTH LOOP PHASE II WAS COMPLETED TO 8TH STREET .AND THE MAJORITY OF TRUCK TRAFFIC HAS BEEN REROUTED AWAY FROM OUR RESIDENTIAL AREA. THE DRIVERS AND THE BUSINESS OWNERS ARE PLEASED WITH THIS ALTERNATIVE ROUTE AND HAVE BEEN VERY i COOPERATIVE IN THI5 CHANGE. WE ARE PURSUING FINANCING FOR PHASE III WHICH WILL CONNECT THE EXISTING LOOP TO PORT ROAD. ! THE PORT EXPANSION IS IN PHASE III AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE j St~vIlViER OF 2002. FUNDS FOR THE PROJECTS .ARE ON DEPOSIT IN OUR ~' BANK AND WERE PROVIDED THROUGH GRANT FUNDS. PROJECT IMPACT CONTINUES TO FUNCTION AND WE HAVE RECEIVED GRANTS TO SOLIDIFY OUR WATER SYSTEM AND SOME OF OUR CITY BUILDINGS. THIS SHOULD BE OF A TREMENDOUS BENEFIT IF WE SUFFER AN EARTHQUAKE OR TORNADO. THIS PROJECT IS ALSO FUNDED WITH GRANT FUNDS. IN 2001 SEVERAL NEW PROJECTS WERE INITIATED WHICH WILL BE '~~ COMPLETED IN 2002. OUR BROADWAY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM i RECEIVED GRANT FUNDS OF APPROXIMATELY $550,000 TO EXTEND THE PROGRAM FROM 7TH STREET WEST TO 2ND STREET. THIS PROJECT IS WELL UNDER WAY AND ADDS THE SAME QUALITY TO THE AREA AS IT DOES TO THE ORIGINAL REVITALIZATION FROM 7TH TO 14TH STREET. TN ADDITION OUR CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATED FUNDS TO FUND A STUDY THAT ASSESSES THE FUTURE OF EAST BROADWAY FROM 14TH STREET TO THE CITY LIMITS. THIS STUDY HAS CONDUCTED PUBLIC HEARINGS WITH BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN THIS AREA AND ~ WE HAVE RECEIVED VALUABLE FEEDBACK FROM THOSE INVOLVED. I ~ HOPE THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN RESTORING EAST BROADWAY TO SOME OF ITS POPULARITY OF PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS YEAR HAS BROUGH THE INITIATION OF THE HOPEFIELD PROJECT ON i MOUND CITY ROAD. THIS PROJECT IS IN AN OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL AREA AND WILL SERVE OUR CITIZENS WELL IN. AN AREA THAT WAS UNDERSERVED. OUR APPRECIATION GOES TO GUARANTY LOAN AND REAL ESTATE FOR DEVELOPING THIS PROJECT. THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION SIGNED A CONSENT ADMIl 1ISTRATION ORDER FOR OUR UTILITY AND THIS ORDER WAS CERTAINLY NOT a BENEFICIAL TO OUR UTILITY. THE MAYOR AND CITY ATTORNEY WERE SUCCESSFUL IN V~G THIS ~,~ ~~P~s '' ORDER RESCINDED. OUR UTILITY SPENT MILLION DOLLARS ON THIS PROJECT DU]EZING THE TIME IT WAS IN EFFECT. WE ARE CONT~G TO IMPROVE OUR WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM THAT WAS TI-IE TARGET OF THIS ORDER. OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT RECORDED ONE HOMICIDE IN 2001, THE LOWEST IN OUR RECENT HISTORY. THIS ACCOMPLISI-IMENT WAS NOT BY ACCIDENT BUT THE RESULT OF CONSTANT ACTIVE POLICE WORK IN OUR CITY. I AM PROUD OF THE WORK AND EFFORT OF OUR POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS. AS A RESULT OF THE CREDITABILITY OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS WE WERE ABLE TO CONVINCE THE PUBLIC TO PASS A SALES TAX WITH 95% OF THE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO POLICE AND FIRE SALARIES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDS. THIS TAX PASSED WITH A POSITIVE VOTE OF f 4% IN FAVOR OF THE TAX. THI5 IS A TREMENDOUS MARGIN FOR A TAX TO PASS. I AM PROUD OF ALL THOSE INVOLVED AND ALSO PROUD OF OUR CITIZENS CONFIDENCE IN POLICE, FIRE, AIRPORT AND LIBRARY WHO ALL SHARED IN THIS TAX. OUR LIBRARY AS A RESULT OF THIS VOTE WILL HAVE A DEDICATED SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE FUTURE AND WILL BE INVALUABLE TO THEM. THE SUPPORTERS OF THE LIBRARY AND AIRPORT ALSO WERE ACTIVE SUPPORTERS OF THIS TAX. THANKS TO ALL WHO ASSISTED. a ~. THIS HAS CONCLUDED A GREAT YEAR IN 2001 AND WE ANTICIPATE AN OUTSTANDING YEAR IN 2002. THIS WEEK WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT WE WILL RECEIVE FUNDS TO ASSIST OUR BUS SERVICE IN 2002. WE WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR BROADWAY REVITALIZATION AND ALSO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS FOR EAST BROADWAY. TOGETHER WE CAN MADE THINGS POSITIVE HAPPEN IN OUR CITY. DIVIDED WE WILL FAIL, OUR FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS. _..___ _.___..L I; !"NMd"'Ln t~ ' ~/ f t~ ~ f: ~- - ` r ~ li ~~ ~_~~~/' I i~ .Mamd£itr- -_ ____ , .. ~ ~.Jr~ .~ ~ ~ r _., ii l ~~l ,,~ ~ ~~ ! ~~ ~' ~ i >+ r ~`, ~ ~ ;~. ;;-- r ~ -~-i ~ ~~~ ! 4 ~~: ~~, ~ ~ ma v~so _ •.•. r ! r -r - ~~ ~- t :~. ,- } - ^ ~,. 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