The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on June 17, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Capps opened the meeting in prayer. The following answered roll call: Mayor McCoy, Clerk Cochran, Attorney Cline, and City Council Members: Peacock, Fields, Breeding, Capps, Jeffers, Twillie, and Oswalt Alderman Hollowell was absent .

Alderman Jeffers made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Committees

Budget Committee
Alderman Twillie stated the budget committee met on yesterday June l6, 2008. The committee covered several questions that were asked by some of the council members such as: the locations of all the saving accounts, CD’s, the property taxes, the swimming pool comparisons, and the supply line item for all departments. Alderman Breeding stated if the budget committee was satisfied with the answers, he did not have any questions.

Recognitions
Mayor McCoy thanked the council members for all their thoughts, concerns, and sympathy during his bereavement of the passing of his father. He also acknowledged the loss of Alderman Peacock’s father.

Unfinished Business

Shop House Ordinance
Attorney Cline read Ordinance Amending Ordinances No. 1426 And No. 1484, Authorizing Sale of Real Property; Waiving Competitive Bidding; And For Other Purposes. Sponsored by Alderman Twillie for the third reading. Roll Call: Alderman Jeffers, Twillie, Fields, Capps and Oswalt. All Ayes. Alderman Peacock and Alderman Breeding said No. Alderman Hollowell was absent.

Fireworks Ordinance
Attorney Cline read An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 1411; To Prohibit The Sale, Possession For Sale, Discharge, Or Shooting Of Fireworks Within The City Limits Except During Specified Hours; To Prohibit The Sale Or Possession For Sale Of Fireworks At Any Time; And For Other Purposes. Sponsored by Alderman Hollowell for the third reading.

Alderman Breeding asked Fire Chief Ruffin if he had any concerns, regarding the ordinance since it had been before the public a few weeks. Chief Ruffin stated the only concerns would be July 4th being a dry season but the fire department would respond regardless. Alderman Twillie made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Jeffers, Breeding, Twillie, Fields, Capps, and Oswalt All Ayes. Alderman Hollowell was absent.

Alderman Twillie made a motion to adopt the emergency clause. Seconded by Alderman Breeding. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Jeffers, Breeding, Twillie, Fields, Capps, and Oswalt All Ayes. Alderman Hollowell was absent.

Ordinance Amending the City’s 2007 Budget
Attorney Cline read An Ordinance To Amend The 2007 City Budget sponsored by Alderman Twillie for the first reading. Alderman Oswalt made a motion to suspend the rules and read the ordinance for the second reading. Seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Breeding, Twillie, Fields, Capps and Oswalt All Ayes. Alderman Jeffers said No. Alderman Hollowell was absent.

Attorney Cline read the ordnance for the second reading. Alderman Oswalt made a motion to suspend the rules and read the ordinance for the third reading. Seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Breeding, Twillie, Fields, Capps and Oswalt All Ayes. Alderman Jeffers said No. Alderman Hollowell was absent.

Attorney Cline read the ordinance for the third reading. Alderman Oswalt made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Breeding, Jeffers, Twillie, Fields, Capps, and Oswalt All Ayes. Alderman Hollowell was absent.

Park Project Update
Mayor McCoy stated on June 11th the contractors started the groundbreaking. The concrete slab had been poured and the contractors should be back in a week to start the second half of the project. Mayor McCoy also stated that a few months ago the council mentioned that if they were going to do the project, they would need to put up a fence. He advised the council the fence addition would be costly, but he would get a couple of quotes and bring them before the council.

City Shop Update
Mayor McCoy stated Rodney said on June 27th the city shop project would be ready to put out for bid. Alderman Peacock asked Mayor McCoy if he had a working set of drawings in his office that the council members could look at. Mayor McCoy offered to take the plans to the convention, but the council members stated they would wait and go by his office after the convention.

Multi Purpose Center
Mayor McCoy stated he had spoken with Rodney and as soon as he finished the city shop project, he would get back with him with quotes on prices for the sign for the Multipurpose Center.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Peacock made a motion to pay street fund bills totaling $1,597.63. Seconded by Alderman Capps. Alderman Capps questioned the jacket cost on the Aramark Uniform Service statement. Public Works Director Patton stated the tractor drivers still use their jackets on cool mornings. Alderman Capps then stated he would look at the Aramark contract. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $44,801.07. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Announcements

Mayor McCoy thanked Mr. Davis with Entergy for assisting with the ballpark light pole. Alderman Twillie asked Mr. Davis did he have the information on the light pole he requested several meetings ago. Mr. Davis stated the company that supplied the pole had the information. Mayor McCoy stated he would get the information by the next council meeting.

Alderman Jeffers questioned the signs at the intersections. Alderman Capps stated he thought the signs would cost around $300.00 per sign.

Alderman Breeding mentioned the security lights being out in certain areas in the city. He also asked the police officers, while patrolling, to write down the area where the lights are out. Mr. Davis stated it has been the practice of Entergy to take care of lights when tickets and pole numbers are reviewed.

Arkansas Municipal League Convention June 18-20, 2008.

Alderman Capps made a motion to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer