The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on August 19, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Twillie opened the meeting in prayer. The following answered roll call: Mayor McCoy, Clerk Cochran, Attorney Cline, and City Council Members: Peacock, Jeffers, Hollowell, Twillie, Fields, Capps, and Oswalt. Alderman Breeding was absent.

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

Committees

Personnel Policy Committee
Alderman Twillie asked the personnel policy committee along with the mayor and council if they could reconsider the sick leave policy because of the abuse of the policy.
He also asked the committee to consider clarifying the policy because all employees did not abuse the policy. Mayor McCoy stated he did not think the policy was drawn up correctly and he felt that some of the information was omitted.

Substance Abuse Ordinance
Attorney Cline read for the 2nd reading An Ordinance to Amend the Personnel Policy Handbook as Hereinafter Set Forth; And For Other Purposes. Section 1. That Section D, Subsection 11, Substance Abuse Policy of the Employee Handbook of the City of Forrest City be herby amended as follows: Sponsored by Alderman Oswalt.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor McCoy recognized Dr. John Alderson. Dr. Alderson stated East Arkansas Community College would be having a leadership development class. The class topics are seven Habits on Effective Leadership: Community History, Measuring Quality of Life, Understanding the Sectors of Your Community, Community Strategic Planning, Community. Dr. Alderson also stated it is also not about working hard but effectively and if the council had any questions, please contact him.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Hollowell made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $18,008.40. Alderman Capps questioned Chief Duch about the replacement of a glass in a 1997 Ford Van for $1,055.60. Chief Duch replied it was replaced in the swat van. Seconded by Alderman Capps. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Announcements

Mayor McCoy gave Alderman Twillie a list of the things that were discussed during the park public meeting and he was ready to meet with the park committee members, Alderman Twillie and Alderman Peacock to go over the list.

Mayor McCoy stated Rodney was ready to bid out the city shop. Rodney was going to visit with him on Monday to look at some lettering for the Multi Purpose Center and hopefully the name would be put on the building in the next couple of months. Mayor McCoy also stated Rodney is also going to look at getting the pictures put back on the walls in the hallway.

Mayor McCoy reminded the council of the retreat date on August 25, 2008 and the budget meeting on September 30, 2008.

Alderman Twillie stated he had been getting a lot of calls about brush being piled on the streets for a long period of time; he wanted to know if the brush truck was broken down. Mayor McCoy stated the city had one brush truck and one chipper truck broken down. Assistant Public Works Director Rice stated they also had two other machines down, but everything was up and going and they should be getting caught up real soon.

Alderman Oswalt asked where were they on replacing the streetlights that were out.
Mayor McCoy stated they sent Entergy a list of lights and he had to get with Mr. Davis to see what lights were being repaired.

Alderman Twillie made a motion to adjourn at 6:28 p.m.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer