The City of Forrest City, Arkansas met in regular session on September 2, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Capps opened the meeting with prayer. The following answered roll call: Mayor McCoy, Finance Clerk Whitby, Attorney Cline, and City Council Members: Peacock, Capps, Fields, Jeffers, and Oswalt. Alderman Breeding arrived at 6:10 p.m. Aldermen Hollowell, and Twillie were absent, as well as Clerk Cochran due to the death of two siblings we send our regards.

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

Unfinished Business

Substance Abuse Ordinance
Attorney Cline read for the 3rd 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 Personnel Policy Handbook of the City of Forrest City is hereby amended as Follows. Sponsored by Alderman Oswalt. Motion made by Alderman Oswalt to adopt the ordinance. Second Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: Oswalt, Jeffers, Fields, Capps, and Peacock. Ordinance Passed. Mayor McCoy advised this Ordinance would be in effect after thirty days.

New Business

Recognition
Mayor McCoy recognized Retired Police Lieutenant C. Harold Munn, stating, “After forty years of Service in law enforcement which began with the Army National Guard, he later joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Armed Force Police Department in New York City. He served with the Little Rock Police Department as a Motorcycle Officer, and was a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police in St. Francis County in the late 60’s. He also served as Deputy Sheriff with the Pulaski County Sheriff Department, as an Assistant Chief with the Benton Police Department, and Patrol Sergeant with the Mayflower Police Department. He joined the Forrest City Police Department in 1995, where he served as Patrolman, Detective Sergeant, and Retires as Patrol Lieutenant.

Munn and his wife Brenda of forty years have four children and several grandchildren. McCoy presented Munn with a plaque and said, “I’ll tell you that many years of service we certainly appreciate you. I want you to know that. I think the department is going to miss you.”

Lt. C. Harold Munn thanked the Mayor and Council “I appreciate the recognition, and think that you did a wonderful job in selecting a new Police Chief Dwight Duch. I enjoyed working for the department appreciated the city and God Bless.”

STREET FUND BILLS
Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay Street Fund Bills totaling $11,536.29. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes

GENERAL FUND BILLS
Alderman Capps made a motion to pay General Fund Bills totaling $14,716.52. Seconded by Alderman Peacock. Roll Call: All Ayes.

On another matter, Mayor McCoy congratulated Shane Dallas Emergency Management Coordinator, department heads, and city employees, along with the private citizens, who have helped in taking care of the evacuees from Hurricane Gustav. The mayor said, “I tell you, there’s nothing like coming this far from home and still feeling at home.”

Mayor McCoy reminded the council members that there will be a millage question on the September 16th School Board Election Ballot, and urged the council members to support it.

Alderman Louise Fields suggested that since the council meeting was short, the council members may want to visit a meeting concerning the millage which was taking place at Salem Baptist Church.

Mayor McCoy said, “I’ve assured Dr. Jerry Woods (Superintendent) that I am behind it 100 percent.” As mayor, “I understand what it is to get your hands on funds. It’s important to have money to make improvements. I’m going to do all I can to get out and get vocal. It’s all about the kids and I understand what they’re trying to do. You can’t do anything without money.”

Announcements
Mayor McCoy announced that there was going to be a reception at the Forrest City Civic Center for Dwight Duch on Thursday, September 4th, at 5:00p.m. He went on to say, “Dwight and I have had some conversations about him assuming this role, but due to some circumstances, he wasn’t ready at that time, and he understood that. But I’m proud to have him on board now.”

Budget Meeting scheduled for September 30, 2008 at 5:00p.m at city hall in the council chambers.

Alderman Jeffers made a motion to adjourn at 6:15 p.m. Seconded by Alderman Capps.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Finance Clerk Regina Whitby