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

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

Committees

Planning Commission Committee Report.
Alderman Capps stated that the Forrest City Planning Commission met on October 28, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Forrest City City Hall. The Commission was asked to approve the final plat on the Lindsay Forrest City Commercial LLC Development. The preliminary plat has already been approved by the City Council. Members reviewed the plans. The vicinity map needed corrections, which included a streetlight at the end of an intersection. Mr. Gunn, the engineer, assured the Commission that the correction would be made and the correction would not delay the final plat approval. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the final plat.

Mayor’s Comments
Mayor McCoy congratulated everyone who had an election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Mr. Shepard was congratulated and welcomed aboard as a new City Council Member.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Forrest City Multi-Purpose Building
Mayor McCoy stated he received a call from Alderman Peacock requesting information on where they were on the dedication and the renaming of the building. Mayor McCoy responded by passing out samples and specifications of the building’s nameplate/lettering to the council members. He also asked Aldermen Fields and Jeffers to serve on the Multi-Purpose Committee. Alderman Fields and Jeffers accepted. Future plans were made to get together with the committee. Mayor McCoy discussed the costs of the name change for the multi-purpose building. The amounts were $1,437.00 for post & panel sign and $690.00 for pan sign.

City Shop Update
Mayor McCoy recommended to the council to appropriate the funding for the remodeling of the city shop by amending the 2008 City Budget to reflect the remodeling. Alderman Peacock made a motion to appropriate the funding for $165,000 for the remodeling of the City Shop. The motion was seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: Alderman Jeffers, Fields, Oswalt, Twillie, and Peacock; Ayes. Alderman Hollowell and Capps; No.

NEW BUSINESS

Removal of Houses and Demolition Ordinances.
Mr. Kenneth Fletcher, Code Enforcement Officer, advised that the two Ordinances be established to allow the Code Enforcement Officer and the Police Department to have knowledge of when a house/structure would be demolished for safety and liability issues. These ordinances are also established to make the City aware of when structures were in fact demolished, especially on weekends, because of previous disposal problems with contractors. Many contractors were placing debris on the curbside, creating a liability for the City. These Ordinances would create an avenue in which the City would not be liable for contractor’s debris disposal. Alderman Twillie gave reference to the Ordinance Section in which the individual/contractor would have to contact the City Code Enforcement Officer for the demolition or removal permit. The Code Enforcement Officer stated the individual/contractor would have gone through him, at which time he would approve or disapprove the permits prior to the demolition or removal of the obstruction. Alderman Twillie also stated the ordinances should reflect the fine amount ($500) for violation of the aforementioned Ordinances. Alderman Capps conducted a recap of the entire ordinances. Alderman Capps also inquired about how Asbestos issues would be handled in regards to the Demolition and Removal Ordinances. Mr. Fletcher advised it would be hard to police structures containing Asbestos.

Alderman Peacock discussed liability insurance and surety bonds regarding demolition. He would like the Council Members to look at the wording in Section 2 Paragraph. Alderman Capps asked if someone could move a house if it contains asbestos siding or shingles? Mr. Fletcher responded by saying Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) said you cannot tear down property with asbestos, but you can move it. Alderman Capps would like Attorney Cline to advise if the surety bond was necessary with the liability insurance in the event of damage or injury. The issue was tabled until Attorney Cline could legally advise on the issue.

Announcements
Mayor McCoy stated the Arkansas State Governor signed a Proclamation closing all state offices on December 24, 25, and 26. Mayor McCoy requested permission to follow suit with the Arkansas Governor’s proclamation. Alderman Hollowell asked would the holiday be with pay? Mayor McCoy stated, “It would be.” Alderman Oswalt inquired about uniform personnel, such as Police and Firemen. The Mayor stated that he would figure out how to compensate uniform personnel. After some discussion, the council agreed that the mayor should make the decision.

The Mayor also announced an invitation to the Crossroad Coalition luncheon. The luncheon is at the Campbell House on November 13, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. The Meet and Greet is at the Campbell House and the reception is at the Civic Center. Arrangements have been made and attendance and support is highly encouraged.

Budget meeting Monday, November 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

Miscellaneous
Terms
Alderman Oswalt advised that the 4-year terms did pass for the Council Members.

Boxes
Alderman Oswalt advised the Council Members that he spoke with Judge Gary Hughes two weeks ago. He advised NERCO has been picking up boxes all over the city and giving the County a portion of the money from the boxes. Judge Hughes advised several people have been picking up cardboard on the weekend and causing the County funds to be cut. Alderman Oswalt did not want the police to get involved but simply wanted to inform the Council Members as a “FYI.” Alderman Oswalt also suggested that the city businesses be made aware that if their boxes were gone, maybe someone else was picking up their boxes.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Peacock made a motion to pay Street Fund Bills totaling $10,687.89. Seconded by Alderman Hollowell. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt inquired about what was being painted at the Animal Shelter. He advised of a bill to reimburse the Humane Society for paint. Mayor McCoy stated the wall at the Animal Shelter was painted and cleaned due to weather wear and tear. Mayor McCoy continued by saying that since the building has been closed, two individuals (Director and Assistant Director) have been hired to disinfect the building and run the kennel. Dr. Rountree is working with the two individuals to teach them how to properly care and maintain a kennel.

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $57,024.88. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Alderman Twillie made a motion to adjourn at 6.20 p.m. Seconded by Alderman Peacock.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer