The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on December 2, 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, Attorney Cline, and City Council Members: Hollowell, Peacock, Fields, Capps, Breeding, Oswalt, and Jeffers. Alderman Twillie was absent.

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

Committees

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Demolition Bid Opening
Code Enforcement Officer Kenny Fletcher addressed the council concerning the new Asbestos Abatement Renovation Act. In summary, the City can demolish one asbestos house per city block in a twelve month period. One bid was submitted by Toney Davis Asphalt Maintenance, West Helena, AR; in the amount of $24, 875. The bid included all five houses previously discussed. Toney Davis Asphalt Maintenance met all qualifications: occupational license, bonded, and proper liability insurance. Alderman Fields asked since the asbestos laws changed, will the City need someone who specializes in asbestos. Mr. Fletcher confirmed he pulls samples in order to determine if the houses contain asbestos and that the contractor does not have to be asbestos certified. Alderman Capps asked how many houses have the prisoners torn down and whether they could tear down the asbestos houses. Mr. Fletcher stated the prisoners tore down 10 or 12 houses and the prisoners cannot touch the asbestos houses. Mayor McCoy gave Mr. Fletcher recognition concerning the progress made on the demolition project. Mayor McCoy asked if the bid amount needed to be voted on. Attorney Cline stated the money had already been appropriated for the bid, it just needed to be awarded.

NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance accepting the Annexation to the City of Forrest City
Alderman Capps read the history of the annexation. Two and a half years ago a new planning area was established to the west and south of Forrest City. A meeting was held with Mayor McCoy, Jim Vontouglin with Irving Planning Associates, and Chairman Capps of the Planning Commission. Mayor McCoy wanted the City to expand toward the bypass. Property owner Carey Vandiver was contacted along with all the other property owners. A meeting was held and since then all required petitions have been signed and recorded in the County Clerk’s office. Existing properties with structures will be grandfathered in. The remaining property will be brought in as C-2. A new comprehensive zoning map will be created after the first of the year. The Voting Ward Map will be updated to include the annexation. Property north of I-40 will be in ward 3; property south of I-40 will be in ward 2. Alderman Capps also stated he would like to sponsor the ordinance with the necessary corrections. Attorney Cline read AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF FORREST CITY, ARKANSAS, AND MAKING SAME A PART OF THE CITY OF FORREST CITY, AND ASSIGNING SAME TO WARDS. A motion was made by Alderman Capps to suspend the rules and read the ordinance for the second reading. Seconded by Alderman Hollowell. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Jeffers, Hollowell, Breeding, Fields, Capps, and Oswalt. Attorney Cline read the ordinance for the second reading by title.

Announcements
Alderman Fields
Alderman Fields addressed her fellow council members concerning her 40 years as a Sanyo employee. She is proud of her history with Sanyo and she is now aware of her duties as a Forrest City Councilmember.

Alderman Breeding
Alderman Breeding addressed his fellow council members concerning his many years as a Forrest City Councilmember. He wishes the council and the City the best and he is confident with Mr. Shepherd’s addition; the best will be done for the City of Forrest City. He enjoyed his tenure with the City.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay Street Fund Bills totaling $1,562.25. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Breeding made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $22,962.42. Seconded by Alderman Peacock. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Alderman Breeding made a motion to adjourn at 6.25 p.m. Seconded by Alderman Peacock.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer