The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on December 16, 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: Hollowell, Peacock, Fields, Capps, Oswalt, Twillie, and Jeffers. 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
None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ordinance accepting the Annexation to the City of Forrest City
Alderman Capps thanked the council members and the mayor for supporting the ordinance and thought it was a positive idea for the city to move forward with the annexation.

Attorney Cline read for the 3rd reading by title 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 Hollowell to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Capps. Alderman Peacock stated the city definitely needed to move forward but he had concerns if the police, fire, and public works department would be all right with the annexation. He also wants the city’s administration to look at other problems with some of the city streets. Mayor McCoy replied that Alderman Peacock has some valid concerns; there is a possibility that the state would have some infrastructure money in 2009. Mr. Patton is already going throughout the city making a list of all streets in need of repair and getting the package ready to send to the Planning District in Jonesboro. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Hollowell, Capps, Oswalt, Twillie, Jeffers, and Fields.

Demolition and Structure Moving Ordinances
Mayor McCoy asked Code Enforcement Officer Fletcher to address the concerns of the city council concerning the two ordinances. Mr. Fletcher stated the council had questions concerning the liability insurance and surety bond. He had spoken with Attorney Cline concerning the two ordinances and Attorney Cline stated he thought the ordinances were appropriate. Attorney Cline stated the problem began some time ago, when someone was trying to tear down the water tower of the old Federal Compress. It was then realized that there were no mechanism in place. That is what brought the two ordinances in place. It would be a way to control the moving and tearing down of old structures. Requiring the liability insurance would cover damages done if something goes wrong. A surety bond would make sure that the people doing the job are able to complete it. The requirement of the insurance and the surety bond would be up to the discretion of the building inspector.

Alderman Twillie stated he thought the ordinances were too broad. He would like the ordinances to be more specific. Alderman Twillie also asked how you would address a situation were a person would want to tear down their own home. Attorney Cline stated, the person would apply for a permit that cost $25.00, the building inspector would look at the job to see if the liability insurance or surety bond were required, and if needed that would be the requirement when the permit is issued.

Alderman Capps suggested that the ordinance apply to structures over two stories and non-residential. Attorney Cline stated not every situation could be put into an ordinance that is why the city should have a well-qualified building inspector to look at each situation. After more discussion, Attorney Cline stated he would re-draft both ordinances and get the ordinances to the council members before the next council meeting

NEW BUSINESS

Promotions and Recognitions
Mayor McCoy recognized several promotions of city employees. Thurlo Ward was promoted to captain, Marvin Dale promoted to lieutenant, Shane Dallas was promoted to fire prevention safety officer, and Jeff Smith was promoted to a full-time firefighter. James Tucker was promoted to patrol sergeant and several months ago J.C. Rice was promoted from pest control officer to assistant public works director.

Ordinance Adopting 2009 Budget
Mayor McCoy stated there were changes made to the budget as requested by the city council after the last budget meeting as follows: $3,000 for maps, $5,000 for contributions divided equally among the five entities, $4,000 to the district court, and $11,000 for streets signs, which makes a budget total of $9,559,608. Attorney Cline read an Ordinance Adopting 2009 Budget. Sponsored by Alderman Twillie. Alderman Twillie made a motion to suspend the rules and read the ordinance for the second reading. Seconded by Alderman Oswalt. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Attorney Cline read the ordinance by title for the second reading. Alderman Twillie made a motion to suspend the rules and read the ordinance for the third reading. Seconded by Alderman Oswalt. Roll Call: All Ayes. Attorney Cline read the ordinance by title for the third reading. Alderman Twillie made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: Alderman Peacock, Hollowell, Capps, Oswalt, Twillie, Jeffers, and Fields all ayes. Alderman Twillie made a motion to adopt the emergency clause. Seconded by Alderman Oswalt. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Animal Control
Alderman Oswalt presented to the city council an animal control committee proposal. He attended an Arkansas Municipal League meeting during the summer. The North Little Rock Animal Control Department was there discussing the animal control ordinances. He has done research, other cities the size of Forrest City; larger and smaller have animal control committees. Forrest City ordinances are sufficient, but they do not cover everything. The committee would consist of three council members, the animal control director, one veterinarian, and a representative of the humane society. The committee would not take over the animal control department; the department would still operate under the administration of the mayor and personnel committee. The animal control committee’s responsibility would be to make decisions on changes to the ordinances and make recommendations. The committee needs to look into some type of protocol for picking up animals. Alderman Twillie stated it sounds like a committee that would not last. Based on the way it is written, it would be more than setting rules, if something does not go right, the same committee will have to come back and visit the situation again. If an ad hoc committee were formed, it would be better.

Mayor McCoy stated that over the last couple of years there has been a lot of discussion about dogs. He welcomes the recommendations, he has gone back and looked at the MOU and the leases between the city and the humane society, and he wonders how the city ever got into the current situation; it is not a good situation. He also stated he has come to the conclusion that it is difficult for two entities to operate in a small building with two different mindsets. Mayor McCoy said, “However, if you look at the way the Humane Society operates and the way the city operates, there is no doubt that they are two different entities.” He wished the council would seriously look into the arrangement that they have with the humane society, and do something different. If the humane society were in a separate building, it would be a wonderful relationship. Alderman Oswalt stated he was looking into drafting the mayor, new council member Shepherd and himself for the animal control committee.

Announcements

Mayor McCoy stated he would make some committee re-appointments in January 2009. Mayor McCoy received a letter from Mr. Glenn Shepherd stating he was resigning from the Forrest City Civic Center Commission December 31, 2008.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Peacock made a motion to pay Street Fund Bills totaling $3,905.81. Seconded by Alderman Hollowell. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $33,124.11. Seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Alderman Twillie made a motion to adjourn at 7:10 p.m.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer