The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on October 6, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Capps opened the meeting in prayer. The following answered roll call: Mayor Pro Tem Twillie, Clerk Cochran, Attorney Cline, and City Council Members: Alderman Peacock, Jeffers, Hollowell, Shepherd, Twillie, Fields, Capps, and Oswalt. Mayor McCoy was absent.

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


Committees

Budget Committee
Mayor Pro Tem Twillie stated that on October 1, 2009 the budget committee had their first 2010 budget meeting, it went very well and the finances looked like everything was in good shape.

Humane Society Committee
Alderman Shepherd stated the committee met prior to tonight’s council meeting. He had also talked with Attorney Cline about two weeks ago concerning the issues. Alderman Shepherd made a motion to recommend to the city council that Attorney Cline proceed with the court system to satisfy the judgment with the land and the facility. Seconded by Alderman Oswalt. Alderman Peacock asked Attorney Cline would he be representing the city throughout the case. Attorney Cline said he would. Roll Call: All Ayes.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

New Business

New Fire Truck purchase
Fire Chief Ruffin requested approval from the city council to trade in unit #11 fire truck for the purchase of a new fire truck. Chief Ruffin said a new truck is needed because the crew cab of unit #11 is too small; the firefighters have a problem getting in and out of the truck. He also said the seat belts are difficult to use which makes responding to fire calls unsafe. He said the new truck will have a custom cab large enough to accommodate six fire fighters and their equipment, a 400 hp Cummins motor, Allison automatic transmission, 1,000 gallon capacity poly tank, and a 1250 gpm pump. It will also have a 2009 engine and a 2010 exterior body, which will allow the fire department to remain in compliance with 2009 EPA standards. Chief Ruffin said he was trying to purchase the new truck before the 2010 standards took place.

According to Chief Ruffin, if the new truck is not purchased before the new standards take place, the new standards will increase the cost of the truck by $13,000 to $15,000 and it will also increase maintenance costs. Chief Ruffin further stated, if approved, the truck could be purchased with Act 833 funds. He also said Act 833 currently brings in between $60,000 to $65,000 annually. As of September 29, 2009 the fire department has a balance of $181,572.86 in the account. Chief Ruffin also said an ordinance would be needed to allow the financing of the new truck. He said there are 77 pages of the specification for the fire truck and the council could look at the specifications at the fire department.

Alderman Capps asked would the company that bid on the new truck take the 2000 model as a trade in. Chief Ruffin stated the old truck would be put in the specifications as a trade in. Alderman Oswalt made a motion to give Mayor McCoy permission to bid for a new fire truck according to specifications on file. Seconded by Alderman Shepherd. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Airport Lease
Attorney Cline stated the Civil Air Patrol was leasing a hanger but they are no longer at the Forrest City Airport. Central Arkansas Turbines is presently under a lease agreement and they are proposing to lease the hanger that the Civil Air Patrol was occupying with the lease going to August 31, 2012. Central Arkansas Turbines has offered to pay $300.00 per month with the understanding that if the airport is sold, as a result of the regional airport, the lease would end. Attorney Cline also said he thought that Mayor McCoy had been corresponding with Mr. Lester with Central Arkansas Turbines.

Alderman Capps stated he had spoken with Mr. Lester and to his understanding, it would be a $300.00 per month net lease and the city would not be responsible for any repairs. He also said the building is next to Mr. Lester’s building and Mr. Lester is planning to do some repairs on the city’s building. Alderman Peacock asked how much the original lease was. Attorney Cline stated the original lease $1.00 per year; they kept up the building and paid the utilities. Alderman Peacock asked if any major modifications are made to the building, will it require approval. Attorney Cline said yes, it is in the lease that they would not make any major modifications without getting approval from the city first.

Alderman Capps made a motion that the city enters into a lease with Central Arkansas Turbines for the building that was occupied by Civil Air Patrol at the Forrest City Airport. Seconded by Alderman Hollowell. Roll Call: All Ayes.

St. Francis County Millage Rate
Alderman Oswalt stated the millage rate is currently 3.8 mills and it has been at that rate for several years. In addition, there is a 1.9 mill for the library that is voted on by the public, and a .4 mill for the police and fire pension. Alderman Oswalt made a motion to leave the current millage at 3.8 mills for the upcoming tax year. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes.

City Shop Fuel Bid Fuel Management System
Attorney Cline stated there was one bid from The Southern Co. Sales, Memphis, TN and the bid had a list of several unit items that totals $27,134.96. Mayor Pro Tem Twillie stated that Mr. Patton would get with the mayor to make sure the bid meet specifications.

Announcements

City hall ADA renovation bid opening will be held on October 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. city hall.

Grant workshop November 13, 2009 at the civic center 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Alderman Peacock suggested that the budget committee consider purchases for the street department.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Capps made a motion to pay the street fund bills totaling $12,447.13. Seconded by Alderman Shepherd. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $30,607.89. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Alderman Shepherd made a motion to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Seconded by Alderman Fields

. _______________________
Cecil Twillie, Mayor Pro Tem

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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer