The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on July 6, 2010. 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: Peacock, Jeffers, Hollowell, Shepherd, Twillie, Capps, and Oswalt. Alderman Fields was absent.

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


COMMITTEES

Planning Commission
Alderman Capps reported that Mark Holloway was present at the June 22, 2010 Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Holloway was representing his mother Letha Lynch, who was asking for a setback variance to build a patio at 111 South McClendon, Forrest City, Arkansas. After some discussion, the Forrest City Planning Commission unanimously voted to grant the variance. Alderman Capps made a motion that the Forrest City Council accept the Forrest City Planning Commission recommendation to accept the setback variance at 111 South McClendon. Alderman Oswalt seconded the motion. Roll Call: All Ayes.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Maps
Alderman Capps reported that he received copies of maps detailing city properties from Mike Davis of Entergy.

NEW BUSINESS

Retirement
Mayor McCoy acknowledged the retirement of Raymond Stewart. Mr. Stewart is retiring after 30 years of dedicated service as manager of the Forrest City Civic Center. Mayor McCoy presented Mr. Stewart with a plaque of appreciation for his many years of service. Mr. Stewart accepted the plaque and made a brief comment displaying gratitude.

Street Overlay
Mayor McCoy requested permission get bids for asphalt for street overlay. Alderman Oswalt inquired about which streets needing overlaying. Mayor McCoy described several streets with major destruction, in which, the overlay would be needed the most. The list of streets included but is not limited to: Lake Street, Wilson Street, Gum Street, Buford Street, Turner Road, Scott Street, Wolf Street, North Division, Martin Luther King Street, and others. Mayor McCoy also stated several big trucks are still parking near McDonalds on what is considered to be a city street. Alderman Peacock stated that truckers need a place to park and emphasized that the truckers are citizens of this town. Alderman Oswalt added the street near McDonald was not built to hold the big trucks and is considered to be a safety issue for other motorist. Alderman Capps stated there is a “No Overnight Parking” sign displayed on the street near McDonalds. Alderman Shepherd made a motion to grant Mayor McCoy permission to get bids for asphalt for street overlay. Seconded by Alderman Twillie. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Surveillance Cameras
Glenn Shepherd passed out a quote for eight (8) surveillance cameras for the council members to consider for the Forrest City Sports Complex. The cameras can be used to deter vandalism and or catch those who vandalize the sports complex. The surveillance cameras would cost an estimated $22,000 to $25,000 and could be turned into web cameras in the future.

Multi-Purpose Center
Alderman Oswalt recognized Sarah Jumper, who discussed her concerns on the Forrest City Sports Complex. Ms. Jumper stated the ball program is at “an all time low.” Ms. Jumper said her family has been involved in various sports programs and it seems the programs are disorganized. She commented on the tardiness and absenteeism of some of the sports officials. She also stated that there is less and less participation and more misconduct going on. Alderman Oswalt commented he has observed opposing teams shouting and cursing at each other in a loud manner using words he would consider to be “R” rated. Alderman Oswalt stated that he has observed this conduct from 8 and 9 year old boys as well as coaches and parents. Alderman Oswalt further related that the conduct of the teams, parents, and players are getting really bad and needs to be handled. Ms. Jumper also stated that the problems could be handled by making the registration process stricter and having more police on site to handle the problems as they occur. Alderman Twillie agreed with Ms. Jumper’s concerns but advised her that the Forrest City Council is not the group to handle her concerns. Aldermna Twillie further stated that Kenneth Taylor (Forrest City Park Director) and the park commission need to be involved in this matter. Alderman Oswalt stated that a meeting needed to be set up with Mr. Taylor, a selected committee, and the citizens of Forrest City to deal and handle this issue. Mayor McCoy stated that he had already discussed additional security for the sports complex with Chief Duch. Paige Law also voiced her concerns and reminded city council that she had mentioned the idea of ballpark passes several years ago. Alderman Twillie stated that he would like to see Ms. Law’s proposal on implementing ballpark passes. Reagan Hill also discussed his concerns about the sports complex.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Hollowell made a motion to pay the street fund bills totaling $12,714.25. Seconded by Alderman Capps. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $47,307.94. Seconded by Alderman Jeffers. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Announcements
A public meeting to discuss the sports complex is schedule for July 15, 2010 at 6:00PM at the Forest City Multi-Purpose Center.

Alderman Capps made a motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Seconded by Alderman Shepherd.

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor
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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer