The City Council of Forrest City, Arkansas, met in regular session on December 7, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Alderman Shepherd opened the meeting in prayer. The following answered roll call: Mayor McCoy, Clerk Cochran, Attorney Cline, and City Council Members: Peacock, Jeffers, Hollowell, Shepherd, Capps, Oswalt, and Fields. Alderman Twillie was absent.

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

COMMITTEES
None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Cable TV Franchise
Attorney Cline read for the 3rd reading An Ordinance Granting A Franchise to East Arkansas Video, Inc. To Construct, Operate, And Maintain A Cable System In The City Of Forrest City, Arkansas Setting Forth Conditions Accompanying The Grant Of The Franchise; Providing For Regulation And Use Of The System And The Public Rights-Of-Way And Prescribing Penalties For The Violation Of The Provisions Herein; sponsored by Alderman Shepherd. Alderman Shepherd made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Second by Alderman Fields. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Mayor McCoy said now that the ordinance has passed, he would send a letter to the cable company so the company could start ordering the equipment that was mention in the ordinance. Mayor McCoy also told Alderman Peacock that he had spoken with Mr. Fender and he did not see a problem with the city trying to partner with the school system on their T.V. channel; it would be up to the city council to make that decision. Alderman Peacock said he still wants to visit with the school district to see about sharing their channel; he feels that Forrest City is not large enough to have two TV channels.

NEW BUSINESS

A Resolution amending The personnel Policy Handbook
Alderman Peacock stated he felt that the council needed to re-implement what had been taken out of the personnel policy. He said he had spoken with several of the council members as it relates to personnel issues. He also said the council would not try to do the day-to-day running of the city but personnel issues should not be left in the hands of one person when there are eight council members to help make decisions to help keep personnel issues out of the court. Alderman Peacock said he was not trying to micromanagement the administration but he wants to go back and deal with the personnel policy in a different way. He also said he wanted the council to look over the resolution and it would be put on the agenda for the next council meeting. Alderman Capps asked if a department head and the mayor wanted to terminate an employee and the council votes to keep that employee and the employee goes back to work; who is the boss. Alderman Shepherd said he thought it should be left as is, up to the mayor and department head. He also said the mayor is the ultimate authority, and he has the city attorney he can call on. There is a normal process and if you get eight council members involved; then there are eight different answers.

Alderman Peacock said, “You’ve got to keep one thing in mind, and that is we are all human and when it comes to the mayor and department head relationship that’s a connection.”

Alderman Capps stated the employee applications were not brought before the council for approval before hired, therefore he feels the department head and the mayor would make good decisions. Alderman Fields said she agreed with Alderman Peacock, when the resolution was changed she did not agreed with giving the mayor all of the authority; it is not right, eight council members should be able to make rational decisions. Alderman Fields also said if the employees can not talk to the council members, who they can talk to.

Alderman Capps asked if the council amended employee termination in the policy would there be a list of reasons for termination. Alderman Oswalt said there was already a list of things in the personnel policy that an employee could be terminated. Alderman Hollowell said he was ready to read the resolution. Alderman Peacock said he would wait until the next council meeting.

A Resolution Amending the Personnel Handbook Regarding City vehicles
Alderman Peacock stated the only changes from the present policy would be that no city vehicle will be driven outside the city limit of Forrest City. Alderman Shepherd asked if it could not be left at the decision of the mayor and how would it affect the police department CID vehicles.
Alderman Peacock asked how it benefits the city having CID vehicles outside the city limits. Alderman Shepherd said a major disaster could happen and all the vehicles would be in the parking lot and all vehicles would be destroyed.

Alderman Peacock said, “The wear and tear on these vehicles, and the gas being used going back and forth home, I would like to know what is that benefiting the City of Forrest City.” Alderman Shepherd said he could see it as a deterrent to see that vehicle at the officer’s house. Alderman Capps said the council needs to see how many vehicles are being driven out of the city and the cost to the city. Alderman Peacock said he had the requested the information from the police department and he estimated that it is costing the city $7,000 to $10,000 a year for city vehicles driven outside the city limits. After further discussion Alderman Peacock said he wanted the resolution to be read at the next meeting.

An Ordinance Requiring That All City Vehicles Bear A City Seal or Other Designation of Ownership
Alderman Peacock stated he would sponsor the ordinance and maybe it could be read. Alderman Fields said that may cause a problem with the police department undercover vehicles. Alderman Oswalt said he did not think the council should pass anything that might help the criminal element. He also said he is for marking city vehicles, but he wants the ordinance to exclude police vehicles. Alderman Peacock said he would ask Attorney Cline to modify the ordinance and put it back on the agenda for the next meeting.

STREET FUND BILLS

Alderman Hollowell made a motion to pay street fund bills totaling $8,131.75. Second by Alderman Capps. Roll Call: All Ayes.

GENERAL FUND BILLS

Alderman Oswalt made a motion to pay general fund bills totaling $19,744.28. Second by Alderman Fields. Roll Call: All Ayes.

Announcements

Budget meeting scheduled for December 13, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

Alderman Shepherd made a motion to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Second Alderman Peacock

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Gordon McCoy, Mayor

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Derene Cochran, Clerk-Treasurer