Transition Team Minutes
September 6, 2005
FOURTEEN WEEKS UNTIL UNIFICATION
Members Present: Chuck Anderson, Jim Frazier, Rayne Gordon, Lula Hicks
Dorothy Martin, Henry Richmond
Absent: Rev. Leroy Carter
Observers: Charles Hathaway, Consultant to Transition Team
Donna Rice, Administrative Assistant
Andre Valley, City Attorney, City of West Helena
The meeting was opened with an invocation by Dorothy Martin.
Jim Frazier, Chairman, convened the meeting. The minutes dated August 25, 2005, were approved.
Codification Study by Arkansas Municipal League
The Arkansas Municipal League has been contacted regarding the codification study for the cities of Helena and West Helena. Following approval by the City of Helena and West Helena, the Municipal League has indicated that it conduct the study in Little Rock.
West Helena Water Commission
It was reported that Mayor Johnny Weaver, West Helena, has vetoed the city council’s recent action to abolish the West Helena Water Commission. Therefore, the Transition Team will not proceed with recommendations regarding such unless further action is taken by the City of West Helena.
Training/Leadership Retreat
Charles Hathaway reported that the University of Arkansas has tentatively agreed to host a training/leadership retreat for the city council members who will be elected in November. The retreat will be held at a location selected by the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Hathaway noted that he has been informed that sixteen students from the Clinton School of Public Service will be spending the spring in the Delta in order to assist with various aspects regarding the merger and the strategic plan.
Study Regarding Merger of Fire Departments
Following a recent consultation with the City of Jacksonville Fire Department, Dr. Hathaway was asked to draw up a recommendation that will better protect the citizens of West Helena, and at the same will not cut the budgets of Helena and West Helena that are allotted for the present fire departments.
Jim Frazier indicated that he will invite the present West Helena Fire Chief to attend a team meeting as soon as possible in order for the team to learn what preparations are being made for the merger of the fire departments of both cities.
The police chief of the Independence County Police will also be invited to attend a team meeting as soon as possible in order for the team to assess county police coverage vs. municipal coverage.
First Readings of Possible Actions #6 through #9
Possible Action #6: On the General Size of Various Department and Agencies of Helena-West Helena
Action #6 was presented for the first reading. At the next Team Meeting, the action will be voted on in accordance with
Possible Action #7: On a One-Percent Tax on Gifts, Meals, Lodging and Attractions
Action #7 was presented for the first reading. At the next Team Meeting, the action will be voted on in accordance with
Possible Action #8: On a General Sales Tax.
Action #8 was presented for the first reading. At the next Team Meeting, the action will be voted on in accordance with
Possible Action #9: On a One-Percent Tax on Gifts, Meals, Lodging and Attractions
Action #9 was presented for the first reading. At the next Team Meeting, the action will be voted on in accordance with
UALR Study
UALR has agreed to update a study that was performed in 2004 entitled, Local Sales and Use Tax Forecast for the City of West Helena, Arkansas. This study is in regards to a one cent sales tax.
Accounting Report
Copies of a partial report of the personnel budgets for Helena and West Helena, and a combined budget for both, were distributed for review. Henry Richmond reported that as soon as additional information is received from the City of Helena, the report will be finalized and presented to the team.
Review of Current Lawsuits of City of West Helena
Andre Valley, City Attorney of West Helena, reviewed the current lawsuits pending for the City of West Helena as follows:
(Information presented orally but not yet provided in writing.)
West Helena Landfill Discussion
Discussion was held regarding the current status of the West Helena landfill. It was noted that the City of West Helena must meet the deadline in September.
Good of the Order
Various "good of the order" topics were presented by members of the Transition Team.
Benediction
The meeting was closed with a benediction by Dorothy Martin.