Transition Team Minutes
October 27, 2005
Eight Weeks Until Unification
Members Present: Chuck Anderson, Leroy Carter, Jim Frazier, Rayne Gordon, Dorothy Martin, Henry Richmond
Members Absent: Lula Hicks
Observers: Charles Hathaway, Consultant to Transition Team
Donna Rice, Administrative Assistant
Rev. Leroy Carter opened the meeting with an invocation.
Jim Frazier, Chairman, convened the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes dated, October 20, 2005. Motion carried.
Proposed Ordinances
Ordinances that have drawn up by legal counsel to be presented to the new city government were presented for the first reading. The ordinances are as follows:
A motion was made to accept the first reading of the ordinances as presented. Motion carried.
First Reading of Recommendations
The first reading was presented of the following recommendations:
| Recommendation #13: On Maintaining Helena Ordinances in Place for a Finite Period of Time |
| Recommendation #20: On Changing the Mayoral Position to Full Time |
| Recommendation #21: On the Development of New Positions Descriptions for all City Employees |
| Recommendation #22: On Reimbursement for Aldermen Only for Meetings Attended |
| Recommendation #23: On Attendance at Meetings by Members of City Council Appointed Committees, Commissions, and Task Forces |
Second Reading of Recommendations
The second reading of Recommendation #14: On the Creation of a Metro Police Force was presented.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Recommendation #14: On the Creation of a Metro Police Force. Motion carried.
The second reading of Recommendation #15: On the Codification for the City of Helena-West Helena was presented.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Recommendation #15: On the Codification for the City of Helena-West Helena. Motion carried.
The second reading of Recommendation #16: On Communication Between the Governance of the City of Helena-West Helena was presented.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Recommendation #16: On Communication Between the Governance of the City of Helena-West Helena. Motion carried.
The second reading of Recommendation #17: On the Expansion of the Water/Sewer Commission was presented.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Recommendation #17: On the Expansion of the Water/Sewer Commission. Motion carried.
The second reading of Recommendation #18: On the Creation of A Financial Officer Position was presented.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Recommendation #18: On the Creation of a Financial Officer Position. Motion carried.
The second reading of Recommendation #19: On the Endorsement of the Strategic Community Plan for Phillips County was presented.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Recommendation #19: On the Endorsement of the Strategic Community Plan for Phillips County. Motion carried.
First Rough Draft of the Report to the Newly Elected Officials
Discussion was held regarding the first draft of the Report to the Newly Elected Officials. Team members noted various revisions and recommendations that needed to be included in the report. Another draft of the report will be given at the next meeting that will include the revisions.
Sub-Committee Reports
Financial Report
Henry Richmond distributed copies of financial reports: Budget 2004-General Fund Income; Budget – Cities of Helena and West Helena Expenses; and Budget 2005-General Fund Income. The reports were reviewe. Discussion was held regarding the debts, accounts payable due, and operating accounts for both cities.
It was the consensus of the Transition Team, that Henry Richmond should be authorized by the mayors of both cities to conduct a review of the cash balance of both cities in order for the team to make recommendations regarding the financial status for the newly formed city. A letter is to be written to both mayors requesting permission for such.
West Helena Pending Lawsuits
It was noted that a written report has not yet been provided of the West Helena pending lawsuits as previously requested. Per the team’s recommendation, an email will be sent to Andre Valley, W. Helena City Attorney, requesting a written report be provided regarding such so that it may be included in the Transition Team’s report to the newly elected city government.
For the Good of the Order
"For the Good of the Order" topics were presented by various team members.
Benediction
Rev. Leroy Carter gave the benediction and the meeting was adjourned.