October 6, 2005

The meeting was opened with an invocation by Dorothy Martin.

Jim Frazier, Chairman convened the meeting. Since there was not a quorum present at the last meeting, there were no minutes presented for approval.

Sheriff Ronnie White was introduced by Jim Frazier. Mr. Frazier noted that he invited Sheriff White to attend the Transition Team meeting in order for Sheriff White to present his findings regarding the possibility of the new city having metropolitan police coverage.

Mr. White reported that he recently visited with the Independence County metropolitan police department in Batesville, and from what he observed he felt that such a system would be advantageous for the new city. In this type of system the county sheriff is the head of the department, and is responsible for the management of such. Agreement must be reached between the Sheriff’s office, mayor of the city, city council and the Quorum Court in order for a municipal force to be implemented. When asked to present the negative aspects of such a system, Sheriff White noted that from his findings there were very little negative aspects.

Both Sheriff White and the team members agreed that it is very important to determine the number needed for adequate police coverage for the new city as soon as possible. In reviewing data that both cities have reported to the Municipal League, it was noted that the reports indicate that both Helena and West Helena at the present time are very top heavy on administrative positions, and are lacking workers in the field.

Following further discussion, Sheriff White agreed that he would draft a budget for metropolitan police coverage respecting the current revenue flow for the two cities as soon as possible and present it to the team. Dr. Hathaway noted that he would draft a recommendation to be presented to the new city recommending metropolitan police coverage.

It was reported that efforts regarding the West Helena landfill are at a standstill at the present time. The non-profit organization has scheduled several meetings with the West Helena City Council in order to present a draft of a management agreement for approval. Thus far, the city council has failed to attend the meetings.

A letter from the Helena Municipal Water & Sewer Board was distributed for review. The letter reflected the Commission’s intent to pay off the 1994 Sewer Revenue Bond, per the recent recommendation of the transition team.

Data from the Arkansas Municipal League regarding the staffing of cities similar to the size of Helena-West Helena was distributed and reviewed.

The first reading of Possible Recommendation No. 12: On Staffing of the Newly United Helena-West Helena was presented by Charles Hathaway.

A report prepared by the UALR Institute for Economic Advancement was distributed and reviewed. It was noted that the report reflects a 1 cent tax increase, and also includes an assessment of hurricanes Katrina and Rita’s effects on the county (none identified).

The Arkansas Municipal League has agreed to produce a new codification for the new community based on best practices and aimed at creating a model codification for a new city of the 21^st century. C. E. Hathaway will write a grant proposal to cover the $6,000 charge by the municipal league.

In order for the Transition Team sub-committee’s to summarize their findings and recommendations, an initial report will be drafted by Charles Hathaway. The various sub-committees will then are able to fill in their findings and recommendations.

Proposed speakers/subjects for the potential educational retreat for newly elected officials were reviewed by Charles Hathaway as follows: