August, 2005

EIGHTEEN WEEKS UNTIL UNIFICATION

The meeting was opened with an invocation by Rev. Leroy Carter.

Jim Frazier convened and conducted the meeting. The minutes dated July 21, 2005 were approved.

C.E. Hathaway reviewed the notes on the discussion of the meeting with Mark Hayes of the Arkansas Municipal League. Discussion was held regarding such.

- C.E. Hathaway to request funding from BancCorp in order for Helena and West Helena to update codification (if both cities are agreeable to such)

- Jim Frazier to remind Helena and W. Helena of the city’s obligations regarding pensions for retired personnel, etc. A motion may need to be drawn up to present to W. Helena prior to the merger regarding such

- Presently the W. Helena City Treasurer and City Clerk positions have been combined. A recommendation should be made to make these into two separate positions. (Various committee members are to research and see if this has already been done, etc)

Following a second reading of Action 5 Initial Recommendation, the recommendation was approved.

W.T. "Will" Everette, Jr., Managing Attorney, Legal Aid of Arkansas, was introduced by Jim Frazier. It was noted that Mr. Everette has volunteered to assist the Transition Team regarding legal issues.

Subcommittee Membership

The following Subcommittee members were announced.

Dorothy Martin’s Committee Chuck Anderson’s Committee

Vivian Hoskins Fire Chiefs (Active & retired)

Belinda Mondy Police Chiefs (Active & retired)

Ruth Johnson

Other team members noted that they felt their respective subcommittees are sufficient at the present time.

2005 West Helena Budget – Henry Richmond reported that the West Helena budget Information has not yet been received from W. Helena. However, Richmond is to follow-up with the Andre Valley, West Helena City Attorney, and others in the W. Helena Mayor’s office in order to obtain a copy of such as soon as possible.

Legal Matters and Commissions – It was determined that all of Helena’s present contracts/leases need to be reviewed and W. Helena needs to be made aware that the contracts/leases need to be considered when the merger takes place.

Fee Structures/Codes/Commissions – Chuck Anderson noted that he has requested this information from the City of Helena but has not yet received it. Helena has provided the information.

City Personnel – Rayne Gordon reported he is in the process of collecting data regarding such. Discussion was held, and it was noted that it is critical that essential personnel from Helena be identified in order that may be kept as employees (for a certain time period) when the merger goes into effect.

Real Property – Dorothy Martin distributed a handout regarding real property owned by the City of Helena. West Helena’s listings are to be forthcoming.

Property Other Than Real Estate – Lula Hicks and Leroy Carter distributed handouts regarding property other than real estate for Helena and W. Helena.

New Day in the Delta T-Shirts – Discussion was held regarding distribution of the T-shirts. Jim Frazier is to request that the two local banks provide 300 T-shirts to be given away at the Blues Festival on a first come, first serve basis. Rayne Gordon will make arrangements for the Transition Team to have a booth at the Blues Festival. Team members will be responsible for manning the booth.

Helena/West Helena Mileages - Will Everette is to check on the mileages for both cities and report back regarding such.

The meeting adjourned following a benediction by Rev. Leroy Carter.