August 25, 2005

SEVENTEEN WEEKS UNTIL UNIFICATION

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

In the absence of the Chairman, the meeting was convened and conducted by Rev. Leroy Carter. The minutes dated August 18, 2005 were approved.

C.E. Hathaway reviewed the priorities listed on the agenda for discussion. Following discussion of each, it was agreed to proceed with the following:

- recommendations to the new community to improve the general operations of the new community compared to the present operations

- planning/formulation of a training/education program for the newly elected community leaders to be held as soon as possible following the election

- request to the Arkansas Municipal League to undertake the codification of the two communities and produce a best practice code of ordinances for the newly elected leaders to consider, if both communities are agreeable to such.

It was noted that the West Helena City Council is looking into the possibility of abolishing the water commission in order to use the funds available in the commission to run the City of West Helena. It was agreed that the team should give further thought to this proposed action in order to offer a recommendation regarding it.

Discussion was also held regarding the abolishment of the West Helena Civil Service Commission. Following additional study by the team, a recommendation regarding such may be appropriate.

Henry Richmond distributed handouts of a comparison of the Helena 2005 Budget, West Helena 2005 Budget and the Combined Helena and West Helena 2005 Budgets. The handout also reflected the actual expenditures as compared to the budget and the variance for both Helena and West Helena, and the combined actual expenditures as compared to the budget and variances. Additional budgetary data will be requested from both cities, and will be compiled and distributed at future meetings.

Discussion was held regarding the notification to Helena city employees regarding the status of their jobs after January 1, 2005. It was noted that a recommendation has already been passed by the Transition Team regarding giving preference to the hiring of former Helena employees as the departments and agencies of the new community expand to meet the needs of the citizens. However, nothing has been stated formally concerning the providing of notice to employees in Helena who will no longer have positions. Further discussion will be held at the next team meeting.

A suggestion was made that the present West Helena fire and police chiefs should be invited to a team meeting in order for them to discuss what preparations they are presently making regarding the transition needs. Jim Frazier, Chairman will extend this invitation to both chiefs.

Given the fiscal status of West Helena, and the fiscal status of the unified cities, it it was noted that there may be a need for a referendum to be initiated regarding a one cent sales tax. The City of West Helena had a study conducted in 2004 by UALR regarding a city sales tax according to Andre Valley, West Helena City Attorney. He noted that he will provide this information to the team in order that the study may be updated. Dr. Hathaway will contact UALR regarding an update.

Following a benediction by Rev. Leroy Carter, the meeting was adjourned.