Transition Team Minutes
September 15, 2005
FOURTEEN WEEKS UNTIL UNIFICATION
Members Present: Chuck Anderson, Rev. Leroy Carter, Jim Frazier, Lula Hicks, Dorothy Martin, Henry Richmond
Absent: Rayne Gordon
Observers: Charles Hathaway, Consultant to Transition Team
Donna Rice, Administrative Assistant
Will Everette, Managing Attorney, Legal Aid of Arkansas
Travis Williams, Interim Fire Chief, City of West Helena
The meeting was opened with a benediction by Rev. Leroy Carter.
Jim Frazier, Chairman, convened the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes dated September 8, 2005. Motion carried.
Interim Fire Chief/City of West Helena
Travis Williams, Interim Fire Chief for the City of West Helena, was introduced and welcomed to the meeting by Jim Frazier.
Various issues regarding the merger of the City of Helena and City of West Helena as it pertains to the present fire departments of each respective city were discussed. Discussion included the following:
Following discussion of the above, it was recommended that a Memorandum of Understanding should be drawn up as soon as possible in order for the two fire departments to begin cross training with one another.
A motion was made and seconded to recommend that Will Everette and Jim Frazier be empowered to compile a Memorandum of Understanding for the City of Helena and City of West Helena Fire Departments in order for the two departments to cross train with one another. Motion carried.
Financial Report
Henry Richmond reviewed the following financial reports:
- Helena and West Helena Personnel Worksheet
- Helena General Budget Variances 1-1-04 through 12-31-04
- Helena General Budget Variances 1-1-05 through 9-8-05
- Helena Financial Statement January 2005 through June 30, 05
- Helena Water System Annual Report
- Helena Water System July 2005 Financial Report
Discussion was held regarding the financial reports. It was noted that the new city council of the merged cities should be urged to receive education regarding financial reports, budget preparation and other financial issues.
Municipal Police Force
Jim Frazier reported that he contacted the County Sheriff, Ronnie White, and requested that he visit with the Batesville Municipal Police Department regarding their present municipal police system. Once Sheriff White has completed the visit, he will present his findings regarding such to the Transition Team.
Second Readings of Possible Actions #6 through #9
Second Readings of Possible Actions #6, #7, #8, and #9 were presented by C.E. Hathaway.
.A motion was made and seconded to recommend Action #6: On the General Size of Various Departments and Agencies of Helena-West Helena. Motion carried.
A motion was made and seconded to recommend Action #7: ON a One-Percent Tax on Gifts, Meals, Lodging and Attractions. Motion carried.
A motion was made and seconded to recommend Action #8: On a General Sales Tax. Motion carried
A motion was made and seconded to recommend Action #9: On the Appropriate Naming of Streets. Motion carried.
First Reading of Possible Action #10: On Increasing Franchise Taxes
The first reading of Possible Action #10: On Increasing Franchise Taxes was presented by C.E. Hathaway.
Update Re: West Helena Landfill
Jim Frazier reported that a non-profit organization has drafted a management agreement for the West Helena Landfill that will be presented to the West Helena City Council for approval on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. An update regarding this action will be presented at the next team meeting.
Blues Festival Tee-Shirts/Booth
Funding has been secured to purchase t-shirts for the Transition Team to distribute at their booth at the Blues Festival. In addition, a handout regarding the role of the Transition Team regarding the merger of the cities is being compiled by C.E. Hathaway. The handout will be available in the booth for distribution.
For the Good of the Order
Team members noted their various "good of the order" items.
Benediction
The meeting was closed with a benediction by Rev. Leroy Carter.