| Transition Team Minutes September 22, 2005 THIRTEEN WEEKS UNTIL UNIFICATION Members Present: Chuck Anderson, Jim Frazier, Lula Hicks, Dorothy
Martin, Absent: Rayne Gordon, Rev. Leroy Carter
Observers: Charles Hathaway, Consultant to Transition Team Marla Clark, filling in for Administrative Assistant Donna Rice Bob Torvestad, Clinton School of Public Service Angie Brenton, Clinton School of Public Service Betty Adams, reporter, The Daily World The meeting was opened with an invocation by Dorothy Martin. Jim Frazier, Chairman, convened the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes dated September 15, 2005. Motion carried. Visit by Representatives of Clinton School of Public Service Angie Brenton and Bob Torvestad, both of the Clinton School of Public Service, were introduced and welcomed to the meeting by Charles Hathaway. Brenton, who is Dean of the School of Professional Services, specializes in communications and conflict resolution. Torvestad has experience with the Peace Corps. Various issues regarding the services the school and its students may be able to provide to the unification process were discussed. Discussion included the following: Following discussion of the above, Brenton said it might be possible for the Clinton School, as a short-term project, to conduct a series of sessions with Helena – West Helena community members to assist in the transition. Fact Sheet for Festival Booth Members of the Transition Team discussed the development of a Fact Sheet to be distributed at the Blues Festival as T-shirts featuring the new city logo are sold. The Fact Sheet will contain the names of the Transition Team members, the team’s web address, and the actions the team intends to recommend to the new city government. Hathaway will present a draft Fact Sheet at the next meeting. Educational Session for New City Council The team discussed planning an educational session for the newly elected city council which may provide information on codes, legal and financial aspects, planning and team building. Representatives of the Municipal League would be helpful in clarifying duties and responsibilities. Financial Report Henry Richmond presented a budget update for the city of Helena showing the city currently owes $307,807 as follows:
It was suggested that the Transition Team may recommend that the new city council of the merged cities receive monthly financial updates and not allow bills to go past 30 days unpaid. Landfill Update Jim Frazier said a non-profit organization drafted a management agreement for the West Helena Landfill that was to be presented to the West Helena City Council for approval on Monday, September 19. Frazier reported that a quorum was not present for the meeting. He added that a September deadline and contracts ending with the East Arkansas Solid Waste at the end of the year are two major problems concerning the landfill. Frazier will talk with Andre Valley to initiate another process to try to get the agreement signed by Mayor Weaver. Garbage Collection Co. Request for Presentation Hathaway reported he’d been approached via e-mail by a Garbage Collection Co. that wanted to make a presentation to the Transition Team for trash collection for the new city. Transition Team members said they had no authority in hiring for garbage collection, and therefore weren’t interested in a presentation. 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 Dorothy Martin.
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