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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-20-98104 Board of Directors Room City Hall - 500 W. Markham Little Rock, Arkansas January 20, 1998 - 6:00 P.M. The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas met in regular session with Mayor Dailey presiding. The roll was called by City Clerk Robbie Hancock, with the following Directors present: Directors Hinton, Hodges, Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, and Adcock - total 8; Absent - Directors Wilson and Kumpuris - total 2. With a quorum present, Mayor Dailey declared the Board of Directors in session and the proceedings of the meeting are recorded as follows. The Invocation was given by Director Hinton followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and Development, introduced Sheryl Anne Haynes, Town Planner for the Ministry of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago, and presented her with an Honorary Citizen Certificate. Consideration was then given to the Consent Agenda which consisted of the following: (1) Approval of the Minutes of the Board of Directors regular meetings held May 6, 1997 and May 20, 1997, the reconvened meeting held May 27, 1997, the regular meeting held June 3, 1997, and the reconvened meeting held June 10, 1997. (2) Resolution No. 10,180, entitled: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO COMMAND UNIFORMS FOR THE PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS FOR THE LITTLE ROCK FIRE DEPARTMENT. (Not to exceed $104,026) (3) Resolution No. 10,181, described as: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO TOWNSHIP BUILDERS, INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STREET AND DRAINAGE ON MAPLE (WEST 16TH - WEST 17TH) OAK(WEST 21ST - WEST 27TH) AND WEST 17TH STREET (MAPLE - PINE), A 1988 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOND PROJECT. (4) Resolution No. 10,182, with the title being: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY SERVICES FOR BIKEWAY DESIGN AT BOYLE PARK. (McGetrick Engineering - not to exceed $4,900) (5) Resolution No. 10,183, entitled: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR DESIGN OF THE ARKANSAS HOMESTEAD AT THE LITTLE ROCK ZOO. (Design Consortium Ltd. - $344, 000.) 1 Minutes January 20, 1998 (6) Resolution No. 10,184, described as: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF LAND FROM THE FAMILY OF MARY ALICE MACDONALD FOR PARK PURPOSES ADJACENT TO KIWANIS PARK. (72 acre) (7) Resolution No. 10,185, with the title being: A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PARTICIPATION OF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY'S AND THE LAW OFFICE MANAGER IN THE USCM 401(a) MONEY PURCHASE RETIREMENT PLAN ADMINISTERED BY THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT SERVICES CORPORATION; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (8) Resolution No. 10,186, entitled: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF A WATER MAIN TO THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. (Along east side of Chenal Parkway north of Highway 10.) (9) Resolution No. 10,187, described as: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF AN EIGHT INCH (8 ") SEWER MAIN TO THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY, SUBJECT TO ANNEXATION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY SUBDIVISION. ( Chenal Parkway and Highway 10) (10) Resolution No. 10,188, with the title being: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN APPRAISAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH RICHARD A. STEPHEN'S AND ASSOCIATES TO DETERMINE THE VALUE OF THE PEDESTRIAN EASEMENT AT THE MOBILE HOME PARK FRONTAGE LOCATED AT 11500 CHICOT ROAD. (Not to exceed $1,650.) (11) Resolution No. 10,189, entitled: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS TO MAKE CERTAIN EXPENDITURES TOWARD PARK AND RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS AND TO REIMBURSE ITSELF FOR SUCH EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY; AND PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO. (12) Resolution No. 10,190, described as: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS TO MAKE CERTAIN EXPENDITURES TOWARD STREET, SIDEWALK, CURB, GUTTER, DRAINAGE AND OTHER RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND TO REIMBURSE ITSELF FOR SUCH EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY; AND PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO. Upon a motion and second by Directors Adcock and Hinton, respectively, the Consent Agenda was adopted by unanimous voice vote. 2 105 106 Minutes January 20, 1998 Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,652, entitled: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISHING A PLANNED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TITLED "YMCA SHORT - FORM" PCD AT 524 BROADWAY (Z -6418) IN THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 36, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Introduced next was Ordinance No. 17,653, described as: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 17,295 FOR PURPOSES OF CHANGING THE APPROVED SITE PLAN AND USE MIX AND TO CREATE DAVIS PETROLEUM PCD SHORT -FORM AT 14103 CANTRELL ROAD (Z- 6179 -A), AMENDING CHAPTER 36, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. The next presentation was Ordinance No. 17,654, with the title being: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS PROVIDING FOR A VARIANCE OF PIPESTEM AND CUL -DE -SAC LENGTH, REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPITOL LAKES ESTATES PRELIMINARY PLAT, AT COOPER ORBIT ROAD NORTH OF SPRING VALLEY MANOR; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,655, entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF COMMERCIAL STREET REQUIREMENTS FOR WILSON COURT IN KANIS SOUTH ADDITION LOCATED AT KANIS ROAD AND WILSON COURT; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members 3 Minutes January 20, 1998 107 present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. The next presentation was Ordinance No. 17,656, described as: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS PROVIDING FOR A VARIANCE OF FRONT YARD BUILDING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR BOULEVARD TERRACE ADDITION REPLAT AT WEST 28TH STREET AND JACKSON STREET; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Introduced next was Ordinance No. 17,657, with the title being: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS PROVIDING FOR A VARIANCE OF PIPESTEM LOT REQUIREMENTS FOR KEENER VALLEY PRELIMINARY PLAT AT STATE HWY. 10 (CANTRELL ROAD) AND NORTON ROAD; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,658, entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING FOR A DEFERRAL OF BOUNDARY STREET IMPROVEMENTS TO NORTON ROAD AND HIGHWAY 10 AT THE KEENER VALLEY ADDITION; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. The next presentation was Ordinance No. 17,659, described as: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF BOUNDARY STREET REQUIREMENTS AND OF RIGHT - OF -WAY DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HIGHLAND PARK LOCATED AT PINE STREET AND WEST 18TH STREET; 4 101901 Minutes January 20, 1998 and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Introduced next was Ordinance No. 17,660, with the title being: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND CONTRACTS FOR GANG INTERVENTION SERVICES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,661, entitled: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND CONTRACTS FOR COMMUNITY -BASED PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SERVICES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. The next presentation was Ordinance No. 17,662, described as: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND A CONTRACT FOR YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION SERVICES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. Introduced next was Ordinance No. 17,663, with the title being: AN ORDINANCE DISPENSING WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A 90 DAY CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being nine in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of 5 Minutes January 20, 1998 Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - None; Absent - Directors Kumpuris and Wilson - total 2. Therefore, the Ordinance was declared PASSED. At 6:30 o'clock P.M. Mayor Dailey read a Proclamation which proclaimed January 20, 1998, as Norma Woods Day in the City of Little Rock. Mrs. Woods hosts events in her home for some of the youth of her community in recognition of their excellence. The next presentation was a proposed Ordinance described as: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK, ARK. REV. CODE SECTION 3 -530 AND 531 (1988) TO REDEFINE SNIPE SIGNS AND PENALTIES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; (Temporary signs or posters affixed to a tree, fence, telephone pole or any object in the public right of way.) and the Ordinance was read the first time. Director Cazort asked City Attorney Tom Carpenter to explain the current Ordinance and the intent of this proposed Ordinance. Mr. Carpenter said the City of Little Rock has a comprehensive sign ordinance that deals with virtually every type of sign, and recently there was some concern about temporary signs being in place that could subject some people to a fine. The Ordinance still prohibits temporary signs in the public right -of -way but the proposed Ordinance decriminalizes it and makes it a civil offense. Instead of subjecting the individual to a fine that could eventually extend to $500, there is a civil penalty for the cost of removing the sign and the cost is set at $25 per five signs. Director Adcock requested that the Ordinance be deferred for thirty (30) days, so the Litter Task Force could take a look at the overall sign ordinance. The Board Members agreed to leave the Ordinance on the calendar for second reading on February 3, 1998 and the third reading on February 27,1998. (Director Wilson enrolled at 6:35 o'clock P.M.) Consideration was then given to Ordinance No. 17,664, entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING LITTLE ROCK, ARK. REV. CODE (1988), CHAPTER 36, BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE ENTITLED "WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES "; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR PERMITTED LOCATIONS, CONDITIONS FOR PLACEMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR AN EMERGENCY; and the Ordinance was read the first time. City Attorney Tom Carpenter discussed amendments to the Ordinances, stating two concerns that had been raised. One dealing with the signage had some restrictions within the signage and some state and federal requirements that may not actually comply with other aspects of the City Sign Ordinance To take care of that, the Ordinance should be amended to state "except as provided by state or federal law." The second concern was what happens if during the course of the evaluation, the staff has to have certain proprietary information made available to it. A phrase has been added to the Ordinance to create guidelines for dealing with such information. The third issue deals with having a few higher signs to encourage co- location rather than to have a multitude of smaller signs. There was a motion by Director Cazort to amend the Ordinance as stated by Mr. Carpenter. The motion was seconded by Director Adcock and unanimously adopted. City Manager Cy Carney pointed out that the moratorium on tower locations expired on January 15, 1998; therefore, he recommended the Board consider all three readings at this meeting. (Mr. Carpenter noted that there is not a conflict of interest with Director Wyrick voting on this Ordinance due to her being employed by a telecommunications company because this is a zoning ordinance.) The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third 6 109 110 Minutes January 20, 1998 readings of the Ordinance, as amended, by unanimous vote of the Board Members present being ten in number and two- thirds or more of the members of the Board of Directors. A roll call vote was taken on passage of the Ordinance as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 10; Noes - None; Absent - Director Kumpuris - total 1. The Emergency Clause contained in Section 4 of the foregoing Ordinance, as amended, was read and adopted by the following roll call vote: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Hinton, Hodges and Mayor Dailey - total 10; Noes - None; Absent - Director Kumpuris - total 1. Whereupon, the Ordinance, together with the Emergency Clause, was declared PASSED. The next presentation was Ordinance No. 17,665, described as: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LITTLE ROCK, ARK., ORDINANCE NO. 16,722 (AUGUST 2, 1994) TO CHANGE THE SELECTION PROCESS OF MEMBERS TO THE RACIAL AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMISSION; TO DEFINE THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION; TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; and the Ordinance was read the first time. Mrs. Cathy Collins, Executive Director of the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission, explained the Ordinance. Director Adcock asked that the record reflect that the City Board was not notified of the final meeting of the restructuring committee, and that is the reason she did not attend that meeting. Director Adcock moved to take the creation of a fair housing ordinance out of the duties of this commission (delete line 19), and put it into the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs (Tim Polk) where it is already being addressed. Mayor Dailey was opposed because this was a part of the Future Little Rock charge to the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission. Mrs. Collins said they would be working closely with Tim Polk and his Department. After a lengthy discussion, City Attorney Tom Carpenter recommending changing the word "creation" to "consideration." Director Adcock then changed her motion to use the word "consideration" instead of "creation" on line 19 (page 1) of the Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Director Hinton and adopted by a voice vote of 9 ayes and 1 no (Director Wilson). There was a subsequent motion by Director Hodges to abolish the words "and interview process" on line 28, page 2, Section 2(b). The motion was seconded by Director Cazort. The motion failed by the following roll call vote: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, ad Hodges - total 4; Noes - Directors Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Wilson, Hinton, and Mayor Dailey - total 6; Absent - Director Kumpuris - total 1. Director Cazort moved to amend Section 5(a) (Duties and Powers) by deleting the words "established by Future Little Rock" so that it would state "To --any out goals as directed by the City Board of Directors. " The motion was seconded by Director Hodges and adopted by a voice vote of 8 ayes and 2 noes (Wilson and Kelly). Director Adcock then moved to insert the word "its" in Section 5(f) so that it would read "To periodically review and revise its bylaws for necessary changes." The motion was seconded by Director Cazort and adopted by voice vote of 8 ayes and 1 no (Director Wilson.) Director Adcock also moved to delete the word "powers" from Section 5 Duties and Powers. The motion died for lack of a second. The rules were suspended to provide for the second and third readings of the Ordinance, as amended, by a voice vote of 9 ayes and 1 no (Director Adcock). A roll call vote was taken on the question, Shall the Ordinance Pass, as follows: Ayes - Directors Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges, and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - Director Wilson - total l; Absent - Director Kumpuris - total 1. The Emergency Clause contained in Section 7 of the foregoing Ordinance, as amended, was read and adopted by the following roll call vote: Ayes - Directors Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kelly, Adcock, Hinton, Hodges, Wilson and Mayor Dailey - total 9; Noes - Director Cazort - total 1; Absent - Director Kumpuris - total 1. Whereupon, the Ordinance, together with the Emergency Clause, was declared PASSED. 7 Minutes January 20, 1998 Director Cazort stated that he had received a number of complaints regarding the Links Paratransit System, specifically from UALR students. He was told that students have to schedule their rides a week or two in advance and cannot get put on a regular schedule. Also if you are not at the pickup location at the exact time scheduled, the Paratransit System did not wait, and you cannot call to be picked up, but must wait until the next scheduled pickup time. Director Cazort asked City Manager Cy Carney to get a report from Central Arkansas Transit System on the Paratransit policy regarding its scheduling system, time of pickup, waiting time, etc. Director Hinton also asked for a report on other transportation modes in Little Rock that are not paying their fair share. Director Hinton referred to a letter he had received regarding increased amount of prostitution and gang violence around the Central High area, and ask for additional police force in that area. City Manager Cy Carney gave his activity and project report regarding the Digest of Little Rock Neighborhoods; murder rates; South End Alert Center; and City Manager staffing. At the time allotted for Citizen Communications, the first speaker was Linda McIntosh, a past employee of MEMS (Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services). She stated that 105 of the 138 paramedics have recently voted no confidence in Bill Martin, the Executive Director of MEMS. The paramedics elected her as their spokesperson out of fear of retaliation. Some believe this is strictly a personnel issue that started when Mr. Martin fired the Operations Manager, but that is not the case. This is an issue of the medics concern for the ambulance service its self. They first expressed this concern to the Little Rock Ambulance Authority on July 23, 1991. They believe the Little Rock Ambulance Authority and the MEMS CEO need to refocus priorities to provide the best ambulance service. The focus has become primarily financial. She asked the Board to use its influence to assure the Little Rock Ambulance Authority that it needs to research and act on the facts provided to the Chairman of the Personnel Committee. She also asked the Board to help the paramedics provide the best ambulance service for this community. City Manager Cy Carney stated that the issue is that the City wants to assure that the ambulance service provided is of the highest level. He has talked with members of the Ambulance Authority and has been assured that they will have consideration for these issues and concerns. At the request of Director Keck, Ms. McIntosh briefly explained the eight concerns, stating that some of them dealt with the Executive Director, but the main concern was the inadequate coverage of the metropolitan area - there are not enough ambulances and employees. There was a lengthy discussion during which Ms. McIntosh responded to questions by the Board. The next speaker under Citizen Communications was Dr. Marvin Leibovich, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Baptist Medical Center and also President of the Pulaski County Medical Society. He has served on the MEMS Board of Directors and as President of the Arkansas Emergency Physicians Foundation (AEPF), which provides medical control for the MEMS Ambulance System. Dr. Leibovich expressed some concerns about the hostile manner of the MEMS Board and the fairness of the hearing, stating this is not a personnel issue, it is a quality of patient care issue. There was a vote of 101 of 104 paramedics of full confidence in the Operations Manager that was terminated. The AEPF unanimously voted complete confidence in the Operations Manager. Yet he was arbitrarily and capriciously terminated by one person. Dr. Leibovich stated he hoped the Board of Directors would look into the quality of care issue and give very serious consideration to the paramedics concerns. There being no further business to be presented, the Board of Directors adjourned at 8:15 o'clock P.M. to meet again in regular session on Tuesday, February 3, 1992. at 6:00 o'clock P.M. ATTEST: City Clerk Robbie Hancock 8 APPROVED: �A h�l ayor Jim Dailey i11