Harvey W. Taylor

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by the official call to order for the first council meeting of the year 2026. Key discussions involved bid openings concerning the Metobrook Country Club golf course green renovation, which requires soil testing and partial rebuilds to meet a July opening deadline, and the utilization of the old courthouse and flash market building for the Police Department and a STEM center, respectively. The council approved the supply of crushed limestone for Public Works. An ordinance regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in compliance with Act 313 of 2025 was introduced, with a work session scheduled for January 12th. An ordinance granting a special use permit for a U-Haul truck rental site at 1410 North Missouri was approved after three readings. A council member praised the administration for achieving zero material findings on the annual audit for the third consecutive year. Committee reports included an update from the airport commission on the completion of Phase One and the ongoing progress of Phase Two of the North Apron rehab project. Finally, the date for the next council meeting was officially moved from January 15th to January 22nd.

The council meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by the swearing-in and welcome of the new Councilperson Bale. The roll call confirmed nine out of ten council members were present, noting Councilman Mckette's absence for prayer. Minutes from the previous session were approved. Old business included the second reading of an ordinance concerning a special use permit for an auto body and paint shop; the council decided to read it a third time at the next meeting. For new business, Resolution R1, adopting the 2026 city budget, was read by title only and approved despite some council members abstaining due to lack of full participation in prior budget meetings. The distribution of charity funds designated by Councilman Kroom to Faith International and Families in Transition was also approved. Committee reports covered the Public Works Committee meeting on December 2nd, noting fleet operational status and waste/recycling tonnage for November, and the Police Commission meeting on December 1st, which discussed the recent Christmas parade, the upcoming 'Shop with a Cop' initiative involving $10,000 in funding, a recent shooting incident in the Foxwood area requiring increased patrols and camera installation, and the impending purchase of six new drones. Finally, the Mayor announced his appointment to the Arkansas Complete Count Committee and presented a proclamation establishing West Memphis as the nation's first 'Hyper City' and appointing the utility GM, Bob Atkins, as the Hyper City Energy and Innovation Director to facilitate advanced energy project development, particularly focusing on attracting nuclear innovation and securing federal grid support.

The council meeting involved the election of a chairperson in the mayor's absence and quorum confirmation. Key legislative actions included the third reading and approval of an ordinance granting a special use permit for an auto body and paint shop at 1416 North Missouri Street, with amendments requiring compliance with environmental emission standards and precluding the location from becoming a car lot. The council also addressed two subsequent ordinances: Ordinance 01, which waived competitive bidding for emergency repairs to the irrigation system at Meadowbrook Country Club, and Ordinance 02, which amends a previous ordinance to establish new minimum monthly rates for 10-inch and 12-inch water meters and revise usage rates for in-city and out-of-town water service, effective January 1, 2016.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as economic development, approval of minutes, charity day giving, and permission requests. The council approved the Lord's bid for Jackson excavation and added Mrs. Muhammed's charity days to the agenda. A resolution to approve the sales agreement between the city and Marijuana Miles was also discussed and approved. Additionally, there were discussions about leasing new vehicles and reports from the police and public works committees. The police committee discussed the use of drones, and the public works committee provided a fleet report and discussed recycling and garbage collection statistics. Updates were given on Tilden Rogers Park and the upcoming Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.

The meeting included a public hearing on the issuance of public utility system revenue bonds. The council discussed and approved resolutions, including one authorizing an equipment lease purchase agreement and another supporting a border city tax exemption for residents and businesses. An ordinance granting a special use permit for an auto body and paint shop was introduced. The council also addressed the issuance of public utility system revenue bonds, including discussions on financing a new natural gas plant and the financial implications. Additionally, there was an update on the 2026 insurance plans for city employees, with a review of proposals and recommendations.