City council presents BHM awards
Council addresses several issues including zoning ordinances and trash fees
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
The West Memphis City Council met for its regular session and covered a wide range of issues, from utility updates to zoning changes, but one of the evening’s highlights was a special recognition ceremony in honor of Black History Month.
Councilor Lorraine Mohammed led the Black History Awards presentation, recognizing a group of distinguished individuals for their contributions to the community. The honorees, all West Memphis natives and graduates of West Memphis Academy, were celebrated for earning college degrees and returning home to share their skills and talents. Those honored included Mr. Matthew Robinson,, Ms. Lisa Cuffie, Mr. Curtis Washington Jr., Ms. Shelby Pulliaum, Ms. Shelby L. Nelson, Dr. LaTeshia Gaither Davis, Dr. Rhianna Lewis Duncan, Ms. Chalet Robinson, and Mr. Cory Mills.
Among other the items on the agenda was a resolution confirming West Memphis as an AARP-friendly city, a move aimed at enhancing support and resources for senior citizens. Additionally, the council passed an ordinance updating metering regulations for the city’s utility services, a necessary housekeeping measure to reflect policy changes made back in 2020. Utility Manager Bob Atkins explained that the update ensures proper billing procedures for rooftop solar and other net metering policies. The ordinance was approved without opposition.
See AWARDS, page A3 AWARDS
From page A1
Zoning discussions were another major focus, particularly regarding special use permits for mechanic shops. Planning & Development Director Chad Bowman emphasized the city’s efforts to enforce stricter regulations on auto repair businesses, ensuring inoperable vehicles are properly stored and not left unsightly on properties. The council discussed enforcement measures, including ticketing and privilege license restrictions for noncompliant businesses.
Another ordinance up for discussion involved rezoning a vacant property on South 12th Street from downtown mixed-use to a residential zone. The developer plans to convert the building into a duplex, which Councilor Wayne Croom noted could help revitalize an under developed area. The ordinance passed unanimously..
Public works and sanitation fees also came up for review. Council members approved a measure that formally attaches garbage collection fees to an ordinance rather than a resolution, making the fee structure part of city law. Councilor Wayne Hutchinson confirmed that no rate increases were included in the change.
The meeting also touched on property acquisitions in Broadway Park subdivisions, with the city purchasing three lots for future housing development. Mayor McClendon said that these acquisitions are part of a broader effort to build homes and encourage growth in residential areas.
At the close of the meeting, Mayor McClendon announced the upcoming Veterans Memorial Celebration, scheduled for May 22. He invited residents to submit applications to have their loved ones recognized for their military service.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. The next council session is set for March 20, 2025.
