COUNCIL MEETING 11-28-2023

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in regular public session in Council Chambers at The City of Southside City Hall on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Prior notice of this meeting was given in compliance with Resolution No. 0-035-2005 of the City of Southside, Alabama and the Alabama Open Meetings Act. Mayor Dana Snyder called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., with Danny Garnett leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: Joseph Hutchins, John Hatley, Keith Clay Danny Garnett and Don Steward. With a quorum being present, the meeting was opened for the transaction of business. The council recessed to the work session at 4:01 p.m., and reconvened the council meeting at 5:16 p.m.

Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes from the regular council meeting held on November 14, 2023. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by Don Steward. Roll call vote: All ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

First on the agenda was resident, Hannah Minyard, who had requested to be on the agenda to discuss the City Zoning Ordinance regarding having fowl in an area zoned R-1 on less than 3 acres of land. Ms. Minyard addressed the council, requesting that they consider amending the zoning ordinance to allow for backyard chickens (with restrictions) Mayor Snyder explained to Ms. Minyard that the City does have a process to apply for variance from the zoning law. She then asked building and zoning official, Judd Rich who was present to address the zoning process. Mayor Snyder and Mr. Rich then explained that to amend an ordinance, the issue must first go through the Planning Commission, then upon their recommendation, to the council to amend.

Next on the agenda was a proposed Ordinance to adopt the 2021 building codes. This was addressed in the work session, not to be effective until June or July out of consideration for existing building permits, as well as notifying contractors of the upcoming change. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Ordinance to adopt the 2021 building codes, to take effect July 1, 2024. Mayor Snyder provided the second to the motion. Roll Call vote: Clay: NO, Hatley: NO, Steward: YES, Hutchins: YES, Garnett: NO, Mayor Snyder: YES, the mayor declared the vote a tie, the issue can be put back on the agenda at a later date, after the council does more research on the changes involved.

The next item on the agenda was a Resolution to accept the 2024 TAP grant, discussed during the work session. This grant is a federal award for a sidewalk running from Daystar Lane, down School Drive to Hwy 77, then to Glenn Drive. It is 80% federally funded with a 20% match from the city. Mayor Snyder stated that at this time, the estimated cost of the project was under one million dollars, and the federal grant would pay 80% of the cost, up to $800,000.00, with the city being responsible for the remainder. The resolution is a certified agreement to the conditions of the grant. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the resolution to accept the 2024 TAP grant. Don Steward made the second to the motion. The roll call vote was ALL AYES. Mayor Snyder declared the motion carried.

The next item was a resolution to pay the remaining balance to Hurst Construction of $3510.00 for completion of the Hawthorne Circle Project. This project was completed last year, and this last invoice was for removal and replacement of some unsuitable material located under the drainage pipes. A motion to approve the resolution was made by Don Steward, with a second provided by Danny Garnett. Roll Call vote ALL AYES, the mayor declared the motion carried unanimously

The next item of business was approval for the application for a grant that Police Chief Williams had presented during the work session. The STOP Violence Against Women Act-Law Enforcement Grant, and Mayor Snyder stated that the application must be completed before the next council meeting. Chief Williams stated it had to be submitted by December 9. Roll call vote was ALL AYES. The mayor declared the motion carried.

Next was Chief Williams request to replace the police fleet vehicle previously driven by lieutenant Jason Patty, which was totaled in an accident. The mayor stated that Insurance was covering approximately $35,000.00 for the replacement, but the comparable vehicle off the state bid list would require an additional $14,000.00, to be paid out of ARPA funds. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the purchase, a second was provided by Don Steward. The role call vote was ALL AYES. Mayor Snyder declared the motion carried.

The next item was added to the agenda from the work session. It is approval for a half page ad in the Chamber Magazine, which would also feature an article about the City of Southside. Mayor Snyder stated that she believed it was decided in the work session to purchase a one-half page ad, which Councilman Garnett affirmed. Councilman Garnett made a motion to approve the purchase, Joseph Hutchins seconded the motion. Roll call vote was ALL AYES. The mayor declared the motion passed.

With that, all business was concluded.

Mayor Snyder then made the following announcements:

 Christmas Boat Parade Friday, December 8, 2023 at Southside Landing
 Christmas Village December 9, 2023 from 9a.m. until 3 p.m. in gravel lot beside City Hall
 Next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for December 11,2023

The mayor the recognized residents in attendance who wished to speak on various topics.

With no further business to conduct, Joseph Hutchins made a motion to adjourn, Don Steward provided a second. The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m.

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Dana Snyder, Mayor
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Cindy Beshears, Acting City Clerk