March 11, 2024

Council Meeting Minutes 02-27-2024

Agenda

Minutes

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 City of Southside City Hall on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. 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 4:01 p.m., with Keith Clay leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: John Hatley, Don Steward, Keith Clay, and Danny Garnett. Joseph Hutchins was not in attendance. With a quorum being present, the meeting was opened for the transaction of business. The council recessed into the work session at 4:02 p.m., the mayor then requested the council to recess to an executive session to discuss a security matter. Don Steward made a motion to go into executive session, Danny Garnett provided a second, and the council voted unanimously to go into an executive session at 4:03 p.m. to discuss a security matter, as well as a matter involving good name and character. They then returned to the work session at 4:19p.m., and reconvened the council meeting at 4:24 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 February 13, 2024. A motion was made by Don Steward to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by John Hatley. Roll call vote: ALL AYES. The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Snyder then introduced Principals Carrie Yancey and Julie Tucker from Southside High School and Southside Elementary School to accept a contribution to each school from the City of Southside to help with any equipment or other needs the schools might have. Mayor Snyder asked if either Principal would like to give updates on things going on at the schools. Principal Tucker went first, and gave highlights of all the activities going on at Southside High School and thanked the Mayor and Council for their support. Principal Yancey then gave highlights on activities at Southside Elementary School, and thanked the Mayor and Council for their support as well. Both principals came forward to receive their checks as well as have a picture with the mayor and council.

Mayor Snyder recognized Street Department Supervisor, Jeff Wise for 40 years of service to the City of Southside. She expressed the City’s gratitude, gave brief highlights of Jeff’s career with the City of Southside, and presented Jeff with a certificate of appreciation for his service. Jeff came forward to receive his certificate, and had a picture with the Mayor and Council as well.

Next a Resolution for a 2500 sponsorship of the Airport Marine High School Fishing Tournament was presented. This event is scheduled for October 5, which would be next budget year. This is a tournament the City of Southside has sponsored the previous 2 years. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. John Hatley seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES.

The next item was a Resolution to authorize a voting delegate for the annual Alabama League of Municipalities voting delegate at their annual business meeting May 17. The resolution names Mayor Dana Snyder as the voting delegate, Councilman Danny Garnett first alternate, and Councilman Joseph Hutchins second alternate. Don Steward made a motion to approve the resolution, Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was All Ayes.

Mayor Snyder then recognized City Employee Vickie Beggs, who had arrived in council chambers. Vickie has worked for the City of Southside in either a full-time or part-time capacity for over 27 years. Her last day with the city will be 2-29-2024. Vickie then addressed the Mayor and Council, thanked them for allowing her to work, recounted some of her experiences over the years, and received a certificate of appreciation, as well as had a picture made.

The next agenda item was a Resolution amending Resolution 0-083-2023 (accepting the COPS Hiring Grant) due to an error in translation the resolution stated the grant funded at 75% with a 25% match from the city. In actuality the grant funds at 60%, with a 40% match from the City. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. Keith Clay provided a second. Roll Call Vote Was ALL AYES.

The next item was added to the agenda from the work session. It is the approval to amend Resolution 0-010-2024 to purchase a dump truck for up to $125,000.00 off the State of Alabama bid list which would be available in 8-10 months. The amendment would change the purchase price to $128,000.00 for a heavier-duty truck that is available immediately. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. Danny Garnett provided the second. Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES.

Mayor Snyder then asked the audience if they had any comments.

There was discussion on the pros and cons of recording the council work sessions.
Councilman Garnett gave an update about improving the audio/visual equipment in council chambers.

Councilman Steward brought up discussion about the upcoming paving project, as well as the need to plan a special work session regarding animal control and capital plan, and asked City Attorney Rhea if a zoning amendment had to start with the planning commission. Attorney Rhea responded that yes, any zoning starts with the planning commission.

Councilman Garnett congratulated the Police Department on a recent traffic stop that resulted in a large drug bust.

Mayor Snyder congratulated Southside High School Wrestlers who did well in the State tournament in Huntsville, and the Girls Basketball Team who made it to the State Elite Eight. She made the following announcements:

The next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2024 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in council chambers at City of Southside City Hall.

The Next City Council Meeting will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. in council chambers at the City of Southside City Hall. This is a change from the regular Tuesday, March 12, scheduled meeting due to lack of quorum on that date.

With no other business to discuss the mayor asked if there was a motion to dismiss. Don Steward made the motion to dismiss. Keith Clay seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 P.M.