May 14, 2025

Council Meeting Minutes 04-08-2025

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in a regular meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. 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 5:03 p.m., with Councilman Keith Clay leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: Keith Clay, Danny Garnett, Joseph Hutchins, Don Steward, and John Hatley. With a quorum present, the meeting was called to order for business transactions.

Mayor Snyder asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on February 25, 2025. Don Steward motioned to approve the minutes, and Joseph Hutchins seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion was approved.

The mayor stated that she and the council had issued 2 Proclamations for April:

The first was a Proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Southside. She recognized Ms. Patricia Falcon and Ms. Robyn Phillips from the Barrie Center, who locally serve child abuse victims when there has been an allegation of sexual abuse or a child has witnessed a violent crime. Ms. Falcon and Ms. Phillips took the podium and expressed thanks to the City of Southside for its support of their “Pinwheels for Prevention” initiative. Ms. Falcon then recounted a success story that involved a City of Southside resident and reiterated the importance of support from the community and members of the police department. She thanked the mayor and council for the proclamation and the focus it placed on prevention. The clerk read the proclamation aloud for the council, and Ms. Falcon and Ms. Phillips accepted the Proclamation.

The second Proclamation was for April to also be Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month in the City of Southside. Mayor Snyder then introduced Mrs. Mamta Mishra, founder of the Autism Foundation of Gadsden, AL., who took the podium and addressed the Council. Mrs. Mishra expressed her gratitude to the Mayor and Council for recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month. She also invited anyone who is interested to attend the 4th Annual Autism Spectrum Conference “Together We Can Make A Difference” on April 19, 2025, at the Venue in Gadsden. She stated that this year’s keynote speaker is from Harvard University, and Southside Chief of Police, Jarrett Williams, will also be speaking on Safety Issues in the Emergency Treatment of Individuals with Autism. Ms. Mishra again invited anyone in the public to attend. Mayor Snyder then read the Proclamation.

Mrs. Teresa Rhea with the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama was recognized to address the council. Mrs. Rhea took the podium and explained that the Challenger Center is going to be a unique learning center in Rainbow City, which is currently under construction and is expected to be in operation in January 2026. Ms. Rhea then introduced Dr. Farah Hayes, who is the executive director of the center. Ms. Rhea stated that the purpose of the Center is to make sure that students in our area have an introduction to all of the career pathways associated with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and are aware of all of the opportunities available in these fields. The Center will serve a 12-county area, elementary through high school age students in a hands-on STEM learning environment, so they understand these fields are available to them as career paths. Dr. Hayes took the podium, introduced herself, explained her excitement for the center to open and serve students in the area, and spoke of various programs for various age groups of students. Dr. Hayes invited the Mayor and Council to come do a walk-around of the facility when it is closer to completion. Mayor Snyder then presented Ms. Rhea and Dr. Hayes with a check from the City of Southside, that the council had put in this year’s budget to help toward funding of the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. Mrs. Rhea, Dr. Hayes, Mayor Snyder and the members of the Council took a photograph together.

At this time the Mayor and Council got pictures made with Ms. Falcon and Ms. Phillips of the Barrie Center, and Mrs. Mishra from the Autism Foundation of Gadsden.

The mayor then recognized Robert Alley, Representative for the Real Estate Division of Waffle House. Mr. Alley had requested to address the council and allow them to ask questions about the prospective Waffle House location in town. Councilman Don Steward expressed excitement over the potential restaurant and stated that the council was willing to commit when the time comes, to either a tax abatement or assistance with acquiring the fill-dirt needed to begin the construction process. Mr. Alley thanked the council and stated that they were looking forward to serving the community as soon as the property purchase is completed.

Chief Williams was next on the agenda with officer recognition. He recognized the importance of the Barrie Center, the work they do in the community, and what an asset they are to the police department. He also stated that he was honored by Mrs. Mishra’s invitation to speak at the Autism Conference, and what an important topic safety is in the treatment of individuals with Autism. He then asked Sergeant Jeremy Johnson if he would come into Council Chambers to be recognized. Chief Williams explained that Lieutenant Jason Patty had submitted Sergeant Johnson for this recognition. He said that on February 1, officers responded to a residence about a subject possibly attempting suicide. When they arrived at the residence, it was determined that the subject was not actually at that location. Sgt. Johnson was able to get a vehicle description and tag number for the subject, ran it through the flock camera system, and through that, and the subject’s cell phone, he was able to ascertain the subject’s location and have law enforcement deployed. Upon arrival, the subject was discovered with a rope around his neck about to do himself harm. First Responders in that location were able to stop the subject and save his life. For his persistence and diligence, Sergeant Johnson, upon nomination by Lieutenant Patty was presented with a lifesaver award and is also recognized as Officer of the Quarter, for the first quarter of 2025. Chief Williams stated that Sergeant Johnson always goes above and beyond.

The meeting then moved into the Council Work Session

Mayor Snyder again recognized Chief Williams, who had previously presented the council with a proposal to enter into an agreement with HeroSchedule for scheduling in the Police Department, which is scheduling software that would allow all scheduling of shifts, vacations, sick time, etc. to be implemented, monitored, and approved digitally by supervision, as well as provide the ability to see who is on duty at any time to people in the department. Chief Williams originally presented the proposal at the February 25, 2025 council work session. The council had asked him to get information from other agencies who used the program. Chief Williams provided the council with a sheet of testimonials from various law enforcement agencies as to the benefits of using HeroSchedule. Chief Williams stated that the cost would be $84.00/month based on current staffing in the police department. The Council stated that they wished to add this to the Council Meeting agenda for a vote.

Chief Williams then presented a proposal to apply for enrollment and accreditation through the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Program. He explained that historically, Police Departments in the State of Alabama had to rely on accreditation from national organizations for certification if they desired to be accredited, which is extremely expensive. The Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police has developed its own accreditation program, which is much less costly, and will provide accountability to law enforcement policy standards, and transparency for the agency, with outside monitoring. He stated that accreditation by such an organization will also be an asset on grant applications and other outside funding opportunities. This program was just released in February, cost of initial enrollment is $200.00, then an annual membership fee of $100.00. The Council also stated they would like to add this item to the Council Meeting agenda for a vote.

Discussion of the 2025 Sponsorship of BASH in the Bend was next on the agenda. This $2500 sponsorship was included in the FY 2024/2025 accepted by the council in September. Councilman Steward had requested this be discussed since The Barrie Center representatives were present, and are beneficiaries of some of the funds raised by BASH in the Bend. Councilman Steward made the statement that when the Council delivers its sponsorship to BASH, they are allowed to designate which organization those funds are directed to. He stated that the council would request that this year’s funds be directed to the Barrie Center. Since this was a previously approved budget item, no action was necessary.

This Concluded Work Session Agenda.

NEW BUSINESS:

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to add a Resolution to the agenda for approval Authorizing the Mayor and/or Chief of Police to execute all necessary documents for enrollment and accreditation through the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Program. Danny Garnett seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was added to the meeting agenda.

Joseph Hutchins then made a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and/or Chief of Police to execute all necessary documents for enrollment and accreditation through the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Program. Don Steward seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to add a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and/or Chief of Police to enter into an agreement with HeroSchedule LLC for scheduling in the Police Department to the Meeting Agenda. Keith Clay seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was added.

Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and/or Chief of Police to enter an agreement with HeroSchedule, LLC for scheduling in the Police Department. Keith Clay seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

Mayor Snyder presented a Resolution to approve the 2025 Lease Agreement with Donald Sewell Farms for the leasing of 35.94 acres of property for commodity planting and harvesting. It is the same agreement as previous years. The property is city-owned, and located at the corner of Hood Road and Parker Anderson Lane. The lease is valid from April 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. Danny Garnett seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

The next item on the agenda was an agreement from ALDOT received Tuesday morning to amend the original prior signed TAP grant sidewalk design. (requested by the public and council at the Planning Commission meeting in January) Mayor Snyder stated that this is just a formality, amending the original project design to reflect the requested changes, and showing ALDOT’s approval of the changes. Councilman Hutchins stated that this was just an update to show the changes to the original design, there were no additional funds requested and was just for records. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution, Joseph Hutchins provided a second. Roll Call Vote: Keith Clay NO,
John Hatley: YES, Joseph Hutchins: YES, Don Steward: YES, Danny Garnett, (who re-clarified that this amendment was only for changing the specified area around the field house/competition gym to Highway 77 area previously discussed) YES, The Resolution was approved.

Mayor Snyder then recognized Councilman Steward, who had provided the council with a packet of information regarding LED signage to replace the existing outdated Marquis Sign at the entrance to City Hall. Councilman Steward had provided 3 quotes from reputable sign vendors, stating that this was something that the council had been looking at for the past 3 years, and there is an opportunity to do this now, before any possible tariff-related price increase for electronics takes place. Councilman Steward stated that he had been looking at a 16mm 2-sided LED sign, which was quoted in the 40–60-thousand-dollar range, but the SUNTRONICS Vendor, who is currently installing digital signage for Southside High School Baseball, has provided a quote for a 6mm much higher definition sign at a significantly lower price of $29,500, since they have available signs, and they are already working in the area. This quoted sign is also larger than the other 2, more expensive signs, and has a great warranty package, including 10-year parts availability. This is a vendor located in Alabama. Councilman Clay inquired if Councilman Steward had seen the differences, and he explained the differences in definition that he had seen with the signs. Councilman Clay made a motion to add the purchase of the sign to the agenda for this meeting. Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The sign purchase was added.

Don Steward made a motion to approve the purchase of a 2-sided LED Sign from SUNTRONICS LED Signs for $29,500. Keith Clay seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The purchase was approved.

Mayor Snyder then recognized Fire Chief, Wade Buckner, who addressed the council with a proposal from Midland for the purchase of weather radios at a discounted price for the city. Chief Buckner explained that he had been asked by the Southside Senior if they could get some weather radios, and the city’s EMA-provided stockpile of radios had been dispensed during severe weather earlier in the season. The EMA is currently out of radios themselves, and Chief Buckner has contacted the vendor, Midland himself for pricing if the city were to purchase some of the radios. Chief Buckner said the price in a store was usually around $39.95 per radio, but by buying directly from Midland, the city could buy 100 radios for 26.15 per radio, for a total of $2915.00 including pre-programming, and a sticker identifying the radios as Southside Radios. Chief Buckner stated that he would like to purchase 100, to be able to supply residents and Southside Senior Members who still are in need of weather radios. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add the purchase to the agenda. Don Steward provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The purchase was added to the agenda for a vote.

Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the purchase of the weather radios. Danny Garnett seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES the purchase of 100 weather radios was approved.

Mayor Snyder stated that Finance Director, Nickie Pylant had received information Tuesday Morning regarding the previously approved Internal Cost Reduction Analysis of the existing city telecommunications service accounts to eliminate unnecessary accounts and overpayments. Director Pylant addressed the council, stating that the SpyGlass analysis had discovered a potential savings of $283.76 monthly or $3405.12 per year. Mayor Snyder stated that there was a Resolution prepared to authorize SpyGlass to terminate or alter telecommunication service accounts discovered as unnecessary or overpaid during the internal cost reduction analysis process. The cost of this service would be a one-time fee of $3405.12, which is the first year’s savings. Don Steward made a motion to add the approval to the agenda. Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was added to the agenda.

Don Steward made a motion to approve the agreement to authorize SpyGlass to terminate or alter telecommunication service accounts discovered as unnecessary or overpaid. Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The agreement was approved.

Mayor Snyder asked if there were any comments from the public at this time, and thanked all the guests who had addressed the council. There were none.

At this time, Finance Director Nickie Pylant addressed the council and stated that she had spoken with Fire Chief Buckner before the meeting, and there are currently extra funds in the fire tax account, and she would like council approval to move $200,000.00 into a C. D. for interest earnings. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this item to the agenda. Don Steward seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The proposed investment was added to the agenda.

Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve Finance Director, Nickie Pylant, to move $200,000 from the Fire Tax account into an interest-bearing C. D. Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion was approved.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

The Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the council chambers.
The next Planning Commission is scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in council chambers.

Mayor Snyder stated that she would be making a motion to go into executive session after the Regular Council Meeting regarding a personnel matter and possible sale of property.

Keith Clay had no additional comments.

John Hatley had no additional comments.

Don Steward: Inquired of Robert Alley, Waffle House Representative if he needed anything in writing from the council regarding any potential incentives regarding the prospective restaurant at this time. He responded that they would begin communicating with the City Attorney regarding the requested incentives.

Joseph Hutchins Had no additional comments.

Danny Garnett Had no additional comments.

Don Steward made a motion to adjourn. The regular meeting was adjourned at 5:03 P.M. and the council went into Executive Session.