May 29, 2024

Council Meeting Minutes 05-14-2024

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 of Southside City Hall on Tuesday, May 14, 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 5:02 p.m., with Councilman Joseph Hutchins leading in prayer.

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

Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes from the regular council meeting held on April 23, 2024. A motion was made by Don Steward to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by Danny Garnett. Roll call vote: ALL AYES. The motion carried unanimously.

The first agenda item was a Proclamation by the Mayor and Council proclaiming the “Little League Baseball Field” behind Southside Elementary as “Gary Bolton Field”, honoring Mr. Gary Bolton for his many years of involvement in youth sports in the City of Southside. The proclamation was read by the clerk, and Mr. Bolton came forward to accept it and have pictures with the Mayor and Council.

The mayor recognized Chief of Police Jarrett Williams, who then introduced Mr. Tony Garrett and Mr. Ray Wagner from Central Alabama Crimestoppers, who were in attendance to recognize 2 City of Southside officers as 2 of only 25 2023 City of Southside Officers of the Year recognized by their state-wide organization. Mr. Garrett asked Officers Brent Whisenant and Jared Dunn to come forward for recognition. He then read a press release to be published regarding the Officers, and the events and actions which lead to their nomination for, and ultimately being awarded the Crimestoppers Officer of the Year Award. Mr. Garrett presented the Officers with certificates and gift bags, as well as explained that the Officers would now be in consideration for the State of Alabama Crimestoppers Officer of the Year Award.

Next, Mayor Snyder introduced Jennifer McGriff with the Neighborhood Bridges Etowah County Organization, which functions through the Etowah County Board of Education to shed light on needs of students at all of the county schools. The organization serves as a liaison between the students in need, and individuals and organizations or businesses willing to help eliminate the needs, and hopefully put all students in the best position to be successful.

The Mayor then recognized Windon Edge, representing the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery. Mr. Edge explained the significance of the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery’s history, and that its board has petitioned the Alabama Historical Commission’s cemetery program to have it listed. Mr. Edge stated that a listing on the registry could open the door for possible grants in the future to help with the increasing costs of maintaining a cemetery with both very old graves, as well as more recent. He asked the council to consider a possible contribution to assist with the costs now.

Mr. Todd McCartney was introduced, representing BASH LLC, a 501-C-3 non-profit organization which currently puts on Etowah County’s largest single-day charity event; BASH in the Bend, an outdoor live-music event held annually, with ALL of its proceeds going to support the James M. Barrie Center for Children as it’s anchor charity, as well as other selected charities all in Etowah County. Mr. McCartney petitioned the council for a sponsorship for this year’s 10th anniversary event as well. Councilman Don Steward made a motion to commit to a $2500.00 sponsorship, Joseph Hutchins provided a second to the motion. A Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

There was some discussion among council members about the various charities which they had sponsored this fiscal year. The council committed to look at discretionary funds in the next work-session to see if they could help the cemetery.

A Resolution was presented to allow the Chief of Police to enter into an agreement with Sergeant Jeremy Johnson, the City’s K-9 handler for use of his personal, duty trained dog during his police duties. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Danny Garnett provided the second. Roll Call Vote Was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented to appoint Kevin Holyfield to the Zoning Board of Adjustments to fill the vacancy created from the resignation of Dan Childs upon his appointment to the Water Board. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution, Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote Was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented to appoint Michele Bradford to the Zoning Board of Adjustments to fill the vacancy created by the end of the term of Larry Couch. This is a three year term from March 9,2024- March 9, 2027. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented to appoint Angie Pearce as a supernumerary member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments. These members function in the stead of regular board members to provide a quorum in case of their absence. This is a 3-year term running May 14,2024-May 14,2027. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. Keith Clay provided a second. Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented to appoint Misty Silvey as a supernumerary member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments. These members function in the stead of regular board members to provide a quorum in case of their absence. This is a 3-year term running May 14,2024-May 14,2027. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution. Keith Clay provided a second. Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Simmons Signs and Graphics for the refurbishment of 2 existing Gateway Signs and one new Gateway sign at the city entrance on Green Valley Road for the amount of $4870.00. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution, Joseph Hutchins seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented authorizing the purchase of a new Server and a back-up for City Hall. Mayor Snyder and Fire Chief Wade Buckner spoke of the outdated condition of the current server, as well as recent issues slowing down processes at City Hall. Chief Buckner stated that the 2 new servers would be able to replace 4 of 5 outdated servers currently in use at City Hall. The quoted cost was $24037.48, not to exceed $25,000.00 to be paid out of existing ARPA funds. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution, Danny Garnett seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

There was discussion of the draft provided to the council reflecting their suggested changes to the current City of Southside alcohol Ordinance. The changes will be adjusted according to council wishes, and put on the next agenda for vote, as per protocol.

A Resolution was presented approving a payment of $9436.66 for materials used in the 2022 street paving project on Misty Lane. The mayor explained that the city had kept a $50,000.00 retainer due to lack of completion, but it had been determined that there were materials used on this particular street in this amount. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution. Danny Garnett made the second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented authorizing the clerk to let out bids for two new Police Vehicles per the competitive bid law. The desired vehicles are Chevrolet Tahoes, which are no longer on the state bid list, so they are subject to competitive bid. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution. Don Steward provided the second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

The mayor and council answered questions and took comments from the residents in attendance on non-agenda items.

The mayor then made the following announcements:
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2024 in council chambers at City of Southside City Hall.

The new Fire Station Open House/ Grand Opening is Thursday, May 23,2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire Station.

There is a City-Wide Clean Up day scheduled May 31 beginning at 8:00 A.M. at City Hall, lunch should be served for participants

The next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2024 at 6 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Alabama Dept. of Transportation is planning to conduct a public meeting regarding the North-Bound bridge on June 20 at the Southside Community Center. There will be a time announced later.

The mayor asked each council member individually if they had anything to add;

Councilman Clay asked about additional speed limit signs on Cedar Bend Rd. Chief Williams stated that he and Public Works had assessed the situation and there are 6 additional speed limit signs in the works for Cedar Bend Rd. (3 in each direction)

The mayor also congratulated the RMS Quiz Bowl team on their performance in Chicago at National Competition.

With no other business to discuss the mayor asked if there was a motion to dismiss. Don Steward made the motion to adjourn. Danny Garnett seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.