June 16, 2025

Council Meeting Minutes 05-27-2025

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, May 27, 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 5:00 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, and Don Steward; John Hatley was not present. With a quorum present, the meeting was called to order for business transactions.

Mayor Snyder made a motion for the council to enter into an executive session to discuss an economic development opportunity. The council recessed into the conference room at 5:02 p.m. and returned to Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Snyder asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on May 13, 2025. Joseph Hutchins motioned to approve the minutes, and Keith Clay seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion was approved.

The Mayor Stated that May is being recognized as ALS awareness month. The clerk read a proclamation to that effect.

The council entered its work session at 5:36

The first item on the work session agenda was the discussion regarding a decision not to bid PPV trucks for the new police vehicles, as previously discussed. Chief Williams stated that there was potential availability of Tahoes, which are the preferred vehicle, from dealerships other than the state bid list, coming in June. The council members were all in agreement that the Tahoes are the better option. The approval to let bids for the Tahoes was added to the meeting agenda.

Councilman Clay presented information on a potential project to resurface and refurbish the existing tennis courts adjacent to Southside Elementary. Councilman Clay stated that around a year ago, Sam Collins, a representative from the local pickleball club, had come to address the council requesting that the city build some pickleball courts. Councilman Clay said he had suggested at that time that the city refurbish the existing tennis courts adjacent to Southside Elementary and the Little League Field, and have them striped for both tennis and pickleball. He mentioned that at the last work session, there was a discussion of the city being in a good financial position, and the need to do more things for parks and recreation. He had gotten quotes to show the potential costs of the project. He stated that he was aware that there are pickleball courts included in the design for the softball complex expansion, and he is all for that expansion, however, there are things that should be done before that plan is started. He said that he would like to see the expansion project broken up into smaller, less expensive phases, and this project could be completed faster. He stated that he had met with the Southside High School Tennis coach, who was in attendance, and they had visited the existing tennis courts. She said the facility would be a good place for the team to practice in the fall, that it would not help with spring practices or matches, and they had discussed a possible expansion down the road. He feels that the newer 6-foot and 10-foot fencing would help with playground safety. He does not think the facility would add much traffic to the area at all, and there is plenty of parking. Councilman Clay presented the council with a quote for the project, which would be 3 tennis courts/6 pickleball courts, new fencing, lighting, basketball courts, nets, and a new pathway to the facilities. The total estimated cost of this quote was $160,400.00. He said that he had spoken with Jay Freeman and the school board about the possibility of a cooperative project with the Board of Education to fund the project. Councilman Clay feels that this project is “low-hanging fruit” and could be completed pretty quickly, and would like the council to consider this option. The mayor asked for a discussion. Councilman Danny Garnett addressed the Mayor and Council, stating that he believed this was a good idea. He said that this particular piece of property has been perpetually encumbered since 1974 and must be used as a recreational facility, unless the encumbrance is moved to another recreational facility and approved. Councilman Garnett stated that a previous council had tried to swap this property for other property with the Board of Education, and they were not interested. He feels that the entire property is not being utilized.He mentioned that the property already has parking, lights, and bathroom facilities (which would need to be upgraded). He thinks this project would enhance playground security, and he would support the project. Councilman Joseph Hutchins then joined the discussion. He first stated that there were 2 areas of asphalt on this property, and asked Councilman Clay which he was referring to for refurbishment. Councilman Clay responded that he was speaking about both. Councilman Hutchins stated that the larger piece of asphalt is currently used by Southside Elementary during some of their P.E. classes, and asked how the city would work around that if this were a public facility. Councilman Clay responded that if they were working in conjunction with the School Board, a discussion would need to happen as to how to make the area available to the school. Councilman Hutchins asked if that meant shutting the facility down to the public during certain hours. Councilman Clay responded that it would be a possibility. Councilman Hutchins stated that he agrees that the area needs to be re-vamped, however he is concerned that if the city spends the money to do this project, then from August through May, from approximately 6 a.m. until 6 or p.m. in the evening, it would be inaccessible to the public due to school use during actual school hours, as well as the after school programs, pick up line traffic, and the potential use for high school tennis team practice. There was discussion between Councilman Hutchins and Councilman Clay about the hours that the elementary P.E. classes utilize the property, as well as information given to Councilman Hutchins from the principal regarding pick-up lines in the afternoon for both buses and cars. He stated that his conversation with the principal brought up concerns regarding traffic during the pick-up time if the property was open for public access. He stated that he was not in favor of a public-access park where there is only a fence separating the public from children. Councilman Clay stated that currently, there is only a small fence separating the area from the school. Councilman Hutchins reiterated that he is not for the area being a public access, and would, however, be in favor of putting up better fencing. Councilman Hutchins pointed out that any member of the public had a right to be on City property as long as they were not unlawfully conducting themselves. He then stated that the Board of Education has a different set of rules, and can remove someone not conducting business with the actual school out of concern for the safety of the children and faculty on the premises. He feels that if the City opens it up, as city property, there would be nothing that school officials could do to remove anyone from the property. He stated that he understands that the property is already “City Property”; he just does not want to encourage public traffic to an area being used by the elementary children as part of a playground. He stated that if the city wanted to work in conjunction with the board of education to improve the fencing and revamp the area for school use, he would be ok with the plan. Councilman Clay pointed out that Councilman Hutchins was proposing a sidewalk along school drive that would put kids within a matter of feet of a public road, and he doesn’t see why he is so concerned with the proximity of the school to the proposed project. Councilman Hutchins asked if any sidewalks are not beside a road? Councilman Clay stated that he feels that Councilman Hutchins has a “double standard” about safety. Councilman Hutchins stated that the proposal for the sidewalk was based on feedback from High School Staff, Athletic Foundation Members, Residents, and others regarding people walking on the edge of the road, and a sidewalk would be a safer option. He does not see it as a double standard. The mayor directed the meeting back to the refurbishing of the tennis court project, which was on the agenda. She recognized Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Weldon, to refresh the council on the last time this idea was presented for consideration. Director Weldon stated that previously, Sam Collins, resident and pickleball advocate, had addressed the council regarding the community’s need for pickleball courts. Director Weldon said that Mr. Collins had looked at the old tennis courts when the subject of refurbishing them had been mentioned at that time, and did not feel it would be a good idea. Director Weldon stated that he thought refurbishing the tennis courts for school use only would be good. Councilman Clay asked what Mr. Collins’s reason was for his opinion. Director Weldon did not recall. Mayor Snyder stated she believed that parking was the issue, that the local pickleball club that Mr. Collins is affiliated with wanted a larger, specific pickleball area, where they could host tournaments, and not be contending with tennis. Councilman Garnett has spoken with the school counselor, who felt that the parking at the baseball field would be sufficient and out of the way of school traffic. He thinks a loitering law would take care of anyone in the general public just hanging around, as well as a new fence being a plus. He said the city has 3.5 acres there, they could move back further away from the school, and put in pickleball. Mayor Snyder stated that this needs to be put on another work session for more in-depth discussion, along with other projects. Councilman Steward suggested they invite Board of Education personnel to the work session to discuss a collaborative project. He also recognized the high school tennis coach, who was in attendance, and asked her what the ideal number of courts would be for practice, as well as being able to host tournaments. She responded with six courts. Councilman Steward said he would prefer, instead of just refurbishing existing courts and having 3 courts, to get the Board of Education involved and see if they could not just put 6 tennis courts and give them a facility they need. Councilman Hutchins reiterated that he had no problem with revamping the property; he just wanted any public facilities away from the school. Councilman Clay stated that he would like to put discussion of this on another work session agenda for more in-depth consideration.

Next, Mayor Snyder reminded the council of the YMCA water safety class, which was presented for sponsorship at the last meeting, and asked the council if they would like to do a sponsorship since there was still some money remaining in that budget item. 100.00 would sponsor 50 educational coloring books. Councilman Steward suggested a $250.00 sponsorship

Mayor Snyder also introduced the sponsorship request from Maranatha of Alabama, which was also requested at the last council meeting. This organization supports adults with intellectual disorders in the area with activities and a meal once a month. Councilman Steward suggested a $250.00 sponsorship

Both of these were added to the meeting agenda.

Library Director Sheila Watwood and Library Employee, Lynn Walker, addressed the Mayor and Council to promote the annual Summer Reading program at the Southside Public Library. Ms. Walker explained the program, all the different activities it provides, and how it works. The program is a nationwide summer event, with this year’s theme being” Color our World.” Ms. Watwood and Ms. Walker invited everyone to come and visit the library during the summer reading events.

The work session was concluded at this time, and the regular council meeting was convened.

New Business:

New Business item: Renewal of the Alabama Power Flock Safety Camera Agreement: Councilman Don Steward stated that this has been money well spent. Joseph Hutchins then made a motion to approve the Resolution to renew. Don Steward provided a second. The roll call vote was all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session to let out bids for Chevrolet Tahoe Police vehicles instead
of the Chevrolet Sierra pickup trucks, which the council had previously decided to let bids for. This is due to the possible availability of the PPV Tahoes in June. Danny Garnett made a motion to approve the Resolution; Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A sponsorship for the YMCA Water Safety Program for $250.00 was added from the work session. Don Steward made a motion to approve the sponsorship. Keith Clay seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The sponsorship was approved

A sponsorship for Maranatha Alabama for $250.00 was added from the work session. Don Steward made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The sponsorship was approved.

An approval was added from the executive session to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of intent and investigate the availability, title condition, and fair market value of some local parcels of land within the City of Southside and report back to the council. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the authorization; Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The authorization was granted.

The mayor then asked if anyone in the audience had any comments.

Finance Director Nickie Pylant was in attendance and requested to add comments. Director Pylant was recognized and took the podium. She addressed current social media chatter regarding the financial condition of the City. She provided the council with a financial statement and went through a rundown of the current financial conditions of the city. She stated that the original budget for FY2024/2025 was 7,871,214.00, with expenditures of 7,617,904.00, which is a $150,000 overage in Revenues due to the inclusion of the restricted funds. She stated that there had been $395,936.00 in amendments to the original budget on Revenues and $377,007.00 in amendments on expenditures. She stated that she went back and figured up the amendments, and $349,000 of the revenue amendments were unrestricted, and of the expenditure amendments, $223,000 was a loan payoff that was voted on by the council. Those were pulled from previous funds. Director Pylant stated that the city’s balance is actually above where it was to begin with. We are above $125,686.00 in difference in unrestricted revenues, and we have about $224,000 Extra now. She explained the recent budget amendments, the effect on the budget amendments created by the early payoff of some long-term debts, and the increase in revenue versus last year. She explained the logistics of making a budget as a plan or framework for the year. She explained that there will probably be more amendments before the year is over, as unplanned things come up. She also addressed the recent purchase of virtual reality headsets for Police training, and that the city was reimbursed the total cost of the headsets by a grant, which is essentially free money for the city. She also explained that any funding that is applied for that requires matching funds from the city has to be brought to the council for a vote, and that the budget has to be approved by the council in a vote after an in-depth discussion at a budget meeting. She stated that the city started the year with around 6 million dollars in the bank, and currently the city has over 7 million dollars in the bank, with part of it earning interest in CDs, some of which is restricted funds for certain expenses, such as paving, or for debt. Currently, there are 2 million dollars in CDs restricted to pay off debt. She stated that the city could pay off everything it owes except the fire station, and the rumor that the city is struggling for money is wrong. She made the point that revenue has increased yearly, and she feels that the council does well in working to do the most they can with the money they have. At the time of the last fiscal year audit, it was found that the city was $800,000. To the good for the year. Director Pylant stated that in April of 2022, the city had $5,791,000. In April of 2023, the city had $6,579,000. In April of 2024, $8,051,000. April of 2025: $7,642,000. (The difference is, there were Federal ARPA funds included in all years except 2025) Currently, there is only $3700.00 in ARPA funds included in the balance. Every year, there is a revenue increase. She welcomed anyone with questions to call and come in, and let her explain the financial situation of the city.

Resident Brian Nunnelee was recognized and gave a report on the Cruising for a Cure Car Show that was held on May 24. Mr. Nunnelee thanked the Mayor and Council again for the city’s support, stated that the car show was a success, despite all the rain, and the event featured 132 cars and raised $5852 for 2 local children.

Resident Bill Seymour was recognized and expressed his concern about the need for striping on Lakemont Drive. He stated that before repaving, there had been striping, and he had addressed this before. His question was, had the city paid for striping that had not been completed? He stated that Lakemont turns in to Leota Road, and Leota has a center stripe. Mayor Snyder responded that she did not have that information in the meeting, and would find out for sure. Councilman Steward stated that he thought there had been estimates presented, and did not think that Lakemont was on the road. The mayor committed to check into whether or not Lakemont was supposed to have been striped.

The Mayor made the following announcements:
The Zoning Board of Adjustments meeting is May 29, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in council chambers.
The Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in council chambers.
The next Planning Commission is scheduled for June 9, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in council chambers.

She then asked each council member individually if they had any comments:

Keith Clay had no other comments

Don Steward: Stated that he had a customer appreciation day at Southside Hardware on the previous Friday, and thanked everyone who attended.

Joseph Hutchins: Has been contacted with requests for lit/flashing stop signs on Hood Rd. and Speed Limit signs, and has reached out to Chief Williams to get quotes. He stated this would be a small thing that could potentially increase safety on Hood Road.

Danny Garnett: had no other comments

Mayor Snyder: Thanked all the city employees who helped with clean-up day the prior Friday. She said there was a large group of employees led by public works and department heads.

At this time, Joseph Hutchins made a motion to go to executive session following the meeting, Don Steward provided the second. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M.

Joseph Hutchins made a motion to adjourn. Don Steward provided a second. The regular meeting was adjourned at 5:31 P.M., and the council went into Executive Session.