June 25, 2025

Council Meeting Minutes 06-10-2025

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, June 10, 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 Joseph Hutchins 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 asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on May 27, 2025. Don Steward motioned to approve the minutes, and Keith Clay seconded the motion. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion was approved.

The first item was Recognition of the Southside High School Boys Soccer Team, who were recently crowned 6A State Champions. Mayor Snyder called Coach Randy Vice and the team members in attendance to the front of Council Chambers to be recognized. Coach Vice said a few words about the team and their success. He mentioned that several players would be going on to play soccer at the college level. He thanked the City and the community for all the support they had given this season. Mayor Snyder presented Coach Vice with a plaque on behalf of herself and the council, and they took photos of Coach Vice, the team, Mayor Snyder and the Council.

Richard Rybka, from Coosa Riverkeeper, Inc., a non-profit organization, who works to protect, restore and promote the Coosa River. Mr. Rybka spoke about the economic impact that the group is currently conducting to gather information about the way residents in riverfront communities utilize the river. Then he explained the organization’s Swim Guide program, where a team of interns takes water samples from popular swimming spots in the Coosa River, tests for different variables, and reports their findings through a ratings system, letting the public know the water’s condition relative to swimming safely. Mr. Rybka explained the costs of the Swim Guide program, available sponsorships, and asked the mayor and council to consider becoming a sponsor.

The council entered its work session at 5:10

The first item on the work session was submitted by Councilman Keith Clay, who had submitted a proposal at the last work session regarding the city possibly refurbishing the existing tennis courts located beside Southside Elementary School for use as tennis and pickleball courts. There was much discussion at the last meeting regarding the area’s usage by the elementary school during its P.E. classes and possibly safety issues if the area were put forth as a public facility. The logistics of after-school traffic and the needs of the Southside High School tennis team were also discussed in the previous work session. Councilman Clay presented more information in the form of another quote, providing for modifications to his first proposal, made after the discussion in the last meeting. Councilman Clay stated that he had been in touch with Jay Freeman, of the Etowah County Board of Education, exploring the possibility of the Board helping with the cost of the project, and he would like to get bids out, so the Board could be presented with actual numbers to see if they would be willing to help. He proposed to locate the proposed Tennis/Pickleball courts on the current site of the old Little League field. He stated that the field is no longer utilized for games, and only a few teams use it for practice. The mayor asked Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Weldon, to clarify some questions about what teams practice on the city-owned property on Hood Road, as well as on the former Little League field. Director Weldon stated that the old Little League field is available for practice use by any youth baseball or softball teams located in Southside, or any baseball team that is part of the Coosa Little League Organization. There was again discussion of the Grant issued in the 1970s on this property, and the possibility of getting approval to shift the grant to another property, or if changes to the property would affect the Grant. The mayor made the point that there would need to be engineered plans before bids could be let for a project of this type. There was discussion of the specifics of the existing grant. The council agreed that this project would require a special work session, which should involve the Etowah County Board of Education and the Principals of both schools. Councilman Hutchins has already reached out, proposing a tentative date. Councilman Clay agreed to reach out and set up a discussion with all involved. Councilman Steward expressed his concerns again about a public-access park next to a school playground. He stressed that the Hood Road Park expansion is shovel-ready, and that Hood Road is at least 18’ wide, with a speed limit of 25 mph, and the city owns properties at the entrance to the softball complex, which would allow for construction of turning lanes. There was discussion of the concerns about the intersection of Hood Rd and Alabama Hwy 77, and the fact that the city has no control over that intersection, which is ALDOT. It was agreed that the council would set a special project work session to address these issues.

Danny Garnett was next on the agenda with a proposed Restricted Emergency Fund Ordinance that he says he feels strongly about. He stated that the City has an existing account for emergencies, which currently has 36,000 in it. He presented statistics regarding tornadoes in North Alabama, citing the 2011 tornado and its devastating effects on the area, the March 2018 tornado and its devastating effects on this area, and the expenses incurred in the hours immediately after the tornadoes struck the area. He stated that in 2018, the City of Southside sustained a significant amount of damage, with 139 residents registered with FEMA, 25 homes destroyed, 38 with major damage, 34 with minor damage, and 42 more affected. He stated that 45% of the damaged residences were either not insured or underinsured. The cost of the storm between the communities of Rainbow City and Southside was 1.4 million dollars. Councilman Garnett stated that he feels that the fund could start with $300,000 put into the restricted fund, along with the $36,000 already there. He proposes to hold these restricted funds in an interest-bearing CD, and deposit an additional $50,000 annually to bring the fund to a $500,000 minimum balance to be sustained going forward, with any interest earned over the $500,000, once it is reached, to be deposited into the General Fund. Councilman Garnett read the proposed Ordinance. Councilman Steward asked if this was not covered in the proposed financial policies and procedures that the council has discussed on multiple occasions, which would provide for a larger emergency fund than this proposal (15% of the annual budget), which the council did not pass. Councilman Steward stated that passage of these financial policies and procedures would put in writing all the things that the city is already doing financially, and would provide transparency of daily policies. The mayor pointed out that financial policies have been recommended every year by the auditors during the reporting of the annual audit. Councilman Garnett reiterated that there is already an account for this, and he did not want an account called a disaster recovery account with 15% set aside; he wants it put on record that a particular account is restricted, and cannot be used until there is an actual disaster emergency declared as per state guidelines for such declaration. He stated that he feels better with $500,000 sitting in its fund, not mixed with any other funds. He does not feel comfortable with a composite account. Mayor Snyder pointed out that the emergency fund in the proposed financial policies would be 1.2 million and require a council vote before it could be touched. Councilman Garnett stated that he still wanted a $500,000 account set up that could be tapped into immediately, which was restricted to only be used with a disaster declaration. There was discussion of the existing account, its restriction, and designation for natural disaster recovery. Councilman Garnett still wants a separate account. This ended this discussion

The council work session ended at 5:37 p.m.

A Resolution was presented to authorize the purchase of 2 outdoor speakers and an amplifier for the courtyard of the Southside Community Center. Parks and Rec Director Weldon was recognized to explain the request. He stated that Watts Technology had just installed a new sound system in the Community Center, which was included in this year’s Parks and Recreation yearly budget. He stated that they were able to offset the original cost of $11786.09 with a $5,000 Etowah County Community Development Grant. Director Weldon said that once the installation was complete, they realized that there was a need for sound in the courtyard behind the building. The estimate to install the additional equipment is $1959.00. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution, and Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.
A Resolution was presented authorizing Fire Chief Wade Buckner to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rainbow City for sharing the emergency boat storage facility to be erected at Southside Landing. Rainbow City would reimburse the City of Southside for one half the construction cost in consideration for housing their emergency rescue boat in the building with the City of Southside’s boat for 5 years, then to be renewed in 5-year increments. Chief Buckner addressed the council, reminding them that the only prospective hurdle for the project had been the zoning hearing required due to the building being metal. Chief Buckner stated that the Zoning Board of Adjustment had approved the City’s petition for variance, allowing the metal structure. He stated that the Rainbow City Council had approved the MOU in their meeting on June 9. A motion to approve the Resolution was made by Joseph Hutchins, a second was provided by Keith Clay. Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented authorizing the surplus of 2 Dodge Chargers from the Police Department Patrol Fleet. Police Chief Jarrett Williams was recognized and stated that the department still has 3 Dodge Chargers in its existing fleet, with these 2 currently not in service. Danny Garnett made a motion to approve the Resolution, and the second was provided by Keith Clay. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented to appoint Cindy Beshears, acting City Clerk, as the election official/absentee manager. The mayor explained that in a municipal election, once the mayor qualifies to run for re-election, the City Clerk is appointed to be the Election Official. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution, Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented to authorize the purchase of the property at 2370 Highway 77 for $1,750,000.00 (Burton’s Grocery Store Property). Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Don Steward provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented to enter into an agreement with Bohannon Buildings for the construction of a 30×30 enclosed metal boat storage building at Southside Landing. Total cost $11,011.50, with one-half to be funded by the City of Rainbow City. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented to enter into an agreement with Joey Jones Construction/ Davis Concrete for the construction of a 30×30 concrete pad with ramps for the Emergency Boat Storage facility at Southside Landing. Total cost $10,180, with one-half to be funded by the City of Rainbow City. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Don Steward provided the second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented to approve the award of the Retrofit / Replacement of Lighting in designated city facilities. This is through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), which is awarded through ADECA. This bid was opened on Friday, January 17, but was put on hold, due to the federal grant funding freeze. It was just approved by ADECA to proceed last week. Joseph Hutchins asked Michael Weldon which areas would be covered by the project. Director Weldon stated that all city facilities attached or inside a building will be upgraded with LED lighting, except the Landing and the Fire Station, which are already equipped with LED lighting. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve; Don Steward provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution to award the bid of 2 police pursuit vehicles, Tahoes to Donohoo Chevrolet was presented. These bids were opened today at 11:00. Danny Garnett made a motion to approve. Joseph Hutchins provided the second. He also asked if the vehicles were on the lot. Chief Williams responded that they were. Councilman Hutchins then asked if they were upfitted or would that still needed to be done. Chief Williams stated that it would need to be done. The Roll Call Vote Was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

Mayor Snyder recognized resident Bill Seymour to answer his question from a prior meeting regarding striping on Lakemont Drive. She stated that the striping was approved in July of 2024, and the P.O. is existing; the striping has been held up by either the temperature being cold during the winter or rain. however, it is to be striped when weather allows, and it can be scheduled.

The Mayor Made the Following Announcements:

The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City of Southside City Hall.

The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers at City of Southside City Hall.

Movie Night is June 20 at Southside Landing. Food Trucks begin @ 6:00 p.m., Southside Landing Plaque Dedication @ 7:00 P.M. (Movie is Encanto)

The mayor asked the council individually if they had any comments.

Keith Clay: Congratulations to the Soccer Team

Don Steward: Thank goodness we are getting rid of Dodge Chargers

Joseph Hutchins: Congratulations to the Soccer Team, they represented the Cities of Southside, Rainbow City, their families, and the schools well all season. Congratulations to Coach Vice and the Staff. Also, Southside Youth Softball Association will be hosting a tournament on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This is the regionals for youth softball, and there are 3 teams from Southside included. This is to determine seeding for the state tournament. Everyone, come watch the girls.

Danny Garnett: Just a point of order: the reading of the proposed Ordinance will constitute the first read of the Ordinance on Disaster Recovery.

Don Steward made a motion to adjourn. Keith Clay provided a second. The meeting adjourned at 5:51 P.M.