Council Meeting Minutes 06-27-2023

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in regular public session at the Southside city hall on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Mayor Dana Snyder called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., with Joseph Hutchins leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: John Hatley, Joseph Hutchins, Genny Ball, Don Steward and Keith Clay. With a quorum being present, the meeting was opened for the transaction of business. The council recessed to the work session at 4:01 p.m., and reconvened the council meeting at 4:28 p.m.

Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the council minutes from the meeting held on June 13,2023. A motion was made by Genny Ball to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by Don Steward. Roll call vote: All ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

The next agenda item was a Resolution to approve the mayor to enter into a contract with GMC for professional design and development of improvements to the existing softball complex and potential expansion on existing adjacent city-owned properties. Councilman Joseph Hutchins explained that this is the initial ground work to see what could be possibly developed on the properties in the future for the enjoyment of the community. A motion to approve was made by Joseph Hutchins, a second of the motion was made by Don Steward. The roll call vote was all ayes, the mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

Next on the agenda was a Resolution for Sponsorship of the Airport Marine High School Fishing Trail. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Weldon presented this in the work session. The city previously sponsored this event last year, and it brought 120-140 boats from all over the state to Southside Landing. The cost to sponsor the event on Sept. 23,2023 would be $2500.00. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. A second was provided by Genny Ball. The roll call vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

The next item was a Resolution awarding the bid to Ronnie Watkins Ford for a 2023 Ford STX pick up truck for the building department. Councilman Don Steward explained that this truck is in the budget for FY 2022/2023, and has been on order through the state bid list since August of 2022, with no availability. The council approved a Resolution to let out bids for the truck at the June 13,2023 meeting, which were to be submitted for opening on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. There was one bid submitted, from Ronnie Watkins Ford, which was very close to the amount on the state bid list, and the vehicle is immediately available. Councilman Steward stated that the building department is seriously in need of this truck. A motion was made by Don Steward to approve and award the bid. A second to that motion was made by Joseph Hutchins. The roll call vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

Next on the agenda was a Resolution to surplus a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria owned by the police department to the needs of the city. Acting Chief Freeman explained that the car has heavy mileage, and is in ill repair. It would be placed on GovDeals for auction. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the resolution. John Hatley seconded the motion. The roll call vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

The next agenda item was a presentation by finance director, Nickie Pylant, who gave an update of the city’s financial status. Director Pylant spoke of various undertakings ( paving, street maintenance, ARPA funded projects, Fire station) of the city this fiscal year, which could cause expenditures to appear skewed, and addressed the processes of reimbursement when there are grants or other monies funding projects. Ms. Pylant also explained that the city had changed accounting software during the course of this fiscal year, and addressed communication issues between the two programs, which were responsible for some inaccurate figures previously communicated. She stated that the city is in good shape financially.

Mayor Snyder and Acting Police Chief, Jay Freeman introduced a newly hired patrol officer: Jagger Nance to the council and residents in attendance. Officer Nance is a Southside resident, and comes to the department from Rainbow City.
Mayor Snyder introduced and recognized Eagle Scout, Hayden Hollis for his achievement of Eagle Scout status, and thanked him for his project of making benches for Southside Landing. He was congratulated by the entire council, and presented with a certificate.

Mayor Snyder recognized The City of Rainbow City and the efforts of Mayor Joe Taylor and the Rainbow City staff for being awarded the Challenger Center, a STEM educational center that will serve northeast Alabama and parts of surrounding states.

Mayor Snyder also Recognized Acting Chief of Police Jay Freeman for his service to the City of Southside. He has been with the department for 14 years in various roles. He leaves the City of Southside to be the Chief of Police for Gadsden State Community College. The mayor and council all wished Chief Freeman the best, and thanked him for his service.

The following announcements were made by Mayor Snyder:

• The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2023 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Southside City Hall.
• The next City Council meeting will be held July 11, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Southside City Hall.

Councilman Keith Clay made a motion for the council go into executive session at this time regarding a personnel matter. The motion was seconded by John Hatley. The roll call vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

The mayor stated the council would not reconvene after the executive session and that the
meeting would be adjourned.

With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Don Steward to adjourn at 4:59 p.m., with a second of the motion cast by Genny Ball. Meeting was adjourned at 4:59 p.m.

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Dana Snyder, Mayor
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Cindy Beshears, Acting City Clerk