September 25, 2024

Council Meeting Minutes 09-10-20

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, September 10, 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 5:00 p.m., with Councilman Danny Garnett leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: John Hatley, Keith Clay, Danny Garnett, and Joesph Hutchins. Don Steward was not in attendance. With a quorum being present, the meeting was opened for the transaction of business.

Mayor Snyder asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on August 27, 2024. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the minutes, Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

The first item on the agenda was recognitions:

The mayor recognized Lillian Roper, a 9-year-old Southside Elementary School student, who entered a statewide contest put on by the Alabama Housing Finance Authority for children ages 5-12 to show why their hometowns were special. Lillian’s artwork and explanation were chosen as the 3rd place winner in a public vote. Mayor Snyder presented Lillian with a certificate of recognition, and she had a picture made with the Mayor and Council.

Chief of Police, Jarrett Williams, recognized Police Chaplain, Rev. Roger Waggoner, and Captain Clay Johnson for their actions that went above and beyond the call of duty regarding a recent emergency situation involving a child.

The agenda then listed Christie Robinson from the Etowah Chamber, who had to cancel, and intends to re-schedule.

The next item on the agenda was the Council Work Session

• The first work-session item was more discussion on significant changes in the building codes that would come into effect, should the council adopt the 2021 building codes as per state recommendation. City Building/Zoning official, Judd Rich addressed the council, and provided previously requested information. He stated that it is possible to remove items and adopt an amended code. The mayor asked the council for discussion. There was discussion regarding the clarifications provided by Mr. Rich, and items that the council would like to amend before adopting the codes. Mayor Snyder asked if there were any other concerns, and if the council was ready to schedule the required Public Hearing on the Building Codes with the proposed addendums. The council responded yes. The mayor then stated that there is a 15-day required notice of a public hearing, so it would be at the first council meeting in October.

• Chief Williams initiated discussion of options for purchase of new vehicles for the Police Department. The Chief stated that the council had previously discussed replacing existing Dodge Chargers in the Police Fleet with new Chevrolet Tahoe’s, and had gone through the competitive bid process to purchase 2 of the 4 from Donohoo Chevrolet. Donohoo has 2 more at the bid price of $52,075.00. These are on the lot, being held for the Southside Police Dept. until further notice. Chief Williams stated that the Chevrolet Tahoe has been placed back on the State Bid list for 2025 at a cost of $52,101.00, and if the City wishes to purchase them via this route, a letter of intent to purchase must be filed by September 18. State Bid List Tahoe’s would not be in production until later, with a later delivery date. This item was on the work session was to determine the council’s wishes in time to meet the deadline with the state for the letter of intent to purchase, if that was the route chosen. Mayor Snyder inquired of City attorney, Richard Rhea: If the council chose to purchase the additional Tahoe’s from Donoho Chevrolet, would the city be obligated to go through the bid process again? Counselor Rhea stated that, since the competitive bid process had already been followed, he was of the opinion that the requirements of the bid law had been met, and the city could purchase the additional Tahoe’s at Donoho Chevrolet without going through the bid process again. There was discussion of all options and issues. The mayor then asked the council would they prefer to proceed with the vehicles at Donoho Chevrolet, or do a letter of intent to get in line on the state bid list. The consensus was to put in a letter of intent, and go forward with that route.

An Ordinance to make amendments to the FY 2023/2024 budget was presented. Mayor Snyder stated that there was an overall increase of revenues to the general fund of $371,966.00, and overall decrease in general fund expenditures of $109,030.00. The mayor commended Finance Director, Nickie Pylant on her diligence and hard work, and presented the following proposed amendments:
ARPA Fund Increase in Revenue: $700,000 Increase in expenses: $504,700
(difference due to roofing project in progress)
FUND 9 (Rebuild Alabama) Increase in Revenue: $9,500 Increase in expenditures: $250,000
(Increase in expenditures due to paving project, which this fund is designated for)
FUND 10 (Fire Fund) Increase in Revenue: $41,700
FUND 11 (4 & 5 cent gas tax) Increase in Revenue: $2,650 Increase in expenses $5,000
FUND 12 (7 cent gas tax) Increase in Revenue: $2500 Decrease in expenses: $10,500
FUND 13 (court) Increase in Revenue: $1250
FUND 15 (court) Increase in Revenue: $3500
FUND 16(capital improvement) Increase in Revenue: $3550 Decrease in expenses: $5,000

Mayor Snyder then inquired if the council had any questions. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve. Keith Clay stated he would like to take more time to look at the amendments. The mayor asked the council if they would prefer to table the Ordinance until the next council meeting before approval. All were in agreement. The Ordinance was tabled.

A Resolution was presented to enter a renewal of the concession agreement with Southside Girls Softball Association through September 30, 2025. Mayor Snyder explained that this is the same agreement previously in place for the spring softball season, and Southside Girls softball Association would like to enter an agreement for the entire fiscal year. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution. Joseph Hutchins seconded the motion. The roll call vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

The mayor asked if anyone from the public had any questions or comments. None were voiced.

Mayor Snyder made the following announcements:

• The council will hold a work session Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in council chambers
• The next planning commission meeting will be October 14 at 6:00 p.m. in council chambers at city hall
• The next council meeting is September 24 at 5:00 in council chambers at city hall
Mayor Snyder recognized council members individually for their comments.

Joseph Hutchins made a motion to adjourn, Danny Garnett provided a second. The meeting adjourned at 5:36 P.M.