May 15, 2024

Council Meeting Minutes 04-23-2024

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, April 23, 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 5:03 p.m., with Councilman John Hatley leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: John Hatley, Joseph Hutchins, Keith Clay, and Danny Garnett. Don Steward was not present. 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 9, 2024. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by Keith Clay. Roll call vote: ALL AYES. The motion carried unanimously.

The first agenda item was a Proclamation by the Mayor and Council recognizing the Rainbow Middle Quiz Bowl Team for winning the ASCA Division II State Quiz Bowl, and qualifying for nationals. Mayor Snyder read the proclamation issued on behalf of the mayor and council declaring April 23, 2024 a day to honor and recognize the team’s efforts. The quiz bowl team and coaches, who were in attendance came forward to accept the proclamation, and have a picture made with the mayor and council.

Next, Mayor Snyder stated that she and the council wished to recognize the Southside High School Band, “The PRIDE” for the selection to perform in this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington D.C. The mayor asked Band Director, Matt Weaver to come forward, as well as several members of the band, who were in attendance. Director Weaver gave a brief synopsis of how the band was chosen to be in the parade, as well as how well the student-members did as ambassadors representing their school and community. The mayor and council made pictures with Director Weaver and band members present.

A Resolution was presented to authorize the City’s participation in the application for the 2024 SS4A grant, a comprehensive safety plan for streets, which is a joint application with the Etowah County Commission, The City of Rainbow City, The City of Glencoe, City of Hokes Bluff, and the City of Attalla. The grant would fund a blanket traffic study of all of the municipalities to help identify and prioritize safety solutions, and would require a $10,000 match from each municipality if awarded. Joseph Hutchins 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 approve the application, acceptance, and management for a Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance & Readiness and Recreation Initiative FY 24 grant (LWSA) This is a grant focused toward recreational areas, which would be used for improvements at the Hood Road Sports Complex if awarded. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Danny Garnett provided a second. Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented to let out bids for new roofs on the City of Southside Community Center, Library, and the Storage Bunker behind them. Mayor Snyder stated that there had previously been quotes given, but without specs for the particular roofs, and it was the desire of the Council to let out bids. She then recognized Building and Zoning Inspector, Judd Rich, who stated that there are leaks in all three of the facilities, and they are way over due for a new roof. There are now specifications for the particular roofs in question, which would enable the City to go through the bid process. Joseph Hutchins 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 amend Resolution 0-034-2024, approving the new Audio/Visual system for Council Chambers. The amendment would add that the project be funded by existing ARPA funds. Danny Garnett 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 authorizing Mayor Snyder to file the annual ARPA Report for 2024. This is a report to the Federal Government informing them of the City’s expenditures of existing ARPA funds from the prior year. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution. Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

A Resolution was presented authorizing the application, acceptance, and management of a 2024 ADECA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The mayor recognized Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Weldon, who explained that this grant is available for retro-fitting existing facilities with energy efficient LED lighting. The grant is a minimum of $50,000 if awarded, up to $250,000, and it would allow the city to install more energy-efficient LED lighting in all of its buildings. The grant is awarded on a “points system”, with points given for any matching funds contributed. Director Weldon requested that the City pledge a $1000 match to meet the point criteria. The Resolution pledges the $1000 match from the city, should the grant be awarded. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution. Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion carried.

The mayor mentioned 2 sponsorship requests that Had been received in the mail. These were requests which had come in after the 2023/24 budget was approved, so they were not included. Danny Garnett requested that the council table the requests until they could be discussed in a work session.

The mayor the asked if there were any public comments. Chief of Police, Jarrett Williams was recognized to speak. Chief Williams took the opportunity to present Officer Logan Lafollette, who was in attendance, with his Officer of the Quarter award Officer Lafollette had been unable to attend the previous meeting for recognition.

Mayor Snyder then made a motion for the Council to go into Executive Session after the finish of business to discuss purchase and sale of property and name and character. Mayor Snyder stated that the meeting would not reconvene after the executive session. Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion passed.

Mayor Snyder then asked the council members individually if they had anything to add. All council members took this opportunity to congratulate the scholars bowl team, as well as the Pride of Southside for their accomplishments. There was discussion and clarification between debris pick up, which is included in resident’s trash service, and a large item pick up of household items, which is a paid service that resident’s have to call City Hall to schedule. There was thanks for the paving of the parking lot beside City Hall. The council was also complementary of the Parks and Recreation Dept. and Staff for the success of the start of the softball season, and their efficiency.

With no other business to discuss the mayor asked if there was a motion to dismiss. Joseph Hutchins made the motion to dismiss. Keith Clay seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 5:29p.m.