Council Meeting Minutes 07-25-2023

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, July 25, 2023. 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 4:00 p.m., with John Hatley leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: John Hatley, Joseph Hutchins, Don Steward, Keith Clay and Genny Ball. With a quorum being present, the meeting was opened for the transaction of business. The council recessed to the work session at 4:02 p.m., and reconvened the council meeting at 4:23 p.m.

Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the council minutes from the meeting held on July 11,2023. A motion was made by Don Steward to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by Genny Ball. Roll call vote: All ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

The next agenda item was an amendment to update the 2015 wrecker ordinance. Due to on-going research, the item was tabled for the next council meeting.

Next on the agenda was Jason Wilson from Blackstone Bait Shack with a request for the council to approve the businesses’ request for a restaurant retail liquor license. Mr. Wilson addressed the council and audience, citing that Blackstone is not a late-night establishment, it closes at 8:00 p.m. nightly, and the license application is specifically for the area that the bait shack occupies and maintains. The license has been tentatively approved by the State ABC board, and is awaiting a letter of approval from the City of Southside City Council. Councilman Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the license. Don Steward seconded the motion. The roll call vote was all ayes. Mayor Snyder declared the motion carried unanimously.

The next agenda item was City of Southside resident, Ms. Pam Weeks, who had requested in writing to be on the agenda. Ms. Weeks had questions about the structure of the city council and members responsibilities. Ms. Weeks asked what area each council member is “over”, what their specific areas of responsibility were. Mayor Snyder explained that council members are not allowed to be “over” departments, since they are not employees, nor supervisors. No council member is allowed to supervise or give direction to any employee of the city, as this is illegal. The mayor has the sole responsibility for all employees and the day-to-day operations of the city. Mayor Snyder did say; however, each council member is aligned with specific departments. Councilwoman Genny Ball is aligned with Parks and Recreation and education, Councilman Keith Clay is aligned with the Planning Commission, and sits on the commission, Councilman John Hatley is aligned with the water board, and the public works dept. Councilman Don Steward is aligned with public safety, and Councilman Joseph Hutchins is aligned with youth sports and the Southside Athletic Foundation. Ms. Weeks then addressed each council member individually and the members explained in turn how they acted as a liaison between the council and their respective departments, conveying reciprocal concerns and issues, as well as reaching out to other municipalities for relative information when necessary. Councilman Clay pointed out that council members are charged with evaluating the needs of the community and conveying them to the council.

Mayor Snyder then asked if anyone in the audience had any questions or comments. There were several questions and answers delivered.

The following announcements were made by Mayor Snyder:

• The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2023 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Southside City Hall.
• The next City Council meeting will be held August 8, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Southside City Hall.
• The next dinner and a movie at Southside Landing will be Shrek on July 28 with food trucks at 6:00 p.m. and the movie starting at 8:00 p.m.

With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to adjourn at 4:59 p.m., with a second of the motion cast by Don Steward.The Meeting was adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

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Dana Snyder, Mayor
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Cindy Beshears, Acting City Clerk