Council Minutes 09-26-2023

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 Community Center on Tuesday, September 26, 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 4:03 p.m., with Joey Jones leading in prayer.   The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: Joseph Hutchins, John Hatley, Keith Clay Genny Ball and Don Steward. With a quorum being present, the meeting was opened for the transaction of business. The council recessed to the work session at 4:06 p.m., and reconvened the council meeting at 4:18 p.m.   Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the council minutes from the special called meeting held on September 8, 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.   Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes from the regular council meeting held on September 12, 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 first item of business was a Resolution to approve budget amendments for FY 2022-2023 special funds. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. A second was provided by Don Steward. Roll Call Vote: K. Clay: YES, J. Hatley: YES, J. Hutchins; YES, G. Ball: YES, Mayor Snyder: YES. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.   The next item on the agenda was an Ordinance to adopt the proposed FY 2023-2024 budget. This was discussed in the work session, there was no other discussion at this time.Keith Clay made a motion to adopt the budget with the removal of the language “over $5000.00” from item number 11 (all purchases over $5000.00, not included in the FY 2023/2024 budget require to be pre-approved by the City Council). Councilman Clay had cited in the work session a need for any non-budgeted items to be brought before the council for approval. Genny Ball provided a second of the motion. Roll Call Vote: all ayes, The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.   Next on the agenda was a Resolution to renew an agreement with Avenu Insights for collection of lodging tax. A motion to approve the agreement was made by Joseph Hutchins, the motion was seconded by Don Steward. Roll Call Vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.   The next item was a resolution to surplus a 1998 KME Fire Engine to the needs of the city. This will be replaced with a new 2023 fire engine. Don Steward made a motion to approve. John Hatley provided the second. Roll Call Vote: all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.   Next on the agenda was a resolution authorizing Mayor Snyder to execute all necessary documents to renew the contract with the Etowah County Commission/Etowah County Sheriffs Office to house “City Prisoners” at the Etowah County Detention Center at a rate of $50.00/day increasing from a rate of $4.00/day. After discussion about exploration of all other options, including discussion with Rainbow City Mayor Joe Taylor (in the audience), as well as input from Acting Police Chief Baylon Fry, it was decided that this is the best option weighed against offsetting other costs. A motion to approve was made by Genny Ball, and a second made by Don Steward. Roll Call vote was all ayes, Mayor Snyder declared the motion carried unanimously.   The next agenda item was a Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract renewal with Spectrum Enterprise for Internet service and increased speed at city hall for a 3year period beginning in December 2023 at a rate of $1050 monthly. Councilman Steward inquired if the price was checked with AT&T, and Fire Chief Wade Buckner addressed this, and the cost was $200.00 more. Chief Buckner also stated that the necessary speed increase was the main difference in cost, however, over the past month, the city had been able to eliminate several monthly device costs, which should offset the increase in price for internet service. There was no more discussion. A motion to approve was made by Don Steward. The motion was seconded by Keith Clay. Roll Call Vote: all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.   The next item was a Resolution to accept a 1-year warranty on the box-culvert on Crest Lake Drive from Carcel & G construction, this would cover labor and materials, as well as the asphalt patch for one year beginning July 17, 2023. A motion to approve was made by Don Steward. A second was made by Joseph Hutchins. Roll call vote was all ayes. Mayor Snyder declared the motion carried unanimously.   The last item of business on the agenda was the appointment of Marty Jackson to the library board to finish the term vacated by the resignation of Amy Ragsdale. A motion to approve was made by Don Steward. The second of the motion was provided by Joseph Hutchins. The roll call vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.   At this time, Mayor Dana Snyder welcomed to the podium, Mr. Jarrett Williams and his family to conduct the swearing in of Mr. Williams as the new Police Chief of the City of Southside. Mayor Snyder began by thanking and recognizing all who helped in the screening process, including Gold Star Public Safety, Council Members: Don Steward, Keith Clay, and Joseph Hutchins. She thanked the City of Southside Police Department, and interim Chiefs Jay Freeman, and Baylon Fry for their steadfastness and service during the interim period. Mayor Snyder then recognized several dignitaries in the audience as well as all City of Southside Employees in attendance, thanked the City of Southside Residents who were in attendance for coming to welcome Chief Williams, and invited everyone to stay for the reception to follow. After a short presentation of Chief Williams background, achievements, and credentials, Mayor Snyder then administered the oath of office of the Chief of Police to Chief Williams, who then addressed the audience. Chief Williams spoke of the support he had already received from the City of Southside Police Department, the warm reception from residents, his vision for the department going forward, and his excitement about the future of the department.   Each member of the council then welcomed Chief Williams and expressed gratitude to the Southside Police Department and acting Chief Fry for their vigilance during the interim period.   With no more business left to conduct, a motion was made by Don Steward to adjourn, with a second made by Joseph Hutchins. The mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 4:40 P.M.        

• The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2023 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Southside City Hall.
• The next City Council meeting will be held October 10, 2023. in the council chambers at Southside City Hall immediately following the 4:00 p.m. work session.