December 12, 2023

Council Minutes 11-14-2023

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE

COUNTY OF ETOWAH

STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in regular public session in Council Chambers at The City of Southside City Hall, November 14, 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 Joseph Hutchins leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, Council Members: Joseph Hutchins, John Hatley, Keith Clay 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 4:01 p.m., and reconvened the council meeting at 5:25 p.m.

Mayor Snyder inquired of the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes from the regular council meeting held on October 24, 2023. A motion was made by Don Steward to approve the minutes as presented. A second of the motion to approve was made by John Hatley. Roll call vote: All ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried unanimously.

The mayor then read a proclamation recognizing the service and achievements of former City of Southside Councilwoman, Genny Ball. The mayor mentioned Councilwoman Ball’s individual achievements while serving the city, as well as the Council and City’s achievements during her tenure.

Next, Mayor Snyder recognized the Graduates of the Alabama League of Municipalities Economic Development Academy, established in 2021, and designed to educate and engage municipal officials on the elements and phases of economic development, while highlighting a vital role in economic projects in their communities. The Academy was developed and supported through the Alabama Community College System. It prepares communities for growth. The team from the City of Southside who graduated on November 8,2023 were: Mayor: Dana Snyder, Council Members: Joseph Hutchins and Genny Ball, Finance Director: Nickie Pylant, and Planning Commission Member: Shane Hamm. The City of Southside was also awarded a plaque and certificate as a Certified Graduate City.

Next on the agenda was Darlene Harcrow of Pathways Academy Church School speaking on behalf of the Annual CommUnity Thanksgiving Meal at the Venue. Ms. Harcrow presented some of the history and goals of the event, invited anyone listening to attend, or participate, or donate to help fund the event. The City of Southside has made a contribution for the past two years, and this is a budgeted item. Don Steward made a motion to donate the budgeted $1000.00 to the event. The motion was seconded by Keith Clay. Roll Call Vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion passed.

The next item on the agenda was a Resolution to accept the award of the 2023 Cops Hiring Grant. Mayor Snyder explained that this was a grant the council had approved a grant writer to apply for on the City’s behalf in April of 2023. Chief of Police, Jarrett Williams was notified in October that the City of Southside was awarded the grant, which would fund an additional patrol officer for 3 years at 75% of salary and benefits, with a 25% match from the city, and a fourth year to be guaranteed totally funded by the City of Southside. Don Steward made a motion to accept the 2023 COPS Hiring Grant. A second was provided by John Hatley. The roll call vote was all ayes. Mayor Snyder declared the motion passed.

Next was a contract for recycling with Rainbow City. Mayor Snyder explained that this was just a more formal agreement that the Memorandum of Understanding previously approved by the council to enter into with Rainbow City for bailing and transporting the City of Southside’s collected recycled cardboard. Don Steward made a motion to accept the contract. Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The roll call vote was all ayes. The mayor declared the motion carried.

The next item of business was added from the work session held prior to the council meeting. It consisted of resolutions to approve the proposed 2024 street paving project in the amount of approximately $1,061,906.49 to include $45,000.00 toward paving the gravel lot in the location previously occupied by Southside High School, as well as $35,664.75 to complete the remaining punch list items on the 2022 paving project. This would be funded through the paving fund and Rebuild Alabama funds, whose use are restricted to road projects. A motion to approve the project was made by Joseph Hutchins. Keith Clay provided a second. The roll call vote was all ayes. Mayor Snyder declared the motion carried.

Next was the recommendation and vote to fill the council seat vacated by Genny Ball’s resignation on September 28, 2023. Keith Clay made the motion to appoint Danny Garnett to the vacant seat. John Hatley seconded the motion. The roll call vote was: K. Clay: YES, J. Hatley: YES, J. Hutchins: YES, D. Steward: ABSTAIN, D. Snyder: NO

With that, all business was concluded. Mayor Snyder inquired of newly-appointed Councilman Garnett if he would prefer to be sworn in immediately, or wait until the beginning of next regularly scheduled council meeting. Councilman Garnett requested to be sworn immediately. Mayor Snyder administered the Oath of Office, and Councilman Garnett took his seat with the council.

Mayor Snyder then made the following announcements:

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, the trash schedule will be adjusted to the following: the Monday and Tuesday routes will be picked up on Monday, the Wednesday route will be picked up on Tuesday, Thursday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday.
Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for November 28,2023
Next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for December 11,2023

Mayor Snyder then asked newly appointed Councilman Danny Garnett if he would like to say anything. Councilman Garnett expressed his thanks to the Mayor and Council and all his supporters, and expressed his enthusiasm about being back on the council.

Sunday November 19,2023 Food Truck Festival on the Lake at Southside Landing 11a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday, November 27 is the Christmas Parade at 5p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting to follow. There will also be food trucks beginning at 4 p.m. Line up at Southside High School.
Friday, December 8, 2023 Christmas on the Coosa Boat Parade put on by the Neely Henry Association, with food trucks to begin at 4:00 P.M. at Southside Landing.
Saturday, December 9,2023 9a.m.-3p.m. at City Hall will be a Christmas arts and Crafts Village, with food trucks available.

With no further business to conduct, Don Steward made a motion to adjourn, Keith Clay provided a second. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.