April 11, 2025

Council Minutes 2-25-2025

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 Hall on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. 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 Joseph Hutchins leading in prayer.

The following council members were present: Mayor Dana Snyder, council members: Keith Clay, Danny Garnett, John Hatley, Joseph Hutchins, and Don Steward. With a quorum present, the meeting was opened for business transactions.

Mayor Snyder asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on February 11, 2025. Councilman Danny Garnett requested that it be added in the minutes that there was a discussion of the mayor’s position being part-time, and the procedure necessary to make it that way. He also asked that the talks of the comparisons between Southside and Cities of like-population, and the various revenues of like-population Cities be noted again. Mayor Snyder asked the council if they would like to approve the minutes as they were, with those adjustments. Don Steward motioned to approve the minutes with those adjustments, and Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The motion was approved

The first item of business was the Recognition of Southside High School State Champion Wrestler, Eli Carter, who won the Individual 6A State Championship in the 106 lb. weight class. He was presented with a certificate of recognition from the city and had pictures taken with the Mayor and Council. Mayor Snyder stated that other Southside High School Wrestlers had also placed at the State Tournament.

The meeting then moved into the work-session portion of the agenda at 5:04

The following items were on the work session agenda for discussion:

1. Consideration of adjustments to the salaries of the Mayor/Council. Any change made would apply to the Next elected Mayor and Council but must be passed no later than February 26, 2025, to take effect in November 2025. Councilman Steward had requested this to be on the agenda at the February 11, 2025 meeting, and again on this meeting agenda for council consideration and vote He stated that his recommendation was an increase from $500.00 to $850.00/ month for council members, and from $24,000.00 to $36,000/year for the mayor. Councilman Hutchins stated that he maintains the same opinion as he had at the last meeting, that the mayor’s position is part-time, however, the city needs someone willing to put the time in to make the city successful, and compensation is a factor. He mentioned the effort that goes into overseeing all the operations of the city and feels that the pay should reflect the effort required. He stated again, that any increase passed by this council does not take effect until the next administration takes office. Councilman Clay stated that he thought they had previously discussed a 30-35% increase. Councilman Steward stated that he and Councilman Garnett had discussed a flat increase to 36,000/year for the mayor and $850/month for the council. Councilman Garnett also stated that he wanted it clearly stated in the salary Ordinance that the position of the Mayor of Southside is a part-time position. Councilman Clay inquired if this was relative to the potential of benefit packages being offered. Councilman Steward stated that from his research, it is up to the specific municipality to decide what benefits are offered to a part-time mayor. Mayor Snyder stated that a full-time mayor position is treated as any full-time city employee regarding benefits offered. Councilman Steward stated that it had been discussed and was past practice, and in the current Ordinance to allow any elected official to purchase City Benefits (health insurance) at their own cost. Councilman Clay Suggested a mayor’s salary of $35,000/year. Councilman Steward stated that he would rather see a larger increase now, and the council not have to do another increase as soon for future administrations. Councilman Garnett stated that his opinion was that there had not been a raise for the mayor or the council in over 20 years, and with all the certifications now required for both the council members and the mayor, he did not have a problem with going to $850/month for council salary, and $34,000-$36,000/year for the mayor’s salary. The decision was made to set the mayor’s salary at $36,000/year as a part-time position, required to obtain the distinction of “Certified Municipal Official” through the Alabama League of Municipalities and complete all mandated certification levels, with the option to purchase insurance through the city out of pocket. The council would be $850/month with a $100.00/month increase upon reaching the distinction of “Certified Municipal Official” through the Alabama League of Municipalities, which is now a requirement, and an additional $50.00/month for each additional level of certification reached.

2. Discussion of the financial policies of the City. Mayor Snyder stated that this had been discussed at the last work session and that Councilman Hutchins had requested that this be put on this work session for discussion, and on the meeting agenda for a vote. She stated that the policies had been revised after the last work session and discussion with the city auditors. Council members had received revised copies of the policies in their meeting information packets, which go to the council on Thursday before the council meeting the following Tuesday. She pointed out that some of the terminology in the policies had been updated with definitions for better clarity of each fund balance, including examples. She stated that the definitions and terminology were now in line with the language in the annual auditor’s reports. She pointed out that the “unassigned fund balance” mentioned in the policies would contain the reserve amount that the council had desired to maintain for emergency purposes. The policy states that the city would maintain an “operating unassigned fund balance” in the general fund equal to 15% of the budgeted operating expenditures. The mayor pointed out that further down in the policy, there is a policy regarding appropriation from the general fund balance, which would require a majority vote of the mayor and council and would only be for one-time expenditures such as an extraordinary situation or emergency, and not ongoing expenditures. She pointed out a section of the document on page 6 labeled “inventories non-capital” which has been marked with an X to eliminate. She said that after discussion with the auditors, the city does not own anything that would fall into this category, and the auditors recommended that the section be omitted. The mayor asked the council if they had any discussion on the financial policy drafts. Councilman Steward asked if the 15% that the policy stated must be maintained in the fund was the “reserve account” that the council had discussed previously. The mayor stated yes, and that if the council decided they wished to use any amount in the fund over the 15% required to be held for anything else, they could certainly vote and do so, but the 15% stipulated to be maintained was only to be used in case of dire emergency, She stated in that instance, there would need to be discussion of the next year’s budget, and what could be done to build that fund back to the required 15%. The last auditor’s report had 2 highlighted areas, one was debt service, which is seriously over-funded at this time, and this would be where the initial funds to be held in reserve would come from. The second highlighted area was unassigned funds, which, at that time was underfunded, relating to the over-funding of debt service. Mayor Snyder stated that she had printed that specific part of the last auditor’s report, because the auditors had pointed to it as where confusion over the report was occurring due to too much money being deposited into debt services, and it being over-funded. Councilman Hutchins then stated that he had asked the mayor to add this to the agenda because he would like to see the financial policies adopted, and he feels that is important to provide a guideline moving forward, and for whoever is on the next council. He stated that he is good with the required 15% being held in reserve, but he would like the city to revisit this every year to see if it could eventually increase the minimum amount to 20% held in a reserve. He also asked finance director, Nickie Pylant, if adopting the policies would affect the funds currently held in C.D.s in any way. She responded that it would not. The mayor stated that the reserve could certainly be increased as revenues increased. Mayor Snyder stated that the debt management policy was also included, that there would be a separate resolution for it, and that the council did not have any questions regarding it when it had been previously presented. She also stated that the auditors did not see anything on the debt management policy that needed to be changed. The mayor stated that Finance Director Pylant had informed her that the city is already doing most of these practices, and adoption of them would just make them official, and create the 15% emergency reserve, which had been previously discussed, and is a goal of the council to set up. The mayor asked the other council members individually if they had anything on this subject. They each responded with no.

3. An agreement with HERO Schedule for the Police Department was next on the agenda. Mayor Snyder recognized Police Chief, Jarrett Williams to explain this proposed agreement. Chief Williams explained that currently, the police scheduling is done by hand, on paper, and overtime is posted on a dry-erase board in the department. This program would allow scheduling to be digitized and enable digital access to staffing from anywhere. He stated that the program would enable the officers to submit requests for overtime, see who is requesting vacation, etc., and require it to be approved by supervision. Chief Williams stated that it is a much more modern approach to scheduling and staffing, and it would provide various data and reports. He stated that the cost was $4.00/month per user, so currently that would be $84.00/month for the department. He stated that it could be funded out of a budgeted miscellaneous fund, and the budget would not have to be amended. Mayor Snyder said that City Attorney Richard Rhea had responded to the email when the council packet was sent, with some questions regarding the agreement. Counsellor Rhea stated that the language he questioned was standard contract language, particularly a section that absolves HERO of any liability over $100.00. He reiterated that this is standard contract language, and should be fine if the council is ok with it. He also stated that he did not see where there was an awful lot of damage that could be done through a scheduling program, however, once it went over $100.00 in cost, HERO would not be liable. He stated that there is language included similar to an indemnification clause, where if HERO were to be sued, the City would be responsible for their attorney fees and expert witnesses. He does not feel that this is enforceable at this time, however, it could become enforceable through appellate court. He stated that these types of agreements are usually acceptable to City Councils, and objectionable to City Attorneys. He suggested that the city run the agreement by their liability insurance carrier so that if the city becomes obligated to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless HERO, the liability policy will do that for the city, The mayor asked the council would prefer to send the agreement to the insurance company, and put it back on a later agenda for approval? The council agreed to let the city’s liability insurance provider look the contract over and discuss it after they respond.

4. Potential Budget Amendments to the FY 24/25 operating budget were next on the agenda. This would be an Ordinance to amend the budget previously approved by the council on September 24, 2024. The Ordinance was in the council packet, and the mayor stated that Finance Director, Nickie Pylant was in attendance to answer any questions the council might have. Mayor Snyder took the time while the council was looking at the budget amendments to inquire from Chief Williams if any other cities used HERO Schedule. He responded that he was not sure but would ask around. Councilman Clay asked what the Metro Loan Bridge Property Increase was listed on the budget amendments. Director Pylant answered that was the loan for the property between the bridges that the Council had opted to pay off early. Councilman Steward stated that he was good with the Ordinance, and Councilman Garnett agreed. Mayor Snyder inquired if any of the other council members had any questions. There were none.

The Regular Council Meeting started at 5:36 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS:

A Resolution was presented to approve the purchase of 260 additional trash cans for $15,093, shipping cost of $1292.11 for a total of $16,385.11 These were included in the Public Works Budget. The mayor stated that since the amount was so large, it was best to make the council aware of the expense again. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution for purchase, Joseph Hutchins provided the second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was presented to appoint Mayor Dana Snyder as the Voting Delegate, and Councilman Danny Garnett as the Alternate Delegate for the Annual Alabama League of Municipalities Business Meeting, to be held at the ALM convention on May 15, 2025. Don Steward made a motion to approve the Resolution, Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Resolution was approved.

An Ordinance was added from the work session for amendments to the FY 2024/2025 budget previously approved on September 24, 2025. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Ordinance, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Ordinance was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

An Ordinance was presented for approval for an increase in salary for the Mayor and Council to take effect when the next administration takes office in November of 2025. Various scenarios had been presented in both this work session, and the one prior, with the Council being presented with two options to use as guidelines for the Ordinance. The council had in-depth discussions of all the options that were possible on both occasions. Councilman Steward made a motion to approve example Ordinance 1 with the mayor’s position being a part-time position, a salary of $36,00/year, achieve the distinction of “Certified Municipal Official” through the Alabama League of Municipalities, and all required certifications. The council members to be compensated at $850.00/month with an additional $100.00/month when the Certification is obtained as a Certified Municipal Official through the Alabama League of Municipalities, and an additional $50.00/month for each additional level of certification as achieved. Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The Ordinance was approved.

The Proposed Financial Policies were presented for approval by Resolutions. Mayor Snyder explained that these would be 2 separate Resolutions; one for financial policies, and one for a Debt Management Policy. These were originally introduced in December and discussed in the last work session, as well as the work session immediately before this council meeting. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution to adopt the proposed financial policies. Don Steward Provided a second. Roll Call Vote: Clay: NO, Hatley: NO, Hutchins: YES, Steward: YES, Garnett: NO, Snyder: YES. The motion was declared Dead

Next was the Resolution to approve the proposed Debt Management Policy. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, Don Steward provided a second. Roll Call Vote: Clay: NO, Hatley: NO, Hutchins: YES, Steward: YES, Garnett: NO, Snyder: YES, the motion was declared Dead.

At this point, Mayor Snyder stated that these were just policies to hold everyone accountable and be more transparent. She stated that the city was already practicing the financial policies, which were recommended by the auditor, and she feels that it is a bad decision not to adopt formal policies for financial management within the city.

Mayor Snyder then asked if there were any comments from the public in attendance.

She recognized resident: Kari Wineman and asked Ms. Wineman to come to the podium to address the council. Ms. Wineman addressed the mayor and council. She inquired about the overtime practices in the Police Department, and how is it distributed, Chief Williams answered and explained that opposite shifts cover each other’s overtime. Ms. Wineman then addressed the council and stated that she would like to see the council take more time considering issues before they are brought to a vote. Mayor Snyder addressed this and stated that some things are day-to-day things that have to be addressed quickly. She explained that Ordinances and other matters have to be brought up in one meeting and voted on in another unless the council requests to vote immediately. Ms. Wineman stated that she would like to see the bigger, more pressing items be given more time for consideration. She said with the sidewalk project, for example, there were items that the council members, other than the Mayor and Councilman Hutchins did not know. Mayor Snyder recognized Councilman Hutchins, to address this topic, and he responded that the council had been informed of everything that had been done, and any meetings attended, including the meeting with ALDOT. Ms. Wineman stated that there were items that the rest of the council was not privy to. Mayor Snyder explained that City Council Members could only conduct business In a City Council meeting and that the mayor is granted the authority by the state legislature to conduct business on behalf of the city. She stated that the council grants that authority when it approves to application for a grant, and as Mayor, she had to do what is required to put the requirements for the grant in place. Ms. Wineman stated that she was just using that as an example, and she was just stating that she wished the council would be given more opportunity for consideration for bigger items before they were put to vote.

Mayor Snyder made the following announcements:

The Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2025, at 5:00 in council chambers.
The next Planning Commission is scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in council chambers

Mayor Snyder then asked the council individually for their comments:

Keith Clay Had no additional comments

John Hatley Had no additional comments

Joseph Hutchins Congratulated Eli Carter on his state championship and thanked him for all his hard work and dedication. He stated that he had the opportunity to watch Eli over the years and was very proud of him.

Don Steward Thank you to both the Fire Chief and Police Chief for making the council aware of the need for radio amplifiers in both Southside High School and Southside Elementary. He thanked the Mayor and Council for taking action to purchase the amplifiers, and the Etowah County Board of Education for their allowing the installation, and partnering with the city for funding.

Danny Garnett Stated that he feels that the council needs to re-visit the TAPAA Grant, which was awarded to fund the sidewalk project to connect Southside High School with the Competition Gym/Fieldhouse and Community Center/Library areas. He stated that he had been made aware of some information that affects the grant, and the city’s ability to move forward. He stated that in part 3 of the grant application, it states that the city would furnish all rights of way, and incur the costs to do so for the project. He stated that in the last 3 days before this meeting, he had a conversation with 2 people who reside on School Drive who were not in favor of the project and would not grant an easement. He stated that he had also called ALDOT, because he had been told in council proceedings that they couldn’t modify the project in any way, or it would kill the project. Mayor Snyder stated that no, it was stated that they had to get to the point of a definite plan before they could approach ALDOT about modifications. Councilman Garnett stated that he left the previous council meeting with the understanding that if there was any modification of the scope of the project, it would kill the entire project. He stated that one of the School Drive residents had been all over Facebook stating that she would not give an easement for the project. He stated that he had called the other opposed individual, who stated that he would not give an easement for anything to be constructed on his property. Councilman Garnett stated that brings the city to the point that he does not think the city should spend any more money until ALDOT says the Grant can be modified. Mayor Snyder responded that it could be modified. Councilman Garnett stated that the modification would need to be reasonable and logical, the problem of the easements makes the southern half of the project impossible to complete. Mayor Snyder again deferred to Councilman Hutchins to address the sidewalk project. Councilman Hutchins stated that at the last council meeting, these issues were discussed, and the re-engineering of the end of the project by the competition gym was approved. He stated that he had not had any discussion with the residents mentioned who were opposed to giving easement, that Mayor Snyder had not had any conversation with these residents, and to his knowledge, the engineers had not had any conversation with these residents. He reminded everyone that he had stated at the last meeting that when the design is to the point that they can go to these residents and talk to them, and show them exactly where the sidewalk would be placed, then if those people said 100% that they would not grant an easement, then an attempt would be made to re-route the project, or the project would be dead. He stated that they had not even reached that point yet. He stated that he did not know why they could not make it to that point and see what happens. Councilman Garnett responded that he felt like we were at that point since one of the residents had come out publicly and said they would not support the project, nor grant easement. He stated that this individual had not received a letter from the City, but she had observed a male on her property digging around her water or gas meter, throwing dirt into her yard. She called city hall to complain, someone told her they would investigate, and get back to her. Councilman Garnett stated that she never got a return phone call. Mayor Snyder addressed this issue, stating that there was not anyone involved with the sidewalk project, but a gas company employee. Councilman Garnett stated that the second occurrence was when the resident watched a male jump the fence behind her residence. Mayor Snyder stated that this was the same incident and was a gas company employee. Councilman Garnett stated that he should have identified himself. He also said the resident had observed the mayor and several males walking on school drive, that she had come outside and told them she was not in favor of the project, and she would not give an easement for it. Mayor Snyder stated that the resident never stated that she would not give easement, that she had indeed greeted the mayor, asked her how she was, the mayor told the resident she was doing well, and asked how she was doing, then the resident had responded and went back inside her home. Councilman Garnett stated that was what the resident had told him happened. He said she told him this was a waste of time project, that she very rarely sees children walking, and when she does, it is at very random times. Councilman Garnett stated that the other resident who did not wish to grant an easement, whom he had spoken to the day prior, had received a letter from the city, and he never responded. The resident told Councilman Garnett that he was not in favor and was not giving easement. Councilman Garnett stated that they know these residents’ stance at this point, and the city should not authorize any more funding for the project until they decide to kill the project or reboot it by doing a modification, and if the modification is approved, move forward. He stated that when he called ALDOT, he spoke with Travis Kilgore, who stated that the project could be modified, Councilman Garnett had asked Mr. Kilgore if lighting could be included in the modification, and he had responded that yes, lighting could be included, provided that it was in the interest of public safety. Councilman Garnett reiterated that safety was his main concern in the project, especially in the area around the football field and competition gym, and that should be the focus. He stated that he thinks they should reconsider the vote from the last council meeting regarding the expenditures for re-engineering the project until the council decides on either doing a modification or killing the project. He stated that no amount of money was going to get Mrs. Herring to change her mind about the easement, as she was all over Facebook saying she was against the project. Councilman Clay stated that part of the money that the council had voted to approve in the last meeting was up to $8500.00 for easement acquisition, which they are saying they are not going to give. Mayor Snyder then addressed this issue by saying that after the agreement was approved at the council meeting on February 11, the engineering on the modifications around the competition gym area crosswalk was started the next day, and should be completed by Friday, so that money is already spent. She stated that the council had approved $12,600, for this, and it is almost complete. She stated that because of the 2 property owners, which had been mentioned as resistant to give easements, she emailed the engineers with GMC, and made them aware that there was potential that 2 residents that would not give easements. She stated that she had found out that the easement needed from Ms. Herring would be .01 acre, and Mr. Watson would be .04 acres, and she asked if there was any way this project could proceed without requiring these easements. Mayor Snyder stated that she is expecting to have a response to that question by Friday, because they believe that the project can be adjusted to not require these easements. She stated that the engineering is being completed, and the engineers are looking at ways to eliminate the need for those easements. She stated that she had also received an email for Travis Kilgore at ALDOT informing her of Councilman Garnett’s questions and desire to change the project. She stated that the only thing that could be done is for the council to vote and say send ALDOT a letter from the mayor. She explained that when Councilman Hutchins first got involved with the project, ALDOT had contacted her as the mayor to make sure it was ok if they discussed the project with him, and he has done a fabulous job with the project, and if the city can make it through the project, the city should have a very nice sidewalk for students, residents and athletes in the future. She pointed out that what the council does today affect the students and athletes of the future, not now. She stated that they should have some answers by Friday from the engineers. Councilman Garnett stated that when he talked to Mr. Kilgore, he told him that he didn’t want to change the project, that his main concern about the project was the area around the football field/competition gym area and thus the questions about lighting, He stated that Mr. Kilgore told him to get with the engineers at GMC, have them draft a scope, get with the Mayor and have her write a letter and they would consider the changes. He thinks that there would be too much disruption to the citizens on School Drive, and he thinks every resident should be interviewed about the project. He said he had no idea there was any opposition until he saw it on Facebook, then he heard about Mr. Watson, and he called him, and was told he was not in favor. Mayor Snyder stated that the majority of the property where easements are needed is Board of Education property, that the city already has approval from 2 other property owners, and the engineers are trying to work a solution around needing the other easements. She again said they should have some answers by the end of the week and be able to proceed with those conversations. She then asked Councilman Hutchins if he had already inquired about adding lighting. He stated that it was discussed during the public hearing held at the planning commission meeting in January. He said that he told everyone at the planning commission meeting that adding lighting was a possibility after talking with the engineers at GMC, but before that could be committed, they would need the overall scope of the project cost versus the overall amount of the grant awarded, and with the changes to the route that have already been added, the numbers would have to change, and they would need to wait for that engineering to be complete to see what would be left in the grant funds. He stated that any statement he had made regarding no changes was because certain parameters had to be met to be awarded this particular grant, and part of that connected the high school to the area around the competition gym/field house area. He stated that the reason he was skeptical that the grant could change, was if the high school was not connected, the parameters for the grant would not be met, and it has already been awarded. He stated that he was trying to wait until he had the information from engineers as to how much easement was needed, he had received that the previous Friday, and the only reason it had not already been sent to the council was because a name that was on the email is incorrect, due to a recent change of ownership, so the information is not verified as updated. He stated that he also felt that all the residents should be spoken with, but not until all the information that would be needed to answer any of their questions was available and verified as accurate. Mayor Snyder stated that Mr. Kilgore at ALDOT had stated that if you change the parameters of the project, it will have to provide a logical terminus and still provide pedestrian benefits similar to the original project, which was connecting board of education properties. She stated that the grant was a window to be able to provide the safety updates needed to the competition gym area, providing almost a million dollars toward the project, and adding the lighting is a definite possibility. Councilman Clay inquired for clarification if the grant could or could not be modified. The mayor responded that it can be modified, as long as it still provides pedestrian benefits similar to the original project, which was connecting the high school to the gym. Councilman Garnett stated that when he came on to the council, the project estimate was 1.2 million dollars, and now it has dropped to an estimated $500,000, he feels there has been no clear explanation for the cost reduction. He also stated that the first engineering showing the crosswalk near highway 77 was ludicrous, due to the volume of traffic turning into that area. He also stated that he never sees anyone walking up School Drive for activities at the Competition Gym area number one, because it is too dark, secondly, the project in his mind should be the competition gym area/field house/football field/community center area, marking and lighting it up. Mayor Snyder responded that this project would hopefully allow those issues to be addressed, as long as it provides the same pedestrian benefit as it did in the original application. She stated that Councilman Hutchins had explained the decrease in cost, and asked him to revisit the issue. Councilman Hutchins said that originally, when GMC engineers looked at the project and gave the initial figure of 1.2-1.3 million dollars, they came and just walked the route, drove the route, not having any idea where anything utility-wise was located. He said the original estimate was just from a visual observation of the area. The estimate included moving utility poles, and the utilities themselves. The route has been designed to allow for minimal need for any of that. He stated that everyone is all in on the area around the competition gym/ football field area part of the project, and without the grant, the city would have to foot 100% of the bill for the upgrades. He cited the numerous people who have agreed that there is a need for a sidewalk down School Drive, mentioning faculty members, coaches, residents, athletic foundation members, and others who have stated that there are kids who walk, even though they are absolutely told not to do it. He stated that both the Fire Chief and Police Chief feel that it would be beneficial to have the sidewalk and would be safer. Councilman Hutchins also stated that the question was asked at the Planning Commission meeting why the crosswalk had been originally put so close to Highway 77, and the response was that is typically an ALDOT standard, based off the rules they currently have in place regarding sidewalks for these projects. The concerns voiced at that meeting dictated that the crosswalk be moved away from the Highway. Councilman Garnett stated that the council is getting mixed messages regarding foot traffic from the residents on School Drive. He stated that he had addressed the issue with Jay Freeman, and told him that the Board of Education should be responsible for transporting students needing to get from the high school to the competition gym/football field area. He suggested that there should be a van provided to transport kids driven by a Board of Education employee. He also stated that he didn’t think there should be another dime invested in this project until all the questions are answered and a clear explanation from engineers if an easement would or would not be required. Mayor Snyder stated that another decrease in cost, came from the original estimate being to Daystar Lane, and the current project is from the school parking lot, which cut off a large amount of concrete. Councilman Hutchins discussed the logistics and practicality of expecting the Board of Education to provide transport to and from the competition gym area. At this time Mayor Snyder stated that this issue was not on the original agenda, and asked that the meeting be adjourned, she stated that the process was proceeding until the answers were provided by the engineers, and there was no need for any more discussion until that time. She reminded everyone that the mayor conducts the business of the city, and when the council approves something as a council, the mayor is the person who conducts that business, and she asked that everyone respect that. Councilman Garnett stated that when he changed his vote at the previous council meeting to proceed with the additional engineering on the sidewalk project, it was without the knowledge of the potential resistance of the 2 residents to grant an easement for the project to proceed. There was more discussion of the help that the engineers would be providing in discussion regarding easement acquisition. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Don Steward provided a second. The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 P.M.