City Council

November 27, 2017 STATE OF ALABAMA, LIMESTONE COUNTY, CITY OF ATHENS. The City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama met in regular session at the Athens Municipal Building, 200 Hobbs Street West in the said City on November 27, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Councilman Chris Seibert, President of the Council. Upon roll call, the following were found to be present: Councilmembers Frank Travis, Wayne Harper, Harold Wales and Chris Seibert. Councilmember Joseph Cannon was absent. Mayor Ronnie Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. Annette Barnes, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Shane Black offered the invocation. The Chairperson stated that a quorum was present and that the meeting was open for transaction of business. The Chairperson stated that the Minutes of November 6, 2017 City Council Meeting had been submitted for approval. Councilman Wales moved that the reading of the Minutes be suspended and that the Minutes be approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. The Chairperson stated that the Minutes of the November 6, 2017 City Council Work Session Meeting had been submitted for approval. Councilman Harper moved that the reading of the Minutes be suspended and that the Minutes be approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wales and was unanimously carried. Ralph Diggins, 100 Willow Street, Athens, commended the Council on their leadership in getting Sunday Alcohol Sales approved. Mae Davis, 1201 Plainview Circle, Athens, expressed her appreciation to the Council for constructing the sidewalk on Brownsferry Street. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve travel/education expenses for specified Water Services employee. Frank Eskridge AWWI Annual Conference $320.40 (Water Services) Point Clear, Alabama October 28-31, 2017 The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of one (1) Lexmark Copier from The Lioce Group at a total cost, not to exceed, $1,210.00, to be funded from the existing CPR capital account. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTON BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve travel expenses for the following Electric Department personnel. Kelvin Snyder $92.11 TVPPA – Relay Protection & Coordination – Nashville, TN Christian Runge $116.53 TVPPA – Lab C – Scottsboro, AL Charlie Deffenbaugh $109.72 TVPPA – Lab C – Scottsboro, AL Jeff Hines $113.50 TVPPA – Lab C – Scottsboro, AL The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Travis introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION TO FUND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE NEW CITY OF ATHENS RECREATION FACILITY WHEREAS, the City Council wished to retain the services of an architect for the design of a new City of Athens recreation facility (the “Rec Center”); and WHEREAS, the City Council received proposals/presentations for these services and adopted a resolution on June 5, 2017 to retain Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc. for architectural design services in connection with a new Rec Center to be funded from the City of Athens Capital Projects Funds; and WHEREAS, Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc. has completed the Schematic Design phase of the of the Rec Center; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 6, 2017 at 5:30 P.M., to allocate $72,000 from the anticipated 2017 general fund surplus to the Capital Projects Fund for payment of the above referenced services. Councilmember Wales moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Travis thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Morell Engineering for the Construction, Engineering and Inspection services of ALDOT TAP Project # TAPAA-TA15(912) Limestone County Courthouse Landscape Plan. The budget for these services is $73,350.00 and is funded by Alabama Department of Transportation as an 80/20 match. The motion was seconded by Councilman Travis and was unanimously carried. Councilman Travis introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to appoint Deborah Gill to the Lincoln Bridgeforth Park Committee, with a term expiration of 11/27/2023. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 2017-1544 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 2017-18 MUNICIPAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND PURPOSES _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, by this Resolution, the City Council of the City of Athens appropriates various funds for governmental purposes and governmental entities who serve various public purposes benefitting the citizens of Athens; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that action on each of the items listed below serves a valuable public purpose that has for its objective the promotion of public health, safety, morals, security, prosperity, contentment, and/or the general welfare of the community. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 27, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., as follows: 1. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to appropriate $ 120,000 to the Athens Limestone Public Library, to assist in funding its operating expenses. The Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. The Mayor or City Clerk is further authorized to expend up to $ 2,500 in connection with the maintenance of the library. 2. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to appropriate $ 20,000 to the Houston Memorial Library, to assist in funding its operating expenses. The Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. The Mayor or City Clerk is further authorized to expend up to $ 10,000 in connection with the maintenance of the public library and museum. 3. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to appropriate $15,000 to the Healthcare Authority of Athens & Limestone County, to assist in funding its operation of a transportation program available to city residents in need of kidney dialysis treatment. The Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 27th day of November, 2017. /s/ Chris Seibert PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA CERTIFICATION OF CITY CLERK STATE OF ALABAMA ) LIMESTONE COUNTY ) I, Annette Barnes, City Clerk of the City of Athens, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, on the 27th day of November, 2017. Witness my hand and seal of office this ___ day of __________________, 2017. ____________________________________ Annette Barnes, City Clerk The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 2017-1545 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 2017-18 MUNICIPAL APPROPRIATIONS/CONTRACTS AND THIRD PARTY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES – THE ARC OF ALABAMA, INC. _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, by this Resolution, the City Council of the City of Athens appropriates various funds, through contracts, to non-governmental entities who serve various public purposes benefitting the citizens of Athens; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to establish, operate, maintain, or contract with others to operate and maintain public cultural facilities consisting of museums, libraries, art galleries, art centers, music halls, and related facilities, all to the end of making cultural facilities available to the public, pursuant to § 11-47-16 and § 11-90-1 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to provide music, tournaments, shows, educational activities, recreational activities, and other exhibitions for the amusement of the inhabitants of the City; and to plan, establish, and furnish recreational, social and cultural facilities, services and programs, including transportation services and programs (especially for senior citizens), pursuant to § 11-47-19 and § 11-80-5 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized to adopt measures to provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity, and improve the morals, order, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of the City; and  WHEREAS, the City Council finds that action on the item listed below serves a valuable public purpose that has for its objective the promotion of morals, security, prosperity, contentment, and/or the general welfare of the community. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 27, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., as follows: The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with The ARC of Alabama, Inc. (Athens/Limestone ARC), in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $ 8,000 as an appropriation in exchange for the planning, establishment, and furnishing of recreational, social and cultural facilities, services and programs for persons in the City with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 27th day of November, 2017. /s/ Chris Seibert PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA CERTIFICATION OF CITY CLERK STATE OF ALABAMA ) LIMESTONE COUNTY ) I, Annette Barnes, City Clerk of the City of Athens, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, on the 27th day of November, 2017. Witness my hand and seal of office this ___ day of __________________, 2017. ____________________________________ Annette Barnes, City Clerk The motion was seconded by Councilman Wales and was unanimously carried. Councilman Travis introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 2017-1546 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 2017-18 MUNICIPAL APPROPRIATIONS/CONTRACTS AND THIRD PARTY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES - RSVP _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, by this Resolution, the City Council of the City of Athens appropriates various funds, through contracts, to non-governmental entities who serve various public purposes benefitting the citizens of Athens; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to provide music, tournaments, shows, educational activities, recreational activities, and other exhibitions for the amusement of the inhabitants of the City; and to plan, establish, and furnish recreational, social and cultural facilities, services and programs, including transportation services and programs (especially for senior citizens), pursuant to § 11-47-19 and § 11-80-5 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized to adopt measures to provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity, and improve the morals, order, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that action on the item listed below serves a valuable public purpose that has for its objective the promotion of public health, safety, morals, security, prosperity, contentment, and/or the general welfare of the community. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 27, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., as follows: The Mayor or City Clerk is authorized to expend up to $ 3,000 in connection with operating costs of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.) transportation services program for the elderly of the City. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 27th day of November, 2017. /s/ Chris Seibert PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA CERTIFICATION OF CITY CLERK STATE OF ALABAMA ) LIMESTONE COUNTY ) I, Annette Barnes, City Clerk of the City of Athens, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, on the 27th day of November, 2017. Witness my hand and seal of office this ___ day of __________________, 2017. ____________________________________ Annette Barnes, City Clerk The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales abstained. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2017-1547 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 2017-18 MUNICIPAL APPROPRIATIONS/CONTRACTS AND THIRD PARTY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES _______________________________________________  WHEREAS, by this Resolution, the City Council of the City of Athens appropriates various funds, through contracts, to non-governmental entities who serve various public purposes benefitting the citizens of Athens; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to establish, operate, maintain, or contract with others to operate and maintain public cultural facilities consisting of museums, libraries, art galleries, art centers, music halls, and related facilities, all to the end of making cultural facilities available to the public, pursuant to § 11-47-16 and § 11-90-1 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to provide music, tournaments, shows, educational activities, recreational activities, and other exhibitions for the amusement of the inhabitants of the City; and to plan, establish, and furnish recreational, social and cultural facilities, services and programs, including transportation services and programs (especially for senior citizens), pursuant to § 11-47-19 and § 11-80-5 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to promote the economic and industrial development of the municipality; to develop, advertise, and promote the resources of the municipality; and to advertise the municipality and any function or undertaking of the municipality, pursuant to § 11-47-9 and § 11-47-11 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to maintain the health and cleanliness and the City; and improve its public parks, grounds, and boulevards, pursuant to § 11-47-130 and § 11-47-19 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized by law to safeguard the public health and promote sanitation within the corporate limits of the municipality; to make appropriations for public health work; and to make appropriations to aid hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other related health care institutions in maintaining and taking care of the sick and wounded, pursuant to § 22-3-11 and § 22-21-2 of the Code of Alabama, and other authorities; WHEREAS, the City of Athens is authorized to adopt measures to provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity, and improve the morals, order, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of the City; and  WHEREAS, the City Council finds that action on each of the items listed below serves a valuable public purpose that has for its objective the promotion of public health, safety, morals, security, prosperity, contentment, and/or the general welfare of the community. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 27, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., as follows: 1. The Mayor or City Clerk is authorized to expend up to $10,000 in connection with operating costs of the Limestone County Council on Aging transportation services program for the elderly of the City. 2. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with Dr. Robert Pitman, D.V.M., an independent contractor, acting as the coordinator of the “SNYP” program, in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, and, further, that the City will pay up to $5,000 in furtherance of the “SNYP” program, a program for the sterilization of the cats and dogs within Limestone County, Alabama. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 3. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama, in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $ 10,000 as an appropriation in exchange for the planning, establishment, and furnishing of recreational, social and cultural facilities, services and programs made available and open to the youth of the City. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 4. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Athens Limestone County Tourism Association, Inc., in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $87,000 as an appropriation in exchange for activities promoting the economic and industrial development of the municipality; developing, advertising, and promoting the resources of the municipality; and advertising the municipality and functions or undertakings of the municipality both within and without the corporate limits. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 5. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Athens Limestone County Beautification Board, in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $5,000 as an appropriation in exchange for maintaining the health and cleanliness of the City; and improving its public parks, grounds, and boulevards. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 6. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful (KALB), in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $ 25,000 as an appropriation in exchange for maintaining the health and cleanliness of the City; and improving its public parks, grounds, and boulevards. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 7. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center, in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $18,000 as an appropriation that is intended to assist in funding its operation of educational activities, recreational activities, social services and programs open to all city residents. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 8. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Athens-Limestone Learn-To-Read, in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $ 10,000 as an appropriation that is intended to assist in funding its operation of educational activities programs open to all city residents. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 9. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Spirit of Athens, Inc., in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $25,000 as an appropriation in exchange for activities promoting the economic and industrial development of the municipality; developing, advertising, and promoting the resources of the municipality; and advertising the municipality and functions or undertakings of the municipality both within and without the corporate limits. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 10. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama, Inc. in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $10,000 as an appropriation in exchange for public health work. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 11. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with the Athens Recycling Center (which is itself a division of Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful) in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $ 52,000 as an appropriation in exchange for recycling services. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion.  12. The Mayor or City Clerk is directed to enter into a contract with The Athens-Limestone Community Association, in such form and manner that is acceptable to the same, whereby the City will pay $ 10,000 as an appropriation in exchange for the planning, establishment, and furnishing of recreational, educational, social and cultural facilities, services and programs for the Citizens of Athens. Thereafter, the Mayor/City Clerk is authorized to release said funds at his discretion. 13. The sum of $ 18,000 is hereby budgeted and set aside in fiscal year 2017-18 to the Office of the Mayor for special events activities in the City. The Mayor is charged with allocating and disbursing these funds to special events activities that provide significant educational, recreational, and/or entertainment benefit to the citizens of the City, with an emphasis on proven and effective events, and on those that advertise and promote the City. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 27th day of November, 2017. /s/ Chris Seibert PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA CERTIFICATION OF CITY CLERK STATE OF ALABAMA ) LIMESTONE COUNTY ) I, Annette Barnes, City Clerk of the City of Athens, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, on the 27th day of November, 2017. Witness my hand and seal of office this ___ day of __________________, 2017. ____________________________________ Annette Barnes, City Clerk The motion was seconded by Councilman Travis and was unanimously carried. * * * There being no further business to come before the meeting, the same was, upon motion by Councilman Travis and second by Councilman Wales, duly and properly adjourned. /s/ Joseph Cannon PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK