City Council

November 4, 2024 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, Athens, Alabama, on November 4, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Councilman Lucas, President of the City Council. Upon roll call, the following were found to be present: Councilmembers Chris Seibert, Harold Wales, James E. Lucas, Dana Henry and Wayne Harper. Annette Barnes, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Councilman Seibert offered the invocation. Mayor Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 the October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting and Work Session 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 Seibert and was unanimously carried. Mayor Marks read a proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday as November 30th, 2024 in Athens, Alabama and asked everyone to support the local small businesses. Councilwoman Henry announced that the practice field at Athens High School will be dedicated to Dan Havely on November 11th, 2024 at 5pm. Council President Lucas stated that he would do his best as the newly elected City Council President. Mayor Marks thanked Mr. Lucas for serving as president of the City Council. The Mayor gave a shout-out to all of the veterans and asked everyone to get out and support all of the events that recognize them. Scott Marshall, 212 East Street, Athens, addressed the City Council and applauded them for tabling the General Manager position until they can get together on the item. Mr. Marshall asked Jimmy Junkin, Water Services Director, why Hazen & Sawyer Consulting added an additional amount for their project and stated that those types of fees should be included in the original contract. Kelly Range, 303 Brookwood Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding the potential hiring of a General Manager of Utilities and asked them to get something in place so that the person hired can manage without worrying about if he or she will be reappointed every four years. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolutions: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Building Inspection Department: Blake Wilder IAEI Southern Section Conference Mobile, Alabama October 5 – 9, 2024 $ 614.73 Erik Waddell ICC 2024 Annual Conference Long Beach, CA October 19 – 23, 2024 $ 75.72  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Sanitation Department: Christan Peoples CDL Class B Decatur, Alabama October 7 – 18, 2024 $ 229.19 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Cemetery, Parks & Recreation Department: Jamie Nichols CDL School October 7 – 18, 2024 $ 686.08 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Mayor’s office: Mayor Ronnie Marks Southern Municipal Conference Greenville, SC October 23 – 25, 2024 $ 12.10 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the payment of budgeted travel/education expenses for specified Water Services employees in the total amount of $5,612.00. Marc Courville 2024 IMGIS Conference $3,080.85 Palm Springs, CA October 20, 2024 – October 24, 2024 Joshua Malone Miscellaneous Driving – Personal Vehicle $ 203.01 October 1, 2024 – October 24, 2024 Joshua Harris Miscellaneous Driving – Personal Vehicle $ 297.48 October 1, 2024 – October 24, 2024 Eric Morell VT Scada Class $2,030.66 Orlando, FL October 20, 2024 – October 25, 2024 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve travel expenses in the following amount for Electric Department personnel: Justin Rochelle $127.55 Erwin, TN – Storm Tanner Rogers $123.61 Erwin, TN – Storm  Justin Holland $190.16 Erwin, TN – Storm Cody Fox $127.70 Erwin, TN – Storm Jimmy McBay $134.09 Orange Beach, AL – Alabama Urban Forestry Assoc. Annual Conference Rhett Murphy $199.99 Orange Beach, AL – Alabama Urban Forestry Assoc. Annual Conference RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Fire Department: April Davis Mileage July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 $ 116.58 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Utilities Finance Department: Abigail Owen TVPPA Accounting Finance Conference Pigeon Forge, TN October 23 – 25, 2024 $ 459.62 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITYCOUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reschedule the regular meeting on December 23rd, 2024 to December 16th, 2024, at the same place and time. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to purchase equipment for police admin vehicles and installation of equipment from MCA (Sharp Communications) not to exceed $11,726.00. Funding for this purchase will be from the Police Department’s existing capital expenditure account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following applicant for a “SPECIAL EVENTS Retail On Premises Consumption” alcohol license: CS Family Hospitality Group, LLC dba: Lil Mazzara’s Event: Athens Food & Wine Festival Special Event Location: 409 West Green Street Athens, AL 35611 Event Date: November 16, 2024  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes the amount of $17,100.00 to be funded from the Water Services Department operating budget for the USGS to maintain and monitor the Swan Creek stream gauging station for twelve months, and the Water Services Department Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into an agreement for these services with the USGS. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes the amount of $49,09.83 for the purchase of a Kubota Model U35- 4R1A tractor, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to purchase this tractor from Huntsville Tractor and Equipment. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes the amount of $6,765.00 for the purchase of a Bushmaster Rotary Cutter Model MX401-42, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to purchase this cutter from Huntsville Tractor and Equipment. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes the amount of $5,646.00 for the purchase of a Land Pride Plate Compactor Model AP-PC400, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to purchase this cutter from Huntsville Tractor and Equipment. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes the amount of $57,039.00 for the purchase of a 2025 Ford F250 with diesel engine upgrade, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to purchase this truck from Stivers Ford. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wales and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes an unbudgeted amount of $46,760.00 to be funded from the Water Services Department capital reserves for Hazen & Sawyer Consulting, Inc. to perform construction inspection services during the construction of the Elm Street Water Booster Station Upgrades, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into this contract to complete this work. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Henry seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Water Services Director is authorized to purchase a set of three Vulcan Screens Model FT-36 and the ancillary wash presses Model EWP 250/260 at a cost of $985,000.00. Councilmember Henry moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Seibert seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, the Council authorizes an unbudgeted amount of $105,000.00 to be funded from the Water Services Department cash reserves for Krebs Engineering, Inc. to perform a high-rate filter study at the WTP and to develop a 30-year water treatment master plan, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into this agreement to complete this work. 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, Lucas, Henry 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 Harper seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes an unbudgeted capital amount of $8,800,000.00 to be funded from the Water Services Department capital reserves for a contract with Cleary Construction, Inc. to construct the WWTP East Primary Lift Station, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into this contract to complete this work. Councilmember Henry moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Wales seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution:  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes an unbudgeted capital amount of $1,981,600.00 to be funded from the Water Services Department cash reserves for a contract with Apel Machinery & Supply Company, Inc. to construct the Elm Street Water Booster Station upgrades, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into this contract to complete this work. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Henry, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Seibert seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on November 4, 2024, that the Council authorizes an unbudgeted capital amount of $275,984.00 to be funded from the Water Services Department cash reserves for a contract with Vortex Services, LLC to pipe burst certain sanitary sewer lines for rehabilitation purposes, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into this contract to complete this work. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Wales seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2024 - 2021 A RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE OF OFFICE FURNISHINGS FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide City departments with furnishings and equipment necessary for providing city services and safeguarding city assets and records; WHEREAS, the Planning department is in need of high top reception desk and cabinets in the reception area of the department to provide a defined space for the public to complete forms and applications ; WHEREAS, the expenditure for these services is a qualified expenditure of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the “providing government services” category of use. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 4TH, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., as follows:  1. The Planning Department Director is authorized to expend up to $6,000 for the purchase and installation of the office furnishings referenced above. 2. The funds in support of this Resolution are authorized to be expended from the City’s allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. ADOPTED this the 4th day of November, 2024. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Henry seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2024 – 2022 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the City of Athens, AL to apply for the ATRIP-II 2025 funding program for the following improvements that will include a traffic signal at US-31 & Roy Long Rd, highway lighting along the beforementioned routes, access management improvements along US-31, and turn lane improvements accessing Country Club Acres at an estimated cost of $1,175,080.12. The City will commit to a twenty percent match of $235,016.02. This match has been approved via council for the FY 2025 Bituminous paving contract and traffic impact assessment fee for the Roy/Maund/Cannon subdivisions along Roy Long Rd. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 4th day of November, 2024. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA /s/ William R. Marks MAYOR, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 Harper seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 ordinance: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024 - 2349 ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO GENESIS VALET SERVICES, LLC FOR A DRIVING TRAINING SERVICE WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 220 of the Constitution of Alabama, no entity shall be authorized or permitted to use the streets of the city of Athens for the operation of any private enterprise, without first obtaining the consent of the City of Athens; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined to grant its consent to the use of its streets for the operation of a driving training service by Genesis Valet Services, LLC upon the terms of a franchise agreement as hereinafter provided. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA while in regular session on November 4th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., as follows: Section 1. In consideration of the benefits to accrue to the City of Athens (the “City”) and the inhabitants thereof, the City, pursuant to Section 220 of the Constitution of Alabama and other applicable law, extends the consent and franchise hereinafter set forth. Section 2. Genesis Valet Services, LLC (the “Franchisee”) is hereby granted the City’s non-exclusive consent and franchise to use the streets of the City for the operation of a business providing driving training for individuals that have an Alabama driving permit or driver’s license. Section 3. With respect to all of its activities within the City’s corporate limits, the Franchisee, its employees and agents shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, as they now exist or are hereafter amended, expressly including but not limited to those concerning the use of the City’s streets, as they now exist or may hereafter be amended. Section 4. The Franchisee’s exercise of this franchise shall be limited to the Franchisee’s travel along the streets of the City through its motor vehicles. Any and all such motor vehicles shall at all times comply with all state and local laws. Section 5. Franchisee shall indemnify, defend, and hold the City (as well as its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates) harmless from any actions, claims, liability or damages resulting from any actions taken by Franchisee or its agents pursuant to this Ordinance, including but not limited to the negligence/misconduct of Franchisee, its agents or employees, in the operation of its private enterprise. Such indemnification shall be for all damages, costs, and attorney fees. The City shall notify Franchisee after the presentation to the City Clerk of any written claim for damages, either by suit or otherwise, made against the City on account of any actions of Franchisee, its agents or employees. This section shall survive the termination of this franchise. Section 6. The consent and franchise hereby granted may not be assigned without the written consent of the City. Section 7. Franchisee shall pay to the City a franchise fee of $25.00 on or prior to the publication of this Ordinance. Section 8. Franchisee shall, throughout the term of this franchise, maintain a current business license with the City. Section 9. This Ordinance shall be published by the City Clerk in accordance with the applicable provision of Ala. Code § 11-45-8 (1975). The expense of such publication shall be paid by Franchisee, according to law. Section 10. Franchisee shall file a written acceptance of the franchise with the City Clerk within 14 days after the date of this Ordinance. The acceptance shall state that Franchisee agrees to be bound by and carry out the terms and conditions of this Ordinance. The franchise shall go into effect when the acceptance has been filed, and upon such filing, this Ordinance shall constitute a contract between the City and Franchisee. Section 11. If any part of this Ordinance shall be held invalid for any reason, such holding shall not invalidate or impair the remainder of it. Franchisee is an independent operator, and is not an agent, contractor, or employee of the City. Franchisee has no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of or bind the City in any capacity. The City's waiver of any term or breach hereof shall not be considered to be a waiver of any other term or breach, nor of a subsequent breach of the one waived. Section 12. This franchise shall continue in effect for three (3) years from the date it is accepted, or until termination; however, Franchisee may terminate this franchise at any time by written notice to City. No amendment hereto shall be made unless it is authorized by the City Council. Section 13. The City reserves the right to suspend or terminate this franchise and all rights of Franchisee if (i) Franchisee violates any provisions of this Franchise, including the requirement that Franchisee abide by all laws and ordinances, (ii) Franchisee’s agents and employees are convicted of any crime of moral turpitude, any DUI offense, or any offense relating to controlled substances, or (iii) whenever the continued operation by the Franchisee would constitute a danger to public health, safety, welfare or public morals. The City Clerk may terminate this franchise where Franchisee has failed to keep in full force any applicable licenses or permits required by federal, state or local law or regulation. Section 14. Miscellaneous. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Alabama. (b) City and Franchisee consent and submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of Limestone County, Alabama and/or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Northern Division, and expressly agree that the counties in which such courts are situated will be the exclusive venues for any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Ordinance. Section 15. This Ordinance shall become effective upon adoption, and upon the acceptance set forth in Section 10. ADOPTED this the 4th day of November, 2024. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA /s/ William R. Marks MAYOR, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Councilmember Seibert moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said ordinance, 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, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Wales seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the attached organizational chart for the City Clerk/Treasurer department, which includes the following 19 full-time positions: 1. City Clerk – Treasurer 2. Assistant City Clerk 3. Revenue Officer 4. Assistant Revenue Officer 5. Payroll Accountant (2) 6. Cash Management/Finance Accountant 7. Municipal Court Administrator 8. Magistrate 9. Utilities Director of Finance 10. Utilities Accounting Supervisor 11. Utilities Plant Accountant 12. Utilities Payroll Accountant 13. Purchasing Manager 14. Warehouse Supervisor 15. Warehouse Technician (4) The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2024 - 2023 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE LIMESTONE COUNTY JAIL _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Limestone County Commission is currently undertaking a project involving the construction of an addition to the Limestone County Jail; WHEREAS, the City Council supports Limestone County’s efforts to expand and improve the jail; WHEREAS, the City of Athens Police Department utilizes the Limestone County Jail in connection with its law enforcement activities, and will therefore benefit from this project; WHEREAS, the City expects that it will be due fees from building inspections and permits with respect to this jail project; WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the project will serve a valuable public purpose, conferring a public benefit upon the citizens of the City of Athens; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to appropriate funds to the Limestone County Commission for its use with respect to this jail project in an amount equivalent to the inspection fees and charges it would otherwise receive from the project.  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on November 4, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., that the City of Athens shall appropriate the sum of $32,106.82 to the Limestone County Commission for its use in connection with the project to expand the Limestone County Jail. At the Mayor’s discretion, the City Clerk/Treasurer and Building Inspection Department may “set off” amounts due in fees from building inspections and permits against the amount of this appropriation. The Mayor is further authorized to take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the transaction contemplated by this Resolution. ADOPTED this the 4TH day of November, 2024. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, 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, Lucas, Henry 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 Harper seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Council President Lucas opened the floor for public comments. Amanda Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding a possible immigration office locating to Athens and offered to provide any information needed if the Council was interested. Teresa Haggard, 1311 Wheeler Street, Athens, and her fiancé addressed the City Council regarding the house that they are living in and stated that there are numerous amounts of repairs that need to be made. Tim Colling, 22686 Regent Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding Ms. Haggard’s complaint and asked Mayor Marks what the timeframe would be for the home to be inspected. Mayor Marks remarked that he would turn the complaint in to Erik Waddell, Chief Building Inspector to be inspected as soon as possible. * * * There being no further business to come before the meeting, Council President Lucas asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was made by Councilman Harper and was seconded by Councilman Seibert. The meeting was duly and properly adjourned. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK