City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING JULY 2, 2013 The Board of Commissioners of the City of Dothan, Alabama, met in regular session in the Commission Chambers of the Roy Driggers Municipal Building at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 2, 2013 with the following members present: Mayor Mike Schmitz, Associate Commissioners James H. Reading, Amos M. Newsome, Jr., Albert Kirkland, Critt Snellgrove, Taylor Barbaree and Hamp Baxley. Also present were City Manager Michael West, City Clerk Pam McCoy, Administrative Assistant Tammy Danner, who recorded the Minutes of the Meeting, and the local news media representatives. Mayor Schmitz called the meeting to order. Dr. Ray Malone, Greater Beulah Baptist Church, then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Kirkland led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner Reading moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of June 18, 2013, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Barbaree and unanimously approved. Commissioner Reading welcomed his pastor Dr. Ray Malone to the meeting and expressed appreciation to him for bringing Greater Beulah Baptist Church back to where it should be. Commissioner Reading also welcomed many of his church members to the meeting. Commissioner Reading commended Travis Faulk, Building Inspector for the City of Dothan in being very instrumental in getting an old house torn down on Woodham Road. Commissioner Newsome expressed appreciation to Police Chief Greg Benton for providing him with statistics on people who serve in the military and are employees of the police department. Commissioner Newsome conveyed to the citizens that we have people who have served in uniform and who are willing to come back and serve on the police force. He then shared some statistics of how many military personnel the City of Dothan employees. Commissioner Newsome said he is very proud that we have them on the force and should continue to support them while they are out working the beats in the City of Dothan. Commissioner Kirkland expressed appreciation to those in the military for their service. He wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July and cautioned everyone to be careful in traveling. Commissioner Snellgrove said he was reminded what the Fourth of July means; freedom is not free and we need to remember all of our military who are serving around the world to give us freedom. He also wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July! Commissioner Barbaree commended the Police Department for capturing those who are responsible for the break in of vehicles in a lot of our neighborhoods. He said he appreciates the residents who keep a watchful eye and know that when something is out of place they need to contact the appropriate authorities. Commissioner Baxley commended city personnel for doing a great job with the cleanup of debris from the storm that came through last Friday. Commissioner Baxley said there has been an issue concerning sewer fees with unoccupied dwellings. He said there is the ability for new home construction to avoid the sewer fee for outside irrigation needs when an irrigation meter is installed. Commissioner Baxley asked City Manager West to look at a possible policy to assist builders with such a thing. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – July 2, 2013, continued. Commissioner Newsome said there is construction going on at the intersection of Houston Street and North Oates. He said the construction site is built up to possibly four or five feet above the ground. Commissioner Newsome said he is concerned that all of the homes in the North Highland area are now below the level of the construction site. He said there is going to be a holding pond built and it will be between the site and Bell Street or Alice Street. Commissioner Newsome said he is concerned with the elevation they are putting there before construction. He then asked City Manager West for information regarding this. At this time, Mayor Schmitz recognized several area elected officials in the meeting. City Manager West stated that when the storm blew in Friday, at one time, we had five electrical circuits out. He said Chief Williams had every fire truck on a call; Chief Benton called extra personnel in to dispatch. Environmental crews were out trying to clear roads. Mr. West said we saw what the City of Dothan can do when faced with adversity. He said they do an excellent job and he appreciates all their hard work. City Manager West announced that the City of Dothan will observe the Fourth of July holiday this coming Thursday. Those residents who normally have their garbage picked up on Thursday will have their garbage and recycling picked up tomorrow. The normal schedule will resume on Friday. City Manager West announced that the Junior Police Academy begins July 15th at Wiregrass Park. It is a two week program that runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone interested in this program can contact the Dothan Police Department. City Manager West said copies of a senate bill that did not pass the House which will allow more flexibility on code enforcement issues was given to each member of the Commission. He encouraged them to look through it to see if there is anything in it that the Commission wants to endorse by resolution. Also, we can work through our lobbyist to pass something like this that will allow more flexibility on defining code enforcement issues at the local level. Commissioner Barbaree said he would look forward to a resolution, not only about weed abatement, but also Home Rule for a lot of things. He said the time has come in our state to allow Home Rule for cities and municipalities. Commissioner Reading said once we identify an abandoned house or an overgrown lot it is taking too long to get the work done. He then asked if it is possible to petition the legislature with a super majority with issues that just affect Dothan. Mr. West said it is possible. He said since the Senate has already passed something that allows that flexibility we might be better off supporting them and encourage the House to go along with that. Mayor Schmitz said we need to meet with our delegation and discuss the issue. City Manager West said that the City Commission meeting on July 16th will need to be adjourned to July 17th at 8:30 to approve poll workers and their pay for the August 6th municipal election. City Manager West stated that Item No. 14 on today’s regular agenda will need to be amended. He said there was a tabulation error on the emergency debris removal. Mr. West said this resolution is only something that would take place if we got hit with a major emergency such as what happened in Tuscaloosa when the tornado hit. He said they wished they had something like this in place. Mayor Schmitz introduced the application of Sharon Powel for a Restaurant Retail Liquor License for Courtyard by Marriott, located at 3040 Ross Clark Circle. Commissioner Kirkland moved for approval, motion seconded by Commissioner Baxley and unanimously carried. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-202 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), declaring the following named persons, being the only persons filing a statement of candidacy for the office indicated for the August Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – July 2, 2013, continued. 6, 2013 election, as duly elected for a four year term beginning October 7, 2013: Mike Schmitz–Mayor; Albert Kirkland–Associate Commissioner–District 3; Taylor Barbaree–Associate Commissioner–District 5; Hamp Baxley–Associate Commissioner–District 6; Harry Wayne Parrish–Board of Education–Chairman; Brenda Guilford–Board of Education Member–District 1; Franklin D. Jones–Board of Education Member–District 2; Melanie Hill–Board of Education Member–District 3; Jimmy Addison–Board of Education Member–District 4; Ben Armstrong–Board of Education Member–District 5; and Chris Maddox–Board of Education Member–District 6. Commissioner Reading moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-203 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), confirming the cost incurred in notification and abatement of certain properties determined to be nuisances by Resolution Number 2013-124 and 2013-177 and turning the costs over to the County Tax Collector so that the amounts can be added to the next regular bills for taxes levied against the respective lots and parcels of land. Commissioner Newsome moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-204 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), declaring certain properties which are overgrown with weeds, scrub, wild bushes, grass and other vegetable growth as injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the community as nuisances and calling for a public hearing to be held on the matter during the regularly scheduled commission meeting on August 20, 2013. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-205 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), declaring a 1989 E-One Pumper Truck as surplus and no longer needed for public or municipal purposes and authorizing the sale of the said pumper truck to the City of Pinckard for $10,000.00. Commissioner Snellgrove moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Barbaree and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-206 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), agreeing to participate on a 50/50 basis with Engineered Systems, Inc. to extend the sanitary sewage system from the existing end of line near Larry’s Barbeque along the inside of the Ross Clark Circle to serve the proposed Bojangles Restaurant and the All South Urgent Care Facility at a cost of $12,975.00. Commissioner Barbaree moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-207 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), awarding the bid, entering into a contract and issuing a Notice to Proceed to APAC Mid-South, Inc. for the 2013 Street Resurfacing Project in the amount of $2,521,597.00 and appropriating funds for said resurfacing. Commissioner Newsome moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Reading. Mayor Schmitz expressed appreciation to those on St. Andrews Street for their patience during this process. Commissioner Barbaree said this continues the Commission’s commitment of neighborhood resurfacing every year. He said he is grateful to the citizens for allowing us the resources to continue to do this. There being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-208 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), awarding the bid and entering into a contract with Tag Grinding Services, Inc. in the amount of $1,764,350.00 for disaster debris removal, disposal and reduction. Commissioner Snellgrove moved to amend the amount to $1,827,350.00, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously approved. Commissioner Baxley then moved to adopt the resolution as amended, motion seconded by Commissioner Snellgrove. Mayor Schmitz said this is great planning. He said it is important that we are prepared, but it is not just having 20% of the cost in reserves. Mayor Schmitz said we know we will get at least 80% back but it may take a while. City Manager West said it is important that we maintain adequate reserves if we get hit because even if we are reimbursed it Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – July 2, 2013, continued. may take years. Commissioner Snellgrove added that if we do not have a disaster we will not pay anything. There being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-209 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Fort Rucker Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation to sponsor the Wiregrass Freedom Fest 2013 in the amount of $2,250.00. Commissioner Barbaree moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland. Mayor Schmitz explained that because of all the cuts going on in Washington and Ft. Rucker, the General was concerned about whether or not they should have the Freedom Fest for the soldiers and their families. Local mayors agreed to help them and to support Ft. Rucker. There being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-210 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Bomgar for the purchase of remote access software in the amount of $13,320.50. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Snellgrove and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-211 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with SunGard Public Sector for the purchase of software to interface the Cityworks Software with existing SunGard Software in the amount of $18,500.00 and appropriating funds for said purchase. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Barbaree and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-212 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), awarding bids and approving purchases over $15,000.00 by the City and appropriating funds for said bids. ITEM VENDOR AMOUNT Football Jerseys C & M Sporting Goods See Price in Option 1-all sizes-$21.00 each Dothan, AL Description Option 2-all sizes-$23.00 each Soccer Jerseys for All-Stars C & M Sporting Goods See Price in all sizes-$8.95 each Dothan, AL Description Basketball Jerseys for All-Stars C & M Sporting Goods See Price in All sizes-$8.95 each Dothan, AL Description Football Pants/Pads-ASA Snap-in ASA Football See Price in Pants-$8.95 each Northumberland, PA Description Piece Pad Set Snap-in-$8.95 each ASA Youth Practice Pants-$11.00 each Football Helmets-Schutte Air Standard Crowne Sporting Goods See Price in All sizes-$54.50 each Montgomery, AL Description Air XP Varsity Helmet All sizes-$95.40 each Shoulder Pads-$26.56-$37.08 each Crowne Sporting Goods See Price in Montgomery, AL Description Blocking Dummies-$84.00 each ASA Football See Price in Northumberland, PA Description Cheerleading Pom Poms- Home Team Athletics See Price in $14.75 each Jacksonville, NC Description Basketball Scorebooks-$2.74 each BSN Sports See Price in Dallas, TX Description Football-Chin Straps Adams Pro BSN Sports See Price in #25-$7.13 each Dallas, TX Description Football-T Clips for Shoulder Pads- ASA Football See Price in $12.00 per 50 units Northumberland, PA Description Chin Strap Buckles-$5.00 per Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – July 2, 2013, continued. 50 units Football-Elastic Strapping for Crowne Sporting Goods See Price in Shoulder Pads $13.50 per Dothan, AL Description 25 yards Football-Face Mask Hardware C & M Sporting Goods See Price in Set-$4.95 each Dothan, AL Description Football-Universal Jaw Pad Sets Crown Sporting Goods See Price in $2.57 each Montgomery, AL Description Basketball-Anti-whip Goal Nets BSN Sports See Price in $1.22 each Dallas, TX Description Soccer Nets BSN Sports See Price in SR-Orange-$22.78 each Dallas, TX Description JR-Orange-$42.38 each Soccer Balls-Wilson Ultra #4 or #5 BSN Sports See Price in $12.04 each Dallas, TX Description Footballs-Wilson WTF1712XK2 BSN Sports See Price in Composite or Wilson WTF1713XTDJ Dallas, TX Description Composite-$23.33 each Footballs for practice BSN Sports See Price in Pro Zone Pee Wee-$5.46 each Dallas, TX Description Pro Zone Junior-$6.17 each Footballs C & M Sporting Goods See Price in Wilson Pee Wee-$32.95 each Dothan, AL Description Wilson TDJ Junior-$34.95 each Leather Game Basketballs BSN Sports See Price in Men’s Official Size-$17.63 each Dallas, TX Description Top Flite 1000 Composite-$41.42 each Wilson Wave Solution-$57.77 each Leather Game Basketballs C & M Sporting Goods See Price in Women’s Composite-$46.95 each Dothan, AL Description Practice Basketballs-official size S & S Worldwide See Price in Synthetic-$13.15 each Colchester, CT Description Volleyballs-$32.88 each Crown Sporting Goods See Price in Montgomery, AL Description Volleyball Nets-$14.06 each BSN Sports See Price in Dallas, TX Description Flag Football Tear Away Belts BSN Sports See Price in $1.14 each Dallas, TX Description Cellular Phone Service-Annual Verizon Wireless See Price in Estimate $273,000 (Rounded) Dothan, AL Description Other Purchases: Police Assessment Center CPS Human Resource Svcs. $ 29,000.00 Professional Promotional Atlanta, GA Examination Administration Upgrade to Metal Roof Hathcock Roofing $ 15,870.83 to include replacing all Dothan, AL Facia, Soffit and Flashing as needed. Will have a 35 year Paint Finish Warranty Reimbursement for Legal Services Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce $ 56,103.88 rendered by Johnston, Hinesley, Dothan, AL Flowers, Clenney & Turner, P.C. ($21,103.88) and Maynard, Cooper & Gale P.C. ($35,000.00) for Houston County Airport Authority Commissioner Snellgrove then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2013-212, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously carried. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – July 2, 2013, continued. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2013-213 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Delvick McKay Alabama Association of Public Personnel $ 1286.46 Administrators 2013: Annual AAPPA Conference Orange Beach, AL David Childs 2013 NAFA Southern Regional Conference $ 528.00 Orange Beach, AL Will Benny LEEDA – Supervisor Leadership Institute $ 2308.00 Lynn Watkins Stuart, FL Randall Morris 2013 Alabama Water Resources Conference $ 947.75 Orange Beach, AL Wallace Odom Qualified Credentialed Inspector (QCI) $ 1125.00 Bobby Hughes Initial Training Class Jesse Godwin Auburn, AL Keith Gray Jail Management Course $ 600.00 Mike Etress Dothan, AL Mamie McCory Craig Dempsey Dixie Angels – State Softball Tournament $ 5600.00 Roy Kitts (American League) Scottsboro, AL Craig Dempsey Dixie Angels – State Softball Tournament $ 5600.00 Roy Kitts (National League) Scottsboro, AL Bubba Ott FBI Firearms Instructor School $ 1720.00 Jeremy Kendrick Montgomery, AL Lance Driskell Patrol Officers Response to Street Drugs $ 160.00 Matt Krabbe Meridian, MS Susie Peters Basic Undercover Operations Course $ 130.00 Meridian, MS Commissioner Reading then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2013-213, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland. Commissioner Newsome asked what the responsibilities are for the Qualified Credentialed Inspector. Angie Jay, Dothan Utilities explained that a Qualified Credential Inspector is able to perform NPDES inspections that are required of our state permits when we do construction work within a state right-of-way. She said the City is required to have a QCI on site for erosion, etc. Commissioner Newsome asked if we have any of these inspectors on staff at this time. Ms. Jay said we currently have two that are certified, but we need to get additional personnel certified for the additional projects that we are going to be working on. There being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted. There being no further business, Commissioner Reading moved that the meeting be adjourned, motion seconded by Commissioner Barbaree and upon the unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned. /s/Pam McCoy, City Clerk See approval next page: Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – July 2, 2013, continued. Approved: /s/Mike Schmitz, Mayor /s/James H. Reading, Associate Commissioner /s/Amos M. Newsome, Jr., Associate Commissioner /s/Albert Kirkland, Associate Commissioner /s/Critt Snellgrove, Associate Commissioner /s/Taylor Barbaree, Associate Commissioner /s/Hamp Baxley, Associate Commissioner BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS