City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 3, 2017 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, January 3, 2017 with the following members present: Mayor Mike Schmitz, Associate Commissioners Kevin Dorsey, Amos M. Newsome, Jr., Albert Kirkland, John Ferguson, Beth Kenward, and David Crutchfield. Also present were City Manager Michael West, City Clerk Tammy Danner, Assistant City Clerk Wendy Shiver, who recorded the Minutes of the Meeting, and the local news media representatives. Mayor Schmitz called the meeting to order. Personnel Director Delvick McKay, then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Kirkland led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner Kirkland moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of December 20, 2016, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously approved. Commissioner Kenward presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming January, 2017 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month.” Gia Hughes, Founder of Hope Rising Ministries, was present for the proclamation. Ms. Hughes announced an awareness event being held on Friday, January 27th at Harvest Church Worship Center with guest speaker Brad Dennis. Mayor Schmitz honored Ms. Hughes for her hard work with this cause. Mayor Schmitz recognized Golden Corral for feeding the homeless on Christmas morning. He said they had the opportunity to go out into the homeless areas and bring people to the restaurant for a great breakfast. He expressed his appreciation for this wonderful community. Mayor Schmitz said Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver called him this morning to thank all of the City employees (Police, Fire, Utilities, etc.) for their hard work in response to the storm last night. Mayor Schmitz said this was a terrible storm and four lives were lost in Rehobeth. He requested Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Chris Judah to give a report at this time. Mr. Judah provided information to include preparations made prior to the storm, damages caused by the storm, recovery efforts in Rehobeth, road closures, and flooding issues. Mr. Judah thanked Police Chief Steve Parrish, Fire Chief Larry Williams, and their staff, and he recognized Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, Houston County Road and Bridge Department, Rehobeth Fire Department, and Southern Junction Fire Department for their help and for working so well together. He expressed his gratitude to the EMA staff for doing an outstanding job, and he said more information will be provided as it becomes available. Chief Williams provided an update on conditions in the City to include that there was some isolated minor damage, there are no road closures at this time, and Dothan Utilities has restored power to all of their customers. On behalf of the City, he joined in condolences to the Rehobeth community. Commissioner Dorsey wished everyone a Happy New Year, and he expressed his gratitude to all department heads, their staff, and the Administration staff for their hard work and assistance in handling citizen inquiries and requests. Commissioner Kirkland said the Hughes family on McCallister Road lost their roof in last night’s storm. He said they had taken shelter in a bathroom and thankfully everyone survived. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 3, 2017, continued. Commissioner Crutchfield announced that a work session will be held on Thursday, January 19th to discuss stormwater and wastewater issues. City Manager West made the following announcements and comments:  Crews with the Public Works Department are currently working to repair the sinkhole, caused by stormwater erosion, on Troy Street and the work should be completed by the end of the week.  There was a record attendance at this year’s Dothan Downtown Hoops Classic Tournament.  Dothan Utilities is accepting Christmas trees at 200 Kilgore Drive to be grinded for mulch.  Lyle Sumek will be here on January 12th, 13th, and 14th for the annual strategic planning session.  Dothan Utilities did a great job last night restoring power during the storm.  The Dixie Standpipe has been approved by the Department of Interior to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the oldest standpipe in Alabama that is still being used.  Please keep Bob Hendrix, Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director, in your prayers as he is still recovering in the hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The back nine baskets of the Eastgate Park Disc Golf Course are closed due to flooding.  Happy New Year to everyone! Mayor Schmitz announced a Public Hearing regarding the abatement and removal of noxious or dangerous weeds. There being no one present to speak, Mayor Schmitz declared the Public Hearing closed. Mayor Schmitz introduced Ordinance No. 2017-1 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), repealing Chapter 114, Article XIV, Telecommunications Facilities, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Dothan and creating Chapter 96, Telecommunications Facilities, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Dothan. Commissioner Kirkland moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-1, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson. Upon City Manager West’s request, Planning Director Todd McDonald explained that the Center for Municipal Solutions (CMS), the firm contracted by the City to develop this ordinance, will review applications for telecommunications towers and facilities and make a recommendation. He said if the recommendation meets all terms of the ordinance, he can approve the application as the Administrative Official, but if not, the request will be considered by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. He said if the Planning Commission denies the request, it will then come before the City Commission. He explained that there is no cost to the City as the application fees will cover the cost of the firm administering the ordinance. Commissioner Newsome advised that in the future the City may need an expert in telecommunications on staff. There being no further discussion, and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 3, 2017, continued. Mayor Schmitz introduced Ordinance No. 2017-2 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning property owned by Radha Mohan, 110 Ginnalou Drive from B-3 (Local Shopping) District to R-3 (Residential Single- Family, High Density) District. Commissioner Kenward moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-2, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. City Manager West said this request is to rezone the property as to how it is being used at this time. There being no further discussion, and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Mayor Schmitz introduced Ordinance No. 2017-3 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning property owned by Nicholas Romano, Jr., 1148 Hodgesville Road from R-1 (Residential Single-Family) District to B-2 (Highway Commercial) District. Commissioner Kirkland moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-3, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Mayor Schmitz introduced Ordinance No. 2017-4 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning property owned by Young Folsom, 2300 Block of Honeysuckle Road from A-C (Agricultural Conservation) District to R-3 (Residential Single-Family, High Density) District. Commissioner Kirkland moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-4, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Mayor Schmitz introduced Ordinance No. 2017-5 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning property owned by Leap, LLC, 1674 Honeysuckle Road from A-C (Agricultural Conservation) District to B-3 (Local Shopping) District. Commissioner Kirkland moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-5, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Schmitz, Dorsey, Newsome, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 3, 2017, continued. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-6 (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 ordering that the properties be abated. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-7 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with DataWorks Plus, LLC for the replacement of the Alabama LiveScan Plus PC Workstation, Fingerprint Scanner, and maintenance/support agreement at a total cost of $16,800.00, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-8 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a permit agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the Englewood project to include boring underneath SR-210 and associated sewer work. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. City Manager West said this permit is required before the Englewood sewer project can be bid and this is the also the case for the next two items on the agenda. City Manager West confirmed for Commissioner Kirkland that these projects are being prepared for bid now. Public Works Director Jerry Corbin confirmed for Commissioner Kenward that the $75,000.00 bond is the standard amount for ALDOT projects. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-9 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a permit agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the Inez project to include boring underneath U.S. Highway 231 and associated sewer work. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. City Manager West said this location is on Highway 231 South. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-10 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a permit agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the Deborah Garland Kornegay project to include boring underneath U.S. Highway 231 and associated sewer work. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-11 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the utilization of seizure funds to be used to pay various allowable expenditures for Police Department operations in the amount of $8,861.00, and appropriating funds for said operations. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-12 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Dick’s Sporting Goods for sponsorship of the Dothan Leisure Services Youth Basketball program. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-13 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), appointing Chris Judah as the City of Dothan’s representative on the City of Dothan-Houston County Communications District Board to serve the remainder of the term vacated by the resignation of Steve Carlisle, which said term shall expire on September 2, 2017. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 3, 2017, continued. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-14 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Elston Jones ARPA 2017 State Conference $ 4,150.00 Roy Kitts Montgomery, AL Tyson Carter Tony Thorne Kenny Dunning Kenny Thompson Matt Barefield Stephanie Wingfield (This is a revised travel request; the original request was approved on 12-20-16.) Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2017-14, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously carried. There being no further business, Commissioner Kirkland moved that the meeting be adjourned, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and upon the unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned. /s/Tammy Danner, City Clerk Approved: /s/Mike Schmitz, Mayor /s/Kevin Dorsey, Associate Commissioner Amos M. Newsome, Jr., Associate Commissioner /s/Albert Kirkland, Associate Commissioner /s/John Ferguson, Associate Commissioner /s/Beth Kenward, Associate Commissioner /s/David Crutchfield, Associate Commissioner BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS