City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING MARCH 7, 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, March 7, 2017 with the following members present: Mayor Pro tem Albert Kirkland, Associate Commissioners Kevin Dorsey, Amos M. Newsome, Jr., John Ferguson, Beth Kenward, and David Crutchfield. Mayor Mike Schmitz was absent. 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 Pro tem Kirkland called the meeting to order and announced that Mayor Schmitz is out of town on business. Pastor Clark Cornelius, Grace Anglican Mission Church, then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Dorsey led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner Ferguson moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2017, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously approved. Commissioner Crutchfield presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming March, 2017 as “National Nutrition Month” and March 8, 2017 as “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day.” Jennifer Thompson, Southeast Alabama Dietetic Association, and other representatives were present for the proclamation. Commissioner Crutchfield presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming March, 2017 as “Wiregrass Museum of Art-Youth Art Month.” Amanda Holcomb, Art Educator for Youth and Family Programs, was present for the proclamation and she introduced this year’s award winning artists. Commissioner Kenward presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming March 19-25, 2017 as “National Agriculture Week.” Laura Stakelum, Public Relations Director, Landmark Park, was present for the proclamation. Commissioner Kenward presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming March 15, 2017 as “Kick Butts Day.” Judy Guiler, Dothan-Houston County Substance Abuse Partnership, and Kimberley Guiler, Northview High School, were present for the proclamation. Commissioner Kenward invited Rhonda Pasibe, Dothan Pilot Club, to introduce the 2017 Dothan Queens: Miss Dothan Avery Willis, Little Miss Dothan Halle Ann Tolar, and Teen Miss Dothan Addison Reynolds. Commissioner Dorsey expressed gratitude on behalf of constituents in District 1 to Planning Director Todd McDonald for the commitment and effort being given more so now than ever with the survey currently being done in this area. Commissioner Kenward said she had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of CAE Dothan Training Center at the Dothan Regional Airport yesterday. She said this is an incredible company to come to our area, and she encouraged everyone to check them out. She said she believes this is a small step in the right direction to help improve the stability of our airport, and she thanked CAE for inviting the public to see their facility yesterday. Commissioner Crutchfield thanked everyone who participated in the recent Mardi Gras parade and the Azalea Dogwood trail. He said the Mardi Gras event continues to grow from a private citizen group which is amazing. He thanked the departments of Leisure Services, Police, and Fire for their participation and making these events all run smoothly. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – March 7, 2017, continued. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland requested Public Works Director Jerry Corbin to give a brief update on the City’s sewer projects, and Mr. Corbin invited BWSC Assistant Program Manager Tonny Peters to speak at this time. Mr. Peters provided the status of eight projects, to include the Omussee Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant construction, the Rock Creek/Little Choctawhatchee Trunk Line replacement, comprehensive rehab projects, and a manhole rehabilitation project, and he gave additional information regarding recently approved programs. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland said he wanted to say something positive about downtown today. He recognized Bob Woodall, who was present in the audience, for moving Bob Woodall Air Care Systems into the old Mayer Electric building on North Foster Street. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland thanked Mr. Woodall for the work he is putting into the building and for bringing additional business downtown through his renovation. City Manager West made the following announcements and comments:  The Patti Rutland Jazz Outreach Program will have performances in the Civic Center arena at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13th and Tuesday, March 14th. This event is free to the public.  Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 12th at 2:00 a.m.  Opening Ceremonies for Dothan National League is Friday, March 17th at 6:00 p.m. at Westgate Park.  Opening Ceremonies for Dothan Southern League is Saturday, March 18th at 9:30 a.m. at Eastgate Park. Commissioner Crutchfield and City Manager West invited everyone to come to the grand opening of James Oates Park on Saturday, April 8th to see the new park. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced the application of Sarah Afford for a Lounge Retail Liquor License, Class I (on or off premise) for Sports Lounge, located at 1350 Montgomery Highway. Commissioner Dorsey moved for approval, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. Commissioner Newsome said this location has had a liquor license before but he is concerned that all but two of the businesses in that area are opposed to the request. He discussed that this property is zoned L-I and all of the surrounding properties are also zoned L-I. Commissioner Dorsey commented that there are no churches, schools, or public playgrounds located within 600 feet of this business. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland asked if there was anyone present to speak on this matter and there were none. There being no further discussion and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Dorsey and Newsome; “nay:” Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield. The motion was denied by the majority of four “nays” to two “yeas.” Mayor Pro tem Kirkland announced a Public Hearing regarding the abatement and removal of noxious or dangerous weeds. There being no one present to speak, Mayor Pro tem Kirkland declared the Public Hearing closed. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-65 (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 Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-66 (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 2016-337 and 2017-6 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 Kenward and unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – March 7, 2017, continued. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-67 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with Wiregrass Foundation for the construction of a Regional Public Safety Training Center. Commissioner Ferguson moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey. A short video illustrating the proposed Regional Public Safety Training Center was played at this time. City Manager West said this is a phenomenal opportunity and the City has been blessed to partner with the Wiregrass Foundation over the years. He thanked the Wiregrass Foundation for all they have done and all they continue to do, not only for Dothan, but for this community. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland recognized the Wiregrass Foundation Board Members who were present in the audience. Commissioner Ferguson commented on the magnitude of this project, and he thanked the Wiregrass Foundation for making this happen and for their partnership. He thanked Police Chief Steve Parrish and Fire Chief Larry Williams for their vision and leadership. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland said this is an awesome project, not only for Dothan but for our region, and it will also allow for community involvement. He thanked the Wiregrass Foundation for all they are doing. Wiregrass Foundation President Dr. Barbara Alford said this is huge and the Foundation did not come to this decision lightly. Dr. Alford said they researched, studied, listened to Chief Parrish and Chief Williams, did focus groups, and evaluated possibilities. She said the Foundation believes this is going to be a model, not only of professional and volunteer training, but also of community engagement that is going to be followed all over the country for many generations to come. She said the Foundation believes in it and they thank the City Commission and City of Dothan for believing in it as well. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-68 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), rescinding Resolution No. 2016- 310 and approving a request by the Public Works Department to hire Eugene McKinnie to fill the position of Environmental Services Manager at a starting salary of $3,076.92 bi-weekly or $80,000.00 annually. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Public Works Director Jerry Corbin introduced Mr. McKinnie and provided an overview of his qualifications. Mr. Corbin and the Commission welcomed Mr. McKinnie on board. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-69 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Regions Bank for commercial card services to take advantage of rebates offered by procurement cards. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-70 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a contract with SunGard Public Sector for the purchase and training/development and an annual maintenance for the procurement card module in the amount of $16,886.00. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-71 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a contract with Polyengineering, Inc., in the amount of $45,000.00 to provide engineering services for the Poplar Spring Branch Drainage Basin Study and cost estimates for possible improvements, and appropriating funds for said services. Commissioner Newsome moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey. City Manager West said this item, as well as the next item, is moving forward with storm drainage priorities discussed at the Commission’s recently held work session. He said these studies will help determine what actions are needed and the costs involved. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-72 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a contract with Northstar Engineering Services, in the amount of $51,500.00 to provide engineering services for the Beaver Creek Drainage Basin Study and cost Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – March 7, 2017, continued. estimates for possible improvements, and appropriating funds for said services. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. Commissioner Dorsey expressed appreciation that these contracts are staying local. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-73 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the replacement of approximately 60 L.F. of 4” sanitary sewer lateral to an existing sanitary sewer main within the ROW at 3085 Ross Clark Circle to serve an existing commercial business. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-74 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the final Change Order with Palmer Electric Construction Company, to add $2,790.00 to the original contract amount, resulting in a final contract price of $40,735.00, and a final completion date of April 7, 2017. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. City Manager West explained that a bad electrical panel was found once the work started and the panel had to be replaced. City Manager West confirmed for Mayor Pro tem Kirkland that this is the well (Well #24) that was struck by lightning. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-75 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), amending the 2015 subrecipient agreement with the DuBois Institute under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan No. B-15-MC-01-0010 for demolition and/or reconstruction for the building located at 602 Linden Street and entering into a subrecipient agreement with the DuBois Institute for Entrepreneurship in the amount of $25,000.00 for architectural and construction services under the CDBG Annual Action Plan No. B-16-MC-01-0010, and appropriating funds for said services. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. CDBG Administrator Maurice Head explained that the DuBois Institute originally received funds for rehabilitation purposes, but once the bidding process began, they realized the scope of services for the project needed to be changed to that of reconstruction of the building at 602 Linden Street and partial demolition because of some deterioration of the building. Mr. Head said this proposed resolution changes the scope of services for the previous allocation of $42,500.00 approved in 2015 and the recent allocation of $25,000.00 approved in 2016 and amends the subrecipient agreement with the DuBois Institute. Commissioner Newsome expressed his concern that the Commission has not seen architectural drawings to show what will be done at 602 Linden Street and on Chickasaw Street. Mr. Head said the Chickasaw Street property is being eliminated from the project because the building was found to be in too poor of a condition to rehabilitate and the funds are being concentrated on the 602 Linden Street project. He advised that it will be up to the DuBois Institute to demolish the Chickasaw Street building with their own funds. Mr. Head said there is a general rendering included in the Commission’s packet for the 602 Linden Street project but money is needed to pay the architect to provide more detailed drawings. Commissioner Newsome expressed concern with the word “renovate” being in the documents, and Mr. Head confirmed that the resolution states “partial demolition and/or reconstruction” and the word “renovate” is not included. Commissioner Newsome said to City Manager West that he would like to coordinate a site visit with Mr. Head. Commissioner Newsome said there was an old power station north of this location, and he asked if there are any ground concerns. Mr. Head said the recently submitted Brownfield application identifies that property as a site to be surveyed. City Manager West confirmed for Commissioner Newsome that an environmental survey will be done if the EPA approves the Brownfield Assessment grant. City Manager West confirmed with Planning Director Todd McDonald that the grant decision is expected to be announced in May, 2017. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-76 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), giving notice that a Public Hearing Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – March 7, 2017, continued. will be held by this Commission on April 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers in the Roy Driggers Municipal Building regarding the proposed adoption of the 2015 Edition of Building Construction and Related Codes, the 2014 Edition of the National Electrical Code, the 2015 International Fire Code and the National Fire Protection Association Standards. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-77 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a contract with SunGard Public Sector to make necessary software modifications to create and implement an on-line Business License Renewal System and provide 24 hours of training, in the amount of $15,280.00 and appropriating funds for said services. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. City Manager West said a report was previously presented to the Commission, there was no interest in modifying the way fees are calculated, and this process needs to start in order to allow for on-line payments in the Fall. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-78 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), renewing the agreement with Microsoft for Volume Licensing for continued support of all installed Microsoft software versions, as well as increase reliability of email communications, at an estimated cost of $278,514.71 per year for three years, and appropriating funds for said software and services. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. City Manager West said this will also include moving our email to the cloud and we will no longer have to maintain servers for this purpose. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-79 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Wiregrass Commons Mall for the lease of the Community Room as the District 6B polling location for the Municipal Election to be held on August 1, 2017, at a cost of $400.00. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-80 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), amending Resolution 2016-294 to incorporate the remainder of City funding for the body-worn camera system, award the bid and enter into an agreement with Utility Associates, Inc, for purchase of a body-worn camera/in-car camera system package, including 135 cameras for a three (3) year period for the Dothan Police Department at agreed upon costs as presented in their bid at a total cost of $837,950.00, and appropriating funds for said package. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson. City Manager West said a $202,500.00 grant will be used to help offset this cost. He explained that the total cost is $17,000.00 less than the previous cost presented because the department was able to identify some things to lower the cost during the bid process. City Manager West confirmed for Commissioner Newsome that this amount will equip each patrol officer with a camera. Commissioner Dorsey commended Chief Parrish for being proactive. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-81 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with the United States Tennis Association for the 2017 Women’s $60,000.00 Tournament (“Hardee’s Pro Classic”). Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey. City Manager West commended Leisure Services Assistant Director of Operations Kim Meeker for obtaining the sponsorships needed to increase the purse prize from $50,000.00 to $60,000.00. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland thanked Hardee’s for supporting this tournament. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-82 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), reappointing David M. Murphree Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – March 7, 2017, continued. as a member of the Dothan-Houston County Intellectual Disabilities Board, Inc. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-83 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), reappointing Harrison Morrison as a member of the Dothan Houston County Library System Board, appointing Ashli Wilkins, Drue Pynes, and Spencer Bienvenu as members of the Dothan Houston County Library System Board, and appointing Ashley Carroll as a member of the Dothan Houston County Library System Board to fill the unexpired term of Charles Owen. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-84 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), approving purchases over $15,000.00 by the City and appropriating funds for said purchases. ITEM VENDOR AMOUNT 36' x 60' x 16' Pole Barn Saliba Construction Company, Inc. $ 15,945.00 Over Existing Concrete Dothan, AL Slab at City Landfill: Lowest quote Lifebook T726, Including Pinnacle Networx $ 77,872.80 4 Year Warranty with Wetumpka, AL Screen Damage Protection: Replacement of Mobile Data Terminals for Police Vehicles. State of Alabama Contract T-532, # 4012566, Quantity 40 Unit price; $1,946.82 Total Price: $77,872.80 Telephone Equipment CDW & G $ 25,831.16 Including Installation, Project Chicago, IL Management, 2 Years Software Assurance & Support, & 2 Years Enterprise Support: Resolution 2015-262 Approved Phone System Award & Original Contract Commissioner Kenward then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2017-84, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously carried. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland introduced Resolution No. 2017-85 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Kayla Owens Emergency Communications Administration $ 297.00 Certificate Course – General Accounting Prattville, AL Bubba Ott FBINAA Career Development Seminar $ 345.00 Orange Beach, AL Chad Daniels Alabama Recreation and Parks Association $ 2,708.00 State Basketball Tournament Gadsden, AL Tony Thorne Alabama Recreation and Parks Association $ 2,708.00 State Basketball Tournament Gadsden, AL Tony Black Alabama Recreation and Parks Association $ 3,001.00 Kenny Thompson State Basketball Tournament Gadsden, AL Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – March 7, 2017, continued. Tyson Carter Alabama Recreation and Parks Association $ 493.00 State Basketball Tournament Gadsden, AL Velton Robinson Alabama Recreation and Parks Association $ 2,926.00 State Basketball Tournament Gadsden, AL Nalarence Davis Senior Appreciation Day / Character $ 60.00 Nicole Norton Celebration Andalusia, AL Susie Peters F.B.I. Firearms Instructor School $ 1,635.00 Pete Markow Mobile, AL Frank Hayes Alabama Association of Plumbing, Gas, $ 1,506.00 Allen Rockwell and Mechanical Inspectors Auburn, AL Commissioner Kenward then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2017-85, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously carried. Mayor Pro tem Kirkland announced the appointment of Susan Morrison as a member of the Dothan Housing Authority Board. There being no further business, Commissioner Ferguson 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 /s/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