City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING JUNE 20, 2017 The Board of Commissioners of the City of Dothan, Alabama, met in regular session in the Dothan Opera House at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 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. Pastor Clint McBroom, Highland Park United Methodist Church, 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 June 6, 2017, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously approved. Commissioner Kirkland invited Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) President Fred Clark to speak. Mr. Clark recognized Commissioner Kirkland for his service as the City’s representative on the AMEA Board. He discussed AMEA’s goals and services, and he talked about smart grid initiatives, solar projects, and research efforts. Mr. Clark recognized Dothan Utilities Director Billy Mayes and staff for doing an outstanding job and for maintaining the reliability and safety of the system. He said AMEA is working with Dothan Utilities staff to put a solar research park in place so that data may be studied in order to determine the right economical choices in moving forward. He expressed appreciation to the Commission, and he said it has been a pleasure to work with Mayor Schmitz whose leadership is valued. Mayor Schmitz said we are grateful for Mr. Clark and AMEA’s commitment to us and for their partnership in the solar project. He expressed appreciation for proceeding with caution while exploring possibilities. Commissioner Dorsey thanked all department heads for the accessibility provided for citizens to contact staff with issues. Commissioner Dorsey thanked the Finance Department and Utility Collections Division for their customer service. He said he has received a lot of good reports, and he commended the staff for all that they do. Commissioner Dorsey thanked the Leisure Services Department, along with the Wiregrass Foundation for contributing $2,000.00, for the free swimming lessons provided at Andrew Belle Community Center. He said the community expresses their gratitude. Commissioner Kenward said she has received a lot of calls recently about feral cats. She said she is an animal lover herself but she asked that citizens not leave food out for stray or feral animals because it does not help our pet population and it is causing other animals such as opossums and raccoons to come into our neighborhoods. Commissioner Crutchfield congratulated all of the Dothan 101 graduates for taking the time to come to the classes and learn more about City government. City Manager West expressed appreciation to the twenty graduates who recently completed the Dothan 101 program for their interest and dedication. He invited the graduates who were present to come forward to be recognized and to make any comments. Stephanie Butler said the program was incredible and she spoke about her experience. She thanked Mrs. Shiver for her work in hosting the group over the last nine weeks, and she expressed appreciation to the department heads, staff, and Commission for all they do in making Dothan an excellent City. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 20, 2017, continued. City Manager West made the following announcements and comments:  The WIRED 2017 Youth Outreach Program will take place next week at the Civic Center. This event continues to grow bigger each year. Traffic will be an issue beginning at 7:30 a.m. as people arrive and after 3:30 p.m. as they return. There will be major contemporary Christian music entertainment each night, and tickets are on sale for anyone who would like to attend.  The Grand Opening ceremony for the new E-911 Center will be held on Tuesday, June 27th at 9:30 a.m.  The Poplar Head Farmer’s Market is going on every Saturday with locally grown fresh vegetables and fruit available. The Market will not be open the weekend of July 4th.  City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th and there will be no sanitation collection on this date. Garbage and recycling collection will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 5th.  There will be no City Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 4th. Today’s meeting will be adjourned until Tuesday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. in order to approve election related items, and the next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, July 18th.  Thanked all the City employees and volunteers who made the Alabama State Games a success. It was a great event to be housed in Dothan.  The City has been awarded the Transportation Alternatives Program Grant for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Way from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) to Dothan Village. The project cost is about $585,000 and the grant is $400,000. Thank you to Public Works Director Jerry Corbin, Planning Director Todd McDonald, and all of their staff for putting this grant together. Mayor Schmitz said he has talked with Dr. Craig Lenz who serves as the Dean at ACOM, and Dr. Lenz wanted to tell everyone he is very grateful and proud that the City is so supportive. 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. 2017-191 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning a parcel of land owned by WMJSHR Investments, LLC, located at 108 Zenith Road from H-l (Heavy Industry) District to L-I (Light Industrial) 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. 2017-191, 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.” Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-192 (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 Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-193 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), confirming the cost incurred in notification and abatement of certain properties determined to be in violation of Article III, Chapter 106 of the City of Dothan Code of Ordinance (repeat offenders) and turning the Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 20, 2017, continued. 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 Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. City Manager West pointed out that this is our expedited process for those who are repeat offenders. City Manager West confirmed for Commissioner Kenward that the City does receive money back for these abatements through the tax collection process. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-194 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), assessing properties for the cost of demolition of substandard structures and turning the amounts over to the county tax collector to be added to the next regular bills for taxes levied against the respective lots and/or parcels of land. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-195 (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 July 18, 2017. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. City Manager West pointed out that these last four items are our program to deal with code violations. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-196 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a grant award agreement with Wiregrass Foundation and RDG NE PC for the design, construction, operation, and payment of a Regional Public Safety Training Center. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. Mayor Schmitz said this is a wonderful opportunity. He said this is an agreement with the Wiregrass Foundation to help fund the new Center, and because there is concern about the cost going up, we want to get the money in the bank, start preparing, and start moving forward. Commissioner Newsome said this is a great step forward for the City. He said when we train and equip our first responders, we are on the right track for eliminating a lot of the detractions that come along the way. He said we are getting help through the Wiregrass Foundation which is a great plus for us financially and he is very proud of the opportunity to support the training and equipping of our first responders. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-197 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving tax incentive abatements for the IB XLAM USA, LLC and WMJSHR Investments, LLC Project. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Mayor Schmitz said this is an economic development project that the Commission, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) Matt Parker, and the economic team of Dothan have been working hard on for a long time and today is a good day. Mr. Parker said the site for this project is the former GE building on Hodgesville Road and it will bring new technology into our area related to the wood product industry. He said there will be an announcement next week to provide more detail. He explained that this resolution is for the statutory tax abatement agreement that the project is eligible to receive, and he provided detail of the proposed tax abatement types and lengths of time. Mr. Parker thanked Public Works Director Jerry Corbin, Planning Director Todd McDonald, Assistant Public Works Director Charles Metzger, Dothan Utilities Director Billy Mayes, Electric Operations Superintendent Chris Phillips, Water Operations Superintendent Angie Akos, and the whole team for their response and support in working through issues related to this project. He thanked the Commission for their leadership and support provided to make these projects happen. He also thanked AMEA President Fred Clark and team for the support given in their economic development efforts and for this project. Mr. Parker said he is very excited about this technology and what it will do for our community. Mayor Schmitz explained that the vote today is to give $632,000 to the project, as well as $125,000 over a four year period. He said this is a major investment from our City, we see great value in this project, and the fact that the Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 20, 2017, continued. GE building will be functional and providing a lot of jobs is exciting. Commissioner Kirkland said he has been striving for the last several years to get someone in this building, it is very rewarding to be at this point, and to have eighty jobs in District 3 is really appreciated. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-198 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), appropriating funds to The Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan, to meet obligations with the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) to facilitate the IB XLAM USA, LLC Project in Dothan. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-199 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the installation of sanitary sewer lateral to an existing manhole at 2826 Ross Clark Circle to serve a new business. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. City Manager said this is the Health Center South Office Complex. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-200 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a permit agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the installation of tapping tees and ductile iron pipes to right-of-way to serve the Health Center South Office Tower located on Ross Clark Circle. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-201 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the installation of sanitary sewer lateral to an existing sanitary sewer main within the ALDOT right-of-way at 2411 Hartford Highway (Alabama Highway 52) to serve a new business. Commissioner Ferguson moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-202 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a private development agreement with The Cottages Dothan, LLC, for installation and maintenance of water meters at the Cottages at Bethlehem Road located at 706 Bethlehem Road. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-203 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2017 COPS Hiring Program for a grant award in the amount of $728,204.72 to fund six (6) police officer positions over a three year period and twenty-five percent (25%) required city funding totaling $242,737.91. Commissioner Newsome moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey. City Manager West said Police Chief Steve Parrish and the Leisure Services Department made the decision to apply for this grant to provide police officers for our recreational facilities following the recent tragedy at Wiregrass Park. He explained that the grant requires officers be retained for at least one year following the conclusion of the funding period; therefore in year four, the police budget would increase by one million dollars. Mayor Schmitz said the Commission will be able to decide at that time if it has been effective. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-204 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Leads Online, LLC for electronic reporting service for the Dothan Police Department, at an annual cost of $11,435.00, and appropriating funds for said service. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome. City Manager West confirmed with Chief Parrish that this cost will be coming out of the Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 20, 2017, continued. drug seizure fund account. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-205 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), rescinding Res. No. 2016-351 and entering into a Mutual Aid Agreement with Fort Rucker - Fire and Emergency Services Division to provide reciprocal support in the form of personal services and equipment required for fire prevention, the protection of life and property from fire, firefighting, hazardous material containment, and emergency services support. Commissioner Newsome moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland. Mayor Schmitz congratulated Fort Rucker for placing number two out of all the army bases in the world and receiving a medal of excellence yesterday. He said he was present when the medal was awarded and Fort Rucker wanted to thank this community for providing such great support. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-206 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving payment of invoices for the month of May, 2017 in the amount of $14,467,074.54. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Schmitz introduced Resolution No. 2017-207 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Randall Morris 2017 Alabama Water Resources Conference $ 795.00 Orange Beach, AL Jeremy Collins Southeastern Law Enforcement Executive $ 350.00 Development Seminar Florence, AL Clint Ludlam Meeting with City of Sevierville Traffic $ 930.00 Randy Prine Engineering Team Sevierville, TN Robert Herring Jr. FSI K9 Handlers Training Course $ 2,178.20 Vincent, AL Eddie Arnold Dixie Darlings State Tournament $ 7,100.00 Andalusia, AL Kenny Thompson Dixie Ponytails State Tournament $ 7,100.00 Montgomery, AL Dennis Cosby Dixie Belles State Tournament $ 7,100.00 Montgomery, AL Jyssica Curenton Dixie Angels State Tournament $13,225.00 Eufaula, AL Jin Ri Jiang Alabama Recreation and Parks Association $ 7,199.00 Anna Gauldin State Swim Meet 50 Swim Team Members Opelika, AL Walter Johnson Jr. Crude By Rail Emergency Response Course $ 280.00 Pueblo, CO Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2017-207, motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and unanimously carried. There being no further business, Commissioner Kenward moved that the meeting be adjourned until July 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., motion seconded by Commissioner Newsome and upon the unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned. See approval next page: Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 20, 2017, continued. /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