City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 15, 2019 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 15, 2019 with the following members present: Mayor Mark Saliba, Associate Commissioners Kevin Dorsey, Janasky Fleming, Albert Kirkland, John Ferguson, Beth Kenward, and David Crutchfield. Also present were Acting City Manager Billy Mayes, City Clerk Tammy Danner, Assistant City Clerk Wendy Shiver, who recorded the Minutes of the Meeting, and the local news media representatives. Mayor Saliba called the meeting to order. Pastor Stacy Stafford, Southside Baptist Church, then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Dorsey led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of December 18 and 21, 2018, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner and unanimously approved. Mayor Saliba presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming January, 2019 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month.” Gia Hughes and Allison Moody of Hope Rising Ministries were present for the proclamation. Mayor Saliba invited Police Chief Steve Parrish to make a check presentation. Chief Parrish discussed the Police Department’s “No Shave November” fundraiser and the money it has raised over the past two years for Children’s of Alabama. He said this year’s goal was $25,000 and the department has exceeded this amount. Chief Parrish, joined by officers who were top fundraisers, presented a check for $33,344 to Carmen Maddox with Children’s of Alabama. Ms. Maddox said she has had the privilege of working with these officers over the past three years, and every year, she is so amazed that they not only work hard to keep our community safe but they are also making a difference in patients’ lives. She said Children’s has over 10,000 visits from the Wiregrass area each year, and they would not be able to provide the services or give comfort to their patients and their patients’ families if it were not for fundraising and the extra funds to provide different programs. She said it is with a grateful heart that she says thank you to the officers for all the lives they are changing daily. Chief Parrish recognized the officers for their fundraising efforts, and he expressed appreciation to Bob Woodall for graciously providing steaks for the winning division each year. Mayor Saliba and Chief Parrish introduced Keith Gamble with FirstGuard Security and Andy Hughes, who was present in the audience. Chief Parrish explained that Mr. Gamble, along with Mr. Hughes, managed a hurricane relief effort in the Panhandle of Florida following Hurricane Michael and they reached out for assistance from the Dothan Police Department. Chief Parrish invited Mr. Gamble to say a few words regarding this request. Mr. Gamble said FirstGuard Security employs off-duty law enforcement officers to help in times of crisis and they were really moved by Dothan’s response in allowing officers to assist in the restoration efforts. He said he wanted to come today to acknowledge that a total of 59 Dothan Police officers worked 4,126 hours, which is significant and the most provided by any agency. Mr. Gamble said Dothan has a great police chief, and should we ever experience a devastation, the agencies who witnessed our response will come to help. Mayor Saliba thanked Chief Parrish for representing us well both here and in other communities. Commissioner Dorsey said Happy New Year and the year has been great thus far. He requested an update on the renters’ ordinance discussed some months ago. Planning Director Todd McDonald said a public meeting was held and the challenge was to organize a group of individuals to consider what was proposed. He said, now that the year is over, his department is in a position to begin the process, and he will be sending out invites based on the feedback received. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 15, 2019, continued. Commissioner Dorsey asked what our policy is regarding utility cut-offs during inclement cold weather. Finance Director Lisa Reeder said, per the code, there are no cut-offs performed on days when the overnight temperatures are expected to fall to freezing or below freezing. Commissioner Fleming wished everyone a Happy New Year. He announced an upcoming event called “Hearts of Love – Love your Neighbor, Community, Yourself” being held in partnership with the Dothan Housing Authority. He said the event will be held on February 12th at Henry Green Apartments, February 13th at Johnson Homes, and February 19th at McRae Homes from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for the residents of these apartment complexes. He requested questions be directed to Project Coordinator Dede Peterson at 726-2960, or to him at district2@dothan.org or 334-500-2396. Commissioner Kirkland said he was fortunate to be able to visit the Public Safety Training Center and Eastgate Park on Friday, January 11th along with Mayor Saliba and General Services Director Randy Morris. He said construction of the training center is running just a little bit behind because of the rain, but it looks great, as does Eastgate Park, and he just wanted to say thank you for helping with these projects. Commissioner Ferguson invited the public to attend a District 4 Community Forum he is having at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22nd at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in the Fitness Center on the second floor. He said there are a lot of good things to discuss and he just wants to bring District 4 and the city of Dothan up to speed on a lot of ongoing issues. Commissioner Kenward wished everyone a Happy New Year. She noted that there was a press release that went out recently as requested about the tree trimming schedule, and she asked the media to put this information out to the citizens so that they are made aware. Commissioner Crutchfield welcomed Mike West, who was present in the audience, and noted that Mr. West will be back in a few days to serve as acting city manager. Commissioner Crutchfield thanked Dothan Utilities Director Billy Mayes and Fire Chief Larry Williams for serving as interim acting city managers. Commissioner Crutchfield expressed appreciation to Public Works Director Charles Metzger and staff, to Dothan Utilities Electric Division, and for everything that every department has done to help with storm clean-up and restoration following Hurricane Michael. He said he recently visited areas that are still devastated, and he is thankful for the shape our city is in because of these efforts. Mayor Saliba said Mr. Metzger will provide a FEMA update at the next meeting. Acting City Manager Billy Mayes made the following announcements:  City offices will be closed on Monday, January 21st in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Regarding the sanitation schedule, Monday residents will receive garbage and recycling pick-up on Wednesday, January 23rd. There will be no trash collection for Monday residents this week.  A free bidder’s seminar and enrollment event will be held on Thursday, January 17th at 9:00 a.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room. This event is for those who are interested in bidding on the City’s supplies and services to receive training and registration assistance. Acting City Manager Mayes called up Dothan Utilities Electric Operations Superintendent Chris Phillips to discuss the tree trimming schedule and press release. Mr. Phillips said RDS, our new tree trimming contractor, is currently working on the west side of town up and down Main Street from Flowers Hospital to Flowers Chapel Road and most of the cross streets in that area. He said the expectation is for that work to be completed by the end of January and then RDS will begin working John D. Odom Road, some cross streets with overhead lines, Murphy Mill Road to almost Montgomery Highway, and then out J.B. Chapman Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 15, 2019, continued. Road to our treatment plant. He said RDS will then work Flowers Chapel Road and cross streets in that area out to Brannon Stand Road throughout the month of March. He said this is the projected schedule and an update will be provided if things change. Mayor Saliba introduced the application of Jamerian Hall for a Restaurant Retail Liquor License (on premise) for Chocolate City Oyster Bar and Grill, located at 2970 East Main Street. Mayor Saliba asked if there was anyone present to speak on this matter. Jamerian Hall, owner of Chocolate City Oyster Bar and Grill, approached the podium and introduced his father, James Hall, as his sponsor. Commissioner Kirkland moved for approval, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Commissioner Ferguson asked the applicant if he is aware the building needs some work to make it compatible and certain requirements will need to be met before a business license can be obtained. James Hall said he understands and has spoken with the owner of the building who said he would get a final list from the City. There being no further discussion and upon the motion being put to vote, the motion was unanimously carried. Mayor Saliba introduced Ordinance No. 2019-1 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), amending Chapter 114, Zoning, Article V - Development Plans by adding Section 114-83, Architectural Standards, of the City of Dothan Code of Ordinances. Commissioner Kirkland moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kenward then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-1, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Mayor Saliba introduced Ordinance No. 2019-2 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning a parcel of land owned by Daniel and Karen Johnson, located at 3131 Ross Clark Circle from B-3 (Local Shopping) District to B-2 (Highway Commercial) District. Commissioner Kirkland moved for immediate consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Commissioner Kenward then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-2, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of seven “yeas” to no “nays.” Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-3 (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 February 5, 2019. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-4 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), adopting the “Highway 84 East Master Plan”. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming. Planning Director Todd McDonald said his department has been working on this land use plan over the last year with the assistance of the consultant. He said there were four different public engagement exercises held as well as discussions with private stakeholders about needs of the corridor. He said part of the planning process is to interpret what the public tells us they want into some action and the plan contains a series of hard actions or projects. He said time will tell if all of those can be implemented and there are several reasons why they may Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 15, 2019, continued. or may not including financial and practicality. He said the Planning Commission, after holding several discussions and a public hearing in December, adopted this plan and recommended also for City Commission adoption. Commissioner Ferguson said it is important to note that City Commission adoption of this plan is not greenlighting any specific project or authorizing release of funds, but rather it is building the framework and establishing some ground rules. Mayor Saliba concurred and said this is a concept we are working toward and if nothing else, it helps to keep us on track for continued discussions on how to enhance 84 East from downtown to ACOM. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-5 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), appropriating $100,000.00 to the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DDRA) for assistance in funding the 2019 Foster Fest Project. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Commissioner Crutchfield noted that the City Commission first approved this appropriation last year, and he asked DDRA Executive Director Jamie Bienvenu to speak on the benefits provided by these funds. Ms. Bienvenu talked about the impact this money has had on the local economy because of Foster Fest. She said this event has expanded and increased in attendance by drawing tristate traffic through partnerships, such as with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Durden Outdoor, and WTVY. She said the DDRA wants to continue on this trend with the goal of getting more heads in beds this year. Commissioner Dorsey asked Police Chief Steve Parrish if he feels we have enough boots on the ground for security and safety of citizens given how fast this event is growing. Chief Parrish said his department allocates a certain amount of resources for Foster Fest, and of course the more it grows, the more it does become a concern; however they have the overtime funding for officers who desire to participate. He said the bigger the event gets, the more potential there is for something to happen, but they certainly try to keep it as safe as possible. Mayor Saliba confirmed with Chief Parrish that his department also coordinates with the Fire Department for this event. Merchants and Marketing Director Jessica Parker added that the DDRA spends a significant amount of dollars raised on security. She said the DDRA hires 8 to 12 off-duty officers for each event and DSI Security Services provides security at each barricade. Ms. Parker confirmed for Commissioner Crutchfield that the DDRA partners with Martin Environmental and Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center to provide trash and cleaning services for each event. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-6 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), authorizing the City’s Finance Director to execute an application for the purpose of obtaining Federal Financial Assistance under the Disaster Relief Act (Hurricane Michael). Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-7 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving payment for the sum of $193,135.86 for City funds due to the Alabama Department of Transportation for bridge replacement on Brookside Drive over Quail Creek. Commissioner Ferguson moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-8 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with CDG Engineers & Associates, Inc. for CE&I services for bridge replacement on Brookside Drive over Quail Creek, ATRIP No. 35-05-38 in accordance with the Agreement for Construction Engineering Services, for a not-to-exceed amount of $90,571.00. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Commissioner Crutchfield asked for the timeframe and for notice to be sent out. Public Works Director Charles Metzger said work will hopefully begin in March and the project is anticipated to last six to eight months, depending on the weather. Mr. Metzger said he will coordinate the release of information with Community Relations Officer Melinda McClendon for public notification so that everyone is made aware. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 15, 2019, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-9 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a Business Associate Agreement with McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. for the purpose of safeguarding and ensuring confidentiality of private personal information and to abide by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and pertinent laws in receiving quotes from carriers and other providers of insurance to City employees and/or retirees (no cost to the City). Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-10 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), adopting a new fee and calendar schedule for Water World. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-11 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), declaring a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria (VIN # 2FAFP71W83X110727) as surplus and no longer needed for public or municipal purposes and donating it to the Town of Newville, Alabama. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-12 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with ACOM Solutions for the purchase and one-year maintenance of a Canon 6780 MICR Printer at a cost of $2,019.00. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-13 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), appointing Melissa Wilson as a member of the Community Development Advisory Board. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba thanked Ms. Wilson for serving. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-14 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving payment of invoices for the month of December, 2018 in the amount of $12,967,757.56. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-15 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), awarding the following bids and approving other purchases over $15,000.00 by the City. ITEM VENDOR AMOUNT Yearly Bid on Chlorine Cylinders, Allied Universal Corporation $ 62,100.00 150 lb., per City Bid Specifications: Miami, FL (more or less) Quantity: 900 (more or less) Unit Price: $69.00 Distribution Transformers Mayer Electric $ 121,985.00 Overhead 15 - 75 kVA Dothan, AL (more or less) 15 kVA Quantity: 50 (more or less) Unit Price: $ 638.00 25 kVA Quantity: 50 (more or less) Unit Price: $ 711.00 37.5 kVA Quantity: 30 (more or less) Unit Price: $ 816.00 50 kVA Quantity: 25 (more or less) Unit Price: $ 926.00 75 kVA Quantity:5 (more or less) Unit Price: $ 1,381.00 Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 15, 2019, continued. Knuckleboom Loaders, Sansom Equipment Co. $ 115,996.00 per City of Dothan Bid Specifications: Birmingham, AL Additional Purchases from Awarded Bid Quantity 2 (or more) Unit Price: $57,998.00 Total Price: $115,996.00 Other Purchases: Professional Legal Services King & Spalding $ 4,631.49 for November, 2018-Defense of EPA Atlanta, GA Project Number 850310 2019 Freightliner Street Sweeper Sansom Equipment $ 238,025.00 Sourcewell Contract #122017-FSC Mobile, AL IA Pro Professional Standards SHI $ 26,300.00 Software Quantity: 1 Somerset, NJ (First Year) Unit Price: $13,000.00 On site Training-Total Cost: $3,200.00 $ 3,500.00 Blue team Field Support Web Application: Maintenance Unit cost: $9,100.00 After Year One First Year Maintenance Included Annually $3,500.00 Annually After First Year State of Alabama Contract: MA 999 17000000198 Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2019-15, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming. Commissioner Ferguson said he would like to abstain out of abundance of caution. There being no further discussion, and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none; “abstained:” Ferguson. The motion was carried by the majority of six "yeas" to one “abstention.” Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-16 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Stacey Livingston CentralSquare 2019 $ 4,778.00 Kimberly Vann San Antonio, TX Justin Davis Hazardous Environment Evidence $ 0.00 Adam Blackwell Collection Kevin Moore Anniston, AL Tyler Elliott Sammie Hancock FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute $ 2,445.00 Jeremy Kendrick Winter Haven, FL Jack Mason CentralSquare 2019 $ 5,158.00 Paul Smith San Antonio, TX Jeremy Wallace Bomb Certification Class C4:19 $ 5,858.00 Huntsville, AL Lee Ann Channell Alabama GMIS 2019 Winter Conference $ 1,170.00 Robb Meredeth Birmingham, AL Elston Jones ARPA 2019 State Conference $ 8,050.60 Roy Kitts Birmingham, AL Kim Meeker Tyson Carter Stephanie Wingfield Kenny Thompson Kenny Dunning Matt Barefield Jerry Moore Tony Thorne Chelsei Nowling Jyssica Curenton Brian Baker South Alabama Public Power Association $ 664.00 James Hancock (SAPPA) Meeting Point Clear, AL Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – January 15, 2019, continued. James Curtis Line Design and Staking Certification $ 1,894.75 Training: Stage 2 Nashville, TN Larry Williams 2019 Fire Chiefs Executive Development $ 875.60 Conference Tuscaloosa, AL Chris Etheredge 2019 Fire Chiefs Executive Development $ 2,526.80 Keith Gaster Conference Stephen Messer Tuscaloosa, AL Joey Franklin AIRS Meeting $ 232.00 Ft. Payne, AL Commissioner Crutchfield then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2019-16, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously carried. Commissioner Kenward moved to accept a ROW Warranty Deed from Behzad Khazraee (Tract 2) for the Denton Road CR 25 Widening and Add Lanes Project, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously carried. Commissioner Crutchfield moved to accept a ROW Temporary Easement Deed from Behzad Khazraee (Tract 2) for the Denton Road CR 25 Widening and Add Lanes Project, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously carried. Commissioner Kenward moved to accept a Warranty Deed from Houston County Chiropractic, LLC (Tract 9) for the Denton Road CR 25 Widening and Add Lanes Project, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously carried. Mayor Saliba announced the reappointment of Lisa Kelly as a member of the Dothan Housing Authority Board. There being no further business, Commissioner Kirkland moved that the meeting be adjourned, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and upon the unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned. /s/Tammy Danner, City Clerk Approved: /s/Mark Saliba, Mayor /s/Kevin Dorsey, Associate Commissioner /s/Janasky Fleming, 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