City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 5, 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, November 5, 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 City Manager Kevin Cowper, 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. Reverend Jack Hinnen, First United Methodist Church, then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Kenward led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner Kirkland moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2019, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously approved. Mayor Saliba presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming November 22-28, 2019 as “Farm-City Week” in the City of Dothan. Randy Davis, Chairperson of the Farm-City Week Planning Committee was present for the proclamation. Commissioner Fleming thanked everyone who supported District 2’s first annual Fall Festival held at Wiregrass Church in partnership with Wiregrass Church and Church at the Crossing. He expressed his appreciation to the Police and Fire Departments for their involvement. He said approximately 200-300 people attended and plans are already in place for next year. Commissioner Kirkland said the National Peanut Festival is happening now until Sunday afternoon and the parade is Saturday, so come on out and enjoy yourself at the festival. Commissioner Crutchfield said we have a couple of topics of interest on the agenda today and he thanked everybody for their feedback on both sides. Mayor Saliba said he had the opportunity to attend “Big 5 plus 5” mayor meetings on Sunday and Monday. He said he is glad to be included because this is a great time to come together as mayors and hear all the issues we share. He said he always leaves these meetings knowing we live in a great city, we have a lot of great things going on, we are blessed, and he is proud to be a part of it. City Manager Cowper, along with Public Works Director Charles Metzger, Assistant Public Works Director Bart Barefoot, and Engineering Services Manager Tyler Reeder, presented a service award to Wayne McKinnon for forty years of service with the City. City Manager Cowper formerly introduced and welcomed Vincent P. Vincent, who recently came on board as the City’s new Community Relations Officer. He said Mr. Vincent will be very visible in our community, he will be the face and writing of the City, he has a tremendous amount of experience, and he will be a great asset to Dothan. City Manager Cowper made the following announcements and comments:  The National Peanut Festival is underway and will conclude on Sunday, November 10th. The parade will be held Saturday, November 9th on Main Street beginning at 9:30 a.m. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued.  City offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day and there will be no garbage collection on this date. Monday residents will receive garbage pickup on Wednesday, November 13th.  The Dothan Wolves will host Spanish Fort on Friday, November 8 th in the first round of the 6A football playoffs. This is a huge accomplishment for the Dothan Wolves, and we encourage everybody to attend in support.  A public meeting concerning brownfields will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13th at Aunt Katie’s Community Garden Learning Center, located at 602 Linden Street, and everyone interested is encouraged to attend.  The 2019 USTA Southern Adult 65 & Over Championship Tournament will be held November 15th-18th at the Westgate Tennis Center. There will be approximately 500 players in town for this event, and we welcome them to our community.  The Public Works Department will host a public forum concerning the Honeysuckle Road Project on Tuesday, November 19th at Westgate Gym from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. This is a future project in our Capital Improvement Plan to widen portions and extend Honeysuckle Road, it is important to future growth and development, and we encourage everybody’s attendance at this forum. Mayor Saliba introduced the application of Vishal Anand for a Lounge Retail Liquor License, Class II (Package) (off premise) for Main Street Liquor, located at 3341 West Main Street. Mayor Saliba asked if there was anyone present to speak on this matter and there were none. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for approval, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. There being no discussion and upon the motion being put to vote, the motion was unanimously carried. Mayor Saliba announced a Public Hearing regarding the abatement and removal of noxious or dangerous weeds. There being no one present to speak, Mayor Saliba declared the Public Hearing closed. Mayor Saliba introduced Ordinance No. 2019-270 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), amending Chapter 6, Alcoholic Beverages, Article I, In General, of the City of Dothan Code of Ordinances, by adding Section 6-5, Sales, etc. after hours for persons licensed for on-premise sales and Section 6-6, Sales, etc. after hours for persons license for off-premise sales; and that Section 6-67(b), License tax reports, payments and penalty; Section 6-68 (b) and (c), Records; and Section 6-103 (b) (5) and (c) Rules, of the City of Dothan Code of Ordinances be amended in their entirety (tabled on October 15, 2019). Commissioner Kenward moved that this item be removed from the table, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously carried. Commissioner Kenward then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-270, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Mayor Saliba announced that six people have submitted privileges of the floor requests to speak regarding this item. Mike Bryan, owner of Southern Social Table and Tap located at 2620 Montgomery Highway; Jamie Bienvenu, Executive Director of the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority; Kelsey Barnard Clark, owner of KBC located at 151 North Foster Street; and Robin Thagard, owner of Bella’s Fine Dining located at 111 West Troy Street, spoke in support and reasons expressed included the opportunities to open for brunch on Sunday, encourage activity in downtown, and increase economic development by growing, recruiting, and retaining businesses. Jimmy McCord, resident of 694 Drew Road, and Jim Tate, Pastor of Memphis Baptist Church, spoke in opposition on the principles of community and family values. There being no further discussion and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, and Crutchfield; “nay” Kirkland, Ferguson, and Kenward. The motion was carried by the majority of four “yeas” to three “nays.” Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Ordinance No. 2019-271 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), rezoning property owned by Jason Thomas, located on the north side of Oppert Road, 920 feet east of Ross Clark Circle, from A-C & R-1 (Agriculture-Conservation & Residential Single-Family, Low Density) Districts to R-2 (Residential Single-Family, Medium Density) District. Commissioner Ferguson 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. 2019-271, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Commissioner Kirkland said some of the neighbors on Oppert Road with larger lots and houses are concerned about encroachment, and he asked what is planned for this side of the property. Ronnie Driskell said he is the engineer on this project and about ten to fifteen homes are planned on the Oppert Road side, though the design has not yet been done. Commissioner Ferguson said the notes reflect the applicant made a concession by upgrading the zoning request from R-3 to R-2 as a compromise to the neighbors and he asked if this is accurate. Mr. Driskell confirmed and said his client originally wanted to do a high density development of duplexes or townhomes but agreed to the R-2 district after speaking with staff. He said this property is bounded on the Ross Clark Circle side by light industrial, a trailer park on the Rowland Road side, and then some really nice, bigger homes so they wanted to do something in between. Commissioner Kirkland said he appreciates them changing the size of the homes because this was a concern with the neighbors. There being no further discussion 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. 2019-272 (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 Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-273 (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 December 3, 2019. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-274 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Veterans Administration for the purchase of a house and lot, located at 900 Campbellton Highway, Dothan, Alabama, being approximately 1.594 acres, with all appurtenances, as is, for the price of $61,500.00. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Commissioner Crutchfield confirmed with Leisure Services Director Elston Jones that the house will be torn down. Mayor Saliba said this is a piece of property that abuts James Oates Park and the decision was made to buy as we feel this is property we need. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-275 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), appropriating additional funds to satisfy outstanding encumbrances for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2019. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-276 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Paya-EFT for the acceptance of electronic checks at kiosk locations for a one (1) year period and each year thereafter until such sixty (60) days written termination notice is presented to Paya. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. by Commissioner Crutchfield. Finance Director Lisa Reeder said kiosks were approved earlier this year, work is being done to interface the kiosks with our new Exceleron software which will be coming on board with the implementation of the Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, and the kiosks will take cash, credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments. She said this contract is for the electronic processing of the electronic checks and the addendum to the Exceleron contract with the credit and debit card processing fees will be brought before the Commission for approval at a future meeting. She said the first kiosk will be located under the Civic Center portico and the second kiosk will be located at Westgate Park in the parking lot between Water World and the Softball Complex. Mrs. Reeder confirmed for Mayor Saliba that payments will be posted to accounts within fifteen minutes. She said this is very important for when we go live with the new prepay system and the AMI meters are installed because customers will be able to pay for electricity as they go, and if they are cut off for nonpayment, making a payment will allow for them to be electronically cut back on. Mrs. Reeder said plans are to have a brochure advertising all the benefits of the new system after staff receives training in December. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-277 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving a Commercial Development Incentive Program (CDIP) as part of a (re)development strategy that will stimulate (re)development of existing commercial property, help retain existing businesses and attract new business to locate in the City. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. City Manager Cowper said this is one of several items on today’s agenda aimed specifically at encouraging redevelopment in the older areas of the city, in particular downtown and the older commercial corridors inside Ross Clark Circle, combined with other efforts we are undertaking, such as in planning, brownfields, and the brunch bill which passed today. He said the goal is to encourage redevelopment of our commercial areas and neighborhoods, provide economic development and jobs, and encourage some life in our downtown and older commercial corridors. He said following his presentation of this program to the Commission last month, he had the opportunity to meet at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce with a number of business owners, Chamber representatives, and others to explain the program and positive response was received. He said this is part of a four pronged approach from planning to development regulations to infrastructure improvement to economic incentives, all aimed at redevelopment and creating economic opportunity. He said this program will allow qualifying businesses that generate sales taxes to potentially apply for this program and receive sales tax rebates as a portion of the investment they make in redeveloping properties. He said this program is authorized under our state constitution and he believes this will have a very positive impact on our redevelopment efforts. Commissioner Ferguson asked if we have identified particular areas and are these available to the public or will applications be accepted on a case-by-case basis. City Manager Cowper said applications will be taken on a case-by-case basis, but because the program is oriented toward redevelopment, our older commercial corridors inside Ross Clark Circle are generally in greater need of economic incentives than newer areas outside Ross Clark Circle. Upon Commissioner Ferguson’s inquiry, City Manager Cowper said the application process will include him working closely with our Planning Department and Grow Dothan to analyze requests and then development agreements will be brought before the Commission for approval at a public hearing. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-278 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving Final Summary Change Order with Midsouth Paving, Inc., which results in a cost decrease for the total contract bid in the amount of $45,166.27, making the final adjusted contract price $550,347.53 (Federal share $400,000.00, City share $150,347.53). Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-279 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), awarding the bid and entering into a contract with McCord Contract Floors, Inc., for the Carpet Replacement at the Opera House, in Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. the amount of $121,458.00. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-280 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), awarding the bid and entering into a contract with Scarborough and Associates for the purchase and installation of an emergency generator at Utility Collections, in the amount of $71,000.00. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Commissioner Dorsey said it is good seeing local contracts. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-281 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving a public space use agreement as an incentive to encourage more activity in downtown by enhancing the public realm and the local economy. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Commissioner Ferguson noted that there is no charge for the permit and asked how technical the plans need to be? City Manager Cowper said plans will vary depending on what is being proposed, but to a large degree and if it is just about putting tables out on the sidewalk, a very simple sketch on a map will be acceptable. City Manager Cowper confirmed for Commissioner Crutchfield that liability insurance will be required to include the area on the sidewalk being occupied and to name the City as an additional insured. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-282 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with Wallace Community College-Workforce Development Division for a partnership commitment to assist with welding classes to be held at the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming. Mayor Saliba said he abstains from this vote since his last name is Saliba. There being no further discussion, and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” none; “abstained:” Saliba. The motion was carried by the majority of six "yeas" to one “abstention.” Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-283 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), authorizing Mayor Mark Saliba to execute approval for development and submittal of a Clean-up Grant application to US EPA, in an amount not to exceed $297,000.00 of which the City of Dothan is required to provide a 20% match ($59,400.00 less in-kind), if awarded, and authorizing Mark Saliba to execute approval of an application to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to enter the subject site into the State of Alabama Voluntary Clean-Up Program (VCP), and payment of requisite fees to be determined by ADEM upon acceptance into the VCP. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. City Manager Cowper said this item is pertaining to the public hearing he mentioned earlier in his Communications and City Planner Bob Wilkerson has headed up this grant to help clean-up a brownfields site. He said this site is an old substation, is currently vacant property, and is part of the larger redevelopment and neighborhood improvement program aimed at stimulating redevelopment and infill of those properties. Mr. Wilkerson said this is basically the same application submitted last year but the amount has increased by about $30,000 because of the strong demand. He said this grant will allow Michael Jackson to greatly expand the operation of Aunt Katie’s Community Garden to include three raised tunnel beds for year-round production. He said each tunnel bed equates to one acre of land and will allow Mr. Jackson’s operation to become self-sustained so that he can focus on addressing issues to improve the Baptist Bottom neighborhood. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-284 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), authorizing the Planning Department to collaborate with the firm of PPM Consultants to submit an application for a Brownfield Assessment Grant and to accept the grant if awarded and authorize a release of “Request for Qualifications”. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-285 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), amending Resolution 2016-61, Section 1, requiring the deduction of construction permits fees, zoning application fees and utility installation and service fees and re-classifying said fees as incentives for the redevelopment of the Howell School project, a sum of $29,325.00. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” Ferguson. The motion was carried by the majority of six "yeas" to one “nay.” Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-286 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Praestare Engineering to provide Engineering Design and Easement Acquisition for Phases B-H and Construction Engineering and Inspection (CE&I) for Phases B & C of the Girard Avenue Drainage Basin Project, for a not to exceed amount of $172,100.00. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-287 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving a Change Order with Blankenship Contracting, Inc. for the Bell to Foster Sewer Improvements Projects, due to emergency work required along the 3100 Block of Ross Clark Circle, for an estimated cost of $99,614.80. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-288 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), renewing the agreement with Employment Screening Services for a fee-based service for background checks required for employment with the City of Dothan for a three-year period. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-289 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with TargetSolutions Learning, LLC for Fire and EMS Training, at an annual cost of $14,012.00 for an initial term of 36 months with a 3% increase per year. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Upon Commissioner Kenward’s inquiry, Fire Chief Larry Williams said this will be for general, electronic training. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-290 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), agreeing to allow the Fire Department to issue a fireworks permit to the National Peanut Festival Association to be held on November 9, 2019 (rain date November 10, 2019). Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-291 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a three-year agreement with Bic Media to create a new jingle for Water World Water Park at a cost of $3,500.00. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland. Upon Commissioner Ferguson’s inquiry, Leisure Services Director Elston Jones said Bic Media will create and own the jingle, staff will be involved in the process, and the jingle will be good for three years. Mr. Jones said we will be celebrating Water World’s 40th Year Anniversary next year with new attractions and this jingle, which was requested during the work session, is part of the re- branding effort. He said the jingle can be recreated or changed after the three-year period. Commissioner Fleming asked if it would possible next time to present this to kids at schools to create, and Commissioner Kenward concurred saying she really thinks our community should be involved in something like this because it is fun for everybody. City Manager Cowper said this can absolutely be considered. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-292 (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 1/0 Underground Primary Wire T & C Specialty Distributors $ 52,875.00 Quantity: 22,500 Feet (or more Waynesboro, MS (more or less) depending upon funding) Unit Price: $2.35 Scanning & Digitizing of Municipal Avenu $ 30,000.00 Court Records Services: Birmingham, AL (or less) Unit of Measure: Pages Quantity: 400,000 (or less) Unit Price: $.075 Additional Large Purchases from Previously Awarded Bids: 2021 International Harvester Cab Coffman International, Inc. $ 75,730.00 & Chassis for a 55' Material Handler Dothan, AL Quantity: 1 Unit Price: $75,730.00 Replacing unit 3153 Cab & Chassis for a Knuckleboom Coffman International, Inc. $ 149,594.00 Loader Quantity: 2 Dothan, AL Unit Price: $74,797.00 Replacing units 8030 & 8031 Other Purchases: Pressure washing and coating light Coast to Coast Coating, Inc. $ 49,310.00 poles with high performance acrylic Newton, AL polyurethane designed to provide long term UV protection for visibility structures. Traffic Poles & Arms: Quantity: 11, Unit Price: $1,985.00; Crosswalk Signal Poles- Quantity: 1, Unit Price: $350.00;30' Concrete Light Pole & Arm, Quantity: 27, Unit Price: $875.00; 15' Concrete Light Poles, Quantity: 10, Unit Price: $350.00, 3 quotes Public Works Project below $50,000 (not to exceed $49,999) Globe Firefighter Protective Sunbelt Fire $ 54,660.00 Clothing Ensemble: Coats: Fairhope, AL Unit Price: $1,539.00, Quantity: 20, Trousers: Unit Price: $1,194.00, Quantity: 20 HGAC Co-operative contract 2019 John Deere 250 G LC Flint Equipment $ 227,000.00 Excavator, Quantity: 1, Sourcewell co-operative contract #032515-JDC Required Inventory: Lenovo CDWG $ 16,374.14 ThinkCentre M720q-tiny-core i5 Vernon Hills, IL PC, Quantity: 10, Unit Price: $692.77 Samsung SE450 S24E450DL 23.6" LED-backlit LCD, Quantity: 28, Unit Price: $145.49 Tripp Lite Displayport Digital Video Audio Cable 4K Quantity: 28, Unit Price: $16.48 Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-In-one 24 Gen 3-LED Monitor-Full Quantity: 1, Unit Price: $203.94 HP Office Jet Pro 9010 Color Printer Quantity: 1, Unit Price: $189.99 Trip Lite High Speed HDMI Cable: Quantity: 10 Unit Price: $9.32 Trip Lite 25' High Speed HDMI Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. Cable Digital, Quantity: 10, Unit Price: $30.36 StarTech.com, 15' High Speed HDMI Cable M/M Ultra HD, Quantity: 10, Unit Price: $15.62 Lenovo ThinkCentre M920x-tiny Core PC, Quantity: 2, Unit Price: $1,127.22 Sourcewell Purchasing Co-op Contract #100614 CDW Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2019-292, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously carried. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2019-293 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Will Benny Effective Public Communications $ 441.00 Florence, AL Carlton Ott Shot Show $ 4,341.00 Jason Penn Las Vegas, NV Ray Mock Delvick McKay University of Virginia: Darden Business $ 6,000.00 School LEAD Program (Leading, Educating, and Developing) Charlottesville, VA Lisa Reeder University of Virginia: Darden Business $ 5,700.00 School LEAD Program (Leading, Educating, and Developing) Charlottesville, VA Tim Mullis NITRO – Network Intrusion Response $ 100.00 Hoover, AL Pete Markow SWAT Sniper Supervisor Course $ 1,027.00 Titusville, FL David Lewis Critical Task of Jail/Corrections Operations $ 664.70 Cullman, AL Caleb Gilmore Basic Narcotics Investigations $ 60.00 Hunter Bullock Meridian, MS Brooke Adkins Alabama APCO Workshop $ 601.37 Rachel Bradley Gulf Shores, AL Sandi Jarrett Alabama APCO Workshop $ 602.74 Gulf Shores, AL Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2019-293, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Commissioner Ferguson said there are a couple of extremely excessive requests included so he is not in favor of this item. Commissioner Kenward said there is one trip in particular that is $12,000 and that seems like a very excessive amount of money. City Manager Cowper said he would be glad to offer an explanation regarding the University of Virginia travel. He said this is part of the high performing organization strategy he has begun to introduce to the Commission and to the staff. He said the University of Virginia, through their Darden College of Business, offers this leadership development class. He said this is a very intense seven day training program for our top executives, and when they return, they will have a very good understanding of what it takes to make Dothan a high performing organization. He said his intent is to have most, if not all, of our department heads and other executives participate in this program over the next couple of years. He said we will create an executive team to begin the process of introducing the high performing organization model to our entire City staff. He said this is about providing high quality customer service to our citizens and high quality training to Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – November 5, 2019, continued. our executives so they can be innovative, creative, and accountable. Commissioner Ferguson said all this sounds good but he thinks in the future the Commission needs a better understanding for expensive travel. He asked if the college would come here and do the training all at one time. City Manager Cowper said they can and at some point in the future, once our leadership team has had the opportunity to participate in the full program, it is possible we will have somebody come from that program to do a shortened three day version of the training. He said he would like the opportunity for our division heads, assistant directors, and similar levels to be exposed to the training and we will need to do that in order for the program to be successful. City Manager Cowper confirmed for Mayor Saliba that he feels this is the most cost effective way to do this. City Manager Cowper said he has participated in this program and has seen the benefits of the program which include staff’s understanding of delivering quality service and employee empowerment to get the job done responsibly in a team environment in order to create a high quality of life for our citizens and our taxpayers. 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:” Ferguson. The motion was carried by the majority of six "yeas" to one “nay.” There being no further business, Commissioner Kirkland moved that the meeting be adjourned, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and upon the unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned. /s/Tammy Danner, City Clerk Approved: /s/Mark Saliba, Mayor Kevin Dorsey, Associate Commissioner /s/Janasky Fleming, Associate Commissioner Albert Kirkland, Associate Commissioner /s/John Ferguson, Associate Commissioner /s/Beth Kenward, Associate Commissioner /s/David Crutchfield, Associate Commissioner BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS