City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING JUNE 16, 2020 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, June 16, 2020 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. City Clerk Tammy Danner then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Crutchfield led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner Kirkland moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of June 2, 2020, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously approved. Commissioner Dorsey commended Police Chief Steve Parrish for his department doing a great job in dealing with the big party that happened this past weekend. He said he actually got to witness the response and he knows there is a lot of pressure on Chief Parrish and his staff right now during these times. He encouraged them to keep their heads up and just keep doing their due diligence. Commissioner Fleming and Commissioner Kirkland echoed these comments. Commissioner Kirkland said he knows it’s tough out there right now, and he appreciates them for the job they do, for their patience, and for their training. Commissioner Dorsey requested an update on the hiring of the EEO Officer. City Manager Cowper said we conducted interviews and settled on a top choice but had to put the hiring on hold to work through the pandemic over the last several months. He said he has recently spoken with Personnel Director Delvick McKay about this matter and we are now ready to move forward. He said a resolution for the appointment of that position is expected to be brought forth, if not at the Commission’s next meeting on July 7th, then at the following meeting on July 21st. He said the City is required under the consent decree to have an EEO position, and historically that position has focused primarily on employee complaints and things of that nature. He said we have updated and modernized the position to meet the needs of our organization today, as opposed to the organization of fifty years ago when it was created, and this position will now focus primarily on employee training needs which fits very well into some of the items on today’s agenda. Commissioner Fleming thanked Mayor Saliba for his wonderful leadership this past weekend and for his beautiful and moving speech that is still being talked about in his household, as he knows it is in everyone else’s household as well. Commissioner Fleming said he has received a lot of email concerns from residents of District 2 during this time of COVID-19, and he expressed appreciation to City Manager Cowper and the department heads for responding in a timely manner. Commissioner Crutchfield said he would like to thank both of our public safety chiefs, Police Chief Steve Parrish and Fire Chief Larry Williams, for all they are doing. He said he knows it is tough and he appreciates them for what they do. Commissioner Crutchfield reminded everyone that the Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament begins this Saturday, June 20th and continues through Saturday, June 27th. He said we will have a large number of people coming in for the tournament so there will hopefully be additional traffic and hotel rooms filled. He said the unveiling and dedication of Press Thornton Drive took place last Thursday and this was a great tribute to Dr. Thornton for all he gave to this community and for his family who continue to give so much. He said this tournament is a great tradition and it puts Dothan in a great light. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 16, 2020, continued. Mayor Saliba said based on the reports he heard from Police Chief Steve Parrish on the event that happened Saturday night, it sounds like those who responded handled the situation in a very professional manner and we are very grateful. He reminded those who continue to try to congregate that we are in the middle of COVID-19 and numbers have spiked in the State of Alabama, so we need to continue to be careful when we are out, especially in large groups. He said we need to keep in mind that people are getting sick and there are no medicines or vaccines for this virus. He said we will hopefully not have to go back to quarantining and other measures that were previously taken. He said a lot of damage was done to our economy and we have to learn to move forward in a safe manner. He said our emergency responders are doing a great job and he is very appreciative of our Police and Fire departments. Mayor Saliba said there was a great turnout at the solidarity rally held this past Sunday and it was personally uplifting for him to see everyone who came together in a peaceful way to learn how to express all different types of emotions. He said the important thing as we move forward is that we meet around a table of peace and understanding, and we continue to do the best we possibly can for our city. City Manager Cowper announced Water World will have a soft opening on Saturday, June 20th for season ticket holders and others to introduce the new slides and features and the water park will open for the full season on Saturday, June 27th. Mayor Saliba announced a Public Hearing regarding the rezoning of property owned by various owners, located within and in close proximity to the Newton, Burdeshaw, Cherry, Adams & Range (NBCAR) Historic District, from H-I (Heavy Industrial) & L-I (Light Industrial) Districts to B-1 (Central Business) District, to reflect the parcels erroneously omitted. There being no one present to speak, Mayor Saliba declared the Public Hearing closed Mayor Saliba introduced Ordinance No. 2020-160 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), amending Ordinance No. 2019-92, the rezoning of property owned by various owners, located within and in close proximity to the Newton, Burdeshaw, Cherry, Adams & Range (NBCAR) Historic District, from H-I (Heavy Industrial) & L-I (Light Industrial) Districts to B-1 (Central Business) District, to reflect the parcels erroneously omitted. Commissioner Kenward 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 Crutchfield then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2020-160, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Commissioner Ferguson said there are a lot of properties on this ordinance and he asked if all owners have been properly notified of the rezoning. Planning Director Todd McDonald confirmed all were notified. Mr. McDonald said all were given the opportunity to speak at both the Planning Commission’s public hearing and the City Commission’s public hearing held at the time Ordinance No. 2019-92 was adopted. Mr. McDonald said a recent discovery revealed some of the parcels approved for the rezoning were not listed on that ordinance. He said this has presented a problem for one property owner who was omitted because he is wanting to renovate his house. He said this proposed ordinance is a clean-up. Mr. McDonald confirmed for Commissioner Ferguson that he is confident everybody on this list knows their property is being rezoned and they received notice. 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. 2020-161 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), declaring certain properties which are overgrown with weeds, scrub, wild bushes, grass and other vegetative 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 21, 2020. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 16, 2020, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-162 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), amending the agreement with PPM Consultants, Inc., approved by Resolution No. 2017-298, dated September 5, 2017, for professional services for the US EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Assessment Grant Project, to increase the approved amount of payout under the grant from $276,000.00 to $296,289.60; a net increase of $20,289.60. Commissioner Ferguson moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Upon Commissioner Kenward’s inquiry, City Manager Cowper said this is an increase in the grant amount and we are accepting that money, which will be spent by Mr. McDonald and his staff. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-163 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), awarding the bid and entering into a contract with Lewis, Inc. of Headland, Alabama for the 2019 CDBG Sidewalk Project, Third Avenue Extension, in the amount of $90,530.73. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Commissioner Dorsey said it is good to see this is going to a local contractor. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-164 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), executing the ADEM Notification for Aboveground Storage Tank documents for the newly installed aboveground petroleum storage tanks located at Water Production Well #29 and Golf Creek Pump Station Diesel Generator. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-165 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), accepting a grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation to be used to acquire one passenger bus and one van for Rose Hill Senior Center and agreeing to the required match of twenty percent (20%) an amount up to $28,000.00, and appropriating funds for said match. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Commissioner Crutchfield confirmed with City Manager Cowper that this amount is for two vehicles. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-166 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with Troy University for Diversity: Sensitivity and Unconscious Bias training for all City employees. The cost for 355 police and fire staff is $11,939.00 and $17,896.00 for 680 more city employees for a total estimated cost of $29,835.00, and appropriating funds for said training. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming. Commissioner Dorsey expressed that he is overwhelmed at this moment and glad to see this on the agenda today. He said we are heading in the right direction and this is a start. He said he was emailed something before this meeting that was insensitive and which will probably hit the news, so he is glad to see we came to grips with this. He expressed appreciation for the leadership of Chief Parrish and Mr. McKay for putting this together, as well as City Manager Cowper, and Mayor Saliba for his due diligence in sitting down with him and Commissioner Fleming earlier in the week to discuss this matter. Upon Commissioner Crutchfield’s inquiry, City Manager Cowper said training is expected to start within the next month or two. He said this is a seven hour training, there will be approximately ten sessions overall, and logistics will need to be worked out with the scheduling, particularly with our public safety personnel. Mayor Saliba noted this idea was brought forward before COVID-19 occurred, and like many things when the pandemic hit, we had to wait until we knew we had the revenue to proceed. He said we are glad to be able to move forward on this, as well as a number of other projects on today’s agenda, and he expressed appreciation for everyone’s part in this training. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-167 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), applying for and accepting funding in the amount of $21,520.00 from the 2020 Bureau of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership, to be used for the purchase of body armor, and appropriating funds for said grant. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 16, 2020, continued. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Upon Commissioner Dorsey’s inquiry, Chief Parrish said this is a recurring item each year to purchase new vests and to replace outdated vests. Chief Parrish said some of the older vests are typically donated to other agencies who may not have any at all. There being no further discussion and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, Kenward, and Crutchfield; “nay:” Dorsey. The motion was carried by the majority of six "yeas" to one “nay.” Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-168 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into an agreement with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to become a sub-grantee and participant in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate crimes against and exploitation of children in the City of Dothan, in the amount of $10,000.00, and appropriating funds for said grant. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-169 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving payment of invoices for the month of May, 2020 in the amount of $12,815,903.92. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Dorsey and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-170 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), re-appointing David Crutchfield as a member of Visit Dothan (Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) Board of Directors. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson. Commissioner Crutchfield said he will abstain from voting on this item. There being no further discussion, and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Saliba, Dorsey, Fleming, Kirkland, Ferguson, and Kenward; “nay:” none; “abstained:” Crutchfield. The motion was carried by the majority of six "yeas" to one “abstention.” Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-171 (recorded in Ordinance Book No. _______at Page_______), awarding the following bids and approving other purchases over $15,000.00 by the City, and appropriating funds for said purchase. ITEM VENDOR AMOUNT 115 KV Load-Break Switch, Stuart C Irby $ 109,768.00 per City Bid Specifications Dothan, AL (more or less) Quantity: 2 (or more) Unit Price: $54,884.00 Pad Mount Transformers; Gresco $ 94,336.00 150 kVA: Dothan, AL (more or less) Primary Voltage 7620-13200, Secondary Voltage: 120/208: Quantity: 8 (more or less) Unit Price: $6,089.00 Primary Voltage 7620-13200, Secondary Voltage: 277/480: Quantity: 2 (more or less) Unit Price: $5,743.00 500 kVA: Primary Voltage 7620-13200, Secondary Voltage:277/480: Quantity: 2 (more or less) Unit Price: $9,401.00 1,000 kVA: Primary Voltage 7620-13200, Secondary Voltage:277/480: Quantity: 1 (more or less) Unit Price: $15,336.00 Pad Mount Transformers; Mayer Electric $ 17,425.00 1,000 kVA: Dothan, AL (more or less) Primary Voltage 7620-13200, Secondary Voltage: 120/208: Quantity: 1 (more or less) Unit Price: $17,425.00 Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 16, 2020, continued. 4/0 Underground CIC Utility Stuart C Irby $ 27,300.00 Wire on 2500' Reels Dothan, AL (more or less) Quantity: 15,000 feet (more or less), Unit Price: $1.820 Waste Water Treatment U V U V Doctor Lamps $ 24,600.00 Lamps Newport, WA (more or less) Quantity: 200 (more or less) Unit Price: $123.00 Sand Johnston Trucking, LLC $ 15,000.00 Sand Clay Based (ALDOT A or B) Brundidge, AL (more or less) Sand Based Clay Alternate Material Sand (Pitt Run ALDOT 826B) Unit Price per Delivered Cubic Yard all Types: $7.00 Quantity is Unknown-First Bid Crushed Concrete (Machine Lewis, Inc. $ 15,000.00 Crushed) Headland, AL (more or less) Unit Price per Delivered Ton: $20.00 Quantity is Unknown-First Bid Other Purchases: Professional Services to Promote S E Alabama Regional $ 6,000.00 the Census for the Dothan Area, Planning & Development to ensure a full & complete count. Dothan, AL (This is addition to the $20,000 approved December 19, 2019 for the census.) 2s CL200 1210+ Meters with Anixter Power $ 194,100.00 Aclara RF Installed Sole Source Pensacola, FL Estimated for AMI Project Quantity: 1500 (+/-) Unit Price: $129.40 Purchase Complete Running Bondy’s Ford $ 24,400.00 Engines for units 2121 and 2146. Dothan, AL Only source for a complete running engine. Quantity: 2, Unit Price: $12,200.00 Purchase of Motorcraft & AC The Parts House $ 25,000.00 Delco Original Parts when The Dothan, AL Parts House is the lowest quote, through September 30, 2020. Professional Service Hours for IT Network Technology Solutions $ 75,753.33 Infrastructure Network Thomasville, GA Programming Project Work Quantity: 50, Unit Price: $200.00 April - September, 2020 Network Engineer Professional Service Hours for ALEA/SNAG Network Refresh Project: $2,970.00 Work on Digital Evidence Storage Project: $783.33 Purchase of Personal Protective ABB Enterprises, LLC $ 27,225.000 Equipment Disposable Isolation Jonesville, LA Gowns due to Covid-19 Emergency Quantity: 4,500, Unit Cost: $6.00 Plus Freight: $225.00 Commissioner Kirkland then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2020-171, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously carried. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-172 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT Chris Phillips Electric Cities of Alabama (ECA) 2020 $ 1,510.00 Annual Meeting and Governmental Affairs Conference Gulf Shores, AL Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – June 16, 2020, continued. Devon Fields* Lateral / Refresher Academy $ 2,540.00 Anniston, AL Kyle McDaniel** Alabama Advanced Criminal Justice $28,835.00 Zachary Marshall Academy – Police Academy 2020-2 Albert Smith Montgomery, AL Andrew Brown Kadarus Thomas Taquan Minnifield Danny Williams Mark Jones *Revised travel; previous request was approved 06-02-20. **Revised travel; previous requests were approved 05-05-20 and 06-02-20. Commissioner Crutchfield then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2020-172, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried. Commissioner Kenward moved to accept an easement from Private Holdings, LLC & Tom A. West, III, to construct necessary improvements and appurtenances to existing utility facilities - Baywood: New Gravity Sewer and Pump Station Abandonment, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously carried. There being no further business, Commissioner Crutchfield 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 /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