City Commission Agendas and Minutes

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CITY OF DOTHAN, ALABAMA REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 1, 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, December 1, 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. Pastor Dane Skipper, Harvest Church, then led in prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Kirkland led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of November 17, 2020, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner and unanimously approved. Mayor Saliba presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming December 1, 2020 as “World AIDS Day” in the City of Dothan. Pamela Holton, Regional Coordinator, was present for the proclamation. Commissioner Dorsey expressed appreciation to Police Chief Steve Parrish for his leadership and to his staff for the respect shown for the victim of a pedestrian fatality which occurred Friday night on Montgomery Highway. Commissioner Ferguson requested an update on the City’s efforts to improve lighting as part of the Ross Clark Circle (RCC) expansion project. Public Works Director Charles Metzger said the City has worked with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) because there were no original plans to have lighting as part of the project other than at signalized locations, and ALDOT has agreed to install lighting in exchange for the City putting in fiber. Mr. Cowper confirmed with Mr. Metzger that the lighting and additional sidewalks is included in the final phase of this project; however, staff is working with ALDOT to go ahead and put in lighting as different phases are completed. Upon Commissioner Ferguson’s inquiry into a timeline, Mr. Metzger said he will check on this and provide an update. Commissioner Crutchfield said he would again like to thank our department heads for their assistance with issues and questions he has received from citizens over the last couple of weeks. Mayor Saliba acknowledged Dr. Adair Gilbert and Community Relations Officer Vincent P. Vincent, who were present in the audience, for their participation this week in the Farm City Swap. Mr. Cowper, along with Police Chief Steve Parrish, recognized Taiwan Truitt as our Employee of the Month for December, 2020. On behalf of the Commission, Mayor Saliba expressed thanks to all involved in bringing back the Employee of the Month program. He said he really enjoys this and feels it is important we continue these recognitions. Mr. Cowper announced our Christmas events will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5th at the pergola on Foster Street and include A Storytime with Santa from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., music, games, and crafts on Foster Street, and Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. at the municipal complex. Reverend Todd Beacham of Trinity Church will give the invocation, Trinity Church Praise and Worship Team will sing Christmas carols, Paige Weeks with WDHN will be the emcee, and Mayor Saliba will switch on the lights. Following the tree lighting, there will be additional activities for everyone to enjoy, including hot chocolate on Foster Street. He said these events will be a lot of fun, and he invited all to attend. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – December 1, 2020, continued. Mayor Saliba announced a Public Hearing regarding the proposed substantial amendment for the CARES Act funding, changes to the Citizen Participation Plan. There being no one present to speak, Mayor Saliba declared the Public Hearing closed. 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 Resolution No. 2020-334 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), declaring certain properties which are overgrown with weeds, scrub, wild bushes, grass and other vegetable growth as injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the community as nuisances and ordering that the properties be abated. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-335 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), rescinding Res. No. 2020-181, approving the 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, and approving the amended 2020 Annual Action Plan projects. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward. Planning Director Todd McDonald addressed this item, as well the next thirteen items on the agenda. He said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made an error in the calculation of our grant funds and have reduced the allocation by $77.00. He said Girls, Inc. has agreed to accept that reduction in their funding amount. He said this resolution rescinds the original approval and puts a new resolution in place with the correct allocation numbers per subrecipient. He said the next items are to amend the Citizen Participation Plan in accordance with HUD guidelines, amend the current Annual Action Plan in order to allocate additional funds to projects, adopt the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan Amendments to incorporate the first round of CARES Act funds into two projects, and enter into subrecipient agreements, which is the last step in the process of allocating the 2020 money. Commissioner Kenward thanked Mr. McDonald and his department, as well as our CDBG Board, for making sure we appropriately allocate this money. Commissioner Dorsey spoke about the need for road infrastructure improvements in our public housing developments, and he said he is receiving complaints from residents of Johnson Homes in reference to the road conditions. Dothan Housing Authority Executive Director Sam Crawford said Johnson Homes is slated for a $33 million improvement project beginning in January 2021, with a sixteen month build time in six phases, and all roads will be reconstructed during the course of the project. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-336 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), amending the Citizen Participation Plan to include a minimum of five-day public comment period and virtual public hearings per U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s guidelines for the CARES ACT CDBG-CV funding and other CDBG funding as part of the CDBG-CV Substantial Amendments. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-337 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), amending the FY 2017 Annual Action Plan in accordance with the terms and conditions of the current Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan of the City of Dothan; transferring $56,715.00 from prior year FY 2017 CDBG Annual Action Plan, various project designations, as shown in Local Amendment No. 1 and 2, CDBG funding is to be reallocated to the 2020 Haven Street Sidewalk Project; transferring $10,000.00 from the FY 2017 CDBG Annual Action Plan, various project designations, as shown in Local Amendment No. 3 and 4, CDBG funding is to be reallocated to the 2020 Cultural Arts Center Project; approving and adopting the reprogramming of prior year CDBG funds for the 2020 CDBG projects. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – December 1, 2020, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-338 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving and adopting the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan Amendments to include funding in the amount of $45,772.00 for the SARCOA Nutrition Assistance for Seniors and People with Disabilities Program and approving and adopting the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan Amendments to include additional funding in the amount of $250,000.00 for the Montana School Facility Project. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-339 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with the Salvation Army for building improvements including architectural and construction services as identified in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-340 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center for the purpose of purchasing equipment identified in the Community Development Block Grant program, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Crutchfield moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-341 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with Hawk- Houston Youth Enrichment Center for the continuation of provision of administrative salaries, fringe benefits and operational expenses in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-342 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity to support Emergency Housing Repair and Weatherization improvements identified in the Community Development Block Grant program, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-343 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with the Central Alabama Fair Housing Center (CAFHC) for the purpose of providing general administrative and operating expenses as approved in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-344 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with the Dothan Housing Authority for the purpose of providing general administrative and operating expenses in connection with the operation of an after school program as approved in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-345 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with the Cultural Arts Center for the purpose of making improvements to the floor of the Cultural Arts Center, a historic building in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – December 1, 2020, continued. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-346 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with Alfred Saliba Family Services Center for the continuation of provision of administrative salaries, fringe benefits and operational expenses and building improvements in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Mayor Saliba said he is abstaining from voting on this item because of his last name. 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. 2020-347 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with Girls Inc. for operating expenses and HVAC improvements including architectural and construction services as identified in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Fleming moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-348 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), entering into a subrecipient agreement with the Exchange Center for the purpose of providing general administrative and operating expenses as approved in the Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, and appropriating funds for said agreement. Commissioner Kenward moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Fleming and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-349 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), awarding the bid and entering into a contract with Harris Security Systems, Inc., for the purchase and installation of an integrated mass notification system and life safety system for the Dothan Civic Center, in the amount of $135,382.00. Commissioner Kirkland moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield. Upon Commissioner Dorsey’s inquiry, General Services Director Andy Love said Harris Security currently monitors the current system, but it is about fifteen years old, has become obsolete, and can no longer be sustained to maintain beneficial occupancy of the entire facility. He said this upgrade has been coordinated with the fire marshal to ensure codes are met, and he said this upgrade will give us a state-of-the-art system at a reasonable price. Commissioner Dorsey said he is glad to see this is a local contractor. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-350 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), appropriating $102,099.00 to the Dothan Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide funding for improvements at the BMX Track located at Westgate Park. Commissioner Dorsey moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Kenward and unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-351 (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 Monitoring & Service of Fire Harris Security Systems, Inc. $ 31,677.98 Alarms & Security Systems, Ozark, AL (Estimated) Citywide Network Firewalls CDW-G $ 56,422.00 1) Palo Alto Network Firewalls Vernon Hills, IL Group Total: $22,750.00 2. 1 Year Subscription Licenses Group Total: $25,330.00 3. Maintenance/Support Options 1 Year: $8,342.00 Minutes of the Board of Commissioners – December 1, 2020, continued. Other Purchases: Professional Services through Bradley, Arant, Boult, & Cummings, LLP $ 17,116.40 10/31/20. ADEM Appeal. Birmingham, AL Commissioner Crutchfield then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2020-351, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson. Commissioner Dorsey asked for the status of the walking trail at Walton Park for public record. Leisure Services Director Alison Hall said this project is moving forward with the use of in-house funds, and she explained that some of the work will be done by our Public Works Department, or depending on their schedule, it may be contracted out. There being no further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Saliba introduced Resolution No. 2020-352 (recorded in Ordinance Book No._______at Page_______), approving the following advance travel requests for City employees: NAME CONFERENCE AMOUNT John Penn KME/NAFECO Fire Apparatus $ 0.00 Blake Johnson Nesquehoning, PA Matthew Lawhorn Thomas Brown Commissioner Crutchfield then moved for adoption of Resolution No. 2020-352, motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried. Mayor Saliba announced the appointment of Patricia Devane as a member of the Dothan Housing Authority Board to fill the unexpired term of Precious Freeman. There being no further business, Commissioner Kenward moved that the meeting be adjourned, motion seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield and upon the unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned. /s/Tammy Danner, City Clerk Approved: /s/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