City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 24 , 2024 The Greenville City Council convened in the Council Chamber of City Hall on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. for a regular council meeting. Mayor Dexter McLendon called the meeting to order. City Clerk – Treasurer Dee Blackmon called the roll and recorded the following members present: Mayor McLendon, Councilmembers Bryan Reynolds, Ed Sims, Joseph West, Jae’Ques Brown, and Boris Thigpen. Mayor McLendon led those attending in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Councilmember Jae’Ques Brown delivered the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor McLendon advised each councilmember had received for review a copy of the proposed minutes for the Regular Council Meeting held on June 10, 2024. He asked if there were any additions, deletions or amendments to the minutes as presented. Councilmember West moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes for June 10, 2024, as drafted . Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. NEW BUSINESS: ORDINANCE 2024-03. AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO UNITI FIBER GULFCO LLC ("UNITI" OR “GRANTEE ”) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND MAINTAINING A FIBER-OPTIC TRANSMISSION LINE WITHIN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY WITHIN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ALABAMA (“CITY” OR “GRANTOR ”). Councilmember Sims moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2024-03 at this meeting, be suspended for the purpose of permitting the said ordinance be finally passed and adopted at this meeting. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote to suspend the rules: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynolds Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion to suspend the rules passed . Mayor McLendon explained that Ordinance 2024-03 will grant a fiber-optic franchise to Uniti Fiber Gulfco LLC. The franchise fee will be five percent (5%) of the annual gross revenues. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Brown moved to place Ordinance 2024-03 into final passage. Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynolds Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . ORDINANCE 2024-04. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A 49-YEAR GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF ALABAMA, AND THE TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF ALABAMA. Councilmember Thigpen moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2024-04 at this meeting, be suspended for the purpose of permitting the said ordinance be finally passed and adopted at this meeting. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote to suspend the rules: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynolds Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion to suspend the rules passed . Mayor McLendon called on City Attorney Brandon Simmons to explain Ordinance 2024-04. He stated this ordinance renews a ground lease agreement between the City and the Retirement Systems for the property situated on Sherling Lake from the purpose of a Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember West moved to place Ordinance 2024-04 into final passage. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynolds Abstained Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . RESOLUTION 2024-25. A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF FLOWERS AND SECOND STREETS (VACANT LOT) IN THE FORM OF A GIFT DEED FROM LUCY BAILEY. Mayor McLendon explained the property is located at the corner of Flowers and Second Street, Greenville, AL 36037, and Lucy Bailey would like to give this property to the City. The City will pay attorney fees. Mayor asked if anyone has any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Thigpen moved to adopt Resolution 2024-25 accepting a gift deed from Lucy Bailey for certain real property located at the corner of Flowers and Second Street. Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council RESOLUTION 2024-26. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY’S PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT 215 SECOND STREET FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CITY. Mayor McLendon presented Resolution 2024-26 regarding the purchase of certain property at 215 Second Street. This property has a structure, which has deteriorated beyond repair and is hazardous to public welfare. The City wishes to purchase said property from Sanders Properties Two, LLC, in the amount of $3,000.00, contingent upon confirmation of clear legal land, title and deed, in order to control activity in the area and for the protection of its citizens. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-26 authorizing the city’s purchase of property at 215 Second Street . Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-27. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY’S PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT 231 SECOND STREET FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CITY. Mayor McLendon presented Resolution 2024-27 regarding the purchase of certain property at 231 Second Street. This property has a structure, which has deteriorated beyond repair and is hazardous to public welfare. The City wishes to purchase said property from Rejena K. Satterwhite, in the amount of $3,000.00, contingent upon confirmation of clear legal land, title and deed, in order to control activity in the area and for the protection of its citizens. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Reynolds moved to adopt Resolution 2024-27 authorizing the city’s purchase of property at 231 Second Street . Councilmember Thigpen seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council RESOLUTION 2024-28. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TAX DELINQUENT PROPERTIES FROM THE STATE OF ALABAMA. Mayor McLendon explained Resolution 2024-28, stating that the four parcels in question are tax delinquent properties held by the State of Alabama. He mentioned that these properties could be purchased for $100.00 per parcel. The City intends to acquire these properties as it is in the community's best interest to convert them into green spaces or housing. The Mayor emphasized that this acquisition would benefit the community and asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-28 authorizing the purchase of four tax delinquent properties from the State of Alabama . Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council RESOLUTION 2024-29. A RESOLUTION APPROVE THE REQUEST OF THE CITY BUILDING INSPECTOR TO SEND WRITTEN NOTICE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE IV SECTION 5-65 CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ALABAMA OF THE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE CITY LIMITS OF GREENVILLE . Mayor McLendon introduced Resolution 2024-29. This resolution pertains to six properties that the Building Inspector has found to contain unsafe structures and are in dangerous condition. A written report detailing the condition of each property will be attached to the second letter sent to the landowners, informing them of these hazardous conditions. Mayor McLendon asked Attorney Brandon Simmons to confirm or add any missing details. Brandon Simmons confirmed that the summary was correct and clarified that the resolution permits the City to send out a second letter. The Mayor then asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Sims moved to adopt Resolution 2024-29 authorizing the Building Inspector to send written notice pursuant to Article IV Section 5-65 Code of Ordinances of the City of Greenville . Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council RESOLUTION 2024-30. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITION OF STREET LIGHTING AT MANNINGHAM ROAD AND LOGANS RUN AND COST TO CITY’S BILLING WITH ALABAMA POWER COMPANY Councilmember Thigpen moved to approve the addition of a street light at Manningham Road and Logans Run and authorize additional charges be added to the Alabama Power Company street light billing account. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES: PLAZA GOLF CART SALES - $3,800.00 GOLF CART FOR SHERLING LAKE PARK Councilmember Brown moved to approve the purchase of a Golf Cart for Sherling Lake. Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. JDM SERVICES - $11,068.28 (BUDGETED ITEM) LABOR AND MATERIAL FOR REHABILITATION OF HEADSTONES IN PIONEER CEMETERY Councilmember Brown moved to approve payment to JDM Services for rehabilitation and repair of graves at the Pioneer Cemetery . Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. DEEP SOUTH APPAREL - $ 25,023.75 (BUDGETED ITEM) SOCCER OUTFITS $5,040.00 & BASEBALL/SOFTBALL UNIFORMS $19,983.75 Councilmember Thigpen moved to approve payment to Deep South Apparel for baseball, softball and soccer uniforms . Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. WEED AND DEBRIS VIOLATIONS: A. STATE OF ALABAMA 113 WATER STREET 10 08 06 23 2 002 028.000 B. STEELE LINDA G C/O FENETRA STEEL 116 OLD BOLLING RD 10 08 05 22 4 000 009.0 00 Councilmember Reynolds moved to proceed to the next step of compliance for weed and debris violations pursuant to the City’s Code of Ordinances, and thereby authorize properties to be cleared at the owners ’ expense and the City Clerk to bill property owner for services. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. BOARD APPOINTMENTS: OTHER BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADJOURNMENT: Mayor McLendon mentioned Charlie Kennedy, former Mayor, passed away at the age of 80. Mr. Charlie served on the City Council, and on January 24, 1983, he was sworn in as Mayor for the City of Greenville. He was instrumental in the renovation of the Ritz Theater. He loved Greenville Alabama and the Ritz Theater. The funeral is set for Saturday, June 29. Mayor McLendon announced the next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 8, 2024. With no further business or announcements, Mayor McLendon adjourned the meeting at 5:44 p.m. ________________________________ Dexter McLendon, Mayor ATTEST: _______ __________________________ Dee H. Blackmon, City Clerk-Treasurer