City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 12, 2024 PUBLIC HEARING – 5:25 P.M.: - TO RECEIVE PUBLIC FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF GARFIELD STREET. A Public Hearing was held in the Council Chamber of City Hall on Monday, August 12th, at 5:25 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public opinion regarding Resolution 2024-35 to be considered by the City Council. Mayor Dexter McLendon called the hearing to order and City Clerk-Treasurer Dee H. Blackmon recorded the following members present: Mayor McLendon, Councilmembers Bryan Reynolds, Ed Sims, Joseph West, Jae‘Ques Brown, and Boris Thigpen. Mayor McLendon advised the purpose of the hearing was to receive public input regarding a petition filed with the City of Greenville by the Hickory Street Church of Christ, requesting that a portion of Garfield Street, a public street located between Roosevelt Street and Hickory Street, be vacated. The portion, as it presently exists, runs between two parcels of property owned by petitioners from the point where it intersects with Hickory Street to the point where it becomes even with Roosevelt Street. Mayor McLendon advised the utility companies with utility lines, equipment or facilities already in place on said street shall still have the right to continue to maintain, extend and enlarge their lines, equipment and facilities to the same extent as if the vacation had not occurred. He asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak for or against the petition. There being none, Councilmember West moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council, the public hearing was adjourned. The Greenville City Council convened in the Council Chamber of City Hall on Monday, August 12, 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, July 15, 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 July 15, 2024, as drafted . Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS : RECOGNITION OF PARKS & RECREATION 9-10U BOYS, 5-6U GIRLS(SWEETEE ’S), AND 11-12U GIRLS (PONYTAILS) STATE TOURNAMENT SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS Director Jerome Harris III took a moment to extend heartfelt gratitude to the City Council and the parents for their unwavering support throughout the season. Their encouragement and commitment played an instrumental role in the team's triumph, exemplifying the power of unity and community spirit. Winning may be the ultimate goal in a game, but how a team or individual handles both victory and defeat speaks volumes about their character. True sportsmanship requires grace, empathy, and self-control, and it's those qualities that make a team or athlete truly memorable and admirable. In recognition of their remarkable achievement, Director Jerome Harris III took the floor to honor the team. Director Harris proudly presented each member of the teams with a medal, which is a symbol of their dedication, skill, and teamwork. These medals serve as enduring reminders of their exceptional journey to success. As the cheers echoed through the room, it was a reminder of the significance of teamwork, perseverance, and community support. The Parks & Recreation Sportsmanship Awards not only brought glory to our city, but also inspired a generation of young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. NEW BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2024-35. A RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF GARFIELD STREET. Mayor McLendon called on Chief Justin Lovvorn to explain Resolution 2024-35. Chief Lovvorn explained this resolution is to vacate a portion of Garfield Street, which is a public street located between Roosevelt Street and Hickory Street. The Hickory Street Church of Christ has purchased the whole block on both sides of the road. This will become a parking lot and make it safer for the Church members. A barrier would be placed to block off the road on Roosevelt Street. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 2024-35 approving the petition filed by the Hickory Street Church of Christ authorizing vacation of a portion of Garfield Street. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-36. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A TAX ABATEMENT FOR PIGEON CREEK MANUFACTURING. Mayor McLendon called on David Hutchison to explain Resolution 2024-36. He stated this is a 4- million-dollar expansion with an addition of about 76 new jobs by January. This project will manufacture various types of ammunition at 527 Thames Street in Greenville. He introduced Robert Ackerman one of the owners. He thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing them the opportunity to be here. Mr. Ackerman introduced Mr. Steve Stallworth as his partner along with two others who were not present. He stated their customer base will include domestic and international companies as well as wholesale distribution to Bass Pro and Cabellas. Other potential customers include police and sheriff’s departments across Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and the panhandle of Florida. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Reynolds moved to grant a tax abatement to Pigeon Creek Manufacturing Company in the amount of $4,000,000 for major addition to their existing facility . Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-37. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TONYA PORTER FOR A DAYCARE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT. Mayor McLendon called on Eddie Cook to explain Resolution 2024-37. He stated the city is taking a new direction for the daycare at Building 3. This is two years in the making and just waiting on DHR to approve the daycare license. He introduced Tonya Porter the owner, of Eagle Learning. She thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing her the opportunity to be open a second daycare location. Mayor asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Councilmember Brown stated he has a one-year-old ready to send to her. Mayor asked if anyone has any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Brown moved to authorize the City to enter into an agreement with Tonya Porter for a daycare management contract at the Park and Recreation Building 3 Facility . Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-38. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR REBUILD ALABAMA. Mayor McLendon called on Dee Blackmon, City Clerk-Treasurer to explain Resolution 2024-38. Mrs. Blackmon explained that Resolution 2024-38 would approve an Annual Transportation Plan, which is required each year in order to receive funds. She stated the City will receive approximately $68,832.00 in Rebuild Alabama Funds in Fiscal Year 2025. The city will save 2025 funds for future project. Councilmember Reynolds moved to adopt Resolution 202 4-38, approving the Annual Transportation Plan required to receive Rebuild Alabama Gas Tax Funds. Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-39. A RESOLUTION APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT #1 FOR THE 2023-2024 BUDGET. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-39 authorizing an amendment in the amount of $770,666.00 to the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget as adopted on September 25, 2023. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council RESOLUTION 2024-40. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A MOU WITH THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES. Mayor McLendon called on Tracy Salter, Chamber of Commerce Director to explain Resolution 2024-40. Mrs. Salter explained that Resolution 2024-40 is to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for renovations and improvements to Beeland Park. This will share the common objective of providing access to nature and the great outdoors, improving quality of life, providing recreational and educational opportunities, protecting historic and cultural heritage, and promoting tourism and economic development for Greenville. She stated there are three phases to the project and phase 1 is $115,000.00. The City will receive approximately $70,000.00 for renovations, enhancements, and improvements to Beeland Park. The Sasanqua Garden Club will be selling bricks to raise money for the rest. The bricks being purchased can have personalized engraving and will pave the entrance leading into the gardens. This will fund the new entrance as well as the creation of walking paths within the gardens. Mayor McLendon wanted to thank Linda Horn for this project and acquiring the grant. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has any question or comments. Hearing none. Councilmember Reynolds moved to adopt Resolution 2024-40, authorizing the city to enter into a MOU with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-41. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR THE PIONEER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OPERATION ROUND UP GRANT. Mayor McLendon called on Dee Blackmon, City Clerk-Treasurer to explain Resolution 2024-41. She stated the fire department would like to apply for the Pioneer Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up Grant. This is 100% grant application in the amount of $5,995.00, and would be used to purchase essential equipment for our dedicated firefighters. No local match is required. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has any question or comments. Hearing none. Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 2024-41 authorizing The City of Greenville to make application for the Pioneer Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up grant. Councilmember Thigpen seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-42. A RESOLUTION APPROVING QUARTERLY REPORTS FOR QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 2024. Councilmember Sims moved to adopt Resolution 2024-42 approving the quarterly reports for quarter ended June 30, 2024. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-43. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A STREET LIGHT MODIFICATION. Councilmember West moved to approve addition of a street light at New Searcy Road and the Greenville Bypass authorize additional $71.65 per month for equipment and $57.76 for street lights be added to the Alabama Power Company street light billing account. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES: Mayor McLendon explained the following expenditures, and asked if anyone had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Thigpen made a motion to approve the following expenditure s: D & T EMERGENCY LIGHTING - $7,711.00 (INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT) POLICE UNIT 499, LIGHTS, BUMPERS & GUN VAULT ALABAMA LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES - $4,181.00 (BUDGETED ITEM) CITY’S MEMBERSHIP THE ARMORED GROUP, LLC - $93,850.00 (BUDGETED ITEM) ARMORED THE 2023 CHEVROLET TAHOE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTEMENT’S SRT THOMPSON CAT - $19,677.12 (BUDGETED ITEM) PARTS & LABOR FOR DOZIER #86 STREET DEPARTMENT Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion passed with unanimous vote of the Council. WEED AND DEBRIS VIOLATIONS: BOARD APPOINTMENTS: SOUTH CENTRAL ALABAMA MENTAL HEALTH BOARD APPOINTMENT TABLED UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING. OTHER BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADJOURNMENT: Mayor McLendon announced the next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 26, 2024. With no further business or announcements, Mayor McLendon adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m. ________________________________ Dexter McLendon, Mayor ATTEST: _______ __________________________ Dee H. Blackmon, City Clerk-Treasurer