City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 23, 2024 The Greenville City Council convened in the Council Chamber of City Hall on Monday, September 23, 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 Ed Sims, Joseph West, Jae’Ques Brown, and Boris Thigpen. Councilmember Bryan Reynolds was absent. 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, September 9, 2024. He asked if there were any additions, deletions or amendments to the minutes as presented. Councilmember Thigpen moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes for September 9, 2024, as drafted . Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. PROCLAMATIONS and PRESENTATIONS : NEW BUSINESS: ORDINANCE 2024-06. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ALABAMA, CHAPTER 17, SOLID WASTE. Councilmember Brown moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2024-06 at this meeting, be suspended for the purpose of permitting the said ordinance be finally passed and adopted at this meeting. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote to suspend the rules: Mayor McLendon 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 Clerk – Treasurer Dee Blackmon to explain Ordinance 2024-06. This amendment specifically addresses an increase in the monthly garbage fee for residents and businesses. The fee increase will rise by $1.00, effective January 2025 and an annual increase by $1.00 annually in subsequent years. This change is aimed at addressing the rising costs associated with waste management services. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Brown moved to place Ordinance 2024-06 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 Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . ORDINANCE 2024-07. AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ARTICLE VI. MOTION PICTURE THEATER TICKET TAX. Councilmember West moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2024-07 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 Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion to suspend the rules passed . Mayor McLendon invited City Clerk-Treasurer Dee Blackmon to provide an overview of Ordinance 2024-07. Blackmon explained that the ordinance aims to repeal the tax on motion picture theater tickets. Since the city recently acquired the local theater, the ordinance that imposed a privilege or license tax on movie ticket sales is being repealed. This action reflects the city's decision to eliminate the tax following its purchase of the theater. Mayor McLendon then opened the floor for any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember West moved to place Ordinance 2024-07 into final passage. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . ORDINANCE 2024-08. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ALABAMA, CHAPTER 19, TAXATION, ARTICLE VII. HOTEL AND MOTEL OCCUPANCY FEE TAX. Councilmember Sims moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2024-08 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 Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion to suspend the rules passed . Mayor McLendon asked City Clerk-Treasurer Dee Blackmon to explain Ordinance 2024-08. Blackmon introduced an amendment to Chapter 17 of the city's Taxation code concerning the allocation of hotel and motel occupancy fee tax. She noted that Section 19-117 of the City of Greenville Code of Ordinances, which governed the distribution of net collections, has been repealed. Previously, the disbursement rules allocated $1.00 to the YMCA (which is no longer in the city) and $1.00 to the Butler County Commission for Economic Development (BCCED). With the repeal, the funds that were allocated to the BCCED will now go directly to the City of Greenville. This amendment reflects changes in local organizations and redirects the funds for city use. Mayor McLendon then opened the floor for questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Thigpen moved to place Ordinance 2024-08 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 Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . ORDINANCE 2024-09. AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 19-43 OF THE CITY CODE TAXATION - ALLOCATION OF PORTION OF PROCEEDS. Councilmember West moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2024-09 at this meeting, be suspended for the purpose of permitting the said ordinance be finally passed and adopted at this meeting. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote to suspend the rules: Mayor McLendon 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 Clerk-Treasurer Dee Blackmon to explain Ordinance 2024-09. Blackmon stated that this ordinance repeals Section 19-43 of the City Code, which pertains to the allocation of tax proceeds for debt service and capital improvements. The ordinance ends the annual allocation of $550,000 toward the payment of principal and interest on the city's 1996 General Obligation Warrant, which was used to fund the construction and equipping of a new public high school. Since this debt has now been fully paid, the allocation is no longer necessary. Additionally, the ordinance repeals the requirement to allocate $150,000 annually to the Capital Improvements Account, which was reserved for financing city improvement projects. Moving forward, these funds will no longer be automatically designated for capital improvements. Mayor McLendon then opened the floor for any questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Thigpen moved to place Ordinance 2024-09 into final passage. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed RESOLUTION 2024-47. APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT #2 FOR THE 2023-2024 BUDGET. Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 2024-47, authorizing a year-end budget amendment for FY 2023-24 general fund budget, as adopted on September 25, 2023, by adjusting $310,400.00 from other expense accounts to balance various budgetary accounts, as outlined in “Exhibit A”. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council RESOLUTION 2024-48. ADOPT THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ALABAMA, FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. Councilmember Sims moved to adopt Resolution 2024-48 accepting the General Fund Budget for FY 2024-25 in an amount of $19,742,747.00 . Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-49. A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT TOWING. Mayor McLendon explained Resolution 2024-49. Sealed bids were opened on September 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. The low bid meeting specifications for Vehicle and Impound Towing was submitted by F & S Tire & Towing in the amount of zero dollars ($0.00) per tow day or night, a mileage rate of $0 one way, 24-hour storage $20.00, in/out of town towing of impounds $35.00, and a mileage rate for impounds of $1.00 one way and 24-hour storage $20.00. Councilmember Thigpen moved to adopt Resolution 2024-49, awarding bids for Police Depart ment towing service. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-50. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A PRE- APPLICATION FOR A 2025 FAA AIRPORT GRANT. Councilmember Sim s moved to adopt Resolution 2024 -50 authorizing the Mayor to apply for a 2025 FAA Airport grant for Apron Rehabilitation. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council RESOLUTION 2024-51. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE BUTLER COUNTY CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER FOR FY 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000.00. Councilmember Thigpen moved to adopt Resolution 2024-51 authorizing the City to enter into service agreement with the Butler County Children's Advocacy Center for FY 2024-25 in the amount of $10,000.00. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-52. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH QUALITY CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR CITY PRISONERS FOR FY 2024-25 AT A COST OF $2,950.74 PER MONTH. Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 2024-52 authorizing the City to enter into contract with Quality Correctional Health Care to provide medical treatment for City prisoners for FY 2024-25 at a cost of $2,950.74 per month. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-53. AUTHORIZE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH BUTLER COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT (E-911) FOR FY 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000.00. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-53 authorizing a service agreement with Butler County Emergency Communications District (E-911) for FY 2024-25 in the amount of $70,000.00. Councilmember Thigpen seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-54. AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF CITY'S AIRPORT MANAGER'S CONTRACT WITH BRUCE EDWARDS FOR FY 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,595.00 OR $3,132.92 PER MONTH. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-54 authorizing renewal of FY 2024-25 City's Airport Manager's Contract with Bruce Edwards in the amount of $37,595. 00 or $3,132.92 per month. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-55. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO SERVICE CONTRACT WITH BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR FY 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,000.00. Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 2024-55 authorizing the City to enter into service contract with Butler County Commission for Economic Development for FY 2024-25 in the amount of $80,000.00. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-56. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH ALABAMA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS FOR FY 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-56 authorizing the City to enter into a service agreement with the South Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross for FY 2024-25 in the amount of $1,000.00. Councilmember Thigpen seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-57. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE FAMILY SUNSHINE CENTER FOR FY 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00. Councilmember Thigpen moved to adopt Resolution 2023-44 authorizing the City to enter into a service agreement with the Family Sunshine Center for FY 2023-24 in the amount of $2,500.00. Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-58. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER AGREEMENT FOR COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE WITH BLUE PLAINS TECHNOLOGY, LLC (KEN CORLEY) FOR FY 2024-25. Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 202 4-58 authorizing the City to enter into a service agreement for computer/ technology support and maintenance with Blue Plains Technology, LLC (Ken Corley) for FY 202 4-25. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-59. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH MCWILLIAMS, LLC FOR FY 2024-25. Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 202 4-59 authorizing the City to enter into a management agreement with McWilliams, LLC for FY 202 4-25, which increased by three percent per contract . Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-60. AUTHORIZE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ALABAMA CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION CENTER FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACCESS TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE NETWORKS FOR FY 2024-25. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-60 authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center for the police departments ’ access to the criminal justice networks for FY 2024-25 at a cost of $4,800.00. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-61. TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GREENVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY ’S PROVISION OF GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000.00 FOR DRUG ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR FY 2024-25. Councilmember Thigpen moved to adopt Resolution 202 4-61 authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Greenville Housing Authority provision of funding in the amount of $50,000.00 for drug enforcement officer for FY 202 4-25. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-62. AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO CONTINUE CONTRACT WIT H THE BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSION AND THE BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF FOR HOUSING OF CITY PRISONERS IN THE COUNTY JAIL THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 AS ENTERED INTO OCTOBER 1, 2024. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 202 4-62 authorizing the City to continue the contract with the Butler County Commission and the Butler County Sheriff for housing of city prisoners in the county jail through Septembe r 30, 2025 as entered into October 1, 2024. The contract increased by $25,000.00 . Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-63. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH BOBBY GREEN, GREEN NURSERIES AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2024-63 authorizing the Mayor to enter into a consulting agreement with Bobby Green, Green Nurseries and Landscape Design. Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2024-64. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH CADENCE EQUIPMENT FINANCE, A DIVISION OF CADENCE BANK FOR THE LEASE OF TWO LIMB TRUCKS. Mayor McLendon introduced Resolution 2024-65, which pertains to leasing two new limb trucks. The lease is a 48-month agreement costing $501,840.00. The mayor highlighted that leasing equipment has been a cost-effective strategy, significantly reducing the city's expenses on maintenance and repairs. After presenting the resolution, Mayor McLendon opened the floor for questions or comments from the council. Hearing none, Councilmember West moved to adopt Resolution 2024-64 authorizing and approving the two limb truck lease with Cadence Equipment Finance. Councilmember Thigpen seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2024-65. A RESOLUTION APPROVING ABC SPECIAL EVENTS LICE NSE FOR THE GREENVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE D/B/A FALL SUPPER SOCIAL. Mayor McLendon explained this resolution is to approve an Alabama Beverage Control special event license for the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. This event is for their Fall Supper Social on October 17, 2024. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Sims moved to adopt Resolution 2024-65 approving ABC special events license for the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce D/B/A Fall Supper Social. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES: GRANICUS - $4,740.48 (BUDGETED ITEM) PERMITTING SOFTWARE FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT Councilmember Brown moved to approve the purchase of the permitting software for the building inspector ’s office . Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. Mayor McLendon explained that the upcoming expenditures are related to the movie theater and asked if anyone had questions or comments. Councilmember Brown inquired about the theater's reopening date. Mayor McLendon responded that it would, hopefully, re-open in the next three weeks. He then asked if there were any further questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Brown made a motion to approve the following expenditure s: KRYSTAL CLEAN - $8,805.00 POWERWASH MOVIE THEATER, CONCRETE AND CURBS AND PREP WALLS FOR PAINT THEATRICAL BULB SUPPLY - $3,221.90 BULBS AND FILTERS FOR CINEMA PROJECTORS CES+ - $19,290.00 THREE (3) SERVERS TO BE USED WITH THEATER PROJECTORS Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion passed with unanimous vote of the Council. WEED AND DEBRIS VIOLATIONS: BOARD APPOINTMENTS: OTHER BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADJOURNMENT: Mayor McLendon announced the next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024. With no further business or announcements, Mayor McLendon adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m. ________________________________ Dexter McLendon, Mayor ATTEST: _______ __________________________ Dee H. Blackmon, City Clerk-Treasurer