City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 24 , 2025 PUBLIC HEARING – 5:25 P.M.: SPECIAL RETAIL - MORE THAN 30 DAYS LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE 19TH HOLE CIGAR LOUNGE. . A Public Hearing was held in the Council Chamber of City Hall on Monday, February 24th, at 5:25 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public opinion regarding Resolution 2025-08 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, and Boris Thigpen. Councilmember Jae‘Ques Brown was absent. Mayor McLendon opened the public hearing and called for public comment. Kimberly Cowans, the owner of the proposed facility, spoke in favor of the request. This resolution will approve the issuance of a special retail license – 30 days or more (#160) by the Alabama Beverage Control Board to the 19th Hole Cigar Lounge LLC d/b/a The 19th Hole Cigar Lounge at 401 W. Commerce Street. The cigar lounge will cater to individuals 25 years and older, while the other side of the facility will feature golf simulators, which will not have a minimum age requirement. No additional comments were received, either in favor or against the proposal. With no further remarks, Mayor McLendon adjourned the public hearing at 5:28 p.m. The Greenville City Council convened in the Council Chamber of City Hall on Monday, February 24, 2025, 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 February 10, 2025. 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 February 10, 2025, as drafted . Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the Council. NEW BUSINESS: ORDINANCE 2025-02. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE MONTHLY SALARY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL. Councilmember Sims moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2025-02 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 asked City Clerk-Treasurer Dee Blackmon to provide an explanation of Ordinance 2025-02. This ordinance proposes increasing the City Council's monthly salary from $700 to $1,000, totaling $12,000 annually. For those who have completed the Council Training, the monthly salary would rise from $850 to $1,150, amounting to $13,800 annually. The City has not implemented a salary increase in the past 17 years. Mayor McLendon then inquired if anyone had any further questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember West moved to place Ordinance 2025-02 into final passage. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynold Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . ORDINANCE 2025-03. AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE 2024-04 IN ITS ENTIRETY AND APPROVING 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 2025-03 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 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 Clerk – Treasurer Dee Blackmon to explain Ordinance 2025-03. This ordinance will repeal Ordinance 2024-24 which states that if Cambrian Ridge Golf Course closes, that the city will not be able to get another company in the facility for five years. Ordinance 2025- 03 will change the language from five (5) years to twelve (12) months. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Sims moved to place Ordinance 2025-03 into final passage. Councilmember Thigpen seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynold Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . ORDINANCE 2025-04. AN ORDINANCE TO REAPPORTION THE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE. Councilmember Reynolds moved that all rules governing the Council which might, unless suspended, prevent the passag e and adoption of Ordinance 2025-04 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 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 Clerk – Treasurer Dee Blackmon to explain Ordinance 2025-04. At the first election following a census, cities are required to determine if district lines need to be redrawn to comply with the one vote – one person rule. South Central Alabama Development Commission completed the re-districting for the city. McLendon asked if anyone else had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember West moved to place Ordinance 2025-04 into final passage. Councilmember Reynolds seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon called for a roll call vote, which was recorded as follows: Mayor McLendon Aye Councilmember Reynold Aye Councilmember Sims Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember West Aye Councilmember Thigpen Aye Mayor McLendon declared the motion passed . RESOLUTION 2025-07. A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE MOWING BID FOR THE CITY FOR THE PERIOD OF 3-1-25 THROUGH 02-28-29. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2025-07, awarding the bid for Magnolia & Pioneer Cemetery mowing and grounds maintenance, and other contract mowing services for the period March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2029 as follows: Bid #1 – Magnolia Cemetery & Pioneer Cemetery – C & C Lawn Care - $ 4,600 per cut Bid #2 – Service Location #2 – J & J Quality Lawn Care - $ 1,300 per cut Bid #3 – Service Location #3 – J & J Quality Lawn Care - $1,425 per cut Bid #4 – Service Location #4 – J & J Quality Lawn Care - $1,625 per cut Councilmember Sims seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion passed with unanimous vote of the Council. RESOLUTION 2025-08. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SPECIAL RETAIL – MORE THAN 30 DAYS LIQUOR LICENSE TO THE 19TH HOLE CIGAR LOUNGE. Councilmember Thigpen moved to adopt Resolution 2025-08, approving issuance of a Special Retail – more than 30 days Liquor License for 19 th Hole Cigar Lounge . Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion carried with a unanimous vote of the council. RESOLUTION 2025-09. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO APPLY FOR THE PIONEER GRANT FOR THE PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SRT TEAM. Mayor McLendon called on Police Chief, Justin Lovvorn to explain Resolution 2024-09. He stated the Police Department would like to apply for the Pioneer Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up Grant. This is 100% grant application in the amount of $9,100.00, and would be used to purchase essential equipment for our Special Response Team. No local match is required. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone has any question or comments. Hearing none. Councilmember Brown moved to adopt Resolution 2025-09 authorizing The City of Greenville to make application for the Pioneer Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up grant. Councilmember Sims 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. Mayor McLendon asked if anyone had questions or comments. Hearing none, Councilmember Sims made a motion to approve the following expenditures: MAGIC CITY SIGNS - $3,745.00 REPAIR NEON ON THE MOVIE THEATER MARQUEE KRYSTAL CLEAN - $5,875.00 LOW PRESSURE POWER WASH, WASH AND RINSE ALL TENNIS FACILITY SURFACES AND REMOVAL OF ORGANIC STAINING, GRIME AND DEBRIS. GOODWYN, MILLS & CAWOOD - $7,065.00 BUDGETED ITEM GREENVILLE LANDFILL ANNUAL MONITORING Councilmember West seconded the motion. Mayor McLendon announced the motion passed with unanimous vote of the Council. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADJOURNMENT: Mayor McLendon acknowledged the death of Ms. Bobbie Gamble. Ms. Bobbie was instrumental in anything Ritz related especially the restoration of the Ritz Theater. She will be greatly missed. Mayor McLendon announced the next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025. With no further business or announcements, Mayor McLendon adjourned the meeting at 5:43 p.m. ________________________________ Dexter McLendon, Mayor ATTEST: _______ __________________________ Dee H. Blackmon, City Clerk-Treasurer