City Council

. City of Margaret October 3, 2023 6:00 P.M. In attendance: Councilman James Chapman, Councilman Matthew Tortorice, Councilman Jonathan Ray, Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre, and Mayor Isaac Howard Absent: Councilman Darius Crump Prayer: Clyde Beverly Pledge of Alliance The meeting was called to order Discussion: Bryan Newell a candidate for 3 rd Congressional District, addressed the Council. Councilman Tortorice requested that Richard Bell address the Council. Richard Bell would like to be considered for the Police Chief position. Interim Police Anthony Fields addressed the Council. Councilman Matthew Tortorice made a Motion to hire Richard Bell as Police Chief for the City of Margaret. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion failed due to a lack of a majority. Two yes and three no. Councilman James Chapman made the Motion to appoint Interim Chief Anthony Fields as the Chief of Police for the City of Margaret. Mayor Pro- Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The Motion passed due to a majority. Three yes and two no. Councilman James Chapman made the Motion for Chief Fields to earn $51,000.00/yearly. This salary will start on the first payroll check in November 2023. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The motion passed due to a majority vote. Four yes and one no. Clover St. was discussed. There is no supporting documents to show that the City of Margaret accepted Clover St. from Charles Pendley. Mr. Barker will get cement quotes for the Dillard and Wilson parks basketball courts. Councilman Matthew Tortorice is waiting on quotes to address the Brookhaven drainage issue. The sign at Church that states there is a 3-ton limit needs to be removed. Councilman James Chapman asked whether or not Beulah Church can revert back to City of Margaret because there is no standing building. The Council agreed that the FY 24 St. Clair County Commission Fees must be paid. Chief Field addressed the Council about buying 6 more body cams for the Police Department. Chief Fields would like to schedule a body cam demo for the Council. Chief David Parrish stated that the fire department has applied for grants for radios, apparatus, and air packs, but the results will not be known until February 2024. David Parrish informed the Council that the fire department needs to purchase a mini pumper, which costs $279,000.00 for a used one with 7000 miles. There is an offer for the old engine of $25,000.00. Chief Parrish would like to be approved for up to $300,000.00 in order to purchase a used mini pumper. Councilman Jonathan Ray would like for Chief Parrish to get quotes on a new fire truck. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made the Motion to declare the old fire truck a surplus. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman James Chapman made the Motion to approve up to $300,000.00 to allow Chief Parrish to purchase a Mini Pumper Truck for the Fire Department. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The Motion passed due to a majority vote. Four yes and one no. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made the Motion to approve the Special Council Minutes for 9/14/2023 as written. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed due to a majority vote. Three yes, one no, and one abstaining due to absence. Councilman James Chapman made a Motion to approve Council Meeting Minutes for 9-19-2023 as written. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The Motion passed due to a majority vote. Three yes and two no. Council made the decision to place the speed humps in Brookhaven, on Levine, and in Hunter’s Crossing. Mary Hargrove asked the Council about extending her year-long variance another sixty days. Councilman James Chapman made the Motion to grant Ms. Hargrove an additional sixty days for her variance in order to relocate. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. This will be the last time Ms. Hargrove will be given a variance on that address. Mayor Isaac Howard asked for any more comments: Councilman Matthew Tortorice asked about the budget. Councilman Matthew Tortorice stated that he is getting ideas for the farmer’s market from surrounding areas. Councilman Jonathan Ray informed the Council that the ALM conference in November at Orange Beach has some good subjects planned. Clyde Beverly suggested that the City address police protection with a comprehensive plan. Clyde Beverly stated that Brookhaven Subdivision needs another way to enter and exit the subdivision. Mayor Pro_Tem Daryl McIntyre made a Motion to spend $15,000.00 on Lake Rd. to fix the culvert based off the Goss Construction quote. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman James Chapman made a Motion to adjourn. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The meeting adjourned. ___________________________ Isaac Howard, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Teja McIntyre, City Clerk