City Council

. City of Margaret January 09, 2024 6:08 P.M. In attendance: Councilman James Chapman, Councilman Darius Crump, Councilman Matthew Tortorice, Councilman Jonathan Ray, Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre, and Mayor Isaac Howard Absent: Prayer: Clyde Beverly Pledge of Alliance The meeting was called to order Discussion: Joey Stevens addressed the Council concerning his candidacy for the St. Clair County Commissioner’s seat. The council tabled the discussion on the employee handbook. The City Clerk will email samples received from the Alabama League of Municipalities. Councilman Jonathan Ray made the motion to table the discussion on curbs and gutters in Brookhaven Subdivision. Councilman Matthew Tortorice received an extremely high quote from the city engineer. Councilman Matthew Tortorice seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made the Motion to table the discussion on Dillard Park because the Council is waiting on information from the city engineer concerning a retaining wall. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a Motion for the City to rescind the acceptance of Fallview Court as a city road because the road is being used as a private drive. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a Motion to table discussion on Colonial Lane because Mr. Barker needs to get a quote on the drainage problem. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Jonathan Ray made the Motion to table the redistrict maps discussion until the next meeting. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made the Motion to approve the minutes for 12-5-2023. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passes with four yeses and one no. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made the Motion to approve Council Meeting Minutes for 12-19-2023 as the City Clerk wrote. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed with four yeses, one no, and one abstaining. Chief David Parrish asked the Council to consider giving him a rate range in order to give the fire department raises. Councilman Jonathan Ray made the Motion to give the firefighters a $15.00/hr. rate. with the following conditions: firefighters on duty must stay overnight at the fire station 24/7, and the fire station must be manned 365 days a year. Council Ray also noted that the fire department just received a raise about a year ago. Councilman Matthew Tortorice seconded the Motion. The Motion failed for lack of a majority. Two yeses and four no. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made a Motion to accept the raise proposal written by Chief David Parrish. The fire station must be manned overnight by firefighters 24/7, 365 days a year. The pay rate is as follows: firefighter $15.29/hr. lieutenant $16.06/hr., and assistant chief $20.22/hr. Councilman Darius Crump seconded the Motion. The Motion passed with four yeses and two no. Chief David Parrish presented the Council with a proposal from Sunbelt for air packs for the fire department for $47,000.00, and he wants the money taken out of the American Rescue Plan Funds. Councilman Matthew Tortorice made the Motion to allot up to $47,000.00 for air packs from the American Rescue Plan Fund. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Chief Anthony Fields informed the Council that he has quotes on two police cars from Kirk Auto Co. The two cars are available ASAP; he is just waiting for the Council's decision. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a Motion to approve the purchase of the vehicles for $48,000.00 each from Kirk Auto Co. And equip the vehicles for $16,000 each. The money is to be taken out of the American Rescue Plan Funds. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Chief Fields informed the Council of the progress of the AR-15 rifles. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a Motion for tasers. Councilman Ray rescinded his Motion for tasers. Councilman Matthew made a Motion to accept Resolution 2024-0109 American Rescue Plan Loss Revenue. Resolution 2024-0109 allows the City of Margaret to accept all American Rescue Plan funds as a standard allowance of revenue loss and allows the City of Margaret to use the money for qualified government services. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion passed by roll call vote: Councilman James Chapman – Yes Councilman Darius Crump – Yes Councilman Matthew Tortorice – Yes Councilman Jonathan Ray – Yes Mayor Pro- Tem Daryl McIntyre – Yes Mayor Isaac Howard – Yes Councilman Matthew Tortorice would like to update the Public Works Annex building. Councilman Jonathan Ray would like to use the Public Works Annex building for a senior citizen center. Councilman Jonathan Ray would like to donate $1000.00 to Springville High School. Councilman Darius Crump seconded the Motion. The motion passed with four yeses and two noes. Ms. Cox, a counselor from St. Clair Co. High School, would like for the City of Margaret to donate money to help students graduate using the football field in the future. Ms. Cox stated that the total amount needed is $17,755.19. Councilman Jonathan Ray made the Motion to suspend the regular council meeting rules for immediate consideration. Councilman Darius  Crump seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Jonathan Ray made the Motion to donate $6000.00 to St. Clair Co. High so they can purchase the required equipment for student graduation. The money is to be taken out of the general fund. Ms. Cox informed the Council that the Harlem Globetrotters will be at St. Clair Co. high School on 1/27/2024. Mrs. Love informed the Council that the Pre-K program at Margaret Elementary will be cut and students sent to Moody. The next St. Clair Co. School Board meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2024. Clyde Beverly informed the Council that purchasing the land adjacent to City Hall would be beneficial to the City of Margaret. Councilman Matthew Tortorice stated he is getting ideas for the farmer’s market from surrounding areas. Clyde Beverly would like the City to look into fixing the zip code issue within our city. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a Motion to adjourn. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM ___________________________ Isaac Howard, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Teja McIntyre, City Clerk