City Council

. City of Margaret September 15, 2020 6:00 P.M. In attendance: Councilman Ray, Councilman Carter, Councilman Perry, and Mayor Howard Absent: Councilman Chapman and Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre Prayer: Mr. Barker Mayor Howard called Meeting to order Discussion Mayor Howard asked for approval of minutes for September 1, 2020 Councilman Ray made the Motion to approve minutes for September 1, 2020. Councilman Perry seconded the Motion. Motion unanimously. The fees from the St. Clair County Commission was up for discussion. Councilman Perry made the Motion for the City to pay $40,246.20 ($3353.85 monthly), Juvenile $2180.00 and EMA $154.00. Harvey McWhorter addressed the Council about him and his partners paving Brookhaven Dr in exchange for being released from the agreement for Lakeside Dr. The Council reminded Mr. McWhorter that Daryl Pidard to maintain roads in Brookhaven Subdivision. Mr. McWhorter informed Council that agreement was not with Brookhaven Ventures. Mr. McWhorter plans to dig out bad places on Brookhaven drive, pave it and put on a seal coat. When asked how many inches of asphalt to be used. McWhorter stated that there will be more than 1” top coat to prevent crowning. Councilman Ray suggested not accepting road until the development is 100% complete. Councilmen Perry and Carter agreed. Councilman Perry made the Motion to let Mr. McWhorter and his partners out of the Lakeside Dr. contract, but not accepting road until development is finished and top coat is applied. Motion was seconded by Councilman Ray. Motion passed unanimously. Chief David Parrish gave his report for Fire Department and Public Works Department. The fire Department had a total of 37 calls of which 27 of them were medical. The total revenue for the Public Works Department for month of August is: $65,961.03. Chief Smith presented his report next, Chief Smith informed the Council that the Police Department had a total of 288 calls for month of August. Mayor Howard asked Chief Smith how was hiring going. Chief Smith informed the Council that Cason Davis will be starting on Saturday. And that he had also talked to Eric Hansen, who need a 2-week refresher at the academy. Chief Smith told the Council that the insulation for the Flock Cameras is 4-6 week. Chief Smith is also looking into a live fingerprint Scanner. Chief Smith is shy 16 hours of being a certified Police Chief. Councilman Ray does not feel that the City offers enough benefits to potential hires. Councilman Ray also feels that the Police department has not changed even after receiving 3% raise on top of a $3.75 raise. Councilman Ray feels that the Council cannot keep throwing money at a department that is not changing. Mayor agrees and stated that the Council needs to look into raises for all the employees. Mr. Barker has taken care of the lights on County Rd. 12. The lights were costing $147.00 now they will be $76.99. Council suggested that the City put up lights at the following places: Summit Park intersect at of South Hillcrest, Sunrise intersects at South Hillcrest, Scenic Crest intersects at Co. Rd. 12, and at water tower on South Hillcrest. Vehicles for the Admin and Fire Department came up for discussion. Chief Smith suggested getting a Ford Explorer. Councilman Ray feels that Explorers are junk. And Chief Parrish also feels that Explorers are crap. Councilman Ray thinks that the City needs to look into purchasing Chevy Tahoe Mayor Howard will come up with a spec sheet and put out for bid. Ordinance 2020-0901 which addresses parking on City right away was Next. Councilman Ray made the Motion to accept Parking Ordinance 2020-0901. Councilman Carter seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. The Council informed Mr. Barker that some of the roads Charles Pendley Are asking for approval on, has not been completed. They also want Mr. Barker to pre warned Mr. Pendley about the drainage and the signage. the City will not be responsible for drainage and road signs in the subdivisions. And all signs must be approved by the City. Mr. Barker has also reached out to McCarthy Construction about repairing the roads that were paved by them. Mr. McCarthy told Mr. Barker that he needs 3 weeks because he lost a crew due to COVID. Mayor Howard would like to earmark $300,000.00 for road repairs. Councilman Ray thinks that $300,000.00 would be a good amount.  Councilman Perry thinks $300,000.00 is kind of low and that $450,000.00 would be better. Councilman Perry made a Motion for the City to set aside $3000,000.00 for road repairs. Councilman Carter seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. The Boom Tractor was the next topic for discussion. Mr. Barker informed the Council a new tractor which is a would cost $109,043.00. Councilman Perry made the Motion to purchase the tractor for $109,043.00 from Coblentz Equipment. Councilman Carter seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Howard asked for anymore comments: Pedro Pino informed the Council that the 50/50 drawing sponsored by Margaret’s Lion Club has raised $1000.00 and that there is currently no Membership fees until Jan 2021. Matthew Tortorice asked the Council whether or not anything in the Road Contract with builders to bring streets, drainage and gutters up to date in Brookhaven? There is nothing. Mr. Tortorice stated that the Brookhaven HOA will do those things at an estimated cost of $100,000.00. Mayor Howard informed Mr. Tortorice that The Brookhaven HOA must first come before doing the work because it affects the City’s right of way. Mr. Tortorice understands. Council Councilman Carter: Public Works guys need uniforms in order to look more professional. And Councilman Carter also inquired about the City’s leash law. Councilman Ray made the Motion to adjourn. Councilman Carter seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:30PM. ___________________________ Isaac Howard, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Teja McIntyre Peeples, City Clerk