City Council

. City of Margaret December 15, 2020 6:00 P.M. In attendance: Councilman Ray, Councilman Carter, Councilman Chapman, Matthew Tortorice, Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre, and Mayor Wilson Prayer: Councilman Ray Mayor Wilson called Meeting to order Discussion Mayor Wilson asked the Council to approve Minutes for December 1,2020 Meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre made the Motion to approve minutes for December 1,2020 Meeting. Councilman Carter seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Board of the Town of Odenville Water Purchase Contract was presented. Councilman Chapman made a Motion to table the Contract discussion until we are able to research it further. Councilman Ray seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Mayor’s vehicle purchase was presented. Councilman Tortorice feels that a vehicle purchase for the Mayor should not be considered until a Budget has been adopted. Councilman Tortorice also noted that building is slowing down in the City. Councilman Carter feels that as a representative for the City, Mayor Wilson needs to have a City vehicle. Councilman Tortorice stated that the City had already given away a truck and SUV that could have been given to the Mayor. Councilman Ray asked the Police Department how many cars do they have? The answer was 7. Councilman Tortorice wanted to know could the Mayor use the Expedition, if you took out the blue lights? Councilman Ray knows that the need exists, but do the City need to spending that kind of money in a pandemic? Mayor Wilson looked at a Chevy Silverado for the amount of $31,675.10. Councilman Ray asked could the Mayor use on of the Fire Department’s Expedition? Chief Parrish couldn’t say for sure whether or not they would be suitable. Councilman Tortorice made a Motion to allow a $1000.00 or less capital outlay for Mayor’s expenses. Councilman Ray seconded the Motion. The vote was as follows:  Councilman Chapman – No Councilman Ray – Yes Councilman Tortorice – Yes Councilman Carter – No Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre – NO The Motion failed due to the lack of majority. Councilman Chapman stated that he knows that the Council has to take care of public funds. But the Council still has to have money to purchase things needed by the City. Councilman Chapman made the Motion to purchase Mayor Wilson a truck for $31,675.10. Mayor Pro-Tem seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. The vote was as following: Councilman Chapman – Yes Councilman Ray – No Councilman Tortorice – No Councilman Carter – Yes Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre – Yes Motion passed by majority rules. The bricking of Fire Station 2 was brought up. Councilman Chapman made the Motion to table discussion concerning bricking Fire Station 2. Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Barker informed the Council that he is still researching the rates of Building permits, Mechanical permits, and Plumbing permits or surrounding cities. Chief Wiggins gave presented the Council with a comparison of paid overtime versus 1 full-time Police Officer. Chief Wiggin is also willing to cut out 3 part-time positions in order to hire another full-time position. Councilman Ray made the Motion move 2 part-time Police Officers into the 2 available full-time positions immediately. The vote is as follows: Councilman Chapman – Yes Councilman Ray – Yes Councilman Tortorice – Yes Councilman Carter – Yes Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre – Yes Chief Parrish would like for the Council to come up with a sign Ordinance addressing signage in the right-a-way of the City of Margaret because the signs pose a safety hazard. Councilman Ray stated that Trussville has a sign ordinance. Mayor Wilson would like Teja McIntyre the City Clerk to check surrounding Cities sign ordinances. Chief Parrish as the Council to consider sending 3 people from the Public Works Department to ARWA’S to become Certified Water Operators. Mayor Pro-Tem Mcintyre made the Motion to send 3 people from the Public Works Department at $640.00 per person in order to become a Certified Water Operator. Council Ray seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Tortorice would like for Chief Parrish to get quotes on a unit in order for the Public Works Annex Building to get heat. Chief Parrish had informed the Council that his building, did not have heat. Officer Bishop asked the Council, why Margaret Storage was considered County? Mayor Wilson stated that the owner refuses to annex into the City. Mayor Wilson also stated that the City should look into establishing Police Jurisdiction for the City. Councilman Ray informed the Council that some Cities are going back to only responding to calls within the City. The discussion of purchasing rifles for the Police Department was tabled until late. Mayor Pro-Tem McIntyre made the Motion. Councilman Tortorice seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Wilson and Councilman Chapman will draft a letter and have the residents of Wyatt Drive sign off on it, giving the City a right-a-way. Mayor Wilson asked for anymore comments: Councilman Ray feels that the City needs to provide the Council with devices that allow them to communicate on the behalf of the City. Teja McIntyre will check into Councilman Ray’s request. Councilman Carter informed the Council that there will be a Council Float in the Christmas Parade. Councilman Carter also informed the Council that he spoke with the Post Office and was informed that residents would have to sign a petition requesting their own zip code, and this will take 10 years. The City may also apply for a 4-digit code following the 5- digit zip code. Councilman Ray stated that the Birmingham Post Master said with the growth out here, something has to be done.  Councilman Tortorice would like for the City to have a central location for food trucks. Councilman Ray suggested Wilson Park. Mayor Pro-Tem asked about the lights at Dillard Park’s walking track. Mr. Barker will contact Alabama Power. Councilman Ray would also like for Mr. Barker to look into stadium lights at Dillard Park. Councilman Chapman – Nothing Pedro Pino thanked the Council on behalf of the Margaret’s Lion Club And he also asked the Council to reimburse the Hudgins $98.10 for purchasing a Santa suit for the Christmas Parade. The Council agreed to reimburse the Hudgins for the Santa suit. Councilman Ray made the Motion to adjourn. Mayor Pro- Tem McIntyre seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:22PM. ___________________________ Jeffrey Wilson, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Teja McIntyre , City Clerk