City Council

. City of Margaret June 20, 2023 6:02 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: Councilman Matthew Tortorice made the Motion to table the minutes for 5-2-2023 until changes are made. The Motion passed four yes and one no. Mayor Isaac Howard informed Council that the water department passed ADEM annual inspection. Councilman James Chapman made a Motion to accept the Council Meeting Minutes of 5-16-2023 as the water clerk wrote. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Councilman Matthew Tortorice presented a PowerPoint on redistricting. Mayor Isaac Howard informed Councilman Matthew Tortorice that this item was not on the agenda. Councilman Matthew Tortorice made a Motion to accept the drafted resolution by the City Attorney concerning the RPCGB Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The Motion did not pass for lack of a majority. The vote was two yes and three no. The Council discussed placing dips in city roads to deter speeding in the city limits. Interim Chief Anthony Fields cautioned the Council against placing dips in city roads. Council will address signage ordinances at the next work session. Keith Hager, City Engineer, will do a PowerPoint on rebuilding Alabama Grant and address the Sunrise Sewer lift station at the next meeting. Interim Chief Fields would like to increase pay for the police department to make the City of Margaret more competitive in hiring officers. Mayor Isaac Howard gave the Council the wage expense for the police department: $205,946.00 in 2021, $187,317.00 in 2022, and the YTD total is $136,355.00. Interim Chief Fields changed the use of force, pursuit, and body cam policies after consulting with AMIC. Interim Chief Fields discussed officers needing body cams and rifles. Janice McIntyre suggested making the benefits package more appealing and posting jobs on various websites. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a motion to table discussion about the pay increase. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed with four yes and one no. Council approved Mayor Isaac Howard to sign the County’s voting machine resolution. Councilman James Chapman made a Motion to change the July 4th meeting to July 11 th and the July 18 th meeting to July 25th due to the holiday. The Motion died from lack of a second. Councilman Matthew Tortorice made a Motion to change the July 4 th meeting to July 11 th. The Motion died due to the lack of a second. Councilman Jonathan Ray made a Motion to change the July 4 th meeting to July 11th. Councilman Matthew Tortorice seconded the Motion. The Motion passed with a majority vote. Three yes and two no. Mayor Pro-Tem Daryl McIntyre made the Motion to purchase fireworks from Mr. Carroll for up to $5000.00. Councilman James Chapman seconded the Motion. The Motion passed with a majority vote. Three yes and two no. Mr. Barker informed the Council that Turkey Trail was completed, and Massey Paving is still working on Rock Crest. Brookhaven needs some repairs and has drainage issues. The City of Margaret needs to find out who is responsible for the roads under Mr. Pittard because he is deceased. A bridge inspection was done on Church St., and the bridge failed. The pipes and culverts are deteriorating. Mr. Barker also cautioned the City about getting on the County’s paving schedule for next year. Councilman Tortorice would like pictures for future road discussions. Mayor Isaac Howard asked for any more comments: Councilman Jonathan Ray stated that the road in front of the model home in Brookhaven needs to be repaired. Councilman Jonathan Ray will compose a list of roads needing repair for the next Council meeting. Councilman Matthew Tortorice stated that storm shelters need additional parking and handicap accessible. Councilman Matthew Tortorice made a Motion to adopt the new version of the city’s handbook he created. The Motion died due to a lack of second. Councilman Matthew Tortorice informed the Council of a drainage issue on Brookhaven Dr. Councilman Matthew Tortorice made the Motion to set up a finance committee to help Mayor Isaac Howard do a budget. The Motion died due to lack of a second. Mayor Isaac Howard informed the Council that he is getting numbers to present the Council with a budget. Mr. Beverly informed the Council that the City of Margaret is interior- limited and that they would benefit by working with local economic development groups versus the Greater Birmingham Regional Planning Committee. Freddie Parham express concerns about attendance at the Council meeting. Janice McIntyre suggested looking into the Fraternal Order of Police to advertise jobs for officers. Vickie Jones expressed concerns about a meter being left above ground after public works working on the meter. Councilman James Chapman made a Motion to adjourn. Councilman Jonathan Ray seconded the Motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM. ___________________________ Isaac Howard, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Teja McIntyre, City Clerk