Potholes and Staffing City Council Gets Heated Over Street Department Concerns

February 25, 2019

Lee Fuller

Work Session

• Call to order.
• Roll call – All Present
• Acceptance of minutes – No changes noted
• 2018 Audit – James Edgar overall summarized the financial statements and financial standing for this last fiscal year.  Nothing was found that was out of line.  For a detailed audit report you may contact The City of Jacksonville City Hall. Mr. Edgar did mention that this year included the tornado damage and cleanup so it would be very different from previous years. He felt that the city was in good standing and because of the financial situation being in such strong standing the tornado damages and expenses were able to be absorbed without creating a deficient.
• Equipment Operator I-A in the Street Department – Stanley Carr spoke about the need for an additional operator to maintain the standard of care Jacksonville had prior to the tornado. This could help with pothole repair and other such issues that come up. Council members discussed that approval had been granted in September of 2018 for additional staffing, but the positions were not filled. Council members also discussed concerns that the street department was the only city department running 10 hour shifts instead of going back to 8 hour shifts.  The statement was made by the council was that overtime couldn’t be an incentive to working in the department.  Financial benefits were looked at comparing overtime costs vs. hiring additional staff members.  Mayor Smith also mentioned that many of the overtime projects were cost saving for the city, because they are projects that would normally be contracted out such as tree cutting. Council members requested Mr. Carr to go back and evaluate his actual needs to better staff and report to the council so appropriate budgets can be made and that constant adjustments aren’t needed.  After heated debate a conclusion was reached to fill the available positions that were approved in 2018 and then come back at the next budgeting period with a better understanding of needs for the department moving forward.
• Cornerstone Service & Supply Agreement – Chief Marcus Wood spoke for the Police Department regarding what products and services are provided by Cornerstone.  These services include jail electronics, cameras, and basic services.  Having a contract would reduce overall costs and would also place Jacksonville Police Department as a priority client versus calling as needed.  No additional budgetary funds are needed for this contract.
• Traffic Enforcement Grant for Police Department – Chief Wood also discussed a grant he applied for on behalf of the Police Department.  The grant includes reimbursements of overtime and salaries among other benefits. The agreement is the Police Department would support state run programs.  The grant has not been awarded at this time, but has been applied for.
• Municipal Court Service Agreement for Security Officer – When court is in session a police officer is required to be on duty. A discussion was held determining if a bailiff was needed or an on duty police officer would be used. Chief Wood stated that in the past an officer was used on a overtime basis so they were not pulled from active duty.  The City Attorney stated that the court would like a consistent person used in this potion so there was an understanding of the needs and expectations versus using an available officer or officers that may rotate and may not know the specifics needs.  The discussion was tabled until all parties could speak and let their opinions be considered.
• Third Friday – Jeremie Harrison  is prepared to coordinate the Third Friday Events in the months of May, June, July, and August.  He already has a plan in place for what he would like to do.
• Lawn Service at Public Safety Complex – The contract is coming up on April 25^th with an automatic renewal.  A suggestion was made to reevaluate if the funds should be allocated in this way or to this contractor.  The expense is roughly $2,100 a month.  A suggestion was made to re-bid the job and determine what the options are.
• Calhoun County Memorial Day Celebration – A contribution was requested from Calhoun County. No amount was discussed.  it is not on the agenda.  At least one Council member stated they would prefer to not participate and contribute.
• Any Other Business
  • The Mayor mentioned that the council has a resolution regarding the Motor Vehicle Tax. The council members requested for it to be taken off the agenda because too little is known to address it.
  • Mr. Harrell requested a status on the rental inspection research.
  • Request was made for clarification on the Cornerstone contract.  Is this a one year contract.  A decision was made to wait until next meeting for that meeting.

Council Meeting

• Call to order
• Invocation: Rev. Gary Brittain
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll call – All present
• Adoption of minutes – Unanimously Approved
• Adoption of agenda – Unanimously Approved with changes noted
  • Consideration of Resolution regarding Motor Fuel Tax was removed from the agenda.
  • Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Billable Labor Rates Agreement with Cornerstone Service & Supply was removed from the agenda.
  • Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Service Agreement with Clarence S. Sampson as the Security Officer for the Jacksonville Municipal Court was removed from the agenda.
  • The personal issues to terminate Kurt David Turner in the position of  Communication officer effective immediately added to the agenda
• Proclamation – No proclamations
• Public comments concerning agenda items – No comments
• Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Traffic Enforcement Agreement with East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Contract Agreement with Jeremie Harrison  for the operation and management of Third Friday Events for 2019 – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the Revised Job Description and Range for Meter Reader/Utility Service Worker, place the positions in Range 8, and approve placing Evan Lynn and Seth Mashburn-Goodwin in said positions – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the Revised Job Description, Name and Range of Customer Service Worker, Range 7, to Utility Office Field Representative, Range 9, and approve placing Gary Smith in said position – Unanimously Approved
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
  • Disposition of Surplus Property
• Public comments for general items
  • Marita Watson spoke on behalf of the Jacksonville Board of Education.  She wanted the council to be aware of Thursday’s performance of the 4^th annual Black History Month program.  The first performance will be at 8:25 am followed by a second one at 9:20 am.  This will be held on 28^th at the high school.
• Council Member Remarks – No remarks
• Mayor’s report
  • March 10^th is daylight savings time (spring forward)
  • Saturday, March 16  will have a celebration marking a year since the tornado.  This event will be held at the Jacksonville Community Center from 5:00 -7:30 pm.
  • April 27, 2019 is the take Pride in Jacksonville Day. All are encouraged to volunteer.
  • Chief Marcus Wood will be speaking at the Exchange Club meeting on Thursday the 28^, 2019 at 11:30 am at the Train Depot.
• Any Other Business – No other business
• Adjournment – Unanimously Approved

---

2/27/19 – Editor Correction:  The Take Pride in Jacksonville Day was originally reported to be on March 27th.  The actual date is April 27th.  The article reflects the corrections.