Resignation of a Councilman and a Promotion of a New Fire Chief Make for an Important Jacksonville City Council Meeting

May 31, 2019
Lee Fuller

Work Session  5:00 pm

1. Call to order
2. Roll Call – All present
3. Zoning Ordinance – Continuous review of the zoning ordinances for the City of Jacksonville.   Next zoning work session was scheduled for June 24, 2019.
4. Any Other Business – Resident Mark DaParma brought up an additional discussion are regarding grass cutting ordnance’s. Specific mention was made of C Street and tall grass posing a danger.  A request was made by Mr. DaParma to have an ordnance in place that would make the owner of record be responsible for maintaining the property.  Councilman Taylor suggested the city possibly contracting with a landscaping company to mow the problem areas that are not being maintained and then bill that cost to the owners.  Other comments were made concerning how the city would recoup the cost if owners could not be located or did not pay.  No decision was reached. This area was referred for a later discussion.

Work Session 6:00 pm

1. Call to order
2. Roll Call – All present
3. Acceptance of minutes – No discussion
4. Any Other Business
   1. Struts Restaurant came to make a presentation. The owners would like to take the grass up and put down an artificial surface. They would like to put in a putting green surface having three 15 foot areas with two little cups per area.   A rack of putters and balls would be out for kids to play with while they were waiting on their food. They would also like to put a fence along the sidewalk, inside the sidewalk.   They had previously spoken to Chief Wood on site to discuss any potential concerns. Chief Wood stated that the only legal concern was the right of way.  The main request is to take about 8 feet of city land to place the fence along the sidewalk.  The Mayor stated he liked the idea, but was concerned about previous right-of-way requests that had been denied.  He felt further research needed to be done to make sure the city was fair and consistent. There was also a concern with city liability to a child were injured on the city right a way.  The council advised that the next step was to present to the Planning Commission and proceed from there.
   2. Chief Marcus Wood shared that the Jacksonville Police Department is partnering with the city of Oxford to share personnel and equipment. There is no cost to Jacksonville. The memorandum of understanding was submitted.  Basically leads are taken and worked with multiple jurisdictions to have a more collective investigative approach.  Equipment is also shared as needed.  This item is already on the agenda.
   3. Seeding on 10^th Street was brought up. The cost is around $2,500.  A suggestion was made to do regular seeding vs. hydro seeding.
   4. The agenda for tonight has a item regarding engineering. The City Attorney mentioned that contract should have all language removed stating who would be pay legal fees.  He also mentioned the liability coverage and possibly remove the restrictions that limit the coverage.

City Council Meeting 7:00 pm

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation by Rev. Jim Wilson, Chaplain at RMC Anniston
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call – All Present
5. Adoption of Minutes – Unanimously Accepted
6. Adoption of Agenda with amendments – Unanimously Accepted
   1. On behalf of the Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board to sign the Agreement for Engineering Services with Utility Engineering Consultants, LLC. The vote is contingent on the removal of two areas discussed in the work session regarding legal fees and liability restrictions.
   2. Add to enable the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Oxford Police Department and the Jacksonville Police Department for cooperative aid.
   3. Under the consent agent personnel Keith Kadle promoted Fire Chief effective June 12, 2019.
7. Proclamation – No proclamation
8. Public Comments Concerning Agenda Items – No comments
9. Consider action to authorize the Mayor, on behalf of the Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board, to sign the Agreement for Engineering Services with Utility Engineering Consultants, LLC, for JPWP#19-100, Vann Street SE Sewer Project. – Unanimously Accepted
10. Consider action to rescind the Performance Bond (surety bond) from Don James in the amount of $17,500.00 for James Flats Subdivision, located at the south end of Stanton Avenue, SW.  Unanimously Accepted
11. Consider action to approve the Performance Bond (personal check) from Doug Sears in the amount of $17,500.00 for James Flats Subdivision, located at the south end of Stanton Avenue, SW. Unanimously Accepted
12. Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Oxford Police Department and the Jacksonville Police Department for cooperative aid. – Unanimously Accepted
13. Purchases Over $5,000.00. – Unanimously Accepted
14. Other Personnel Items. – Unanimously Accepted
    1. Councilman Jimmy Harrell congratulated Chief Kadle on his promotion from Interim Chief to Fire Chief.
15. Public comments for general items.
    1. Chief Kadle thanked the Council and city for the promotion and assured his commitment to serve Jacksonville.
16. Council Member Remarks – No comments
17. Mayor’s report
    1. The Mayor updated the Council on the success of the Cheaha Challenge.
    2. The Mayor also congratulated Chief Kadle on his promotion.
18. Any Other Business
    1. Councilman Harrell spoke to submit his resignation. As reported by, The Jacksonville Journal, earlier he cited employment issues as the reason.  He will be moving out of the City of Jacksonville for different employment, but continuing as an Alabama State Trooper. The resignation request was made to be effective June 10, 2019.   The council did accept his resignation.  The Mayor and City Council all spoke to they respect and appreciation for Councilman Harrell.
19. Adjournment