Anniston City Council Discusses Budget, Nuisance Properties, and Infrastructure Updates at September 3, 2024 Meeting

Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston held the regular scheduled work session and city council meeting on September 3rd 2024.

Work Session

City Council 

• Invocation
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Call To Order
• Roll Call
  • Mayor Jack Draper – Present
  • Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
  • Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present 
  • Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara Smith – Absent
  • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present

• Reading/Approval of Minutes Of Previous Meeting August 20, 2024 and August 28, 2024 Special Called Meeting –
• Unanimously Approved
• Additions/deletions to the agenda – None
• Adoption of agenda – Unanimously Approved
• Public Hearing
  • Receive public comments regarding the FY 2025 City Manager’s Recommended Budge
    • The proposed 2025 budget for the City of Anniston focuses on several key areas: employee compensation, public safety, capital outlays, and maintaining a healthy fund balance. The budget aims to address cost-of-living adjustments and merit increases for eligible employees, ensure competitive pay, particularly in public safety, and fund necessary capital projects.Revenue Overview
      • Total Revenue: $51.5 million.
        • Tax Revenue: $37.6 million, representing 67.4% of the total revenue.
        • Licenses, Fees, and Fines: $6.4 million.
        • Charges for Services: $3.1 million.
        • Sale of Assets: $14,500.
        • Low Amount Revenues: $891,000.
        • Other Revenues: $681,000.
        • Transfers In: $2.76 million.

      Expenditure Overview

      • Total General Fund Expenditure: $57.44 million.
        • General Government: $2.16 million.
        • Public Safety: $17.67 million (31% of the total budget).
        • Public Works: $7.2 million.
        • Community Relations: $5.4 million.
        • Citywide Outside Agencies: $11 million.
        • Transfers Out: $13.9 million (24% of the total budget).

      Other Funds and Highlights

      • Museum Operations:
        • Museum of Natural History: $9,500 fund balance.
        • Berman Museum: $200,000 reserved.
        • Longleaf Botanical Gardens: $50,000 reserved.
        • Museum Store: Balanced at $122,500 in revenues and expenses.
      • Internal Service Funds:
        • Liability Insurance: $875,000.
        • Insurance: $3.96 million.
        • Workers Compensation: $292,500.
      • Stormwater Fund: $432,000 in proposed income and expenditures.
      • Fire Tax Fund: $1.5 million in revenue, with $284,000 reserved for capital projects.
      • Fire Training Fund: $110,000 for capital projects.
      • Gas Tax Funds: Allocated for street, road, and bridge expenditures.

      Capital Outlays

      • Total Capital Outlays:
        • Vehicles: $801,896.
        • Machinery and Equipment: $665,000.
        • Technology: $30,000.
        • Facility Improvements: $3.86 million.
        • Parks and Improvements: $2.58 million.
        • Main Street Projects: $75,000.

      Next Steps

      • Budget Adoption Schedule:
        • First Public Hearing: After proposed changes.
        • Final Budget Adoption: September 27th, 2024.

      This budget reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining essential services, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring the well-being of its employees while preparing for future needs through strategic reserves and capital improvements.

    • A resident requeted a copy of the budget and was told it was online and they could also come by City Hall.
    • Margaret Wilson-Pierce expressed significant concerns regarding the treatment and care of patients at RMC (Regional Medical Center) and their transfer to the Crisis Residential Program (CRP), formerly known as the Corporate Rural Program. She highlighted issues related to the allocation of funding for healthcare services and raised concerns about potential contradictions in the budget.As a psychologist, Wilson-Pierce questioned the funding’s impact on the quality of care provided to patients, particularly in cases involving her husband. She emphasized that she holds a legitimate durable power of attorney for his medical, mental, and physical health, but despite this, she believes his rights, along with those of 19 other patients, have been violated.Wilson-Pierce requested a special meeting to address these concerns, citing issues such as abuse, violation of ethical and legal rights, and inadequate care for patients. She mentioned that 17 pending cases involve people who have been injured, harmed, or neglected, with some being medicated without proper consultation with physicians.She concluded by advocating for a proposal to form a committee to investigate these issues and expressed her hope that the council would take action, as she was advised by trusted individuals to seek their assistance.
    • George Dudchock thanked a previous speaker for raising concerns about healthcare funding. He shared his experience from working in Savannah, Georgia, where the county maintained a fund to support both local hospitals and the community, with additional contributions from the city. Dudchock emphasized that such financial support from city and county budgets is crucial when healthcare organizations face monetary challenges. He expressed a desire to see similar provisions included in the local budget and thanked the council for considering this suggestion.
    • A third resident, who’s name was not noted, spoke about concerns about the deterioration of a park named after his father in a predominantly black community. He recounted how, over the years, the park has been neglected, with facilities falling into disrepair, and the community no longer able to use it as intended. He mentioned that someone had removed the park’s name and that attempts to restore it have been unsuccessful. The speaker suggested that if necessary, he would be willing to take responsibility for the park, even offering to purchase it for a dollar, so he could maintain it himself.
  • Receive public comments regarding an economic development incentive for BRE Anniston 2, LLC –
    • The City Attorney explained that the development agreement with BRE Anniston 2, LLC involves the city conveying a parcel of property near Lowe’s in Northampton, which was received from the McClellan Development Authority, to the developer for $1. The agreement includes a 50% sales tax rebate for the developer for 10 years. Additionally, the city is committed to making improvements in the public right-of-way, constructing a driveway on city-owned land, and installing necessary infrastructure, including a sanitary sewer, stormwater management ponds, and wetlands enhancements for the development.
  • Receive public comments on a 011-Lounge Reail Liquor-Class I for Dee Ford’s Bar and Grill LLC d/b/a Dee Ford’s Bar and Grill located in the police jurisdiction at 3805 AL Highway 202 Anniston, AL 36201
    • Councilmember D.D. Roberts expressed concerns regarding the potential for nuisance calls related to Dee Ford’s Bar and Grill, located within the police jurisdiction on AL Highway 202. Roberts emphasized that if the establishment generates a significant number of nuisance calls, the business license could be revoked. She clarified that while the city and police are available to assist, they are committed to addressing such issues if they arise. Roberts noted that there haven’t been any nuisance calls yet but wanted to be upfront about the possibility of action if problems occur, aiming for a better quality of life for residents.
• Unfinished Business – None
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
  • Motion to approve a 011-Lounge Reail Liquor-Class I for Dee Ford’s Bar and Grill LLC d/b/a Dee Ford’s Bar and Grill located in the police jurisdiction at 3805 AL Highway 202 Anniston, AL 36201
  • Motion to approve a 240 Non-Profit Tax-Exempt License for the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association d/b/a 2024 Coldwater Mountain Fat Tire Festival; event will be held inside the city limits at 26 W 10th Street and at 1680 Coldwater Road Anniston, AL 36201
  • Resolution declaring a reported condition to be a public nuisance- Group 2024-03 Grass, Debris, Vehicles & Burnt Structures
  • Resolution declaring a reported condition to be a public nuisance- Group 24-01 Dangerous Structures
  • Resolution receiving and confirming a cost report on the abatement of a public nuisance
• Resolutions
  • Resolution approving a Tax Rebate and Development Agreement for BRE Anniston 2, LLC – Unanimously Approved
• Public comments
  • Pamela Turner addressed the city council, seeking assistance with properties in Lenlock that have become nuisances. She mentioned two specific sites: the old Bonnie Ray’s building, which is condemned and deteriorating, and an old shopping center owned by Sam Moussa, which is filled with debris and attracting unwanted activity. Turner expressed concern about the safety and cleanliness of the area, noting that these issues are exacerbated by the presence of homeless individuals and neglected properties. She emphasized the need for city support to help revitalize Lenlock and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
  • Karla Hughes shared her plans to purchase the dry cleaners building in Lenlock, expressing a vision for its redevelopment. However, she is concerned about the adjacent bakery building, which is in poor condition. Hughes reported that the bakery building is attracting homelessness, with individuals breaking into the building and causing damage. She asked for assistance in addressing these issues and improving the area, so she can successfully redevelop the dry cleaners building as part of her vision for the neighborhood.
• Council comments
  • Councilmember Jenkins took a moment to highlight the achievements of Mary Ellen Morris, the daughter-in-law of a staff member at the facility. He shared that Morris is competing in the Paralympics in Paris, where she has won three silver medals so far and has three more events to go. Jenkins praised Morris for her accomplishments, noting her resilience and the significance of her continued success as a swimmer despite losing a leg in a helicopter crash. He encouraged everyone to recognize and congratulate her for her remarkable achievements.
  • Councilmember Roberts expressed gratitude to attendees for their involvement and emphasized the importance of community support during challenging times. He highlighted the need for prayer for the city and its initiatives, including efforts to revitalize parks and improve local facilities. Roberts acknowledged the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving park standards and called for more community engagement to establish a board for park improvements. He also praised the city staff for their efforts and encouraged continued support for local businesses and developments.
  • Councilmemeber Smith had no comments
  • Councilmember Harris expressed gratitude to those who spoke before the council, acknowledging their courage and the importance of following procedures. She thanked them for bringing important issues to the council’s attention and emphasized that such procedures help maintain order and prevent chaos.
  • Mayor Draper briefly outlined the budget process, noting that any proposed amendments would likely be presented at the next meeting on the 17th. He mentioned the possibility of a special call meeting the following week if amendments pass, and a subsequent public hearing if necessary. He expressed appreciation for public involvement in the budget process.
• Motion to convene an executive session to discuss preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce in which the governmental body is in competition with private individuals or entities or other governmental bodies in Alabama or in other states or foreign nations or to discuss matters or information of the character defined or described in the Alabama Trade Secrets Act.  – Unanimously Approved