July 21, 2021
Lee Evancho
Work Session
- Traffic sign change
- Discussion of removal of a 2-way stop at 19th Street & Leighton Avenue and replacing it with a 4- way stop – There have been several significant accidents. This would be completed at the regular intervals of repair. This has already been budgeted for as well.
- Ordinances
- Ordinance amending Chapter 3 Alcohol Beverages – A discussion was held on the requirements for “clubs” to get licenses and to make sure they were following all state regulatory requirements. The Club license would also have to gain national designation as required by the state alcohol board. This would not prevent bars from serving alcohol. Special events licenses are also still available.
- Ordinance adopting Chapter 34, Article VI Governing Mobile Food Units – No additional modification or additions were brought up.
- Ordinance establishing vacant property registration – This would be beneficial for keeping updated records. This would allow the city options for bringing in revenue and prevent vacant properties from just sitting and decaying. This would require the owners to register or 3rd parties to get the properties registered. It will allow code enforcement to operate more efficiently. This is for commercial and residential properties.
- Ordinance amending Section 11.6 – Fire prevention division; code enforcement
- Sidewalks
- Discussion regarding sidewalks in Golden Springs – Councilwoman Ward stated this is a dangerous walk way, but she understands that the cost to fixing this being so high, $800,000, that it doesn’t seem like a resonable amount. Over $33,000 has been spent and the contract has ended. Research is now being done to see if the funds can be reallocated to street repair.
- Discussion of sites of the City Hall – need to have more details and presentations on various sites. Right now just listing the sites is not really letting people know what the plans are. An idea was floated to hire four independent groups to create presentations and details and really present full information and then release a survey with all the details.
- City Manager Updates
- Present Council with the FY2022 Recommended City Manager General Fund Budget – Budget cycle is starting tonight.
- Additions to the Council Agenda
- Freedom Riders $25,000- Study of Business Impact
- Infrastructure Contract $28,000
City Council Meeting
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
- Call to Order
- Roll Call – All Present
- Read/Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – Unanimously Accepted
- July 6, 2021 Regular Meeting
- Additions/Deletions to the Agenda – two items – Unanimously Accepted with two additions
- Proclamation
- “Ruby and Paul Blackwell Sr. Day” – July 31st is proposed to be the official day. There will be a celebration on Saturday the 31st for anyone who can attend.
- Public Hearing
- To receive public comments regarding over-ruling objections to the abatement of identified nuisances Group 2021-05 Grass/Debris/Vehicles – No Comments
- To receive public comments regarding a proposed vacation of a portion of Walnut Avenue & East/West alley between Walnut/Moore/13th St/14th St – No Comments
- To receive public comments regarding a proposed vacation of a portion of Symphony Way – No Comments
- Unfinished Business – None
- Consent Agenda – Unanimously Accepted
- Resolution over-ruling objections to the abatement of identified nuisances caused by unsafe buildings, structures, or construction Group 2021-05 Grass/Debris/Vehicles
- Resolution providing for the elimination of a Grade Crossing; repealing all prior actions in conflict herewith; and for other purposes
- Resolution adopting the 2021 Annual Action Plan and Budget for the City of Anniston’s Community Development Block Grant Program and the Anniston/Calhoun County Home Consortium’s HOME Program
- Motion to amend the Classification and Pay Plan to abolish the current Civil Engineer position and reclassify the pay grade for Sr. Engineering Aide
- Freedom Riders Business Impact Study
- Infrastructure Contract
- Resolutions – Unanimously Accepted
- Resolution authorizing certain actions with respect to General Obligation Warrants, Series 2021, of the City of Anniston
- Resolution vacating a portion of Walnut Avenue & East/West Alley between Walnut/Moore/13th St/14th St
- Resolution vacating a portion of Symphony Way
- Resolution authorizing collaboration with Anniston Housing Authority to pursue funding for environmental remediation of Cooper Homes site
- Ordinances – Unanimously Accepted
- An ordinance amending Chapter 3 Governing the License, Purchase and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages – 1st Reading
- An ordinance adopting Chapter 34, Article VI Governing Mobile Food Units – 1st Reading
- Additional or Other Matters That May Come Before Council
- Motion to convene executive session to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated or imminently likely to be litigated if the governmental body pursues a proposed course of action.
- Public Comments
- Ray Bradford – Speaking on behalf of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute and they disagree with project placement at Glenaddie. He also disagrees with getting rid of the homeless site. He wants to go back to the original plan on 11th street near the DHR building. He feels there is less money for the African American community versus the white community.
- Ralph Bradford – wanted to stress that money could be raised for the Satcher Center and make the community proud. He doesn’t want the Glenaddie Center to be decided on and decisions to be made without community involvement.
- Richard Jackson – He also wanted to speak regarding the David Satcher Institute. He wanted to stress while Dr. Satcher primarily represented the African American Community, he also represents whites. He outlined the historical significance of Dr. Satcher.
- Council Comments
- Councilman Roberts thanked all for coming out and speaking.
- Councilwoman Smith thanked all for coming out and spoke about two different projects the David Satcher Institute and the David Satcher Clinic. These are separate. Funds were allocated to the clinic. It is not to take the place of the Institute. The deadline to use these funds is September. A lot of misinformation has been put out. She felt that the misinformation is unneeded and divisive and she welcomes open communication.
- Councilwoman Harris thanked all for their participation.
- Mayor Draper – thanked all for participation.
- Adjournment to executive session.
