Jacksonville, AL –The Jacksonville City Council held a regularly scheduled work session and city council meeting on August 12th, 2024.
City Council Meeting and Regular Work Session
- Call to order.
- Invocation.
- Pledge of Allegiance.
- Roll call.
- Tony Taylor – Present
- Sherry Laster – Present
- Coty Galloway – Present
- Andy Green – Present
- Terry Wilson – Present
- Proclamation. – None
- Work Session:
- Acceptance of Minutes.
- Red Cross – Adisa Pruitt.
- Adisa Pruitt, the Community Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross, highlighted several key points about the organization’s efforts in Jacksonville and Calhoun County. Previously, the area was served by Disaster Response Area 8, requiring assistance from Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Now, with a focus on local recruitment and disaster preparedness, Pruitt, who lives in Weaver, will be more present in the community, recruiting volunteers and engaging in local disaster response. The Red Cross offers programs for children, like “Prepare with Pedro,” and initiatives like the Sound the Alarm campaign, which provides smoke alarms and disaster preparedness kits to homes. They also offer specialized devices like bed shakers for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Pruitt emphasized the need for blood donors due to a massive blood shortage and encouraged people to get involved in shelter training and disaster response roles. She also mentioned the importance of local community support and provided contact information for further engagement.
- Ground Lease Agreement – Keith Kadle.
- Chief Keith Kadle discussed the ongoing development of a ground lease agreement with Jacksonville State University (JSU) for the operation of a new Fire Station 2 on JSU’s campus, located on the north end of Jacksonville. This new station will improve emergency response times for both JSU and the northern end of Calhoun County by redistributing equipment, which will enhance the speed of ambulance and fire truck responses. Kadle emphasized that the agreement, which has been carefully worked out by Mr. Ray and Mr. Harley, is ready to be signed and will equally benefit both JSU and the broader community. He also addressed a specific clause in the agreement related to third-party contractors, explaining that any third-party EMS provider hired would need to agree to serve both JSU and the wider community equally. If a contractor is unwilling to meet this requirement, they will not be contracted.
- Temporary Moratorium for Multi-Family Developments – Josh Barkley.
- Josh Barkley discussed the temporary moratorium on multi-family developments, emphasizing that while the document is ready, the need to implement it immediately may not be necessary. The initial concern for the moratorium stemmed from the anticipation of several large developments, which raised issues about infrastructure capacity, such as water, sewer, traffic, and public safety. However, many of these projects have stalled or haven’t progressed, leading to a discussion on whether to proceed with the moratorium or wait until it’s needed. Barkley noted that the city is currently in good shape regarding water and sewer capacity, but emphasized the importance of continuing to evaluate infrastructure needs, particularly roads, on a case-by-case basis as future developments are proposed. The consensus was to hold off on implementing the moratorium for now but continue researching and preparing for potential impacts from future developments.
- Public Records Requests – Brenda Long.
- Brenda Long discussed the need for a formal public records request policy, which the city previously lacked. After attending training and reviewing policies from other cities, she drafted an ordinance that complies with updated state requirements. The policy differentiates between requests that take less than eight hours and those that take more time, with specific response timelines mandated by the state.Key points included:
- The need to establish a cost for copying documents, suggesting an increase from the current rate of 25 cents per page to $1, in line with what other cities and the state charge.
- For time-consuming requests (over eight hours), she proposed setting a standard hourly rate, recommending $25 per hour, instead of calculating based on the employee’s pay rate.
- The ordinance would also include provisions for logging requests, documenting when they are received, responded to, and any reasons for denial.
- The council discussed verifying Alabama residency for those making requests, as the city is only obligated to fulfill requests from Alabama residents.
The council agreed to proceed with the proposed $1 per page fee and $25 per hour rate, with the ordinance to be finalized and brought back for approval at the next meeting.
- Brenda Long discussed the need for a formal public records request policy, which the city previously lacked. After attending training and reviewing policies from other cities, she drafted an ordinance that complies with updated state requirements. The policy differentiates between requests that take less than eight hours and those that take more time, with specific response timelines mandated by the state.Key points included:
- Cybersecurity Update – Tim Smith.
- Tim Smith provided an update on the city’s participation in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, which they were recently selected for. The program, facilitated by Deloitte at no cost to the city, involves an assessment of the city’s cybersecurity practices.Key points included:
- The assessment will help identify gaps and areas for improvement in the city’s cybersecurity, with a report and spreadsheet of actionable items provided.
- The goal is to formalize the city’s currently ad hoc cybersecurity processes by following national best practices and guidelines, specifically the framework from the National Institute of Standards.
- The assessment will evaluate the city’s cybersecurity maturity, which has seven levels. Smith noted that the city is expected to start at levels one or two, but with formalized processes, they can improve over time.
- The assessment results will be confidential, with no details about Jacksonville disclosed outside the city. A biannual report to Congress will be generated, but it will be an aggregated report without specific details about the city.
- The city council will have the opportunity to review and decide whether to take action or accept the risks based on the findings of the assessment.
- Tim Smith provided an update on the city’s participation in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, which they were recently selected for. The program, facilitated by Deloitte at no cost to the city, involves an assessment of the city’s cybersecurity practices.Key points included:
- 2025 Calendar Year.
- Patty Wolf discussed the 2025 calendar year for budgeting and holiday planning purposes. She mentioned that Christmas Eve falls on a Wednesday and Christmas Day on a Thursday, suggesting that the council consider giving employees an additional holiday on Friday, which would cost about $36,000.She also reviewed the council meeting calendar, noting that the last meeting in May could be moved to Tuesday, the 27th, to avoid conflicts. Wolf emphasized the importance of deciding these matters early so employees can plan ahead, sharing that in previous jobs, she experienced uncertainty about holiday time off, which was not ideal. The council doesn’t need to vote on these issues immediately but should consider them soon.
- Employee Recognition – Marcus Wood.
- Chief Marcus Wood recognized several employees from the police department for their outstanding work on a significant case. On July 9th, Sergeant Deckard and Officer Clifton Edwards responded to what initially seemed like a routine theft report at Walmart. However, as they investigated further, it became clear that this was a much larger operation involving substantial thefts at various Walmarts across the U.S., amounting to over $113,000 in losses.Utilizing technology like license plate readers and video cameras, they quickly gathered crucial information, which was shared with the Atala Police Department. Within 25 minutes, the suspects were apprehended during a traffic stop. Chief Wood awarded Sergeant Deckard and Officer Edwards the Chief Distinguished Service Award for their quick and effective actions.Chief Wood also recognized other key members of the police department who contributed to the case’s success, including Officer Kaitlin Pritchett, who issued a BOLO; crime analyst Susan Tidwell, who uploaded crucial data; and Investigator Anthony Strawner, who worked with the FBI to identify the suspects. Their coordinated efforts led to the recovery of stolen merchandise and the arrest of a suspect, who was found to be a transient of Romanian descent, traveling with an expired visa and a toddler. The case highlighted the importance of teamwork, technology, and the partnership between the police department and Walmart.
- Any other business.
- A proposal from Jacksonville State University (JSU) to close Church Street from Bennett Boulevard to 6th Street and Roebuck Waters to College Apartments for construction work related to the Randy Owen Center. The closure, scheduled from August 26th to October 25th, is necessary for road construction, water and sewer tap installations, and sidewalk construction.
Chief Barton, has been in contact with the construction company and proposed that they provide all necessary barricades, lighted barriers, and detour signage to guide residents around the closure. The plan includes accommodations for homecoming activities by adjusting some of the barricades.
It was acknowledged that the timing of the closure, coinciding with the start of school, was not ideal, but it was agreed upon after some negotiation. There was also a discussion about ensuring that emergency response routes would not be significantly impacted. The speaker mentioned that the closure does not block any residential entrances and noted that residents are likely already finding alternative routes. The possibility of extending the closure past October 25th due to weather conditions was also mentioned, but it was indicated that the construction timeline had already been condensed to a reasonable length.
- A proposal from Jacksonville State University (JSU) to close Church Street from Bennett Boulevard to 6th Street and Roebuck Waters to College Apartments for construction work related to the Randy Owen Center. The closure, scheduled from August 26th to October 25th, is necessary for road construction, water and sewer tap installations, and sidewalk construction.
- Adoption of minutes. – Unanimously Approved
- Adoption of agenda. – Unanimously Approved with amendment
- Consider Action to add two new positions to Firefighter, Fighterfighter EMT, and Firefighter Paramedic.
- Consider action to consider action to employment
- Public comments concerning agenda. – None
- Public Hearing regarding the Retail Liquor, Wine and Malt Beverage On-Premise Business License for Wyatt Burgess, d/b/a Rock “N” Rooster Saloon, LLC, at 3 Public Square East, Jacksonville, Alabama.
- No Comments
- Consider action to approve the Retail Liquor, Retail Wine and Retail Malt Beverage On-Premise Business License for Wyatt Burgess, d/b/a Rock “N” Rooster Saloon, LLC, at 3 Public Square East, Jacksonville, Alabama – Unanimously Approved
- Public Hearing regarding Off-Street Parking for Motels and Hotels.
- No Comments
- Consideration of Ordinance No. O-657-24 that Completely Amends and Replaces Section 24- 281(13) – Motels and Hotels, to Chapter 24 – Zoning, Article IV – Off-Street Parking and Loading, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. (First Reading) – No Action Required
- Public Hearing regarding Minimum Dwelling Size within Residential Districts.
- No Comments
- Consideration of Ordinance No. O-658-24 that Completely Amends and Replaces Section 24- 101(C)(5) – Minimum Dwelling Size, Section 24-102(C)(5) – Minimum Dwelling Size, and Section 24-103(C)(6) – Minimum Dwelling Size, to Chapter 24 – Zoning, Article III – Zoning District, Planned Unit Development, and Overlay District Regulations, Division 2 – Residential Districts, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. (First Reading) – No Action Required
- Consider action to Suspend the Rules for Ordinance No. O-659-24 that Amends, Replaces and Adds to Section 21-5 – Non-Vehicular Devices, Chapter 21- Streets and Sidewalks, Article I – General of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. – Unanimously Approved
- Consideration of Ordinance No. O-659-24 that Amends, Replaces and Adds to Section 21-5 – Non-Vehicular Devices, Chapter 21 – Streets and Sidewalks, Article I – General of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to accept the Bid Report for Bid No. 24-10, Remount of a 172 Inch Type I Ambulance Module and approve Resolution No. 2217-24 to Award Bid No. 24-10 to Emergency Transportation Associates, LLC.- Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to accept the Bid Report for Bid No. 24-11, Purchase of Diesel Exhaust System for Fire Department and approve Resolution No. 2218-24 to Award Bid No. 24-11 to Magnegrip. –Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Ground Lease Agreement with Jacksonville State University. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to approve two (2) new positions of Firefighter, Range 9, Firefighter/EMT, Range 11 or Firefighter/Paramedic, Range 11a, effective immediately.
- Consider action to approve the employment of the following: – Unanimously Approved
- Jeffrey Graham Johnson, Utility Maintenance Assistant, Range 10, effective August 14, 2024, due to the resignation of Dylan Parris.
- Joseph Paul Hunt, Utility Maintenance Assistant, Range 10, effective upon compliance with Ordinance No. 273, due to the termination of Cameron Russell.
- Micheal Angle Denjani-Pinto, Police Officer Range 18 due to the promotion of Michael Savage to Police Lieutenant.
- Consent Agenda – Approved (Andy Green voted no because he could not abstain)
- Budget Amendments.
- Purchases Over $7,500.00.
- Requests to Attend Conference/Training Session with Costs Exceeding $1,000.00.
- Boards/Committees.
- Public comments for general items.
- Dr. Barber, the superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools, expressed gratitude to Chief Wood, Chief Kadle, their departments, the mayor, and the council for their presence on the first day of school. The superintendent highlighted how meaningful it was for the faculty, staff, and students to see the fire trucks, police officers, and community members welcoming the children back to school. The superintendent, who had heard about this tradition before arriving, was deeply moved by the experience and emphasized how special it made everyone feel, repeatedly thanking all those involved.
- Council Member Remarks.
- Councilman Andy Green highlighted several key events and achievements for Jacksonville. He emphasized the excitement surrounding the weekend as many Jacksonville State University students move into the city, marking an important time to welcome them and their families, with the hope that Jacksonville becomes their long-term home. He also mentioned the upcoming “Meet the Golden Eagles” event on August 20th at 7 p.m., encouraging community support for students involved in athletics, band, and cheerleading. Additionally, Green celebrated the recognition of Chief Wood, who was recently elevated to the president position of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police, underscoring the significance of this achievement for both the city and the police department.
- Mayor’s report.
- Friday Night: Seniors will enjoy a trip to Hawaii-themed event at the Senior Center with a $2 admission, starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Back to School Bash: This event will take place at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on the same night as the seniors’ event.
- August 21st: Marks the first day of classes at Jacksonville State University, leading to changes in traffic patterns that residents will need to adjust to.
- August 22nd: The Spirit on Mountain Street event will be held, which is anticipated to be a great occasion.
- Any Other Business. – None
- Adjournment to Executive Session. – Unanimously Approved
