Jacksonville, AL –The Jacksonville City Council held a regularly scheduled work session and city council meeting on November 25th, 2024.
City Council Meeting and Regular Work Session
- Call to order.
- Invocation: Bro. Michael Barber Mount Zion Baptist Church
- Pledge of Allegiance.
- Roll call.
- Councilman Andy Green – Present
- Councilman Terry Wilson – Present
- Councilman Tony Taylor – Present
- Councilwoman Sherry Laster – Present
- Councilman Coty Galloway – Present
- Proclamation: – None
- Work Session:
- Acceptance of Minutes. – No discussion
- Planning & Building Job Descriptions – Joy Seijo.
- The Planning and Building Department recently revised job descriptions, focusing on streamlining responsibilities and adjusting qualifications to improve efficiency. Key updates include:
- Removal of Engineering Duties: Engineering responsibilities were taken out of certain roles, and the city now relies on an on-call private engineering firm to handle these tasks as needed. This change aims to optimize financial efficiency.
- Redistribution of Duties: Some responsibilities previously managed by Mark Stevens, such as certain administrative tasks, have been reassigned to the office manager.
- Building Inspector Updates: Maintenance tasks, including upkeep of City Hall (e.g., monthly air conditioner filter changes), have been added to the building inspector’s role to ensure better facility management.
- Qualification Clarification: Discussions addressed the specified five-to-eight years of experience requirement, with suggestions to phrase it as “five-plus years” for flexibility and inclusivity of candidates with more extensive experience.
These adjustments aim to refine department operations and align roles with current needs.
- The Planning and Building Department recently revised job descriptions, focusing on streamlining responsibilities and adjusting qualifications to improve efficiency. Key updates include:
- PARD Job Descriptions – Janis Burns.
- The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has introduced two new positions, discussed during budget meetings, to enhance park maintenance and operations:
- Role Focus:
- A specialist will oversee parks maintenance, supported by an assistant.
- The primary focus will be on parks, but employees may assist in other departments or special events as needed.
- Future Expansion: Plans include potentially adding two more positions in the next budget year to further strengthen the team.
- Discussion Points:
- Questions arose about specific maintenance responsibilities, such as leaf removal on sidewalks like Marita Watson Way.
- Clarification was provided that these roles are park-focused but flexible for citywide needs.
These roles aim to improve park upkeep and provide additional support for city activities when necessary.
- Role Focus:
- The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has introduced two new positions, discussed during budget meetings, to enhance park maintenance and operations:
- JPWP #23-111 Sidewalk Improvement Project Along George Douthit Drive, SW and James Hopkins Road, SW – Josh Barkley.
- The JPWP #23-111 Sidewalk Improvement Project involves improvements along George Douthit Drive and James Hopkins Road. There are two amendments:
- Amendment 1: Covers additional costs due to a price increase since the original bid in 2022, amounting to $46,472.
- Amendment 2: Proposes a $62,847 retaining wall next to the high school stadium. Although it’s not mandatory, it is recommended due to the steep slope that might cause future issues.
There was discussion on whether the retaining wall is necessary, with concerns about the steep slope. The wall is being built to ALDOT standards and is already approved. Alternative solutions like decorative rock were also considered but would require additional approval and could delay the project. The project is currently ongoing, with work expected to continue through the weekend.
The project costs have exceeded initial estimates by around $114,000. The discussion also highlighted the possibility of revisiting the slope issue later, depending on the long-term impact.
- The JPWP #23-111 Sidewalk Improvement Project involves improvements along George Douthit Drive and James Hopkins Road. There are two amendments:
- Insurance Discussion – Brenda Long.
- The Insurance Discussion led by Brenda Long focused on insurance renewals. There was a query about whether the current insurance is a competitive bid or just a continuation with the existing provider. It was clarified that only three insurance companies were considered for the renewal.Brenda explained that many companies include clauses in their policies for losses, and the current provider has a specific clause related to loss values. She discussed the updated values and expressed satisfaction with the 7% increase compared to the previous year.
A cooperative approach was mentioned regarding a specific issue, with hopes to address it during an upcoming council meeting. There was also a mention of the insurance company’s good terms compared to other cities’ insurance deals.
- The Insurance Discussion led by Brenda Long focused on insurance renewals. There was a query about whether the current insurance is a competitive bid or just a continuation with the existing provider. It was clarified that only three insurance companies were considered for the renewal.Brenda explained that many companies include clauses in their policies for losses, and the current provider has a specific clause related to loss values. She discussed the updated values and expressed satisfaction with the 7% increase compared to the previous year.
- Any other business.
- Meeting Date Confirmation: There was a brief discussion about the next meeting date, with a preference to keep it on the 23rd, despite some suggestions to potentially move it. The decision was made to stick with the 23rd.
- Garbage Collection Rate Increase: It was noted that the garbage collection company has a built-in annual rate increase, tied to the Consumer Price Index, which for this year is 5.4%. This results in a $1.17 increase per customer for garbage services and a $0.58 increase for health and sanitation services. The total increase for customers is $1.75. This rate adjustment is part of the contract and does not require a vote.
- Recycling Education: There was a proposal to work with the school system, specifically third graders, to promote recycling awareness. The garbage collection company had previously expressed willingness to collaborate on educational initiatives, and the suggestion was to move forward if the school board approves.
- COPS Grant Clarification: There was some confusion about how the recently awarded COPS grant would be applied. It was clarified that the grant could not be used for positions already approved in the budget but could fund new positions. The department plans to add a new position to maintain staffing levels across all shifts, ensuring six officers per shift.
- Vehicle and Staffing Questions: There was a brief mention of vehicles and staffing, with some discussion around the importance of keeping the department properly staffed. No major changes were noted in these areas.
- Adoption of minutes. – Unanmously Approved
- Adoption of agenda. – Unanmously Approved
- Public comments concerning agenda. – None
- Consideration of Ordinance No. O-662-25 Amending Section 2-23 of the City Code Setting the Compensation of the Mayor, Council President, and Council Members. (Received First Reading November 12, 2024) – Unanmously Approved
- Consideration of Ordinance No. O-663-25 to Establish the Official Location of Absentee Box. (Received First Reading November 12, 2024) – Unanmously Approved
- Consideration of Ordinance No. O-664-25 to Establish the Official Voting Location of Beat 01, Box 04. (Received First Reading November 12, 2024) – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to accept the Staff Committee Report regarding Stop Sign Request and approve Resolution No. R-2227-25 Amending Resolution No. 238 Authorizing the Installation of Stop Signs at the Intersection of James Hopkins Road, SW and Emily’s Pass, SW. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve Amendment No. 1 to JPWP No. 23-111, Sidewalk Improvement Project Along George Douthit Drive, SW and James Hopkins Road, SW. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve Amendment No. 2 to JPWP No. 23-111, Sidewalk Improvement Project Along George Douthit Drive, SW and James Hopkins Road, SW. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Letter of Intent (LOI) with ORSA Technologies, LLC. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign agreement with JMCM Consulting to make Application to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the new Job Description of Planning & Building Director, Range 24, and promote Josh Barkley into said position. (Mr. Barkly is currently the Building Inspector) – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the new Job Description of Planning & Building Office Manager, Range 9, and promote Kim Kirk into said position. (Ms. Kirk is currently the Planning & Building Clerical Assistant) – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the amended job description of Building Inspector, Range 20, and promote Robert Foster to said position. (Mr. Foster is currently the Assistant Building Inspector) – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the amended job description of Assistant Building Inspector, Range 18. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the promotion of the following:
- Adam Law, Water, Wastewater & Gas Manager, Range 29, effective November 27, 2024, due to the retirement of Chris Patterson. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the new Job Description for Recreation Park/Playground Specialist, Range 10. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the new Job Description for Recreation Park/Playground Assistant, Range 3. – Unanmously Approved
- Consider action to approve the amended Job Description for Utility Maintenance Supervisor, Range 18, and promote Josh Palmer into said position. (Mr. Palmer is currently the Lead Utility Equipment Operator)
Consider action to approve the employment of the following:- Mason Williams, Utility Maintenance Assistant, Range 10, effective upon compliance with Ordinance No. 273, due to the transfer of Jeffrey Johnson to Street Department. – Unanmously Approved
- James Davie Fortenberry, Utility Maintenance Assistant, Range 10, effective upon compliance with Ordinance No. 273, due to the resignation of Colson Centers. – Unanmously Approved
- Consent Agenda – Unanmously Approved
- Budget Amendments.
- Purchases Over $7,500.00.
- Requests to Attend Conference/Training Session with Costs Exceeding $1,000.00.
- Disposition of Surplus Property.
- Boards/Committees.
- Public comments for general items.
- Kevin Stewart addressed the council, mentioning that after the mayor, Councilmember Tony Taylor, the building inspector, and himself visited the old mill building, they discovered $50,000 worth of damage from copper theft. He proposed renegotiating the price of the building, which the mayor and others seemed open to, but the council was not receptive. Stewart emphasized that there is still a binding contract in place for the building, and as of now, the council cannot sell it to anyone else. He suggested that further discussions should take place with their attorney, as he believes there may be some differences in understanding regarding the contract’s terms.
- Council Member Remarks.
- Councilmember Wilson wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and urged everyone to be safe.
- Councilmember Laster spoke about the Arts Council, highlighting the success of the Christmas Village event held the previous Saturday. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support and enthusiasm, which played a key role in making the event a success. She also shared that the Arts Council is looking forward to continuing to celebrate the arts within the community in the future.
- Mayor’s report.
- The Mayor wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and reminded the public that city offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29.
- The Mayor expressed appreciation for Beverly Gramn and the Arts Council for their hard work in creating the Christmas display at the community center. The display was praised for its effort and impact on the community.
- Upcoming events were announced:
- Lighting on the Square: Monday, December 2, with the lighting ceremony at 6 PM, preceded by music at 5:30 PM.
- Christmas Parade: Tuesday, December 3, at 6:30 PM.
- A Toys for Tots collection container is set up in the lobby for toy donations, though the deadline for contributions is yet to be confirmed.
- The city is also holding a bike giveaway in collaboration with CASA, JCOC, and the Boys & Girls Club. Donations of bicycles are encouraged and can be dropped off at the police department.
- Any Other Business.
- Adjournment. – Unanmously Approved
