Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Council met for a regularly scheduled work session and city council meeting.
Work Session
- Call to order.
- Roll call.
- Tony Taylor – Present
- Terry Wilson – Present
- Sherry Laster – Present
- Coty Galloway – Present
- Andy Green – Present
- Acceptance of minutes. – No Comments
- New City Hall – Bill Whittaker.
- Proposals were received and they are currently $100,000 under what was projected. Over the budget year and what was originally approval, they are almost $300,000 under. He also thanked the council and stated, “I appreciate everyone giving me the opportunity here on this council to do good work and build buildings here.” The bids were tight with the lowest two within $5,000 of each other. When asked what the timeline was now. Mr. Whittaker explained they have 540 days, which is 18 months. Pre COVID, it would have been a 12 month project, but extra time was built in for delays. HVAC could be six months before the unit arrives. The compilation date is estimated January of 2024. The old building is estimated to be torn down in 4-6 weeks. The city attorney had concerns about the termination clause. Mr. Whittaker explained that if the city would like to terminate the contract at any point in time that section is blank, because there isn’t the intent that any additional fees would have to be paid out. He also noted he was going to clarify that language. The second section specifies if you choose to bar them halfway through the job, then they’re due for any work that they’ve completed that is not under dispute. The way its worded is tied to the contract and the supplemental information is part of the agreement. The other sections can be removed as they don’t apply to this job. It is in draft mode and has been stated it will be cleaned up.
- Purchase of Police Vehicles – Marcus Wood.
- Chief Wood started out lightheartedly saying that it is, “That time of the year where we are looking at purchasing new patrol vehicles.” He also went on to explain that the way GM has it setup they are making the dealerships account for every vehicle that they purchased. Because of that change the cut off is coming up. He presented a “colorful” plan. There was a legend included at the bottom highlighting in pink all the the vehicles that will be replaced if this purchase is approved. They would sell all eight of the 2020 Tahoes. They would then go back to the top and sell the oldest part of the fleet cars that range anywhere from a 2003 to 2015. He also explains that the dodges are causing high maintenance costs. That would get all of those vehicles out of the fleet. Everything that would be left would be 2016 or greater. Everything in yellow would be looked at to be replaced in 2023 and then they can look forward to replacing those others in 2024. He acknowledged that the hardest part of making this decision is talking about money. He second page outlines the action needed for the purchase of 16 new Tahoes with the equipment and the state bid price. What they are planning on doing in the sell they eight 2020 Tahoes is included a Kelley Blue Book price. Often they go for higher and that money would go into the cost. The investment from the city was included at the bottom of the page. Chief said that he thinks, “This purchase is important to myself and hope it will be important to you. I think having those new vehicles and having vehicles that help officers get to calls and don’t break down on the way or we’re not sitting somewhere and it’s knocking loud because the cams busted in. For us, I think it builds a sense of pride not only in the police department, but I think among officers. I think that bleeds over to the community as well having those new cars ride around. It’s a free advertisement for the city. Seeing the City of Jacksonville reminds people that we are here. I think that trickles down into how we look at the workforce, you know, not many people want to get in law enforcement. So we have police departments that are just trading officers. People have gone from department to department for small things such as they get a newer car or they get better equipment. This trickles down into retention and recruiting. This would put us at the top of that list behind only one agency, and that’s Oxford, and I think we would have probably the best second best fleet in the county as well as for police departments. It will put us above everybody else in trying to recruit and retain employees.” There are also ways ARPA money can be used to for public safety equipment and vehicles. That is one option for a funding source. When asked about the maintenance cost they have spent to date $53,000 in repairs.
- Purchase of Public Safety Mini Matrix Message Boards – Marcus Wood.
- Chief Wood discussed as they were preparing the budget for next year the need for Public Safety Mini Matrix Message Boards . They are used for COVID announcements, blocking off roads, and other various items. One of the issues that they have found is anytime there’s anything on highway 21 or if they are shutting down a road or shutting down a lane there are concerns. Chief Wood also mentions that the Regional Director for DOT lives in Jacksonville, and he does not shy away from saying, “Hey, your traffic control plan doesn’t meet what DOT regulates.” This is because there are not signs on both ends when the city is shutting down lanes. These boards would help the police department as well as other city departments. The signs are roughly $20,000 a piece and the police department is requesting four signs.
- Short-Term Rentals – Mark Stephens.
- This has been an issue discussed perviously. The idea is to base it on Anniston’s plan. One of the issues that is being hit is occupancy. They are not sure how they city is going to do short term rental and maintain the current maximum occupancy regulations? Will short-term rentals be allowed in all zones are only in certain ones because occupancy changes based on the locations. Another issue is parking requirements. If there isn’t a occupancy restriction then what would stop ay landlord from doing leases for 59 days instead of a year and putting as many people as they want as a work around. A potential solution is a representative inspects the properties as they register the short term dwelling and that inspection will determine the occupancy and parking. After discussion a decision was made to keep the occupancy the same for short term as it is for long term. There was also discussion of not policing the occupancy regulations, but more responding to complaints.
- Eastwood Storm Shelter Update – Mark Stephens.
- The last update was no update. Christy Ray with Alabama FEMA was contacted last week. She confirmed she has received the package and it is currently in process. There is no timeframe for the grant and even if it is approved an architect will have to be contracted before work can begin. There really is no firm update to report.
- Ordinance regarding Smoke, Tobacco and Vape Stores – Mark Williams.
- There is currently a moratorium on Smoke, Tobacco and Vape Stores in the city limits. The purpose for this ordinance wasn’t to stop from people selling tobacco making items, but more to create a separation. It only applies to new establishments of smoke tobacco and vape stores and the only way that it doesn’t is if a current business were to close for 60 days or if their license expired, or is no longer valid. It does not apply to retail stores such as Walmart or any service station. The first questions is to determine if CBD should be added to the title. After discussion it was not deemed to be added. They next question if this would apply to wholesale tobacco stores/distributers. Discussion was that wholesale isn’t really what the ordnance purpose so there is no need to include them. Location requirements are very specific. There would have to be 2,500 linear feet between stores, they can’t be within 500 ft of a residential district, public building, park, playground, nursery, daycares, or a church, and you can only have one store for every 5,000 residents. Another issues is keeping materials under locked environments and keeping signage stating not for sale to minors. Also cannot be visible from the windows. The final issue was hours of operations. Do we have a set time or simply let them determine their own hours.
- Kiwibot – Mark Stephens & Mark Williams.
- A two min video was played showcasing a food delivery robot. Kiwibot is a new contactless delivery system that is being offered through Sodexo. They are going active on the JSU Campus. They will only be delivering in the heart of campus. They will not be crossing Pelham or major roadways. A letter has been drafted stating that if they want to expand beyond the campus they will have to coordinate with the Alabama DOT and the city. This would be if they were utilizing city streets and sidewalks.
- Sewer Microdetection & Manhole Inspection Study – Chris Patterson.
- This is newer technology. This study is a micro detection system. This studies infiltration and in-flows. Mr. Patterson stated the city doesn’t have major overflows, but do have some issues in the heavier rain events that are giving the city trouble. This is a tool that will help know where to look and how to determine issues.
- Budget Meetings – Albertha Grant.
- A calendar was presented with potential dates for budget meetings. All the meeting will be done by the 22nd and would be done and allow September to do final budget meetings prior to the budget deadline.
- Any other business.
- Mark Stephens wanted to give an update on Mountain Street. There was only one bids received and the project has been rebid. The contractor has been reduced 7% as long as he can do the base and the alternative. A new bid was received The new cost bid would be $519,435. The grant is for $250,000. The new bid is only for the base bid and was for $396,218. This puts the city’s cost at $146,000 plus engineer costs and inspection costs which brings the city’s total to approximately $200,000. An extension was received and the city has until October 1st to go under contract.
City Council Meeting
- Call to order.
- Invocation: Rev. Jim Wilson RMC Chaplain
- Pledge of Allegiance.
- Roll call.
- Tony Taylor – Present
- Terry Wilson – Present
- Sherry Laster – Present
- Coty Galloway – Present
- Andy Green – Present
- Adoption of minutes. – Unanimously Approved
- Adoption of agenda. –Unanimously Approved with changes noted below
- Amend: Item 12. Consider action to approve the off-premises table wine and malt beverage license application for Zaid Nader Beverage License, d/b/a 1050 Tiger MArt LLC located at 1050 Pelham Road, South Jacksonville, Alabama per the attached
- Amend: Item 26 Consider a motion to adjourn into an executive session under the provisions of the code of Alabama section 36-25A-7(a)(6) to discuss consideration for the purchase and/or lease of real property and section 36-25A-7(a)(7) to discuss preliminary negotiation involving matters of and commerce regarding economic development.
- Delete: item 11 Consideration of resolution No. R-2141-22 to appoint election manager and affirm statutory absentee election manager for the 2022 Board of Education election for place one and place two
- Amend: Consent Agenda Budget amendment request for the Mayor (a) To increase account No. 10-01-6001-00-70034 in the amount of $42,087.50 for the sale of the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe.
- Amend: Consent Agenda Purchases Over $7,500 for the Mayor (a) $21,043 to WWG&SB for half of the proceeds from the sale of the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe.
- Proclamation. – None
- Public comments concerning agenda items. – None
- Consider action to amend the March 14, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes, per the attached. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to amend the May 23, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes, per the attached. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to approve the Off-Premise Table Wine and Malt/Brewed Beverage license application for Zaid Nader Yaaqba, d/b/a 1050 Tiger Mart, LLC, located at 1050 Pelham Road, S, Jacksonville, Alabama, per the attached. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to approve JPWP No. 22-101, New City Hall, per the attached. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to accept the proposal of Greer Building Contractors, LLC, 110 Thomas Drive, Gadsden, AL 35904, and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with same for JPWP No. 22-101, New City Hall, per the attached. – Unanimously Approved
- Consider action to abolish the following positions: – Unanimously Approved
- Water, Wastewater and Gas Leader, Range 20, per the attached.
- Utility Maintenance Supervisor, Range 18, per the attached.
- Consider action to accept the resignation of the following: – Unanimously Approved
- Kacie Blume, Public Safety Communications Officer, effective immediately.
- Megan Tennyson, Firefighter/Paramedic, effective September 6, 2022.
- Kegan Pritchett, Utility Maintenance Assistant, effective July 27, 2022.
- Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
- Budget Amendment Requests.
- Purchases over $7,500.00.
- Disposition of Surplus Property.
- Requests to Attend Conference/Training Session with Costs Exceeding $1,000.00.
- Boards/Committees.
- Public comments for general items.
- Patrick Knox owner of Kilgore Auto Repair. On July 7th a Juvenile in a stolen vehicle crashed into my building and did considerable damage. I am thankful to JPD for catching the person, but I was not contacted except on my business line at 5:20am in the morning when nobody is there. The dispatcher did confirm that they have my cellphone number. I did call to speak to the Chief of Police. I left a message and still have heard nothing. I think this is needs to be looked into and addressed.
- Marita Watson wanted to commend the fire department and Chief Kadle. She witnessed a call concerning an elderly woman and they were very kind and patient.
- Council Member Remarks.
- Sorry Laster wanted to make sure people knew about free haircuts the the Calhoun County Career Academy
- Terry Wilson wanted to agree about how good the 1st responders are in this city.
- Mayor’s report.
- Summer Reading Program had 516 participants and 7,714 books read
- 75 years of Jackie Robinson is coming up 8/6 at 1:00 pm.
- Ladies Day out is 8/20 at 10:00 am.
- Any Other Business. – None
- Consider a motion to adjourn into an executive session under the provisions of the code of Alabama section 36-25A-7(a)(6) to discuss consideration for the purchase and/or lease of real property and section 36-25A-7(a)(7) to discuss preliminary negotiation involving matters of and commerce regarding economic development. – Unanimously Approved
